By Felix Umande, Makurdi

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate for Benue State in the 2027 election, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, has picked a 38-year-old Dr. Oyije Ochaekiti Ogbenjuwa as his running mate.

Aondoakaa announced the selection on Sunday during the party’s congress in Makurdi, the state capital, presenting the ticket as a blend of experience and generational renewal.

Addressing party delegates and supporters, the PDP flag bearer said his administration would prioritize ending persistent attacks and killings in rural communities and guaranteeing the safety of lives and property across the state. He described security as the foundation for any meaningful development agenda.

If elected, Aondoakaa pledged to revive agriculture and accelerate rural development, reaffirming Benue’s role as the “Food Basket of the Nation.”

He said his government would invest in modern farming systems, improve market access, and support smallholder farmers to boost productivity and rural incomes.

Youth and women empowerment also featured prominently in his outline. The senior lawyer said his administration would focus on job creation and enterprise support to expand opportunities for young people and women, positioning them at the center of the state’s economic revival.

Beyond agriculture, Aondoakaa listed improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, and better education as core priorities. He added that his government would work to create an enabling environment for industrial growth and broader economic expansion.

“Our administration will be anchored on justice, transparency, and accountability in governance,” he said, stressing that public trust would guide decision-making and resource management.

The candidate also pledged to pursue unity and reconciliation across political, ethnic, and sectional lines, noting that sustainable progress would require a united Benue.

The choice of Ogbenjuwa, a 38-year-old professional, has drawn widespread reaction across the state, with many party faithful and observers describing it as a strategic move toward youth inclusion.

Supporters say the nomination signals a deliberate effort to bring younger voices into the corridors of power and address long-standing demands for generational representation in government.

The University of South Africa has become the first African university to own an airport.

The 20-hectare facility will support practical training in aviation and advanced technologies.
Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula says the move strengthens innovation and job-ready skills.

The milestone aligns with UNISA’s global growth in research and technical education.
Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula confirmed the acquisition of the 20-hectare facility, describing it as a strategic investment to strengthen real-world training for students.

The announcement was made during a press briefing highlighting the university’s recent academic progress and rising global rankings.
LenkaBula said the airport would serve as a “launchpad for future innovators”, enabling the institution to move beyond its traditional distance-learning model and expand into hands-on technical training.

The facility is expected to support specialised programmes in aviation, drone technology, and advanced digital systems, areas seen as critical to Africa’s industrial growth.

The move reflects a broader trend among global universities seeking to align education more closely with labour market demands, particularly in high-skill sectors where practical experience is essential.

Boitumelo Senokoane, an associate professor in the College of Human Sciences, said the airport would provide students with a rare opportunity to translate theory into practice.

“This 20-hectare airport will give our students a unique opportunity to apply their studies in practice and gain skills that are in high demand in the aviation and engineering industries,” she said.

Founded in 1873, UNISA serves more than 400,000 students worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the largest universities globally.

The airport acquisition aligns with its expanding research focus in digitalisation, biotechnology, renewable energy, and space science, positioning the institution at the forefront of innovation on the continent.

By Wumi Tewogbade Abuja

After 35 years of distinguished service in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Esv. Umar Sayyadi has bowed out as Director of the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), with colleagues and top FCT officials hailing him as a symbol of professionalism, integrity, and quiet authority.

An emotional send-forth ceremony held Thursday at the AGIS headquarters brought together senior directors, staff, family members, and well-wishers who celebrated a public servant many described as “a trailblazer” and “a man of due process”.

The Director of Land Administration, Esv. Chijioke Nwankwoeze, led tributes, describing Sayyadi’s career as a testament to merit and character.

“It is a rare privilege to be celebrated at retirement, and Sayyadi earned it. He is a principled administrator who rose to the rank of Director purely on merit”, Nwankwoeze said. “He carried himself with calm authority and never compromised standards”.

Also speaking, the Director of Administration, Department of Land, Mr. Uzo Udegbunam, praised Sayyadi’s dedication and willingness to bridge institutional gaps.

“Sayyadi is a man of good character who remained dedicated and committed to his duties. He consistently supported both AGIS and Land Administration to fill gaps without hesitation”, Udegbunam said. He thanked the retiring Director for his contributions to the FCT civil service and wished him success in his next chapter.

For many in the premises, the moment was also personal. Esv. Folake Odusiga Rashidat, Deputy Director, Estate, Department of Land Administration and FCT Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors and Valuers, recalled their days as classmates at Kaduna Polytechnic in 1990.

“Sayyadi is a trailblazer worthy of emulation. His leadership qualities and significant contributions to both departments and the FCT Administration have set a standard for the rest of us”, she said.

In an emotion-laden response, Sayyadi expressed gratitude to the management and staff of AGIS and the Department of Land Administration under the leadership of Esv. Nwankwoeze, saying the outpouring of accolades made him feel deeply valued.

He reserved special appreciation for the FCT Minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, for approving his confirmation as substantive Director of AGIS.

“I thank the Honourable Minister for his outstanding leadership and for the trust reposed in me. I also thank my colleagues for their support over the years, and my family for being my strongest support system throughout my career”, Sayyadi said.

Sayyadi joined the FCT Administration 35 years ago and rose through the ranks, playing key roles in land administration and geographic information management in the nation’s capital.

The ceremony ended with prayers, presentation of gifts, and a standing ovation for a man many described as “an institution within the institution”.