Renowned media personality and Creative Director of Bentastic Media, Benjamin Ubiri, has been inducted as a Doctoral Fellow into the prestigious Institute of Leadership, Manpower, and Management Development.

Ubiri, popularly known as Ben209″ half human, half amazing” has carved a niche in Nigeria’s media, literary, and public speaking landscapes.
A decorated writer, poet, literary critic, and On-Air Personality (OAP) at Democracy Radio Abuja, he is also a respected member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the Federal Capital Territory.
Ubiri’s contributions extend beyond media and literature; he is a pioneer in training the next generation of public speakers and master of ceremonies (MCs). Through his academy, Otota Oratory Ltd, he offers comprehensive programs in confidence building, communication, and professional presentation.
His mentorship has empowered countless individuals to excel in leadership, media, and event hosting.
A multi-award-winning professional, Ubiri has earned accolades for his literary and broadcasting achievements. His impactful storytelling and innovative approach have resonated globally, cementing his reputation as a trailblazer in creative industries.
In an emotional post-investiture interview, Ubiri expressed gratitude, dedicating his new title to “God and his family.” He described the honor as “the icing on the cake and the best way to end the year.” He pledged to use his new platform to inspire excellence and drive positive change in leadership and creativity.
The induction ceremony drew leaders from media, creative, and leadership sectors who celebrated Ubiri’s remarkable journey and contributions.
His new status as a Doctoral Fellow underscores his commitment to education, leadership, and the arts values that continue to inspire his community and beyond.

Benjamin Ubiri’s career is a testament to the transformative power of passion, dedication, and mentorship, solidifying his place as a leader in the art of communication and creativity.

The Senate Committee on Army, led by its Chairman, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’adua, screened the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for confirmation as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on November 27, 2024.
The session was held behind closed doors due to security considerations.

Prior to the closed door session, Senator Yar’adua addressed journalists, emphasizing the importance of the legislative role in confirming high-level security appointments.
He highlighted the critical role of the National Assembly in ensuring national security through proper oversight, especially given Nigeria’s current security challenges. Yar’adua commended the military’s ongoing efforts in combating terrorism and insurgency, underscoring the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces in maintaining national peace and security.

The committee sought to assess Oluyede’s strategic expertise, vision for national defense, and his proposals for improving military funding and personnel welfare.
Yar’adua stressed that the screening process was vital for ensuring the effectiveness of the military in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining order.
He said, “As a result, the Parliament must be seen to respect and take ative notice of and uphold any law relating to national legislation, itutional provision and judicial pronouncement made by court of competent iction in matters affecting the nation.
“It is no doubt that the security sector governance aims at elaborating rules that set ards for state and human security by applying the principles of good mance to the security sector, thereby making security provision oversight and ement more effective and more accountable, within the framework of ratic civilian control.
“This underscores the seriousness attached to the discharge of our jurisdiction on behalf of Nigerians in performing this screening exercise of the nominee as required by the law of the Federation.
“This is in order to ensure efficiency and drive effectiveness of institutions and their operators in fulfilling their respective roles and responsibilities in the spirit and culture of service.
“It is a known fact that our nation is currently bedeviled with multiplicity of security challenges requiring cogent and urgent solutions.
“May I however, commend the gallantry of the Officers and Men of the AFN for the success recorded so far in the war against terror, curtailing of insurgency and other criminalities within the Country, even to the laying down of their lives.
“This screening exercise intends to bring to bear your professional skills, experiences and expertise based on your strategic security knowledge and vision towards defending Nigeria from external aggression.
This is being done through maintaining its territorial integrity: securing its borders from violation on land suppressing insurrection and acting in aid of civil authorities to restore order among others.
“Furthermore, your abilities to offer proposal towards finding solutions for military unding and welfare of personnel will be of interest to this Committee.”

The Senate has endorsed the nomination of Omolola Oloworaran as the substantive Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
President Bola Tinubu had nominated Oloworaran for the position and sought Senate approval through a formal request. 
Her confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, presented during Thursday’s plenary session.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Cyril Fasuyi (APC, Ekiti North), stated that Oloworaran met all legal and professional requirements as outlined in the Pension Reform Act 2014. He emphasized that she fulfilled the criteria stipulated under sections 19(2), (5), (6), and 26 of the Act, qualifying her for the role.
“The nominee has demonstrated competence and meets the legal prerequisites for this position. The committee finds her to be a fit and proper person for appointment as Director-General of PENCOM,” Senator Fasuyi said.
During the session, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin put the committee’s recommendation to a voice vote, which received overwhelming support from the senators.
Oloworaran’s confirmation ensures continued leadership at PENCOM, an agency critical to Nigeria’s pension administration and reform initiatives.