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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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BREAKING: Tinubu swears in Amupitan as new INEC Chair

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President Bola Tinubu has officially sworn in Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The ceremony followed the Senate’s confirmation of Amupitan’s appointment last week after a rigorous screening session on October 16.

At the swearing-in, President Tinubu tasked Amupitan with safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s elections and strengthening INEC’s institutional capacity.

“As the chairman of INEC, your nomination and confirmation reflect the confidence reposed in you by both the executive and legislative arms of government. This marks the start of a challenging yet rewarding journey, and I trust you will approach your duties with integrity, dedication, and patriotism,” Tinubu said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s democratic progress over 25 years, the President emphasized the need for continuous innovation and reform to maintain free, fair, and credible elections. He urged Amupitan to ensure transparency and public trust throughout the entire electoral process—from voter registration and campaigning to voting and counting.

Amupitan, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), arrived at the State House on Thursday dressed in traditional white agbada and gold cap ahead of the formal ceremony. He was accompanied by presidential aides.

During his Senate screening, the 58-year-old nominee pledged to restore credibility to Nigeria’s electoral process by prioritizing reforms, including strengthening the Electoral Act to resolve inconsistencies in election timelines and enhance transparency.

“We must conduct elections where even the loser congratulates the winner fairly,” Amupitan told senators, emphasizing the need to rebuild voter confidence.

He also clarified his neutrality by denying any involvement in President Tinubu’s legal team during the 2023 Presidential Election Petitions Court, stating, “I never appeared before the Presidential Election Tribunal or the Supreme Court for any party.”

Amupitan succeeds Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the sixth substantive INEC chairman since the commission’s establishment. He is expected to immediately begin the transition process at INEC headquarters in Abuja following his swearing-in.

Profile

Born on April 25, 1967, the 58-year-old Amupitan hails from Ayetoro Gbede in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State. He is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau State. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

Amupitan earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

He currently serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013)  and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

He is married and has four children.

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Dangote denies owning truck that killed eight in Ondo accident

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Dangote Group has denied owning the truck that crushed a pregnant woman, a child, and six others to death in an accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The company issued the clarification in a statement on its X account on Wednesday.

The statement followed reports that a cement-laden truck suffered brake failure and rammed into traders and other road users.

Reacting, Dangote Group said the truck involved in the tragic incident does not belong to the group or any of its subsidiaries.

It added that vehicle registration records confirm the truck is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group.

“Dangote Group has refuted reports circulating on social media and in some online platforms linking it to a truck involved in a road accident in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

“The company wishes to make it categorically clear that the truck involved in the unfortunate incident does not belong to Dangote Group or any of its subsidiaries.

“Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement reads.

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VIDEO: Sowore Arrested at Federal High Court Premises, Abuja, After Meeting Nnamdi Kanu.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.

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Police operatives have arrested former presidential candidate and human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Sowore was forcibly taken away by armed police officers from the Federal High Court premises in Abuja on Thursday, October 23, 2025, shortly after attending the court session of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Sowore, who has been leading campaigns for Kanu’s release, was confronted by security operatives who insisted he accompany them to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the officers surrounded him moments after he exited the courtroom, refusing to disclose specific details about his alleged offence.

When questioned by onlookers, one of the policemen stated that they were acting on the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

“The commissioner of police said we should bring you to the office,” the policeman said.

As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Sowore’s arrest and his current whereabouts remain unclear.

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Credit: Punch

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