Personality in Focus
Prof Akintoye Fully Committed to Yoruba Self-Determination
By Kayode Emola YSDM Team
Over the last week, Sahara Reporters have released a number of media items alleging that Prof Banji Akintoye is “secretly” supporting the campaign for Tinubu’s presidency. This is not only untrue and libellous but disruptive and frankly dangerous. The Tinubu Support Group (TSG) must immediately cease associating the erudite Professor of History with the 2023 general elections.
The Yoruba people have, on numerous occasions over the last four years, stated their unequivocal desire to have a country of their own separated from Nigeria. We are on course to fulfil that mandate for the Yoruba people.
Neither Akintoye nor the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) endorses Tinubu, nor any candidate, for any election in Nigeria. We have made our position clear from the start: we do not want anything to do with Nigeria. We will pursue our goal using all available legal instruments in international law.
In his message on Omoluka TV, Prof Akintoye refuted all rumours of his involvement with any group supporting politicians. He went on to describe the article by Sahara Reporters as a “shoddy piece of journalism.” Neither Prof Akintoye nor any self-determination group has endorsed any political party. This position remains, and will continue to remain, their stance at this time. In his own words, Prof Akintoye stated that, “all the southern politicians vying for political offices in the Federal level will fail in the coming national elections and will eventually return home.”
The Yoruba Self-determination Movement is a sophisticated movement seeking to liberate the Yoruba people from the shackles of Nigeria. Sahara Reporters should ensure that they do not continue to peddle lies and unfounded stories, bringing the high calling of journalists into disrepute.
Such detractors as are fabricating lies regarding Prof Akintoye and YSDM secretly endorsing the Elite Mobilisation Initiative to support Tinubu should desist with immediate effect.
Our message to the Yoruba people both at home and abroad, and to the Nigerian government, is clear. We want our own separate Yoruba country and we are not backing down. It is not our concern who becomes the president of Nigeria; our sole concern is for the welfare of the Yoruba people.
The co-CEO of Samsung Electronics, Han Jong-Hee, has died of heart attack on Tuesday. He was aged 63.
A spokesperson for the South Korean tech giant confirmed this.
Han, who oversaw Samsung’s consumer electronics and mobile devices businesses became the Chief Executive Officer of South Korea’s biggest company in 2022.
He had joined the tech giant in 1988 after earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Inha University. Before he started to run Samsung’s electronics and devices division, he was in charge of the display operations.
In a tribute to the deceased, Samsung said Han dedicated more than 37 years of his life to leading Samsung’s TV business to become a global leader.
The company said, Han as the head of its electronics and appliances businesses, contributed to its growth amid challenging business environment.
Eze Aro of Arochukwu Kingdom, His Eminence Dr Eberechukwu Oji, has felicitated Professor Ngozi Osarenren on the award of excellence bestowed on her by the University of Calabar (UNICAL).
UNICAL recently honoured Prof Osarenren, an expert in Career and Counselling, with the prestigious award of ‘Face of UNICAL @ 50’.
The award was given to Professor Orarenren in recognition of the contributions she has made in her chosen career both in Nigeria and abroad.
“We write to notify you of your nomination by the Central Planning Committee and UNICAL Alumni Association for the conferment of an award as the “Face of UNICAL @ 50” in commemoration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of the University (1975-2025).
“In nominating you for this prestigious award, the University has considered your success in using the knowledge/skills acquired in the university in your chosen filed/professional career.
”The University also notes the worthy manner you have flown the flag of integrity for the University both in Nigeria and abroad; your past/future contributions to the development of your Alma mater (UNICAL) and your pride as an alumnus,” the institution wrote prior to the five-day ceremony, which started on March 17,2025,” the institution wrote, in notifying the award recipient.
In conveying his felicitations to Prof Osarenren, His Eminence, Eze Dr Eberechukwu Oji said:
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Arochukwu kingdom, I write to felicitate you and your family on the conferment of the prestigious award of FACE of UNICAL at 50, which was recently bestowed on you by your alma mater, the University of Calabar.
“The entire Arochukwu community rejoices with you on this well deserved award. The award is a testament of your commitment and untiring efforts in uplifting the educational standards in Nigeria, which has manifested in your sterling career at the University of Lagos where you currently hold sway in it’s Guidance and Counselling Department.
“Aro Kingdom is proud of you and we urge you to keep being a great ambassador of Arochukwu.
“Once again, congratulations Adaukwu,” His Eminence added.
Personality in Focus
Contributions of Late Basketball Star, Dikembe Mutombo, Take Centrestage on Glo-sponsored African Voices
CNN International’s magazine programme, African Voices Playmakers, this weekend highlights the contributions of Late Congolese-American National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo as a humanitarian icon and mentor of young basketball players on the continent. The programme is bankrolled by data solutions provider, Globacom.
Full name Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukaba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, he was known simply by his moniker ‘Mount Mutombo’ because of his defensive dexterity. He was born on June 25, 1966, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and studied Medicine at Georgetown University in America. He, however, chose to follow his passion for basketball, playing for 18 remarkable seasons in the NBA.
Dikembe created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve the living condition of his folks in the DRC. Unfortunately, he lost his fierce battle with brain cancer in September, 2024 at the age of 58.
He however remains a beacon of light to youngsters of African descent on the pitch. This new generation of African basketball players who enjoyed his tutelage include his son, Ryan, his two nephews and other youngsters from the continent two of whom are rising NBA stars, Yves Missi and Josh Okogie.
Both 20-year-old Missi, a Cameroonian professional basketball player with the New Orleans Pelicans, and 26-year-old Nigerian-American shooting guard, Okojie, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets in the United States of America will talk about Dikembe’s influence and their successful careers so far in international basketball.
The 30-minute show will be on air on DSTV Channel 401 at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday with a repeat the same day at 11 a.m. On Sunday, other repeats will be broadcast at 3.30 a.m. and 6.p.m. and on Monday at 3.00 a.m. Further repeats come up at 7.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday next week; Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on Monday at 4 a.m.
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