Rashidat Akande, PhD, a faculty member in the Department of Economics and Development Studies at Kwara State University, has secured a $24,000 CAD International Scholarship Grant.

This prestigious grant is awarded as part of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship – Advanced Scholars – West Africa (QES-AS-WA) scheme.

The announcement of the Akande’s achievement was made by Saeedat Aliyu, the Director of Relations at the university.

The statement highlighted that Akande emerged as the recipient of the QES-AS-WA scholarship award for the year 2022.

The theme for this year’s award was “Wurin ta na yin rubutu – Her own room to write.”

The statement further revealed that Akande’s participation in the program will span two months.

The primary objective of the program is to provide support to women who are pursuing a PhD. or are in the early stages of their research careers.

The aim is to enable these scholars to expand the horizons of their research and create long-lasting impacts in both Nigeria and Canada.

“This accomplishment reflects Rashidat Akande’s dedication to her field and her commitment to making meaningful contributions to the academic community,” the statement read.

It added, “Her success serves as an inspiration for aspiring scholars and researchers alike.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the renaming of 15 airports after some prominent Nigerians.

The approval, according to a statement from the Ministry of Aviation signed by the Head of Press and Public Affairs, Odutayo Oluseyi, was given on Friday.

….The airports include Akure International Airport named after Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu; Benin International Airport now known as Oba Akinzua ii; Dutse International Airport renamed Muhammed Nuhu Sanusi; Ebonyi International Airport Okadigbo now known as Chuba Wilberforce; and Gombe International Airport renamed Brigadier Zakari Maimalari.

,,,,,They also include Ibadan International Airport (Samuel Ladoke Akintola); Ilorin International Airport (General Tunde Abdullahi Idiagbon); Kaduna International Airport (Gen. Hassan Usman Katsina); and Maiduguri International Airport (President Muhammadu Buhari).

,,,,Others are Makurdi International Airport renamed after Joseph Sarwuan Tarka; Minna International Airport renamed Mall. Abubakar Imam; Nasarrawa International Airport named after Sheikh Usman Danfodio; Osubi International Airport renamed Alfred Diete Spiff; Port Harcourt International Airport renamed Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo and Yola International Airport now known as Lamido Aliyu Mustapha

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has on Friday night accompanied Kwara pilgrims to the Ilorin International Airport to bid them farewell.

The pilgrims are the first batch to be airlifted from the state to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2023.

It has been a routine for the Governor to pay courtesy visit to intending pilgrims at their camp and later accompany them to the airport as a way of identifying with them.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) commenced the airlift of pilgrims on Thursday with an inaugural flight that comprised pilgrims from Nasarawa State.

Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam which holds yearly with a large number of Muslims from around the world gathering in Saudi Arabia to perform the rite.

During his visit, Governor AbdulRazaq exchanged pleasantries with the pilgrims who took turns to commend his humility.

They also prayed for his success during his second term in office, while the Governor wished them a safe landing at their destination.

AbdulRazaq who won re-election into office would be inaugurated for his second term on Monday.

He has also emerged as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), with his colleagues reposing confidence in him to provide leadership for the forum.