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Naija Times Publisher, Braimah, Honoured With University Of Roehampton Alumni Award [PHOTOS]

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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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BIG STORY

RCCG Pastor Absconds With $8000 Church Money, Abandons Wife, Marries New One

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A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God has reportedly fled with “$8,000” in church funds, left his wife behind, and married another woman.

Pastor Folu Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer, Worldwide, of the RCCG, disclosed this while speaking at a men’s programme.

She explained in a video monitored by Church Times that the pastor was given the money for mission work in South Africa but instead abandoned his wife and relocated to the United States, where he married someone else.

Adeboye said the incident happened during a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, where she preached at the RCCG parish led by the pastor. The church service was held in a rented space at an eatery.

While she was ministering, a woman entered and began packing chairs, apparently indicating their allotted time was over. Surprised by this, Adeboye asked the pastor what it would cost to get a permanent site.

The pastor, who she said hails from Ekiti State, suggested that “$8,000” would allow them to begin the process by purchasing a used vehicle. He proposed giving the vehicle to a tourism agency to generate returns for acquiring a permanent church building.

Encouraged by the idea, Adeboye gave him the money.

However, the pastor had other plans. After receiving the funds, he travelled to the United States and left his wife behind in South Africa.

She noted that the abandoned woman is now in a distressed state, nearly “running mad.”

Church Times quoted Pastor Adeboye as saying: “RCCG men, what are we going to do? Are we going to continue with such a lying spirit, a deceitful spirit to the God of the kingdom?”

She stressed the need to return to core values of faith and truthfulness. Recalling past hardships, she said: “We must get to the point where we say wherever He leads, we follow. We were in this bush. For three years, there was no light. We went back to the days of the lantern and we were grinding with stone, whereas where we were coming from we had grinding machines, we had washing machines.”

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BIG STORY

Federal Government Targets 8,000MW In 18 Months With Efficient Power Grid

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The Federal Government has expressed confidence that improved oversight of the national power grid by the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) could boost electricity output to 8,000 megawatts within the next 12 to 18 months.

Speaking at a leadership retreat for NISO’s top management in Abuja, Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Ayodeji Gbeleyi, said the nation’s installed capacity is above 14,000MW, but actual generation remains around 5,500MW.

Gbeleyi noted that with enhanced grid management and greater investment in transmission and distribution systems, the sector is positioned to see major improvements soon.

“As an independent entity, NISO now carries the weighty responsibility of managing the national grid with impartiality and integrity. In doing so, it must guarantee non-discriminatory access, efficient dispatch coordination, and fair market settlement, free from undue influence or conflict of interest,” he said.

He added, “From where we stand today, we have about 5,500MW of power being wheeled on a day-to-day basis. Compare that with the fact that the total nameplate capacity for generation in the country is a bit above 14,000MW. So it’s not a tall order for us to believe that in the near term, 12 to 18 months, we can increase that 5,500 by a minimum of 50%, because the generation capacity is there. If this grid capacity can be scaled up and we build in resilience, chances are that with distribution infrastructure also being scaled up.”

He also revealed that the Federal Government has secured $500 million from the World Bank to finance distribution network upgrades. This includes providing 3.2 million meters nationwide, alongside another 2 to 3 million meters under a presidential initiative.

Chairman of the NISO Board, Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, stressed the importance of independence and coordination in delivering reliable power services.

“NISO is not just a new institution. It is a new idea. A system operator that is truly independent. A market coordinator that is truly neutral. A planning authority that is truly strategic. We are responsible for real-time grid operations, long-term system planning, and the coordination and development of the electricity market. These are not side functions, they are central pillars. Because when power fails, everything else, industry, healthcare, education, even security struggles,” he said.

Managing Director/CEO of NISO, Engr. Abdu Bello, stated that the goal is realistic, provided focus is maintained and private investment is attracted.

“It is a target that can be achieved. We have to put ourselves and our house in order by making sure that we are focused and making sure that we also attract investment from the private sector. I believe if we are able to do that, given this retreat, this retreat is part of the plan to keep us focused. We will have a direction, strategic plan, and actions going forward. So it’s achievable,” he said.

Executive Director of Portfolio Management at the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, Tajudeen Ahmed, affirmed that MOFI will fully support NISO in delivering on its mandate.

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BIG STORY

Keyamo Faults Atiku’s Use Of Coat Of Arms In PDP Resignation Letter, Says “You Left Office 18 Years Ago”

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Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, has criticised former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar for using a coat of arms letterhead to announce his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He also expressed disapproval over Abubakar making the resignation letter public during the period of national mourning for the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a clinic in London, United Kingdom, and was laid to rest on Tuesday in Daura, Katsina state.

President Bola Tinubu had declared a seven-day period of national mourning in Buhari’s honour.

Despite this, Abubakar’s resignation letter from the PDP, dated July 14, was shared online on Wednesday.

Responding to the letter shared by Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s media adviser, on X, Keyamo said the former vice-president’s “perennial presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy”.

He wrote, “Your Excellency, Atiku Abubakar, whilst I acknowledge that it is within your constitutional right to change political Parties at any time you may wish, however, releasing your letter of resignation from the PDP during this week of the mourning of our immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, is clearly an attempt to draw the spotlight away from such a solemn occasion and direct it on yourself.”

“In fact (as the image below shows) you prepared, typed, signed and delivered that letter the morning after the passing away of the former President was announced.”

“With the greatest respect to you, this clearly demonstrates that your obsession with your perennial Presidential ambition knows no sympathy or empathy.”

Keyamo also pointed out that Abubakar’s use of the coat of arms letterhead, despite leaving office 18 years ago, is “illegal”.

He said, “And since we are on the issue of your letter, it is both morally and legally wrong to continue to use the Coat of Arms of the Federal Government in your private or political communications when you stopped being a functionary of the Federal Government more than 18 years ago.”

He cited Section 6 of the Flag and Coat of Arms Act, Cap. F30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as the basis for his claim.

The law states that “Any person who, otherwise than in conformity with the terms of a licence granted by the Minister or under other lawful authority, uses or displays- (a) in connection with the carrying on of any business, trade, profession or calling; or (b) in connection with the activities of any body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, the National Flag, the National Coat of Arms or the Coat of Arms of royalty as Head of the Commonwealth, or any flag or arms so closely resembling that flag or either of those coat of arms that they might reasonably be taken to be that flag or coat of arms, shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.”

Keyamo further argued that using the national symbol in this manner is also “reprehensible”, as it gives the impression that Abubakar is acting in an official capacity on behalf of the government.

He said, “It borders on impersonation. Imagine a situation where all former Government functionaries continue to use the Coat of Arms of Nigeria in their personal, political or private communications. There would certainly be confusion everywhere.”

As a lawyer and a member of the federal executive council (FEC), Keyamo said he is obligated to uphold the laws of the country.

 

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