News

63rd Independence Anniversary: Fulfilling founding fathers dreams through 24 years uninterrupted Democracy, – says Akobundu

Published

1 year ago

October 2, 2023

…Urge other African countries to emulate the good example

Joel Ajayi

As Nigerians celebrates her 63rd Independence anniversary on 1st October 2023, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer AUDA-NEPAD/APRM Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, fsi has described the 24 years of uninterrupted Democracy of Nigeria as a fulfillment of the dreams of Nigerian founding fathers, urges other African countries to emulate the good gesture.

Akobundu stated this in her Independence Day message to Staff and Stakeholders of the Agency in marking the day.

She said Nigerians have every reason to celebrate despite the few challenges facing the Nation which the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has shown strong commitment to tackling since the assumption of office.

According to Akobundu, Nigerians, particularly the youths should not give up on the nation, noting countless opportunities that abound in the country

which can be explored to make a good living for all.

“Youths of any nation is her strength and therefore Nigeria is blessed to have nearly 65 percent of her population as youths.

“President Tinubu has shown his great disposition to working with youth through his appointment of youths into key and sensitive positions in recent times.

“I also call for concerted effort from all Nigerians in supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda which encapsulates the 8-point Agenda of Mr President aimed at building the Nigeria of our dream,” she said.

“No nation can develop without the full cooperation and contributions of her citizens,” Akobundu added.

The Agency boss said AUDA-NEPAD Nigeria, in line with its mandate, would continue to attract partnerships, investment opportunities, resource mobilization, and other goodwill from well-meaning organizations, countries, and partners, desirous of contributing to the growth of the Nation.

Akobundu recalled that at the just concluded United Nations General Assembly, the Agency was able to secure a partnership deal between Nigeria, Princeton University, and the African School of Economics leading to the signing of an MOU by the Minister of Education on the sidelines of the UNGA

Again it held a high-level investment summit with investors and partners in collaboration with the AUDA-NEPAD Continental secretariat with a view to attracting investments in land restoration programmes of the government.

She said with the huge interest shown by investors, partners, and other participants at the event, Nigeria would soon start reaping the benefits.

Akobundu hinted that the Smallholder farmers project initiated by the Agency had been attracting a lot of interest from local and foreign investors, adding that the agency would continue to implement with vigor, all its flagship programs.

It will be recalled that the Agency successfully conducted Nigeria’s APRM Second Peer Review and it’s recommendations and findings report was adopted as a guide to other African nations with similar challenges at the 2022 African Union Summit.

The Review preferred solutions on five thematic areas namely: Economic Governance and Management; Democracy and Political Governance; Socio-economic Development; Corporate Governance; and Cross-cutting Issues.

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Health

Ultimate Health HMO appoints 2 directors

Published

16 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Ultimate Health Services (UHS), a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO), has announced the appointment of Tosin Adefeko and Bolajoko Abiola-Odunowo as directors to its board to strengthen capacity and functionality.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UHS, Mr Lekan Ewenla, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ewenla said that the appointments, made by the HMO’s Board of Directors and shareholders, were in line with global corporate governance and best practices.

He said that it was also a reflection of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing diversity and empowering women in leadership positions within the organised private sector.

“The appointments of Adefeko and Abiola-Odunowo are in-line with the organisation’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity.

“It is also in accordance with the global agenda for gender inclusiveness in the corporate world and political appointments,” he said.

Ewenla added that the appointments were intentionally done to enhance the organisation’s growth focusing on private and informal sectors, various groups and associations in the country.

He said that enrolment into the health insurance programme is now mandatory for all Nigerians and legal residents.

Ewenla described Adefeko as a corporate executive and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience.

“She has successfully led businesses and delivered impressive results in the financial services, print and broadcast media, marketing and communication industries.

“Adefeko is passionate about gender inclusion, equity, and female empowerment.

“She is an active member of Women in Managing Business; has served in several committees and chaired the communications committee for the annual conferences for three years,” he said.

The managing director equally described Abiola-Odunowo as a distinguished business executive with a multi-faceted career spanning over three decades in finance, law, and logistics.

He said that she would bring a unique combination of financial and legal expertise, and strategic business development into the board of Ultimate Health HMO.

“Abiola-Odunowo has vast experience in treasury management and financial analysis, with a strong understanding of financial operations and risk management.

“She has expertise in oil and gas, real estate, and environmental law, with a special focus on regulatory compliance and legal frameworks within complex industries,” Ewenla added.

NAN

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