By our correspondent

The Ilorin Likeminds Foundation, ILMF, has described the turbaning of Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as the Sardauna of Ilorin as well-deserved and historic.

In a statement signed by its Director of Publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri, the Foundation said it joined thousands of admirers and illustrious indigenes of Ilorin to rejoice with the governor.

The turbaning ceremony was performed on Wednesday by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, at a colourful event that attracted dignitaries from across the country.

According to the Foundation, the title is a fitting honour and recognition for AbdulRazaq’s distinguished transformational leadership and exceptional commitment to the peace, unity and progress of the people.

While wishing the new Sardauna a successful tour of duty in his new chieftaincy role, the President of the Foundation, Alhaji Lukman Atanda Abdullahi, expressed optimism that he would build on the achievements of his predecessor, the late business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Umaru Saro.

Atanda said he was confident Governor AbdulRazaq would also emulate the virtues of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria and Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

He prayed for God’s guidance and protection for the new Sardauna, noting that the revered traditional title comes with enormous responsibility.

“To whom much is given, much is required,” he said, wishing him a long, peaceful and progressive reign.

By David Owei
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has announced the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam as Special Envoy on Africa Traditional Institutions and the African Diaspora.

Princess Dr. Bam is a Princess of the AmaMpondomise Kingdom, Founder & Global President of Afrikan Young Indigenous Leaders, and a globally respected advocate for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, education, and royal diplomacy.

She previously served as Lead Facilitator for the C20 Working Group on Cultural Diversity and is currently Coordinator of the Africa Celebrates Traditional Leaders Forum, scheduled for November 2026 in Ethiopia.

Announcing the appointment on Saturday, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener/CEO of ABER, described Princess Dr. Bam as “eminently fit for this continental assignment” due to her wisdom, ingenuity, and proven capacity to unite Africa’s royal institutions.

“As Special Envoy, Her Royal Highness will champion the role of traditional rulers in advancing the Africa Blue Economy Strategy (ABES) and Agenda 2063 by mobilizing traditional institutions across Africa for inclusive and sustainable ocean governance.

“Bridging Africa and the Diaspora to ensure cultural values, indigenous knowledge, and ancestral stewardship shape blue economy policy,
safeguarding marine and coastal heritage through community-led conservation while elevating the voices of women royal leaders and youth within ABER’s continental framework. In this capacity, Princess Dr. Bam will work closely with the ABER Coordinator for Africa’s Sixth Region, African Diaspora, based in Los Angeles, USA.

“ABER welcomes Her Royal Highness Princess Dr. Nikiwe Bam. We look forward to working together to advance UNITY, TRADITION AND ROYAL HERITAGE in service of Africa’s ocean future,” said Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, Convener/CEO of ABER.

About ABER
The Africa Blue Economy Roundtable is a continental digital networking platform promoting inclusive and sustainable ocean governance in line with the African Union’s Africa Blue Economy Strategy and Agenda 2063. ABER works with governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, and communities to place people and culture at the center of Africa’s ocean economy.

By our correspondent

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP), Peter Obi, has celebrated his elder brother, Dominic Ositadimma Obi, on his 75th birthday, describing him as a symbol of integrity, humility, contentment and responsible living.

Obi, in a birthday message on Sunday, August 30, 2026, said his elder brother’s life had been defined by values that transcended family ties, stressing that Dominic’s conduct had remained a source of pride and inspiration to the family.

Reflecting on his eight years as Governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled that Dominic never visited his office or the Governor’s Lodge to seek personal favours, contracts or other benefits associated with political power.

He said his brother, a planner and contractor who builds houses for individuals, did not request a single government contract from him throughout his tenure.

“Whenever we met, he would warmly embrace me and tell me that he was fine,” Obi recalled, adding that Dominic would rather remind him of the responsibility he had undertaken as governor.

“He would solemnly remind me to keep doing what I promised the people and never bring a bad name to the family and my community,” he said.

According to Obi, his brother also encouraged him to remain focused on the welfare of the people, reminding him that whatever challenges he might be experiencing were insignificant compared with the difficulties confronting many Nigerians.

Obi disclosed that he later discovered that Dominic’s decision not to seek favours from his administration was part of a broader resolution reached by members of the Obi family.

“I later came to understand that this was not peculiar to him alone. My family members had actually held a meeting and resolved that none of them would take advantage of my position as Governor,” he said.

The former governor explained that the family’s decision was intended to protect the integrity and reputation of the family and their Agulu community, adding that the same principle was extended to his children.

Obi said Dominic had remained concerned about the affairs of Nigeria despite attaining the age of 75, noting that his elder brother continued to offer prayers, counsel and encouragement.

“Whenever we speak, he is full of prayers and good wishes. He constantly reminds me that if I have the opportunity to serve Nigeria, I should do so with honesty, integrity, and the interest of the people at heart,” Obi stated.

While expressing gratitude to God for his brother’s life, Obi said Dominic’s character and conduct represented enduring values worthy of celebration.

“Brother Dom, I thank God for the gift of your life and for the example you have set for our family. Your integrity, humility, contentment, and sense of responsibility are qualities worthy of celebration,” he said.

He prayed God to grant his brother continued good health, grace and blessings as he marks the milestone.

“Happy 75th birthday, my dearest brother,” Obi added.