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A former Dire ctor-General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Dr. Olawale Fasanya, has revealed that many people questioned his judgment when he voluntarily left a lucrative position in the oil and gas sector to return to SMEDAN on a salary that was less than a quarter of what he was earning.

Fasanya made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography, Cradle to Saddle, where he reflected on the career decisions, sacrifices and convictions that shaped his professional journey and eventual emergence as Director-General of SMEDAN.

According to him, he resigned from his position as a General Manager at the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), where he earned about N1.2m monthly and enjoyed numerous benefits, including international training opportunities and first-class travel privileges, to take up a role at SMEDAN that paid less than N300,000.

Recalling the decision, Fasanya said many people considered the move irrational because of the huge disparity in remuneration and benefits.

“Some people thought I was mad for leaving a job that paid roughly N1.2m and returning to a position that paid less than N300,000 at SMEDAN,” he said.

“At PTDF, apart from the salary, I had several privileges. I could travel anywhere in the world for training several times a year and whenever I travelled, it was on business or first-class tickets. The management wanted me to stay because they found me useful, but I was not in a position where I could make the kind of impact I desired.”

Fasanya explained that despite the attractive compensation package, he was dissatisfied with a role that limited his ability to contribute meaningfully to institutional development.

According to him, personal fulfilment and the opportunity to create impact outweighed financial considerations.

“I could not remain in a place where I felt warehoused. I wanted to be actively involved and make a difference. I chose to go where I could contribute, even if it meant earning less,” he said.

“That decision took me back to SMEDAN, where I travelled economy class and earned far less, without knowing that God had greater plans and that I would eventually become the Director-General.”

The former SMEDAN boss noted that his return to the agency was driven largely by a sense of responsibility and emotional attachment to an institution he helped establish from inception.
He disclosed that he was the agency’s first employee and believed he had a duty to contribute to its growth and legacy.

“If money had been my primary motivation, I would have remained at PTDF and continued enjoying the benefits. But I felt compelled to return because I wanted to be part of SMEDAN’s story and help shape its future,” he said.

“I take pride in the fact that I was the first Director-General appointed from within the system. Previous chief executives were appointed from outside. Having been employee number 001, it was gratifying to lead an agency whose growth I witnessed from the beginning.”

Fasanya added that looking back, he has no regrets about the decision, describing it as one of the most rewarding choices of his career.

Speaking at the event, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, represented by his deputy, Faruk Lawal, paid tribute to Fasanya’s contributions to SMEDAN and Nigeria’s micro, small and medium enterprises sector.

Radda described him as one of the agency’s pioneering officers whose dedication and institutional knowledge played a significant role in advancing its mandate.

“In every institution, there are individuals who merely occupy offices and there are those who carry the institution in their hearts. Dr. Fasanya belongs to the latter category,” he said.

The governor revealed that he personally recommended Fasanya as his successor when he left SMEDAN to pursue his governorship ambition, citing his competence, integrity and commitment to enterprise development.

“When I left SMEDAN, I recommended Dr. Fasanya to succeed me because I had complete confidence in his abilities and dedication to the MSME sector. I remain grateful to former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving that recommendation. Today, the results have justified that decision,” he stated.

Also speaking, former Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, described Fasanya as an outstanding public servant whose leadership helped expand opportunities for entrepreneurs across the country.

Komolafe noted that programmes implemented under SMEDAN had positively impacted millions of Nigerians, underscoring the agency’s critical role in promoting enterprise development and economic inclusion.

“We are celebrating excellence today. I have known Dr. Fasanya for more than three decades and have watched his dedication to public service. The impact SMEDAN has made on millions of Nigerians is a testament to the value of committed leadership,” he said.

The autobiography, Cradle to Saddle, chronicles Fasanya’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of public service, highlighting the choices, challenges and values that shaped his career in Nigeria’s public sector.

Why I Left N1.2m Job For SMEDAN’s N300,000 Salary – Ex-DG Fasanya is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund has announced the commencement of entries for the 12th edition of the prestigious Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition, with submissions open from Thursday, June 3, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026.

The competition is a nationwide initiative aimed at identifying, recognising and rewarding outstanding secondary school teachers for their invaluable contributions to shaping the nation’s future.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Secretary of the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Uaboi Agbebaku, noted that the competition is a vital platform for celebrating teachers whose dedication, innovation, and commitment continue to transform lives and strengthen the nation’s education system.

Agbebaku disclosed that a few organisations have indicated interest in partnering with the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund to support the competition this year. According to him, NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund is delighted to announce that it is opening up partnership opportunities to reputable and progressive organizations that share the initiative’s vision and mission.

In his welcome remarks, Public Relations Officer, NB-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, Mr. Uzodinma Odenigbo, disclosed that the overall winner for the 2026 edition would receive a cash prize of ten million naira (N10,000,000.00), including a brand new Honda HR-V, a year’s supply of Maltina, and a capacity development training opportunity overseas. In addition, the winner’s school would receive an infrastructure project valued at 30 million naira (N30,000,000.00).

“The first runner-up will receive a total sum of N5,000,000.00 (five million naira) and a trophy, while the second runner-up will receive a total of N3,000,000 (three million naira) and a trophy. All state champions will be rewarded with recognition plaques and a cash prize of N1,000,000 (one million naira) each,” Odenigbo added.

He reaffirmed the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting education through impactful interventions that strengthen teaching and learning outcomes nationwide.

“The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition remains one of our flagship interventions in the education sector. Through this initiative, we continue to celebrate teachers who go beyond the classroom to inspire excellence, nurture future leaders, and contribute meaningfully to national development. At Nigerian Breweries, we believe that investing in teachers is an investment in Nigeria’s future,” he said.

He expressed profound appreciation to all the partners, including Honda Automobile West Africa Limited, Union Bank Plc, and Air Peace, for their invaluable support in advancing the initiative.

Delivering the keynote remarks, the guest speaker, Azeez Saheed, underscored the significant role of teachers in shaping the future of young students.

Azeez explained that most teachers in Nigeria do not receive adequate recognition for their efforts, urging the federal government to reverse the narrative.

Speaking during a panel session titled “How Educational Support Can Enhance Learning Outcomes for Teachers and Students” at the occasion, the Lagos State Coordinator, Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Princess Adaobi Ekwuno, emphasized the need for government at all levels to invest and upgrade facilities or infrastructure in public schools.

In his submission during the session, the Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lagos Chapter, Gbenga Ayetoba, explained that the teaching profession had suffered neglect from governments both now and in the past, stating that there is a need to change the orientation or mentality around education in Nigeria.

On his part, the President of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools(ANCOPPS), Lagos State, Olushola Masheyi, commended NB Plc for the initiative and noted that the teaching profession was no longer attracting the best, stating that this has been responsible for the low quality of education in the country.

Masheyi stated that the challenges confronting teaching cannot be addressed by the government alone, urging stakeholders to explore different support structures to find a lasting solution to the myriad of problems.

In separate submissions, representatives of the partners for the initiative commended Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund for its tireless effort in sustaining the initiative.

The Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition was established in 2015 and funded through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund, which was set up in 1994 to facilitate an active contribution to the development of the education sector in Nigeria in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG No.4.

Eligible teachers interested in participating can visit the dedicated competition website, www.maltinateacheroftheyear.com, to complete the online application form. Applicants may also download the form, complete it, scan it, and email it to maltinateacheroftheyear@heineken.com.

ABOUT MALTINA TEACHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION

In 2015, Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund introduced the Maltina Teacher of the Year, a national competition, to identify, honour and reward outstanding teachers in Nigeria.

Maltina Teacher of the Year is proudly endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPPS), and Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

ABOUT NIGERIAN BREWERIES-FELIX OHIWEREI EDUCATION TRUST FUND

The Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund was set up in 1994 with a startup capital of 100 million Naira to enable sustained quality education through structured intervention in the sector.

The Fund has a footprint across the six geographical zones in Nigeria at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education. Through the Fund, NB Plc has constructed and furnished over 400 classrooms, sanitary facilities, and libraries in 74 communities across the country. The Fund has also granted scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions

Entries open for the 2026 Maltina Teacher of the Year Competition

Former Presidential Media Aide, Laolu Akande, has called on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to liaise with President Bola Tinubu on how to rescue the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in the state.

Akande made this call on Thursday on ‘Sunrise Daily’, a programme on Channels Television.

He was speaking on the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The ex-presidential aide aide said, “I don’t want to sound as if I am underrating what the Oyo State government is doing in this particular instance.

“There is a security vote that the state governors get, and I know how some of the governors manage those resources, especially how to quell problems in the society, in the community.

“So I  don’t have the details, but I imagine that Makinde is doing a lot of that. What has to happen in this instance is that we must show the people, both the state and the Federal Government, that there is synergy.

“Now, ultimately, because of our current security architecture, it is still the Federal Government that has the final say. You still have a federal police, we don’t have a state police, the military resources are under the control of the President.

“Makinde needs to eat the humble pie and go see President Bola Tinubu. The man was in Lagos up until two days ago. Makinde is in Ibadan. Why have the two of them not met?

“The President even has to order him to come up, so that they can present to the people a common unified front on the issue.”

Oyo abduction: Makinde should see Tinubu – Laolu Akande

Kacper Potulski believes Poland deserved more from Wednesday’s 2-2 draw  against the Super Eagles, DAILY POST reports.

Jan Urban’s side twice pegged the  Super Eagles back inside the  58,000-capacity Stadion PGE Narodowy, Warsaw on Wednesday night.

Potulski scored Poland’s first goal late in the first half.

The Red and Whites created more chances than their opponent but were let down by their poor finishing.

Potulski said they were unlucky not to get a win in the game.

“I think  that throughout the entire match, we had more chances. They scored against us when everything was on the line. The first goal – it’s unclear whether it was offside. The second goal was a penalty kick, which we accidentally took. We created more chances,” the Mainz said after the game.

Friendly: Poland defender disappointed with draw against Super Eagles

 

The Osun State Police Command has launched an investigation after the Accord Party chairman in Osogbo Local Government Area, Asimiyu Ajibola, was shot by suspected gunmen.

Ajibola was attacked on Wednesday night in the MDS area of Osogbo and is currently receiving treatment at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.

Police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the incident happened around 9:50pm when two armed men on a motorcycle allegedly opened fire on the victim.

According to the police, officers responded to a distress call, evacuated Ajibola to a medical facility and immediately launched a manhunt for the attackers.

The police said medical personnel confirmed that Ajibola is in stable condition and responding positively to treatment.

Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a high-level investigation into the attack and directed relevant units to identify and arrest those responsible.

The Osun State Government also condemned the incident, calling for a thorough and professional investigation, while noting that the attack appears to have elements of political colouration.

Nigerian reality star and comedian, DeeOne, has rebuked popular gospel singer, Yinka Alaseyori, for apologizing to Nigerians over her remarks on insecurity.

DAILY POST reports that the singer had during a live prayer session claimed that the Nigeria government is working on security and urged the public to pray for President Bola Tinubu and the security agencies.

Alaseyori stated this while reacting to ongoing public outcry over the abduction of several school children and teachers in Oyo State.

Reacting to the backlash, the singer in a video on Wednesday tendered a public apology to Nigerians.

In response to the apology, DeeOne, who claimed that Alaseyori made the remarks while in the spirit, blasted her for doubting the spirit of God that is leading her.

While claiming that she apologized under pressure, DeeOne stated that Alaseyori chooses to displease God to please men just because of backslash. “pressure made you apologize. You have to displease God to please men.”

“Mrs Yinka Alaseyori, first of all, I want to thank you and thank God for your ministry. God has used you a lot but what you did today, please don’t ever try it again. There’s a way that seemeth right to man but the end is destruction. You were in the spirit when you were saying those things that you were saying that people should pray. I want to believe that it was God that was speaking through you, but you lost an opportunity to evangelise the world.

“I can bet 100% that you did not seek the face of God before you made that apology video. Na pressure makes you go do that thing (apology), you apologize because people were dragging you. Maybe you are looking at it that they no go call you again for events or people would not like you. The Bible says I would look up to the hills, from where my help comes from. No be all of us wey dey drag go feed you. If you’re in doubt, you would have to go back to God on your knees and ask God. You’re a minister of God and not just an entertainer.

“Is what you said wrong? ‘No, but pressure made you apologize. You have to displease God to please men, and there would be spiritual repercussions. I hope you know that. Please don’t ever under any circumstances do that again. I don’t know who advised you but whoever advised you did not give you good advice. Under no circumstance should you try this again. I’m sure that the host of heaven will be so disappointed but God is a forgiven father.

” I’m not trying to hail anybody here but you see people like Testimony Jaga, they remind some of us of  how the disciples dey follow Jesus. Jesus is not gentle oo, He is rugged.

Watch him speak

‘You displeased God to please men’ – DeeOne rebukes Yinka Alaseyori over apology [VIDEO]

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on Thursday frowned at the frequency of overloaded barges carrying shipping containers on

The post NIWA bemoans overloading of barges with containers along Lagos waterways appeared first on Tribune Online.

Activist, Omoyele Sowore, says the military lacks the right to stop protesters from gaining access to the Presidential Villa.

Sowore made the claim on Thursday during a peaceful protest in Abuja. The demonstration was meant to draw the attention of the authorities to the prevailing security crisis in the country.

The activist stated that the protesters were earlier stopped by some military personnel at the entrance of the Presidential Villa, stressing that there was no reason to confront the security operatives since it was a peaceful protest.

He declared, “Aso Rock is Nigerian”, stating that when the citizens are ready, they will take over the Presidential Villa and no military can stop them.

“We had gone to the Villa but they put soldiers in large numbers. It is not as if we cannot push them away but because it is a peaceful protest, we decided not to have any conversation with soldiers or police.

“We are not afraid of soldiers nor police, they should be afraid of us. We are their employers, we pay them.

“Aso Rock is Nigerian House and when the Nigerian people are ready, they will take over. We brought children particularly mothers to come and match with us,” Sowore added.

Soldiers have no right to stop protesters from entering Presidential Villa – Sowore

Chelsea is receptive to offers for Alejandro Garnacho this summer following the former Manchester United winger’s unsatisfactory season at Stamford Bridge.

Once regarded as one of the most promising talents at Old Trafford, Garnacho has since lost favor under the previous United manager, Ruben Amorim.

Chelsea invested £40 million to acquire the Argentina international last summer, with Garnacho hoping to rejuvenate his career at the club he has supported since childhood.

However, Garnacho found himself largely sidelined from the Chelsea squad, making only 14 Premier League starts throughout the season and netting just a single goal.

Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior, and Calum McFarlane all seemed to harbor reservations about Garnacho, who has a long-term contract with Chelsea that extends until 2032.

Nevertheless, Garnacho appears poised to depart well before that contract’s expiration, as Chelsea is reportedly contemplating a sale ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.

Chelsea is actively seeking a versatile attacker, and one of the factors contributing to their openness to offers for Garnacho is his own description of his transfer to west London as ‘incredible’.

It has been reported that the Blues are prepared to exercise greater patience with their £52 million summer acquisition, Jamie Gittens, whose inaugural season at the club has been marred by injury issues.

Chelsea appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager last month, and the former midfielder for Liverpool and Real Madrid will assume his role at the beginning of July.

Alonso is seeking two or three ‘ready-made’ players to strengthen his team this summer; however, Chelsea must also offload several stars from their oversized and underperforming squad.

The Daily Mail has identified Garnacho, Filip Jorgensen, Axel Disasi, and one of Liam Delap, Marc Guiu, or Nicolas Jackson as either likely or potential departures.

Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have been strongly associated with summer transfers, yet Chelsea is not ‘actively’ pursuing the sale of either player.

Fernandez is eager to depart amid interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid, but Chelsea would demand a staggering £120m to part with the midfielder.

The 25-year-old has frustrated Chelsea fans with several comments towards the end of the season; however, the club would be comfortable if he remained part of Alonso’s squad for the 2026-27 campaign.

Chelsea shares a similar stance on the £60m acquisition Cucurella, who has also been linked with Manchester City, as well as La Liga rivals Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Players more likely to depart include Garnacho and backup goalkeeper Jorgensen, who has already expressed his desire to move on.

Chelsea acquired the Denmark international for £20m in 2024; however, he was relegated to a backup role behind No. 1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez for a significant portion of the previous season, participating in only six league matches.

French centre-back Disasi, who was signed by Chelsea for £38.5m three years prior, is now available for transfer but will not be returning to West Ham following their relegation to the Championship.

Chelsea has also acknowledged that a striker must be sold as Jackson prepares to rejoin a squad that already features Delap and Guiu.

Jackson aspired to convert his loan at Bayern Munich into a permanent transfer but fell short of the required number of appearances for the Bundesliga champions.

The 24-year-old, who displayed flashes of his potential during his initial two years at Chelsea, seeks assurances from Alonso regarding his playing time to remain at Stamford Bridge.

After Chelsea acquired Delap from Ipswich Town, Jackson was loaned out, yet he is already being associated with a transfer after merely 12 months at the club.

The acquisition of Delap was regarded as a significant achievement, considering he was pursued by both Manchester United and Newcastle United, but the 23-year-old managed to score only two goals last season.

While Chelsea is receptive to offers for various players, the Daily Mail reports that Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, Moises Caicedo, and Josh Acheampong are not available for sale.

A decision regarding the futures of players such as Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Mamadou Sarr, and Tosin Adarabioyo is still pending ahead of Alonso’s arrival.

The former Champions League winner has been assigned the responsibility of enhancing a Chelsea team that finished in 10th place in the Premier League last season.

Transfer: Chelsea put four players up for sale, take decision on Garnacho

The United States House of Representatives has passed a resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s war powers over Iran, marking the first time either chamber of Congress has approved such a measure since the conflict began more than three months ago.

The resolution passed by 215 votes to 208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support. The Republicans who crossed party lines were Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett and Warren Davidson.

Trump swiftly dismissed the vote, describing it as “meaningless” and accusing the lawmakers who supported the measure of undermining his administration during ongoing negotiations with Iran.

In a post on Truth Social, the president criticised the vote and questioned the motives of those behind it, asking, “Who would do such an unpatriotic thing?” He also revealed that his administration was engaged in what he described as “final negotiations” to end the war with Iran.

Massie defended the resolution, arguing that Americans were growing frustrated with the economic consequences of the conflict.

“People are tired of this. They’re tired of $5 gallon gas and $6 gallon diesel, and fertiliser we can’t afford to put on our fields in Kentucky,” he said.

He added that the vote “sends a good message that the people’s House, which represents the people, is tired of this war”.

Fitzpatrick also defended his decision, saying Congress had a constitutional role in authorising military action.

“There’s a law on the books,” he said, referring to the War Powers Act. “I don’t see what’s complicated about it. Bring it to Congress, debate it on the merits, and have this vote. That’s the way the system is supposed to work.”

Speaker Mike Johnson opposed the measure, warning that it could weaken Trump’s position in negotiations with Iran. Some Republicans, however, acknowledged increasing pressure from constituents concerned about rising fuel prices and other economic costs associated with the conflict.

The resolution now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it would further intensify the debate in Washington over congressional oversight of military action and the administration’s handling of the war.

U.S. Congress Votes To Limit Trump’s War Powers Over Iran is first published on The Whistler Newspaper