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Ex-NTA MD, Loko bags PHD, charges people on education
The former Managing Director of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) TV Enterprises, Mr. Maxwell Loko, has bagged PhD in Political Economy and Development Studies from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Loko also called on all to give priority to education, make it a passion with interest no matter their age and circumstances.
He made the call while addressing journalists at the 6th Convocation ceremony of Nasarawa State University, Keffi held Thursday at the Convocation Center of the school.
According to him, “For me, it is more than just a degree for financial benefits. That’s why it is quite common for you to hear a lot of successful people telling you not to aim for the money.
“Instead, you should do something you are passionate about. It takes great deal of hard work and determination to keep on going, especially when the odds are stacked against you, but if you are doing something that you love, you are naturally going to succeed.
“Growing up with my siblings, our parents always encouraged us to see beyond the limitations of their very little education but rather to surpass their bar. As parents today therefore, we should strive to set the bar for our children in all aspects of live. So beyond self fulfilment, there is this driving force to motivate the young ones especially those who see us as role models, to achieve irrespective of age.” Loko submitted.
In his address at the program, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Suleiman Bala Muhammad, thanked everyone for coming and charged convocating students to remain true Ambassadors of the school, adding that it was a result of the school acknowledgement of their doggedness and meritorious contributions towards research work that is outstanding which is the reason for this event today.
The former MD said, nothing should be seen as hindrance to anyone’s life pursuit and ambition, not even age nor lack, adding that wrong assumption and comparison had made so many people failures even before they start.
“No matter your age for example, you are, never too young or too old to achieve something significant in your life and be successful. There will always be people who will tell you that it is not possible. But remember, Zuckerberg did say, “I started Facebook when I was 19”.
“The point is, age is nothing but a number. Just because Mark is young does not disqualify him from being richer than 99% of the planet’s population. The same thing applies to all of us. Just because you are senior does not necessarily mean that your life is over; it does not mean that you cannot achieve greatness even in your older years”. He said!
According to Dr. Loko, no knowledge is a waste rather a personal preparation for an opportunity especially now that every sector in the world requires leadership at all levels that are knowledge driven.
“When you say yes to an opportunity, you have to be prepared to do all the work that is required to keep your end of the bargain. However, with commitment and hard work, this habit will be beneficial for your growth.
He also appreciate God, colleagues, course mates, friends and family members, especially his immediate family: his wife and children for their supports at different levels and understanding which is the reason for this success.
“Today history is made for me, obtaining PhD in Political Economy and Development Studies naturally come with a deep sense of fulfilment, especially now that Nigeria more than ever before, requires leadership at different levels that are knowledge driven. Be it at the Federal, State or Local governments.
We hope the Nigeria of tomorrow will take advantage of the abundant knowledge and skills to put the country on the path of economic development.
‘It doesn’t come easy though, because it requires several years of academic research, doggedness and patience”.
He called on the people of his age and retirees like him not to waste the rest of their lives as if all hope are lost rather to take up the challenges and engage in meaningful ventures that will change their fortunes and add value to their life again after successful retirement.
“But to people of my own age I say this specifically: don’t waste the rest of your life staring at the television screen. There’s so much more you can do”. Loko said.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has confirmed that the representatives of the petitioners seeking to recall the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District have now provided their contact details.
In a statement on Wednesday, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said:
“The contact address of representatives of the petitioners, their telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses have now been provided in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Commission.”
He added that INEC has formally notified the senator about the recall petition.
“As provided in Clause 2(a) of the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024, a letter has been written to notify the senator sought to be recalled about the receipt of the petition and delivered to her official address,” Olumekun stated.
He further explained that the same letter had been copied to the presiding officer of the Senate and published on the Commission’s website.
Speaking on the next step, Olumekun said INEC would now verify the signatures to ensure that more than 50% of registered voters in Kogi Central signed the petition.
“This will be done in the coming days. The outcome, which will be made public, shall determine the next step to be taken by the Commission,” he said.
Olumekun reassured Nigerians that the recall process would be conducted in an open and transparent manner.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado, has commended his principal for assenting to South West and South – South Development Commissions Bills as well as the Nigeria Anti – Doping Bill 2025.
Senator Lado who made the commendation in a personally signed statement, described presidential assets to the bills as monumental milestone and testament to visionary leadership and national progress.
The statement reads: “I extend my warmest congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for yet another historic achievement his decisive and visionary assent to the South-West Development Commission Bill, the South-South Development Commission Bill, and the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025.
“These landmark legislations are a clear reflection of President Tinubu’s relentless commitment to inclusive governance, equitable progress, and Nigeria’s emergence as a global powerhouse.
“His Excellency has once again demonstrated that leadership is not merely about policies—it is about impact, legacy, and a deep-rooted dedication to uplifting every citizen.
“By signing into law the establishment of the South-West and South-South Development Commissions, President Tinubu has reaffirmed his role as a transformational leader who prioritizes regional empowerment, economic expansion, and infrastructural excellence.
Building on the foundation of his earlier assent to the South-East and North -West Development Commissions, it is evident that President Tinubu is deliberate in bringing development across all regions.
“These commissions will serve as catalysts for industrial growth, job creation, and social advancement—ensuring that every corner of Nigeria benefits from his administration’s progressive vision. This is the mark of a true statesman—one who understands that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to uplift all regions without bias.
“In the same vein, the Nigeria Anti-Doping Bill, 2025 is yet another bold step that solidifies Nigeria’s commitment to fairness, excellence, and integrity in global sports.
“President Tinubu has once again positioned Nigeria as a nation of high ethical standards, ensuring that our athletes compete on the world stage with honor and credibility. By domesticating the UNESCO International Convention Against Doping in Sports, his administration has safeguarded the future of Nigerian sports, protecting our athletes from unfair practices while reinforcing our global reputation as a country that upholds integrity.
“This momentous occasion underscores President Tinubu’s unmatched leadership—one that is proactive, decisive, and deeply attuned to the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
His ability to enact groundbreaking policies that foster unity, drive economic prosperity, and elevate our international standing speaks volumes of his unwavering dedication to national transformation”.
News
BREAKING: Key contact details missing in petition to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has acknowledged receiving a petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District but noted that key contact details of the petitioners were missing.
In a press release signed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission stated that the petition was submitted with six bags of documents containing signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the district.
However, the covering letter only provided a general location, “Okene, Kogi State,” without a specific address or multiple contact numbers as required by INEC’s regulations.
INEC emphasized that the recall process is guided by the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and its 2024 Regulations and Guidelines for Recall.
The commission assured that once the petition meets all requirements, it will proceed with verifying the signatures using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in an open process involving petitioners, observers, and the media.
INEC is currently making efforts to reach the petitioners through other means and urged the public to disregard speculation on social media regarding the recall process.
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