Nigeria News (Standard)
TETFund Boss Echono Highlights Research, Innovation as Drivers of National Growth at OAU 65th Anniversary in Ile-Ife
Sonny Echono says Obafemi Awolowo University’s legacy proves impact of academic excellence on Nigeria’s development
Sonny Echono says Obafemi Awolowo University’s legacy proves impact of academic excellence on Nigeria’s development
Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has emphasised the critical role of research and innovation in driving Nigeria’s progress, speaking during the 65th anniversary lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. The event, which took place on Tuesday, formed part of activities marking the institution’s milestone celebration under the theme ‘Legacy of Excellence – Future of Impact.’
Echono, addressing a gathering of academics and dignitaries at the university’s main auditorium, noted that OAU has consistently upheld its founding ideals by producing distinguished scholars, legal experts, business leaders and technocrats who contribute to national development. He pointed out that TETFund shares OAU’s vision for excellence, particularly as it works to boost research output and innovation capacity within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He said: “For us at TETFund, we shared a common vision of excellence with the Great Ife, especially at a time like this when we are driving the imperative of research and innovation to improve the competitiveness of our tertiary institutions.” Echono also paid tribute to past and present Vice Chancellors for sustaining OAU’s heritage as a centre for intellectual leadership and societal advancement.
The OAU anniversary lecture comes at a time when policymakers and education stakeholders are seeking solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges through local research breakthroughs and technology-driven interventions. Many believe universities must play a more active role in nation-building by linking academic research to practical outcomes.
Echono’s remarks reinforced TETFund’s ongoing commitment to supporting universities with funding for research projects and infrastructural upgrades. “The impact of research is seen not only in knowledge creation but also in job opportunities, technological advancement and overall national growth,” he said. The Executive Secretary urged institutions across Nigeria to emulate OAU’s model by nurturing talent and prioritising innovation.
With increased federal attention on education sector reforms, observers expect more partnerships between agencies like TETFund and leading universities. Stakeholders say such collaboration could help position Nigeria as a regional hub for knowledge-based industries in years to come.
Nigeria News (Standard)
SDP Denies Isaac Alade’s Withdrawal, Affirms Candidacy for Ekiti Governorship Poll
Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election
Party insists Alade remains in race as speculation of withdrawal spreads ahead of 2026 Ekiti election
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has dismissed reports suggesting that its candidate, Isaac Alade, has withdrawn from the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The party made this clarification on Saturday, 20 June 2026, amid rising rumours across the South-West state about Alade’s participation.
According to the SDP, Isaac Alade remains its flagbearer for the crucial poll scheduled later this year. The party stated that recent claims of his withdrawal were unfounded and aimed at misleading voters and supporters. Party officials maintained that Alade has not stepped down or decamped to any other party.
The clarification comes as political activities intensify in Ekiti State ahead of the governorship election, with multiple parties seeking to consolidate their chances. Observers note that such rumours are common during pre-election periods in Nigeria, often used to destabilise rival camps or confuse the electorate.
A statement from SDP leadership urged members and supporters to disregard the withdrawal reports and continue mobilisation efforts across all local government areas. The party emphasised its confidence in Alade’s candidacy and readiness to present a credible alternative in Ekiti’s political landscape.
With this development, attention remains on how parties will navigate last-minute alignments and propaganda as election day approaches. The SDP called on security agencies and electoral bodies to monitor misinformation closely, warning that such tactics could affect the credibility of the process.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Iranian Court Sentences Singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 Lashes for Performing Without Hijab
Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert
Human rights groups condemn Qom Province ruling as crackdown on women’s rights intensifies after viral concert
An Iranian criminal court in Qom Province has sentenced singer Parastoo Ahmadi to 74 strokes of cane, a two-year travel ban, and a two-year prohibition from artistic activities for performing without a hijab during a livestreamed concert in December 2024. The verdict, delivered this week, also affects eight members of her production team, all of whom received similar penalties after their performance went viral online.
The case centres on Ahmadi’s performance of the patriotic song ‘Az Khoone Javanane Vatan’ during an audience-free event later dubbed the ‘Caravanserai Concert.’ The concert was broadcast on Ahmadi’s YouTube channel and quickly attracted millions of views. Iranian authorities charged the artist and her colleagues with producing and publishing what they described as ‘vulgar and immoral content.’ Shortly after the concert, Ahmadi and several musicians were reportedly arrested before being released on bail, leading to formal legal proceedings.
The sentence has drawn strong reactions from international human rights advocates, who describe it as part of a wider campaign by Iranian authorities against cultural expression and women’s rights. According to Bahar Ghandehari, Director of Advocacy at the Center for Human Rights in Iran, the punishment highlights that conditions for artists and women in Iran remain largely unchanged. “Ahmadi’s punishment of 74 lashes for merely singing and appearing without a hijab is yet another reminder that human rights conditions in Iran have not changed,” Ghandehari said.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the charges. Human rights lawyer Moein Khazaeli argued that Iranian criminal law does not criminalise women singing or producing musical works. Khazaeli added that corporal punishment like flogging raises serious issues under international human rights standards, with many organisations considering it a form of torture.
The ruling comes amid ongoing tension over compulsory hijab laws in Iran, especially following nationwide protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022. Exiled Iranian figures such as actress Nazanin Boniadi have condemned the verdict as evidence that repression remains entrenched. Setareh Maleki, another exiled actress, praised Ahmadi’s courage in performing despite knowing the risks involved. Rights groups say prosecutions like Ahmadi’s are designed to deter dissent and enforce strict social restrictions on cultural expression.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cape Verde Goalkeeper Vozinha Reunites with Mother Ahead of Uruguay World Cup Clash
Family reunion in Montevideo brings emotional boost to Cape Verde squad as they prepare for key group fixture
Family reunion in Montevideo brings emotional boost to Cape Verde squad as they prepare for key group fixture
Cape Verde national team goalkeeper, Vozinha, reunited with his mother in Montevideo, Uruguay on Saturday ahead of the nation’s crucial FIFA World Cup group stage match against Uruguay. The meeting took place just days before the highly anticipated fixture, providing an emotional lift for both player and team.
Vozinha, whose standout performances have drawn international attention during the ongoing tournament, met his mother at the team’s hotel following her arrival from Cape Verde. The reunion was described by team officials as a significant morale booster for the squad as they face one of South America’s footballing heavyweights.
Cape Verde’s national team has been regarded as one of the surprises of this year’s World Cup, having advanced further than many analysts predicted. The Blue Sharks’ progress has sparked excitement among fans back home and in their diaspora communities. With their next match against hosts Uruguay seen as a pivotal test, the players are drawing inspiration from family support and strong team spirit.
While there were no official statements released by Vozinha or the Cape Verde Football Federation regarding the reunion, sources within the camp said the goalkeeper was visibly moved by his mother’s presence. Team staff noted that such reunions can have a positive impact on player focus and motivation during high-pressure competitions like the World Cup.
Cape Verde will take on Uruguay at Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, with both teams eyeing advancement to the knockout stages. The Blue Sharks’ coaching staff is expected to maintain their starting line-up, banking on Vozinha’s form and renewed confidence following his family reunion.
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