National News
Achievers Award: Leading Industry Players to Brainstorm on Blueprint for Africa’s Development

Achievers Award: Leading Industry Players to Brainstorm on Blueprint for Africa’s Development
By: Michael Mike, Abuja
Leading Industry players in Africa will gather at the 11th Edition of the African Achievers Awards to develop strategies and blueprints on how Africa can maximize investments from the diaspora that will put the continent on the path of sustainable economic development.
The African Achievers Awards is one of the most prestigious Africa and African-focused awards, which recognizes exceptional Africans for their contribution to the growth and development of the continent. This year’s edition is set to hold this Friday at Kensington Palace, London with the Ayanda Media Network appointed as consulting partner.
Preceding the awards will be an International Colloquium on December 9, 2021, to be held at the University of Cambridge, Hosted by Lord Simon Woolley, Master of Homerton College, Cambridge University.
The theme for this year’s International Summit and Awards ceremony at the African Achievers Awards 2021 is “Maximizing Diaspora Investments for Sustainable Development in Africa.”
The Chief Executive Officer of the African Achievers Award, Dr Tonye Rex Idaminabo, stated that the choice of this year’s theme is a result of the need to tap into African diaspora expertise and resources to accelerate the process of realizing impressive economic growth and sustainable social transformation in Africa,” Idaminabo said.
“There is a dire need to tab, mobilize, and channel Diaspora investment in Africa to help address the growing demands for investment and employment in the continent. This year’s summit and awards ceremony, therefore, provides a platform for industry leaders in Africa to converge, and discuss strategies and develop a blueprint on how to mobilize diaspora investment opportunities for Africa,” he further said.
Idaminabo in a letter dated December 5th 2021, appointed the CEO of Ayanda Media Network, Ms Ayanda Ngwane, as the consulting media partner, to ensure the maximum success of the awards, following her outstanding performance in similar events over the years.
Created in 2010, the African Achievers Awards has become one of the most reputable awarding bodies on the African continent and unarguably the biggest annual gathering of influential African achievers. Over the years, the awards have honoured and celebrated great African trailblazers whose works have had a meaningful impact on building Africa, including worthy African political leaders, exceptional young achievers, passionate and dedicated community builders, and captains of industries.
On the side-line of the awards, African Achievers Award Foundation will launch its Mentorship Program designed to raise the next generation of African trailblazers by identifying highly talented and emerging innovators and entrepreneurs across the African continent who are motivated and inspired to provide lasting solutions to the existing problems confronting the continent.

The programme will connect them- a minimum of one thousand mentees with already established industry leaders who are past honourees/ Alumni of the African Achievers Awards and will be provided with the necessary career tools, resources or start-up capital to help them achieve their set goals and career aspirations.
Some of the notable names who have been awardees at previous editions of the African Achievers Awards include Arch. Bishop Desmond Tutu; H.E Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Former Chairperson the African Union; H.E. Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the Republic of Tanzania; Dr Josephine Ojiambo, former Deputy Secretary-General of The Commonwealth; Dr Margaret Blick Kigozi, former Executive Director, Ugandan Sports Authority – who currently works as a consultant at United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO.
Others are, Late Rilwan Lukman, former Secretary-General, OPEC; Divine Ndikhuluka, Former Chairperson, Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce; Late Prof. Atta Mills, former President of the Republic of Ghana; Mo Abudu, CEO Ebony Life Television; Kofi Annan Foundation; Naseeb Abdul Juma Issack, popularly known by his stage name Diamond Platnumz; amongst others.
The Consulting Media partner, Ngwane, is a journalist by profession, TV host and Producer of Sharing with Ayanda TV Show who has been commended for her contribution to the industry and society. She is also the Editor in Chief of the Diplomatic Envoy Newsletter and Media Consultant with working experience that spans across the African Continent. Ngwane is a renowned PR/Media Consultant in Nigeria, Angola and South Africa. She was the Publicist for the 2015 Davos World Economic Forum(African Chapter) and African Women in Leadership Conference and PR Director for Goodwill Ambassador Awards and now the CEO of Ayanda Media Network.
She has expertise in TV productions, documentaries, blogging, TV commercials, Publishing, event coverage, public relations and communications campaigns.
Ngwane’s works and success stories precede her and she has attracted and continues to attract recommendations. Ngwane has designed and implemented a detailed marketing plan for content ad-sale, sponsorship and distribution that provided minimum gross income for the Media house of 2.4million dollars per year.
“Part of my professional media experiences entails that I designed a detailed concept and implementation plan for the channel’s broadcast operations infrastructure and technology, from system design to integration, which are intellectually proprietary innovations I conceived.
“I produced a project plan and work flowcharts with clear tasks, timelines and milestones. I selected and assembled a project team, made up of renowned professionals and assigned these tasks to them. I identified and acquired the most suitable technologies and experience to build the support infrastructure for press/broadcast operations in an environment such as Nigeria,” she said.
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Ibrahim Aminu Ndakpoto at the Office of the Deputy Chairman House Committee on Petroleum Upstream National Assembly Abuja described Ngwane as a definition of true journalism.
“My first contact with her was when she flew her crew into Ilorin for event coverage and I said to her how much are your charges? She said we don’t do reporting for money but to inform the populace. Ayanda media PR spans across Africa, Europe and the United States of America one thing you can’t take away from her is the Truth not driven by price but Service. I stand to say without contradiction Ayanda simply is the best PR company I know in Nigeria with very good new media coverage,” he said.
In addition to Media and public relations, Ngwane is thriving in the international business space. She is set to launch an 80% Oud perfume brand and pure organic skin-care line in partnership with Woolworth.
Ngwane is a mother to amazing children and core humanitarian with foundations that cater shelters, medical and educational support/care to refugees especially women and children.
Achievers Award: Leading Industry Players to Brainstorm on Blueprint for Africa’s Development
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution

VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting

Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
National News
Farida Waziri Tasks Benue Leaders to Unite, Act and Save Their People

Farida Waziri Tasks Benue Leaders to Unite, Act and Save Their People
…. Donates relief materials to displaced persons in Yelwata, IDP camp
By: Michael Mike
Former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has charged former governors, legislators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Benue state to set aside rivalry, unite and act with urgency to save their people from incessant attacks and killings.
Waziri, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police and Principal Partner, Brookfield Chambers Abuja stated this on Saturday 28th June 2025 while donating relief materials to victims of the recent gunmen attacks in Yelwata community and displaced persons at the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Some of the items donated under the banner of Women, Youth, Children and Crime Organisation (WYCCO), a non-governmental organization founded by her, include: bags of rice, sugar, tubers of yam and other household items.

She said: “This is no time for division. It is no time for political squabbling or ego-driven manoeuvring. Among us are men and women who have led this state — former governors, legislators, traditional rulers — individuals with influence and authority. The time has come to set aside our differences and stand united, for the sake of the ordinary Benue man, woman, and child.
“That is why I stand here today to make this urgent and heartfelt appeal to our leaders: cast aside rivalry, unite, and act. Act with urgency. Act with purpose. Because what we face now increasingly resembles a deliberate, coordinated effort to erase our people and our heritage.
“We must take heed of the words of Sir Winston Churchill, who once said:
‘Our difficulties and dangers will not be removed by closing our eyes to them.’
Another of Churchill’s warnings is just as relevant to our present predicament:
‘If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed… you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival.”
Waziri, while stating that her call was a build up to the earlier proposal by President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit Beforehand Benue, noted that meetings alone would not solve the problem, urging that: “But let us be sincere: peace will not come from meetings alone. To end the cycle of violence, we must confront its roots. Before the Yelwata massacre, communities in Gwer West, Apa, and Guma had already endured weeks of killings, kidnappings, and raids. These horrors did not emerge in a vacuum; they are symptoms of deeper issues.
“We must therefore confront the real causes — ethnic and religious tensions, unchecked banditry, and the rise of cultism as well as the abuse of illicit drugs. These forces must be tackled, along with the herder-farmer conflict, with honesty and courage. We cannot afford to keep going in circles. And there is no room for blame games. Our leaders — and indeed, all of us — must be pragmatic. So today, let us commit, as one people, to healing our wounds, reclaiming our land, and ensuring that never again will a child in Benue grow up in a camp instead of a home”
She said the development in Benue must be of “concern to all sons and daughters of Benue regardless of whether we live within its borders or far away in the diaspora to find out the root cause of these attacks with a view to proferring solutions that will bring an end to these barbaric acts”
Farida Waziri Tasks Benue Leaders to Unite, Act and Save Their People
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