Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development a leading volunteer-driven organization providing & promoting Health, Peace, and empowerment through education & provision of benefits on Monday, July 11 organized a food drive to celebrate Sallah with physically challenged residents of Karamajiji in Abuja, Nigeria.
At Queen Zara a Foundation for Human Resources Development, they believe givers never lack, and giving back in third-world Nations can be really impactful. Its mission is to focus on making the maximum positive effort for our communities. Their members & volunteers provide the needed push that helps us affect the needed societal change.
According to Country Representative Danielle Anetor Ngerem, the nonprofit gave out free multiple packs of noodles to over 500 persons including men, women, and children in Karamajiji to commemorate the celebration. She said these donations are consistent with the other give-back programs we organize quarterly.
Karamajiji is one of the biggest slums within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. It also has a high concentration of physically challenged persons and is located behind the Military Cemetery a few kilometers to the City Gate and home to internally Displaced persons (IDPs). The majority of the residents live in Ruga (Makeshift settlements).
Established by renowned Philanthropist Ms. Joyce Roberts, Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development has been engaged in numerous medical outreaches, election monitoring, and food drive in the past.
In a November 13th, 2021, the foundation distributed relief Materials including foodstuffs, liters of cooking oil, bags of rice, garri, salt, cartoons of seasoning cubes, hundreds of branded shea butter, black soap, refreshments, and toiletries for over a hundred beneficiaries at FCT Vocational Rehabilitation center, Kuchiko-Bwari, Abuja.
In March 2021, the foundation also embarked on a free blood pressure screening for over 500 residents of Maitama in Abuja. The beneficiaries expressed joy and prayed that God Almighty would reward the nonprofit for its humanitarian gesture.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Spokesperson of the people Yusuf, noted that the organization had written its name on gold for engaging in such a Laudable idea.
Peter Obi presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), has named Datti Baba-Ahmed, founder of Baze University, as his running mate for the 2023 presidential election.Â
Obi unveiled his running mate at an event in Abuja on Friday.
The development comes less than 24 hours after Doyin Okupe, former senior special assistant on public affairs to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, announced his withdrawal as the party’s vice-presidential candidate.
The party had in June named Okupe as its “placeholder” vice-presidential candidate.
Speaking at the unveiling, Obi said Baba-Ahmed is “eminently qualified” to be Nigeria’s vice-president if the party wins the presidential election next year.
“This is our match to secure, unite and make Nigeria productive and you can’t do it without having people who have a similar vision, idea and are prepared for that onerous task,” he said.
In his remarks, Baba-Ahmed said he is “humbled and appreciative” of his selection as the party’s vice-presidential candidate, TheCable reports.
Meet Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed?
He was born in 1975 and is a Nigerian economist and politician who served as Senator for Kaduna North from 2011 to 2012 and member of the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
Baba-Ahmed is from the prominent Baba-Ahmed family of Zaria and graduated from the University of Maiduguri.
Baba-Ahmed has a BSc and MSc in Economics from the University of Maiduguri in Borno State.
He worked in the security Printing and Minting, Lagos before entering politics.
In 2006, while a Federal representative, he earned the title of Doctor of Philosophy when he completed his Ph.D studies at the University of Westminster.
Baba-Ahmed was popular for his principled activism.During the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, he was among lawmakers who opposed letting Obasanjo run for a third term.
In May 2006 he said he would not run for re-election unless action was taken to investigate allegations that members had been bribed to support the constitutional changes needed for a third term presidency.
In 2007 he took the Independent National Electoral Commission to court over conduct of past elections. He was known for speaking out against corruption.
Ahmed was founder and Pro–Chancellor of Baze University, an independent university located in Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria which opened in April 2011.
The FCT State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has enjoined all youths in Kuje- Area Council to turn out en masse to re-elect the Party’s candidate and current chairman of the council Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo Aka (HADARI) for a second term in office
He made the appeal at the PDP Youth Summit organized to sensitize youths in the Area Council about active participation in politics and elections. One of the speakers Hon. Abraham David commended the rapid infrastructure development in Kuje Area Council by Executive Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo. He went further to encourage the participation of youths in politics, highlighting that the PDP FCT has the largest numbers of Youths in governance both at the Party and local levels.
FCT Commissioner Public Complaint Commission Hon. Ezekiel Dalhatupresenting an award
He stressed that for youths to be active in politics they must have a voter’s card and serve as a mouthpiece for the party at all levels.
Furthermore, the FCT Commissioner Public Complaint Commission Hon. Ezekiel Dalhatu noted three problems of the youths globally namely: violence, drug abuse, and crime. He advised politicians to go into politics for purposeful reasons, basically to improve the lives of people through empowerment. He said Leaders should think of the next generation, not the next election.
In the same vein, Hon. Samuel Shekwolo (S.A. Special Duties to FCT Senator) advocated that voters must protect and defend their votes on election day 12th February 2022.
Also speaking, the wife of the executive chairman Kuje Area Council Hajia Salamatu Sabo in her goodwill message stressed that all women in the area council should turn out en masse to re-elect Abdullahi Sabo, stating that women make up the bulk of voters on election day.
Lending a voice to points stated by the previous speakers, Hon. Ismaila Mohammed Yenche the PDP Chairman in Kuje Area Council gave the vote of thanks. The PDP FCT State Chairman emphasized that the presence of youths is felt in basically all elective positions in the Area council.
The Executive Chairman. Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo in his speech encouraged massive turnout for the election and house to house campaign for the PDP. He revealed that he has performed 70 percent and above, listing his road and water projects across the various wards in Kuje such as Kabi, Rubochi, Gudun Karya, Kuje, Kujekwa, and others. He assured everyone of maximum security and no need for fear or panic that might be incited by opposition parties. He said, “it is time for the youths and you all must arise and shine”.
The Executive Chairman Kuje Area Council, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo receiving his award
Recipients of Award Of Excellence for selfless service at the PDP Youth Summit are: The Executive Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Suleiman Sabo, The PDP FCT State Chairman. Hon. Sunday Dogo Zakka and the wife of the Executive Chairman Hajia Salamatu Sabo.
Capstone Educational Investment Limited-a consulting firm that offers training, technical assistance, research services, and knowledge resources to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that focus on low and middle-income segments recently joined four other non-governmental organizations to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs and their products in a micro, small and medium enterprises symposium and exhibition powered by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in partnership with the Nigerian government.
The other NGOs are Hope Builders Foundation; Leverage Platform; Valucon Business Services; Web of Hearts Foundation. Spokesperson for the combined NGOs, and the Team leader of Leverage Platform, Tobi Durojaiye, stated that the event is being put together in order to expose, connect and showcase the products of the entrepreneurs.
Durojaiye also revealed that it has become a necessity for the partnering NGOs to ensure that the empowered youths, who have undergone various free trainings, become successful and to give them access to financial and strategic opportunities.
The MSME Exhibition had 350 past participants of the GIZ/SEDIN project “Creating Business Development Opportunities through Entrepreneurship Training and Coaching” implemented by GOPA Worldwide, targeted particularly at Marginalized Youths/ Women, Returning Migrants, Persons with Disabilities and Internally Displaced Persons. These Modular blended trainings (in-person and online) are provided to the beneficiaries through Partnering Organisations in Lagos and Edo State.
The MSME symposium and exhibition, held at the Blue Roof Hall, inside the premises of Lagos Television (LTV) on the 8th of December, 2021, re-emphasized the fact that locally made products by Nigerians can rule the market if the country’s leaders have the political will to put in place the necessary policies to support these entrepreneurs.
The statement from the organizers reads that more than five thousand (5,000) Entrepreneurs were trained over the past 9 months by these organizations. After months of impactful capacity enhancement experience and information gathering needed to run a successful business, access to finance and exposure to market linkages still rank top among the major challenges faced by these start-ups and established businesses in Nigeria. To address this challenge an MSME symposium and exhibition were held for these entrepreneurs aimed at providing them a platform to showcase their products/services to leaders of industries, investors, and the general public.
Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development a leading volunteer-driven organization providing & promoting Health, Peace, and empowerment through education & provision of benefits has put smiles on the faces of indigent students of FCT Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, Kuchiko- Bwari, Abuja
At Queen Zara Foundation for Human Resources Development, ” we believe givers never lack and giving back in third world Nation can be really impactful. Our mission is to focus on making the maximum positive effort for our communities. Our members & volunteers provide the needed push that helps us affect change”, the statement reads in part.
According to Country Representative Danielle Anetor, the donations are consistent with the other give-back programs we organize quarterly.
Responding, the Head of the center, Mr. Paul Esor noted that the center was established for physically challenged persons, beggars, and drug addicts to rehabilitate them to be useful in society. He also used the opportunity to thank the organization for coming to the aid of the school and changing the narrative of hunger through empowerment. Also present was Hajiya Rabi Sulu Gambari A Public Affairs Commentator.
She also applauded the strides of the organization for blazing the trail in philanthropy. Relief Materials distributed includes foodstuffs, litres of cooking oil, bags of rice, garri, salt, cartoons of seasoning cubes, hundreds of branded shea butter, black soap, refreshments and toiletries for over a hundred beneficiaries.
The Outreach took place on Saturday, November 13th, 2021 at FCT Vocational Rehabilitation center, Kuchiko-Bwari, Abuja.
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Thursday, said the ongoing remodeling and refurbishment work at the state-owned School of Nursing and Midwifery in Benin City has reached the completion stage, noting that all is set for the institution’s final accreditation and reopening.
Obaseki disclosed this during an inspection of facilities at the institution ahead of the accreditation team’s visit this weekend. He was accompanied by the Commissioners for Health, Prof. Obehi Akoria; Budget and Planning, Mrs. Otse Momoh-Omorogbe; Education, Dr. Joan Osa-Oviawe; Physical Planning and Urban Development, Isoken Omo; Water Resources, Moses Agbukor; Mining, Gas and Oil, Ethan Uzamere, and Local Government, Monday Osaigbovo, amongst others.
The governor, who expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the institution, noted, “This work is 95 percent ready; we expect that before the end of the month, it will be fully ready and by the middle of November 2021, we would have received full accreditation and students who have gone through the admission process will resume.”Rebuilding the nursing school to international standard has become key for this administration; it’s what has translated to what you see here today.”
According to him, “We are here for a pre-accreditation visit as the accreditation team will be here this weekend. I am here today to see things for myself and to ensure it’s ready for the team to inspect. The staff has been recruited; work on the physical structure is on; equipment for the demonstration laboratory has been purchased and by the weekend, all of these will be installed.”
Obaseki, who reassured his government’s commitment to ensuring the health of Edo residents, said his administration’s continuous investment in the healthcare sector will dissuade the people from health tourism, adding, “We don’t make noise about our projects but the people should be the ones to commission the projects themselves.”
He stated: “We have continued to make improvements in our human capacity development. As a government, we will continue to build the human capacity of our people as physical infrastructure alone will not do it.“
Doctors are only one segment of the healthcare chain as nurses are key elements of the chain; they provide care after the doctors have done their consultations and operations.”
Obaseki continued: “This is part of the medical hub that we are putting in place in Edo State. We have put in place the health insurance scheme; we would be laying the foundation for the expansion of Stella Obasanjo Hospital to provide additional healthcare services to Edo people.“The Federal Government will be building an orthopedic hospital in the same location. We are talking to investors that want to build another mother and child hospital; a state-of-the-art diagnostic center is also coming in there.”
He further stated: “The pandemic has unraveled the weaknesses of our healthcare system and it has prompted our administration to focus on the system. We are all witnesses to what happened during the pandemic last year. With COVID-19, no matter how rich you are, when you are sick, you have no chance of leaving the country.“The pandemic raised the fundamental issues whether we can continue like this as a state, seeking for our healthcare needs outside the country or state.”
On her part, Prof. Akoria noted that the building of the state-of-the art-facility will boost human capacity development and ensure the needed change in the healthcare system in Edo State.
A four-day training programme to establish beneficiaries in Mobile Money transactions has been launched in the Federal Capital Territory and the North Central states.
The training was flagged off on Thursday by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq at the International Centre for Women’s Development, Abuja.
The Minister said in her keynote address, that the Federal Government has paid more attention to promoting the plight of the poor and vulnerable in the country which she said informed the decision to initiate the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) as a strategy for enhancing social inclusion.
Minister Umar Farouq also stated that the Mobile Money Agents’ Training Programme is designed to empower unemployed youths and develop their competencies to operate as registered mobile money agents.
“The training we are starting today will enable target beneficiaries to meet the minimum technical and business requirements for becoming mobile money agents and enhance their entrepreneurial competencies to successfully start and manage mobile money businesses.
“Upon completion of the training, the target beneficiaries will be registered with the Shared Agency Network Expansion Facility (SANEF) as Mobile Money Agents and will be provided with Start-up Kits that include a Point-of-Sale (POS) Machine, Fingerprint Scanner and Furniture (chairs, tables and umbrellas) as well as a modest capital of N20,000.00”.
The Minister also thanked Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities SANEF for their partnership and contributions to the programme.
“This will enable the registration and onboarding of target beneficiaries upon completion of the training. We also deeply appreciate the support of other stakeholders and their contributions to the realization of Mr. President’s vision to lift Nigerians out of poverty.
“We hope that It will also enhance the integration of NSIP by enabling target beneficiaries to join the network of agents providing financial-related services under other components of NSIP, especially the conditional cash transfer and the grant for vulnerable groups, as well as in the enumeration and enrollment of target beneficiaries”.
The minister later made a symbolic presentation of POS machines, Umbrellas, Fingerprint scanners, furniture and a twenty thousand Naira starting capital to some of the beneficiaries.
In her goodwill message, the Chief Executive Officer of SANEF Limited Mrs. Ronke Kuye thanked the Minister for the partnership, adding that the key objectives of SANEF include Agent Expansion, Stakeholder engagement, Financial Literacy and Awareness.
Mrs Kuye stated that the purpose is to empower citizens as an intervention program and provide jobs and livelihood for citizens.“This partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development will act as a strong elixir to further deepen and expand Financial Inclusion through Agent Banking to the underserved and unserved, as well as a last-mile distribution to hinterlands hitherto reached.
“Our role in providing Financial Literacy Training and Awareness for participants during this programme before they are on-boarded as Agents is vital as this will allow the participants to learn the rudiments and dynamics of what they are about to become a critical part of.“It is such unique partnerships that resonate as major positives in the drive to bring greater development to our communities and we are proud to be part of this”.
The programme is expected to provide job opportunities for 1,850 youths selected from the 36 States and the FCT as well as promote financial inclusion, by providing financial services to under-served Nigerians.
The Mobile Money Agents Programme was introduced in 2020 to sustain the social inclusion agenda of President Buhari’s Administration, consistent with the President’s vision of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. In attendance were the National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programmes Dr Umar Bindir, the National Coordinator Conditional Cash Transfer, the NSIP Focal Person for FCT Mrs Chinwendu Amba, and other dignitaries.
Former Chief of Defence Logistics & Chief of Army Standards & Evaluation Major General Adekunle Oluwole Shodunke (Rtd) and other influential security experts and personalities have received recognition at the prestigious World Education & Technology Summit 2021.
The summit/ Award ceremony- a gathering of Education, technology, and security experts globally was held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja. The event was organized by the International Summit of leaders worldwide- the largest gathering of leaders from different countries; in conjunction with the Swiss School of Business and Management and the Unicaribbean Business School.
L-R Dr. Turyatemba Alex Bashasha, Mrs. Mariarita Mercurio ( Ambassador of the International Summit of leaders), and Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Rasheed .A ( President of the Unicaribbean Business School and International Coordinator of the International Summit of leaders
The Summit/ Award ceremony which was virtual (Zoom)/ physical had as its theme: Education, Science & Technology are Tools for Sustainable Development in Arab and African Countries. The objective of the event was to promote innovations in education leading to an improved global education system. Again, the summit provided a platform to learn about education development, technology innovation, and agricultural tools as well as the technology trends & sustainability initiatives that are influencing the sectors.
The event had an array of outspoken guest speakers including Dr. Roy Okhidievbe (Chairman/ CEO August Eye Security Services limited), Prof.Dr. Sudhir. G (founding Vice-Chancellor MGM University, India), Prof. Dr. Dileep Kumar (Pro-Vice-Chancellor GNS University, India), Prof. Dr. Nabil El Kadhi (President Khawaeizmi Int’l College Abu Dhabi, UAE), Dr. Abed Baidas (Group Chairman/ CEO Identity branding Forum Dubai, UAE) among others.
Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Rasheed .A ( President of the Unicaribbean Business School and International Coordinator of the International Summit of leaders
In his welcome address, Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Rasheed .A ( President of the Unicaribbean Business School and International Coordinator of the International Summit of leaders said, ” our education should harness the power of technology in tackling future challenges. He stated that to prepare our students for the challenges of the 21st century, the government must continue to dedicate great effort to create a favorable environment for full implementation of e-learning by providing wifi infrastructure and professional training.” Furthermore, he applauded the efforts of all schools in Nigeria pioneering e-learning resources.Â
Also speaking Dr. Roy Okhidievbe noted that Africa and Nigeria are still an attraction for the world for Agricultural and Mineral resources and wondered why Nigeria has become over-dependent on developed Nations for science, Healthcare, food production, medicine, and Education. He remarked that Nigerians and their leaders must become self-reliant and sufficient if truly they desire tangible development. He bemoaned the situation whereby Nigeria as a country has failed to utilize its strengths and weaknesses.
Dr. Roy Okhidievbe (Chairman/ CEO August Eye Security Services limited)
Again, he revealed that he was undecided if technology is both a strength and a weakness, citing references to the COVID-19 pandemic, September 11, 2001, World Trade Center terrorist attacks, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima, and Nagasaki in Japan by the United States in 1945 and Killer drones. According to him, ” we have failed in our generation to teach our children that there is reasonable doubt in strength and a weakness. A weakness can be a strength and a strength a weakness; it is now left for us to utilize anyone anywhere we find ourselves in order to face threats and opportunities”
In the same light, Mrs. Mariarita Mercurio Ambassador of the International Summit of leaders spoke on why Etech is important. She hinted that top Edtech companies have popularised the reliance of students on Modern technology which now makes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics STEM more appealing to young people.
Major General Adekunle Oluwole Shodunke (Rtd) receiving his honorary award/ degree.
Awardees for the Honorary doctorate degree by Swiss School of Business and Management (SSBM Switzerland) and Swiss golden Award include Dr. Ahmad Yahuza Getso ( A senior security and logistics specialist at USAID), Former Chief of Defence Logistics & Chief of Army Standards & Evaluation Major General Adekunle Oluwole Shodunke (Rtd), Prof. Dr. Dileep Kumar (Pro-Vice-Chancellor GNS University, India), Madam Joyce. N. Tamale CEO, Capital Solutions Ltd Kampala, Uganda, Dr. Abed Baidas (Group Chairman/ CEO Identity branding Forum Dubai, UAE), Dr. Roy Okhidievbe, Mr. Okoye Nobert Tochukwu, Dr. Shekhar C. Dasarda, Mr. Vikas Tukaram Patil.
Others in the list of those recognized with the honorary doctorate degrees are Apostle (Mrs) Folorunso Alakija, Dr. Abdulsalam E. Ogbemudia, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Governor Lagos State), Dr. Austine Eniwo Ofou, Dr. Turyatemba Alex Bashasha, Dr, Deji Patricks Bolusemihi, Amb. Dr. Ugwuji Catherine, Dr, Adewale Sanni among others.
Likewise, Caleb University- A foremost private university located in Imota, Lagos State Nigeria was also awarded the International Swiss Outstanding institution award by SSBM.
Responding after receiving the award and honorary degree Dr. Ahmad Yahuza Getso ( A senior security and logistics specialist at USAID) informed that he sees the award as a challenge to groom the younger generation and thus he dedicated the degree and award to all Nigerians that had been victims of terrorism, pledging that he will continue to do more to contribute to the security architecture of the country.
Dr. Ahmad Yahuza Getso ( A senior security and logistics specialist at USAID)
Earlier on receiving his award Former Chief of Defence Logistics & Chief of Army Standards & Evaluation Major General Adekunle Oluwole Shodunke (Rtd), clarified that there is still much that needs to be done and vowed to continue to give back to humanity.
Former Chief of Defence Logistics & Chief of Army Standards & Evaluation Major General Adekunle Oluwole Shodunke (Rtd)
In addition, Dr. Roy Okhidievbe, emphasized that ” the award is not for what we have done, but for what we intend to do”.
The summit was attended by Professors and professionals from Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Arab League countries. The Summit ended with awardees harping on the need to focus on the synergy between innovation and technology to create an optimal environment for Education to thrive.
Here are captivating moments and photographs from the summit:
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq on tuesday 15th June has flagged off the distribution of engagement letters and monitoring devices to trained Independent Monitors in Kano State at Coronation Hall Government House, Kano State.
The Honorable Minister who was represented at the flag-off by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali disclosed that the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), created by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016 is mandated to lift citizens out of poverty through Its various programmes such as N-Power, National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP), the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP). The Programme is implemented in the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory.Â
Alkali said, the 320 Independent Monitors in Kano State are among the 5000 trained in February – April 2021 when the nationwide trainnig was held.Â
” The devices to be used in monitoring the Programme are locally made in Nigeria with an Application called the Social Investment Management Information System (SIMIS) designed by an indigenous company. Using this Application the Ministry sees real-time activities of the Independent Monitors on the field, see reports submitted, and the NSIP performance indicator state by state. This will help the Ministry detect areas where there are challenges and essentially help the Ministry to deliver on the mandate, to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty” he noted.
“The Independent Monitors are expected to monitor a designated number of beneficiaries of the NSIP and will be paid a stipend of N30,000 monthly. However, they must meet up to 80% of the deliverables to get their stipends. The engagement letters articulated the scope of work for the monitors which include; routine monitoring of NSIP in their assigned L.GA and provision of evidence-based reports on findings amongst other things”
Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary warned the monitors not to assign their responsibility to third parties, each monitor will be held accountable by the Ministry in the event of any misconduct. He congratulated them and urged them to carry out the assignment with a sense of patriotism, diligence, and sincerity.
Also speaking, the Executive Governor of Kano State who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji waziriu Gaya, lauded the Ministry for its continued support in lifting Nigerians above the poverty line and improving on the living standards of the citizenry. He told the IMs to make good use of the opportunity given to them to attain greater heights.
Earlier the Focal Person of the NSIP in Kano, Baba Aminu Zubair, said indeed the Programme is in keeping with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty, adding that Kano State has the highest number of N-Power beneficiaries across the country.
Aminu affirmed that 119,000 households registered under the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme (CCT) in Kano State received N5,000 monthly. He appreciated the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development for the kind gesture.
Others present at the event were:-  Special Assistant on Strategic Communication to the Minister, Halima Oyelade, senior officials of the State Government, the NSIP Coordinators from the LGAs, and other dignitaries.
Africa’s most influential people in business, sports, leadership, security, politics, academics and governance have received recognition at the prestigious International Youth Summit/ Award Ceremony.
The annual award ceremony which was held on Saturday April 10, 2021 at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, Maitama, Abuja was organised by the International summit of leaders -an annual forum of investors, scientists, designers, corporate organizations, research institutions, academics, vice chancellors, professional bodies, public and private organizations from Nigeria and other countries to discuss key global issues.
The group was formed in October 2013 in Lagos with just 34 members and its membership has grown to 8,215 members worldwide. The summit/ Award ceremony bringing together the continent’s most powerful voices, had as its theme: Peace, security and Employment are Tools for sustainable development in Africa.
The event had a line up of keynote speakers including Dr. Otunba Kenny Odugbemi (Patron, Int’l Youth Summit & CEO of Inspection services limited), Dr. Roy Okhidievbe (Chairman/ CEO August Eye Security Services limited), Prof. (Dr.). Dewanand Mahadew ( MD, Dutch Council for International Business, Netherlands), among others. The keynote speakers engaged the audience through hard hitting talks, fireside chats and insightful panel discussions that evaluated the recent happenings in Africa while identifying opportunities that peace, security and employment present for sustainable development in the continent.
Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Rasheed .A ( President of the Unicaribbean Business School and International Coordinator of the International Summit of leaders
In his welcome address, Ambassador Dr. Olufemi Rasheed .A ( President of the Unicaribbean Business School and International Coordinator of the International Summit of leaders said, ” the award/ Summit seek to discuss the future and value people in different countries for rendering uncommon service to humanity”
He stated that the theme was apt because conflict, insecurity and unemployment are hydra-headed problems confronting the continent. He pointed out that these issues needed to be addressed for sustainable development and peace to thrive. In addition, he added that poverty is rampant in Africa due to bad leadership, corruption and selfishness of the ruling elite.
Dr. Roy Okhidievbe
In his firework presentation, Dr. Roy Okhidievbe remarked that ” peace is not the absence of conflict and that conflict has been commonplace as the existence of man.” The application of the rule of law, he said must be enforced to manage conflicts in the region. He also revealed that unemployment in Nigeria is not only a result of lack of jobs, but because ” our universities graduated non-graduates” who lack entrepreneurial skills. He hinted that development in Nigeria has remained stagnated for decades because of corruption, bad governance, the entrenchment of cabals, and lack of philanthropists.
Also speaking virtually via WhatsApp Dr. Otunba Kenny Odugbemi disclosed that poverty, insecurity and unemployment has remained predominant in Africa because African Leaders are egocentric, vision less, and desire to stay in power in perpetuity.
On his part, he explained that quality Leadership can bring about a vibrant shift in Africa. Typical examples he listed are Rwanda and Tanzania. He continued that, ” the entire Africa Continent suffers underdevelopment because of the greed of the politicians. For development to be visible in Africa, priority must be given to education, children, women and Youths”. He proffered a “workable cultural policy” for African countries that will enable them to be self- sufficient and proactive.
L-R Dr. SOS Nwachukwu ( Chief Advisor & Chairman of Dans-Hari Resources Ltd ) receiving his award from Dr. Roy
Also speaking Dr. SOS Nwachukwu ( Chief Advisor & Chairman of Dans-Hari Resources Ltd ) stated that when personalities are elevated beyond systems and institutions, impunity is elevated in society, thus accountability must be entrenched.
Also addressing the audience virtually from India, Prof. Dr. Dileep Kumar. M declared that “peace is also the absence of poverty, unemployment and inequality”. He asserted that competitive and collaborative effort of the government and the private sector is needed for peace to abound in Africa.
The outstanding award which is the highest was received by personalities that cut across Sierra Leone, Liberia, Uganda and South Africa. The awardees for the outstanding leadership awards were: Madam Joyce. N. Tamale CEO, Capital Solutions Ltd Kampala, Uganda, Dr. Patrick Bernard Ogwei CEO (General Secretary) National Council of Sports- Uganda, Al. Hajj Hassan Basajjabalaba CEO at Ariana George Integrated Services Ltd, Uganda, (Engr.) Otunba Adewale Adenaike Special Adviser (Projects) to the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Dr. SOS Nwachukwu, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, President, Chairman Governing Council ( International University of Information Management, Benjamin Yele Wehye among others.
Others that were awarded honorary doctorate degree by SSBM Switzerland are: Dr. Roy Okhidievbe, Dr. Kenny Odugbemi, Otunba Adewale Adenaike, Al.Hajj Hassan, Dr. Patrick Bernard, Dr. Sunday S. Nwachukwu, Madam Joyce Tamale, Benjamin Yele Wehye, Dr. Amina Sani, Mrs. Allen Kagina, Prof. Dileep, Comrade Sarki Yemi and others.
Plaques for International Quality Award, Honorary Fellow, Fellow and Associate Award were also presented. Dr.Olufemi also used the opportunity to induct Mrs. Mariarita Mercurio as Ambassador of the International Summit of leaders.
The event was supported by the Unicaribbean Business School, Swiss School of Business and Management, Geneva (SSBM) and the Mahatma Gandhi Mission University (MGM). Once again the event revealed that Africans that have contributed immensely to humanity will continue to get accolades.
Here are all the FAB photos from the star-studded event.
Madam Joyce Tamale receiving her award from Dr. Roy
