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Institute of Food Technologists Picks Sean Leighton as Board President

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Sean Leighton

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), a nonprofit scientific organisation committed to advancing the science of food and its application across the global food system, has announced Mr Sean Leighton as the new Board President.

Mr Leighton, the global vice president of food safety, quality, and regulator at Cargill, succeeds Mr Christopher Downs at the helm of the affairs of the organisation. 

A member of IFT since 1999, where he was a participant in the IFT Student Association (IFTSA) product development competition, Mr Leighton has served in several volunteer roles as a presenter, panellist, podcast thought leader, as well as an advisory council member of IFT’s Global Food Traceability Center.

In a statement, IFT CEO, Mrs Christie Tarantino-Dean, said, “Sean’s commitment to advancing the science of food has long been an inspiration to IFT, its members, and the science of food community in general. He brings a unique perspective to the role, not only as a global leader in industry but also as a former student member. Sean has been an IFT champion for more than 20 years, and we are excited to see the impact he will now make as president of IFT.” 

With a career spanning more than 20 years in the food and beverage community, Mr Leighton has intimate knowledge of the science and standards that make food safe and the strategies to ensure the quality of supply chains that feed the world. Before joining Cargill in 2017, he served as vice president of quality assurance, people safety, and environmental sustainability at The Coca-Cola Company, where he spent 12 years in roles of increasing responsibility. Prior to that, he worked at Land O’Lakes Incorporated.

In addition to IFT, Mr Leighton sits on numerous advisory boards, including The Center for Food Safety (University of Georgia), The Center for Food Integrity (CFI), Partnerships for Food Safety Education, and the Food Fraud Think Tank (Michigan State University).

He holds a bachelor’s degree in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a master’s degree in food science from the University of Minnesota, and an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I am incredibly humbled and excited to step into the role of IFT president,” Mr Leighton said. “The IFT community means so much to me because of the important and impressive role it plays in bringing together leaders across industries, governments, and academia to help ensure our global food system is safe, nutritious, and sustainable. I am looking forward to the year ahead and having this opportunity to serve IFT and the science of food community.”

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Tinubu to Swear in Tunji Disu as IGP Wednesday After Police Council’s Nod

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tunji disu new IGP

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The appointment of Mr Tunji Disu as the substantive Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has been ratified by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).

The endorsement of the acting police chief was done on Monday at the council’s meeting held at the State House in Abuja, and chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima, state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mr Hashimu Argungu.

Others in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Mr Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Police Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Gaidam; the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike; and the head of service, Mrs Esther Didi Walson-Jack.

Mr Disu was praised for his outstanding service to the nation through various means. He has held critical operational, investigative, and strategic command positions nationwide. His last position was as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Special Protection Unit and the Force CID Annex, Lagos.

The endorsement of his appointment on Monday paves the way for his swearing-in by Mr Tinubu on Wednesday. The ceremony will take place during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, scheduled for the same day.

The President appointed Mr Disu as the new police chief, following the resignation of the former occupier of the seat, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State and joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent.

He rose through the ranks with multiple qualifications in public administration, forensic investigation, criminology, security, legal psychology, and entrepreneurship-credentials that reflect his commitment to knowledge-driven, modern policing.

His state governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, lauded Mr Disu for his exemplary services as a policeman, especially when he served as the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Lagos State between 2015 and 2021, where his tenure earned him and the RRS recognition for excellence in crime control.

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Court Sanctions CHI Limited for Wrongful Employment Termination

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chi limited

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The termination of the employment of one Mr Bodunrin Akinsuroju by CHI Limited has been declared as unlawful by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Sanda Yelwa of the Lagos Judicial Division of the court held that the sacking of Mr Akinsuroju did not comply strictly with the provisions of the contract of employment and the Employee Handbook.

Consequently, the company was directed to pay him the sum of N2 million as general damages for wrongful termination and N200,000 as costs of action, while Mr Akinsuroju was ordered to return the company’s properties in his possession or pay their assessed market value.

Justice Yelwa found that the contract agreement between both parties clearly required either party to give 30 days’ notice or payment in lieu of notice after confirmation of appointment, and there was no evidence that the employee was given the required notice or paid salary in lieu of notice.

The judge held that failure to comply with this fundamental term amounted to a breach of the contract of employment, thereby rendering the termination wrongful.

Mr Akinsuroju had claimed that the allegation of misconduct against him was unfounded and not established, maintaining that the disciplinary committee proceedings were prejudicial and that the termination of his employment was without justifiable cause and without compliance with the agreed terms of his employment.

In defence, CHI Limited contended that it had the right to terminate the employment of Mr Akinsuroju and that the termination was lawful and in accordance with the contract of employment and the Code of Conduct.

In opposition, counsel to Mr Akinsuroju submitted that the alleged breaches were not proved and that the termination letter took immediate effect without the requisite 30 days’ notice or payment in lieu of notice as stipulated in the letter of appointment and the Employee Handbook, urging the court to hold that the termination was wrongful and to grant the reliefs sought.

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Tinubu Appoints Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector General of Police

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Tunji Disu

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Mr Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), following the resignation of Mr Kayode Egbetokun.

Mr Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), was recently moved to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

A statement today by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that the President would convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of Mr Disu as substantive IGP, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

Mr Tinubu expressed confidence that Mr Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.

He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

Mr Egbetokun was said to have resigned from the position due to pressing family considerations.

President Tinubu, who accepted the resignation letter, expressed his profound appreciation for Mr Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Mr Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

The statement disclosed that his replacement was in view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance.

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