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SPPG Graduates 262 Youths, Calls for Ethical Leadership to Transform Africa

Phinadon Mag

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The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) graduated 262 youths in Abuja, with Oby Ezekwesili, Patrick Lumumba, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, and Alex Otti urging ethical, people-centered leadership for Africa’s renewal.

The School of Politics, Policy, and Governance (SPPG) on Tuesday graduated 262 youths from its Class of 2025, celebrating them as “unconventional leaders” equipped to drive Africa’s transformation through ethical, evidence-based, and people-centered leadership.

The colourful ceremony, held in Abuja, underscored SPPG’s mission to nurture competent and values-driven leaders committed to redefining the continent’s development trajectory.

“Blueprints for Africa’s Future”

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of SPPG Africa, Mrs. Alero Ayida-Otobo, described the graduates’ capstone projects as “blueprints for Nigeria and Africa’s future.”

She reminded the cohort that their certificates were “not a destination but a commissioning,” urging them to harness Africa’s human capital to build systems that uplift the vulnerable.

Tribute to Somtochukwu Maduagwu

The ceremony also featured a tribute to Somtochukwu (Sommie) Maduagwu, a 2023 SPPG graduate who was killed in a robbery.

SPPG Chair, Mr. Frank Nweke II, and Ayida-Otobo honoured her legacy, charging the Class of 2025 to champion urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health and security sectors in her memory.

Ezekwesili: “Lead with Compassion and Wisdom”

Founder of SPPG and #FixPolitics visionaryDr. Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili, called for value-driven leadership, drawing from her personal experiences, including her 2019 political campaign.

Ezekwesili urged the graduates to reject transactional politics and instead focus on transformational governance that prioritises citizens’ welfare.

Mlambo-Ngcuka: “Africa’s Poverty Is a Leadership Problem”

Former Deputy President of South Africa and UN Women Executive DirectorDr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, challenged the graduates to lead Africa out of what she described as the paradox of a rich continent with poor people.

She noted that Africa possesses over half of the world’s arable land and vast mineral wealth, yet remains a “poster card of poverty.”

Mlambo-Ngcuka urged the graduates to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu“I am because you are”—and to serve as public servants, not public masters.

She cautioned that many educated individuals engage in corruption, challenging the graduates to become the antidote to that trend.

The former UN Women chief also called for stronger protection of women’s rights, warning that global progress since the 1995 Beijing Declaration is at risk of reversal.

Lumumba: “Overcome the Paralysis of Do-Nothingism”

Delivering the keynote address, renowned Pan-African scholarProfessor Patrick Lumumba, urged the graduates to overcome what he termed the “paralysis of do-nothingism.”

He challenged the new leaders to translate ideas into action, stressing that Africa’s transformation depends on courageous, ethical, and visionary leadership.

Otti: “Politics Is a Vocation, Not a Job”

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who attended as Special Guest of Honour, began his address with the quote, “Politics is too important to be left in the hands of politicians.”

He argued that politics is not a job but a vocation, emphasising that leaders must have professional experience before venturing into governance.

He urged the graduates to challenge mediocrity and ensure that those suffering from poor policies are no longer ignored.

Awards and Recognitions

Outstanding academic and leadership performances were recognised during the ceremony.

  • Benjamin and Cecilia Ujubuonu Award: Omolola Oluwaseun Oluwadara
  • Dean’s Award: Omolola Oluwaseun Oluwadara and Duke Olurin
  • Capstone Project Awards:
    • 1st Place – National Values Project
    • 2nd Place – Project Echo
    • 3rd Place – Advancement of Rights for Children
  • Best Manifesto Award: Temitope Damilola Oyewusi

The Life of Impact Award honoured Imam Muhammad Nurain Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, co-founders of the Interfaith Mediation Center, for their peacebuilding efforts, and Mrs. Ngizan Chahul, President of the Nigerian Association of Women in Agriculture (NAWIA), for her advocacy in women’s empowerment and grassroots development.

“Be Lions in the Darkness”

In his closing charge, Mr. Frank Nweke II invoked Plato’s warning“A community suffers nothing terrible if its cobblers are degenerate, but if its legislators are, it is ruined.”

He urged the graduates to be “lions in the darkness,” resisting corruption and leading with integrity.

Dean of the Class of 2025Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, reaffirmed the graduates’ commitment to putting policy at the heart of governance.

The event concluded with the national anthem and a symbolic balloon release, signifying the pledge of 262 new leaders to build a better Africa.

Entertainment

Burna Boy makes history as the first male artist to reach No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Music Video Chart.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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Nigerian superstar Damini Ogulu, famously known as Burna Boy, has once again etched his name in history, this time by becoming the first male artist to claim the coveted #1 spot on Spotify’s newly launched Global Music Video Chart. This monumental achievement comes courtesy of his electrifying World Cup anthem with pop icon Shakira, ‘Dai Dai.’

‘Dai Dai’ has proven to be an unstoppable force, not only conquering the Spotify chart but also making significant waves on the Billboard Hot 100, where it recently soared to a new peak of #13. Industry experts are already predicting a top 10 entry next week, fueled by the highly anticipated World Cup Final Halftime Show performance by Burna Boy and Shakira this coming Sunday.
The song’s dominance extends far beyond these charts. ‘Dai Dai’ remains the most-streamed music video of 2026 on YouTube, boasting an astonishing half a billion views. It has also reached the pinnacle of the Apple Music Global Songs Charts, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.

Burna Boy’s incredible success with ‘Dai Dai’ has further cemented his position as a titan of the music industry. He has extended his record as the African artist with the most monthly listeners in Spotify’s history, surpassing an astounding 53 million. Not stopping there, he has also set a new benchmark on YouTube Music, becoming the African artist with the most monthly listeners, exceeding 600 million.
These extraordinary achievements are a testament to Burna Boy’s undeniable talent, global appeal, and the ever-growing influence of Afrobeats on the international music scene. He continues to break barriers and inspire millions, proving that music truly knows no boundaries.

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Entertainment

Cardi B Addresses Maduka Okoye Speculation: “I’m Really Hip Hop’s Britney Spears”.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In the relentless glare of public scrutiny, Grammy-winning artist Cardi B has once again found herself at the center of swirling rumors, this time concerning her burgeoning friendship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. Recent public appearances, including a dinner in Venice, ignited speculation about a potential romance, prompting Cardi B to candidly address the incessant public interest in her personal life.

The rapper, known for her unfiltered honesty, voiced her frustration in a widely circulated video, lamenting the disproportionate attention her activities receive compared to those of her peers. She highlighted a perceived double standard, where ordinary facets of her life become subjects of intense public debate, while similar situations involving other celebrities garner little to no interest.

“No cap, I’m really hip hop’s Britney Spears,” Cardi B declared, drawing a parallel to the pop icon who has famously navigated intense media scrutiny throughout her career. She continued, “I got all the tea on these celebrities. I know who’s with who and what’s doing what. But guess what? Nobody reports about it because nobody cares.”

Her exasperation was palpable as she added, “But when it comes to me, I can’t even do anything without people talking about it. This is crazy. You’ve got to take the good with the bad. It is what it is. People pay for this type of talk.”

Cardi B’s comments arrive amidst a crescendo of speculation surrounding her relationship with Okoye. The pair have been observed together on multiple occasions, notably during Paris Fashion Week and their recent rendezvous in Venice, fueling the ever-present social media buzz. Despite the widespread conjecture, neither Cardi B nor Okoye has publicly confirmed any romantic involvement, leaving the nature of their connection open to continued public interpretation and discussion.

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News

Fabian Ruiz Targets 2026 Ballon d’Or After Incredible Trophy-Laden Season.

Ikechukwu Emmanuel

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In a sport often dominated by household names, Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield maestro, Fabian Ruiz, has boldly declared his ambition to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2026. The Spain international, fresh off a truly remarkable season, has articulated a desire that resonates with every professional footballer: to be recognized as the world’s best.

Ruiz, at 30 years old, has enjoyed a sensational campaign that has seen him achieve the pinnacle of both club and international football. Lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG and, even more significantly, securing the World Cup with Spain, has propelled him into conversations previously reserved for a select few. His performances throughout these triumphs have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a blend of tactical intelligence, technical prowess, and an uncanny ability to dictate the tempo of a game.

The World Cup, in particular, served as a global stage for Ruiz to demonstrate his undeniable talent. As the tournament progressed, his name began to circulate with increasing frequency among pundits and fans alike as a genuine contender for individual accolades. This growing recognition is a testament to his consistent high-level play and his ability to perform under immense pressure.

When questioned about his aspirations, Ruiz’s response, as reported by Marca, was both humble and resolute: “Who wouldn’t want to win a Ballon d’Or? I’m happy with the season I have had, winning the Champions League and the World Cup. If I’m in the running, it will be an honour.” This statement encapsulates the sentiment of a player who appreciates his current successes while simultaneously striving for even greater heights.

Fabian Ruiz’s declaration injects an exciting narrative into the footballing world. As he continues to perform at an elite level, all eyes will be on whether this gifted midfielder can transform his audacious ambition into reality and etch his name into the annals of football history as a Ballon d’Or winner.

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