Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu, Others Celebrates UniCal 50th Anniversary

Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu, others celebrates UniCal 50th Anniversary. It was indeed a moment of deep reflection and immense pride to return to my alma mater, the great University of Calabar, for its 50th Anniversary and 37th Convocation Lecture, alongside 70 of my esteemed coursemates—the Class of 1998, The Golden Ones.

Also in attendance at this great event was the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON a proud alumnus of this institution, Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, my dear colleagues from the National Assembly alongside other eminent men and women.

I had the distinct honour of delivering the convocation lecture at this epoch-making event, titled “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centered Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075.”

In my address, I highlighted the urgent need to align education with innovation, real-world application, and national development.
I also emphasized the necessity for our universities to move beyond theory and drive tangible, real-world impact.

Education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about applying it to shape the future. If our universities fail to adapt, we risk producing graduates unprepared for the world they will inherit.

I extend my sincere gratitude to my esteemed classmates who found it worthy to join me in this historic moment. Their constant support, love, and prayers have been deeply felt and appreciated.

The path forward is clear: education must be the engine of national transformation, innovation must serve society, and progress must uplift all. This is our generational mandate, to build a future where education is not just a ladder for individual success but the foundation for national prosperity.

Akpabio, Dep Speaker Kalu

I call on policymakers, educators, entrepreneurs, and alumni to rise to the challenge. Let us not wait for the future; let us summon it with bold action.

Expand industry partnerships, fund research that addresses Nigeria’s greatest challenges, and bridge the divide. Above all, let us never lose sight of the people behind the progress.

Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Namibia Swears In First Female President Netumbo

Namibia swears in first female president Netumbo. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president as she took office after being sworn in.

Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, who was vice president, was sworn in on Friday, succeeding President Nangolo Mbumba.

Due to heavy rainfall, the Namibian president’s swearing-in, which coincided with the country’s 35th Independence Anniversary, was moved from Independence Stadium to State House in Windhoek.
Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah polled 58 per cent of the votes, surpassing the 50 per cent requirement to win in the last election held in November 2024.

Her challenger, Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) party, came second with roughly 26 per cent of the votes.

The 72-year-old politician now joins the exclusive club of female presidents in Africa, including former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, Joyce Banda of Malawi, and Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania.

Namibia

The trio—Mrs. Sirleaf, Mrs. Banda, and Mrs. Hassan—were all in attendance at Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah’s inauguration.

Mrs Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership will see her party, the South West Africa People’s Organisation (Swapo), remain in power beyond 35 years, having governed since the country’s independence in 1990.

PDP Reinstates Chairman Venatius Ikem in Cross River

PDP eeinstates chairman Venatius Ikem in Cross River. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State has reinstated its chairman, Venatius Ikem, months after his suspension over allegations of misconduct, financial mismanagement, and the party’s poor performance in the 2024 local government elections.

Ikem Declares Vindication, Pledges Party Revival

Speaking at the PDP Secretariat in Calabar, Ikem announced that he had been “exonerated and acquitted” of all allegations. He assured party members that his return would restore PDP’s influence in the state and beyond.

“The party may have fallen and stumbled, but we will rise to take our rightful place in Cross River and Nigeria,” he said.

Chairman Venatius Ikem

Calls for Unity and Reconciliation

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Ikem urged members to forgive past grievances and work toward party unity.

“The past four months were difficult, but we must move forward. I hold no grudges and will engage all stakeholders to rebuild our party,” he stated.

Ikem encouraged loyal supporters to remain steadfast, emphasizing that PDP’s future in Cross River remains bright.