By Smart Kole Ogunleye

It’s not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
– Charles Darwin

Prince Funso Ayeni, a young, relentless philanthropist with an undying passion for excellence and a goal-getter has yet again adorned a significant feather to his cap, bagged a PhD in “Management from Walden University, USA, 2024.

Specializing in Leadership and Organizational Strategy, with his research thesis dwelling largely on ‘EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE ‘ a pivotal roles in moderating leadership success and influencing societal needs by equipping leaders with the ability to effectively understand, manage, and respond to both their own emotions and the emotions of others.

“Emotional intelligence is the key to both personal and professional success.” – Daniel Goleman

This remarkable achievement adds to both his already impressive professional and academic profile, showcasing his dedication to lifelong learning, personal growth and a testament to his belief that no obstacle is too big to overcome when one is determined to achieve their purpose.

Prince Funso Ayeni’s academic path is both diverse and impressive. He began his higher education journey at the Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, where he distintively earned a Higher National Diploma in Mineral Resources Engineering in 2002. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the Federal University of Technology Akure where he obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Geophysics . Never relenting! He advanced his education at Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho, earning a Master of Business Administration in 2010.

Prince Ayeni’s quest for excellence took him abroad to the University of Salford, UK, where he completed a Master of Science in 2018. Furthering his academic credentials, he achieved a Master of Philosophy from Walden University, USA, in 2023. His most recent and crowning academic accomplishment is his PhD in Management from Walden University in 2024, with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Strategy.

Ayeni’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and perseverance. He has continually sought to improve himself academically, driven by a desire to become a scholar-practitioner, advance the greater good, become a better thinker, and gain a competitive edge in the market and a role model to the teeming youths in search of positive mentorship against the misrepresentation of “EDUCATION is SCAM” who will leverage this notable path for inspirations.

With this new academic feat, Prince Funso Ayeni’s participation in the political arena is set to reach new heights. His PhD in Management equips him with advanced knowledge and skills that will enhance his leadership capabilities. This academic achievement not only solidifies his reputation as a thought leader but also positions him to contribute more effectively to political discourse and decision-making. Ayeni’s success story will undoubtedly inspire many young politicians to pursue higher education and strive for excellence in their careers.

In Ilamo, Prince Funso Ayeni’s hometown, his PhD achievement is more than just a personal milestone; it’s a beacon of hope and inspiration. This accomplishment highlights the possibilities that lie within the community, encouraging others to pursue their dreams despite the challenges they may face. The local community in abuzz with pride and admiration for Ayeni’s dedication and perseverance.

Exploring the hidden treasure and the role of Emotional intelligence in strategy formulation and implementation, Prince Funso Ayeni’s new feat will not just be an academic title; it will be a testament to his deep understanding of industry dynamics and leadership principles. His extensive experience in various sectors, coupled with his advanced studies, will further enable him to make significant contributions to the industry. Ayeni’s insights and innovations are set to drive progress and development, showcasing the vital role that education plays in enhancing industry practices. His journey underscores the importance of continuous learning and its impact on professional success.

Prince Funso Ayeni’s story is a powerful narrative of determination, leadership, and the transformative power of education. His journey from a privileged background to earning a PhD serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. As he continues to impact various spheres of life, his story encourages us all to pursue our dreams with unwavering resolve and a commitment to excellence.

“Education is never a scam, as maliciously postulated by minds in self-denial.”

By Sonny Aragba-Akpore

Sometime last week ,the government of Nigeria in collaboration with Google Africa began what could turn around the fortunes of startups with the launch of One hundred million naira (N100m) fund in Lagos.

The fund, to be overseen by the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), is believed to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to position Nigeria as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development.

Communications,Innovation and Digital Economy Minister,Bosun Tijani tweeted on Tuesday,September 10 that “today we launched the N100million Artificial Intelligence Fund in collaboration with @googleafrica aimed at supporting Nigerian startups leveraging AI to build innovative solutions.”

Expected to be managed by NCAIR,the funds will enable startups to deliver cutting edge technologies for developing AI for economic growth.
Although,this initiative looks tempting for the startups,some stakeholders see it as a drop in the ocean.
Despite the misgivings of some stakeholders,government thinks the AI fund is expected to spur technological progress across Africa, empowering entrepreneurs to solve real-world problems through AI.

By providing critical financial and strategic backing, the collaboration sets a new benchmark for digital innovation across the continent, offering African startups a chance to drive economic growth and technological development.

Google’s involvement highlights its commitment to Africa’s digital future according to Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director, noting that the partnership aligns with Google’s focus on developing Africa-centric solutions and promoting digital innovation on the continent.

“In addition to financial support, the selected startups will gain access to Google’s AI tools, mentorship, and a global network of experts and investors, helping them scale their businesses and expand beyond Nigeria.”

“Eligible startups must be based in Nigeria, have at least one Nigerian founder, and focus on AI-driven solutions with strong market potential. Applications will be open from September 10 to September 25, 2024, with winners announced in October.”

“Tijani explained that the government’s pivotal role in shaping AI policy, which we believe will have long-term effects on both the public and private sectors is a drive in the right direction “.
“If we get it right in the public sector, it will permeate the private sector, transforming national lives and shaping the future of our country,” Tijani stated during the launch.

“The government is also working on a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to guide future policies and foster AI growth across multiple industries.”

Announced on September 10, 2024, this initiative aims to foster AI innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s rapidly growing tech ecosystem.

On July 31,2024 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa announced its 8th cohort of 10 startups joining its Africa Accelerator Programme, a three-month virtual initiative designed to help African startups leverage technology to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, the startups from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda demonstrate the vibrant talent and innovation within Africa’s tech scene.

Google highlighted the crucial role startups play in driving economic growth and technological progress in Africa.

“These startups are not only creating jobs but also improving living standards by developing tailored solutions to local challenges, Google noted, despite the ongoing “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries, helping them raise over $263 million and creating more than 2,800 direct jobs, underscoring the programme,s impact on the continent’s tech landscape.

This year’s cohort focuses heavily on artificial intelligence, emphasizing the role of advanced technologies in addressing Africa’s critical challenges.

The N100 million fund is designed to support Nigerian startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop innovative solutions, and this initiative is part of the broader National AI Strategy published in August, 2024 aimed at integrating AI into various sectors of the Nigerian economy to drive growth and societal well-being.

The AI Fund provides Nigerian startups with the resources they need to develop and scale their AI solutions.

The NCAIR believes that AI has the potential to address local challenges and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. By supporting Nigerian startups, the NCAIR hopes to foster homegrown innovation.

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to revolutionize various industries and sectors in Nigeria. From agriculture and healthcare to education and finance, AI can improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. By investing in AI, Nigeria can position itself as a leader in the global technology landscape.
In April 2024, the Ministry held the Artificial Intelligence Strategy Workshop bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the future of AI in Nigeria. This was followed by the release of the National AI Intelligence Strategy in August, which outlined the country’s roadmap for integrating AI into various sectors to enhance growth and societal well-being. The AI Fund is a significant step in actualizing these plans, providing Nigerian startups with the necessary resources to innovate and scale their AI solutions.

The AI Fund is open to Nigerian-based startups that are focused on AI-driven technology solutions with the potential for significant impact.

Selected startups will receive up to ₦10 million in funding, along with access to Google’s extensive resources, including AI tools, mentorship, and a global network designed to help them scale their innovations.
When it rose from its 2024 yearly conference last week,the International Standard Organization (ISO) listed a number of issues relating to AI including standards to follow and ethical practices.

“With an ability to synthesize, analyse and act on enormous amounts of data in seconds, artificial intelligence is extremely powerful. As with any powerful technology, it is crucial we implement it responsibly to maximize on its potential while minimizing negative impacts”, ISO wrote.
For example, if trained using unscrutinized data, AI can replicate harmful biases about race, religion, upbringing or other human characteristics. This could be potentially disastrous if embedded in artificial intelligence used in health, recruitment, law or other human-centred applications.

“Another of the key ethical concerns surrounding AI is privacy. With AI systems collecting vast amounts of data from databases worldwide, there is a need to ensure that personal information is protected and used responsibly. For example, facial recognition technology, often used in security systems or social media platforms, raises questions about consent and potential misuse.”

“Ensuring the responsible development of AI is crucial for its safe, trustworthy and ethical advancement. But how can transparency and explainability be addressed in the context of AI?”

At its core, machine learning refers to the ability of a computer system to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. One example is spam filtering in emails. By detecting similar patterns in spam messages, email platforms can learn what messages are useful, and what should be kept out of the inbox.

“So how does machine learning work? It starts with data. Lots of it.

Machine learning algorithms are trained on huge datasets which they learn to analyse to identify patterns, relationships and trends. These patterns can then be used to make predictions or decisions on new, unseen data.”

BY BOLAJI AFOLABI

For many football loving Nigerians, commencement of the 2024/25 league season across Europe was a welcoming break from the recurring palpitations occasioned by multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral challenges pervading national space. Given the ecstasy and excitement it provides, spectators and fans are very hopeful that for about 40 weekends, something cheering would occupy their minds; away from the ever-increasing national problems. Back in the ’80s, *INDEEP* , was a New York-based musical group that released ‘ *when boys talk’* after it’s hugely successful ‘ *last night a DJ saved my life* .’ A line in the former that, ‘ *boys* *talk politics* …’ came to mind after the Liverpool versus Ipswich Town English Premier League opener few weeks back.

Over an hour of chit chat which included analysis, opinions, arguments, and more; a regular fixture at most viewing centres the topic of discourse veered into politics. From national to states and party politics, it was a robust and enlightening exchange between and among all. To add colour, panache, and rib-cracking to the scenario, the writer threw a puzzle; asking the name of the person who superintendents a particular ministry. For over thirty minutes, the gathering became a mini “who wants to be a millionaire” show. Responses were funny, cynical, and befuddling. At the end, many got it wrong, no where near the actual answer.

Buoyed by this disturbing discovery, the writer did random survey asking name(s) of ministers from people. The results were thought provoking, challenging and revealing. Names of few ministers are readily called. Somehow, the ‘playful’ exercise brought concerns to the writer. That people cannot readily recall names of their respective state’s representative on the cabinet list was shocking. That many had to resort to Google for “escape route” was saddening. That educated elites flunked the poser gives worrying signs.

August last year, when President Bola Tinubu sworn in his 46-member cabinet team after successful screening and confirmation by the Senate, there were varied opinions. While some people criticized the number arguing that it would stifle the economy, others believed it was the right way to go considering urgent need for pragmatic development. A school of thought postulated that aside being the largest ministerial cabinet since 1999, the names do not evoke confidence and believability. Another school countered that with the injection of achievers in the private sector, and creation of new ministries, Tinubu’s cabinet should perform. Yet, a different group inferred that with the creation of new ministries including Creative Economy; and re-modelling of few such as Health and Social Welfare; Agriculture and Food Security; Water Resources and Sanitation the cabinet was primed to deliver.

After one year in their various capacities as ministers, just as it was during composition, opinions and views of Nigerians are divided about their performances. There has been wide-ranging comments and criticisms about the cabinet. From reports, it has been deluge of condemnation and few commendation. What about consistent talks of large numbers; wrong deployments; lack of understanding of briefs; and more? For many people, the ministerial team has not lived to the expectations of Nigerians. Some opined that they have not justified the confidence reposed in them by Tinubu.

By their actions, inactions, and activities one can categorize the cabinet in five groups. There are the performers; those showing promises; those who flatter; those missing in action; and outright failures. Some merely make ‘politically correct’ statements with less or no corresponding action. Sadly, there are those who have taken, and maintained sleeping-modes. Some do not have any concrete and ‘see-able’ programme. Some have been innocuously silent, absent, and forgotten by Nigerians. Some have performed abysmally low in spite their initial boastful, and pretentious posturing.

Though there has been near-unanimity of opinion about the whimsical and undulating performances of the ministers, it is not all gloom and moody. Given the aggregation of views and opinions by people, there are few bright lights that evokes inspiration and confidence. In the midst of the class of largely non-ingenious, somewhat confused, overwhelmed, and disappointing failures, few have earned the applause and encomium of Nigerians. To reasonable extent, they have added depth and deliveries to the Tinubu administration. A bird’s eye review of these ministers; in no ranking order will suffice.

Nyesom Wike as the 17th minister of the federal capital territory is a paradox. To some, he is controversial and aggressive. Many others love his direct, frank, and open style of administration. Like or loathe him, vast majority of Abuja residents, and regular visitors commend his business-like approach to the delivery of outstanding projects and programmes spread in and around Nigeria’s capital. Under his watch, in addition to massive infrastructural development geared towards transforming Abuja, he has increased revenue generation to about 126.54 billion naira in the first 6 months of 2024, which is 53.5 percent higher than the figure in 2023. Public service reforms leading to establishment of FCT Civil Service Commission; appointments of Head of Service, and a dozen Permanent Secretaries; creation of Women Affairs, and Youth Development Secretariats. Extension of development to Area Councils to open up, and boost rural economy. Impressed by his excellent work rate and visible achievements, many describe him as the ‘poster boy’ of Tinubu’s government.

One can conclude that the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo has shown passion, dedication, commitment in his tour of duty. The 42-year old Ondo state-born former lawmaker has displayed ingenuity and fervour in piloting the ministry. With the rare combination of brilliance, education, exposure, and experience, he has recorded achievements. These includes innovative templates for passport processing; clearance of over 200,000 passport backlogs in just 3 weeks. Facilitated the release of over 4,000 prison inmates; payment of outstanding allowances, and improvement of existing welfare structures of agencies; rehabilitation and upgrade of facilities. Cleared over 10 billion naira debts, owed by his predecessors in his first few months; procurement of patrol vehicles, and other necessary operational components for surveillance activities.

Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the medical doctor turned banker and financial investment expert superintendents the nation’s industry, trade, investment ministry. Though she oversee a largely unknown but critical sector, she has made encouraging achievements which is expected to manifest from the third quarter of 2025. These includes $30 billion investment commitments by some international companies and agencies; $14 billion worth of FDI inflow; $10 billion offshore investments commitment in Nigeria’s oil and gas free zones. Secured $3 billion facility from AFREXIM to build an industrial park, and light manufacturing expected to generate about 20,000 jobs; over $2 billion partnership with an African Finance Corporation subsidiary to resuscitate the cotton and textile industries for massive economic boost, and job creation. Arguably, the best in the ministry since 1999, she needs to improve her public affairs management.

Under the pragmatic leadership of Engr. Dave Umahi, the Works ministry is being positioned to effectively and efficiently meet the expectations of Nigerians.The Abuja-Kano, Port Harcourt-Enugu expressways, and other federal roads critical to national development are receiving positive look-in. It is expected that Umahi will galvanise the FERMA to fix bad patches of roads across the country. The Aviation and Aerospace Development Ministry has posted some encouraging feats. Under the leadership of Festus Keyamo, the ministry facilitated Air Peace’s Lagos-London route; the US-Nigeria Open Skies Air Transport Agreement which is expected to enable local airlines operate more freely on this routes; resolution of trapped funds for foreign airlines; resolution of the Nigeria/Emirates Airline crisis, and few other initiatives.

Few other ministers overseeing justice; solid minerals; housing and urban development; finance and budget; health and social welfare; digital economy merits measured commendation. Can one say same about their colleagues in defence; education; environment; tourism; science and technology; creative economy; blue economy; agriculture and food security; steel development; water resources and sanitation; and niger delta affairs? Indeed, their respective contributions to the renewed hope agenda requires robust public scrutiny and citizenry inquisition.

Having grossed one year as cabinet ministers, the searchlight has been on them. There has been repeated calls for total overhaul of the team. Some believe that the non-performance of many ministers has led to preponderance of socio-economic challenges. Pushing further, some argue that Nigerians are wallowing in pervasive poverty, escalating inflation, and gradual moral depravity due to the glaring disconnect between government and citizens. There is the general believe that re-jigging the cabinet is most ideal. Tinubu’s ministers should count themselves lucky for being chosen among 200 million Nigerians. A Yoruba proverb that you can facilitate employment for someone but you can’t do the job is most appropriate at this time. Tinubu should do the needful by embarking upon major surgery on his cabinet; to increase citizens believe, re-focus government, and ensure immediate service delivery. Capacity, competence, experience, and relevance should form the criterion for emplacing the proposed cabinet makeover.

* *BOLAJI AFOLABI, a development communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs in The Presidency*