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SAIL Graduates Participants of STEM Cohort 2

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Unexplainable joy could be seen on the faces of parents, guardians and students during the graduation ceremony for Teenagers who had successfully completed training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics( STEM for SSS) Cohort 2 at the SAIL Innovation Lab.

Many parents who could not hide their excitement, showered gratitude on the co-founders of SAIL Innovation Lab, Distinguished Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru and his wife, Feyisola.

STEM education, which is a specialised training that is often beyond the means of many kids from average and low income homes, has been made possible by the visionary Senator Abiru and his wife and the Trustees of SAIL Empowerment Foundation.

In his remarks, Senator Abiru urged the graduating students to deepen their quest for knowledge by devoting time for studies and research, particularly in STEM education.

He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of these young  minds who have shown interest in the fields of science,  technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is a moment of  pride and joy as we reflect on the efforts, curiosity, and  unwavering commitment demonstrated by these students  throughout their journey. 

“As we gather here on this auspicious occasion, let us recognize  the progress made by Cohort 2 since its inception in late 2022.  From the constituency office of the Lagos East senatorial district to this new ultra-modern facility, the transition may have  presented challenges and delays, but it is a testament to your  resilience and determination that we celebrate the graduation of  30 outstanding students today.

“Throughout their period of study, these students have not only learnt essential skills in academic and technical  knowledge. They have learned to think critically, embrace failure  as an opportunity for growth, and collaborate to solve problems  that they see in society. 

“These are the skills that will enable  them to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the STEM fields  as they progress in their learning and make meaningful  contributions to society. 

“In addition to their academic achievements, it is noteworthy that  the students have also delved into the exciting realms of physical  computing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Today, we have  the privilege of witnessing some of their projects displayed  at this event. These projects showcased their creativity,  innovation, and the transformative power of STEM education. 

“It is with great pleasure that I announce the expansion of the STEM program to public schools in Lagos East. Currently, eight  schools actively participate, with 160 pupils attending the  program daily for six weeks. This initiative, which brings together  20 students from each school on weekdays, demonstrates our  commitment to providing equal opportunities for all young minds  interested in science, technology, engineering, and  mathematics.

“Looking ahead, I am thrilled to inform you that the call for  applications for the next cohort of weekend students has been opened. Apply here : https://bit.ly/sail-stem3 

This represents a fantastic opportunity for more aspiring  young individuals to embark on their own transformative journey through the STEM program at SAIL Innovation Lab. 

“Before we conclude, I would like to extend my deepest  appreciation to the faculties and organisations that have been  instrumental in the success of the STEM program. I want to  express my sincere gratitude to STEMCafe and CCHub for their  unwavering dedication, support, and efforts in providing quality  education and resources to the students. Your commitment to  nurturing young talents in the fields of science and technology is  truly commendable. 

“To the graduating students, as you move forward into the next  phase of your learning, remember that the pursuit of knowledge  and the quest for innovation are not solitary endeavours. They  require dedication, collaboration, diversity of thought, and a  shared vision for a better future.

“The challenges we face today,  such as climate change, food shortages, global health crises, and technological  inequality, are complex and multifaceted. It is only through  collective effort that we can overcome these challenges and  create a brighter tomorrow. 

“You, as SAIL STEM graduates, have a unique opportunity to be  the catalysts of change, the pioneers of progress, and the champions of inclusivity. Embrace this opportunity with humility,  empathy, dedication, and integrity. Use your acquired skills to  bridge gaps, break down barriers, and create a world where  everyone can thrive. Be fearless in your pursuit to learn  innovation, but also compassionate in your understanding of the  impact your work has on society”.

Dignitaries present include: Dr. (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Special Adviser to the Senator on Constituency Matters, Mr Deji Abisola, Consultant to the Senator on SAIL Innovation Lab, Hon Abdulateef Rotimi Abiru and Prof Surajudeen O. Mudasiru, a professor of Political Science at the Lagos State University, LASU, Mr. Johnson Abbaly of SMARTEENs, Mr. Enitan Olukotun, Media Aide to the Senator, among many others.

*Parents, Students Thanked Senator Abiru*

Alhaji Saheed Adeoye, Mr. Efe Eruotor-Pat, Mrs Ogunbowale Christiana and Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan were among the parents that commended Senator Abiru and his wife for setting up SAIL Innovation Lab.

Mr. Eruotor-Pat, who hailed from Delta but lives in Lagos East Senatorial District said that the programme cut across ethnic groups without any bias. He commended Senator Abiru for being a detribalized leader with a pan-Nigerian mindset. 

*SAIL Innovation Lab Story In Brief*

SAIL Innovation Lab started operations in 2022 from the Constituency office of the Senator whilst the permanent ultra-modern facility was under construction. The permanent site located at 1, Muba Abiru Street, used to be the heritage home of the Abiru family before the family gladly made it available for the SAIL Innovation Lab project. The project has been handed over to independent Trustees of SAIL Empowerment Foundation.

Senator Abiru and his wife who are the co-founders of the project as part of their endowment to the people of the Lagos East Senatorial district, believed that young people must be provided with opportunity to learn tech, digital skills which have been the currency of the present fourth industrial revolution age. Africa’s renowned innovation and tech company, Cc-Hub is the technical partner that manages SAIL Innovation Hub 100% for the Trustees of SAIL Empowerment Foundation.

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2027: Hurdles Before The Coalition, By Emeka Monye

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The 2027 presidential election in Nigeria is shaping up to be a crucial contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a potential coalition of opposition parties. Several hurdles need to be overcome for the opposition coalition to succeed.

The political class is already preparing for this quadrennial event, holding consultations, meetings, negotiations, among other contending factors.

The ruling party, The All Progressive Congress, appears to be the most beautiful bride at the moment as members of other opposition parties have been courting the party, in a gale of defections, in what many political pundits and analysts described as a political tsunami.

While the APC seems to be enjoying the foray of defections by other party members into their fold, the main opposition party, The Peoples Democractic Party, PDP, appears to have lost its steam in the run of play.

The once dominant party is plagued by a series of internal crises which many political analysts believe will be the party’s undoings.

The once largest political party in Africa and oldest in Nigeria since it was created in 1998 by some elder statesmen, is now a shadow of itself, living in past glory and trying to win its way back to national prominence.

Already, some past and present leaders of the party have been consulting, negotiating, discussing, even though they have agreed yet, all in a bit to wrestle power from the stronghold of the Bola Tinubu-Led APC at the centre.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections, Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, among other bigwigs, are believed to be in talks with one another of how to build a possible coalition to edge the ruling APC in the power game.

Although, no concrete decision has been reached by the major actors, their negotiations and their inability to reach a consensus remain critical factors that might endanger the birth of a viable coalition.

Factors like who will step down for who as the realignment begins, remains a major issue, taking into consideration their individual experiences, exposures, skills, knowledge, capacities and egos.

Except this issue is resolved in the run up to the 2027 presidential polls, it will be a mirage for them to unseat the Tinubu-Led government.

While the running party is busy strategizing ahead of the 2027 presidential polls, the other parties are still grappling with their internal crisis.

Some analysts believe that Atiku’s past experience as Vice President under the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, might give him an edge, while others think Peter Obi’s popularity in the South could bring a geographical balance to the ticket.

For them to form a strong force against the APC, then, they must find common platform and agree on a candidate, which might be challenging given their different ideologies and interest.

Other factors which some political analysts have highlighted that may pose as a stumbling block agents the coalition is the timing. The time between and 2027 is quite a short time for the coalition to gather and make the desired impact.

This of course, is no brainer. Any merger of alliance must be arranged within a reasonable timeframe to be effective. Also, the coalition will have to convince the Nigerian voting public of its purpose and demonstrate a clear vision for the country’s future, particularly in the area of addressing the economic misfortunes of majority of the people. Another hurdle that would be staring the coalition in the face remains the issue of power rotation.

While the south believe it’s that turn to complete their second term in 2027, the north on the other hand argue that they have been short-changed in the governance structure of the country – in terms of number of years – since the return of democracy in 1999.

Out of the total 26 years, the north has ruled for 11 years, with the south 15 years. The issue remains a key factor that would affect the coalition to birth.

The coalition, must as a matter of urgency, decency decide on this unwritten agreement about rotating power between the North and the South, potentially present a southern for one term to allow the South to complete its own two terms for the office of the president.

In conclusion, the coalition, if it really wants to win power in 2027, must make a compelling case for itself, highlighting its unique strengths and vision, rather than just criticizing the incumbent.

It needs to differentiate itself and show Nigerians that it has a better alternative.

Emeka Monye Is A Journalist And Works With ARISE NEWS.

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Mauritania’s Tah succeeds Adesina as 9th AfDB President

Tah was elected to succeed Adesina after rounds of voting conducted by the AfDB Board of Governors during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

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Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the ninth president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina prepares to bow out.

The Bank announced his election on its website on Thursday.

Adesina’s 10-year tenure will end this year and Tah is expected to assume office on September 1, 2025.

Tah was elected to succeed Adesina after rounds of voting conducted by the AfDB Board of Governors during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Board comprises finance ministers and central bank governors from the Bank’s 81 member countries.

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JUST IN: Appeal Court Affirms Okphebholo as Edo Governor

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‎‎The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Monday Okphebholo as duly elected in the September 21, 2024 Edo Governorship polls, as it affirms the decision of the Tribunal which on April 2 dismissed the petition of Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for lacking merit. ‎‎

A three-man panel of the Appeal court, presided over by Justice Mohamed Danjuma, restated the position of the Tribunal which held that the PDP failed to provide sufficient and credible evidence to substantiate their claims of electoral malpractice, irregularities, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.‎‎

The panel held that the PDP failed to provide sufficient and credible evidence to substantiate their claims of electoral malpractice, irregularities, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. ‎‎

The Appellate Court agrees with the Tribunal that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) Machines which the appellants tendered were merely ‘dumped’ as they weren’t demonstrated to prove overvoting.

‎‎This the Court held after it earlier expunged the 133 BVAS machines admitted in evidence at the Tribunal stage of the Governorship tussle. ‎‎

Ighodalo and the PDP were further faulted by the Appellate Court for failing to tender the voter register to prove overvoting.

The Court further adds that BVAS extract doesn’t constitute items with which to prove overvoting. ‎‎It says the documents tendered by the PDP at the Tribunal did not, on their own, prove overvoting, non-holding or cancellation of elections at the polling units.

‎‎To further puncture the case of the PDP, the panel says the 19 witnesses called by the appellants during the Tribunal hearing didn’t help their case.

It says the majority of them did not witness what they spoke about. Moreso, it adds they were insufficient to prove irregularities in polling stations at over 4,000 locations.

‎‎Nigeria’s electoral body, INEC, had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, against Asue Ighodalo of the PDP who garnered 247,274 votes.

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