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UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, Applauded by Distinguished Leaders for Youth Empowerment in Africa

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UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, Applauded by Distinguished Leaders for Youth Empowerment in Africa

 

UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, Applauded by Distinguished Leaders for Youth Empowerment in Africa

 

 

 

A gathering of prominent global leaders, including Nigeria’s President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), as well as numerous leaders from the public and private sectors, came together to commend the exceptional contributions of Tony Elumelu, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), to youth development and entrepreneurship in Africa.

 



UBA Group Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, Applauded by Distinguished Leaders for Youth Empowerment in Africa

 

These distinguished leaders expressed their admiration for Tony Elumelu, who also serves as the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, recognizing his unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, his advocacy for entrepreneurship, and his dedication to the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.

 

 

 

 

 

These accolades were bestowed upon Tony Elumelu during the TEF-UNDP Breakfast Roundtable meeting, held on the sidelines of the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

 

 

 

 

This gathering also served as the platform for the launch of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Impact Report titled “The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme: A Decade of Impact.”

 

 

 

 

 

President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, urged other capable Africans to follow in the footsteps of Tony Elumelu by investing in youth empowerment. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the continent becomes self-reliant and no longer depends on foreign donors, highlighting Tony Elumelu’s role in driving investments, supporting SMEs, and promoting youth entrepreneurship and start-ups.

 

 

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu, in agreement with the minister, recognized Tony Elumelu’s efforts in empowering and building the youth. He noted that these efforts align perfectly with Lagos state’s initiatives for economic empowerment and poverty reduction.

 

 

 

 

 

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UNDP’s Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Regional Bureau for Africa, expressed her immense inspiration by Tony Elumelu’s vision for African youth. She emphasized the shared passion between UNDP and Tony Elumelu in promoting human development and providing opportunities for individuals to shape their destinies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eziakonwa explained the reason behind UNDP’s continued partnership with TEF, highlighting the potential impact of having ten individuals like Tony Elumelu each investing $100 million in young people over the next decade. She stressed the tremendous success achieved on the continent with limited investment and envisioned the continent’s unstoppable potential if such efforts were multiplied.

 

 

 

 

She assured participants of UNDP’s continued excitement about partnering with TEF and the intention to elevate this partnership to new heights, emphasizing their commitment to this cause.

 

 

 

 

The meeting provided a platform for global leaders to engage in discussions on critical global issues. Among the participants were the Representative of the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited, UNICEF Kevin Frey, and many others. They all concurred that Tony Elumelu’s achievements and his passion for youth empowerment deserved unequivocal recognition.

 

 

 

 

In his presentation, Tony Elumelu commended all partners, including UNICEF, UNDP, and UBA, acknowledging UBA’s significant support. He reminded the audience of the inception of TEF seed capital funding, emphasizing its roots in his vision to effect change in Africa using African solutions.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Elumelu articulated the collective goal: “to see young entrepreneurs in Africa build sustainable businesses for themselves and generate viable green jobs, so that our young ones are not left behind in the inevitable green economy that the world will transition to.”

 

 

 

 

 

He passionately called for increased collaboration to prioritize young Africans, foster economic activities, and alleviate poverty. He emphasized the importance of the beacon lit by TEF and the need for it to shine even brighter with the support and collaboration of everyone. He stressed the urgency of providing economic support to young Africans, addressing the impact of climate change, and ending the migration and hardships faced by the continent’s youth.

 

 

#UBAatUNGA #TOEatUNGA #Africapitalism #ClintonGlobalInitiative

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

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Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

There’s something about the Vatican that strips away titles and trappings. In the shadows of St. Peter’s Basilica, under the searing Roman sun, global leaders, power players, and everyday pilgrims become equals—bound by reverence and ritual.

Power, Protocol, and Papal Grace: The Inside Story of How It All Went Down in Rome By Bianca Ojukwu

I should know. I was there.

On my last trip to the Vatican—during the funeral of Pope Francis just weeks earlier—I had witnessed something unforgettable. As President Donald Trump arrived and a crowd of dignitaries swarmed to greet him, a sharply-dressed, no-nonsense priest cut through the noise with a firm:

Scusi. This is St. Peter’s Basilica, not the White House. Kindly take your seats.

Boom. Order restored. And a reminder: here, no one upstages the moment.

So when I returned for the Installation Mass of Pope Leo XIV, I knew I’d be witnessing not just history, but human theater—with the Nigerian delegation right in the mix.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading the delegation, arrived in good time—early enough to soak in the atmosphere, greet dignitaries, and observe the ancient rites. As we settled into the square, I spotted Peter Obi and Kayode Fayemi, former governors and political heavyweights, already seated. After the President had taken his place, I went over to greet them—and in a rare gesture of statesmanship, they chose to accompany me to pay their respects to the President.

What followed was a surprisingly warm and humorous exchange. Far from the icy tensions back home, Tinubu welcomed them with ease, smiling, laughing, and trading quips like old friends reunited at a family function. They soon returned to their seats—but that moment, however brief, spoke volumes about what’s possible in Nigerian politics when the ego is set aside.

But Rome doesn’t care who you are. The sun showed no favoritism. Under the blazing Vatican heat, everyone—presidents, pilgrims, priests—sat exposed. The square is merciless. People faint. They’re carried off in stretchers. It’s part of the experience.

One man, seated directly in front of me, collapsed mid-Mass. Paramedics were far off, and panic briefly rippled through the crowd—until Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, leapt into action. He darted to the vestibule and returned with a cold bottle of water that was used to revive the man before medics arrived.

Meanwhile, the President—stoic and composed—sat through the entire three-hour liturgy, standing and kneeling as required, skipping only Communion. Afterward, he lingered. He chatted with Nigerian priests, seminarians, posed for selfies, and shared laughs, showing none of the fatigue one might expect.

And oh—that suit.

Tailored to perfection, the President’s power suit turned heads across the square. The cut, the stride, the confidence—it was presidential flair meeting ecclesiastical ceremony. He walked up to greet the new pontiff with grace and gravitas.

So yes, Vatican ’25 wasn’t just a religious event—it was a convergence of power, humility, diplomacy, and humanity.

From protocol to personal moments, this was history not just witnessed, but lived.

And for those of us lucky enough to be there, one thing is clear:
In Rome, you don’t just attend a Mass. You become part of a moment that echoes through eternity.

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

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Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Ngozi Okafor Unleashes a Wave of Youth Energy Through Transformative TV Content

Renowned organizational psychologist, author, and international youth mentor, Ngozi Okafor, has unveiled a new line of inspirational television programs aimed at educating, empowering, and guiding the Nigerian youth. With over two decades of experience in youth development across the UK, USA, and Nigeria, Ngozi is bringing her message of hope and transformation directly to the screens of millions of young Nigerians.

The new programs, set to debut in the coming weeks, will focus on themes such as self-discovery, entrepreneurship, leadership, financial literacy, and mental wellness. Designed to bridge the gap between information and real-life application, each episode will feature stories of resilience, expert insights, and practical advice to help young people navigate life with clarity and confidence.

“Our young people are gifted, but many are simply not guided,” said Ngozi Okafor. “These programs are my way of reaching out—to say, ‘I see you, I believe in you, and here are tools to help you build your future.’ It’s not just about being on TV. It’s about starting conversations that lead to transformation.”

Ngozi’s journey in youth empowerment has spanned four continents, beginning in the UK with Hope Worldwide International, supporting vulnerable and homeless youth. In Atlanta, USA, she worked with Junior Achievers, leading business and leadership simulation programs, while also engaging youth in community service through initiatives like Meals on Wheels.

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi’s voice became familiar to thousands through Youth Arena on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM, a program that partnered with the Central Bank of Nigeria to teach financial literacy to young Nigerians through engaging broadcasts and workbooks.

Beyond media, Ngozi has directly supported more than 50 young entrepreneurs by providing startup resources such as sewing machines, baking ovens, and seed funding. Her work reflects a lifelong mission: turning inspiration into action.

“This TV project is more than content—it’s a movement,” she added. “We are building a generation that is self-aware, skilled, and ready to lead. And we’re doing it one story, one screen, and one young person at a time.”

Ngozi Okafor’s upcoming television programs promise to fill a critical void in youth development programming and are expected to air on both national and regional networks. Additional details about scheduling and partnerships will be announced soon.

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

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Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, has calmly addressed a wave of politically charged misinformation following his recent visit to the Vatican, where he attended an inauguration ceremony. The backlash, largely fanned by known government allies Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Omoyele Sowore, misrepresented the nature of his visit and falsely accused him of refusing to “pay homage” to the Pope until a supposed presidential intervention.

Peter Obi Breaks Silence on Rome Visit Amid Smears and Propaganda Storm

Contrary to the sensational headlines, Mr. Obi clarified that he did not meet the Pope, nor was such a meeting on his agenda. “I bought my own ticket and traveled for what I believe is a personal, non-political trip,” he told a close confidant in Abuja before departing. Emphasizing his commitment to modesty, Obi disclosed that he flew economy class, adding, “It’s the difference between business class and economy that I use for donations to build classrooms.”

Obi’s visit to Rome mirrored his past trips to the Vatican, including the 2013 inauguration of Pope Francis. A Papal Knight and longstanding Catholic faithful, Mr. Obi is no stranger to such events. This time, he traveled alongside former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, both of whom held official passes granting them VIP access. They also paid a visit to Cardinal Francis Arinze, a 90-year-old Nigerian cleric and longtime Vatican figure — an act Obi has made a tradition of during such visits.

The criticisms have drawn widespread rebuke, with many questioning why a man known for self-funding his travels and donating millions to health and education continues to face political smears, while those squandering public funds remain unchallenged. Obi’s quiet return to Nigeria was followed, as usual, by school and hospital visits — the kind of grassroots outreach that has cemented his reputation as a man of service, not spectacle.

As misinformation continues to plague Nigeria’s political discourse, observers are calling for a return to truth and substance. “Enough of the lies. Enough of the propaganda. The truth has no tribe,” said a supporter who met with Obi before his Rome trip.

In an era of performative politics, Obi’s response has once again underscored his consistent message: humility, service, and transparency over noise.

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