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Yakubu Gowon University to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Kuliyan Ilorin

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By Ahmed Ajikobi

The Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja, formerly known as the University of Abuja, has approved the conferment of an Honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree on eminent legal luminary, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), the Kuliya of Ilorin, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to the legal profession and national development.

The decision was reached at the institution’s 83rd Extraordinary Meeting of the Governing Council, where members endorsed the recommendation of the University Senate to honour the senior advocate.

In an official communication issued on behalf of the Governing Council, Senate, management, staff and students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hakeem B. Fawehinmi, formally invited Professor Ali to receive the prestigious award at the university’s forthcoming combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony…

The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 18 April 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Convocation Square of the university’s main campus along Airport Road, Abuja.

The university described the conferment as a mark of profound respect for Professor Ali’s enduring impact within the legal field and his broader service to society. It also expressed anticipation of his presence at the ceremony, which is expected to attract dignitaries from across the country.

The Kuliya Ngari of Ilorin Emirate, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and principal partner at Ghalib Chambers, is widely regarded for his exemplary legal practice, academic influence, and philanthropic engagements.

The convocation ceremony will also feature the award of degrees, diplomas and prizes to graduating students, alongside other honorary recognitions.

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BusinessEducationNewsTechnology

Craft Innovation Hub, National Productivity Centre Establish Technical Partnership for Productivity, Capacity Building

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Craft Innovation Hub (CIH) is pleased to announce the establishment of a structured technical partnership with the National Productivity Centre (NPC) for productivity capacity building across eligible CIH programmes in Kwara State.

The partnership formalises NPC’s technical support for the Productivity Core component of eligible CIH programmes in Kwara State.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding, NPC’s role is to serve as the technical partner for the Productivity Core component of relevant programmes, while CIH leads programme delivery, coordination, mobilisation, learning infrastructure, and administration.

The partnership is designed to create a more disciplined bridge between skills development and productivity practice. It reflects a shared commitment to practical learning, workforce readiness, measurable programme quality, and accountable reporting.

CIH’s broader institutional model is already built around practical digital skills, pathways to income, SME support, social impact programming, and clear results for partners and communities, making this collaboration both timely and operationally aligned.

Within the agreed scope, NPC’s technical support may include co-branded programme endorsement, Productivity Core curriculum ownership or validation, nomination of resource persons, certificate validation or co-signature, monitoring and evaluation framework support, participation in capstone showcase activities, and reference letters for sponsor or stakeholder outreach where appropriate.

These elements are intended to strengthen quality assurance, improve programme credibility, and ensure that eligible CIH programmes carry a stronger productivity foundation.

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The collaboration covers the NPC-supported Productivity Core integrated into CIH programmes, including the NPC Kwara Digital Productivity and Future Skills Programme (Pilot), as well as other eligible CIH programmes where productivity classes or validation are requested through the agreed process. This gives both institutions a practical pathway to move from policy language to real learning outcomes, participant assessment, showcase evidence, and documented impact.

For learners and programme participants, the significance is clear. They gain access not only to skills training, but to programmes with stronger productivity structure, validated learning components, clearer assessment pathways, and more credible completion evidence. For institutions, communities, and implementation partners, the partnership strengthens confidence that eligible programmes can be delivered with better discipline, better documentation, and stronger outcome tracking.

For Kwara State, this partnership speaks to a larger need. Across Ilorin and similar environments, youth unemployment, underemployment, low digital adoption, and limited access to practical training remain real constraints.

CIH was designed to respond to that landscape by helping young people and small businesses gain practical skills, connect to real opportunities, and benefit from focused social impact programmes with transparent reporting. The NPC technical partnership now adds a stronger productivity lens to that mission.

This partnership marks a practical step forward for productivity-centred skills development in Kwara State. It signals a model based on clear scope, technical validation, documented outcomes, and responsible collaboration. It is a partnership built for implementation, not applause alone.

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When productivity is treated as a real learning discipline, not a slogan, training becomes more credible, more measurable, and more valuable to the people it is meant to serve.

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ReligionEducationNews

UNILORIN VC felicitates Christians on Easter, urges love, unity

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The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has rejoiced with members of the University Christian community and the entire Christendom on the occasion of this year’s Easter festival.

In a statement issued by the University’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor described Easter as an important period in Christendom during which the global Christian community marks the biblical resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day of his crucifixion.

Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Secretary-General of the Association of West African Universities (AWAU), said that the commemoration of Easter is to appreciate the greatness of Jesus Christ, the exemplariness of his sacrifice, and the timelessness he symbolises.

The Vice Chancellor enjoined Christians and adherents of other faiths to emulate the selflessness, civility and faith, which the event represents.

Prof. Egbewole, who is also the Chairman of the Consortium of Kwara Universities (KU8+), further urged Christians to celebrate the occasion in moderation and ensure that they extend support to their less-privileged relations, friends, neighbours, and colleagues for all to live in love and peace.

He reminded members of the Christian community on the simultaneity of both Ramadan and Lent this year, saying that the coincidence shows and encourages the need for all to be united in the services of one supreme deity and progress of humanity.

The renowned legal luminary equally commended the quality and magnitude of fraternity existing between Muslim and Christian members of the University community, adding that it is worthy of emulation by all for the nation and humanity to enjoy enduring peace.

The Vice Chancellor wished members of the University Christian community and their counterparts across the nation and beyond a very peaceful and rewarding celebration.

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PoliticsNews

2027: Araba Backs Consultative Process, Meets Issa-Onilu Amid Kwara Succession Talks

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As permutations over the 2027 governorship race in Kwara State gather momentum, Engr. Femi Sanni (Araba) on Wednesday called for a broad-based, consultative process in selecting a successor to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, while also commending All Progressives Congress, APC leadership for the smooth management of party affairs so far.

Araba made this known after a strategic meeting in Abuja with Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who has recently declared interest in the governorship race.
Positioning himself within the unfolding political conversation, Araba stressed that the choice of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate must reflect wide consultation and concensus building.
“Only a consultative and inclusive process can produce a leader truly deserving of Kwara.

“This is what we have been doing in APC in Kwara,” he said.

The meeting between the two political figures is already fuelling fresh speculation within Kwara’s political circles about a possible governorship bid by Araba, given his longstanding ties with key stakeholders at both state and national levels.

While he stopped short of declaring his ambition, Araba’s remarks signalled alignment with Issa-Onilu and hinted at a shared political direction ahead of 2027.

“Mallam Issa-Onilu and I are not just friends; we are political soulmates. Our vision for Kwara has always been aligned,” Araba stated.

“Even on the critical decisions ahead in 2027, our thinking remains the same.”

On the contentious issue of ticket allocation within the APC, Araba reiterated that a consultative approach remains the most viable pathway, invoking Governor AbdulRazaq’s earlier stance on neutrality.

“The governor has made it clear from the outset — he has no anointed candidate,” he noted.

“He has also emphasised that the candidate must emerge through broad consultation. That remains the only credible path if we are to sustain and consolidate on the gains recorded so far.”

With political consultations intensifying and subtle alignments emerging, Araba’s intervention adds a new layer to the evolving succession dynamics in Kwara. His careful positioning — without an outright declaration — is likely to keep observers watching closely in the coming days.

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BusinessNews

Make quality products, SON tells Nigerian Manufacturers

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has urged manufacturers in Nigeria to prioritize producing standard products in the country.

The Director-Genera of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, made the call on Tuesday in Ilorin during the Product Listing for the Green Conversion and Assembly Limited (G-CAL) in Ilorin.

Okeke who was represented by the Kwara State Coordinator, Alhaji Oyepo AbdulRazaq emphasized the importance of adhering to Nigerian industrial standards.
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He explained that certified products guarantee value for money and can compete internationally.

“Nigerian manufacturers should keep on striving, so that they make the minimum required standards,” he said.

According to him, this will increase consumer trust, and guarantee quality, safety, and value for money.

Okeke emphasised that standard products will encourage Nigerians to keep on patronizing and have pride in Made-in-Nigeria goods.

Similarly the Director General explained that the Green Conversion and Assembly Limited is the first of its kind in Kwara.

He stated that SON is awarding certificate of Product listing to the company, and advised the manufacturers to continue to comply with standards, so as to receive Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) certification.

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The D-G explained that product identification scheme is a system used to uniquely identify products, typically through codes, labels, or markings.

Okeke added that SON promotes the use of identification schemes like barcodes or product numbering to track products, ensure authenticity, and facilitate recall when necessary.

Also speaking, the Assistant Chief Technical Officer of SON, Mrs Ibukunolu Alasan, commended the organisation on their development stride.

She noted that the product of the company falls under electrical and mechanical products.

“There is still more work to be done. The product needs to be certified with MANCAP, so as to be identified in town,” she said.

She added that four of the products will receive certifications, adding that each number is unique to the product, and last for just a year, which can also be renewed.

Alasan reminded the manufacturers that quality has beginnings, but without ends.

In his response, Mr Bello Kamaldeen, the Manager of Kiowope Nig. Limited said their finished product is becoming widely accepted as they have started exporting to other States in Nigeria.

Kamaldeen pointed out that the company has supplied University of Lagos about 10 busses, while many commercial motorists are engaging the company to covert their tricycle from using petrol to electric tricycle.

He commended SON for the support and supervision in upholding standards, while assuring that the company would strive towards attaining the MANCAP status.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the products that received certificates includes Kiowope, Buffalo, Buffalo X and ASABI.

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NewsHealth

Rotary Club partners Kwara agencies on water, sanitation, hygiene

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Rotary Club of Ilorin Metro, in collaboration with the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) and the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), is partnering to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services across communities in Kwara State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was the resolution of the organisations during a panel discussions organised by the Rotary Club of Ilorin.

In his address, the President of the Rotary Club of Ilorin Metro, Mr Buhari Oladimeji stated that the programme aims to address the pressing issues of access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, particularly in underserved areas.

He observed that there is need for initiative that will promote construction and rehabilitation of water infrastructure, including boreholes and sanitation facilities, in schools and communities.

Oladimeji said this aligns with Rotary International’s goal of providing access to clean water and sanitation for all.

He emphasised that the Rotary Club of Ilorin Metro, RUWASA, and KWEPA will work together to improve the health and well-being of the community, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as children and women.

Speaking during the panel discussions, Mr Olorunfemi Oladipo, the General Manager of RUWASA pointed out that access to WASH facility is a fundamental right of citizens.

Oladipo emphasized that WASH facility must be available for all schools, most importantly for school girls due to their monthly periods.

He observed that the State government has been providing WASH facility, however adding that maintainance culture of existing WASH facilities is poor.

“We need to engage on advocacy and community engagement to sensitize people on the importance of taking ownership of WASH facilities,” he said.

On his part, the General Manager of KWEPA, Mr Jide Aina, noted that challenges abound on matters of environment.

He pointed out that workers in the Agency face problem of insecurity, adding that some workers are attacked in the course of their duties.

“There is lack of awareness on the laws of the country concerning environmental protection and health,” he lamented.

Aina reiterated that the security network is supporting government initiative in enforcing environmental sanitations across the State.

The KWEPA general manager therefore called on Public/Private Partnership (PPP) with organisations such as Rotary in giving the necessary support on WASH.

Similarly, Dr Opasola Afolabi, an Environmental Health Scientist of the Kwara State University (KWASU) noted that maintainance culture is low due to ignorance among communities.

“It is cheaper to built toilets but expensive to maintain, because there is no community ownership,” he said.

The Don also observed that there is poor data interpretation on area of WASH in the State.

According to him, the United Nation Children’s Fund (FUND) and World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that there should be at least one toilet to 50 boys and a toilet to 25 girls, with all the necessary WASH.

Earlier in his goodwill mesaage, Mr Funkeapko Ken Batife, the District Governor of Rotary Club commended the members for their progressive actions in the community.

He reiterated the resolve of the organisation to continue to render development and selfless services for people in the communities in the country.

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NewsEditor's PicksPolitics

Crisis looms in Kwara NUJ as Correspondents’ Chapel suspends ties with state leadership

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A fresh crisis appears to be brewing in the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as the Correspondents’ Chapel has suspended all forms of relationship with the state leadership of the union.

The decision was reached at the chapel’s monthly congress held on March 26, 2026, at its secretariat, and conveyed in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman, Biola Azeez, and Secretary, Mosunmola Ayobami.

According to the communiqué, the suspension takes immediate effect and is aimed at protecting the integrity of the chapel’s leadership and members amid the ongoing dispute with the state council.

The congress also resolved to boycott all press conferences and media-related activities organised by the NUJ Kwara State Council until further notice.

The chapel attributed its decision to the refusal of the state council to recognise its leadership, which it said emerged from a constitutional and widely accepted election held on November 1, 2025, followed by the inauguration of its executives.

It further noted that several attempts to resolve the lingering crisis had failed to yield positive results. These efforts, it said, included interventions by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, the Counsellor to the Governor, the national leadership of the NUJ, and other well-meaning stakeholders.

The communiqué also pointed to what it described as the actions and disposition of the Chairman and Secretary of the NUJ Kwara State Council as a major source of the strained relationship.

Despite the crisis, the chapel commended members of the union who have shown solidarity and support, describing it as overwhelming in the face of the situation.

As part of measures to strengthen its internal structure, the congress approved the inauguration of committees, including the News Keg Committee and the 2026 Press Week Committee.

The News Keg Committee, chaired by Ibrahim Alege, is expected to organise regular engagements with newsmakers and generate editorial content, while the Press Week Committee will coordinate activities for the chapel’s 2026 press week.

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HealthGovernanceNews

Immunization: Kwara targets 1.2 million children, intensifies campaigns in rural communities

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Kwara Government is targeting about 1.2 million children for the commencement of the 2026 mass vaccination campaign on poliomyelitis across the State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the State has intensified campaign across Kwara rural communities for mass vaccination of all eligible for children zero to 59 months old.

NAN reports that Kwara recorded two confirmed cases of Circulating Variant of Polio Virus 2 (CvPv 2) in Dec. 2025, in Kiama Local Government, and an additional case in Jan. 2026.

Prof. Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency who spoke at the Flagg-off of the Immunization Campaign in Afon, Asa Local Government Area of Kwara, stated that the Kwara Government is committed to ensuring every child is saved from Poliomyelitis.

She pointed out that the State Government in collaboration with all development partners has put in place all necessary life-saving strategies and immunization in protecting the children in State.

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She recalled that Asa LGA in the past was a hot spot of non-compliance and vaccine hesitancy, however adding that massive progress has been recorded in the community as they are supporting government healthcare intervention.

Elelu urged all community traditional leaders as well as religious leaders to continue to support government intervention on immunization so as to achieve zero status of polio in the State.

The executive secretary also pledged government efforts to continue to revamp and renovate Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and General Hospital across the State.

Also speaking, Dr Lukman Ahmed, the Health Officer, of the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF), disclosed that due to the efforts of the Kwara Government, the State scored Second in the just concluded “Identifying, Enumeration and Micro Plan” across the nation.

He explained that the vaccination is of utmost important in the country in ensuring that Nigeria gets back to the number of countries certified polio-free.

Danlami pointed out that with commitment for all stakeholders, all children would be protected from the diseases.

“UNICEF will continue to give all the support including technical assistance, monitoring, mobilisation and countering disinformation,” he said.

He enjoined the community leaders to support the immunization exercise across all the LGAs in the State.

In his address, the Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Shehu Amasa appealed to all citizens of the communities to support the vaccination exercise to prevent children from the killer disease.

“We must not deviate from world class standard practice in administration of the vaccine and other drugs in our practices.

“Our healthcare staffs must show high level of depth, commitment, perseverance and resilience in the discharge of their responsibilities to the people,” he said.

The District Head of Afon, Alhaji Kolapo
Hannafi pledged to ensure all children in the community get immunized.

He also commended the State government for the life saving intervention.

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NewsEducationGovernancePolitics

Budget: Labour Institute hails FG on high record allocation to education

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By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Mr Issa Aremu, the Director General of Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour studies ( MINILS) Ilorin has commended President Tinubu’s administration for prioritizing education through unprecedented improved funding.

Aremu made the commendation in Ilorin while speaking at the the 3rd matriculation ceremony of newly admitted 19 students of the Bachelors Degree in Employment Relations and Human Resources Management of the Institution.

The programme is in affiliation with the University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

He also commended the establishment of a student loan scheme (NELFUND) benefiting over 900,000 students.

Aremu who hailed the government for appointing Mr Taiwo Oyedele as Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, advised the new Minister to match record-high budgetary allocations with prompt and adequate budget releases.

Speaking on the matriculation, the director general described it as “a significant milestone in the academic journey of newly admitted students and a defining moment in the continued growth of the Institute.

He noted that Matriculation symbolizes students acceptance into a system built on discipline, excellence, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge.”

The Director General observed that the National Institute for Labour Studies was established in1983 with the unique mandate for workers’ education.

He explained that the institute has trained hundreds of thousands of Nigerian Workers, evolving to be a globally renowned centre of excellence in labour education.

“In 2013, MINILS pioneered the National Diploma in Industrial and Labour Relations as part of its strategic effort to diversify and expand labour education services to our social partners.

“This initiative laid a strong foundation for professional training in labour relations within Nigeria.

“Building on this success, the Institute further expanded its academic portfolio in 2019 with the commencement of the Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, in affiliation with the prestigious University of Ilorin.

According to him, this milestone represented a significant leap forward, further strenghtening the position of the Institute among its peers and for better delivery of labour education service suitable for the new world of work order.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, congratulated the students for the opportunity given to them to study the degree programme.

The vice chancellor who emphasized on the importance of Matriculation, advised the new students to be dedicated to their quest for knowledge.

He commended the Labour Institute for their commitment in running the programme, adding that this is the third Matriculation Ceremony.

Egbewole expressed the belief that the number of Undergraduates will continue to increase with time and dedication to excellence.

He also pledged continuous support of UNILORIN in partnering with MINILS towards producing brilliant minds in the Labour market for the development of the nation.

Earlier in his welcoming address, Dr Sylvanus Adamade, the Coordinator of the Programme, and Director, Academic and Distance Learning Programmes Department explained that the programme commenced in 2019.

“The programme secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for five years.

“In 2024, our pioneer set of 20 students graduated and are currently serving the nation through the one-year compulsory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), contributing to national development across Nigeria,” he said.

Adamade stated that the final-year results of the second set of the students are presently being processed by Unilorin , following the successful conduct of their degree examinations in Nov. 2025.

“The collaboration between MINILS and Unilorin in awarding Bachelor’s degree hold great promise for nurturing future labour leaders.

“This programme’s curriculum is designed to equip trade union leaders and workers with theoretical and conceptual tools needed to navigate the complexities of the contemporary world of works,” he said.

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EducationBusinessNews

Marketing remains critical to organisational survival — Unilorin Don

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A Professor of Marketing at the University of Ilorin, Professor Mukaila Ayanda Aremu, has emphasised that marketing, though often perceived as a “small word,” carries significant implications for the survival and growth of organisations and systems.

Delivering the University’s 299th Inaugural Lecture on Thursday, titled “Marketing: Small Word, Big Consequences,” Aremu argued that any system that neglects marketing risks severe consequences, including stagnation, low visibility, and eventual collapse.

The scholar explained that marketing goes beyond mere buying and selling, describing it as a fundamental driver of sustainability that enables organisations to communicate value, attract customers, and secure investment.

According to him, failure to embed marketing strategies from the outset often leads to poor adoption of products and services, dwindling support, and reduced revenue generation.

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“When an organisation fails to communicate its value, it cannot attract the customers, users, or investors needed for growth. Marketing is not optional; it is a core pillar for sustainability,” he said.

Aremu noted that the evolving nature of today’s consumers, who are more informed, demanding, and sceptical, requires organisations to adopt more strategic and customer-focused marketing approaches.

He outlined several consequences of inadequate marketing, including reduced visibility, low sales or enrolment, stagnant growth, and competitive disadvantage, stressing that even well-designed organisations may struggle without effective marketing frameworks.

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The professor also highlighted the role of marketing in national development, referencing global thought leaders who have argued that effective marketing can transform the economic landscape of developing countries without necessarily altering production systems.

To address these challenges, Aremu proposed a series of measures for organisations and managers, which includes: Increased investment in advertising and promotional activities to enhance visibility and revenue generation; establishment of functional marketing departments staffed by qualified professionals and emphasis on high-quality products and service diversification.

Other recommendations are: integration of strategic marketing planning into core business operations; adoption of market segmentation to improve competitiveness; utilisation of social media marketing to reach wider audiences at lower costs and implementation of effective pricing strategies aligned with consumer realities.

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He also suggested regular environmental scanning to guide decision-making; improvement in service delivery with strong attention to customer feedback and rebranding of declining products and services to sustain relevance

He further stressed that marketing is a continuous process focused on building long-term relationships with customers through value creation and satisfaction.

Aremu observed that while advanced economies have successfully integrated marketing into their systems, many developing countries, including Nigeria, still lag behind, resulting in avoidable organisational and economic challenges.

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The don concluded that marketing should be seen not as an auxiliary function but as a strategic necessity across all sectors, including education, governance, and business.

“Marketing is a journey, not a destination. Its goal is to build enduring relationships with customers. Without it, systems will continue to face avoidable and far-reaching consequences,” he added.

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