A leading aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo North, Alexander Oluremi Ajipe, has congratulated Olayide Adelami on his birthday, describing him as a “perfect gentleman” committed to public service.

In a statement he personally signed, Ajipe praised Adelami’s contributions to the development of Ondo State under Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.

“A perfect gentleman who has continued to contribute his quota immensely to the development of Ondo State.”

Why it matters

The message reflects ongoing political alignments within the APC in Ondo State, particularly as aspirants position themselves ahead of future electoral contests.

Observers say such public endorsements and goodwill gestures often signal loyalty and strategic alliances within party ranks.

Ajipe highlighted Adelami’s “unwavering commitment to public service” and his role in advancing development across key sectors in the state.

“Your dedication, humility and service-oriented approach exemplify the true spirit of leadership that Ondo State is proud of.”

Leadership and public service

Ajipe also commended the deputy governor’s leadership style, noting that it aligns with what he described as the state’s broader development agenda.

He offered prayers for continued strength and wisdom for Adelami.

“May this new age bring you even greater blessings, strength and opportunities to serve our beloved Sunshine State.”

Industry and public perspective

Political analysts say birthday tributes in Nigeria’s political space often go beyond celebration, serving as subtle indicators of alliances and influence.

For constituents, such messages can reinforce public perception of unity within leadership, especially in a politically active state like Ondo.

What’s next

With political activities gradually building ahead of future elections, stakeholders are expected to continue strengthening alliances within party structures.

Ajipe, known for his advocacy in youth empowerment and community development, is considered one of the notable voices in Ondo North’s evolving political landscape.

The Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, will deliver the 2026 Foundation Day Lecture of Federal University of Technology Akure on April 16, as part of activities marking the institution’s anniversary.

The lecture, scheduled for 10:00 AM at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium, will focus on the theme: “Leadership and Organisational Performance: Technology as a Driver.”

Why it matters

The event comes at a time when Nigerian universities and public institutions are increasingly turning to digital innovation to improve efficiency and governance.

Experts say discussions around leadership and technology are crucial for shaping policy direction, improving institutional performance, and preparing graduates for a fast-evolving global economy.

The lecture is also expected to strengthen collaboration between government, academia, and industry stakeholders.

Who will attend

According to organisers, the event will attract key figures from across sectors, including:

Academic and administrative heads of higher institutions

Professional university administrators

Government officials from ministries, departments, and agencies

Traditional leaders and education stakeholders

This broad participation reflects the lecture’s role as a platform for dialogue between “town and gown” — a long-standing academic tradition.

Key roles and organisers

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, will chair the occasion, while the Registrar, Charles Adeleye, will serve as host.

In a statement issued by the university’s Director of Corporate Communications and Protocol, the Foundation Day Lecture was described as “one of the special academic events that brings together Town and Gown.”

Tradition and academic significance

Foundation Day lectures are a longstanding feature in Nigerian universities, marking institutional milestones while offering a platform for thought leadership on national and global issues.

At FUTA, the annual lecture has evolved into a high-level forum for policy conversations, innovation, and academic exchange.

What’s next

The 2026 lecture is expected to generate conversations around how technology can enhance governance, leadership accountability, and institutional productivity across Nigeria’s education sector and beyond.

Observers say outcomes from the event could influence both policy discussions and academic research directions in the coming years.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) has launched the third edition of its “Take on Squad” Hackathon, inviting developers, designers and entrepreneurs across Nigeria to create technology solutions for real-world challenges.

The initiative, announced on 2 April 2026 in Lagos, is part of the group’s broader strategy to support innovation and digital transformation across Africa.

Now in its third year, the hackathon will focus on the theme “Smart Systems: The Intelligent Economy,” challenging participants to design data-driven tools that improve how people and businesses interact with money.

Applications are currently open via the official portal: https://squadco.com/hackathon

Why it matters

Africa’s digital economy is expanding rapidly, with fintech innovation reshaping how people access financial services.

By bringing together tech talent to build solutions in sectors such as financial services, healthcare, commerce and digital inclusion, GTCO aims to bridge gaps in access and efficiency.

The programme also highlights the growing role of private sector-led innovation in addressing systemic challenges in emerging markets.

Driving innovation through collaboration

Participants in the hackathon will work in teams, using Squad’s application programming interfaces (APIs) to develop scalable tools for businesses and individuals.

The event is organised by HabariPay, GTCO’s fintech subsidiary, which focuses on enabling digital payments and supporting businesses in an evolving economy.

Speaking on the initiative, Eduophon Japhet, Managing Director of HabariPay, said:

“Today’s dynamic, digitally driven world demands continuous innovation, which is shaping how economies grow, how businesses scale, and how societies evolve.”

He added:

“Through ‘Take on Squad’ Hackathon, we are deliberately investing in the ideas and talent that will define the future.”

“Our objective is not simply to encourage innovation, but to enable its translation into scalable solutions that deliver real and measurable impact.”

Industry and ecosystem impact

Hackathons like this are increasingly seen as pipelines for startup growth and digital talent development in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

Experts say such initiatives provide young innovators with exposure, mentorship and tools needed to turn ideas into viable products.

They also help financial institutions like GTCO stay competitive by tapping into grassroots innovation and emerging trends.

About HabariPay and Squad

HabariPay Ltd, a subsidiary of GTCO, is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and provides digital payment solutions to businesses of all sizes.

Its offerings include Squad, a payment platform that enables seamless in-person and online transactions.

The company has received industry recognition, including Mastercard’s Innovative Mobile Payment Solution Award at the Technology Innovation Awards (TIA) 2022 for its SquadPOS solution.

More details about Squad can be found at: http://www.squadco.com

What’s next

Successful participants are expected to develop solutions that could scale beyond the hackathon, potentially contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation.

With applications now open, attention will turn to the ideas generated and whether they can translate into practical tools that reshape everyday financial interactions.