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Pyrates Confraternity Not Secret Cult, Says Soyinka

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Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, on Friday, described corruption as a deadly cankerworm that lays great nations in ruins and puts the people at a great disadvantage.

Soyinka stated that without attitudinal change and the readiness of everyone to begin to do the right thing, winning the war against the mounting corruption challenge in the country would remain an impossible task.

The world-renowned scholar disclosed this at the 26th Annual Wole Soyinka Lecture organised by the National Association of Seadogs, otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity, to mark the 90th birthday of Soyinka, who, alongside six other undergraduates of the University of Ibadan, founded the group in 1952.

The lecture, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, had as its theme, “The Baby or the bathwater: Navigating the dark tunnels of systemic corruption to nationhood”.

Soyinka, while commenting on the lecture delivered by former governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, said that the challenge of corruption was such that it ran from the top to the bottom in Nigeria, adding that only a collective decision would halt its deadly march in the country.

He said, “The particular aspect of this lecture that struck me is corruption. Corruption is not just when you exchange money; it is a cankerworm that eats deep into the fabric of society from the top to the bottom and corrupts our very nature, our very existence.

“And one aspect of the lecture emphasised that the cure for corruption begins from the inside. Yes, we can talk about institutions, government, and the exercise of power unfairly and inordinately to the disadvantage of the rest of the community as part of corruption, but ultimately, the solution, both short-term and long-term, must begin from the inside, and this is one of the motives for establishing the Pyrates Confraternity 62 years ago.”

Soyinka also used the medium to disabuse the minds of the people regarding misconceptions about the Pyrates Confraternity, saying that the registered association is not a blood-thirsty secret cult but an association founded to push for justice and advance the betterment of the country.

Soyinka, alongside the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, later unveiled a book “Ship Ahoy,” written to document the 60-year history of the confraternity.

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SystemSpecs’ Sixth Children’s Day Essay Competition to Kickstart in February 2025

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The organisers of Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC), SystemSpecs a leading software technology company, has announced the 2025 edition.

According to them, the porter will be open on February 3, 2025.

For the sixth consecutive year, the CDEC will provide Nigerian children aged 9 to 16 a platform to showcase their creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through the application of technology in addressing real-world issues.

As a cornerstone of SystemSpecs’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, the CDEC has, for the past five years, promoted technological awareness and fostered innovation among young Nigerians. The competition aims to nurture local talent and equip the next generation of leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Mrs. Bukola Adeoye, Executive Director of Corporate Services at SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming edition: “For Nigeria to compete effectively on a global scale, the next generation must be equipped with the requisite technological skills from an early stage. Therefore, over the past five years, we have been dedicated to promoting technological awareness nationwide, highlighting the significance of initiatives like this in shaping Nigeria’s digital future through the CDEC. We are happy to announce that the upcoming edition of CDEC will provide all Nigerian children with another opportunity to explore technology and develop crucial skills for the future.”

ALSO READ: SystemSpecs’ GMD, John Obaro, Advocates for Robust Digitalisation to Improve Governance Frameworks

With over three decades of experience in ICT development, SystemSpecs has continually invested in nurturing young talent, helping to create sustainable change in the tech sector. This competition reflects the company’s long-term vision of promoting technological literacy and capacity development, positioning Nigeria to compete globally in the digital economy.

The competition, which has become increasingly competitive, is expected to attract participants from all 36 states and the FCT, as students are eager to showcase their innovative ideas. The next edition promises to engage new schools, students, and parents while continuing to inspire thousands of young minds across the country.

CDEC has gained widespread national acceptance, drawing participation from both public and private schools across Nigeria. The competition has seen a significant increase in entries, particularly from female students, aligning with global initiatives like Girls in ICT. As part of its impact, the competition has influenced millions of students, helping them build confidence, creativity, and a passion for technology.

As SystemSpecs gears up for the 2025 edition, Mrs Adeboye emphasised the company’s excitement about engaging with new students, schools, and parents: “This competition is becoming increasingly competitive, and we look forward to even greater participation next year. It’s a unique opportunity for students to explore technology and develop essential skills that will empower them for the future.

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Lagos LG Boss, Olakanle Dies In Office, Like His Predecessor

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OLU JAMES RAPHEAL

 

Onigbongbo LCDA chairman, Oladotun Olakanle, has passed away at the age of 54, he was said to have died days after attending the burial of a close friend and APC chieftain, Dr. Adesola Taiwo.

Late Olakanle would be the second Onigbongbo LCDA chairman who will die in office while serving their second term.

This tragic event marks the second time a sitting council boss in Onigbongbo LCDA has died in office during their second term. Olakanle’s predecessor, Babatunde Oke, also passed away due to Covid-19 complications while serving his second term.

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US President, Biden Thanks Tinubu Over  The  Release Of Gambaryan

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… discussed African Security

President of the United States, Joe Biden, has expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government for dropping the criminal charges against Head of Financial Crimes Compliance at Binance, Tigran Gambaryan.
Gambaryan, a US citizen, was arrested on a business trip to Nigeria in February and charged with his company for laundering $35.4m and tax evasion, which they denied.
This followed the escape from custody of his colleague Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British-Kenyan national who was Binance’s Africa regional manager, and had been arrested in Nigeria alongside Gambaryan.

But the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last week announced that it had withdrawn the money laundering charges against Tigran Gambaryan to allow him to get medical treatment outside the country.

However, to express gratitude on the development and a number of other matters of mutual interest, President Biden called President Tinubu at about 4pm today (Tuesday) and held a conversation, which lasted about 30 minutes.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who disclosed this to journalists at the State House, Abuja, said discussions centered around the recent discharge of Gambaryan and other diplomatic issues.
The Minister said Biden expressed support for Nigeria’ quest to get a permanent seat status on the United Nations Security Council, especially with the country’s leadership roles in Africa and peace-keeping efforts and sacrifices across the globe.

According to Tuggar: “The call was about the collaboration between the two countries with regards to law enforcement and law enforcement agencies as well as the release of one of the suspects of the crypto currency exchange company that you are all aware of.

“In response, President Tinubu also thanked him and the US for the partnership and collaboration in numerous areas, and also discussed the issue of collaboration with regards to security in Africa, in particular West Africa.
“President Biden equally assured that this is a partnership that will continue and he stated, as a matter of fact, not more than not just once, but at least twice, that the future of the world resides in Africa, which is why it was important for this partnership to continue.
“The two leaders also discussed the issue of the permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council, and President Biden once again assured that the United States is committed to seeing Africa having two permanent seats and also reiterated that he does not see any reason why one of those seats should not belong to Nigeria, given its position in Africa, its stature and importance.”

 

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