Category: Education

No fewer than 37 graduates of the Redeemer’s University, Ede in Osun State, bagged first-class degrees, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Anthony Akinlo, made this known during the 13th convocation of the institution, on Thursday in Ede, Osun State.

Akinlo said that 137 students bagged second class upper division, 134 with second class lower and 41, third class.

The Vice-Chancellor said that 381 graduating students were awarded undergraduate degrees, while 69 bagged postgraduates, doctorate and master degrees.

“We have six first-class in humanities, 13 in management sciences, 12 in natural sciences and six in social sciences.

” Also, we have 41-second class upper in humanities, 40 in management science, 28 in natural sciences and 28 in social sciences.

“In humanities, we have 32-second class lower, 19 in management sciences, 31 in natural sciences and 52 in social sciences.

“For third-class categories, we while nine in humanities, two in management sciences, 15 in natural science and 15 in social sciences”.

According to him, faculty of humanities also has one distinction in Diploma, with 20 upper credits and 11 lower credits.

Akinlo noted that the university had continued to set the pace over the years in Its tenacious commitment to academic and research excellence.

“The university has become an all-round centre for research not just in the country but worldwide through its scientific researches and landmark achievements,” Akinlo said.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the university anywhere they found themselves.

In his remarks, Gov. Gboyega Oyetola, commended the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for the academic excellence of the university.

READ ALSO: Redeemer’s University gets new Pro-Chancellor

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Wole Oyebamiji, Oyetola congratulated the graduates and management of the university for hosting the 13th edition of its convocation ceremony, in spite of the current challenges in the country.

He appreciated parents for allowing their children to attend “one of the best universities in the country”.

Oyetola urged the graduants to run with the vision and mission of their alma mater by looking inward for entrepreneurial skills.

Earlier, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the Executive Secretary of, National University Commission ( NUC), commended the university on the 13th convocation.

Rasheed, who noted that the education sector had faced several challenges in the past years, said there had been tremendous improvement under his present leadership.

He thanked the management of Redeemers University for striving to actualised its mission and vision of its mandate for the growth and development of the society.

Rasheed , therefore, called on the graduants to reciprocate the academic morals learnt by being good ambassadors of the university.

NAN reports that Miss Moyinoluwa Irelewuyi emerged as the best graduating student of the university with a CGPA of 4.95 from the Department of Economics .

(NAN)

Over 200 girls from six secondary schools in Lagos State have been urged to to make good use of technology. This would help bridge the gender gap in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) facilitated panel discussions in the six schools on various days to mark the International Day of the Girl Child.

At Gbaja Girls Grammar School, Surulere, the programme managers for W.TEC, Folashade Braimoh and Maryam Abdulsalam, dissected the theme: “Digital generation. Our generation.”

Read Also: Boosting education through STEM

The participants, who were beneficiaries of the W.TEC Academy, a technology co-curricular programme by W.TEC for girls in Nigerian secondary schools, learnt about the digital generation, gender leadership, opportunities in technology for girls, and myths against girls in STEM.

The interactive session that followed gave the girls opportunity to ask questions and also share challenges they face as young girls thriving in their society.

The  Lagos State Commissioner of Education Mrs.  Folashade  Adefisayo, has  advised teachers and educational psychologists to make their  classes  interactive and interesting to pupils  for effective learning outcomes.

She spoke at the 20th conference of  the Nigerian Society for Educational Psychologists (NISEP) at the University of Lagos(UNILAG), Akoka.

The conference was themed:  “Educational psychology and teacher training in Nigeria.”

She stressed the need to understand children and what motivates them to learn effectively.

“We have to understand children, what motivates them, why they learn and,why they don’t learn. We should ensure  we teach our young teachers to improve themselves.

“The theory of teaching helps you, guides you and directs you in knowing what is going on in the classroom, knowing the theory is very essential,” she said.

Read Also: Pupils  to win cash prizes in essay contest

Dean, Faculty of Education, Obafemi Awolowo University,  lle-Ife, Prof. Bonke Adepeju Omoteso, said for teachers to effectively function in the classroom they need to be equipped with psychological principles and methods of investigation.

He said: ”For teachers to perform their roles as facilitators of learning, they need to know  psychological principles and  methods of investigation.

“In schools today, we are faced with many problems but with the knowledge of educational psychology the teachers are able  to perform well.”

President of NISEP Prof. Alice Musa said the association was committed to advancing the course of educational development and providing solutions to learning challenges.

“NISEP has remained steadfast and  committed to advancing the course of educational development in Nigeria. It has engaged in intellectual exercises of continually examining the Nigeria society to identify  learning challenges at various times and provide solutions to such challenges . It has focused on themes such  as mental health,  adolescents behavioural issues, psychological perspective of insecurity of the school environment and so on,” she said.

 

END.

The President, Oshodi Senior Secondary School 91 set  (OSS91 Set ), Alumni Association, Mr. Babajide Farotimi, has urged stakeholders and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the government to develop the education sector.

Farotimi made the call at the school’s 30th anniversary celebration in Lagos.

“One of the things that are a reality in Nigeria is that we must support the government to ensure that the society develops, especially in terms of education. That is one of the roles of alumni which always consist of people that the school has impacted on.

“There is the need for stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to support the government to ensure that the education system  is of a high standard and ensure that youths  are well catered for,” he said.

Another alumnus, Mr. Chidi Eugene Okpalaeke , stressed the importance of the adoption of technology in quality education delivery.

Read Also: Boosting education through STEM

He lauded old students for giving back.

He said: “As you all know, the government alone cannot fund education. We are, therefore, inviting alumni associations, corporate organisations, patriotic and well-meaning individuals, and groups, who share our vision of providing excellent and functional education for our youths, to collaborate with us so that, together, we set the school on the lane of sustainable development.”

Also, the chairman, organising committee, Mr Chinedu Udogu, urged other old students to address  challenges in the school.

“It is in this spirit that we had provided some educational materials for our students, renovating our schools to make them conducive for learning and equipping our schools with educational equipment to deliver quality education.

This will increase unhindered access to quality, equitable, affordable and functional education,” he said.

 

Some broadcasters have begun work on producing locally-relevant children’s content for TV screens, radio and digital platforms.

This followed the training on how to create research-based children-focused content.

The training organised by Ubongo Kids, creator of popular children’s show, “Akili and Me”, held at  the Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

Ubongo Kids, which has its origin in Tanzania, produces free-to-air children’s educational Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics  and  life skills programmes on television, radio and digital platforms targeted at 3-6, and 7-14-year olds across Africa.

The training facilitated by Ubongo Kids’ Head of Education, Chiodna Ryan, exposed the participants to human-centred research and effective edutainment content.

They also learnt the six stages in a story arc to make content memorable. They are: inciting incident, character motivation, conflict, climax, conflict resolution, and ending.

Since completing the training, Ayodele Oderinde, a broadcaster with Lagos Television, told The Nation she had developed new content which she wanted animation for to bring to life.

Asked if the training helped, she said: “Yes it greatly did. I have been trying to get animators to translate my contents to animations so children can relate well.”

Fatimah Abubakar of Radio Nigeria’s Bond FM said she started working on new content even before the meeting ended.

Read Also: Adam & Eve holds The Content

“Before the end of the programme I was able to develop almost a whole story book. As children content producers, it will help us a lot in developing our own story lines.

You know sometimes we get to take stories from other places but I think with this programme one can develop one’s own story,” she said.

David Lasisi of Superscreen said it would help his work in production, scripting and coming up with content for kids.

Country Director, Ubongo Kids, Tayo Olaniyan said the essence of the training was to bring back “Children’s Belt” in local TVs in Nigeria which had almost disappeared.

“ ‘Children’s Belt’  on TV, on the radio, over the last decade has almost disappeared. Many remember a time when there was very rich local content available for children. There is a huge gap.

“And as we engaged with them(broadcasters) over the last two years, one of the key concerns or requests that they put forward to us was about supporting building capacity. So, this is to enhance the capability of broadcasters to develop entertainment content for Nigeria. It is in line with our vision,” he said.

Speaking further on Ubongo Kids’ mission to develop local content for the African audience, the firm’s Director of Marketing and Communication, Imam Lipumba, who came all the way from Tanzania, said:

“While Tanzania is where we are founded, actually Nigeria is our biggest market when it comes to the number of viewers we’re having. And of course because Nigeria is a big country, but we like to also think it is because, you know, we have really tried to make the shows Pan African and relevant to children across the continent.”

 

Secondary school pupils across the country are  set to participate in an essay competition themed ‘Presidential Advocacy Essay’, which will see the top three going home with cash prizes worth  millions of naira.

The contest, which  would start early this  month with submission of entries, is the brain child of the Citizens Intervention & Accountability Network (CIAN) as part of its programmes toward reducing the alarming figure of out-of-school children.

The concept, according to the  group, is also to give young people the opportunity to have a say in selection of the country’s leadership for a secure future for their generation.

At a briefing last week, organisers of the competition noted that three presidential advocates would emerge at the final stage. They would be allowed to present their papers in February 2022, at the CIAN national civic project tagged “Nigeria’s Next President” in Abuja. The first position winner will go home with N1 million, second position and third would get  N700,000 and N500,000.

CIAN Committee Director of Information & Strategy Dr. Candyfidel Onwuraokoye, stated that the many crises bedeviling the education sector were the motivation behind the project.

According to him, the crises include infrastructural decay, government neglect, poor teacher-student ratio, economic woes, inadequate facilities and poor conditions of service.

Read Also: Car, laptops, cash for essay winners

He bemoaned the Federal Government’s apparent lack of seriousness towards delivering qualitative education to citizens as, adding that  only 5.7 per cent of the 2021 national budget was allocated to education.

Committee Director of Project, Mr. Samson Abraham Ayefu, said all school children from JSS1 to SSS3 were eligible to participate.

He said: ”To articipate in the advocacy project, eligible students will have to go to CIAN’s website at to create a profile and submit their advocacy essay in a which must be between 500 and 800 words.”

He noted that CIAN would use criteria such as grammar, usage, mechanical accuracy, style and organisation to select  winners .

Ayefu said the top three pupils would engage in a debate to defend authorship of their essays.

“In view of fair play, the debate which is planned to increase momentum for the advocacy pitch is intended to eliminate any possible bias that could plague the essay submission process in terms of plagiarism, impersonation and activities of mercenary writers,” he said.

Lagos Baptist Academy, marked its 166th anniversary in Lagos on October 27. But this year’s event was like no other, write ROBERT EGBE, ENIOLA OGUNKOYA and OLUWATOSIN ODUNEWU.

It didn’t matter how many years had passed since they left their alma mater or that they last saw one another, when – on October 27, 2021 – old students of Lagos Baptist Academy reunited in the school hall at Obanikoro; it was as if someone had rewound the clock to those carefree days when they studied and played on the school’s charming, expansive, palm tree-dotted grounds.

Different sets of alumni – some above 50 years since they finished at the school – rolled away the decades by reliving memories of their years in the institution that nurtured their minds, strengthened their morals and instilled that sturdy discipline that missionary schools were known for.

The occasion was Baptist Academy’s annual Founders Day ceremony – astonishingly, it was the school’s 166th.

The event – unlike past anniversaries – featured the presentation of a book, “In the service of BAOSA, a journey in stewardship”, written by Mr. Lanre Idowu.

Idowu, the immediate past president of Baptist Academy Old Students Association (BAOSA), served between 2016 and 2021.

The book chronicled Idowu’s experiences, including his service to BAOSA in various capacities since 1986.

On the book’s inspiration, Idowu said: “When I came into office, I got the feeling that there was a reawakening of interest in alumni associations, especially after the military takeover of schools in the late 70s and the return by civilian government…

“But with the return of our school and schools in other places also, there was a renewal of interest. People now felt they had a role to play as legitimate stakeholders.

“My role was to fulfill that mandate of seeing our own students as important stakeholders in the school. Engaging the school authority and trying to correct the distortions that were opened; physical distortion, erosion of school traditions because the number of people that came after did not understand the traditions so they just did what they did.

“So we started re-educating ourselves, we organised ourselves and also carried the message to other groups and parties.”

Read Also: Okunbo: Effective leadership through selfless service

He explained that, nevertheless, he felt there were a number of physical structures that had been put in place,”but how do we put down the experience? Which may not necessarily be tangible, things which we can touch, see or feel.

“So, I decided to share my thoughts on various challenges, how I saw the mandate, how I approached it, what I was able to do, what I was not able to do, hoping that some people will draw inspiration from it. There are lessons to be learnt.

“One, for my own community to say: this is how we’ve done, this is how far we’ve gone, you’ve taken over, I think this can be useful to you. That’s at one level for the BAOSA community.

“Then the other community is other associations, other schools, parents who are interested in the story of schools. It’s a form of memoir but focused on my own secondary school. Basically that was the inspiration and I hope that the objective has been achieved, you had the impression of the discussants because we shared it with them ahead to have the sense of what is there.”

BAOSA President Akin Fatunke commended the author, describing the book as a rich manual about the school and the alumni body.

He said: “I am happy and asking that Nigerians and sub-Saharan Africans should come to learn from what is happening at BAOSA. My immediate predecessor has written down his thoughts on how alumni should be run. He passed the baton to me.

“A lot of the things we are going to see in the book are things that Nigeria should learn from, when it comes to succession planning; no reinventing of wheel. Common thoughts, the goal of always ensuring that the ideals of our alma mater remain in the forefront is essential.”

“I am going to copulate with like minds to ensure we take things forward, and then those that will succeed me will also have a template they can use. More than ever, we are going to do everything possible to ensure that morality is restored, just like ethics and that legally-speaking, we take back what belongs to us.

“We want all stakeholders to see the efforts we are putting together, so that secondary school education can take the pride of place in our country again.”

Earlier, there was a Thanksgiving Service at Sheperdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro where Pastor Kumuyiwa Bamgbose, an old student, spoke on “The service culture.”

There was also a panel discussion on “In the service of alumni association”, moderated by Mr. Olumide Ajumole with Mr. Kunle Jenrola of the 1971 set; Dr. Akinfa Kalejaiye of 1981 set; Rev. Philip Abiodun Ayoola of 1991 set and Mr. Ayotunde Ibrahim Durosinmi of the 2002 set as discussants.

No fewer than 500 pupils and 50 teachers drawn from public schools in underserved communities of Agege, Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye communities were introduced to drone technology, artificial intelligence, coding video games, weather balloon tech and solar panel assembly at the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) training in Lagos, reports DAMOLA KOLA-DARE.

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education remains crucial to  Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.

It is for this that no fewer than 500 secondary school pupils and 50 teachers from underserved communities of Agege, Alimosho and Ifako-Ijaiye in Lagos Education District 1 participated in a series of STEM workshops sponsored by the United States’ Consulate General in partnership with the state Ministry of Education.

During the workshops, which lasted about three weeks (October 6 to 28),  participants who were mainly from public junior and senior high schools were in batches taken through six fields: cell phone repairs, artificial intelligence, solar panel assembly, weather balloon technology, coding of video games and the use of drones.

The teachers among them were presented with a toolbox each to enable them to use an integrated approach learnt to teach STEM subjects in the classroom.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme held at the Government Senior College in Agege last Thursday, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer, Mr Stephen Ibelli, explained that the initiative was designed to stimulate and sustain the interest of pupils in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects to enable them to develop careers in those areas.

STEM education crucial

According to him, the world is fast becoming technology-driven and it’s important that youths are equipped with the requisite knowledge and skills to become great innovators, educators, researchers, and leaders capable of solving pressing challenges facing humanity globally

He said the workshop likely to be extended to students and teachers in other education districts is part of the U.S. Mission’s ongoing efforts to promote STEM education in Nigeria  to drive innovation in the  country.

Ibelli underscored the importance of STEM education to Nigeria’s future prosperity and economic competitiveness.

He noted that developing tech skills can place students on a track to future careers in computer science, robotics and artificial intelligence and  prepare them to solve real life problems with more creativity, critical thinking and effectiveness.

“The U.S. Mission in Nigeria is committed to supporting initiatives that promotes STEM education in Nigeria.

“Technological knowledge is an essential element of the 21st Century economy, and it starts in the classroom.

“This  workshop will boost teacher confidence and capabilities in the areas of STEM teaching and learning,” he said.

Co-founder of Global Air Drone Academy, which handled the training, Mr Eno Umoh, noted that it was  important to equip pupils  with skills to be problem-solvers in the 21st-century global economy.

Read Also: Pandemic forced Nigeria to improve on healthcare system, says UNIUYO CMD

He  explained that acquiring STEM would expose pupils to critical and computational thinking, collaboration and creativity. He also noted  that  it was crucial to arouse the interest of pupils.

He said: “The objective is to educate and train both pupils and teachers on technology. The idea is to  inspire them  to pursue  careers  in STEM education.  Learning about drone technology, phone repair, solar energy, weather balloons, coding and programming is vital in the 21st Century.

“In the  long term, we hope to partner again with Lagos State for a project like this. Also there is a competition coming up next year in Nigeria. It is called Drone Soccer. It would be for secondary school pupils in Lagos. It is also part of the training. Pupils would be taught how to play the game.”

In his contribution, Project Manager, STEAM Up Lagos, Mr Kemark Onyenancheya, said the Lagos State government was passionate about STEAM education for public school pupils, hence the partnership with the U.S. Consulate for the workshop.

“STEM pedagogy in this age of technology is quite essential in education. It is important to drive development in the country. The training is in line with the THEMES agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

“Hence, the administration is working with different local and international partners to infuse the  STEM pedagogy into education to ensure that learning moves from just rote memorisation to practical engagement for pupils.

“The ultimate aim is for pupils to translate learning outcomes in the classroom real time to solving problems in the society.

“Additionally, we want to ensure no pupil is left behind whether in public or private schools.

“We want our children to have a level-playing field. No child should at a disadvantage when it comes to STEM,” he said.

Teachers,pupils react

One of the teachers, Miss Morenike Oyedeji from Isheri-Oshun Community Junior High School, stated that the workshop had  exposed not only the pupils  but also teachers to practical knowledge in various fields.

She said this was a departure from regular theoretical work  in schools.

Oyinoluwa Anthony, a pupil of  Surulere Community Junior Secondary School, said: “I have learnt so much about  Artificial Intelligence. It has inspired me towards what I want to be in the future. It is interesting how technology has taken over the world.AI is based on knowledge and not on labour. It is a worthwhile learning experience.”

A pupil of Tomia Community Senior Secondary School, Alagbado, Lagos, Jibola Ife, stated that he had learnt how to handle a drone and create video games  through coding. He, however, urged other pupils to embrace STEM.

His words: “I have learnt how to handle a drone and create video games. I would like to encourage other pupils to take part in this programme. I am, particularly, encouraged to be technology-compliant. I am inspired to become an engineer. I really love the programme and I would love  to attend again in future.”

Also, Favour Ugwuazor, a pupil of Egan Senior Grammar School, Igando and President of the Science Jet Club of the school, said despite his desire to be a medical doctor, he had  interest in solar panel building and cell phone repairs.

He noted that he would put the knowledge gained at the training to use in his studies.

 

The University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) has denied suspending one of its students seen dancing unclad in a viral video.

The video involved a first-year student of the university, who twerked half-clad in front of Akpabio Hostel to win a dance contest.

The video also attracted comments and reactions on various social media platforms with many suggesting that the student had been suspended by the university.

But in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Okwun Omeaku, the institution said preliminary findings revealed that she is a first-year student in the Department of Medical Laboratory Science.

READ ALSO: Kogi CP confirms arrest of extorting officers in viral video

The university insisted that it does not “condone acts of indecency and other morally reprehensible behaviour from our students. Our degrees and certificates are awarded only to those who have been found worthy in character and in learning.

“Against the backdrop of mixed reactions on the video, it is important to clarify that the university has neither suspended the student nor pronounced any punishment on account of the incident”.

The management said it has set up a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, adding that further action would be guided by the report of the panel.

It urged the general public to disregard reports that the student has been suspended, adding that the public should also ignore any comment suggesting a pre-determined punishment for the student.

When a popular national newspaper went in the search of the bests corporate individuals who showed excellent resilience in running his business empire for recognition and honour, the name of Engr Leemon Ikpea stood out among peers. Since then, this gentle, soft-spoken business mogul has continued to receive accolades for his contribution to humanity and nation-building.

On Thursday, October 28, the University town of Ekpoma, Edo state was agog. The host town of Ambrose Alli University, AAU founded by the late and then Bendel State Governor, Professor Ambrose Alli in 1981, came alive as 22 persons who have impacted the school, humanity and society, were inducted into what is now known as AAU Hall of Fame as part of activities to mark its 40th anniversary.

Among those inducted into the Hall of Fame were Leemon Ikpea, UBA Chairman and CEO of Joint Heirs, Tony Elumelu, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndidi Elumelu, the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, Proprietor and Chairman of Abuja-based Pace Setters Group of Schools, (aka Rice Man) Kenneth Imansuangbon, founder of Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro, Proprietor of GT Plaza, Pius Omofuma and the CEO of Ray Royal Company, Matthew Okpebholo.

Ikpea, who was represented at the event by the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Edo State 2020 governorship election, Osagie Ize-Iyamu, said the award was a call to continue to do more of what he is doing for humanity.

He said his vision of a viable country remain unchanged with institutions like AAU producing quality manpower.

Also speaking, Imansuagbon said he was motivated by the selfless service of the founder of the school and former governor of defunct Bendel State, the late Ambrose Alli, “who never built empires for himself but look what has become of his name today. What are we in this generation going to live for our children. I dedicate this award to his memory.”

On his part, Omofuma said one of the reasons him return to home start his business in Ekpoma in 1989 was because AAU had opened up the community.

Governor, Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Deputy Governor’s Office, Jimoh Ijegbai, said the plan of the governor is to make AAU one of the top five universities in the world.

Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Benson Osadolor, said the award and induction were to celebrate persons who in several ways impacted on the development of the university.

He also said the institution is poised towards revigorating the dream and vision of the founder of the University, Prof. Ambrose Alli, through a calculated strategy to redefine the standard, quality of teaching and learning.

Perhaps, it is in the quest towards actualising this lofty goal at a time when education is not sufficiently funded by government that the initiative of inducting persons who can help support it can be said to be very apt.

As one commentator rightly put it, “Students, graduates and alumnus shouldn’t disappoint the proponent of this University but seek ways to collaborate with the management of AAU ably led by Prof. Benson Osadolor, in ensuring that the maiden edition of this celebration is achieved.

For Engr. Leemon Ikpea, the saying “A gold fish has no hiding place” is very apt. This may have become his new status in the committee of men in Nigeria.

A business mogul, industrialist and philanthropist, Engr Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea was born at Ewatto in Esan South East, Edo State on December 19, 1956. He attended St. John’s Primary School in Ajamogha, Warri, present day Delta State.

His business empire includes Lee Engineering and Construction Company Limited, which is a foremost homegrown, oil, gas and power services company performing luminously and resourcefully. It has branch offices in Warri, Benin City, Port Harcourt and has its headquarters in Lagos. Beyond the shore of Nigeria, Lee engineering has offices in the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States of America.

It’s on record that he was motivated to set up a fabrication plant to contribute his quota to the oil and gas sector, and indigenized the nation’s technology.

The man of many parts who is also the Adolor of Ewato is the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Lee Group of Companies, a conglomerate traversing oil and gas services, engineering construction, travels and tours, supermarket chain, tool and equipment fabrication and manufacturing.

To accomplish his humanitarian zeal, he set up the Agbonjagwe Leemon Ikpea foundation (ALIF) to take up issues that concern the less privileged, especially as it affects their education. He holds the prestigious title of Odonlagbon of Warri kingdom, a very rare honour for a non Itsekiri, bestowed on him by Olu of Warri.

He is reputed to have worked for expatriates for many years, before deciding to retire and start something for himself and he was quoted to have once said that “I work hard and I am honest. I was usually the first to get to work and the last to leave the office. I needed to check the books and work being done. I always ensure that I do my job properly.”

Born into a humble background, his parents were said to have moved to Warri, where they settled down at Okere. He attended St. John Primary School in Ajamogha, Warri. He was subsequently admitted to Baptist High School, Orerokpe, about 30 minutes’ drive from Warri by car and up to two hours by foot. At a point in his young life, the current Adolor of Ewato could not afford to pay his school fees.

As part of his life journey, Engr Leemon was said to have suffered the humiliation of being ordered out of his secondary school’s dining hall and his food confiscated because he couldn’t pay his school fees and he had to trek the over 50 km journey back home without shoes to give his parents the bad news. It’s something really better imagined than experienced – trekking from Orerokpe to Warri.

He regularly attends business-related courses and seminars at the prestigious Harvard University, Boston, USA. He has a gift for identifying talent and brilliant ideas, a scenario reflected in the quality of his team who are top-class professionals in diverse fields – both indigenous and foreign.

With offices in Europe, USA, Lagos, Abuja, Benin, Warri, Port Harcourt and in other lands, Chief Ikpea is hardly far away from the thick of action. His physical presence is felt in all of these locations because of his non-static approach to running things.

Another important dimension of the Ikpea persona is his passion for touching and lifting lives. His hunger to improve the lot of the less privileged persons cannot be quantified. He fundamentally sees it as an obligation, a scenario nurtured in the bracing furnace of lack and want during his formative years. Better than many, he deeply appreciates what it means to be deprived of basic needs, especially school fees for education. He set up the Agbonjagwe Foundation to take up issues that concern the less privileged, especially as it affects their education.

Not a loud personality, he has also made quiet donations to several educational institutions and social welfare programmes all-round the country. So many who have come in contact with him have had their lives touched positively, whether they are family members, friends, colleagues and the general public.