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Otunba Femi Okenla donates 350 million enterpreneur center to Olabisi Onabanjo University

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Otunba Femi Okenla donates 350 million enterpreneur center to Olabisi Onabanjo University

The Director-General of Onitsha Business School, Prof. Olusegun Sogbesan, has delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s tertiary education system, warning that unless universities urgently adopt entrepreneurship and localised learning models, they risk becoming “factories of frustration.”

Speaking at the commissioning of the N350 million Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneurship Centre at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Sogbesan declared that the university system in Nigeria is “teaching young people in foreign tongues, but not in the language of enterprise.”

In a thought-provoking keynote titled The Role of Tertiary Institutions in Promoting Entrepreneurship in Nigeria, he urged universities to discard their obsession with degrees and certificates, and instead focus on nurturing creators, innovators, and job generators.

“We are not simply calling for a tweak in the curriculum,” he said. “We are calling for a redefinition of the very purpose of higher education in Nigeria.”

The professor outlined a six-pronged strategy for transformation, including: institutionalising entrepreneurship as a university-wide mission, building on-campus innovation hubs, redesigning curricula for practical outcomes, training facilitators, ensuring access to capital and mentorship, and integrating policy and accountability mechanisms.

“These strategies are not aspirational—they are achievable,” Sogbesan asserted. “They require leadership, alignment, and urgency.”

He argued that entrepreneurship must be rooted in indigenous languages and contextual realities.

“From the African apprenticeship model to the rise of tech startups, our curriculum must speak the language of our people—both literally and practically,” he said.

“If we continue to graduate students who can write exams but cannot write proposals… if our degrees do not produce value, then we are complicit in engineering their frustration and Nigeria’s stagnation,” he added, drawing loud applause.

Sogbesan warned that without a radical overhaul, Nigeria would continue to churn out certificate-holding job seekers who remain disconnected from economic relevance.

“No entrepreneurship, no development. Tertiary institutions must stop preparing students only to join the workforce and start preparing them to build the workforce.”

…Minister Backs Call for Entrepreneurial Shift

Representing the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, Lagos State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Tolani Sule, described the new Centre as “a gateway to new thinking, new ventures, and new opportunities.”

“In a nation blessed with talent yet burdened by unemployment, our educational model must evolve. We must now produce job creators, not just job seekers,” Sule said.

He hailed the Olufemi Okenla Foundation for what he described as “a visionary investment in the youth of Nigeria” and aligned the Centre’s goals with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises youth empowerment and economic diversification.

“The Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneur Centre is a powerful addition to this national movement,” he said. “It is a space where ideas will be nurtured, businesses will be born, and the dreams of many young Nigerians will find wings.”

The donor, Otunba Olufemi Okenla, a distinguished alumnus and entrepreneur, shared an emotional account of how his experiences at OOU shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

“This institution taught me to wear my thinking cap,” he said, recalling how a life-threatening spinal injury in his second year forced him to find creative means of survival—selling bread and screening films to fellow students.

Okenla revealed that the N350 million project was conceived when he turned 59,and will be delivered in three phases,including 50 million for equipping the centre and another 100 million to be set aside in a fixed deposit account for maintenance
“By September,the first batch of 20 students will be admitted-10 from the Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences and another 10 from my church”” he announced
In a notable philantropic gesture,Okenla also pledged 20 million in seed capital for student -led startup,with 5 million to be awarded to each of the first four graduating cohorts.
“Let us ensure the next generation of Nigerian students graduates does not leave university with just a certificate in hand,but with business in motion,a product in development,or a vision already unfolding “he said
He also appreciated Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo of KICC,whom he credited for inspiring the project and expressed heartfelt appreciation to his wife of 36 years
“She has stood by me for over four decades and will now oversee the disbursement of the seed capital
This is not just a legacy ;it’s our life’s mission”he said
The Vice Chancellor,Professor Ayodeji Agboola thanked Otunba Femi Okenla for giving back to the institution and asked others to emulate his good gesture
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing council,O0U,Prof.Oluwatoyin Ashiru who happened to be femi Okenla’s uncle said he’s not surprised that femi is putting the family name on the global map because he has always been an inspiration in the family

The building was later declared opened by Pastor Mathew Ashimolowo

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

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Liberian Leaders, Citizens Bear Witness as Apostle Suleman Hosts Two-Day Power-Packed Crusade

 

It was testimonies galore on Tuesday, March 31, the first day of the famous servant of God and founder of the Omega Fire Ministries (OFM) worldwide, Apostle Johnson Suleman’s power-packed two-day crusade. The event documented impactful moments with the Gospel and miracles, emphasizing the power of faith and the tangible confirmation of God’s Word through signs and wonders. It was equally an atmosphere of miraculous healing, restoration of lives, and the strengthening of faith.

 

At the crusade, which was held at the SKD Sports Stadium in Paynesville City, and themed, “Liberia Outpouring Crusade” witnessed testimonies of impact and miracles with participants experiencing instant healing of various kinds of challenges.

 

Apostle Suleman’s first port of call was Paynesville, the office of Liberian government’s president, Mr. Joseph Nyuma Boakai, who received him in an audience with his junior ministers. Apostle Suleman, who also met with the vice-president, Mr. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, was welcomed by the Liberian leader’s office as part of the president’s ongoing engagements with religious leaders aimed at fostering spiritual support for national development.

 

The president expressed profound appreciation to Apostle Suleman for the visit and continued prayers and intercessions by men and women of God on behalf of Liberia, emphasizing his firm belief that sustained spiritual guidance and prayer remain vital to the transformation and progress of the nation.

 

During the visit, Apostle Suleman offered prayers for President Boakai, his cabinet and the Liberian nation, invoking divine alignment, wisdom, and insight in Liberia’s path toward growth and stability. He prayed that the Almighty God would position Liberia for relevance and fulfillment of its national destiny.

 

Apostle Johnson Suleman, an evangelist who knows no bounds of where preaching the gospel comes to a stop, visited Liberia prepared with the message, compelling power of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit, and bringing people to a point of decision where they surrendered their lives to Christ.

 

Aside from being prophetic and timely, OFM sources disclosed that the servant of God’s visit underscores the importance of faith-based partnerships in supporting governance and national renewal efforts.

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Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

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*Middle Belt Forum Hails Tinubu’s Jos Visit, Calls for United Civil-Military Effort to Restore Lasting Peace

 

The Middle Belt Peace Forum (MBPF) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his profound demonstration of empathy and responsive leadership following his decision to postpone an official engagement in Iperu in order to visit victims of the recent attacks in Jos.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Pastor Bulus Garba, in Jos on Friday, the Forum said the President’s decision to personally identify with grieving communities sends a powerful message of solidarity and reinforces public confidence in the commitment of the Federal Government to the protection of lives and property.

“The Middle Belt Peace Forum warmly commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising compassion over ceremony. At a time of deep sorrow for the people of Plateau State, his decision to visit Jos stands as a mark of true leadership—one that listens, responds, and stands with the people in their moment of pain,” the statement read.

The Forum described the perpetrators of the recent attacks as “cowards who prey on innocent and defenceless citizens,” stressing that such acts of violence are not only inhumane but also a direct assault on the unity and peace of the nation.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the actions of these cowardly attackers whose only aim is to instil fear and destabilise peaceful communities. Their actions must be met with firm and decisive resistance from all arms of the state,” Pastor Garba said.

The MBPF further used the opportunity to salute the courage, gallantry, and sacrifices of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, noting that their continued efforts remain central to restoring stability across troubled parts of the country.

According to the Forum, the Armed Forces have demonstrated resilience and professionalism in the face of complex security challenges, often operating under difficult conditions to safeguard communities and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

“We salute the Armed Forces of Nigeria for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices. Their gallantry in confronting criminal elements and reclaiming territories is a testament to their dedication to national service. We recognise that the path to peace is demanding, and we honour those who stand daily in defence of our nation,” the statement added.

The Forum pledged its full support to ongoing military operations and called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies and local communities as a critical factor in achieving lasting peace.

It also urged citizens across the Middle Belt to cooperate with security forces by providing timely information and fostering unity within their communities.

The MBPF, however, expressed concern over the need for greater synergy among security agencies, particularly the role of the Nigeria Police in consolidating gains made by the military.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force to rise fully to its constitutional responsibility by effectively supporting the Armed Forces in stabilising and securing areas that have been cleared of criminal elements. Holding and policing such territories is essential to preventing a resurgence of violence,” Pastor Garba stated.

The Forum emphasised that sustainable peace requires a coordinated approach in which the military clears and secures areas, while the police maintain law and order to enable displaced communities to return and rebuild their lives.

The MBPF concluded by reiterating its commitment to peacebuilding efforts across the Middle Belt and expressed optimism that with sustained leadership, coordinated security efforts, and active citizen participation, lasting peace can be achieved.

“Together, through unity, vigilance, and collective resolve, we can overcome these challenges and build a safer and more peaceful Middle Belt,” the statement added.

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

 

Governor Dauda Lawal has been honored with the Outstanding Governor of the Year award by Triangle Media International Magazine.

 

The award was presented during the magazine’s 10th annual lecture and award ceremony, held on Thursday at the Grand Hall of King’s College, London, United Kingdom.

 

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the awards recognize public and private sector leaders whose leadership positively impacts governance and service delivery.

 

He added that the lecture, themed “Harnessing the Roles of Nigerians in Diaspora for National Development,” brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.

 

The statement read in part: “Yesterday, in London, Governor Dauda Lawal received the 2026 Face of Africa Leadership Award for Outstanding Governor of the Year.

 

“The 2026 edition coincides with the 10th anniversary of Triangle International Magazine, which has over the years celebrated notable Africans across diverse fields.

 

“The award recognizes the Zamfara State Government under Governor Lawal’s leadership for achieving remarkable milestones in service delivery since his inauguration on 29 May 2023.

 

“The board of Triangle International noted that, despite inheriting an empty treasury, Governor Dauda Lawal has remained true to the Rescue Agenda’s campaign promise: to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.

 

“The award also reflects the state government’s innovative approach to indirectly curbing insecurity through educational advancement, demonstrated by the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector.

 

“This includes the state government’s swift payment of the outstanding N3.4 billion for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools across all 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

 

“The international magazine finds these initiatives to be strategic interventions toward long-term efforts to make Zamfara State better.”

 

The colourful event was attended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and Sahara Group’s Group Managing Director, Kola Adesina, among others.

 

Governor Dauda Lawal Wins Face of Africa Governor of the Year Award in London

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