Switzerland Global Summit: First African UNESCO Laureate invited as Special Guest of Honor and Keynote Speakers

According to the Letter that was received by the First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu through Organizing Committee of the Kapsule MedChem Summit 2026– International Conference on Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery & Drug Delivery as stated below:

Dear First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu,

Greetings from the Organizing Committee of the Kapsule MedChem Summit 2026– International Conference on

Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery & Drug Delivery.
It is with great pleasure that we extend to you an official invitation to join us as a featured Key note speaker and Special Guest of Honor at our upcoming international conference, scheduled to take place from February 15–17, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland.

Our Scientific Committee has carefully reviewed your recent work in the field of medicinal chemistry and is highly impressed by your contributions. We believe your participation will greatly enrich the academic depth of the summit and provide valuable insights to fellow clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals in attendance.

As a token of our appreciation, we are pleased to offer you the following speaker benefits:

  • Full waiver of registration fees
  • Complimentary accommodation during the conference dates
  • Round-trip airfare coverage

To confirm your participation and allow us to proceed with the necessary arrangements, we kindly ask you to activate your complimentary conference pass via our event portal. which grants full access to all scientific sessions, networking opportunities, and hospitality services throughout the event.

To proceed, please submit the following:

  • A short professional biography (100–150 words)
  • A high-resolution headshot (preferred format: JPG or PNG)

Activate your conference pass via the secure link:

We sincerely hope you will consider this invitation, and we look forward to the opportunity of welcoming you to Zurich for this distinguished global gathering.

Warm regards,
Manichandhana
Program Manager
Kapsule Medchem Summit 2026

About The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu
Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu is recognized as the First African UNESCO Laureate. He’s a renowned Nigerian professor of computer science and information technology who has made significant contributions to his field. Some of his notable achievements include ¹ ² ³:

  • UNESCO Laureate Award: He’s a First African UNESCO Laureate Ratified by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Centre Central and South America with Reg. Arg. 22/LT-19 and published with ISBN 978-1571-7412-6 along with Global Golden Medal and Global Golden Certificate with other support as Prizes from UNESCO for His Outstanding Global Contribution on Education, creative, intellectual achievements and other activities world wide
    Seeking For Quality Assurance in Higher Education both National and International
    The First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu has been appointed as a Chairman Accreditation Panel of some of Universities in Nigeria and Also appointed as Chairman Board of Trustees of World Accreditation Commission USA an official partner of United Nations, UNESCO, Association of Universities of Asia and Pacific and others world wide
  • Academic Leadership: Serves as the Vice Chancellor of Crown University International Chartered Inc., USA, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Kings & Queens Medical University College, Ghana and others offers world wide
  • Global Recognition: Has been involved with various international organizations, including the Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC), where he was appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees, and Chief Patron and others offers world wide
  • Research and Partnerships: Focuses on promoting research, intellectual development, and community service through partnerships with institutions worldwide.
  • *Minaret University Ikirun, Nigeria *: Also involved with Minaret University in Ikirun, Nigeria as a Professor and Founding member Board of Trustees , which aims to provide quality education with an Islamic and Western education model as well in others Universities in Nigeria.

Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu’s work has been widely acknowledged, and he continues to contribute to academia and global initiatives.

First African UNESCO Laureate Prof Sir Bashiru Aremu appreciate the Organizing Committee of the Kapsule MedChem Summit 2026– International Conference on

Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery & Drug Delivery of upcoming international conference, scheduled to take place from February 15–17, 2026, in Zurich, Switzerland.
And he promised to continue contributing his quata to the higher education world wide

Dignitaries Grace Launch of Dr. Rabiu Olowo Foundation in Celebration of His 40th Birthday

Maryam Aminu

Prominent personalities from across Nigeria’s public and private sectors gathered in Abuja to celebrate the launch of the Dr. Rabiu Onaolapo Olowo Foundation, an event held in commemoration of the 40th birthday of Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria.

Bede Ogueri Anyanwu, Deputy Director and Head of the Strategic Communications Directorate at the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, in a statement he signed and made available to journalists noted that the event attracted key figures including Victor Muruako Esq, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission; Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA); and Professor Taiwo Oyedele, Special Adviser to the President on Tax Reform. They were joined by several other distinguished Nigerians who came together to support the Foundation’s mission.

A highlight of the evening was a touching performance by children living with sickle cell anemia beneficiaries of the Olowo Foundation whose presentations underscored the Foundation’s commitment to creating lives of purpose and lasting impact.

In his keynote address, Mr. Tony Elumelu praised the Foundation’s vision and reaffirmed the need for sustainable interventions in empowering vulnerable communities.
He was followed by Professor Muhammad M.O. Kah, a respected academic and champion of African excellence, who emphasized the role of transformational leadership in advancing social equity.

The ceremony concluded with a toast by Victor Muruako Esq, who lauded Dr. Olowo’s legacy of service, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to national development.

The Dr. Rabiu Olowo Foundation is focused on improving the lives of underserved communities through initiatives in health, education, and youth empowerment, with special attention to individuals affected by sickle cell anemia.

ECOWAS, EU, Germany, and Spain Launch €110m Regional Projects to Boost Peace, Trade and Governance in West Africa

Maryam Aminu

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), Germany, and Spain, has launched four major initiatives worth €110 million to strengthen peace, security, economic integration, and institutional development across the West African region.

The high-level launch event, held yesterday at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, brought together over 80 senior officials, ambassadors, and development partners from West Africa and Europe. The initiatives are being jointly implemented by international development agencies, including GIZ, UNIDO, ITC, AECID, Expertise France, and Fundación FIAP.

Speaking at the event, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the projects are aimed at driving not just peace and security, but also boosting trade, governance, institutional frameworks, and cooperation with partner countries.

He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to ensuring the initiatives deliver tangible impact across the region.

“These projects are expected to contribute significantly to the region’s development by supporting trade within the community and strengthening ECOWAS’ strategic orientations,” Touray said.

“The budget of these projects is €110 million, coming from the EU, Germany and Spain. We are grateful for the continued and multifaceted support towards these four projects, because the objectives pursued are vital to ECOWAS and its Member States.”

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, underscored the EU’s unwavering commitment to a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated West Africa.

According to him, the initiatives reflect a deepened partnership with ECOWAS, focused on governance, institutional capacity, regional trade, and people-centered development.

Speaking also, the German Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, H.E. Annett Günther, emphasized that the launch marked more than the start of new projects.

“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security, and good governance in West Africa,” she said, highlighting that the projects support ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizen-centered community for peace and prosperity.

Günther noted the strategic importance of the programmes, adding “Trade and services are a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation. In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.”

Speaking further, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. María Higón Velasco, praised ECOWAS for its leadership in regional cooperation and reiterated Spain’s support through AECID’s ongoing partnership with the Commission.

She stated that the initiatives would help deepen coordination with member states and development partners, in line with the ECOWAS-AECID Work Programme 2025–2028.

Top representatives from implementing agencies also reiterated their commitment to delivering sustainable outcomes for West Africa.

UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, described the projects as vital to building fair supply chains and green economies.

ITC Executive Director, Pamela Coke-Hamilton, said the programmes would unlock market access and enhance small business competitiveness, while GIZ Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Markus Wagner, affirmed that supporting ECOWAS means unlocking the region’s potential through inclusive and lasting progress.

Held alongside ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations, the launch drew wide participation from African Union officials, EU member states, ambassadors, UN leaders, and civil society stakeholders, reflecting strong regional ownership and global cooperation.

Benue Killings: Enough Is Enough, Defend Yourself, CCYF Blows Hot

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum is deeply disturbed and alarmed by the ongoing atrocities in Benue State. The systematic extermination of innocent civilians has reached a level that words cannot adequately describe.

The suffering of the Benue people is a tragic reminder of our collective failure to protect them from those who seek to continue the rain of violence and chaos.

The blood of our brothers and sisters cries out from the ground, and their cries are a deafening condemnation of the inaction and indifference of those in Positions of Power who have failed to put an end to this carnage.

In light of this continued assaults on the people of Benue State, the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) urges the Youths of the state to rise up without delay and defend themselves and their ancestral lands with every ounce of their strength and determination.

In these challenging times, we also urge the political leaders of Benue State to unite and stand together as one voice, regardless of their political affiliations or ambitions.

No political goal is worth sacrificing the lives of your people. You must set aside Your differences and focus on the task at hand: securing a peaceful and prosperous future for Your State.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Benue State as they grapple with the tragic loss of life and the devastation wrought by the recent attack on Yelwata

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, to the people of Benue State, and to the entire nation.

May God grant you the strength and resilience to persevere through this difficult time.

we implore the security agencies to intensify their efforts in rooting out the perpetrators of these horrific acts and bringing them to justice.

We stand in solidarity with you and are committed to working together to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrators of these heinous acts are held accountable for their actions.

James Paul Adama
Convener, Concerned Christian Youth Forum.
Abuja, Nigeria

FG Launches Registration, Website for Youth Confab 2025

…Says “The Future is Not Something We Wait For, It Is Something We Must Create and Own”

Maryam Aminu

In a bold step toward deepening youth engagement and national development, the Federal Government has officially flagged off the registration process and unveiled the website for the National Youth Conference 2025 (Youth Confab 2025).

Speaking at the press launch, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a “generational turning point” and “a national movement” with the theme: Next Gen Nigeria: Crafting Solutions, Owning the Future.

“This is more than just a conference,” Olawande stated. “It is a call to action and a platform for us to listen, learn, and lead together.”

Anchored on a participatory and inclusive framework, the Youth Confab 2025 is backed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and promises to bring together young Nigerians from every community, ward, state, and the diaspora.

“With over 70% of our population under the age of 35, Nigeria’s destiny is directly linked to the creativity, energy, and aspirations of her youth,” the Minister noted.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, السنية, emphasized the significance of the launch.

“It is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this momentous occasion the official launch of the National Youth Conference 2025 portal, marking the formal commencement of this landmark national youth gathering, a journey we are embarking on together,” he stated.

He noted that the Youth Confab is not just another event, but a strategic platform designed to amplify the voices, dreams, and innovative solutions of young Nigerians from every corner of the country.

He described the newly launched portal as more than a website, but a digital gateway that will facilitate seamless delegate registration, virtual consultations, and serve as the primary hub for conference updates and interactions.

“By unveiling this digital gateway, we are opening the door to nationwide participation, collaboration, and bold ideas that will shape the future of our country,” he added.

The chairman expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to youth development, praised the Honourable Minister for his visionary leadership, and thanked all stakeholders and partners supporting the initiative.

The conference will feature a phased structure that includes diaspora virtual engagements, grassroots consultations across the 360 federal constituencies, zonal consolidation meetings across the six geopolitical zones, and a national conference in Abuja where youth-driven policy recommendations will be developed and presented to top government officials.

The confab will address six core thematic areas: governance and leadership, economic transformation and job creation, education and future skills, technology and digital innovation, climate change and energy transition, as well as social inclusion and security.

Olawande emphasized that the Youth Confab is not another talk shop, but a credible and transformative platform that empowers young Nigerians to shape policies and participate meaningfully in the nation’s development.

He also announced the launch of the official website https://nationalyouthconfab.gov.ng – where interested youth can register, contribute, and stay engaged.

“Let us embrace this as a moment of hope and healing a chance to move from protest to policy, from problems to solutions,” he urged. “The future is not something we wait for; it is something we must create and own.”

Both the Minister and the Planning Committee Chairman encouraged students, creatives, entrepreneurs, artisans, professionals, and young Nigerians in the diaspora to seize the opportunity and make the Youth Confab 2025 a defining moment in the nation’s history

IGP Egbetokun Bags Silent Heroes Award for Lofty Achievements in Police Systems

Maryam Aminu

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun is among 41 distinguished Nigerians who clinched the Silent Heroes Award at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, weekend.

The IGP was awarded for his magic wand against armed robbery and kidnapping across the country.

The Award was received on his behalf by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi.

According to the organizers, the IGP has silently changed the narratives in crime frighting with the establishment of the Special Intervention Squad, massive rehabilitation of police barracks across the country and lifting of police infrastructures within a very short period.

Representative of the IGP receiving SHA

One of the star projects inaugurated by the Police boss, which stands him out is the commissioning of the Nigerian police resource centre in Jabi Abuja and other projects withing Abuja and other police formations in Lagos and other states.

Under Egbetokun’s leadership, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant successes in crime reduction, including the arrest of 30,313 suspects and the recovery of 1,984 firearms and 23,250 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, over 1,581 kidnapped victims have been successfully rescued.

Egbetokun has emphasized the importance of intelligence-led policing, which has led to notable achievements, including the rescue of over 300 kidnapped victims and the arrest of over 10,000 suspects in connection with various crimes across the country in just three months.

The police force has implemented community policing initiatives, fostering better collaboration between the police and local communities, enhancing trust and cooperation. This approach has contributed to improved security and public safety.

He has introduced reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force for operational excellence and public trust. These reforms include the adoption of modern technology and intelligence-gathering techniques to improve response to security threats.

The police force, under Egbetokun’s leadership, has emphasized institutional integrity, with notable officers being recognized and rewarded for their gallantry, professionalism, and integrity in service. The annual Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony is one such initiative that promotes merit and excellence within the force.

Silent but Mighty: Over 41 Nigerians Recognized for Quiet Impact at SHA

Maryam Aminu

In a world where loud voices often dominate the spotlight, a rare evening in Abuja paid tribute to a different kind of strength the power of quiet impact. The 7th Edition of the Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) illuminated the elegant halls of the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on Saturday night, honouring 41 exceptional Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed but never unfelt.

Organized by the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, the prestigious event drew together trailblazers from across the country public servants, media professionals, farmers, faith leaders, and more all united by a shared ethos: service without spectacle. It was a night of dignity, gratitude, and powerful stories finally receiving their due recognition.

In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, ably represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and national unity amid turbulent times.

“Nigeria needs silent heroes now more than ever people who serve quietly, patriotically, and purposefully,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. “Let us love Nigeria. From the corners of our rooms to our offices, let us be the government we want. If we all do the right thing in our own small ways, it will radiate across the country.”

Rear Admiral Bankole also took a moment to personally commend Mr. Sunday Odita, senior journalist and one of the event’s organizers, for his decades-long dedication to national service and embedded reporting with the Nigerian military.

“I’ve known Sunday Odita since my youth. He has shown unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s service institutions. This is the kind of patriotism we need.”

Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of SHA, emphasized the vision behind the awards “The Silent Heroes Awards is built on a simple yet powerful ethos to identify, honour, and celebrate those whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless.”

She cited Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as an embodiment of these values. His transformation of the ministry into a results-driven, future-focused institution was one of many stories spotlighted during the evening.

The ceremony also marked the launch of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes” (Volume 3) a commemorative publication chronicling the lives and legacies of both past and present honourees.

A wide array of categories was featured, celebrating individuals from various sectors. Some of the distinguished honourees included:

Prince Arthur Eze – Silent Hero in Philanthropy

Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Silent Hero in Community Empowerment

Hajia Zubaida Umar, DG of NEMA – Silent Hero in Emergency Management

Kehinde Adewole, Publisher & Reporter – Silent Hero in Journalism

Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Silent Hero in Faith

Dr. (Mrs.) Adedolapo Fasawe – Silent Hero in Health

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC – Silent Hero in Governance

Daniel Black – Silent Hero in Agriculture

Vivian Ikechika – Silent Hero in Broadcast Journalism

Hamza Suleiman – Silent Hero in Investigative Journalism

Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim – Silent Hero in Education

Also honoured were Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebhole.

Traditional institutions were not left out. His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba and grand patron of the awards, received a standing ovation for his consistent support of grassroots excellence.

Among the honourees, Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals described his award as a testament to the Corps’ renewed drive under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

“I dedicate this award to our Commandant General for building a results-oriented security framework. The fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage must be a united front, built on trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.

Looking to the future, organizers announced plans for an ambitious expansion: the Africa Heroes Awards, a continental counterpart aimed at spotlighting silent heroes across Africa who embody the same spirit of humble excellence and service.

Silent but Mighty: Over 41 Nigerians Recognized for Quiet Impact at SHA

Maryam Aminu

In a world where loud voices often dominate the spotlight, a rare evening in Abuja paid tribute to a different kind of strength the power of quiet impact. The 7th Edition of the Silent Heroes Awards (SHA) illuminated the elegant halls of the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, on Saturday night, honouring 41 exceptional Nigerians whose dedication and service often go unnoticed but never unfelt.

Organized by the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, the prestigious event drew together trailblazers from across the country public servants, media professionals, farmers, faith leaders, and more all united by a shared ethos: service without spectacle. It was a night of dignity, gratitude, and powerful stories finally receiving their due recognition.

In his address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, ably represented by Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, called for a renewed spirit of patriotism and national unity amid turbulent times.

“Nigeria needs silent heroes now more than ever people who serve quietly, patriotically, and purposefully,” Rear Admiral Bankole said. “Let us love Nigeria. From the corners of our rooms to our offices, let us be the government we want. If we all do the right thing in our own small ways, it will radiate across the country.”

Rear Admiral Bankole also took a moment to personally commend Mr. Sunday Odita, senior journalist and one of the event’s organizers, for his decades-long dedication to national service and embedded reporting with the Nigerian military.

“I’ve known Sunday Odita since my youth. He has shown unshakable commitment to Nigeria’s service institutions. This is the kind of patriotism we need.”

Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita-Sunday, Project Coordinator of SHA, emphasized the vision behind the awards “The Silent Heroes Awards is built on a simple yet powerful ethos to identify, honour, and celebrate those whose contributions to humanity are both significant and selfless.”

She cited Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, as an embodiment of these values. His transformation of the ministry into a results-driven, future-focused institution was one of many stories spotlighted during the evening.

The ceremony also marked the launch of “Nigeria’s Silent Heroes” (Volume 3) a commemorative publication chronicling the lives and legacies of both past and present honourees.

A wide array of categories was featured, celebrating individuals from various sectors. Some of the distinguished honourees included:

Prince Arthur Eze – Silent Hero in Philanthropy

Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) – Silent Hero in Community Empowerment

Hajia Zubaida Umar, DG of NEMA – Silent Hero in Emergency Management

Kehinde Adewole, Publisher & Reporter – Silent Hero in Journalism

Pastor Daniel Olukoya – Silent Hero in Faith

Dr. (Mrs.) Adedolapo Fasawe – Silent Hero in Health

Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, DG of NIMC – Silent Hero in Governance

Daniel Black – Silent Hero in Agriculture

Vivian Ikechika – Silent Hero in Broadcast Journalism

Hamza Suleiman – Silent Hero in Investigative Journalism

Dr. Neemat Abdulrahim – Silent Hero in Education

Also honoured were Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, business mogul Tony Elumelu, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebhole.

Traditional institutions were not left out. His Royal Majesty, Obi Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, the Asagba of Asaba and grand patron of the awards, received a standing ovation for his consistent support of grassroots excellence.

Among the honourees, Commander John Onoja Attah of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals described his award as a testament to the Corps’ renewed drive under the leadership of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

“I dedicate this award to our Commandant General for building a results-oriented security framework. The fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage must be a united front, built on trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect among all arms of our national security apparatus,” he said.

Looking to the future, organizers announced plans for an ambitious expansion: the Africa Heroes Awards, a continental counterpart aimed at spotlighting silent heroes across Africa who embody the same spirit of humble excellence and service.

Toni Ukachukwu Named Among Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Travel & Tourism Personalities for 2025

Emmanuel Daudu

Renowned aviation media strategist and founder of Aviators Africa, Toni Ukachukwu, has been named one of Africa’s 100 Most Impactful Travel and Tourism Personalities for 2025 by the Africa Travel & Tourism Awards.

This distinguished honor celebrates Ukachukwu’s decade-long leadership and unwavering dedication to reshaping Africa’s aviation and tourism landscape through advocacy, innovation, and sustainable partnerships.

As the driving force behind Aviators Africa, Ukachukwu has played a pivotal role in amplifying Africa’s voice in global aviation discourse. His platform has become a beacon for industry insights, policy engagement, and cross-border collaboration creating bridges between stakeholders across the continent.

A key highlight of his work is the Aviators Africa Conference and Awards (AACA) a flagship event that convenes top-tier stakeholders, policymakers, and innovators to explore forward-thinking solutions for the sector. Under his leadership, the platform has spotlighted critical issues such as green aviation, inclusive tourism, and investment in underserved regions.

“This recognition validates years of commitment to not just aviation journalism, but to building a resilient and future-facing ecosystem for African travel and tourism,” said Ukachukwu. “I share this moment with every collaborator, partner, and believer in the dream of a connected Africa.”

Beyond media, Ukachukwu has been a staunch advocate for sustainability, youth inclusion, and intra-African tourism growth principles that continue to shape his vision for a globally competitive Africa.

The Africa Travel & Tourism Awards 100 Most Impactful People is an annual celebration of transformative leaders who are actively driving change, setting benchmarks, and redefining Africa’s tourism narrative on the world stage.

As the continent continues to unlock its tourism potential, leaders like Toni Ukachukwu are not only making an impact they are shaping the future of travel in Africa

Alaafin of Oyo Endorses South West Youth Security Summit, Commends Tinubu’s Efforts on National Security

Maryam Aminu

In a significant show of traditional support for grassroots security initiatives, the Planning Committee of the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit, led by its Director General, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel, paid a courtesy visit to His Imperial Majesty, Iku Baba Yeye, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, the Alaafin of Oyo.

The delegation visited the palace to formally invite the revered monarch as a guest of honour at the forthcoming South West Youth Security Summit, slated to hold on 17th July, 2025 in Osun State. The summit is expected to bring together young stakeholders across the region to address critical security challenges affecting communities.

Welcoming the committee, the Alaafin of Oyo expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, describing it as “timely and commendable.” He lauded the youth for taking proactive steps to confront the issues of insecurity, saying their collective action reflects a strong commitment to national development and peace. His Majesty offered prayers for the success of the summit and bestowed his royal blessings upon the team.

In response, Amb. Ade Mario Emmanuel thanked the monarch for his encouragement and support. He used the opportunity to highlight the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in strengthening the nation’s security architecture.

He noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant attention has been directed at combating issues such as kidnapping, the herders-farmers crisis, ritual killings, internet fraud, drug abuse, and other social vices threatening the stability of the country.

“The President is not resting on this matter,” the DG emphasized. “He has mandated all security agencies to intensify efforts to secure every corner of Nigeria.”

Ade-Mario further reiterated that the South West Youth Multi-Stakeholders Security Summit aims to mobilize regional collaboration among youths, traditional institutions, and government agencies in crafting sustainable solutions to security threats and promoting national unity