Ehi Braimah, a distinguished media practitioner, PR expert and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times, an independent and online newspaper, was honoured in London with the prestigious Chancellor’s Alumni Award of the University of Roehampton which has 90,000 global alumni.

Braimah, one of three Nigerians among the 20 recipients, was recognised for his outstanding achievements, receiving the Alumni Innovation and Inspiration Award. The award ceremony was held at Lime Tree Suite, Elm Grove, inside the campus of the university on October 22, 2024.

The citation read during the award ceremony praised Braimah for using Naija Times to influence change for an egalitarian society by promoting balanced and evidenced-based reporting, especially during critical events like the 2023 presidential election.

“Braimah is a prominent voice for political and economic reforms, maintaining rigorous standards of journalism and fighting corruption,” the citation explained. The other Nigerians who were also honoured were Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr. and Marian Adejokun.

Speaking at the ceremony, the deputy vice chancellor, Prof Richard Keogh who stood in for the vice chancellor, Prof Jean-Noel Ezingeard, told the audience that the university is a modern institution with a long, rich and proud history. “As many of you now, our roots stretch back to the 1840s through the early work of our founding colleges,” Keogh said.

“Roehampton is a special place and I am truly delighted to welcome you to the 2024 Chancellor’s Alumni awards. We have a rich and vibrant global alumni network that continues to grow.

“Today’s event is significant as we celebrate the remarkable achievements, impact and contributions of Roehampton alumni. When you graduate, your connection to us does not end. We’re immensely grateful to our donor community of 500 individuals and volunteer community of 400 alumni, who have been mentoring our students. More than 400 students have benefited from the mentoring programme.

“We hold the distinction of being the longest serving provider of higher education for women in the UK, and our commitment to professional education, widening participation and transforming lives is as strong today as it was then.”

In her welcome remarks, Eleanor Merrick, Director of Business Development, Fundraising and Alumni Relations who founded the Roehampton alumni 10 years ago, said it was a good feeling having award recipients from different countries under the same roof to celebrate their remarkable achievements, adding that the reception was an opportunity for the alumni to interact and build formidable and long-lasting relationships.

Braimah used the occasion to present two copies of Naija Times’ book, ‘ For a Better Society’ to Prof Keogh for the university’s library.

The University of Roehampton was given its university title 20 years ago by the Privy Council, but it had existed previously as four colleges since the 18th century. Other members of the university community that attended the ceremony included Prof Sunitha Narendran, associate pro-vice chancellor, internationalisation and global engagement, and Prof Dan Nunan, Dean, Faculty of Business and Law.

Braimah’s family members, friends and associates were present to celebrate with him. Those present were his sister-in-law, Bukola Olakotan; aunt-in-law, Cynthia Ologunde; Sam Omatseye, chairman, the Nation newspaper editorial board, Engr. Clement Ede-Agege; Toni Kan, a PR expert and financial analyst; Dr. Toju Ogbe, a global PR strategist and cross-cultural leadership expert, and Matthew Odu, a chartered accountant.

After completing his MBA at the University of Roehampton in 2016, Braimah has continued to demonstrate remarkable commitment to excellence in his professional career by launching multiple media platforms.

As publisher of Naija Times, Braimah has made significant contributions to Nigerian media, using the platform to drive thought leadership and insightful journalism, especially through his column in the newspaper.

In addition to his role as a media practitioner, Braimah is the Deputy President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), where his influence has been instrumental in fostering stronger business relationships between Nigeria and the United States.

His dedication to both media and international commerce reinforces his versatile leadership across multiple sectors. Braimah’s recognition by the University of Roehampton underscores the global impact of the institution’s alumni.

The Chancellor’s Alumni Award celebrates exceptional achievements and the innovative contributions made by Roehampton graduates around the world.

Aside from his media and business roles, Braimah is an active leader in Rotary. He currently serves as an Assistant Governor and chair of the Public Image Committee of Rotary International District 9112.

Braimah’s commitment to community service and improving Rotary’s public image further demonstrates his passion for making a difference, both locally and internationally.

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Women have a distinguished place in African society and their status inside and outside home is always kept at a high pedestal.

Arewa Bukola Amos Bello’s ascension in the filmmaking business is exemplified by her hard work, talent, and determination, which earned her a top place in Nigeria’s Nollywood.

Popularly known as Bukky Arewa, the beautiful thespian’s lifestyle demonstrates bravery and fast thinking, some of the qualities that established her competence, earning her instant and regular respect among her colleagues.

An ex-model and entrepreneur par excellence, Bukky Arewa’s rise to social prominence was not devoid of the human’s natural experience of psychological challenge.

To demonstrate her determination to succeed in life, Bukky engaged in personal sacrifices, juggling between acting and making family commitments, demonstrating her tenacity and will to achieve despite obstacles.

Her box office hit, Ajitannawo, which officially registered her as a force in Nollywood, depicts a balance between personal sacrifice, strength and resiliency, with the storyline centred on issues related to rural living and discovery within self to fight and defeat life struggles.

Bukky is the type that doesn’t keep close friends. Although, she’s always available, always agreeable, even when it’s to her own detriment, she suspects that not drawing a line sometimes can lead to burnout and resentment.

“I have learnt my lessons. So, I don’t keep close friends,” she declared, while she encourages people to always prioritize their own needs first.

Idiris Okuneye, the controversial crossdresser, popularly known as Bobrisky, who is currently under detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State, spent the night in a female cell in the police facility.

According to The Punch, a source under  anonymity, said Okuneye was detained in the female cell because of his controversial lifestyle, adding that there were no female detainees as of the time he was detained at the facility.

The source said, “Bobrisky was brought to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 p.m. on Monday. Immigration arrested him at the Seme Border and brought him for safekeeping. He is in detention at the FCID, Alagbon. He was arrested on Sunday, detained overnight, and taken to the FCID, Alagbon.

“We have a lot of cells in Alagbon; and when you are having a case like that, you have to look for the right place to guarantee the safety and security of the person being detained.

“Everybody is conscious of the fact that Bobrisky could be gay and nobody wants to be part of a scandal. If you put him among males, anything can happen and you cannot put him among females. So, they gave him a cell alone and the cell is around the female section and they didn’t have any female inmate around that cell.”

Confirming Okuneye’s detention, the spokesperson for the FCID, Lagos, Mayegun Aminat, during a conversation with our correspondent, on Tuesday, said, “He is detained at the FCID, Alagbon. He is with us and we are to get a remand to keep him in ustody today.”