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Igbinedion University Honours Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurasheed Adewale Akanbi: The Man of the People

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By Eric Elezuo

When a man purges his path, honours will have a safe passage to continually locate him. The same marks that path of the distinguished paramount ruler of the ancient and revered Iwo Kingdom, the Oluwo of Iwo HIM Oba (Dr.) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1, as the premier private university, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, is set to confer on him its Honorary Doctorate degree.

The event is scheduled to hold on November 24, 2018 at the premises of the foremost university in Okada, Edo State, when it celebrates its 16th Convocation ceremony.

A nationalist to the core, Oba Akanbi, who believes politics should not be left to politicians alone, has been in the forefront of canvassing for royal fathers to highly get involved in politics. This, he said is because, politicians cannot be trusted but traditional rulers who has the interest of their people at heart can.

“Kings have to be in politics and so does everybody else, regardless of what you think about it. Politicians are people that you can’t really trust but then as a father, who has the best interest of his community and the nation, one has to be involved,” he was once quoted as saying.

The above and more, has formed the background for which Oba Akanbi has been considered for such a grand honour.

In their own words, the management of the Igbinedion University said the choice, is in “acknowledgement of a throne committed to serving humanity and his contribution to academic excellence in Nigeria.

“The award is in recognition of your outstanding contributions as a traditional and cultural icon, outstanding and visionary leader, developmentalist, general role model, and national builder.”

It is therefore, not a fluke that the revered Oba is being honoured in this way seeing that the award is the third so far to be bestowed on him, and according to as many that know him, more are readily in the offing for the first class traditional ruler, who attested that he rules by the directives of the Almighty God.

Born on June 21, 1967 in Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale Akanbi hails from Molaasan Compound of Gbaase Ruling House in Isale Oba in Iwo.

He attended Omolewa Nursery and Primary School, Oritamefa, Ibadan between 1972 and 1978 before proceeding to Iwo Grammar School, Araromi, Iwo, where he stayed till 1982. He completed his secondary education at Oba Akinyele Memorial High School, Idi-Ape, Ibadan.

He later attended The Polytechnic Ibadan in 1985, and obtained Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication in 1987. He also obtained a certificate in Cybis & Axis System from the Convergys Institute, Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada (2001-2005) in addition to Seismic certificate in Operations, Oil and Gas Processing Facilities (2005).

In the quest for further and standard education, Oba Akanbi attended George Brown College, Toronto, Canada, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration. This was between 2005 and 2009.

He worked as a Data Processor, Bio-skin GMBH in Hamburg Germany (1996-2005), International Development Analyst (Oxfam Canada); travelling to help war and disaster stricken countries around the world by supplying and supporting refugees with relief materials.

Oba Akanbi also worked as Associate Supervisor, Purdy Wharf Towers, Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Prince Enterprises, Toronto, Ontario M5H4E7 Canada, Director and Founder of People Against Loneliness Inc. 508-58 Waterson Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada, West Africa Coordinator (Karcher Group FutureTech) presently working on supply of future technology on peace keeping force to the Defence Ministry and Managing Director, Morganz Gamo Quarry, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Podo Village, Ibadan.

A polyglot, he speaks fluent Yoruba, English, French and Deutsche (German)

Oba Akanbi may be the Oluwo of Iwo, but he sees himself as more of a national figure than being limited to his community.

Hear him: I consider myself a king over a nation. Anything that happens in Kano, affects me because an investor is coming from overseas will always ask how Nigeria is; they won’t ask how is Iwo? There are many embassies that I know that have put Nigeria at the high- risk position of ‘you come at your own risk’. It affects me as well. So traditional rulers have to get up and become part of politics especially when it has to do with security of lives and property of subjects.”

He is also a stern believer in the crusade to root out corruption from the Nigeria body polity, saying he is doing his bit in the community where he holds sway.

“Yes. That’s what we’re doing now. We’re tackling corruption the same way Buhari is tackling it. I have started with the crusade of fighting corruption in our traditional and cultural systems. Our culture is not moving because it is steered by corruption. So all those rituals and killings of human beings all around are what we need to take out.

Oba Akanbi is cherished by his people for his series of humanitarian projects, poverty alleviation programmes and community development activities. He is also in the forefront of projecting peace and tolerance among Yoruba obas.

He once created a stir in the media space when in 2017, when named his name Oduduwa. The child was given birth to in Canada.

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Yakubu, Fani-Kayode, Ikpeazu, Others Scale Senate Screening Hurdle for Ambassadorial Positions

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The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador.

Other nominees cleared by the committee include former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.

Also confirmed were former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; former Governor of Enugu, State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Governor of Abia State, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

The screening session, conducted in batches of five nominees each, experienced a mild drama during Omokri’s turn.

Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed on how his clearance should proceed.

After Omokri’s batch had introduced themselves, Ndume moved a motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and leave.

Some senators, including Oshiomhole, indicated they wanted to comment.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, recognised Oshiomhole to speak, but Ndume insisted that his motion should be seconded before allowing further interventions.

This led to a sharp disagreement between the two senators.

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Tinubu Reiterates Directive on Withdrawal of VIP Police Protection

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President Bola Tinubu has insisted on his earlier directive ordering the withdrawal of police officers from very important persons (VIPs) in the country.

On November 23, Tinubu ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs across the country during a security meeting with the inspector-general of police (IGP), the chiefs of army and air staff, and the director-general of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The president said the move was aimed at boosting police presence in communities, especially remote areas where stations are understaffed and citizens remain vulnerable to attacks.

Speaking at the opening of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Tinubu warned against non-compliance and directed Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser (NSA); Ibrahim Gaidam, minister of police; and Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, to follow up on the implementation of the order.
The president noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, adding that the protection of a select group of VIPs is not their responsibility.

The president ordered Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, to make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by civil defence corps.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too.

“We face challenges here and there of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The civil defence is very much around.”

Tinubu said there is a need to mobilise the police appropriately due to the country’s security challenges.

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Glo TV Fetes Subscribers with Four New Exclusive Movies for Free

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Globacom has launched four brand-new movies on Glo TV, offering subscribers access to premium, never-before-seen entertainment at no cost whatsoever. The announcement underscores the company’s commitment to enriching the digital entertainment space and celebrating African storytelling on a world-class platform.

According to Globacom, the new titles feature some of the continent’s finest actors, presenting a compelling spectrum of romance, comedy, drama, and cultural expression. The exclusive films include Johnny Just Come (JJC), Eko Vibes, Bound, and Shifting Desire.

“Each of these movies has been carefully curated to showcase diverse African narratives while providing exceptional entertainment that is not available in cinemas, on YouTube, or on any other VoD platform. Access remains entirely FREE, with no subscription or payment required,” the company revealed.

Leading the slate is Shifting Desire, a stirring romantic drama starring Lilian Afegbai and celebrated Ghanaian actor Majid Michel. The film chronicles a couple’s turbulent journey through marriage, betrayal and emotional healing, culminating in therapy-driven reconciliation. It premiered on Glo TV on 2 December and is already streaming without charge.

Also in the lineup is Johnny Just Come (JJC), a humorous cultural mash-up featuring screen legend Patience Ozokwor alongside Nancy Isime. It follows an American suitor navigating the challenges of love and marriage within a traditional African family circle, exploring themes of identity, culture and belonging with comedic flair.

The emotional drama Bound, starring Rita Dominic and Eyinna Nwigwe, delves into the life of a career-driven woman haunted by a buried personal secret, and the devastating effect it has on her relationships. The film delivers an arresting narrative powered by some of Nollywood’s most compelling performances.

Completing the selection is Eko Vibes, a vibrant portrayal of the energy, ambition and hustle of Lagos youth culture. Featuring Broda Shaggi, Josh2Funny and Nkechi Blessing, it captures the dreams and grit of young Nigerians striving to make their mark in Africa’s most dynamic city.

Globacom stated that the release reflects its dedication to amplifying original African content. “With these never-before-seen titles, Glo TV is redefining digital entertainment in Nigeria by offering fresh, premium films unavailable anywhere else. We remain committed to championing culturally rich stories that celebrate African creativity at its peak,” it affirmed.

While Shifting Desire is already available, the remaining titles will debut on Glo TV free of charge throughout the festive season. The Glo TV app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, giving subscribers instant access to movies, series, live television and exclusive premium content anytime, anywhere.

Globacom urges customers to download the Glo TV app today and enjoy these exciting new premieres — all at absolutely no cost.

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