General
Nigerian-Born Wale Gbalajobi Receives Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for Exemplary Community Service in Canada
In a ceremony held at the Siksika Room, McDougall Centre, Canada, the Premier of Alberta, Honourable Danielle Smith, has awarded Nigerian-born Wale Gbalajobi the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for his outstanding volunteer work and leadership in the community. The award ceremony, organized by the Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, took place on April 28, 2023, in Canada.
The occasion was attended by esteemed guests, community leaders, and representatives from various organizations. The event, like no other, aimed to acknowledge and celebrate the charismatic Gbalajobi’s remarkable contributions to making the community a better place to live, work, raise families, and establish businesses.
Wale Gbalajobi, deeply humbled by the recognition, expressed his gratitude and stated, “I am truly honoured to receive this award. It has been a privilege to serve my community, and I am grateful for this recognition.”
The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary dedication and commitment to improving their communities. Gbalajobi’s remarkable volunteer work and leadership have made a significant impact on the lives of many, uplifting the community and fostering positive change.
The Office of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions commended the amiable man for his outstanding contributions and congratulated him on his well-deserved achievement. They expressed gratitude for his continued dedication and emphasized the importance of individuals like Wale Gbalajobi in building stronger and more vibrant communities.
This Award ceremony served as a reminder of the power of volunteerism and community engagement. Gbalajobi’s recognition will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in his footsteps, contributing to the betterment of society and leaving a lasting legacy.
For your information, Wale Gbalajobi is a highly accomplished Nigerian-Canadian entrepreneur, financial consultant, and business leader. With degrees in Economics and Political Science from the University of Calgary, he has made significant contributions to the business and financial sectors in both Canada and Nigeria.
As the President of Aquafinancial Consulting Inc., Wale provides wealth management and financial advice to clients, utilizing his vast business experience and entrepreneurial mindset.
His company helped coordinate the business meetings and the round table with the Calgary Economic Development Council during the Olu of Warris trip to Calgary in 2022.
Wale’s entrepreneurial endeavours extend beyond Canada’s borders, as he has helped facilitate the entry of Nigerian businesses into the Canadian market. Notably, he played a crucial role in introducing Oando to the business Exchange communities in Calgary and Toronto during its listing on the Toronto Stock, fostering cross-border collaborations and growth.
His professional qualifications include the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) and the Partners, Directors and Senior Officers Certificate; Wale has earned esteemed designations such as the Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (FICB) and the Professional Financial Planner (PFP). These credentials highlight his expertise in providing comprehensive financial planning services.
Wale’s career began at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), where he served in various capacities, including Branch Manager. He became the first black person in Calgary to hold such a position at a major bank. Later, he served as the Country General Manager in St. Lucia, overseeing a portfolio exceeding USD 500 million.
Throughout his career, Wale has been recognized for his achievements, receiving multiple CIBC Chairman’s awards and CIBC Achievers Awards for his exceptional performance within the global CIBC network.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Wale is actively involved in community initiatives. He has chaired fundraising efforts for the United Way in Calgary, raising significant funds for local charities. He has also served on the board of Families Matter, a Calgary-based nonprofit focused on strengthening families.
Furthermore, Wale has held leadership positions in organizations such as the Nigerian Canadian Association of Calgary and the Igbobi College Old Boys Association of North America. He also advises various nonprofits in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
He is happily married to Bernie, a CPA, and they have two children.
By Dipo Olowookere
Nigeria’s Vice President, Mr Kashim Shettima, will run as the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
President Bola Tinubu retained Mr Shettima as his running mate for re-election next year, according to the National Chairman of the APC, Mr Nentawe Yilwatda.
In a post on Friday on X, the ruling party chairman described this as “another significant milestone in the journey of our great party.”
He also said it reaffirms the party’s collective resolve to sustain the Renewed Hope Agenda and deepen the progress already being recorded across the country.
It was gathered that Mr Tinubu submitted his presidential nomination forms today through his Special Adviser on Political and Other Matters, Mr Ibrahim Masari.
The submission was done ceremony at the Continental Hotel, Abuja, attended by several party chieftains, including The event brought together an impressive array of leaders of our great party, including the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Hope Uzodimma; Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State, as well as other governors, party executives and critical stakeholders from across the federation.
“The All Progressives Congress remains focused on strengthening its grassroots support, consolidating the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda and working together to build a more prosperous, secure and inclusive Nigeria for all,” the party leader stated.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom after 56 days in captivity.
The development was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on X. He revealed that eight of the kidnappers have been arrested and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), while some others were neutralised during the operation.
“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo have been rescued by our security agencies,” he wrote.
He said no concession was made to the terrorists to secure the freedom of the abducted pupils and teachers.
Mr Onanuga explained that the kingpin whose release the kidnappers had demanded was neither freed nor spared, as he remains under prosecution for offences linked to his terrorist activities.
The abductions occurred on May 15, 2026, when armed men attacked three schools: Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, in the Esiele and Yawota communities of Oriire Local Government Area.
No fewer than 39 pupils and seven teachers, including a principal, were taken during the attacks. During the attack, a teacher, Mr Joel Adesiyan, was killed while attempting to escape.
Another teacher, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded in the kidnappers’ den.
The terrorists holding the victims had reportedly made a four-point demand before agreeing to free the captives, including the release of detained terrorist commanders, payment of ransom, two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related law.
The Oyo State Government had consistently maintained that no ransom would be paid to secure the release of any victims.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) embarked on a month-long strike in the state to press for the victims’ rescue before suspending the action in July.
It also drew federal intervention, with military and police authorities repeatedly assuring Nigerians that operations to secure the victims’ freedom were ongoing.
The President’s spokesperson said that security agencies would soon provide a comprehensive account of the operation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The board of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a $260 million financing package for the construction of a 123-kilometre section of the Trans-Saharan Highway in Nigeria as part of more than $417 million earmarked for strategic projects across West Africa.
The approval was granted during the bank’s 99th Ordinary Session, chaired by its President, Mr George Donkor, according to a statement issued after the meeting. It was noted that the total financing will support five public and private sector projects spanning infrastructure, healthcare, housing, mining, financial resilience and regional connectivity.
EBID said the approved investments underscore its commitment to funding high-impact projects that drive economic growth, create jobs and improve living standards across the sub-region.
“The projects approved during this 99th Board Session demonstrate EBID’s unwavering commitment to financing development solutions that directly improve the lives of West African citizens.
“From clean energy and transport infrastructure to healthcare, housing and financial sector resilience, these investments will strengthen regional competitiveness and support sustainable and inclusive growth across our community,” said Mr Donkor.
That of Nigeria is to improve connectivity, facilitate trade, reduce logistics costs and support economic integration; West African CFA franc (XOF) 10 billion in a line of credit to Banque de l’Habitat de Côte d’Ivoire (BHCI) to expand housing finance and support SMEs operating across the housing and construction value chain; €80 million for the design, construction, equipment and maintenance of the 150-bed Regional Hospital of Ferkessédougou in Côte d’Ivoire under a public-private partnership;
XOF 12.82 billion (West African CFA Franc) for the renovation, operation and maintenance of the Symphonie Building in Abidjan under a public-private partnership and $47.4 million for Azumah Resources Ghana Limited to finance the procurement of long-lead process plant equipment and critical early-stage development activities for the Black Volta Gold Project.
“These approvals advance EBID’s Growth, Resilience and Optimisation (GRO) Strategy, which prioritises transformative infrastructure, human capital development, private sector growth and regional integration. Through these investments, the Bank continues to promote sustainable development and shared prosperity across West Africa,” the statement said.
