Author: The Whistler Newspaper

Nollywood actress Peggy Ovire has accused her estranged husband, Frederick Leonard, of having an affair with a married woman, making the allegation in a social media post.

The actress made the allegations via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, where she posted a video purportedly showing Leonard and the woman she claimed is his lover.

In a series of posts, Ovire urged Leonard to appear before a customary court on June 23, alleging that he had previously failed to attend proceedings related to their divorce case.

“Married woman o, shameless lots, please don’t avoid coming to customary court June 23rd for the second time,” she wrote.

She further claimed that Leonard had requested a divorce but failed to appear in court after being served legal documents.

“You said you wanted a divorce, yet you didn’t show up when you were served. Please don’t avoid customary court for the 2nd time on June 23rd because I’m coming with receipts and let’s make this divorce done and dusted, so both of you can finally be together,” she stated.

Ovire also alleged that the woman involved is married with four children and accused Leonard of denying the relationship publicly despite being aware of the details contained in her court petition.

“So-called traditional Igbo man with another Igbo man’s wife with four children. You ran to a blogger that I was lying, but when you were served and saw details of my petition, you knew I had seen one out of many, yet refused to show up in court but sent your lawyer,” she added.

As of the time of filing this report, Leonard had not publicly responded to the allegations.

Peggy Ovire Alleges Frederick Leonard Cheating With Married Woman is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested seven suspected bandits linked to criminal activities, including the killing of three Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, personnel in Bagudo Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, said in a statement on Monday, that the arrests were made during intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks operating around the Soda Forest axis and neighbouring border communities.

He said mobile police operatives intercepted three suspects along the Illo–Lolo road while they were travelling on a motorcycle from the Soda Forest area towards border settlements.

The suspects were identified as Muhammadu Bande, Aliyu Abubakar, and Muhammadu Aliyu.

Preliminary investigations showed that they were allegedly moving to deliver food supplies to armed groups operating in forest hideouts.

In a separate operation along the Bakin Ruwa–Ka’oje axis, four additional suspects, Haruna Abubakar, Abubakar Lawali, Anme Shehu, and Yahaya Shehu, were arrested as part of ongoing clearance operations in the area.

The police said investigations are ongoing to determine their level of involvement in recent attacks, including the killing of three FRSC officers in the area.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the operatives for the arrests and praised residents for providing useful intelligence that supported the operation.

Police arrest seven suspects over killing of FRSC officers in Kebbi

The Executive Chairman of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S Abubakar, has said that animal sacrifice has been performed for all pilgrims that paid their Hadaya through the Agency.

Malam Salihu made the clarification on Monday, following widespread complaints amongst some pilgrims that they had paid Hadaya but no evidence that rams have been slaughtered in fulfilment of their Hajj obligations.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa on Tuesday, noted that Hadaya is the money that pilgrims pay for animals to be slaughtered on their behalf on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

The statement maintained that some pilgrims had complained to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria(NAHCON), that the animal sacrifice was not done for them despite paying Hadaya.

Addressing Kaduna pilgrims, Malam Salihu noted that the names of all those who paid Hadaya have been displayed at the pilgrims’ residence, adding that officials had informed pilgrims to check their names.

The Executive Chairman challenged any pilgrim from Kaduna State who has valid evidence of payment but his name is not on the list, to meet him for further investigations.

He recalled that 827 intending pilgrims had paid their Hadaya in Nigeria before setting foot in Saudi Arabia, to the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, while 47 others paid through NAHCON.

According to him, 54 others paid in Saudi Arabia, totalling 928 pilgrims and amounting to 668, 160 Saudi Riyals.

The Executive Chairman recalled that only a few pilgrims had presented evidence of payment but their names were not on the displayed list.

‘’We crossed checked their receipts with our records and discovered that those category of pilgrims made payments via Point Of Sale(POS) platforms and the payments didn’t reflect their names,’’ he clarified.

Malam Salihu who said that the error has been rectified, reiterated that the Special Hajj Committee of Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency which he heads, is holding the position in trust for Governor Uba Sani.

He vowed that members of the Committee will not do anything that will betray the trust bestowed on them, tarnish the Governor’s image or short-change any pilgrim.

Hadaya: We made sacrifices for our pilgrims – Kaduna Hajj Chairman

Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, NITP, has expressed reservations over the non-domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning law of 1992 by many states in the country.

It urged traditional rulers to assist in promoting sustainable physical planning, environmental management, and orderly urban development in Nigeria.

The Assistant National Public Relations Secretary of NITP, Mr Ufot-Akpabio, in a press statement on Tuesday, said the institute made the call during a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Enugu State council of traditional rulers and Ogadagidi 1 of Edem Ani Kingdom, HRM Igwe Asadu.

The delegation, which was led by the National President of NITP, Dr Chime Ogbonna expressed hope that with the new collaboration with traditional institutions, issues of town planning and environmental management would be prioritised.

The statement in parts, “The National President informed HRH Igwe Asadu, the Ogadagidi 1 about the non- domestication of the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning law of 1992 by many states including Enugu state and called on him to assist the Institute in that direction both in Enugu state and beyond.”

He also commended the Royal father for his leadership and dedication to the preservation of traditional values, promotion and maintenance of peace and good governance in Enugu state and Nigeria at large, even as he intimated him of their upcoming 

2026 International Conference/60th Anniversary.

In his response, Igwe Asadu thanked the National President and his entourage for the visit and informed them of the benefits of Town Planning and his preparedness to support the Institute to achieve its desired goals. 

He commended the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners for its professional contributions toward the development of functional cities, towns, and communities across the country and assured the Institute of the continued support and cooperation of the traditional institutions in advancing sustainable development initiatives and encouraged the Institute to continue in its advocacy drive across the country. 

Institute decries non-domestication of urban, regional planning law in states

Iran’s allocation of fan tickets for the group stage of the World Cup has been revoked just days before the start of the tournament, says the country’s football federation.

The World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, begins on Thursday, with Iran scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June – both in Los Angeles – before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

Iran’s governing body says Fifa regulations state each federation involved in the World Cup receives 8% of the tickets for each of their matches, to distribute to supporters.

It added that it had already begun selling tickets but can no longer provide them to fans, some of whom have already made travel arrangements.

“Depriving Iranian supporters of access to their lawful and official allocation of tickets is an action contrary to the spirit of governing international competitions and the principle of equality among participating countries,” the FFIRI statement said.

“This development raises serious questions about the interference of non-sporting and political considerations in the organisation of the world’s biggest football event.”

The FFIRI also called on Fifa “to uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations”.

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

On 25 May, Iran moved their training base from Tucson, Arizona to the Mexican city of Tijuana, claiming the US were unwilling to host them.

Under the conditions of their visas, they will have to fly in and out of the United States on matchday for each of their three group games.

Less than a fortnight later, on 6 June, they accused the US of denying visas to “integral” members of the national team’s backroom staff, with 15 administrative officials denied entry.

The FFIRI had previously presented Fifa with a list of 10 conditions for their participation in the World Cup, including allowing players, coaches and officials who have completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US secretary of state Marco Rubio has said Iran’s players will be welcome at the tournament but individuals with links to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.

Iran were the only country not present at Fifa’s annual congress in Vancouver in April after a delegation of FFIRI officials, including president Medhi Taj, were turned away at the Canadian border.

BBC

W/CUP: Tickets For Iran Fans Revoked, Says Federation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The organised labour movement, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has announced plans to commence negotiations for a new national minimum wage in July 2026.

Labour leaders disclosed this at a joint press conference held on the sidelines of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

The workers’ representatives acknowledged that many state governors have recognised that the current N70,000 minimum wage is insufficient to meet the basic needs of workers.

However, they urged governors not to unilaterally propose a new wage figure, stressing that the appropriate negotiation process should be followed.

The organised labour also called on the government to ensure the payment of all outstanding gratuity arrears.

The labour unions said they remain committed to engaging relevant stakeholders in the forthcoming wage review process to secure improved welfare for Nigerian workers.

Organised Labour to commence re-negotiation of new minimum wage in July

Nollywood Actor-turned politician, Kenneth Okonkwo has alleged that the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC and other party leaders in the South-East received were bribed during the recent primary elections.

Okonkwo, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, made the allegation during an interview on Channels TV.

He claimed that a House of Representatives aspirant from Anambra State, sent him an “SOS message” exposing the alleged fraud that shrouded the outcome of the primaries.

Okonkwo, who claimed that anybody voting for Peter Obi and NDC in 2027, “is voting for criminality”, identified the alleged whistle-blower as one Obunike Ohaegbu, who sought to represent the Nnewi North and Nnewi South Federal Constituency in Anambra State via NDC.

According to Okonkwo, the NDC aspirant “sent an SOS to me and said that Peter Obi is now the head of the criminality that they were scammed in NDC.

“He said Kwankwaso went to his people and made sure that every Constituency produced one candidate so that they are not scammed, but Peter Obi told them that all the aspirants should go into the field, and the aspirants were told that they were going to have primaries.

“Remember that Dickson came out and said once you pay for your expression of interest form, you are not going to pay any money, when you are the one who is nominated, that is when you will pay nomination fees.

“All of them ran into it then Peter Obi and leaders of the South East, NDC caucus, went and told them that after paying for the expression of interest froms, you must pay N10 million bribe for Reps and Senate, N20 million.

“When all of them paid, thinking they were the candidates, they were told to go for the primary. While they were doing the primaries, Peter Obi was in the John Wood hotel writing names of candidates.

“The aspirant sent me the receipt of the money”.

NDC aspirant sent me receipt – Kenneth Okonkwo alleges Obi’s involvement in bribes

Nigeria’s capital market has evolved into a critical driver of investment, wealth creation, and economic development despite persistent economic pressures. In this interview, with Chris UGWU of THE WHISTLER, Chairman/Group Managing Director of Financial Trust Company (FTC), Mr. Niyi Ajayi, reflects on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the reforms required to deepen market participation, the enduring importance of trust and integrity in financial services, and FTC’s pan-African ambitions.

As the Group Managing Director of Nigeria’s first indigenous stockbroking company, how do you assess the performance of the NGX in the current economic climate?

The Nigerian Exchange has shown remarkable resilience despite foreign exchange volatility, inflationary pressures, and tight monetary policy. The NGX continues to post positive momentum, reflecting both the strength of listed companies and growing recognition that Nigerian equities offer long-term value.

The market has matured considerably. Infrastructure is stronger, settlement systems are reliable, and regulatory oversight has improved. The transition to T+1 settlement and ongoing digitalisation efforts will enhance efficiency. However, liquidity remains a challenge, especially among mid- and small-cap stocks, underscoring the need for broader retail and institutional participation.

What is driving investor confidence?

Three factors stand out – corporate earnings resilience, attractive valuations, and growing institutional interest.

Many Nigerian firms, particularly in banking, consumer goods, and industrial sectors, continue to demonstrate profitability despite operating challenges. Nigerian equities also trade below historical and emerging-market averages, creating attractive opportunities for medium- and long-term investors.

In addition, domestic pension funds increasingly view equities as inflation hedges, while foreign investors continue to recognise Nigeria’s long-term growth potential. Ongoing reforms in foreign exchange, fiscal policy, and regulation reinforce confidence that structural challenges are being addressed.

How can retail investing be democratized in Nigeria?

Retail participation remains one of the capital market’s most urgent challenges. Barriers include low financial literacy, limited disposable income, historical distrust, and cumbersome investment processes.

The priority is the removal of barriers. Opening a brokerage account and investing should be as easy as buying airtime or opening a bank account. That requires full digital onboarding, e-KYC verification, and mobile-based investing with entry levels as low as N1,000.

Capital market education should be introduced into secondary school curricula, complemented by social media campaigns and accessible investor education.

Younger Nigerians must be able to access fractional shares, thematic ETFs, and engaging investment platforms. Employer-linked investment schemes with tax incentives could also encourage consistent participation.

Finally, trust must be reinforced through visible enforcement against insider trading, manipulation, and disclosure failures.

Which sectors look promising over the next 12 – 24 months and why?

Banking remains attractive due to strong resilience, healthy margins, and expanding non-interest income streams.

Consumer goods continue to benefit from Nigeria’s youthful, urbanising population and enduring demand for essentials.

Industrial and manufacturing firms, while challenged, present compelling long-term opportunities linked to import substitution and local production. Infrastructure-related sectors such as cement, construction, and building materials also stand out.

Companies with strong digital capabilities and export orientation are particularly noteworthy in an increasingly globalisedeconomy

FTC recently marked 50 years in business. What has been the most significant factor behind the firm’s resilience and continued relevance?

The single most important factor is integrity. In financial services, trust is currency. For five decades, FTC has prioritisedlong-term reputation over short-term gain.

Founded in 1976 by the late Otunba Olufemi Ajayi, FTC evolved from a traditional stockbroking firm into a diversified financial services platform spanning fund management, investment banking, and FMDQ dealership operations.

FTC has also maintained a consistent institutional vision rooted in building enduring Nigerian institutions capable of surviving oil shocks, banking crises, global recessions, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do you assess the growth of indigenous financial institutions in Nigeria and the role of the FTC in the evolution?

The rise of indigenous financial institutions is one of Nigeria’s most significant but underappreciated. When the FTC began in 1976, Nigerian-owned firms competing in stockbroking were rare. Today, indigenous institutions dominate key areas of the financial system.

This transformation reflects deliberate policies, stronger regulation, and entrepreneurial ambition. FTC’s contribution has been demonstrating that Nigerian firms can compete on quality, trust, and reliability.

The next phase requires pan-African thinking, deeper technological adoption, and strategic partnerships that expand access to capital, expertise, and markets.

What differentiates FTC’s pan-African strategy?

FTC’s expansion is not about symbolic geographic presence. The firm targets markets where it can add value through expertise in investment banking, asset management, and capital markets.

The focus is on jurisdictions with sound regulation, growing middle classes, and governments committed to capital market development. Partnerships are central to this strategy because successful African expansion requires local knowledge, relationships, and credibility.

FTC is also investing in scalable digital infrastructure, including mobile trading platforms, digital onboarding, algorithmic execution, and analytics tools capable of supporting clients seamlessly across cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra.

How is your company using technology to remain competitive?

Technology sits at the centre of FTC’s long-term strategy. The company is modernising infrastructure through cloud-based systems that improve scalability, flexibility, and integration with fintech partners. These systems also support cross-border expansion without requiring heavy physical infrastructure.

FTC is also developing mobile-first platforms that provide real-time market data, trading, portfolio monitoring, and research access. Data analytics is another major investment area, enabling stronger insights and decision-making.

In addition, FTC embraces fintech collaboration, combining its strengths in market expertise, regulation, and client relationships with specialist technology capabilities.

The firm has survived many headwinds. What leadership lessons guide its future strategy?

First, liquidity is essential. FTC maintains conservative liquidity buffers and balance-sheet discipline. Second, culture matters. Shared values such as integrity, client focus, and long-term thinking determine whether strategies succeed under pressure.

Third, FTC deliberately diversified its products, markets, and revenue streams to reduce dependence on any single area.

Speed of response is another critical lesson. During crises, delayed decisions can be more dangerous than imperfect but timely action.

What reforms are needed to unlock Nigeria’s capital market potential?

Tax policy should better incentivise equity investment through measures such as long-term capital gains exemptions or tax-advantaged investment accounts.

Pension reforms could gradually increase permissible equity exposure for pension funds while strengthening governance standards. Market-making mechanisms and settlement improvements would also support liquidity, especially among smaller stocks.

Corporate governance enforcement must be stronger, with meaningful penalties for repeated violations. Product innovation should accelerate, particularly around ETFs, REITs, derivatives, and commodity-linked instruments.

Foreign investor confidence also depends on a more efficient forex market with easier capital repatriation and a sustained commitment to market-driven exchange rates.

Ultimately, Nigeria needs a coordinated national capital market strategy involving regulators, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.

As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution, how is FTC preparing the next generation of financial leaders and ensuring institutional continuity beyond its founding legacy?

Institutional continuity depends on investing in people, embedding values, and building systems that outlast individuals.

FTC runs structured mentorship, leadership development, and professional certification programmes across career levels. Apprenticeship and knowledge transfer from senior leaders remain central to preserving institutional experience.

The company recruits for values as much as competence, reinforcing integrity, client focus, and accountability through performance systems and zero tolerance for ethical breaches.

Equally important are documented processes, risk frameworks, and governance systems that ensure quality does not depend on any single leader. The ultimate test of institutional success is continuity of values, not tactics.

ENDS

INTERVIEW: Nigeria’s Capital Market Needs Coordinated Reform To Deepen Growth – Ajayi is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Every generation is blessed with individuals whose lives rise above personal success and become symbols of inspiration, service, and enduring impact. Such individuals leave footprints that extend beyond boardrooms and institutions, touching lives, shaping policies, influencing nations, and inspiring future generations. Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze belongs to this distinguished class of leaders whose remarkable journey continues to illuminate pathways of excellence and purposeful living.

As June 11 approaches, family members, friends, professional associates, colleagues, admirers, and well-wishers across Nigeria, Africa, and the global community gather in celebration of a truly remarkable milestone as Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze marks his 52nd birthday.

This is not merely the celebration of another year. It is the celebration of a life richly invested in knowledge, leadership, service, innovation, and development. It is the celebration of a man whose contributions have transcended borders and whose influence continues to shape conversations around economic growth, governance, institutional transformation, public policy, and sustainable development.

For many, fifty two years may simply represent age. For Dr. Uneze, fifty two years represent a legacy of excellence built through vision, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

His story is one that inspires because it demonstrates what is possible when intellectual brilliance is matched with humility, when ambition is guided by purpose, and when success is measured not only by personal achievements but also by contributions to society.

From his early years, Dr. Uneze demonstrated an uncommon passion for learning and academic excellence. His educational journey would eventually take him from Nigeria to some of the world’s leading institutions of higher learning. After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Imo State University, where he distinguished himself academically, he proceeded to the United Kingdom to obtain a Master of Science degree in Economic Management and Policy from the University of Strathclyde. Driven by a desire to deepen his understanding of economic systems and development challenges, he went on to earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Economics from the University of Kent.

For many scholars, obtaining a doctorate represents the pinnacle of academic achievement. For Dr. Uneze, it was merely the foundation upon which an extraordinary career would be built.

Armed with knowledge and driven by a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society, he embarked upon a professional journey that has now spanned more than twenty five years across economics, public policy, development finance, academia, corporate governance, research, institutional leadership, and international development. Throughout this journey, excellence has remained his constant companion.

His professional accomplishments read like a masterclass in leadership and impact.

Over the years, Dr. Uneze has worked at the forefront of development initiatives involving some of the world’s most respected institutions. His expertise has been sought by organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, Department for International Development, Overseas Development Institute, and various strategic agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Through these engagements, he has contributed significantly to economic reforms, public financial management initiatives, policy design, performance monitoring frameworks, impact evaluation systems, and development strategies aimed at improving governance and enhancing national development outcomes.

One of the defining chapters of his professional life unfolded at the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa, one of Africa’s leading policy think tanks. Joining the institution as a Senior Research Fellow, he rose steadily through the ranks through hard work, competence, and visionary leadership before eventually becoming Executive Director. Under his stewardship, the institution strengthened its influence within policy circles, expanded its research footprint, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and contributed significantly to evidence based policymaking across Nigeria and Africa.

His outstanding contributions to research and policy development earned him one of the most prestigious recognitions of his career, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Global Development Network in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the advancement of research and capacity building across Africa. Such recognition speaks volumes about the quality, relevance, and impact of his work.

Beyond research and policy, Dr. Uneze has also distinguished himself as a respected corporate leader.

His appointment as Executive Director and Board Member of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria represented another significant chapter in a career defined by excellence. In this strategic role, he provided leadership in asset management, corporate governance, institutional transformation, and strategic decision making. He played critical roles in managing specialized assets, overseeing corporate structures, and contributing to initiatives aimed at strengthening the Nigerian financial and economic landscape.

His leadership abilities also found expression through service on the Board of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, where he provided strategic oversight and governance support while contributing to key board committees responsible for risk management, governance, human capital, and organizational effectiveness.

Yet, despite his accomplishments in policy and corporate leadership, Dr. Uneze has never lost touch with the world of learning and mentorship.

As an educator, he taught Economics at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom and later served as a Senior Lecturer at Baze University in Abuja. Through these roles, he inspired countless students and helped nurture a new generation of economists, policymakers, and development practitioners. His commitment to education reflects a belief that knowledge achieves its highest value when it is shared.

What makes his story even more remarkable is his unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.

Even after attaining the highest academic qualifications and reaching the uppermost levels of professional accomplishment, Dr. Uneze continued investing in his personal and professional growth. His participation in executive education programs at Yale University, Harvard University, Oxford University, Columbia Business School, Stanford University, MIT, London School of Economics, Wharton, Kellogg, INSEAD, Duke University, and several other globally respected institutions reflects an enduring commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

This dedication to learning reveals much about the man behind the achievements. It speaks of humility. It speaks of curiosity. It speaks of a leader who understands that growth is a continuous journey rather than a destination.

His influence extends far beyond classrooms, boardrooms, and policy forums.

Over the years, Dr. Uneze has authored and co-authored numerous academic papers, journal articles, policy reports, technical publications, and development studies covering issues such as economic growth, poverty reduction, public finance, trade, development economics, education, healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable development. His scholarly contributions continue to influence academic discourse and policy conversations across continents.

He has participated in major international conferences and policy dialogues spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America, representing Nigeria with distinction while contributing valuable perspectives on economic transformation, governance, development financing, youth employment, agricultural development, and global cooperation.

Today, as Global Council Member for Africa at the World Agriculture Forum, Dr. Uneze continues to lend his expertise to conversations that shape the future of agriculture, food systems, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the continent and beyond. His appointment to this prestigious global platform reflects the confidence that international stakeholders place in his experience, judgment, and leadership.

However, beyond the impressive résumé, distinguished titles, global recognitions, and professional achievements lies the true essence of Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze.

He is a man who has consistently demonstrated that leadership is about service.

He is a professional who has shown that knowledge becomes meaningful when applied to solving real problems.

He is a mentor who understands the importance of raising others.

He is a scholar who believes ideas can transform societies.

He is a leader whose influence is measured not merely by positions occupied but by lives impacted and institutions strengthened.

As he celebrates his 52nd birthday, it is fitting to reflect not only on the achievements already recorded but also on the countless lives inspired through his example.

At fifty two, Dr. Uneze stands as a shining testament to the possibilities that emerge when excellence, discipline, vision, and service converge in one life.

His journey continues to inspire young professionals seeking purpose.

It inspires scholars pursuing knowledge. It inspires policymakers committed to national development.

It inspires leaders striving to build stronger institutions. It inspires a generation searching for examples of impactful and values driven leadership.

The celebration of Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze at 52 is therefore more than a birthday commemoration. It is a celebration of a legacy still unfolding. It is a celebration of achievement without arrogance, influence without noise, and leadership without compromise.

Today, we celebrate a distinguished economist. We celebrate a globally respected development expert. We celebrate a transformative corporate leader. We celebrate an accomplished scholar. We celebrate a visionary strategist. We celebrate an exceptional Nigerian whose contributions continue to resonate across Africa and the world.

As family, friends, colleagues, and admirers raise a toast to his life and accomplishments on June 11, they do so with gratitude for the impact he has made and with confidence that his most impactful years may still lie ahead.

Happy 52nd Birthday, Dr. Eberechukwu Uneze.

May this new chapter bring greater accomplishments, renewed strength, expanded opportunities, good health, enduring fulfillment, and even greater impact in service to humanity.

Your journey remains an inspiration. Your influence continues to grow. Your legacy endures.

And at 52, your story continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, leadership, and transformational impact.

Dr Eberechukwu Uneze At 52: Celebrating Life Of Excellence, Leadership, Purpose is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Canadian High Commission has called for stronger collaboration among governments, communities, civil society groups, security actors and the media to protect children affected by conflict and prevent their recruitment into armed groups.

Omar Alihashi, Counsellor Political at the Commission in Nigeria, urged support for global efforts to protect children affected by armed conflict, warning that such children face profound challenges that go beyond the immediate dangers of violence.

At a media workshop on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict and violence, Alihashi said the media has a unique responsibility to raise awareness about the challenges faced by conflict-affected children while safeguarding their rights and dignity.

He noted that the training provides a platform for journalists and practitioners to strengthen understanding, share expertise and explore how reporting can contribute to child protection as well as broader peace and security efforts.

“Beyond the immediate dangers of violence, recruitment of children into armed groups can have lasting consequences for their education, well-being, opportunities, and future.

“At the same time, reporting these issues requires sensitivity, professionalism, and a strong understanding of the rights and dignity of children.

“Through accurate, ethical and responsible reporting, the media can help raise awareness, amplify evidence-based information, bring attention to the experiences of affected communities, and contribute to informed public dialogue.

On her part, Mrs Offiong Nsa, the Country Representative of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, described the use of children in armed conflict and violence as one of the most grievous violations of human rights.

She noted that children captured in conflict and armed are merely victims and not perpetrators, insisting that public narratives must shift from the stereotypes and portray such victims as potential agents of peace.

Nsa noted, “Through your ethical, child-centred reporting, you possess the ability to expose the hidden recruitment networks and the realities of children in armed violence.

“Your stories will shape public opinion, influence policy, and ultimately help us to put an end to this cycle of violence,” she said.

How ethical journalism can save, protect children trapped in armed conflict