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MY VISION FOR BENYBITE FOODS IS TO BECOME A GAME – CHANGER IN NIGERIA ‘S FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRY 

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By Ebinum Samuel 

– Mr. Benjamin Kayode-Ojo( Managing Director and the CEO of Benybite Foods Nigeria Ltd )

 

Early in July, 2025 the Plateau state governor, Caleb Mutfwang commissioned Benybite Foods grains milling factory in Jos, described as the largest of its kind in Plateau state and the second most advanced food processing facility in Nigeria.

The plant has the capacity to mill 6,000 tons of maize monthly and clean over 10,000 tons of maize. The entire facility is built with stainless steel technology, making it one of the most food-processing–friendly environments in the country,

 

 

From all indications the plant could serve as a key supplier of raw materials to the nearby Jos International Breweries and other food and beverage industries nationwide.

 

 

According to the governor, Mutfwang: “We envision a future where Plateau state becomes the raw materials hub for industries across Nigeria. This factory is a strategic part of that vision,” he explained while pledging the Plateau state government in terms of stable electricity supply and good access roads. In fact, he commended the noble efforts of the brain behind the laudable project,Mr. Benjamin Kayode-Ojo. But who is this latest industrialist in town who is becoming a game – changer in boosting food security and job creation in the country ?

 

 

During a media interaction he provided answers to shed brighter light about his background, what inspired and motivated him to engage in the project, how he overcame the obstacles, his training programs and of course, his plans for the future.

 

 

” I am Mister Ajibola Benjamin Kayode-Ojo, born in Gwada, Niger State. I graduated from the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, served at Grand Cereals Limited in 1999. I later started my working career in the same institution immediately after service. While there I rose to become the National Sales Manager before I resigned to start my business on February 4th, 2020. I attended several courses.

 

 

On what inspired him to actively engage in the project and the challenges faced he has this to say: ” It has always been my dream to start a personal business. That was why, despite several overtures from different companies, I rejected all the offers until the opportunity came in 2020 for me to start.

Funding was the biggest challenge, but with the goodwill built over the years, a greater chunk of the raw materials supplied were based on trust.”

 

 

Interestingly, according to him, most of the staff joined him from Grand Cereals Limited based on the trust that he has always delivered. “Some are even colleagues because of my track record in sales, and they believe that the new venture will succeed. They resigned voluntarily from Grand Cereals Limited to follow me.”

 

 

Basically, the company pills grains, beginning with maize for the processing. To succeed at that and get the Benybite Maize product he explained the nitty gritty of the partnership. “We invite experts in different fields to talk to us on different subjects that are related to our business. We also engage technical partners as consultants to work directly with our staff for skills acquisition. We do mostly B/B, but recently, we are going into FMCG as there is a growing need for our product.”

 

 

And for the government’s support he stated that: “We want the government to fix the road leading to the factory and also work in collaboration with us to resuscitate the Jos International Brewery as the factory is strategically located to the Brewery with the needed processed grains.”

 

 

Explaining how he felt during the commissioning of the factory by the Plateau state government, he gleefully stated that: “I am so excited, I give thanks to God for good upbringing, teaching us daily good values, and instilling in us the ‘CAN DO’ spirit. We believe we must remain resolute and focus our attention on the opportunities as we navigate through the tough terrain.”

 

As a leading light in food processing, he has some words of admonition for the current generation of Nigerian youths.”Pray and believe in yourself. Take away your fears. You don’t know how far you can go until you launch out. For every obstacle, there is always a way out.”

 

 

On his vision for the future he explained that: “Our plans for the future are to churn out more world-class products that can stand its ground in the global market through the promotions of local raw materials”.

 

In conclusion he was full of commendations to Governor Mutfwang for his support and leadership. The Benybite CEO said: “Your Excellency, this commissioning would not have been possible without your passion and commitment to industrial growth. We sincerely appreciate you for honoring our request despite your busy schedule.

 

“Benybite Foods Company in Jos places Plateau state at the epicentre of modern agricultural processing in the country “.

Pride group founder who r@ped a 12-year-old boy he met on dating app is jailed alongside his partnera

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The founder of a Pride group, who r@ped an ‘extremely vulnerable’ boy who he met on Grindr, has been jailed for 13 years.

 

Stephen Ireland, 42, who co-founded Pride in Surrey in 2018, r@ped the child at the flat he shared with his then partner and co-defendant David Sutton, 27, in Addlestone on April 19, 2024.

 

Ireland had arranged for the 12-year-old boy, referred to in court as Child A, to meet him at his flat after messaging him on the dating app Grindr, the court heard.

 

The boy, who had been reported missing at the time, told police they had s£x in the flat.

 

The boy said they also smoked a bong which was later found to have contained methamphetamine, and that pornography was played on a laptop.

 

Judge Patricia Lees, sentencing at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, told the hearing Ireland ‘took advantage’ of a vulnerable child.

 

She said: ‘Stephen Ireland is a man who prided himself on being versed in and highly alive to the vulnerabilities of young people linked to the Surrey Pride organisation he was at the time pivotal to.

 

‘A was quite obviously to any adult an extremely vulnerable child who was highly sexualised.

 

The boy, who had been reported missing at the time, told police they had s£x in the flat.

 

The boy said they also smoked a bong which was later found to have contained methamphetamine, and that porn0graphy was played on a laptop.

 

Judge Patricia Lees, sentencing at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, told the hearing Ireland ‘took advantage’ of a vulnerable child.

 

She said: ‘Stephen Ireland is a man who prided himself on being versed in and highly alive to the vulnerabilities of young people linked to the Surrey Pride organisation he was at the time pivotal to.

 

‘A was quite obviously to any adult an extremely vulnerable child who was highly s£xualised.

 

‘Any responsible adult would have quickly appreciated that there was a high likelihood A is a young man who had been the subject of s£xual gro0ming by adult men at a very early age and been concerned for him instead of taking advantage of him.’

 

The court heard the boy had initially told Ireland he was aged 17 – but when he later claimed to be aged 13, Ireland replied: ‘OK – we just have to keep it a secret.’

 

‘Your response was telling,’ Judge Lees told Ireland, who sat in the dock dressed in a large red T-shirt and showed no emotions throughout the hearing.

 

‘Far from finding that repugnant, you found that exciting, and sought to do it again.’

 

In a Telegram chat that took place after their encounter, Ireland sent Child A a message in which he described his age as ‘naughty and kinky’, the court heard.

 

On the same day, Ireland asked the boy if he would have a threesome and sent the child pictures of himself and Sutton.

 

Jurors heard that Ireland sent a picture of Child A to Sutton, describing him as a ’14-year-old baby’ who ‘wants to play with men’s bodies’, and the pair exchanged messages about the child.

 

Ireland along with Sutton, who was a volunteer for Surrey Pride, were found guilty of a string of s£xual offences against children including voyeurism, arranging commission of a child sex offence, and possession of prohibited images of children, after a trial at Guildford Crown Court earlier this year.

 

In August 2022, Ireland and Sutton discussed arrangements to procure a 13-year-old boy for Sutton’s 25th birthday in October of that year, the court heard.

 

Both men were also sentenced on one count each of voyeurism after Ireland watched live camera footage of Sutton having s£x with another 16-year-old boy at their flat in March 2024.

 

The teenager did not know he was being recorded, with Ireland sending Sutton messages such as ‘he doesn’t know I’m here’ and telling him what to do, the court heard.

 

‘You fed off one another,’ Judge Lees told the defendants during the sentence hearing on Monday.

 

‘You definitely supported one another in your perversions.’

 

Ireland and Sutton also perverted the course of justice by intentionally deleting material and search history from their phones after they were released on police bail in June 2024.

 

Ireland was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment on one count of r@pe, three counts of causing a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, s£xual ass@ult, conspiracy to engage in s£xual activity with a child, arranging commission of a child s£x offence, six counts of making indecent photographs of children, four counts of distributing indecent photographs of children, possession of prohibited images, and possession of an extreme porn0graphic image.

 

Sutton was sentenced to four-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for offences including voyeurism, possession and distribution of prohibited images of children, and perverting the course of justice.

 

“My wife aband0ned me when I was bãnned from football and l0st my Fame – Paul Pogba

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“I realized how empty and meaningless when I was bãnned from football for 4-years.
 
Immediately I stopped being Pogba the rich famous player, people started avoiding me.
 
 The w0rst thing which still breaks my heart today was even my own wife abandoned me.
 
 Everyone who used to invite me to their fashion  events and stuff like that said: «Pogba is of no use now.»
 
That was a good sit back for me to see my true friends. And my wife proved she never loved me. But I’m very happy now because my phone doesn’t ring with fãke friends again. I now know I’m on my own in life.” ~ Paul Pogba
 
Most times, people are just drawn to you because of your success.
 
Don’t live your life trying to please others because no one actually cares
 
“My wife aband0ned me when I was bãnned from football and l0st my Fame. She was only there for the Money and Fame.” Paul Pogba

Nigerian Women Expose Alleged Romance Fraud by American Man Known as J-Love

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Several Nigerian women have come forward with shocking claims against an American man popularly known as J-Love, accusing him of scamming them emotionally and financially after he was brought into the country.

 

In a now-viral video, one of the women shared her experience, revealing that she had sponsored his flight from the U.S. to Nigeria, introduced him to friends, and believed she was building a future with him. However, things quickly took a turn.

 

“There were a lot of red flags from the beginning, but again, he’s an American,” she said.

 

She explained that J-Love had allegedly charmed not just her but multiple women, pretending to be in serious relationships with them while reportedly collecting money and sensitive personal details from each.

 

“Even his flights from America to Nigeria, I was the one that paid. Plus or minus, of my own money alone, he was supposed to have at least $10,000.”

 

According to her, J-Love planned to permanently relocate to Nigeria to live with her. She admitted she had high hopes, especially because she knew someone who met their spouse online and went on to have a happy family.

 

“I felt, ah, that could happen to me too. He treated me like a queen. I used to tell people he worships me.”

 

But after settling in, his attitude reportedly changed. He allegedly became rude, verbally abusive, and even manipulative.

 

“He started yelling, telling me I’m bothering him. One day, he told me I’m broke.”

 

More disturbing was the discovery that he had stored personal and financial information — including credit card details, signatures, and account logins — on his hard drive.

 

“All my credit cards, front and back. He had my signature. He had my daddy’s signature. All the login details to my accounts.”

 

She said she later found emails on his device that hinted at child support issues and other concerning activities, suggesting he had a pattern of using women to fund his lifestyle.

 

“This guy was collecting loot and listing me as part of his things.”

 

Other women have since confirmed having similar experiences, all falling for the same sweet-talking charm that left them heartbroken and financially drained.

 

“He can sweet talk. I can’t blame any girl that fell for his trick.”

SPECIAL DEDICATION of my READ Initiative to: MRS. ADELINE CRIPE (Nee Adeline Miller) now of blessed memory

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Tit-bits:
What is the READ INITIATIVE all about?
READ simply stands for Reviving Early Academic Development. It was conceived in year 2000 after spending 20 years of my career as a school teacher in science subjects.

That was in institutions such as Edeki Grammar School Otuo,( NYSC, 1976-77), in Bendel state(now defunct), Govt. Secondary School, Agbamu, Kwara State, Govt. Girls School, Obangede, (then in Kwara state but now Kogi State), Abdul Azeez Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO,) Okene and Gov. Day Sec. School, Adankolo, Kogi State. It was after all these experiences that I veered fully into the field of journalism.

Furthermore, it was through my experiences in these schools that informed the writing of my motivational bestseller, ‘HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL STUDENT’© 2013.
THE VISION is to revive all-round development of pupils and students, at the foundation level of education. One discovered over the years, that many of them fail their examinations not because they are not potentially brilliant but due to lack of good upbringing right from their homes, lack of quality teachers, low teacher-to pupils/students ratio as well as lack of enabling environment for quality education delivery.

These include lack of requisite reading materials, laboratory equipment, practical lessons and lack of focus on their studies as many of them are distracted by societal events and frivolous lifestyles.


So, I go round schools to deliver motivational lectures. And I keep encouraging people to get back to their alma mater to assist in infrastructural development, donation of books, rebuilding school buildings, equipping the libraries and laboratories, in line with the READ Initiative.


** Schools I have delivered such Motivational Lectures, include:
***Victory Group of Schools, Maryland Lagos, Airforce Primary School, Ikeja Lagos, New Erral Group of Schools, Jankara and Progress College, Abule-Egba ,Lagos.


TOPICS of lecture include:
1. Preparing for Tomorrow, Today
2. Bringing Out the Best in You!
3. The Power of Creativity in Students’ Success
4. The Role of Modern Technology in Students’ Development
5. How to Choose the Right Career for You
6. How Drug Addiction and Trafficking Ruins Your future
7. Learning from the Best for Self Development
VITAL INFORMATION:
Parents, Principals and Proprietors who are interested should add me on WhatsApp 07068638066
***REASONS for dedicating the READ Initiative to Mrs. Adeline Cripe ( of blessed memory).
1. She paid my school fees from Form 2 in 1967 to Form 5 in 1970 at Ochaja Secondary School.


2. Apart from teaching the English language she encouraged and honed my writing skill, such that I came up with my first novel as a Form Four student in 1969, though I did it for fun and never got it published.
3. The motivational lessons I gleaned from her and other missionary teachers at that wonderful and all-round developing school who gave my classmates and I all their best must not be lost.

Meet Paul Jeremiah, a multi-talented IITA-trained farmer making the difference 

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

 

As millions of Nigerians groan under the current economic hardship, foisted on us by the sudden, rash removal of fuel subsidy back in May 2023 with the spin – off effects of high inflation rate, spiralling into the escalating costs of transportation, food items, sundry consumables and services, there are a few young entrepreneurs defying the odds to succeed as problem – solvers. We need to glean a lesson or two from them.

 

One of such is the 29 year-old Paul Godswill Jeremiah.In a recent encounter he revealed some facts about his professional background, what he currently does and his vision for the future. As the wise ones say, it is always good to hear from the horse’s mouth. He has therefore, responded to related questions. The taste of the pudding is really savoured in its eating. So, enjoy the conversation, in his own words:

 

On his background he stated that: “I’m from Akwa Ibom, but based in Lagos. I’m a student running a part – time programme at the University of Lagos, Distance Learning Institute (DLI).currently at the 300-Level studying Public Administration. My professions include photography, solar power gadgets installation, poultry farming as well as a marketer.

 

With specific regards to poultry farming he stated that: “My experience at the training was that I learnt to be a problem – solver as an entrepreneur, based on what to produce, how to produce it and who to produce them for.

 

“I learnt on how to become a successful poultry farmer, how to take care of the birds such as broilers, layers and cockerels. I also learnt of how the pen – house must be kept clean, which is going to be a daily routine. In the course of this training the platform became an eye- opener of what I did not know. But now I know and I understand what it takes to be an agribusiness poultry farmer. “

 

Furthermore , he shed more light of what he gained during the period of his IITA training program. Said he: “In the course of the training we were asked to write down our weaknesses and our fears, so as to face them, of which I did. I penned it down saying that ‘I can’t stand the smell of the faeces. But working on it helped me to overcome that challenge.”

 

Giving insight into what the IITA Training Program is all about he explained that: ” It is a youth empowerment program where we have department which is classified into three. We have the *Poultry class, the Aquaculture* and the Horticulture.”

 

When it comes to some relevant lessons he learnt, not just for production but that of sales he explained that: ” The number one key weapon to be a successful farmer is that one must have a good customer relationship which would lead to very fast and reliable services. Also, one must treat the customer as king. In fact, customers are very important to me because I place my client as the top priority.”

 

He decided during the training to focus on just poultry farming for now. But he needs government ‘s financial support to push his vision forward. As he stated : ” I need capital to expand the poultry business so I can put to use on what I have learnt “

 

On what the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, means to him, he has this to say: “IITA is more than an institution to me. It is a beacon of hope and progress. To me, it represents a place where knowledge, innovation, and passion for agriculture come together to create real impact. My time with IITA has opened doors to new perspectives, inspired a deep appreciation for research-based solutions, and strengthened my commitment to transforming agriculture in Africa.

 

” It is a community that nurtures growth, encourages collaboration, and empowers individuals to be part of something bigger than themselves. IITA has not only shaped my career path but has also instilled in me a sense of purpose and pride that is in contributing to sustainable development.”

 

 

On his piece of candid advice to the younger generation he highlighted that: “My advice to the Nigerian youth is this: First, discover your purpose and don’t wait for opportunities to come over to you. Try and create them by yourself. It is also important to learn a skill and mix wit the right people.”

 

On his plans for the future, he stated that: “Looking ahead, my goal is to grow both personally and professionally. I aim to continue developing my skills, embrace new learning opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to my community and country. I plan to pursue a career that aligns with my passions, whether in agriculture, entrepreneurship, or social impact, and use that platform to create solutions and empower others.

 

“In the long term, I hope to be a role model for the next generation—someone who not only achieves success but also uplifts others along the way. My future is driven by purpose, guided by values, and fueled by a deep desire to make a lasting difference.”

 

All said, it has become necessary for young Nigerians to reshape their vision away from fraudulent and frivolous lifestyles of yahoo yahoo, engaging in ritual murders for come-quick naira or getting involved in drug trafficking, to that of full focus, learning skills, resilience to succeed against all manner of challenges and standing tall to achieve success, as Jeremiah is currently doing. A word should be enough for the wise.

Who Is Ayo Oyoze Baje?

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Ayo Oyoze Baje is a distinguished Nigerian media professional, writer, and public commentator known for his insightful analyses on national development, governance, and social issues. With a career spanning decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigerian journalism and literature.

Career and Contributions

Baje has worked with several prominent Nigerian media outlets, including The Guardian, The Punch, and The Nation. His writings often delve into topics such as education, agriculture, and national unity. He is also recognized for his literary works, including novels, plays, and poems that explore the complexities of the human condition. His book, Drumbeats of Democracy, a collection of opinion essays spanning over four decades, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to truth, justice, and the power of the written word. His achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Vanguard Poetry Award and the Golden Pen First Prize Award from Friesland WAMCO/Campina .

Advocacy and Public Engagement

Beyond his journalistic endeavors, Baje is an advocate for various causes. He has written extensively on the importance of education, emphasizing the need for quality learning opportunities for Nigerian children. In his piece, The Future of Nigerian Children, he highlights the contributions of unsung nationalists like the late Professor Eyo Ita, who played a pivotal role in the educational development of Nigeria’s youth .

He has also been

CELEBRATING “BRO EHIGIE” AT 70

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By Tunde Olusunle

He turned 70 on Monday May 5, 2025. A thanksgiving service and celebration of the landmark, however, have been scheduled for early June 2025, in Benin City, capital of Edo State, his birthplace. The city is a peculiar cosmopolis steeped in very rich history, confounding myth, even curious mysticism. For those of us who come several decades down the calendar of time with him, his latter day appellations and honorifics are novel to us. The job mobility of my parents precipitated the relocation of our family from Kaduna, capital of the primordial “North Central State,” to Benin City, capitol of the old “Midwestern State,” back in 1972. My father headed the Kaduna branch of “Livestock Feeds Ltd,” which was then a subsidiary of the primordial “Pfizer Nigeria Ltd.” My mother was a nurse and midwife in the employ of the “North Central State Health Management Board.” Our first address was at “Second East Circular Road,” Benin City.As our family grew, we sought bigger residential facility in the “New Benin District” at the time. Mid-1975, we moved over to “Eresoyen Street,” adjoining “Oziegbe Street” into a property owned by the Uzamere family. The world was a much better place, the Uzameres received us not as lessees of their property, but as extensions of the clan. For *Iye,* Madam Izegbuwa Lucy Uzamere, matriarch of their dynasty, my siblings and I, were as well her children. *Iye’s* eldest child, Osaheni Uzamere, seasoned administrator and subsequently attorney was the head of the family. He took to me specifically because he was an alumnus of the revered Immaculate Conception College, (ICC), Benin City, where I also had my secondary school education. The Uzamere family was predominantly populated by boys. Albert, the youngest of *Iye’s* children was my direct contemporary. We proceeded apace in our various secondary schools. Immediately above Albert was George, who was next to Ehigie. L

ong settled out there in the United States of America, (USA), was Ehigie’s immediate elder brother, John, (now of blessed memory). Humphrey and Wellington, half brothers to Ehigie were regularly around. Ehigie was something like the unofficial “head boy” within that space. We all deferred to him which culminated in our christening him *Bro Ehigie.* Despite our sociocultural diversities, Ehigie Uzamere showed leadership amongst us the boys in the house. He was interested in our academic performances and regularly sought updates about our tests and examinations. He would usually call for our answer sheets and report cards. He spotted my proficiency in English language and Literature-in-English and would admonish us on knowledge-sharing. Bro Ehigie soon joined John Uzamere in the US and swore to convince my parents to allow me join him once he was settled. To be sure, he secured admission for me at the State University of New York, (SUNY), not too long after, on the strength of my academic transcripts. I later posted a Division One performance with distinctions in the West African School Certificate Examination, (WASCE) O’Level which I wrote at age 15. My parents feared I was too young to live out of their sight, all by myself at that age, if I was allowed to go abroad. Ehigie Uzamere visited home fairly often. From his luggage whenever he came, we gleaned the albums of new and current foreign musical releases. My first physical and auditory encounters with the works of many foreign artists those good old days were from Bro Ehigie’s collections.

These include releases by *Ray Parker Jnr;* *Diana Ross; Al Hudson and One Way;* *Sugarhill Gang;* *Bill Summers and Summers Heat;* *Brothers Johnson,* “Stomp;” *Prince,* “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” *Michael Jackson’s* “Off the Wall” and so on. Usually when he holidayed in Benin City, he was hosted to a few gigs by his friends. We the younger troupe would dress our best and tag along with him. My parents were ultra-strict with the rules, especially those years when one was still a precocious early teen. Bro Ehigie’s name, however, could avail you some latitude. In 1980, my family relocated to Ilorin in Kwara State. After several years in the “diaspora” within the Nigerian context, my parents thought we should gravitate homewards. Telephony was not anywhere as sophisticated as it is today, but somehow, I kept in touch with Benin City. Across the road from the Uzamere’s, were the Ehigators, a family very close to ours. Osabuohien Ehigiator, (may his soul rest in peace) was my very good friend and schoolmate. Through him and members of his family, I was able to stay in touch with our mutual friends in Benin City. After qualifying as an architect in the US, Ehigie Uzamere went against the grain. Whereas many Nigerians who had the opportunity of foreign sojourn opted to stay back in the countries where they schooled, Uzamere returned home. He believed he could contribute to the development of his home country, despite the privilege of dual citizenship. He underwent the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) with the Bendel Development and Property Authority, (BPDA), which retained his services upon the completion of the exercise.

Not too long after, he opted for self-employment and established a chain of private firms with interests in architecture and building; procurement; medical and pharmaceutical hardware; water processing and broadcasting. He ventured into politics and was elected Senator representing Edo South in 2007, and reelected for a second term in 2011. He made history as the first parliamentarian to be elected on the platforms of two different political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), in Edo State. During his stint in the federal parliament, he helped reposition his senatorial district at the core of national politics. No more the sidelining, the intentional marginalisation of Edo South in the national scheme. Working with amenable political leaders from his catchment, he galvanised support for the appointment of one of his constituents as Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin. It was the very first time in the life of the institution. He equally anchored the recognition of one of his own as Chief Executive of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research, (NIFOR), which is domiciled in his senatorial district. In all of these, Uzamere remains renowned for his politics of civility. Not for him the lawlessness, thuggery and violence which typify our politics in parts. You needed to experience his connectedness with the grassroots, the way he was adulated one of those days he picked me up from the airport in Benin City. He is known by a large percentage of the commuter operators in the place and seamlessly code-switched to *Bini* language as he engaged with them.

Don’t be surprised when Ehigie Uzamere and I converse in particular ways in pidgin English. We have peculiar expressions understood only by initiates.Uzamere’s greatest source of joy, happiness and fulfilment is his beautiful family. He has been married to his very homely wife, Iriagbonse Irowa, for 43 years. The union has been blessed by God with many children and grandchildren. He has a pet name for each of his children even as he eternally dotes on his grandchildren. He never misses any opportunity to have his family congregate under one roof, in his homes, in Benin City, Abuja or Atlanta, especially during festivities. He would spontaneously set up photo shoots for his grandchildren. Contentment and gratitude are typically writ large on his visage. You get the feeling that he would most happily build an expansive palace, bordered by the same perimeters so he could wake up each morning and tour each family unit to see just how everyone is faring.Uzamere’s loyalty to friendship is phenomenal. In rain or sunshine, he sticks with you.

Despite suspicions of the serial subversions of popular will by the nation’s foremost electoral midwife in the 2019 and 2023 presidential elections, he has stuck with his preferred candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, through thick and thin. When he is not on Atiku’s entourage, Uzamere would be on the delegation to receive Atiku at the airport, irrespective of the time of the day. He is not given to prevarication, he’s never on the fence on issues. He takes a position and stays with it. He will remind you that at his age and stature as an elder statesman, it is far too late for him to play the chameleon. I savoured a meal of home-made rice for dinner with him on one of my visits. It came, wrapped in green leaves, restating Uzamere’s uncommon earthiness, despite his established cosmopolitanism. As I ran out of stew for my meal, he simply picked up my serving of the rice and moved the content into the stew. He remarked in pidgin English: *When soup no plenty again, just transfer the food inside the soup bowl,* he lectured me with an accompanying smile. Uzamere is in the constant business of self-development. He once told me, not too long ago, that he had registered for a masters degree in business administration. I asked why he went back to school. He reminded that former President Olusegun Obasanjo who I worked with, returned to the classroom after being the nation’s leader for two terms, in his 70s.This is celebrating with a longstanding brother, Ehigie Edobor Uzamere, as he joins the privileged ranks of septuagenarians and wishing him many more years in good health.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

I Had Double Promotion To Lieutenant Then My Thumb Was Cut Off, Bullet Went Through My Leg—Ugochukwu

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Chief Onyema Ugochukwu has shared a story from his time as a soldier during the Nigerian Civil War. He disclosed that he was quickly promoted, from under-officer straight to full Lieutenant but soon after that, he was badly injured in combat.Speaking in an exclusive interview with Daily Trust TV, Ugochukwu said he got shot, lost his thumb, and took a bullet in his leg. He said the injuries were serious enough to take him off the battlefield for some time.

However, even though he hadn’t fully recovered, his battalion still chose him to serve as the adjutant Ugochukwu said that while the role of adjutant is mostly administrative, it still involved responsibilities close to the front line In Ugochukwu’s words: “I had double promotion from under-officer to full Lieutenant and then I got shot, my thumb was cut off and I had a bullet through my leg and things like that. That took me out of action for a while, but even before I had fully recovered, the battalion appointed me adjutant of the battalion. So I had to go back, but adjutant is more administrative but it also could give you some functions in the forward line”

Dr Bolajoko Olusanya elected a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences

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By Ebinum Samuel

As Nigerians continue to search for remarkable heroes in virtually all the fields of human endeavour, as their beacon – bearers in the dark tunnel of mass ignorance, it is indeed a piece of heart-warming news that one of our own is making
the nation and indeed the African continent proud in the challenging world of academics. She is none other than the erudite paeditrician, Bolajoko Olusanya who was elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences( AAS). And going by her outstanding achievements the prestigious honour is all well deserved.

Described as an exemplary scholar, disability inclusion advocate and social entrepreneur, Olusanya is actively engaged in globally impactful researches outside the traditional university/academic setting. That sets her apart as she stands head and shoulders above her peers. It is therefore, necessary for us all to glean from her vast and varied experiences in the global medical field.

With regards to her proud academic pedigree she is a graduate of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (MBBS1977 – 1982)
Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital & Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
/FMCPaed (1987 -1998 Paediatrics). Others include the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, ( UK, FRCPCH 2004 Child Health)and the University College London, UK for her PhD in 2008, specializing in Child Health & Audio-Vestibular Medicine.

Based on her feats in medical -related researches she was elected in 2023 as a Fellow of The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and announced in April 2025: (News| AAS Fellow).

Worthy of note is that Dr. Olusanya is the Centre Director of the Healthy Start Initiative (HSI). The Nigerian/UK-trained developmental paediatrician with PhD in Child Health/Audio-Vestibular Medicine from the University College London is also the co-founder of the Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, Nigeria (an Organisation in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council).

Interestingly, she is the Medical Director of First Years Medical Centre and Phonics Hearing Centre in Nigeria and a Senior Collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease (GBD). She is involved in the study based at the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation (IHME), Seattle, USA as well as being the coordinator/co-founder, the Global Research on Developmental Disabilities Collaborators [GRDDC].

She is a passionate and evidence-driven advocate for children with disabilities, accountability and decolonisation in global health.

Within the academic landscape she has authored or co-authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles with over 120,000 citations spanning paediatrics, otolaryngology, audiology, general/rehabilitative medicine, maternal and child health, and international health policy.

Of great significance is that her scientific work is inspired by her personal experience of inclusive education with congenital hearing loss and is uniquely focused on community-oriented management of developmental disabilities. That is including early detection and intervention programmes, as well as the prevention and management of the associated risk factors. She is academic reviewer for over 100 Medline-indexed scientific journals and serves on several editorial boards including BMJ Paediatrics Open, International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, International Journal of Audiology, PLOS One, Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Pediatrics, and the Christian Journal for Global Health.

It should be highlighted that Dr. Olusanya pioneered the largest hospital-based and community-based universal newborn hearing screening programmes in Nigeria/Africa from 2003 to 2008 (UNHS Nigeria). And she was a leading contributor to the current WHO classification system for hearing loss. She is the lead local investigator for the first and only randomised controlled trial on the use of filtered sunlight phototherapy for treating neonates with severe-to-hazardous hyperbilirubinaemia globally.

She is a Fellow/Member of several professional associations, including the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, the Royal Society of Medicine, the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability, the International Epidemiological Association, and the American Psychological Association. She received the 2018 Aram Glorig Award by the International Society of Audiology, in recognition of her contribution to global hearing healthcare. She is listed among the world’s top 2% highly-ranked scientists and has been awarded a lifetime highly ranked scholar status in hearing loss and developing countries in the field of public health by ScholarGPS.

Outstanding is the fact that she is ranked as the leading researcher in paediatrics in Nigeria and among the top 5 in Africa. She is Co-Chair, The Lancet Commission on Hearing Loss and Member, The Lancet Commission on Disability & Health.