In an open letter shared on social media, Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr. Stephen Akintayo commended U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris for her remarkable campaign efforts. Though he did not support her candidacy, Dr. Akintayo acknowledged the impressive progress Harris made within a limited campaign timeframe, describing her as a charismatic leader with an “infectious laugh.”

Reflecting on his political stance, Dr. Akintayo explained that he had previously expressed willingness to support former First Lady Michelle Obama as a potential candidate due to her moderate and balanced approach, despite her affiliation with the Democratic Party. He noted that Michelle Obama’s appeal as a Washington outsider, coupled with her pragmatic approach to governance, aligns with the qualities he believes resonate with many voters. Drawing a comparison to former President Obama’s appeal, Dr. Akintayo suggested that Harris’s established career in politics, spanning from state positions to the U.S. Senate and ultimately the Vice Presidency, may have hindered her appeal among voters looking for fresh perspectives outside career politics.

Dr. Akintayo further analyzed Harris’s approach to policy, noting that her campaign might have benefited from a more moderate stance on certain issues. He pointed out that while progressive policies remain essential, a focus on economic concerns—such as rising grocery prices and energy costs—might have helped broaden her appeal among working-class voters. Akintayo suggested that Harris could have addressed these issues more directly by outlining clear, actionable economic policies, noting that national leadership often calls for balancing social progress with economic stability.

In his open letter, Dr. Akintayo drew parallels to his own business practices, emphasizing his commitment to competence over personal or ethnic affiliation. He shared that his decisions in business and politics are rooted in merit, citing an example where he supported a candidate from a different ethnic group because he believed they were better suited for the role. “I don’t make decisions based on ethnicity or sentiments; it’s always about who is most competent for the task,” he wrote.

Dr. Akintayo’s perspective highlights a broader call for competence-based leadership, advocating for a societal shift where qualifications and capabilities supersede affiliations or identity in both business and politics. He expressed hope that Nigeria, too, could embrace this approach, asserting that individual commitment to fairness and competence is fundamental to national progress.

In his conclusion, Dr. Akintayo conveyed gratitude to Vice President Harris for her contributions and encouraged continued dedication to public service, emphasizing that leadership qualities like resilience and hard work are essential for impactful governance.

In an ambitious bid to bridge the digital divide and bolster youth empowerment, Airtel Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s younger generation by hosting the 2024 GenU 9JA Steering Committee meeting at its Banana Island headquarters this Tuesday. The event, organized in collaboration with UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU), focused on assessing the progress of initiatives designed to equip Nigerian youth with essential digital skills, increase employment opportunities, and create entrepreneurial pathways.

As part of its broader goals, Airtel Nigeria, in partnership with UNICEF, has embarked on a mission to connect schools across the country to the internet and provide access to open educational platforms. Two key resources, Yoma and the Nigeria Learning Passport (NLP), have emerged as cornerstones of this digital initiative. Both platforms offer access to a variety of learning modules and skill-building exercises, allowing young Nigerians to explore academic subjects, develop professional competencies, and gain exposure to a dynamic digital workforce.

Airtel Nigeria’s partnership with UNICEF aims to reach 20 million young Nigerians by 2030, transforming them into a digitally skilled workforce that can drive Nigeria’s economic growth. This ambitious target reflects the company’s commitment to national development by ensuring that young people not only have the skills to thrive in digital sectors but are also positioned to become innovators and job creators themselves.

In his address to the committee, Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer emphasized the importance of this initiative in positioning Nigerian youth as future leaders in a globalized digital economy. “The future of Nigeria lies in the potential of our youth, and at Airtel, we are determined to give them the tools they need to succeed. Through initiatives like GenU, we are working to provide accessible, high-quality digital education that can inspire and empower millions of young Nigerians,” he stated.

The meeting also celebrated the achievements of the Young People’s Action Teams (YPATs), groups of young advocates actively involved in driving awareness and engagement for GenU’s initiatives. Airtel Nigeria praised these youth leaders for their courage, vision, and dedication to uplifting their communities. The YPATs serve as both the face and the heart of this movement, embodying the power of youth-led change and innovation.

Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF’s commitment to youth empowerment is expected to have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s workforce. With millions of young Nigerians poised to gain new skills through this initiative, the country’s digital economy stands to benefit significantly from a new wave of tech-savvy talent, equipped not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship.

UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited, a global initiative active in over 40 countries, partners with governments, private sector companies, and youth organizations to create education and employment opportunities for young people worldwide. Airtel Nigeria’s partnership with GenU reflects its alignment with global goals for sustainable development, focusing on youth empowerment as a cornerstone for economic and social progress.

The 2024 GenU 9JA Steering Committee meeting marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts of Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF to create a digitally inclusive society. By expanding access to digital tools and knowledge, they are not only providing Nigerian youth with practical skills but also fostering resilience, creativity, and independence among the nation’s future leaders.

As the initiative continues to grow, Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF remain dedicated to achieving a shared vision of a more equitable and digitally advanced Nigeria, setting a powerful example of corporate and humanitarian partnership in Africa.

President Bola Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his inauguration today as the Governor of Edo State.

In his message, President Tinubu urged Governor Okpebholo to diligently work to enhance the living standards of the people of Edo State and make a significant impact during his tenure.

Following his triumph in the state governorship election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo officially took over from former governor Godwin Obaseki.

Reflecting on the transition, President Tinubu noted that after eight years under Obaseki’s administration, Edo State is rejoining the ranks of the All Progressives Congress.

He emphasised the importance of Governor Okpebholo justifying the confidence placed in him and the APC while fostering true democracy and effective governance in the state.

The President encouraged Okpebholo to empower the Legislature and other vital government institutions throughout his administration, underscoring that a robust and independent legislature is essential for achieving democratic good governance.

Expressing concerns, President Tinubu lamented the previous administration’s attempts to undermine the legislative branch, which hindered its effectiveness for much of its tenure.

Additionally, President Tinubu commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for the successful conduct of the Edo Governorship Election and encouraged the Commission to strive for even greater excellence in the upcoming Ondo Governorship Election, scheduled for November 16, 2024.

The President celebrated this milestone as a new chapter in Edo State’s democratic journey and rejoiced with the people of Edo for this momentous occasion.