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NAVIGATING INDUSTRY TO ACADEMIA: PRINCE FUNSO AYENI’S INSPIRING JOURNEY TO A PHD.

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.”
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Celebrity boxing: Speed Darlington wants rematch after losing to Portable

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Nigerian singer Speed Darlington is calling for a rematch against Portable after losing to him in a celebrity boxing match.
Speed Darlington was knocked out in the second round, and he’s unhappy about the outcome.
In a video, he claimed Portable didn’t deserve the win and the prize money, saying he had plans to use the money to build a swimming pool for his community in Imo State.
Portable, I want a rematch. E dey pain me say you dey carry all that money dey go. E dey break my heart.
” I want a rematch. It’s so unfair. You have up to two experience before me and you fight. I never enter ring before. I did not come from poverty,” he said.
“You don’t deserve that money. E dey pain me. I want to build swimming pool for my villagers. I need a rematch, Portable”, he said.
According to Speed Darlington, Portable had an unfair advantage due to his experience, accusing him of using supernatural means to win the fight.
He also claimed he suffered a shoulder injury during the match despite not feeling tired.
Speed Darlington, who wants a rematch, said he needs 30 days to prepare better
News
Israel’s remote controlled bulldozers breaking ground in Gaza war

At first glance, there is nothing unusual about the bulky bulldozer turning up soil at a testing site in central Israel, but as it pulled closer it became clear: the driver’s cabin is eerily empty.
This is the Robdozer, a fortified engineering vehicle manned remotely, and in this case operated from a military expo halfway across the globe in Alabama.
Army engineers and military experts say that the Robdozer — the robotic version of Caterpillar’s D9 bulldozer — is the future of automated combat.
The Israeli military has used D9 for years to carry out frontline tasks like trowelling roads for advancing troops, removing rubble and flattening terrain.
But since war in Gaza broke out in October 2023 and later in Lebanon, the Israeli military has increasingly deployed this robotic version in a bid to enhance its field operations and reduce the risks to its troops.
“The idea is to eliminate the person from the cockpit of the dozer,” said Rani, whose team at the state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries developed the Robdozer.
An unmanned D9 bulldozer digs up a field during a demonstration to the press at the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) quarters near Tel Aviv on March 26, 2025. Israel’s increasing use of advanced technology on the battlefield, from air defence systems to a broad range of AI-driven intelligence tools, has been well-documented but also criticised for inaccuracies, lack of human oversight and potential violations of international law. (Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN / AFP)
During the Gaza war, the military has increasingly opted for the unmanned version, which can carry out a full range of tasks “even better than a human”, said Rani, using his first name only for security reasons.
While such vehicles and other systems are currently operated by humans, future versions could be autonomous, raising ethical and legal concerns over the unchartered future of warfare being shaped by the Israeli military in the Gaza war.
‘Changing the paradigm’
Israel’s increasing use of advanced technology on the battlefield, from air defence systems to a broad range of AI-driven intelligence tools, has been well-documented but also criticised for inaccuracies, lack of human oversight and potential violations of international law.
Analysts say the growing Israeli deployment of the Robdozer reflects broader global trends towards automation in heavy combat vehicles, like remote-controlled personnel carriers that operate much like drones.
An Israeli military official, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, told AFP that the army has been using “robotic tools for over a decade, but in very small numbers. Now it is being used in large-scale warfare”.
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70-hour Chess Marathon: Onakoya reportedly breaks record set by Norwegians

Nigerian chess sensation and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has broken the chess marathon record of 61 hours, 3 minutes, and 34 seconds, set by two Norwegian players, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, in June 2024.
Onakoya and his chess partner, Shawn Martinez, are currently aiming to complete a 70-hour chess marathon in Times Square, New York.
The marathon, a four-day non-stop gameplay, started on April 17.
In a post shared on X shortly after surpassing the current record, he expressed fulfillment and called for action to educate and create opportunities for street children in Nigeria.
For all the dreamers! We’ve officially BROKEN THE RECORD with my brother,” he wrote.
Although the official confirmation from Guinness World Records is still being awaited, Nigerians and chess lovers from different parts of the world have congratulated the chess master on his latest achievement.
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