Echono to deliver FUTO’s 36th Convocation Lecture

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Arch. Sunday Silver Echono, will on Thursday, December 5th, 2024 deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the Federal University of Technology (FUTO), Owerri.

The lecture titled “Impact of Leadership Selection on Governance in Public Universities in Nigeria” will hold at Prof. C.O.E. Onwuliri Conference Hall, FUTO main campus, Owerri.

The University’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs). Nnenna Oti, will be the Chief Host at the lecture, which is expected to attract participants from within and outside the university community, especially the academia.

FUTO is the oldest university of technology in Nigeria, established in 1980 by Nigeria’s first Executive President, Shehu Shagari. It became the first of three such universities set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria, which sought to establish a University of Technology in each geo-political region, particularly in a state which did not have a conventional university.

Arc.Sunday Sylva Togo Echono OON is a Nigerian diplomat, and architect who serves as the ninth Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund from 2022 till-date. Previously, Echono served as the Secretary of the Admissions Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects from 2019 to 2021.

Sonny Echono was nominated by the Board of TETFUND in early 2022 and was subsequently appointed as the substantive 9th Executive Secretary (ES) of TETFUND on March 18, 2022, by former President Muhammad Buhari.
A former permanent secretary in federal ministries, Echono had been honoured by governmental and non-governmental bodies locally and internationally. He is a recipient of Officer of Order of Niger (OON).

LAUTECH Emerges Qualifier at NOA Southwest National Values Debate

In a thrilling display of intellect and oratory, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) has been crowned the Southwest champion at the 7 for 7 National Values Charter Campus Debate and Capacity Building Conference. The event, organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and held at the Julius Berger Hall of the University of Lagos, aimed to inspire a culture of national values and civic responsibility among Nigerian youth.

The competition culminated in a gripping debate between LAUTECH, represented by Adekunle Ayomide and Oladeji Olushina, and the University of Ibadan, represented by Oyedijo Olarenwaju and Chineke Ugochukwu. The teams dissected the topic, “7 for 7 National Values Charter: Striking the Balance Between Government Promises and Citizens’ Responsibilities in Nation-Building,” presenting compelling arguments that explored the intricate interplay between governance and civic duty.

LAUTECH’s Adekunle Ayomide impressed with his calm yet authoritative delivery, while Oladeji Olushina’s vivid examples underscored the importance of shared responsibility. Their counterparts from the University of Ibadan countered with historical insights and pragmatic solutions, making the contest a true battle of wits.

After intense deliberations, the judges awarded LAUTECH the southwest championship title, earning them a ₦5,000,000 prize and a ticket to the grand finale, where they will compete for the ultimate ₦20,000,000 prize.

The event was more than a competition. A capacity-building segment led by distinguished facilitators offered invaluable insights to attendees. Oluseye Taiwo Adepoju, renowned as “The Oracle” and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, delivered a session on leadership and personal development, encouraging participants to harness their unique strengths for societal impact.

Dr. Leonard Okonkwo, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, engaged the audience with an exploration of human behavior and its role in national progress. Through practical exercises and anecdotes, he emphasized the need for mental and emotional resilience in achieving personal and societal goals.

Tolu Meduna, the program coordinator, articulated the essence of the initiative: “Our goal is to raise Citizen Values Brigadiers—youths who will champion the ethos of unity, accountability, and resilience. This is how we build a stronger Nigeria.” Meduna also outlined the event’s national scope, noting that the debate series will span all six geopolitical zones of the country, with the ultimate winner determined by online viewers at a live broadcast event.

The conference attracted notable dignitaries, including Hon. Moruf Akinderu Fatai, Lagos State Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Opeyemi Alabi, Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Youth Mobilization; and Izehi Semira, Founder of Shape A Child Initiative. Hon. Fatai lauded the initiative, stating, “This aligns perfectly with our collective mission to create a Nigeria where values drive progress.”

As the curtains fell, the 7 for 7 National Values Charter left an indelible mark on participants. Beyond the awards and accolades, the initiative ignited a renewed commitment to unity, accountability, and national development. All attendees received Citizen Values Brigade certificates, symbolizing their role as ambassadors of change. The National Identity Project is championed by the director general of the National Orientation Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu.

For LAUTECH, the journey to the national grand finale promises new challenges and opportunities. For the nation, the message was clear: embracing shared values and responsibilities is the path to a brighter future.

The value train continues its journey, uniting hearts and minds in a shared vision of progress and national pride.

“The Secret Of My Success As Classic Queen International’s Top Model”- Racheal George

Sahara Weekly Reports That Delectable Racheal George believes the future holds out for those who believe in the future of their dreams. She dared to pursue her dream as a beauty queen in Classic queen International pageantry where she emerged 2nd runner up. In this exclusive interview, she opened up on her life, success story, and future plans…

Can you tell me about yourself and your background?

My name is Racheal George, I’m 27 years old and I’m a graduate of Crawford university, I studied political science and international relations, and I served in 2018//2019.

I own a logistics business and I decided to go into pageantry. My first pageant was CQI and I came out 2nd runner-up.

Can you tell us how your journey into pageantry started?

How my journey into pageantry started is quite interesting, I usually follow pageantry like Miss World, and Miss Universe on television. So I loved it and I Normally tell myself I will go for this someday. I have never done pageantry before but I just knew that I love watching pageantry and I do tell myself I will go into something like this one day. So this year 2022, someone told me about a pageant called CQI. I said to myself that I was going to give it a try then that was how I went for the CQI competition because It is something I have always wanted to do, I gave my best in the camp and I was open to learning and I was always giving it my best during the rehearsal. I gave it my best at the finals and although it was something I wanted to give a try to know if I’m capable. So I did. Although it was not an easy journey, I put in a lot of hard work and was happy it ended well. I came out 2nd runner-up as CQI’s top model and I was grateful because I decided to give it a try, it was a success.

How did you feel emerging classic Queen?

I felt really good knowing I gave it a try and also put in my best and it ended well

What stands you out among others?

I will say my personality because I wasn’t the best at camp but I know I comported myself and was humble because I believe that as a beauty Queen, you should portray a good character so others can follow.

\What is your source of inspiration?

My source of inspiration is when I see young people who are successful at what they do and I tell myself that one day I will become one of the most successful people in the world and be the best at what I do.

What are the challenges and how did you overcome them?

My challenges back then were that I’m a shy person and I do normally have stage fright and I’m not really outspoken but going for this competition has helped me build myself to what I’m now, I can boldly say I can talk confidently now and I’m no longer shy and I’m able to interact with people.

What’s the pet project you plan to work on as Classic Queen Top Model?

As Classic Queen’s top model, the pet project I plan to work on is helping the less privileged because while growing up, I have been passionate about helping the less privileged by giving to the poor and making sure they have a roof under their head and donating to orphanage home is what I plan to do as my pet project.

What’s the secret of your success?

The secret of my success is putting in hardwork in whatever I’m doing and I’m always open to learning.

Who is your mentor or role model in pageantry

My role model in pageantry is Queen Tosin Adeduro. I have been watching her since she went for miss tourism Nigeria and she became the winner. She is representing Nigeria in miss tourism world 2020 and she came out 4th runner up. All I can see is dream comes true if you believe you can do it.