Business
‘There is no white cow in covenant University, my adopted son was sent off for one year’ – Bishop Oyedepo
The heartbeat of the Chancellor, Landmark University, Dr David Oyedepo, for exhibiting excellence in human endeavors is palpable. His well-articulated ideas towards achieving the excellent feat are golden and as convinc- ing as ever, notable of his erudite mien. Unmistaken is his passion for the transformation of humanity in alignment with the precept of God.
He is frantic in his commit- ment towards creating platforms for generating solutions that are requisite for improving the educa- tional landscape of Nigeria and the continent of Africa. His quest for redeeming the image of the black race via development of leadership capacity and spearhead- ing of an agricultural revolution led to the establishment of Landmark University with a highly competi- tive learning environment for all students, who are groomed through the custom built programmes such as Total Man Concept, Towards a Total Graduate and Agripreneur- ship packages, the unique sell- ing points of the University.
Dr Oyedepo’s huge investments and impacts in this regard have offered students and Faculty ample access to the top-notch teaching and re- search facilities in the University that keeps receiving great acco- lades in her drive for a world class status. In this interview, the Chan- cellor bears his mind on why the Core Values of the University have essentially remained a remarkable force to be reckoned with globally and the undying quest for the reali- zation of the University’s agrarian mandate.
Excerpts: 1.
Interviewer: The seven Core Values of Spirituality, Possibility Mental- ity, Capacity Building, Integrity, Responsibility, Diligence and Sacrifice have remained major at- traction to the parents who have willingly sent their children and wards to the University. How do you plan to sustain these values in a changing environment that uni- versity education is facing with strong regulatory environment under which universities operate?
Chancellor: The Core Values were drawn from the background of the need to raise changed people who will change their world. We are poised to bring back to the fore the character di- mension of learning at the Univer- sity level, like we usually say they are found worthy in character and learning. There has been zero at- tention to character when we came onboard, so we needed to create a platform that helps enhance the character aspect of learning and it is showing today.
For instance, the Nigerian graduate report publica- tion ranked Covenant University Number One in the list of Nigerian Universities with the most employ- able graduates having 90% employ- ability rate. That is the effect of the Core Values, it helps to equip our students on the pathways of life so that they can be relevant to the so- ciety and I think we are achieving that.
There is a university in America where they have 16 of our gradu- ates undertaking postgraduate stud- ies and when Professor Okebukola went there on official functions, they said we have 16 Nigerians here and they are unique, their packaging, commitment and intel- ligence is unique, they said they are from one Covenant University, he said oh I am not surprised I am part of that University too. He was very proud of those children.
He gath- ered them together and had a chat with them because of the quality of training. The whole essence of what we are doing is to raise world changers who will first need to ex- perience the changes themselves. Leave God behind, you are empty, throw integrity to the trashcan, you are finished, lack sacrifice, you can- not be a successful leader; a sacri- fice gives his best and beyond his best to lead a cause in which he believes.
All those things are there to help equip the student to be relevant because relevance is key. You cannot be relevant and not be significant. What we are trying to do is to ensure that platform is cre- ated overtime and the same thing is taking place in here, Landmark University. Most institutions to- day now have Core Values.
They did not have any before, you just live anyhow and finish anyhow, if you finish, that is what we do with the Core Values. Examina- tion malpractice culminates in summary dismissal from our sys- tem, we cannot be raising people who will deal with corruption and are corrupt themselves.
Examina- tion malpractice at 500 level, no mercy! We are convinced that he has been doing it since 100 lev- el otherwise there would not be need to do it at 500 level, and we have a psychological basis for that.
There is no way you will go for ex- amination malpractice at 500 level in Engineering, if you have been passing your exams since 100 level. So we are also out to sanitize the intellectual platform of our na- tion.
I must say this; Governors have come to pick their children from our campus. The daughter of our first Vice-Chancellor was rus- ticated from the University for one year, my adopted son was thrown out for one year at Covenant, so there is no white cow in the system and that makes everybody shake and fear.
If I must mention it, one of our for- mer Presidents had a relation that had a son rusticated and called me, I said I am sorry, I do not get involved, please talk to the Vice- Chancellor. He said can I have his number, I said no and we are still friends. Because the moment you make rules and you abide by the rules yourself, everybody is forced to follow, and that is what we are trying to do.
We are in dire need of leaders in our country and we will be wishing till death until we start raising the kind of leaders we want by taking them through the princi- ple of this kind of training so that they can be there to effect changes.
Interviewer: A major indicator of success in the University administration is the degree to which it can at- tract and retain high quality Fac- ulty. What plans are on the way to achieve this feat in Landmark University?
Chancellor: The plans are obvious, let us maintain conducive atmosphere for learning and research.
Let us generate good comfort for faculty and staff. There is no system that does not have staff turnover; the rate may differ from one place to the other.
We are sensitive to the need of faculty and staff, so when they bring forth their needs we see which one can be addressed per time. We are committed to excellence; if you know how much your univer- sity spends on power, then you will know we are doing our best to keep life comfortable. We believe in re- taining faculty and staff because it empowers continuity and helps to encourage those who are com- ing behind that there is something good in the land that they can be partakers of.
Interviewer: We appreciate your commit- ment to the provision of first-class infrastructure in Landmark Uni- versity. Considering the mainte- nance culture in Nigeria, what strategies are in place for the sus- tainable maintenance of these in- frastructures?
Chancellor: We are not new as an organization to infrastructural development. One of the comments that NUC made in Lagos when they came for the verification visit for Covenant University was that they have been around for a week and they cannot pick a piece of paper on the floor, can this be Nigeria? We were in the slum as it were in Alimosho Area, Raji Oba.
I used the public toilet that they use there when I am hav- ing a programme, you find it intact. We are committed to continuous first-class maintenance of our in- frastructure.
At Covenant, we just invested about #380 million renovating staff housing that was completed last year. We are known for quality maintenance culture, you can be in Nigeria and not of Nigeria.
If you come to Faith Tabernacle on Sunday by 5pm you will not know anybody came there for worship with that multitude because the sanctuary keepers have invaded the whole place and tidy up every- thing, it looks like nobody has ever used the place.
We are very used to it and we want to continue to improve on it particularly on the approach. Poor workmanship is a major problem in our country and when the workmanship is poor, it tells on the maintenance.
Business
ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE
ASR AFRICA SET TO COMMENCE THE CONSTRUCTION ABDUL SAMAD RABIU HOSTEL BLOCK FOR THE FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, MINNA, NIGER STATE
Sahara Weekly Reports That The Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) is set to commence the construction of a state-of-the-art hostel block for the Federal University of Technology, Minna. The project, which is being executed under the philanthropic initiative of the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu (CFR, CON), will provide contemporary hostel accommodation for undergraduate students within the university’s main campus. The proposed hostel facility will accommodate 108 students with other auxiliary facilities such as laundries, kitchenettes, common rooms, and the warden’s room.
Speaking at the groundbreaking event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Faruk Adamu Kuta, expressed joy for having the University as one of the beneficiaries of the ASR Africa Tertiary Education Grant Scheme. He extended the University’s appreciation to the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu and added that upon completion, a large number of students will have access to hostel accommodation thereby reducing the number of students that are exposed to insecurity and other vices outside the university campus.
In his response, Dr. Ubon Udoh, the Managing Director of ASR Africa, affirmed the excellent reputation of the University of Minna which ranked amongst the top 10 Nigerian universities and top 2500 in the world by Webometrics. He applauded the management of the university for prioritizing the security of their students amidst the institution’s quantum of needs. In his words, “The choice of this project will facilitate the relocation of the university’s temporary accommodations back into the main campus”. Dr Udoh urged the student to ensure proper use of the building which is constructed with state-of-the-art facilities.
The hostel accommodation is designed to have an apartment styled accommodations with each room having an en-suite bath and water closet facilities. This model of each room having its independent convenience and shower has been found to engender hygiene and a sense of responsibility amongst the students which is what the university aim to achieve among its students.
About ASR Africa
ASR Africa is the brainchild of African Industrialist, Philanthropist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) was established in 2021 to provide sustainable, impact-based, homegrown solutions to developmental issues affecting Health, Education and Social Development within Africa.
Business
$87m Theft Case: AAS Investors Storm FCT High Court To Demand Justice As Jesam, Legal Team Clear The Air At Abayomi’s Hearing (Video)
$87m Theft Case: AAS Investors Storm FCT High Court To Demand Justice As Jesam, Legal Team Clear The Air At Abayomi’s Hearing (Video)
The FCT High Court sitting in Jabi, Abuja has adjourned the arraignment of Abayomi Oluwasesan till May 2nd, 2024.
Although the matter was mentioned for hearing, the trial could not go on because of the absence of the Defendant (Abayomi). The prosecutor reported to the court that the prison officers couldn’t bring him because of the recent prison break at the Suleja correctional centre. He further submitted that proper arrangements are serious ongoing to secure his presence in court in the next adjourned date…
The Defendant Counsel moved a motion for the review of Abayomi bail application, which is subject to the discretion of the court that must be exercised judiciously.
Abayomi Segun Oluwasesan who allegedly committed the heinous crime of defrauding the leading global crypto space known as Afriq Arbitrage System has been Re-arrested alongside his wife and arraigned in FCT High court, Jabi in Abuja on March 28th, 2024.
Abayomi and his wife were tracked to an estate in Lagos and brought back to Abuja on Sunday, March 24th, 2024 over the lingering financial scam to the tune of 87 million dollar and criminal activities he perpetrated against AAS and the CEO, Jesam Micheal.
The arraignment of Abayomi by the IG of police at the Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a significant development on Thursday, March 28th, 2024, as the case involving the alleged theft of 87 million dollar by Abayomi OluwaSesan charged by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, proceeded with significant deliberations.
The accused individuals were charged for purportedly accessing millions of subscribers’ investments at the Afriq Arbitrage Company’s online trading platform until October 9th, 2023.
In the courtroom presided over by Justice Ms. Idris, both parties, including the defendants’ lawyer and the complainant lawyer Sidi Abdulrasheed, were present alongside individuals whose investments were affected by the alleged fraud at the Afriq Arbitrage Company.
During the session today, the defendants’ lawyer appealed for leniency on the stringent bail condition on behalf of Abayomi OluwaSesan citing their prolonged detention and promising their availability for trial if granted bail. However, the complainant lawyer, Sidi Abdulrasheed, opposed the bail request, highlighting previous instances where the defendants had allegedly fled after being granted bail.
Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Ms. Idris adjourned the case until May 2nd, 2024.
It would be recalled that the conditions initially given included provision of two sureties each with 500 million Naira, owning property in Maitama, and also two directors in the federal civil service. Additionally, the sureties must deposit the title documents of their properties in court.
Speaking to Jesam Micheal the CEO of Afriq Arbitrage Company’s (AAC) after the court proceedings, he clarified the wrong narratives by a session of the media propagated by one human rights group. He narrated how Abayomi who was entrusted with the platform while he went for liver transplant tempered with the systems and defrauded the community of the staggering sum of $87m. He said even the defendant’s counsel admitted he stole the money when he said some properties have been returned to the company.
Also, the complainant’s counsel, Barrister Obeten revealed that justice will be served at the court as the suspect has allegedly admitted to committing the crime and speaking too much on the issue is tantamount to contempt of the court.
Meanwhile, several investors in their hundreds stormed the court to show solidarity to the company and its board of directors. They affirmed that the Afriq Arbitrage System is legit as they benefited immensely from it before the unfortunate saga involving Abayomi. They all chanted their demands for justice.
Business
A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU’S DAUGHTER: ANARA’S TALK OF THE TOWN BY CHINEDU NSOFOR
A GLANCE AT THE SPECTACULAR TRADITIONAL MARRIAGE OF CHIEF MICHAEL DURU EJIOGU’S DAUGHTER: ANARA’S TALK OF THE TOWN
BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR
In the vibrant Ancient kingdom of Anara, located in Isiala mbano LGA of Imo State, Chief Michael and Lolo Ijeoma Ejiogu celebrated an unforgettable event on April 27th, 2024. The occasion was the marriage of their daughter, Akudo Stephenia, to Dr. Frank Arinze. Chief Michael, a distinguished business magnate and real estate expert renowned for his leadership as the CEO of City Gate Group, orchestrated a traditional marriage ceremony that enchanted all attendees. Dr. Frank Arinze, hailing from the esteemed family of Elder Victor and Mrs. Jane Azikiwe of Onisha Town in Onisha North LGA, Anambra State, joined in this union, leaving a lasting impression on all fortunate enough to witness it.
The gathering was a convergence of dignitaries from various spheres of influence and affluence, a testament to Chief Duru’s esteemed standing in the community. Among the distinguished guests were luminaries such as the Former Governor of Imo State(Chief Ikedi Ohakim) ; Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe( Speaker of the Imo State Assembly) ; His Royal Highness Cletus Iluomuanya(Chairman of the Imo State Elders Council) ; Nze Chidi Chinasa Nwanerri( Former S.A. Special Duties to the Governor of Imo State) ; the esteemed celebrity businessman, Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest); and Chief Tony Chukwu, alongside His Excellency Uche Nwosu, Hon. Bar. Kingsley Ononuju(Former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Imo State), among numerous other titans of industry and notable politicians from across the nation.
In the enchanting tale of Akudo Stephenia and Dr. Frank, their love blossomed like vines reaching for the sun, culminating in a marriage that exuded elegance and grace. Their union, akin to a masterpiece painted by destiny, gathered dignitaries of high esteem, each bearing witness to a love as timeless as the stars above. Amidst the festivities, the bride’s search for her groom amidst the crowd seemed to reflect a cosmic alignment, it seemed as though the universe itself whispered secrets of eternal love, weaving their destinies into a tapestry of joy and commitment.
The ceremony unfolded with the grand entrance of the groom, a moment charged with anticipation and jubilation. As the kola nut was ceremoniously broken, marking the sacred inception of their union, all eyes eagerly awaited the radiant arrival of the bride, an embodiment of grace and sophistication.
The festivities were further enriched by captivating musical performances by over three renowned artists, adding a melodious backdrop to the celebration. Chief Michael Duru, as the Onowu, holds the esteemed position of Traditional Prime Minister within the Anara Ancient kingdom. His residence, a very sophisticated Mansion, not only stands as a testament to his legacy but also serves as the official Palace of the Onowu of Anara. During the traditional marriage ceremony of his daughter, this grand abode was dedicated, marking not only a familial celebration but also a continuation of tradition and lineage within the kingdom. Through this dual purpose, Chief Duru’s dwelling embodies both personal significance and cultural heritage, symbolizing the intertwining of familial duty and regal responsibility.
Culinary delights adorned the event, with a plethora of sumptuous dishes that tantalized the taste buds of all attendees. From traditional delicacies like fried rice to an array of fruits including apples, pineapples, oranges, and garden eggs, guests were treated to a gastronomic extravaganza that showcased both local and international flavors. The meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence in hospitality left an indelible impression, ensuring that every guest departed with fond memories of the occasion.
Amidst the gathered throng of friends and well-wishers, prayers soared heavenward, carrying blessings for the couple’s journey ahead. Each heartfelt wish resonated like a gentle melody, enveloping them in a cocoon of love and support as they stepped into the boundless expanse of married life. May their days be filled with laughter, their nights warmed by the embrace of affection, and may their love endure, perennial and ever-blooming, under the nurturing glow of the sun.
Indeed, Chief Michael Duru Ejiogu’s daughter’s traditional marriage was not just a union of two souls but a celebration of heritage, culture, and community. It was a testament to the enduring values of love, unity, and generosity that bind us together as a society. As the echoes of laughter and joy reverberated throughout Anara, it was clear that this event would be remembered as a highlight in the annals of the town’s history, a cherished memory for generations to come.
Chinedu Nsofor is a Seasoned Technocrat, Media Guru/Consultant and writes from Owerri, Imo State.
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