Chosen as LASU’s (Lagos stateUniversity) best graduating student, Fuad Ogunsanya Adetoro, will be receiving massive support by state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who will be sponsoring his Masters programme in any university of his choice in the world. Governor Ambode declared his commitment whilst delivering his address at the LASU 2016/2017 academic convocation, Leadership reports.

For being the best graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Aggregate (CGPA) of 4.78, Ambode also gifted the student with a cash sum of N5 million.The governor noted that it is unusual for a university visitor to attend the first day of university convocation where first degrees are awarded; hence, he said the day must have been divinely obtained. He stated: “But I don’t knowwhy I decided to come. This confirms that there is a divine side to the story.The story of the best graduating student is too compelling to ignore.

It makes me reflect my own background too; therefore, I hereby adopt him ”On receiving the N5M gift,and showing the greatest of appreciation, a grateful Fuad was full of ‘thanks’ as he emphasized how useful the financial aid and scholarship will be to him.Olugbenga was one of the five selected Hesselbein International Scholars from Africa to participate in the Hesselbein Global Leadership Summit at the prestigious Hesselbein Global Academy for Student Leadership and Civic Engagement, at the University of Pittsburgh, in the US.

As he continues to promote global pledge of bringing universal peace to people of diverse religious belief sthe unyielding work of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, was recognized when he received the coveted ‘Academic Palms,’from the Academy ofLetters in Brazil.

The highest honour which is usually granted to Heads of States, Ministers and President of High Cultural Association, leader of the community, Academician Alberto da Costa e Silva,who had been ambassador of Brazil to several countries in Africa, stated that The Ooni was honoured for his work towards promoting a peaceful co-existence.He said: “The ‘Academic Palms’ is the highest honour granted by the Brazilian Academy of Letters and only delivered to Heads of State,Ministers, Presidents of High Cultural Associations is being conferred on Ooni Ogunwusi because he is promoting peace all over the world. We don’t just honour people.Our awardees are immortals for services rendered to the letters, sciences, arts and cultural approach of the peoples and great writers.”He continued: “Óòni hasa special meaning by the strong spiritual presence ofthe Yorubás in the life of the Brazilians.

Ooni Adéyeye isa Kind of Pope in and out of Nigeria and Africa as a whole”.Responding, Ooni Ogunwusi called for tolerance among people of diverse cultural dispositions and religious beliefs.”During what was a hugely celebrated visit to the South American country,Ogunwus and his entourage – who included: Queen Dambi Kabatusula of Kasai Kingdom in Democratic Republic of Congo; Professor Sophie Oluwole; Professor Kola Abimbola of Howard University, USA; Sooko Laekunof Ife, Prince Adegboyega Ogunwusi; scholars, priests,government officials; members of Herbal Therapy Society Of Nigeria led by Chief Akintunde Ayeni of Yemken Group and a renowned Nollywood actor,Saheed Balogun - were well received by members of the community. He also took up the opportunity to meet with former Brazilian Ambassadorto Nigeria, Maria Auxiliadora Figueiredo, who was lordedby The Oooni for her workin fostering greater unity between Afro-Brazilians andAfrica.

“The royal father promised to further strengthen his campaign for religious tolerance,” da Costa e Silvasaid, “as well as abolition of all forms of discrimination against Afro-Brazilians.”Other member of The Ooni’s entourage of 120 people during the 10-day star including Yoruba traditional rulers like Timi of Ede, Ajeroof Ijero-Ekiti, Olugbon ofIle-Igbon, Alaran of Arandun,Olowa of Igbara-Oke, Jegunof Okitipupa, Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesa, Onisabe of Sabe-Igbobi, Alayandelu of Ayandelu,Owakogun of Okerewe-Ife,Alayemore of Ido-Osun.The ‘Academia Brasileirade Letras,’ which was established at the end of the19th century, is composed to this day of 40 members,known as "immortals", chosen from among the citizens of Brazil, who have published recognized works or books of literary value.

Nigeria education is such that it has for decades now, produced specialists in almost every sphere of life. Though poorly funded, the private sectors in this industry, philanthropists and some corporate individual have taken up the challenges in bringing standard to the Nigeria education system. The Ajaokuta staff comprehensive secondary school which was founded in October 10, 1983 owned and managed by the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, a federal government company, have contributed immensely to the Nigeria education. In terms of infrastructures,modern learning materials and most importantly qualified and well trained teachers in various fields.

The school which was born out of the desire by the management of the company, in providing qualitative education for the children of staff of the company and to ease the burdens parents are encountering in sending their children to far distance schools, all in the bid to give their children good education.Part of the success story of the school cannot be told without the founding principals like; Mr S.A.Ezenwuba, Rev. N.E. Ajayi,Mrs T.M. Awotoye, Mr O.O.Bajeh and Mr F.E.

Ordiah who saw the need to maintain an international best practice and standard in the educational sector,and the selfless services rendered by teachers and none teachers of the institution, who are all out to make positive impacts inthe lives of their students.The school which use to be a mixture of the whites and blacks, who came from different parts of the world, for the construction of the steel plants, mostly the Indians, Russians, France and Germans. Life then in the steel tertiary was fun as these immigrants is without their culture to show case to the people of Africa and vise-visa

In the early 80’s while the company was under construction the Ajaokuta staff comprehensive secondary school has been planted on a solid foundation which brought in awards as best in school in Kogi State from various competitions and outcome of WAEC results which has earned it the name it has today.

Graduates of the staff comprehensive secondary school Ajaokuta are doing excellently well in every spheres of life, e.g. medical, law, pharmacy, and engineering.

The standard is such that they compete favourably with international best practice in education.The graduates of this institution have participated in both local and international educational competitions and in all won the best prizes.

A science, technical and art based institution is proud to have produced notable figures occupying various positions in Nigeria government and diaspora, in the business cycle and science and technology industries.

The school, which will be marking their 35 year anniversary come October 10 2018, the alumnus of the institution are leaving no stone untouched in making sure the event remains a remarkable week to all their alumni.

It’s hoped that during the events friends who have lost contact during the secondary school days will have a time of reunion and dine together.The school alumnus is also expected to lay foundation for developmental projects and raise funds to help in the development of the school and adding beauty.

Record has it that all the principals of the institution right from inception have been proven men and women of integrity and disciplinarians who has impacted on their students.

The newly appointed sole administrator who is working tirelessly day and night to making sure that the plant is back into full operation has assured the alumnus of the school that the government is out to make sure the plant is fully completed

This will surely create a better and enabling environment or atmosphere and impact positively on the output (products) of the school in future.

The current principle of the school Mr. Philip Igbiunadion assured the alumni of his readiness for the forthcoming anniversary and stressed that all the past principles of the school have been fully informed with great assurance they will be present on the event D day.

Scores of families turned out to enjoy a morning of activities inspired by the popular book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

The event at Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub on Tuesday (11 February, 2020), was organised by the National Literacy Trust and the City of Wolverhampton Council, and was the first to be held by the city’s new Pop Up Literacy Hub, which will support families and young children to gain the literacy skills they need in life.

Children had the opportunity to hear the much-loved children’s picture book by Michael Rosen brought to life for them by professional storyteller Steve Stickley – and also enjoyed a welly walk and their very own bear hunt around the nearby Graiseley Park.

Inside, children enjoyed a range of craft, sensory activities and rhyme time activities, while youngsters were given their own copy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, along with a soft bear, to enable them to recreate the fun and develop a love of reading at home.

Tuesday’s event was one of four organised by the National Literacy Trust across the Black Country this month. It is working with all four local councils, early years professionals and health professionals to introduce Pop-up Literacy Hubs in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley which will support families and young children to further develop the literacy skills they need in life.

The National Literacy Trust is also providing training for early years professionals and giving advice to share with local families. Through the National Literacy Trust settings will be receive training regarding ways to further develop good communication, language and literacy skills.  Families will be provided with information, support and practical tips to use at home.

These activities are all part of a new early years vision to improve the support for children living in areas at the highest risk of low literacy.

Local Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust, Gaganpreet Basra, said: “We are excited to be launching our first four Pop-up Hubs in the Black Country, and we were delighted to welcome so many families to our event at Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub on Tuesday.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Lacking vital literacy skills can hold a person back at every stage of their life, and we are pleased to be working with the National Literacy Trust on this exciting project which will help young children and families across the city to develop their literacy skills at an early age.”

More than 1,500 young people and parents from Sandwell flocked to a careers fair held at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury.

The annual Connexions Sandwell New Year, New Start Careers Fair was held last month.

The event set out to inspire and motivate young people aged 14-19 by promoting the range of career opportunities available to them while targeting those in their final year of compulsory education.

On the day, 40 exhibitors showcased a range of jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and college courses for young people, all under one roof.

There were lots of companies to meet, including national employers like Severn Trent Water, ProvQ, Toyota and Barclays to name a few.

In addition, Connexions personal advisers were on hand to provide impartial advice, guidance, support and information.

Mayor of Sandwell Councillor Dr Ann Jaron formally opened the event and young people praised the organisers for putting on a great event.

There was also very positive feedback from exhibitors. Jon Newman, Royal Navy, said: “It was the best event he had attended in 10 years.”

Teagan Williams, Severn Trent Water, said: “It’s been brilliant! We are so impressed with the turnout and support.”

Councillor Danny Millard, cabinet member for skills and employment, said: “The event was a fantastic success.

“Sandwell Connexions are keen to help our young people reach their potential and take full advantage of the range of learning and employment opportunities available to them.”

Anyone who missed the event can always get help and support from Sandwell Connexions on 0121 569 2955 or by dropping into the One Stop Shop at Sandwell Council House, Oldbury. However, if they are in school, they should contact the school to arrange to be seen by Connexions.