Governor Dapo Abiodun Rewards UNILAG’s Top Graduates With N10m Each

Governor Dapo Abiodun rewards UNILAG’s top graduates with N10m each. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has presented a cheque of ₦10 million each to Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, the best graduating students of the University of Lagos.

The duo emerged as the top graduates during the institution’s 55th convocation ceremony.
While receiving them in his office in Abeokuta on Friday, Mr Abiodun also appointed them as Education Ambassadors of the state.

The governor stated that the gesture was to appreciate their hard work. He noted that achieving a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0 had made the state proud and secured their future.

Mr Abiodun assured that his administration would continue to honour individuals excelling in their careers. He emphasised that such recognition would inspire others to unlock their full potential.

“I commend you for bringing honour to yourselves, your families, Ogun State, and Nigeria. We are appointing you as our Education Ambassadors to motivate students,” he said.

He urged them to consider how they could support younger students. He added that they would participate in programmes where they would visit schools to encourage and mentor pupils.

“As a token of our appreciation, we are giving you ₦10 million each. This reward also acknowledges your parents’ efforts in making Ogun State proud,” the governor said.

Mr Abiodun expressed delight that despite societal challenges, some young men and women remained focused, diligent, and intentional about their academics, achieving outstanding success.

He described their accomplishment as exceptional, highlighting their perseverance, consistency, and discipline in reaching their goals. He commended their determination to excel academically.

“This is the Ogun spirit. I’m not surprised that both of you, from the same department, Cell Biology and Genetics, achieved this remarkable feat in the same year,” he said.

Abiodun

The governor noted that his administration had revitalised the education sector through various reforms, including a learner identification system to monitor student enrolment and performance.

He added that the Learner Identification Number initiative had gained attention from other states, positioning Ogun as a model for educational innovation in Nigeria.

In response, Messrs Adebakin and Badekale expressed gratitude to the governor for the recognition, calling it proof of his commitment to improving the education sector in Ogun.

They advised young people to focus on their studies and avoid activities that could bring shame to their families, stressing that education remained a key to success.

ICAN Reaffirmed Partnership With ICAEW On Global Accounting Standards

ICAN reaffirmed partnership with ICAEW on global accounting standards. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) have reaffirmed their partnership to enhance global professional mobility and align accountancy practices with international standards.

In a statement released on Friday via its official X handle, ICAN announced that a high-level delegation, led by its 60th President, Chief Davidson Alaribe, met with ICAEW President, Malcolm Bacchus, to strengthen their collaboration and explore strategic alliances.

Key discussions focused on ensuring ICAN’s qualification framework meets global benchmarks, increasing professional opportunities for its members. As part of the agreement, both institutes will conduct a joint webinar on the Examination of Experience to enhance knowledge sharing.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was a comprehensive syllabus review aimed at maximizing exemptions for ICAN members, making it easier for them to obtain international audit qualifications.

Additionally, ICAN pledged to complete its qualification framework review by March 2025 to ensure full compliance with global standards.

Alaribe reaffirmed ICAN’s dedication to sustainability, capacity building, and international best practices, emphasizing appreciation for ICAEW’s support in advancing the profession.

Global Accounting Standards

The strengthened partnership highlights a shared commitment to fostering global professional mobility.

By aligning qualification frameworks and promoting cross-border collaboration, both institutions aim to facilitate international recognition for their members and elevate global accounting standards.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts Presents ‘Dance Of The Ghosts’, Haunting Commentary On Nigeria’s Social Ills

Uniuyo Theatre Arts presents ‘dance of the ghosts’, haunting commentary on Nigeria’s social ills. The University of Uyo’s (UNIUYO) Theatre Arts Department, recently, presented a thrilling performance of Ben Binebai’s “Dance of the Ghosts,” directed by Sunday Umanah-Tusi.

This impressive performance was a practical component of the Year One course, THA 113 – Practical Orientation Production.

In the thought-provoking play “Dance of the Ghosts,” Ben Binebai crafts a powerful political allegory that reflects the Nigerian state’s struggles with leadership, mistrust, and the pursuit of power. Set in the fictional Ebiogbo Kingdom, the play exposes the harsh realities of a society where many live in fear, poverty, and frustration.

Through the lens of Ebiogbo Kingdom, Binebai shines a light on the disconnect between the people and their leaders, as well as the mistrust and backstabbing that often characterize the pursuit of power.

The play advocates for collective action and protest against irresponsible and autocratic leadership, promoting a message of social change and conflict resolution.

Overall, “Dance of the Ghosts” was a captivating production that left the audience spellbound. With its talented cast, creative team, and eerie atmosphere, this play is a must-see for anyone interested in the supernatural and the unknown.

The production was a masterclass in collaborative storytelling, with a talented team of creatives bringing the world of ghosts to life.

The set design, crafted by Umanah-Tusi, Edikan Samuel, Emmanuel Alexander, and others, transported the audience to a realm beyond the living. Dora Nnanake and Emmah Edet’s costumes added a touch of eeriness to the proceedings, while Katty Otioro and Sylvia’s makeup designs made the ghosts look eerily real.

Uniuyo Theatre Arts

The lighting, designed by Uwem Nesfield, cast an otherworldly glow over the stage, immersing the audience in the world of the ghosts.

The choreography, crafted by Jackyafricana Abasiodiongo Ekomabasi, Precious Ammang, and Queendalyne Effiong, added a dynamic energy to the performance.

The stage management team, led by Blossom, Jeffrey, and Sarah, ensured a seamless transition between scenes, keeping the pace of the play steady.

The playwright, Ben Binebai is a renowned Professor of Drama, Dramatic Theory, and Criticism at the Niger Delta University (NDU) in Amasoma. A prolific writer, Binebai has penned numerous works that showcase his expertise in drama and theatre arts. His play “Dance of the Ghosts” is a testament to his ability to craft thought-provoking stories that reflect the complexities of Nigerian society.