Boss Of The Week
Meet Ijeoma Uchegbu, First Nigerian President of Cambridge University College
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By Eric Elezuo
It is not out of place to admit the Nigerians are performing exploits in the chosen fields across the globe, achieving one ground breaking achievement after another. The latest in the list is Ijeoma Uchegbu, who was announced the next President of Wolfson College of the prestigious University of Cambridge.
Ijeoma Uchegbu, a Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience known for her ground-breaking work in nanoparticle drug delivery, was penultimate week, announced as the 7th President of Wolfson College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge.
She will succeed the current President, Professor Jane Clarke, on October 1, 2024.
Prof. Ijeoma Uchegbu is a Nigerian-British Professor of Pharmacy at University College London (UCL), where she also served as the Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East.
She was the Chief Scientific Officer and co-founder of Nanomerics, a pharmaceutical nanotechnology company that develops innovative drug delivery solutions for poorly water-soluble drugs, nucleic acids and peptides.
Prof. Uchegbu obtained her B.Pharm degree from the University of Benin, Nigeria, her M.Pharm degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and her PhD degree from the University of London, UK.
She started her academic career as a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde, UK, where she became a Chair in Drug Delivery in 2002. She joined UCL in 2006 as a Chair in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at the School of Pharmacy.
Prof. Uchegbu is a world-renowned expert in the field of pharmaceutical nanoscience, with over 200 publications and 25 patents to her name. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms of drug transport across biological barriers and the design of novel polymers that self-assemble into nanoparticles with optimal properties for drug delivery. She has applied her research to various therapeutic areas, such as cancer, brain disorders, gene therapy and pain management.
She has also been involved in several collaborative projects with industry and academia, such as the Raman Nano theranostics project that aims to use gold nanoparticles and light to diagnose and treat diseases.
Prof. Uchegbu is also passionate about public engagement and diversity in science. She has participated in various events and initiatives to promote the benefits and challenges of nanomedicine to the public, such as the Oxford Union Science Debate and the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures.
She has also been a strong advocate for increasing the representation and inclusion of women and ethnic minorities in STEM fields, and has received several awards and honours for her achievements and leadership, such as the UK Black Women in Business Award, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Pharmaceutical Scientist of the Year Award, and the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Innovative Science Award.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, on her election as President of Wolfson College, one of the 31 colleges of the University of Cambridge.
Tinubu in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated the outstanding accomplishment and commends Professor Uchegbu for being an excellent ambassador for the country and for her relentless efforts to advance the frontiers of pharmaceutical science.
The statement said, “The President applauds Professor Uchegbu as epitomizing the ingenuity, brilliance, and hard work that are consistently synonymous with the great Nigerian people both at home and abroad.
“While wishing the Nigerian-born Professor more success as she takes on this important role, President Tinubu assures Nigerians in the Diaspora that his administration remains committed to building a robust interface mechanism that harnesses ideas, promotes investment opportunities, and strengthens bonds, in line with his ‘4D Foreign Policy’”
ABOUT IJEOMA UCHEGBU
Ijeoma Uchegbu is a Nigerian-British Professor of Pharmacy at University College London where she held the position of Pro-Vice Provost for Africa and the Middle East. She is the Chief Scientific Officer of Nanomerics, a pharmaceutical nanotechnology company specialising in drug delivery solutions for poorly water-soluble drugs, nucleic acids and peptides. She is also a Governor of the Wellcome, a large biomedical research charity. Apart from her highly cited scientific research in Pharmaceutical Nanoscience, Uchegbu is also known for her work in science public engagement and equality and diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In December 2023, it was announced that she will become President of Wolfson College, Cambridge in October 2024.
Uchegbu grew up in Hackney and South East Nigeria. She studied pharmacy at the University of Benin, graduating in 1981, and earned her master’s degree at the University of Lagos. She could not complete a PhD in Nigeria due to infrastructure difficulties in the 80s.
“I came into science simply because after training as a pharmacist I wanted something a little bit more challenging to do. I thought that being a researcher would be a great place to start. As I did my pharmacy degree at Nigeria’s University of Benin, I did give research a try in Nigeria, but the infrastructure difficulties in the eighties made this virtually impossible. I came back to the UK, having emigrated 17 years earlier from the UK to Nigeria and started looking around for opportunities.”
She moved back to the UK and completed her postgraduate studies at the University of London, graduating with a PhD in 1997. She was appointed a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde from 2002-2004.
Boss Of The Week
Accolades Trail Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal at 70
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By Eric Elezuo
Since January 2008 when he was announced the Timi of Ede, and March of the same year, when his coronation ceremony was held till the present, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has maintained a solid profile, which has demonstrated his capabilities and capacity to reign over his people.
As a result, as the monarch turns 70, drums have been rolled out to appreciate his benevolence, candour and humanitarian disposition in the affairs of the kingdom.
Ceasing the moment, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, sent a heartwarming message to celebrate the landmark age as well as the monarch’s achievements in 15 years of rulership.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, and titled ADELEKE CELEBRATES TIMI OF EDE ON HIS BIRTHDAY, the governor hailed the monarch as a distinguished leader with remarkable flair for development, acknowledging his visionary and purposeful style to rulership, which has greatly impacted on the lives of subjects over the years.
He also lauded him for entrenching sense of togetherness and patriotism, which has guided the physical development and economic progress the ancient town has seen in recent time while affirming the immeasurable benefit of the counsels of the monarch in enabling peace and tranquility in the state and beyond, commending his historical role in promoting Yoruba culture and traditions.
He said: “As Oba Munirudeen turns a new age, I join family, friends and well-wishers across the globe to felicitate with him. Oba Munirudeen is a leader who prioritise the interest of his subject, exploring every opportunity to impact the lives of his people and cause admirable progress for his domain,” Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying in a congratulatory message.
“By divine guidance and Kabiyesi’s leadership prowess, Ede land has enjoyed incredible progress over the years. On a personal note, Kabiyesi is a positive influence for me, as I am always inspired by his passion to make a difference in the lives of our people.”
Also celebrating the monarch on his great day, popular hip hop sensation, Davido, gifted him a brand new GAC GS8 SUV luxurious car with total demonstration of respect and admiration for the chief custodian of Ede tradition. It is important to note that Davido is a native of Ede.
As a follow-up to the celebrations, subjects, friends, well wishers and the general public organized a well deserved party for the monarch with notable personalities including Governor Adeleke, prominent Osun government officials, natives of Ede from all walks of life and members of the Nigerian entertainment circle.
On the band stand on the day was the highly sought-after music maker, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey among others.
The monarch, regally attired with all the paraphernalia of royalty was all smiles as he interacted with guests, impressed at the barefaced show of love.
THE MAN, OBA MUNIRUDEEN ADESOLA LAWAL
As derived from Wikipedia, Oba Lawal, Laminisa II, the Timi of Ede’s life trajectory is captured as follows:
Boss Of The Week
Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Owoh: When a Legend Turns 70
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Who could have imagined that standing in for someone to play the role of a drunkard in one of the major Nigeria sitcoms in the 1980s, The New Masquerade, would be the pedestal one of Nigeria’s funniest men, Nkem ‘Osuofia’ Owo, needed to launch big time into the world of acting, theater and entertainment. Ever since, the prolific actor has not looked back, but has broken barriers, smashed records, and has continued to be relevant even as he joined the septugerians’ club. Yes, drums are rolled out to celebrate Osuofia at 70.
Born in Enugu State, on February 7, 1955, Nkem Owoh, better known by his screen alias, Osuofia, has come of age in every facet of existence including merchandise, family and entertainment.
A graduate of Engineering from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Osuofia had both his primary and secondary education in Nsukka, also in Enugu State. Reports have it that his acting became noticeable at early age, and during his primary and secondary days, before getting better polished and manifested during his university days, from where he graduated to acting in various television and film productions, including writing scripts.
The Wikipedia presents more of his trajectory as follows:
In 1979, he embarked on his journey in the entertainment industry, starting as a writer at Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). He further established his writing credentials by penning scripts for notable productions, such as: The New Masquerade and Basi and Company (a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa). He also once filled in for an absent actor, playing the role of a drunkard in the groundbreaking sitcom The New Masquerade. This unexpected opportunity launched his successful career.
However, Owoh ventured into the movie scene when he was contracted to handle the subtitling for the Igbo language movie Living in Bondage upon its completion. Following the success of Living in Bondage, acting opportunities began to flood in. A year later, he landed his next significant role as a customs officer in the Igbo language movie Circle of Doom. His good performance announced his arrival on the scene, captivating producers, who not only sought him for his acting talent but also valued his scriptwriting skills.
Following Circle of Doom, he landed his third film role in Taboo which he co-scripted.
In 1995, Owoh wrote and produced the iconic film Ikuku, where he portrayed the unforgettable character, Osuofia (a drunk). His portrayal of Osuofia in the movie earned him widespread recognition, transforming him into a beloved household name. In 1997, he produced Ikuku 2 a sequel to the first movie, where he reprised his role as a drunkard. He also produced Pampam the same year, teaming up with Okey Bakassi.
The character Osuofia was once again brought to life by Nkem Owoh in Osuofia in London (2003) and its sequel Osuofia in London 2 (2004), produced by Kingsley Ogoro. His appearance in this movie earned him international recognition and also his nickname. This breakthrough paved the way for a lasting career, with continuous screen appearances from then on.
Owoh is also known for performing the song “I Go Chop Your Dollar” about advance fee fraud. The song was featured in the film The Master in which Owoh plays the role of a scammer.
Hw had had his own ups and downs in the business as well as in life. It is noted that the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission banned the song, citing it was promoting fraud. Also in 2007, he was arrested in Amsterdam, Netherlands while performing at a musical show, but was later released.
In November 2009, he was kidnapped, and a ransom N15 million naira was demanded. He was said to have been released after his family members allegedly paid a ransom fee of 1.4 million naira.
In 2017, at the 13th edition, he was honored with the prestigious Africa Movie Academy Award (AMAA) Lifetime Achievement Award.
In2012, he partnered with MTN for a multimillion-naira endorsement deal that has been repeatedly renewed.
Osuofia remains a known face to many generations of movie watchers, as well as a formidable force in the Nigeria film industry. He is a legend, having contributed more than enough to spreading in homes.
Happy 70th birthday sir…!
Boss Of The Week
Siminalayi Fubara: Celebrating a Detailed Governor at 50
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By Eric Elezuo
What looks like the entire Rivers State was out last week, precisely on January 28, 2025, to celebrate their Governor, Sir Amaopusenibo Siminalayi Fubara, as he hit the golden age.
Leading the charge of celebrations and encomiums, was his amiable wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, who organized a surprised party for the governor, with the who’s who in Rivers State government and Peoples Democratic Party present, including former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo; and a former governor, Sir Celestine Omehia.
Superbly attired, and defeating the surprised undertone, a very elated Fubara walked side by side with his water as the entered the open venue event, with aides, we’ll wishers and staff tagging joyously along.
Speaking straight from the heart, Governor Fubara, who fought and is still fighting many battles of his political life just 20 months after becoming governor, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “This morning I feel so humbled. I have been swept off my feet. Sincerely, all my life I have never subscribed to celebrating birthdays, particularly in this way. What has been done this morning, in conjunction with my wife, shows so much love and appreciation that honestly, I do not know how to pay back.”
In one moment of intense joy, the celebrant, assisted by his dear wife, performed the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, much to the delight of their guests. The laughter and the camaraderie that followed was a joy to behold.
The scene appeared to wipe clean all the political turmoil that has trailed the governor and Rivers State in 20 short months.
An ethnic Ibani-Ijaw, born in Opobo Town in the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers State on January, 28 1975, Fubara was sworn in as the governor of Rivers State, on May 29, 2023, after winning his electoral victory on March 18 of the same year.
He previously served as Accountant general of Rivers State, under Barr Nyesom Wike as governor.
Less than two years after becoming governor, Fubara has amid turbulence situations, launched out to deliver good governance to Rivers people. He is known to have signed N195.3bn contract with Julius Berger for the construction of Port Harcourt Ring Road project. The project when completed would traverse six local government areas of the state, thereby decongesting Port Harcourt. Fubara further stated the State would pay over N150 billion advance for the project. This is among many other notable projects.
He is married to Valerie Fubara and they have three children.
President Tinubu Celebrates Governor Siminalayi Fubura at 50
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara on his 50th birthday.
The President lauded Fubara’s contributions to governance in Rivers State and his efforts to foster growth in the region.
President Tinubu further urged Governor Fubara to redouble his efforts in promoting peace and unity, emphasising the importance of harmony as a foundation for sustainable development.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I commend your dedication to the service of your people. Governance thrives where peace reigns. I encourage you to continue working tirelessly to bring people together, resolve differences, and create an environment where progress can flourish for the benefit of all Rivers people,” the President said.
President Tinubu wished Governor Fubara continued wisdom, strength, and success in his leadership journey and prayed for more remarkable achievements in the years ahead.
Governor Oborevwori Felicitates with Fubara at 50
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, commended Governor Fubara as a courageous leader who deserves recognition for his significant contributions to the governance of Rivers State.
He characterized Governor Fubara as a wise and capable individual, divinely appointed to lead the people at this pivotal moment in the political landscape of Rivers State.
Oborevwori stated, “Since becoming Governor, you have consistently prioritized good governance, focusing on improving the standard of living for the people by fostering development, peace, and security within the state.”
He further expressed confidence that Fubara’s development agenda would continue to positively influence the growth and progress of Rivers State.
“On behalf of the government and citizens of Delta State, I congratulate an outstanding professional, seasoned accountant, and my brother, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, on his 50th birthday,” he added.
“As you celebrate this milestone, I pray that God grants you greater wisdom and good health to continue your exceptional service to Him and to humanity.”
Other prominent individuals, who celebrated the governor included Party faithful, aides, loyalists, industrialists and a whole lot more.
From us at The Boss, we wish Governor Fubara more fruitful years!
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