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BUK Convocation Lecture: NASENI Boss Emphasizes Innovation for National Development

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Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), delivered the 39th Convocation Lecture at Bayero University, Kano (BUK) on Friday, 14th February, 2025.

Notably, Mr. Halilu, at a relatively young age, became the youngest convocation lecturer in the history of Bayero University, underscoring his exceptional leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s science and engineering landscape.

Chaired by Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, the lecture was attended by distinguished personalities, including Alh. Suleiman Halilu, the father of the convocation lecturer, as well as former vice-chancellors, registrars, traditional rulers, and members of the academic community from BUK and other tertiary institutions.

Titled “Innovation and Entrepreneurship: A Pathway to National Development,” Mr. Halilu’s lecture emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to harness its youthful population and leverage technology-driven entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and global competitiveness.

Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic challenges and opportunities, Mr. Halilu noted that the country’s projected population of 264.1 million by 2030 presents a critical challenge: how to turn its demographic strength into an economic advantage. He stressed that Nigeria must produce a generation of skilled leaders equipped to navigate the fourth industrial revolution.

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The NASENI boss also underscored the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic prosperity, citing global data showing that high-income nations boast significantly higher entrepreneurial density than developing economies.

To address Nigeria’s development challenges, Mr. Halilu recommended that the government recalibrate its policies to support innovation and entrepreneurship, citing global success stories such as Estonia’s e-Residency program. He also emphasized the need for universities to align with global trends, adopt multidisciplinary curricula, and enhance partnerships between academia, industry, and government.

In his remarks, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, described the lecture as timely, aligning with the Federal Government’s intensified efforts to tackle poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits. He emphasized that while Nigeria is endowed with abundant talent and resources, the real challenge lies in effectively harnessing them.

Bayero University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, highlighted the significance of the lecture, emphasizing NASENI’s pivotal role in addressing Nigeria’s scientific and technological challenges.

The lecture concluded with Mr. Halilu offering five lessons to the graduands, emphasizing self-determination, continuous learning, and the power of networking. He urged them to be adaptable, entrepreneurial, and solution-driven, and to never underestimate the value of their skills and knowledge.

As the youngest convocation lecturer in BUK’s history, Mr. Halilu’s address will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to drive Nigeria’s development and global competitiveness.

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National patron, Moss Andishu condoles SWAN over the demise of two prominent sports journalists

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March 6, 2026

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By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

 

The national patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Moses Andishu has commiserate with the Nigerian sporting press over the death of two prominent Nigerian sports writers.

It would be recalled that, Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke breath their last within the span of 24 hours.

Tonex served as the image maker of two time back to back African club football champions, Eyimba fc International of Aba.

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Late Niyi Oyeleke former SWAN Lagos chairman, NTA sports reporter , until his demise was a contributing member of the Super Sports crew.

Tonex Chukwu, who nursed injuries sustained from an auto crash, which occurred on 14th February 2026, finally passed away.

Moses Andishu in a press statement issued by his country director for Nigeria, Joseph Andishu, on Wednesday evening in Kaduna, said “ with an heavy heart I send this condolence message to SWAN to offer you comfort, expressing my sympathy, and honor to the deceased veteran comrades , Late Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke.

 

“ at this moments of grief, I offer my love, and support to my SWAN family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

“I am sending strength and love to all sports writers in Nigeria. My deepest condolences .

“I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke. Within the span of hours in between they both transited to the great beyond .

“Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss”.

“Sending you love and strength during this difficult times for the sports journalism fraternity in Nigeria.”

“may almighty God in His infinite mercies grant them eternal rest. Amen.”

“May the soul of all the departed, rest in peace .” Amen.

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Ex-Bayelsa Governor Dickson Defects from PDP to NDC

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15 hours ago

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March 6, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Bayelsa State Governor and serving Senator, Seriake Dickson, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress.

Dickson announced his defection on Thursday while addressing a world press conference, stating that his decision was guided by principle and conviction.

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The former governor described the current state of the Peoples Democratic Party as critical, likening it to a patient in an Intensive Care Unit. He expressed concern over what he sees as deep internal challenges within the party.

According to him, Nigeria must not drift toward a one party system, stressing that a healthy democracy requires vibrant opposition and credible political alternatives.

Dickson’s exit marks a significant development in the nation’s political landscape, given his long standing role within the PDP as a former governor and influential figure in the South South region.

Further details of his plans within the Nigeria Democratic Congress are expected in due course.

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NDLEA Clarifies: Drug Case Against Abba Kyari Still Active After Court Discharge

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March 6, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has moved to correct public misconceptions surrounding the legal troubles of suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, clarifying that the core drug trafficking charges against him remain very much alive.

The clarification comes in the wake of a ruling by Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which discharged Kyari from a separate 23-count charge related to money laundering and the alleged non-declaration of assets.

In a statement released on Thursday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stressed that the public should not conflate the two distinct legal proceedings. He explained that while the money laundering case was before Justice Omotosho, the primary drug case is being handled by a different judge.

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“The ruling delivered by Justice Omotosho is entirely separate from the main and substantive drug case against Abba Kyari,” Babafemi said. “That drug case is very much on course and is scheduled to continue before Justice Emeka Nwite on 16 of March. The public should be very clear that these are two different matters.”

The anti-narcotics agency also outlined its next steps regarding the recent court ruling. According to the statement, the NDLEA’s legal team is awaiting the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment. A thorough review of the document will inform the agency’s decision on whether to file an appeal against the discharge from the money laundering charges.

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