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

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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. 

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

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 

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

By: Zagazola Makama

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has stressed the need for Nigerians to understand the true meaning of jihad, noting that it is not about violence but about striving for excellence in all spheres of life.

The Sultan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of “Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum,” a book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.).

He cautioned against misinterpretations of Islamic concepts, saying extremists and uninformed commentators had for decades wrongly associated jihad with terrorism and violence against non-Muslims.

“Jihad simply means striving — striving to be a better Muslim, a better Christian, a better citizen, and a better human being. It is not about killing anyone. Islam abhors extremism, and no true Muslim can claim to follow the teachings of the Prophet while embracing violence,” the Sultan said.

He explained that Islam, properly understood, promotes peaceful coexistence and good governance, adding that Islamic teachings have over the years helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey by emphasising justice, accountability, and leadership responsibility.

According to him, Islamic institutions such as mosques, scholars, and traditional councils continue to play a stabilising role in the country by mediating conflicts, guiding leaders, and educating citizens on tolerance and civic duties.

“Islam is not about seizing power; it is about ensuring good governance and accountability in society. Our democracy has benefitted from these values because justice and fairness are principles rooted both in the Qur’an and in democratic practice,” he said.

The Sultan also called for stronger interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigeria’s unity depends on mutual understanding between Christians and Muslims.

“If I know who you are, and you know who I am, we can live in peace. Understanding one another is the foundation for national security and stability,” he added.

He commended Gen. Irabor for writing the book, describing it as a timely resource that not only documents the scars of insurgency but also provides insights for policy, governance, and national healing.

The launch attracted dignitaries including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs, traditional rulers, senior military officers, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Sultan of Sokoto calls for proper understanding of jihad, says Islam abhors extremism

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

By Hamza Suleiman

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that the Boko Haram insurgency remains one of the most complex and enduring security challenges in Nigeria’s history, warning that military action alone cannot end the crisis.

Jonathan stated this on Thursday in Abuja at the public presentation of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd).

He said that unlike previous crises in Nigeria such as the Niger Delta militancy and ethno-religious violence, the Boko Haram insurgency carried deeper scars because of its external connections, extremist ideology, and advanced weaponry.

“Boko Haram is more complex than what many people imagine. At some point, their fighters had more ammunition than our soldiers, which clearly showed that external groups were deeply involved,” Jonathan said.

The former President noted that the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 remained one of the most painful scars of his administration, stressing that no form of cosmetic remedy could erase it from the nation’s collective memory.

He recalled his personal engagement with Niger Delta militants as Vice President, saying that his decision to personally visit their camps without armed escorts was borne out of the conviction that dialogue must complement military action.

“In the Niger Delta, I met the militants in their camps. We succeeded in restoring peace not only because of military action but because we engaged them, listened to them, and created opportunities for their communities. That approach worked,” he said.

Jonathan, however, emphasised that Boko Haram presented a different challenge. According to him, the insurgency must be tackled through a holistic strategy that combines security operations with good governance, poverty reduction, youth empowerment, and social justice.

He said: “We cannot treat Boko Haram simply as a law-and-order problem. It is rooted in poverty, exclusion, and broken dreams. Only a comprehensive approach will deliver lasting peace.”

According to him, Nigeria must adopt a similar approach to Boko Haram by tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion in communities vulnerable to extremist recruitment.

He commended Gen. Irabor for documenting his reflections, saying the book would enrich national understanding of insurgency and guide future leaders in shaping policy responses.

“Those who were directly involved must tell their stories. This book will help the nation understand what really happened, what lessons we must learn, and how we can do better in the future,” he added.

The event attracted dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former National Security Adviser Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers.

Jonathan says Boko Haram insurgency too complex, calls for holistic solutions

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), on Wednesday said that the Federal Government’s programmes and policies under President Bola Tinubu-led administration were improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Mrs Adaline Patari, the State Director of NOA, Gombe State office, stated this shortly after a road show to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary in Gombe.

Patari said that programmes and policies of Tinubu-led administration had supported many Nigerians from the student’s loan to conditional cash transfer to support to small businesses amongst others.

She stated that the initiatives by the present administration had restored hope and put the country amongst serious countries pursuing better reforms to improve their economy while revamping infrastructure.

According to her, many undergraduates benefitting from the student’s loan scheme which has removed all financial hindrances impeding access to tertiary education now feel a sense of belonging.

She said that the programmes and policies of the Federal Government have benefitted many households and improved their welfare in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

“The reforms of the Federal Government are working and many persons are proud to be Nigerians and more persons are now trying to do the right things as Nigerians.

“People are beginning to see themselves as proud Nigerians and that confidence of being a Nigerian is being restored.

“Today, many Nigerians are benefitting from the programmes of the current administration, this means that the country is now working for them,” she said.

While acknowledging that there were still challenges that needed to be addressed, Patari said, at 65, we have made tremendous progress especially working together in peace and unity.

She urged Nigerians to continue to support Tinubu administration’s programmes towards building a better country that works for all Nigerians.

The state director said that with the necessary reforms being carried out and already yielding results in the economic, agriculture, security and other sectors, more Nigerians would be prouder to be Nigerians in the future.

“Today, the country is progressing and we are united; we are now prouder to be Nigerians and I can tell you that the labour of our heroes past, indeed is never in vain,” she added.

Commending the contributions of youths to national development, Patari urged them to have a positive mind-set towards Nigeria and to always express optimism of a better Nigeria for everyone.

Patari also lauded the renewed strength with which NOA under the Director General of the agency, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu was being driven.

She said that government’s policies and programmes were getting more supports from Nigerians because of the constant engagements of Nigerians by the NOA nationwide.

The event also featured sensitisation of residents on Federal Government’s policies, programmes and the need for the people to support the current administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda

Nigeria@65: FG’s programmes improving welfare of Nigerians- NOA

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