PRINCE JOE OKOJIE: THE SILENT ACHIEVER RISING TO NATIONAL RECKONING

PRINCE JOE OKOJIE: THE SILENT ACHIEVER RISING TO NATIONAL RECKONING

 

— As Edo Central Senatorial District Gears Up for 2025 Bye-Election

 

 

In the quiet yet politically vibrant community of Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area, a new chapter in leadership is unfolding — and at the centre of it is Prince Joseph Okojie, fondly called *Joe* by admirers and constituents alike.

Once a Commissioner for Agriculture under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, Prince Joe Okojie is being called upon by his people to step into a higher role — that of a national representative in the Senate, under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The growing clamor from the grassroots is a testament not just to his popularity, but to the transformative legacy he has quietly built over the years.

As Commissioner, Okojie was instrumental in repositioning Edo State as an agricultural hub. Under his stewardship, the state recorded significant strides in food security and livelihood empowerment. He prioritized inclusivity by initiating programs aimed at uplifting women and youth — turning agriculture from subsistence to sustenance and empowerment.

Yet, it is his philanthropy that resonates most deeply among the people. From educational scholarships for indigent students to empowerment schemes for widows and small-scale entrepreneurs, his impact cuts across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Anthony Eigbe, an indigen of Edo Central, captured the sentiment of many: “I have seen and witnessed how Joe has impacted the lives of students and widows. His scholarship initiatives speak volumes about the premium he places on education and capacity building.”

Eigbe continued with conviction: “I have no doubt that he will represent Edo Central excellently. His track record at the community level assures us that this developmental vision will be scaled at the national level. He is not just a politician — he is a builder of futures.”

As the 2025 Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election approaches, the momentum behind Prince Joe Okojie continues to swell. What began as murmurs of appreciation have crescendoed into a political movement — a rallying cry for credible, competent, and compassionate leadership.

In a powerful address delivered by stakeholders of the Prince Joe Okojie Movement, the message was clear: “We are not supporting Prince Joe Okojie out of sentiment. Our support is rooted in merit and performance. He has touched lives in tangible ways — in Edo Central, across Edo State, and even beyond.”

The statement continued: “He is a bridge between the grassroots and the corridors of power, a voice of reason in national discourse, and a dependable development partner. With Joe, we stand for integrity, competence, and the hope of a better tomorrow.”

As the political tide turns in Edo Central, one name continues to echo with unwavering clarity — Prince Joe Okojie. A silent achiever. A proven reformer. A man whose actions have spoken louder than words — and whose next chapter may well be written in the hallowed chambers of the Nigerian Senate.

The journey to 2025 has begun. And Edo Central may just be on the brink of sending one of its finest to the national stage.

Understanding the Various Types of Pharmaceutical Tablets: An Educative Overview

Understanding the Various Types of Pharmaceutical Tablets: An Educative Overview

Understanding the Various Types of Pharmaceutical Tablets: An Educative Overview

In modern medicine, tablets remain one of the most commonly prescribed and utilized oral dosage forms. Their popularity stems from key advantages such as ease of use, accurate dosing, extended shelf life, and overall patient compliance. However, not all tablets are created equal—each type is specifically engineered to suit different therapeutic needs and patient conditions.

Below is an educative breakdown of the most commonly used types of pharmaceutical tablets, and how they function:

1. Immediate-Release Tablets

These are formulated to dissolve rapidly in the digestive system, releasing the active ingredient almost immediately. They are ideal for conditions that require quick relief or prompt drug action.

2. Extended-Release Tablets

Also known as controlled- or sustained-release tablets, these are designed to release medication gradually over a specific period. This ensures consistent blood levels of the drug, reduces dosing frequency, and improves patient adherence.shape

3. Delayed-Release Tablets

These tablets are engineered to release the drug after a specific delay, often to avoid disintegration in the stomach. A common example is enteric-coated tablets, which bypass the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve in the intestine instead.

4. Film-Coated Tablets

These are coated with a thin, polymer-based layer that enhances the tablet’s appearance, improves taste, and offers protection from moisture and light. The coating also aids in easier swallowing.

5. Sugar-Coated Tablets

These have a thick sugar-based coating that masks unpleasant tastes and improves the visual appeal of the tablet. While less common today, they are still used in specific drug formulations.

6. Enteric-Coated Tablets

This type features a special coating that prevents disintegration in the acidic stomach environment. It ensures that the drug is released only in the more neutral or alkaline environment of the intestines, which can be crucial for drugs that irritate the stomach lining or are deactivated by stomach acid.

7. Chewable Tablets

As the name suggests, these tablets are intended to be chewed before swallowing. They are particularly useful for children, elderly patients, or individuals who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets.

8. Dispersible Tablets

Designed to be dissolved in water before ingestion, dispersible tablets offer an alternative for patients who prefer or require liquid medication forms. They are easy to administer and ensure quick drug absorption.

9. Orodispersible Tablets (ODTs)

These dissolve rapidly on the tongue without the need for water, making them especially suitable for on-the-go use, or for patients who struggle with traditional oral dosage forms.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of tablets is essential for both healthcare providers and patients. By recognizing the purpose and functionality of each type, optimal drug delivery can be achieved, leading to better treatment outcomes and enhanced patient satisfaction. Choosing the appropriate tablet form can also minimize side effects and improve compliance, especially in populations with specific needs such as children or the elderly.

 

NDPC, IOM Partner to Strengthen Data Protection in Nigeria’s Immigration Sector

NDPC, IOM Partner to Strengthen Data Protection in Nigeria’s Immigration Sector

 The National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has pledged the Commission’s commitment to partnering with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in bolstering data protection compliance in Nigeria’s immigration operations.

This assurance was given during a working visit by a delegation from the IOM, led by Mrs. Emiola Oke, the National Coordinator on Immigration and Border Governance, to the NDPC headquarters in Abuja.

During the meeting, Mrs. Oke unveiled Project Capacity—a new initiative aimed at enhancing identity management, document verification, and policy development within Nigeria’s migration framework. She explained that the project involves extensive processing of personal data and emphasized the need for strict adherence to data protection and privacy regulations.

To this end, the IOM is seeking NDPC’s support in conducting a capacity-building workshop for officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), particularly personnel at the Command and Control Centre and the Passenger Information Unit.

Dr. Olatunji welcomed the initiative and reiterated the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with the IOM. He emphasized the vital role data protection plays in the immigration sector, which handles large volumes of sensitive personal information daily. He also highlighted the importance of appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in such organisations, noting their responsibilities and the standards they are expected to uphold.

Mrs. Oke cited a recent instance where a foreign country demanded assurance of Nigeria’s data protection adequacy before engaging in collaboration, underlining the urgency and relevance of the training. She further requested that the training be extended to NIS state command officers nationwide.

In response, Dr. Olatunji confirmed that the NDPC will provide comprehensive training, helping to build both technical capacity and international trust in Nigeria’s data protection framework.

“Data protection is not only a compliance requirement; it is also key to national reputation and citizen trust, especially in critical sectors like immigration,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

The meeting reinforces the NDPC’s role in championing privacy rights while balancing innovation and national development priorities.

Police Day Secondary School Students Visit NITDA in Celebration of International Day of the Boy Child

Police Day Secondary School Students Visit NITDA in Celebration of International Day of the Boy Child

In celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child, students of Police Day Secondary School, accompanied by their teachers and the school’s Commandant, paid a courtesy visit to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) headquarters in Abuja.

The delegation was warmly received by the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who engaged the students in an interactive session. He shared valuable insights on the significance of self-awareness and self-discovery, encouraging the boys to recognise their inherent potential and embrace purposeful living. Inuwa emphasised the importance of setting clear goals, cultivating aspirations, and dreaming big in order to grow into responsible and impactful men in society.

Describing the Director General as a visionary leader and a role model for young people, the students and their teachers commended his inspiring career journey and sought to draw from his wealth of knowledge and experience in observance of the global day set aside to spotlight the boy child.

As part of the visit, the students were also taken on a guided tour of NITDA’s Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT) facility. The tour offered the students a firsthand glimpse into Nigeria’s cybersecurity infrastructure and operational processes, further broadening their understanding of the critical role of technology in national development.

The visit served as both an educational and motivational experience for the students, aligning with the broader objective of nurturing future leaders in technology and innovation.

First Lady Commissions ICT Community Centre in Ibadan to Boost Digital Inclusion

First Lady Commissions ICT Community Centre in Ibadan to Boost Digital Inclusion

 

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The centre, facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is part of ongoing efforts to drive digital literacy and technological empowerment across the country.

Named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, the facility is designed to offer ICT training programmes with a focus on women and young people. The initiative aims to equip participants with digital skills that will enhance their competitiveness in the growing tech ecosystem.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, and other top government officials and dignitaries.

The development of the centre is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to empowering Nigeria’s youthful population and positioning the nation as a hub for technological innovation on the global stage. Similar ICT centres are expected to be established in various communities nationwide as part of this broader digital inclusion agenda.

Airtel Africa Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to Expand High-Speed Internet Access Across 14 Countries

Airtel Africa Partners with SpaceX’s Starlink to Expand High-Speed Internet Access Across 14 Countries

Tech entrepreneur and investor, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, hails the deal as a bold, pragmatic move to bridge Africa’s digital divide.

Lagos, Nigeria – In a landmark development that could reshape internet connectivity across the continent, Airtel Africa has signed a strategic agreement with SpaceX, the company founded by tech billionaire Elon Musk, to deploy Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet in its 14 operational markets across Africa.

The deal is seen as a significant step toward bridging the digital divide in Africa, particularly in rural and underserved regions where traditional infrastructure has struggled to provide reliable service.

Describing the move as a “new era for Airtel Africa,” renowned Nigerian professor, entrepreneur, and investor Ndubuisi Ekekwe praised the initiative as a pragmatic business model.

“If terrestrial infrastructure is going to be disintermediated by satellite technology, the best defense is to partner with the satellite. Airtel has made a bold and strategic case by aligning with Starlink,” he noted.

Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, emphasized the importance of satellite technology in closing Africa’s connectivity gap, stating:

“Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community has reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity—even in the most remote parts of Africa.”

Ekekwe also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s strong local talent, singling out Deus Uche Osuji, a fellow alumnus of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) and Airtel Nigeria’s Vice President and Head of Operations.

“With Uche on the ground, we expect significant enhancements in network quality and operational efficiency. Airtel Nigeria is in very capable hands,” he said.

In a personal gesture of support, Ekekwe also announced he would sponsor satellite broadband access in two schools in his hometown — Ovim Community School and Secondary Technical School Ovim — to enhance teaching and learning outcomes through improved internet connectivity.

“As Airtel rolls out Starlink in Nigeria, I urge them to include these two schools as pilot clients. I will cover the cost of broadband services for both institutions,” he added.

The Airtel-Starlink partnership is widely expected to boost digital transformation across the continent, offering hope for millions who remain disconnected from the digital economy.

From Buns to Bank Halls to Bouillon Cubes – The Ever-Evolving Tale of Amaka Onyebuchi

From Buns to Bank Halls to Bouillon Cubes – The Ever-Evolving Tale of Amaka Onyebuchi

 

Once upon a time in the vibrant campus of Federal Polytechnic Melle, a young Accounting student named Amaka Onyebuchi was juggling textbooks and trays of buns. Yes — buns! Long before she ever stepped into a boardroom, Amaka was already a master of the grind, hustling her way through school with determination and a dash of entrepreneurial flair.

After earning her degree, Amaka traded her apron for office heels and stepped confidently into the world of banking. She landed a role at Access Bank, where she quickly made a name for herself with her smarts, style, and a smile that could soften even the toughest client. It was a solid career path — respected, stable, and promising.

But Amaka had something else simmering inside her.

One day, she did the unthinkable. She left the predictable rhythm of banking and stirred up her real passion — food. And not just any food. We’re talking soul-warming, finger-licking African and Igbo delicacies served hot at AMANDAZ Kitchen, her very own culinary oasis nestled in the heart of Computer Village, Ikeja. From native soups to spicy jollof rice, her kitchen became the tastebud temple for food lovers across Lagos.

Still, this woman wasn’t done. Not even close.

In a plot twist nobody saw coming, Amaka decided to enter the medical field. Yes, the same woman who once sold buns and served nkwobi is now graduating from a respected medical facility in Newfoundland, Canada. From food for the body to healing for the soul — her evolution is nothing short of phenomenal.

From a humble girl with dreams bigger than her purse to a banker, chef, and now a soon-to-be healthcare professional, Amaka Onyebuchi is the definition of reinvention. And guess what? She’s still moving, still growing, and still striving for perfection.

So, the next time you feel stuck, remember: you can go from buns to bank vaults to bandages — just like Amaka did. All you need is courage, seasoning… and a little bit of crazy brilliance.

Stay tuned. Her story is still cooking.

UTME 2025 Resit: JAMB Orders Retake for Nearly 380,000 Candidates Over Technical Glitch

UTME 2025 Resit: JAMB Orders Retake for Nearly 380,000 Candidates Over Technical Glitch

 

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has ordered a resit of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for nearly 380,000 candidates following a critical technical error that affected several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country. The rescheduled examination is set to commence on Friday, May 16, 2025.

In what is being described as one of the most extensive exam disruptions in recent years, a total of 157 CBT centres out of the 882 accredited nationwide have been identified as affected by an “unpatched error”—a term pointing to unresolved software glitches that compromised the integrity of the examination process in those centres.

According to verified data released by independent data analytics platform, Statisense, two zones were significantly impacted: Lagos Zone and Owerri Zone.

Breakdown of Affected Zones:

  • Lagos Zone:
    • 65 centres were affected.
    • A total of 206,610 candidates will be retaking the exam.
  • Owerri Zone:
    • 92 centres recorded the error.
    • 173,387 candidates from the zone will participate in the resit.
    • It is important to note that the Owerri Zone includes Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States.

In total, 379,997 candidates have been slated to retake the examination—a development that has sparked concerns from parents, candidates, and educational stakeholders across the country.

A senior official within the board who spoke under anonymity said the error was “systemic but localized,” and blamed poor maintenance and delayed software updates at some centres as the root cause of the disruption. “We had issued several directives for CBT centres to patch and update their systems, but unfortunately, some failed to comply, resulting in system crashes, submission failures, and candidate log-in issues,” the source explained.

The board has assured that it is working round the clock to ensure that the affected candidates face no further hitches during the rescheduled examinations. JAMB further confirmed that each affected candidate would be notified through official channels, including their registered emails, SMS, and personal JAMB profiles.

The UTME is a high-stakes examination required for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. Any disruption in its conduct not only affects the academic calendar but also places an emotional toll on candidates who have spent months preparing for the test.

Observers and educational advocates have called for a more robust monitoring system and stricter compliance audits for CBT centres. They warn that repeated technical failures could erode public trust in JAMB’s ability to deliver fair and credible assessments in the digital age.

As the resit begins this Friday, the spotlight is now on JAMB’s ability to redeem itself and restore confidence in its examination process.

 

“Say No to Wastages”: NITDA’s Solidarity Visit Deepens Ties with BPP

“Say No to Wastages”: NITDA’s Solidarity Visit Deepens Ties with BPP

In a renewed effort to curb corruption and reduce public sector wastage, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has paid a solidarity visit to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), deepening institutional collaboration on digital governance.

The Director-General of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, MCIPS, ACFE, while receiving the NITDA delegation at his office in Abuja, described the visit as “historic and strategic,” noting that it will further standardize and ensure compliance in the procurement of IT-related projects across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Dr. Adedokun emphasized the importance of digitalizing procurement processes, stressing that it not only shortens project turn-around time but also plays a critical role in combating corruption and eliminating duplication of IT initiatives. He charged both BPP and NITDA with the responsibility of upholding the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, by promoting efficiency and transparency in governance.

Highlighting the need for cross-agency cooperation, Dr. Adedokun called for the inclusion of key institutions such as the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Auditor General for the Federation, and anti-corruption agencies to monitor and audit procurement implementations. He proposed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BPP and NITDA to strengthen their existing collaboration in areas such as capacity building, ICT competency, procurement standardization, and IT price intelligence.

In response, NITDA Director-General/CEO, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reforms that enhance service delivery and governance. He disclosed that NITDA is reviewing its IT Clearance Guidelines to promote transparency and ensure accountability in the execution of government digital projects.

Dr. Abdullahi also revealed NITDA’s plans to build a National E-Government Master Plan and a Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture — IT frameworks designed to deliver integrated and seamless services to citizens. He outlined a three-stage approach to IT project compliance: Solution Design certification, Implementation with a focus on cybersecurity and network security, and a Quality Assurance phase to validate outcomes before payment.

Dr. Adedokun further recommended integrating BPP into NITDA’s procurement portal for better information sharing and suggested that legal experts from MDAs be trained in IT-related legal processes to strengthen contract frameworks.

Both agencies agreed to set up a joint task force to finalize the MoU and drive the collaborative agenda forward, marking a significant step toward more transparent, accountable, and technology-driven governance in Nigeria.

Ngozi Okafor: A Life Devoted to Empowering the Next Generation

Ngozi Okafor: A Life Devoted to Empowering the Next Generation

 

From the bustling streets of London to the heart of Lagos, from mentoring inner-city teens in Atlanta to crafting training blueprints for global institutions, Ngozi Okafor’s journey has been one of purpose, passion, and people. A woman of many hats—organizational psychologist, trainer, mentor, author, mother—Ngozi has spent over two decades empowering young people and shaping lives, one conversation, one opportunity, and one program at a time.

With more than 23 years of experience in instructional design and corporate training, Ngozi is not just a trainer or strategist—she’s a storyteller, a guide, and a believer in human potential. Her work cuts across sectors and continents, but her mission has always remained constant: to equip young people with the tools, confidence, and mindset to lead meaningful lives.

“I’ve always believed that young people don’t just need information—they need belief. They need someone to see them, to invest in them, and to walk beside them,” she once said. And that belief has taken her to 56 countries, living on four continents, and working with youth and organizations around the world.

Early Roots in the UK: Hope for the Hopeless

Her story begins in the United Kingdom, where she volunteered with Hope Worldwide International. There, she worked with vulnerable youth—many on the brink of homelessness or already living on the streets. Ngozi helped them navigate their way back into education and employment, guiding them gently but firmly toward stability and success. She didn’t just talk to them; she walked with them—sometimes organizing food drives, sometimes helping them launch charitable initiatives of their own.

A Voice in Atlanta’s Classrooms and Communities

When she moved to the United States, Ngozi took that same energy to Junior Achievers of Atlanta, facilitating business simulation programs that didn’t just teach numbers, but gave students the confidence to dream of building something of their own. Her influence extended beyond the classroom. She mobilized young people to serve their communities—visiting the elderly through Meals on Wheels, delivering not just food but companionship and care.

Returning Home to Inspire Nigeria’s Youth

Back in Nigeria, Ngozi didn’t slow down. She launched Youth Arena, a popular radio show on Armed Forces Radio 107.7 FM that became a lifeline for many young Nigerians searching for answers, guidance, and mentorship. With her warm voice and relatable stories, she connected with thousands. The show’s success led to a partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Financial Inclusion Committee, enabling her to produce a groundbreaking radio series on financial literacy.

But she didn’t stop at broadcasting. Ngozi created a practical financial workbook that was distributed across the country, demystifying savings, budgeting, and financial planning for young people who had never been taught these skills before.

Backing Words with Action

For Ngozi, empowerment isn’t just about ideas—it’s about action. She has personally financed the startup dreams of more than 50 young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, providing essential tools like sewing machines, baking ovens, and more. “Sometimes all they need is that one push—a show of faith that says, ‘I believe in you,’” she reflects.

More Than a Resume—A Mission

Ngozi Okafor’s life isn’t just a collection of impressive roles or accolades. It’s a testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. She’s worked with global public institutions, spoken at conferences, published books, and trained leaders. Yet, what defines her most is her unwavering commitment to young people—their stories, their struggles, and their potential.

A mother, mentor, and motivator, Ngozi continues to inspire across generations and geographies. Her story is still being written, one life at a time.

And in a world that desperately needs hope, her message is simple yet profound: *Every young person deserves a chance to thrive—and someone to believe