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Transition: The Life and Times of Seasoned Diplomat, Ibukunolu Babajide

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By Eric Elezuo

A sad day it was on June 18, 2023, when the cold hands of death descended on and snatched a loving and near perfect gentleman, Ibukunolu Alao Olatokunbo Babajide, popularly and fondly known as IBK by friends, colleagues and family members.

Agile, lively and everyone’s buddy, Chief Babajide was returning to his base in South Sudan from the United States of America when he gave up the ghost during the flight, leaving behind a thriving career, rooted in humanity, philanthropism, loving family and a circle of friends anchored on camaraderie.

Born in 1961, August 3 to be precise, the family of Mr. and Mrs. Babajide, Chief Babajide’s 62 years of existence on planet earth, was eventful,  inspiring and and highly innovative. He exhibited unequivocal talents of an astute, and energetic man, full of life, a prompt solution provider to everyone around him irrespective of tribe or country of origin, class or creed and portrayed high level of billiance and success. He cared for everyone.

Chief Obiora, Mr. Inaju and IBK at a UN function in South Sudan

Chief Babajide started his educational sojourn at the Lagos Baptist Academy in 1972, and graduated with the set of 1977.

It is instructive to note that Chief Babajide’s academic life was as brilliant and excellent as what he eventually became in his entire professional life. A proud alumnus of the great Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife where he studied Law between 1978 and 1982, obtaining a Bachelors of Law (LL.B) before proceeding to Law School.

Chief with former Ambassador to South Sudan, Amb. Obinna with Nigeria community Chairman, Agunnaya

His quest for continuous learning and more knowledge brought him back to the ivory tower in 1984 to pursue a Masters Degree also in Law and of the same Obafemi Awolowo University. He finished in flying colours in 1985.

IBK and the professional environment are like five and six as he dedicated his life to the pursuit of credible legacy, using the instrument of his educational and residual intelligence.

Patron IBK, Chief Obiora with Nigeria community in South Sudan

After his his graduation from the Law School, Babajide was called to the Bar, and superimposed the law profession in Nigeria for 26 years spanning 1983 to 2009. In between, the legal luminary was also an influential name at the prestigious Lincoln Inn, BAR OF England, exuding professionalism for an upward of 20 years between 1990 and 2010.

He was also a trial judge, attoney and prosecutor attached to the International Criminal Tribunal based in Rwanda from 1998 to 2010. He was purely a master of multitasking.

Chief IBK with Nigerian embassy staff and Nigerian community members

Again, between 2010 and 2023 when he passed away, Chief Babajide was a Senior Legal Advisor with the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in South Sudan.

Nigerian Union in South Sudan observing a moment for IBK

Friends, colleagues, well wishers and family members have described Chief Babajide, who is also called BABA IBK as as an accomplished professional, a family-oriented man and a true leader. They recalled that during the sittings of the tribunal on the Rwandan genocide, he was so passionate at getting justice for the victims, and see that perpetrators of crime against humanity are brought to book. Of course, his passion paid off as he got reprieve for victims, and conviction for indeed he got some of the criminals convicted and they are serving their terms.

Nigerian Independence Day with Prince Adesanya and IBK

His quest to dish out humanitarian tendencies was also as strong as his passion to see that justice is given to victims of injustice. As a result, as part of his career growth, he was a humanitarian officer, touching lots of lives, spreading love, and ensuring that the milk of human kindness dropped to as many that comes in conta t with either on a personal of corporate capacity. His arms of love were open to all and sundry; Nigerian or foreigner while his diplomatic assignments lasted.

It was really a worthy 62 years of service you gave to your community, state, Nigeria and the whole at large. Though you are gone, your legacy lives on, and will remain an en encyclopedia of some sort.

Nigeria community in South Sudan observes a minute silence for IBK

Adieu Baba IKB. The world will surely miss you, buy is consoled by the fact that the footprints you left on the sand of time are indelible.

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Samsung’s CEO, Han Jong-Hee, Dies at 63

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The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-Hee, has died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was aged 63.

A spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed this.

Han, who oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea’s biggest company in 2022.

He had joined the tech giant in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before he started to run Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.

In a tribute to the deceased, Samsung said Han dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.

The company said, Han as the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, contributed to its growth amid challenging business environment.

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HURIWA Tasks Fagbemi, Onanuga to Prove Fubara’s Alleged Link to Militants

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The Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA) of Nigeria has criticised the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, for alleging that Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is connected to militant activities in the Niger Delta.

The group described the claims as baseless and lacking credible evidence.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, addressed remarks made by Fagbemi last week, accusing Fubara of “tele-guiding militants” to sabotage oil installations.

Onanuga, in a separate opinion piece, supported the Federal government’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing intelligence reports suggesting militant threats linked to the governor.

“These are serious allegations that can destabilise not only Rivers State but the entire Niger Delta, yet no concrete evidence has been made public to substantiate them,” Onwubiko said, faulting the officials’ reliance on unverified intelligence.

HURIWA highlighted Governor Fubara’s denial of the allegations in an official statement earlier on Monday, where he rejected any ties to militant groups and labeled viral videos alleging explosions on oil and gas facilities in Rivers State as “fake and malicious.”

The group praised Fubara’s call for security agencies to investigate the videos’ origins and prosecute those responsible.
“Governor Fubara’s insistence on peace and constitutional governance has been clear in all his public engagements. It is disheartening to see such character assassination being perpetuated from the highest levels of the federal government,” Onwubiko stated.

The association questioned why federal authorities have not presented tangible evidence if it exists, arguing, “As far as we are concerned, the dissemination of these unproven claims is not just unprofessional but a dangerous precedent in the democratic space.”

HURIWA also challenged Fagbemi and Onanuga to avoid “pettiness and rumour mongering,” urging them to base their statements on facts.

“It is disgraceful that at a time when Nigerians are yearning for stability and good governance, top officials of the federal government are busy engaging in baseless accusations, further tarnishing Nigeria’s image before the international community,” the statement added.

The group further criticized the state of emergency in Rivers State as “unconstitutional, unnecessary, and politically motivated,” asserting that no evidence of war or a breakdown of law and order, as required by Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, has been shown. “The AGF and other federal agents must be reminded that the Supreme Court judgment, which is now being used to justify executive overreach in Rivers State, does not license rumour-based governance,” HURIWA noted.

HURIWA urged Fubara to pursue legal action against those making the claims, stating, “even if the judiciary is seen by some as compromised, it is essential to set the record straight by taking advantage of available legal avenues.”

The association called on security agencies to launch a transparent forensic investigation into the allegations and incidents in Ogoniland and other parts of Rivers State, insisting it must remain free of political interference. “The dangerous game of labeling peaceful citizens as militants without evidence is not only reckless but risks plunging Rivers State into avoidable chaos. Nigeria’s democracy deserves better,” the group concluded.

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Dangote Cement Achieves Higher CDP Ratings for Climate Change & Water Security

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Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) has achieved a ‘B’ score in climate change and water security disclosures according to the recently released 2024 CDP results.

CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) is the world’s largest, most comprehensive dataset on environmental action which empowers investors, companies, cities, and national and regional governments to make earth-positive decisions. Dangote Cement has disclosed its environmental practices annually through the CDP since 2018.

CDP provides a voluntary framework for companies to report on Climate, Water Security, and Forests. It rigorously evaluates corporate environmental performance, assigning scores from A to D based on companies’ transparency, governance, and measurable actions towards sustainability.

Following the release of company scores in February, Dangote Cement’s score on water security which was C was upgraded to B. Similarly, the company’s commitment to supporting a climate resilient future was also demonstrated in its climate change score of B in 2024.

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dangote Cement, Mr. Arvind Pathak speaking on the new rating said, ‘Dangote Cement leads in Africa as one of few businesses in six states and regions of Africa to disclose through CDP.’ He further stated that ‘the 2024 score is an outcome of ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, accelerate climate action and promote sustainability across our business and its value chain’.

The Head, Sustainability, Dangote Cement, Dr. Igazeuma Okoroba in her remarks expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who aligned with the Group’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy overseen by the company’s Board which supported the achievement of an improved rating this year. She stated that ‘this year’s results are evidence that our contribution to create a world where people, planet and profit are truly balanced is paying off.’

Affirming the company’s commitment to decarbonisation, Dr Igazeuma stated that ‘Although this year’s score demonstrates our transparency on sustainability, DCP’s goal is to go beyond disclosure and take meaningful action through tangible solutions, innovations, and projects to close the gap between ambition and reality.’

Dangote Cement Plc is sub-Saharan Africa’s largest cement producer with an installed capacity of 45.6Mta across 10 African countries and operates a fully integrated “quarry-to customer” business with activities in manufacturing, sales, and distribution of cement.

The company is on track to meet its decarbonisation targets through energy efficiency measures, adoption of supplementary cement materials, carbon offsets and other sustainable practices.

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