The announcement was made by NIPR President Dr. Ike Neliaku on Friday at the Abuja office of Image Merchant Promotions Limited (IMPR), owners of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, Tech Digest and other titles.
The 24-year-old Abedoh, the best cohort member of the one-month fellowship, is an Information and Media Studies graduate of Bayero University, Kano (BUK). Ramot Ikeoluwa Ibrahim was named the Most Disciplined Fellow.
A jury chaired by Mr. Francis Enoboro, ex-spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), selected Abedoh after all 10 fellows made separate oral presentations in various areas of public relations.
Neliaku, the special guest of honour, hailed the young citizens on completing the training in journalism, PR, social media, and artificial intelligence. He said Fatima would get an all-expense paid scholarship to the NIPR Finishing School in Nasarawa State.
“Fatima will be participating in a one-month summer training on PR and other aspects of communication. On behalf of my management team, I’m excited to also announce that the Best PRNigeria Fellows in the next five years will receive the same prize,” he disclosed.
Addressing the cohort, the NIPR President stressed the importance of having a good reputation for personal, organizational and national growth as it is “a core asset” companies globally hold in high esteem.
“Reputation is now an important part of our life. So, you need to start cultivating it because it grows over time. It is a core asset to any organization and a determinant of how people reckon with you as a person, an establishment or a country.
“Reputation without hard work does not yield results; hard work and commitment are its drivers. Meanwhile, we must acknowledge Alhaji Yushau Shuaib’s contributions to Nigeria, especially in crisis management and communication, where he has devoted time and resources.
“His mentorship of younger generations is equally impressive and deserves recognition. Having consistently demonstrated this commitment and escalated it into a Fellowship is worthy of commendation,” Neliaku added.
Mr Shuaib, IMPR CEO and PRNigeria Editor-in-chief, congratulated the fellows and wished them well in future endeavours. He said the training will be conducted at PRNigeria Centres in Ilorin and Kano in October and December.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest has commended the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Student Engagement to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Com. Asefon Dayo for his efforts and unwavering dedication in bridging gap between Nigerian students and the government.
Southwest NANS described the milestone achievement as a testament to Asefon’s deep understanding of students and the issues facing them.
A statement jointly signed by NANS southwest coordinator, Com. Alao John and Com. Sanni Olamide, NANS Southwest Secretary General noted that the student body has never been closer to government like this except under the administration of President Tinubu.
According to the statement, students have witnessed unprecedented levels of engagement, where their concerns are consistently given attention and addressed.
The statement reads: “This administration has shown a commendable willingness to listen to the voices of Nigerian students and take active steps in providing solutions to the challenges we encounter.
“Comrade Asefon’s exemplary performance as the SSA on Student Engagement is not surprising, given his extensive background and leadership experience within NANS.
“As a former NANS President, he understands the intricacies of the student struggle and the critical role that effective engagement with the government plays in advancing the welfare of Nigerian students.
“His experiences as a former leader in various capacities have prepared him for this role, allowing him to discharge his duties with efficiency and a sense of responsibility.
“Through his dynamic leadership, we have seen remarkable initiatives that have positively impacted the lives of Nigerian students. From advocating for better learning conditions to representing our interests at the highest levels of government, Comrade Asefon has truly represented us well.
“His open-door policy and proactive approach in addressing student issues have set a new standard for what student engagement with the government should look like.
“The NANS Southwest is not only proud of Comrade Asefon but also immensely grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and for recognizing the importance of student engagement in national development.
“This partnership between the government and the student body is a clear indication that the concerns of Nigerian students will continue to receive the attention they deserve.
“As we move forward, we remain confident in Comrade Asefon’s capacity to further strengthen the bond between students and the government, ensuring that the student constituency continues to be an integral part of national discourse. NANS Southwest stands firmly behind him, and we look forward to even greater achievements under his stewardship.”
Nigeria is set to mark its 64th Independence Day on October 1 and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) is pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable occasion.
Comrade Lucky Emonefe, NANS President, in a press conference on Thursday, announced a nationwide campaign to promote patriotism among students, who are the future leaders of the country.
Emonefe emphasised the significance of Independence Day, recalling the struggles and sacrifices of Nigeria’s forefathers who fought against colonialism.
He noted that while the country has made progress, there’s still much to be done, and it’s essential for citizens to rally around their leaders and country.
Emonefe lamented that many Nigerians take their independence and existence as one country for granted, forgetting the brutish and merciless life lived by their grandfathers under colonialism.
He stressed that supporting leaders is essential, even when disagreeing with their policies, as their failure is a collective one.
To rekindle patriotism, NANS has planned various activities including special prayers that will be held in mosques and churches across campuses to pray for Nigeria’s prosperity and guidance for its leaders.
He said: “In line with our desire to bolster a sense of pride in our country, especially among our students population, who are the future leaders, the national leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) plans a nationwide campaign to promote patriotism. We are using the opportunity of the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations to pilot this plan through a serious of activities lined up nationwide.
“As the former American president and sage, John F Kennedy famously said in his inaugural speech as the 35th President of the United States, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country’.
“I am pleased to inform you that NANS under my leadership has planned a series of activities to ginger up our dear members, our respected students to own up their country and for us all to celebrate Nigeria in a grand way.
“Aside this press conference and ongoing tour of campuses nationwide, I hereby direct all our comrade leaders across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to convene special Friday prayers tomorrow in mosques tomorrow to pray for this great country.
“On Sunday, special prayers will also take place across all churches located on our campuses to pray to almighty God to protect our country, help it attain its full great greatness and direct our leaders aright.
“On Tuesday, being the Independence Day, mass rallies will hold on major campuses across the country to celebrate our dear motherland. The events would feature street carnival, Know-Your-Country quiz, cultural displays, among others.
“In addition, on the same day, we will hold major convergence at the Unity Fountain in Abuja and at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, Lagos, where students from major institutions around those two locations will hold an all-day programme to commemorate our Independence Day.
“These events are meant to express pride in our country, express gratitude to God for our survival despite all challenges and celebrate the milestones we have achieved. It is also a statement that we Nigerian students will not join forces with negative people who have evil intentions against this country. We cannot be deceivdd into putting our house on fire over whatever guise.
“While we can express reservations over specific actions or policies of those who are in power today we will never allow any such difference to make us disparage out country and drag it down. That is not patriotism.“
Emonefe urged students to participate en masse, demonstrating solidarity with their fatherland.
He emphasized that true patriotism involves supporting leaders while expressing reservations over specific actions or policies.
Examinations can be challenging and passing them successfully requires more than just last-minute studying. However, with the right approach success can be guaranteed.
Here are nine effective strategies for examination success:
1. Create a study schedule: Allocate and plan study time in advance. Divide your subjects or courses across the available days, this will help you know the areas you are weak and strong. Do not only create the schedule but also stick to it consistently in order to avoid last-minute cramming.
2. Understand the exam format: Familiarising yourself with the exam structure including question types, marking schemes and time limits adds to the success of an examination. This will help you know, understand the type of questions that will be asked and makes one focus on relevant areas.
3. Active learning: Most times reading only cannot assure the success of an examination. It is essential to engage in active learning techniques such as summarising information, creating flashcards or explaining your answers to others. This helps to improve retention.
4. Practice past questions: Past questions or papers are tools used to pass examinations successfully. Practicing past examinations, test or assignment questions helps you get accustomed to the type of questions that will be asked. It also improves your time management skills.
5. Take regular breaks: One thing that can serve as a hindrance to the success of an examination is overworking oneself. It is important to take short, frequent breaks during study sessions to recharge the brain and avoid burnout.
6. Join study groups: Another thing which helps one achieve examination success is joining and engaging in study groups. Discussing concepts with classmates, course-mates or study groups can provide new insights and help one learn faster.
7. Stay organised: Always ensure to take jottings while reading, keep your study materials and notes well-organized. This will make it easier to review important information and reduces stress before the examination.
8. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: It is only a healthy person that as the capability to read and write an examination successfully. Physical well-being significantly impacts one’s ability to focus and perform well in exams. It is essential to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and always stay hydrated.
9. Stay positive and confident: Always stay motivated and believe in your ability to do well. Managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset can greatly improve one’s performance on examination day.
Managing finances as a students can be challenging, especially with limited income and many expenses to cover. However, by applying a few simple strategies, you can take control of your money and avoid financial stress.
Here are five ways to manage your finances as a student:
1. Create a budget: A budget shows exactly where your money comes from and where it is going thereby prevent over or impulse spending. Creating a budget helps to manage your finances as student by providing a clear plan for how you spend and save your money. It also helps to avoid unnecessary borrowing and allocate a portion of your money towards future needs and emergencies.
2. Prioritise needs over wants: Prioritising needs helps you resist the temptation to buy non-essential items, keeping you from overspending on things. It also aligns your spending with your budget, making it easier to manage limited funds while preventing the risk of shortfalls for necessary expenses.
3. Use the 50/30/20 rule: By using the 50/30/20 rule, students can make conscious financial decisions. Allocate 50% of the income towards necessities, 30% towards discretionary spending and 20% towards saving and debt repayment. This rule promotes financial discipline, distinguishing between needs and wants, and allows for flexibility as financial situations change.
4. Avoid debt: Avoiding debt keeps you from accumulating interest on borrowed amounts, which can add up quickly and make repayment much harder over time. By living within your means and not borrowing unnecessarily, you develop responsible financial habits, helping you manage your expenses more carefully.
5. Save when possible: Savings allows you to set aside money for unexpected expenses which prevents financial stress during emergencies. With savings a student is less likely to rely on loans and credit cards to cover sudden costs. Regular saving, even in small amounts builds good financial habits thereby fostering discipline and responsible money management.
The 2024 National Leadership Conference slated for September 20 to 21 at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, will bring together prominent global leadership experts to empower Nigerians with the tools and knowledge needed for effective leadership and sustainable financial growth.
Organised by the GOTNI Leadership Centre, the conference is expected to attract over 1,000 leaders from around the world, with a growing number of virtual participants.
This year’s theme: “Leadership capital for wealth creation,” reflects the urgent need for practical strategies to unlock leadership potential and create wealth in Nigeria’s evolving economy.
The event will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including renowned figures like George C. Fraser, CEO of FraserNet, Inc.; Michael V. Roberts, Chairman & CEO of The Roberts Companies; Linus Okorie MFR, Founder and CEO of GOTNI Leadership Centre; and Brian Tracy, Chairman & CEO of Brian Tracy International, among many others.
The GOTNI Leadership Centre has been a key player in training both public and private sector leaders, addressing Africa’s long-standing leadership challenges that have hindered its development.
This conference aims to offer a transformational experience, providing participants with the insights and tools to drive positive change in their organizations and communities.
To encourage participation, the Centre has reduced the conference fee to N500,000 for physical attendees and N200,000 for virtual participants.
The event promises to be a significant opportunity for individuals to learn from some of the world’s leading leadership coaches and advocates of good governance, as they explore pathways to leadership success and financial empowerment.
In light of Africa’s struggles with ineffective leadership and mounting debt, the conference’s focus on wealth creation through strong leadership is timely, offering valuable insights for addressing these issues across the continent.
Finance expert, coach and founder of Financial Fitness Clinic, Samuel Frank, has urged youths to expose their minds to materials, informations and environment that will ignite a wealthy mindset in them.
He claimed an event in 2016 was what literally transformed his mindset around finances.
Frank stated this while hosting the ‘Financial Fitness Conference 2024’ last Saturday at Akure, the Ondo State capital.
He offered a deep exploration on the process of transforming innate abilities into talents that can make a significant impact on the world. He explained that the key to this transformation lies in developing competence and mastery.
“People are willing to pay for competence and mastery. This is what truly distinguishes talent, people aren’t just paying for the basic ability to perform a task; anyone can be trained to do something. What sets you apart is when you reach a level of excellence, where your work reflects a touch of perfection at every stage,” he said.
He emphasizyed that achieving this level of mastery requires consistent practice and dedication.
According to him: “It’s about practicing repeatedly until you achieve mastery. Once you have honed your skills, it’s crucial to put your work out there and be vocal about what you do. When you’re open about your work, it allows others to see your progress, including any mistakes you’ve made. This feedback is invaluable, as it helps you learn from those errors and continuously improve, making you a better individual over time.”
His insights underscore that true talent is not just about having the ability to do something, but about refining that ability through relentless practice and learning, ultimately achieving a level of excellence that people recognize and are willing to invest in.
Others who spoke at the conference were Special Assistant on Photography to Ondo Governor, Oyedele Motunrayo; Gospel music minister, Paul Tomisin and CEO, LA SPAG, Asulewon Babalola, amongst others.
Paul Tomisin shared insightful thoughts on how individuals can develop and capitalize on their talents.
He emphasised that every talent has the potential to be turned into a valuable asset or business.
Drawing on the biblical parable of the talents, he explained: “In the story of the talents, one person was given five talents, another was given three, and the last was given one. When Jesus returned, He didn’t just rebuke the servant who had received one talent for failing to invest or trade with it; He questioned why the servant hadn’t even considered giving it to the one with five talents. This illustrates a key principle: it’s not enough to simply possess a talent; the true value lies in your ability to develop and use it effectively.”
Tomisin further emphasised that talent alone isn’t sufficient, stating what truly matters is how one leverages and trades that talent to create value.
“There is a business surrounding every talent,” he continued. “It’s about recognizing the potential within your gift and taking action to maximize its impact. Whether through direct application, collaboration, or investment, the key is to ensure that your talent is put to good use, generating both personal growth and broader success,” he said.
Motunrayo, emphasised the crucial role mentorship plays in shaping an individual’s life.
She explained: “When you choose to submit to someone’s leadership, you are essentially granting them influence over certain aspects of your life.
“This means that when they offer guidance or direction, you follow it without hesitation or argument. For instance, as a photographer, I have a mentor who critiques my work, if he says a particular photograph is completely unsatisfactory and advises me to remove it from wherever I post it, I would do so immediately without question.
“My mentor has a deep understanding of what constitutes excellence and may have recognized that the image fails to convey the intended message or lacks the quality required. There are many factors to consider in such situations, and that’s where mentorship becomes invaluable.”
She further advised that selecting a mentor is a decision that should be made carefully and with prayer.
“Before you declare someone as your mentor, it’s important to prayerfully consider your choice. Allow God to guide you in this decision, as a mentor can have significant influence over your life.
“For example, some mentors may even advise on choosing a life partner, which could have serious consequences if it doesn’t work out as expected. So, it’s essential to make this decision prayerfully and thoughtfully.”
CEO of LA SPAG, Asulewon Babalola offered valuable advice to students who aspire to start a business while still pursuing their studies. He emphasized the challenges of balancing both endeavors, stating, “Running a business is a full-time commitment, just as being a student demands your full attention. Neither is something you can do half-heartedly or on the side. When you try to manage both, you’re essentially combining two significant and demanding aspects of your life.”
Babalola acknowledged the difficulty of this balancing act but also recognized the determination it requires.
“I understand that if you want to achieve more, you have to be willing to sacrifice more.
“This mindset has been my driving force. I’ve always believed that two truths can coexist, you can be an exceptional student and an exceptional businessperson at the same time, however, there is no perfect balance between the two. As someone who is now in my final year, I can tell you firsthand that it’s not easy. It requires a deep sense of intentional sacrifice.”
His words reflect the reality that pursuing both education and entrepreneurship simultaneously demands dedication, hard work, and a willingness to make sacrifices in order to excel in both areas.
Financial Fitness Conference is an annual event held to build the mindset of young individuals and liberate them from financial stagnancy even from an early stage, identifying their strengths, talents and abilities and ways to exploit them to achieve financial independence.
The Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr Ibraheem Abdul, has said investing in girls’ education is crucial for the future of families, communities, and nations, stressing that educated women tend to make healthier choices for themselves and their families, contribute to economic growth, and uplift their communities.
He spoke at the commencement of the training of 5,250 girls in Lagos State with the inauguration of the 50- seat capacity Information Communication Technology Hub in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The training, Girls Education Skills Partnership is aimed at enhancing education and skills in a digital landscape.
Abdul highlighted the significance of the GESP Tech Hub as a milestone for the broader community, college and Lagos State at large.
He urged stakeholders to collaborate in overcoming the barriers to girls’ education, such as socio-economic disparities, cultural norms, and insufficient resources in various regions. “This program addresses these challenges directly by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where girls can excel both academically and personally,” he noted.
The Girls’ Education and Skills Partnership (GESP) programme is to provide girls with vital life skills, technical training, and leadership opportunities, enabling them to chase their dreams.
Abdul noted that by working with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and industry partners, they aim to create a comprehensive framework that meets the diverse needs of participants.
He acknowledged the contributions of Project Coordinator Dr Funmilayo Doherty and her team, including Dr. Idowu Aneyo and Mr. Amos Alade, as well as project partners such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Generation Unlimited, in successfully launching the Tech Hub.
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He sought a collective effort from educators, industry leaders, and community members to create a society where every girl has equal opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. “Seize this opportunity, engage fully in the program, and remember that education is about empowering yourself to make informed choices and pursue your passions,” he encouraged.
Earlier, Doherty highlighted the crucial need to tackle the significant challenge of inadequate practical and industry-relevant skills among female graduates.
“Many students, particularly girls, who complete their education often lack the practical, industry-relevant skills essential for employment. This skills gap contributes to high unemployment rates, hindering the nation’s economic growth,” she said.
She further noted that the workforce is ill-prepared to meet the demands of modern industries and the global economy, stating that the GESP program represents a bold and innovative response to these challenges, especially in the ICT sector.
“We are equipping our young women with the tools they need to succeed and positioning them as leaders within their communities and contributors to the national economy.
“This programme transcends mere education; it symbolizes our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Through collaborations with industry and academia, gender-responsive teaching methods, and the creation of inclusive learning spaces, the GESP programme aims to dismantle barriers that have historically limited girls’ involvement in STEM and TVET fields. We are not just providing training; we are fostering the confidence and resilience of our young women, ensuring they receive the necessary support to excel in traditionally male-dominated sectors,” she said.
Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Dr Idris Bugaje represented by South West Director Elder Ayo Aroge, pledged the board’s support for the initiative, aligning it with their mandate to promote technical and vocational education across the nation.
UNICEF’s Project Officer in Nigeria, Babagana Aminu, thanked the college for launching the Tech Hub, assuring that they would provide essential technical support as partners to ensure the successful implementation of the training for the girls.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, committed the State Government’s readiness to collaborate with YabaTech and other stakeholders to eliminate barriers impeding girls’ education, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic development of the state and the nation.
Mrs. Anike Adekanye,an educationist, who represented the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibironke Sanwo-Olu, praised the initiative, promising necessary support to enhance girls’ education and empowerment for rapid economic growth in the state and nation.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS),has condemned the use of students for political motives,noting that it won’t allow its members to be manipulated for purposes that do not serve the interests of the nation.
A statement by NANS President Comr. Lucky Emonefe, noted that the unity and stability of the nation must be preserved, and any attempt to use students as pawns in political games must be condemned in the strongest terms.
NANS said: “We wish to draw attention to a grave situation involving a faceless individual who has been actively calling for protests against the Federal Government.
“We call on President Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to investigate this matter and hold those responsible accountable. The unity and stability of our nation must be preserved, and any attempt to use students as pawns in political games must be condemned in the strongest terms.NANS firmly believes that such actions are not only irresponsible but also dangerous.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and the broader Nigerian populace. We will not stand by while our platform is manipulated for purposes that do not serve the interests of our members or the nation.
“We appeal to Governor Dapo Abiodun to cease recognising the NANS faction holding a programme in Abeokuta on Thursday because the said faceless faction are allegedly calling for protest against the President.”
Higher National Diploma (HND) 2 Mass Communication students at Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic (AAPOLY) have received training from a media expert on navigating the labour market after graduation. The training emphasized practical approaches to enhancing employability.
Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network,Lekan Otufodunrin commented on the state of the labour market, noting that job opportunities for mass communication graduates are limited, with most positions being generally low-paying, except for those in high-paying companies and organizations.
Despite these challenges, Otufodunrin pointed out that mass communication students have the opportunity to launch their own companies or initiatives.
He said: “Take your studies seriously; don’t be absent-minded. Also, seek to know more about the industry beyond what you are learning in school. You will need to maximize available opportunities during your pre-NYSC year through internships, volunteering, doing your primary assignments well—even if they are not media-related—test-running your ideas, learning more about the places you would like to work, and acquiring additional certifications.”
He emphasized the importance of studying job vacancies to understand the required skills and qualifications.
He added: “Have value that you can bring to organizations you are interested in, so that spaces can be created for you even if there is no vacancy. Have evidence of what you have done or have the capacity to do to convince employers, and most importantly, use your available online platforms and social media to start building your brand.”
Meanwhile, to foster unity and promote African culture, students of Mass Communication have celebrated their annual Traditional African Cultural Day (TAC). The students, who are currently in National Diploma 1, showcased a rich diversity of African cultures through their various performances.
The Traditional African Cultural Day is an annual project held as part of the African and Traditional Communication course undertaken in the second semester of the Mass Communication ND1 programme. This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of African traditional communication structures and how each communication system can be applied, including the history of Africa.
This year’s edition, themed: “Celebrating Cultural Diversity,” was designed to represent six of Nigeria’s well-known tribes, which are Idoma, Gbagyi, Badagry, Ijaw, Ekiti, and Edo. These performances included chants, dances, songs, drama, traditional fashion displays (hairstyles), and traditional delicacies.
Present at the event were His Royal Highness, Oba Stephen Adeleke Adekoya, the Bejeroku of Oke-Agbo; Oba Mifitau Yusuf, Sopen Lukale of Oke Sopen; Oba Abayomi Abdul Rasheed Banjo, Olokine of Ojowo; and Oba Ibitoye Solaja, Kegbo of Atikori Alayeluwa. Others included staff of the department.
The lecturer in charge, Adedoyin Oshobughie, noted that the Traditional African Communication is an eye-opener to society and students who have lost their traditions to civilization. She emphasized that the course helps remind students about the different cultures and traditions and serves as a good opportunity to learn from different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
“Learning from different cultures in the classroom, therefore, promotes cultural diversity, which enriches our lives and broadens our horizons. TAC should be taken seriously within society and the entire school/department of AAPOLY. It should not be limited to the Mass Communication department,” she said.
