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Backing Competence: Prof. D.D.D. Sheni Recommended for Plateau Ministerial Slot

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2025

vicky

Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni ,Ministerial Position

Following the recent leadership reshuffle in the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Concerned Arewa Youths in Home and Diaspora have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider Professor Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni for the ministerial slot representing Plateau State.

This appeal comes after Dr. Nenawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, was elected by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) to replace former National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned due to health concerns.

In a statement jointly signed by representatives from the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions, the youth group described Prof. Sheni as a “renowned academic, innovator, and humanitarian,” whose decades-long service in education and leadership qualifies him for a ministerial position.

Why Prof. DDD Sheni Deserves a Ministerial Role

With a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and dedication to public service, Prof. Sheni is an exceptional candidate for a ministerial position. His achievements in academia, education, and humanitarian work make him a valuable asset to any government. As a distinguished academic and leader, Prof. Sheni has demonstrated remarkable expertise and dedication to public service, making him an excellent fit for a ministerial role.

Profile – Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni

Prof. Sheni is a renowned Nigerian scholar, academia, and educationist with a strong background in optometry. As the former Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, he transformed the institution, ensuring accreditation of all courses and promoting staff welfare. Prof. Sheni’s commitment to human capital development led to collaborations with world-class universities, enabling Plateau State indigenes to obtain PhDs and Master’s degrees. Prof. Sheni is also an inventor with a patent, showcasing his innovative spirit and contribution to scientific advancements.

Who is Prof. DDD Sheni?

Prof. Sheni is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a grassroots mobilizer, known for his dedication to the party’s ideals. He is also a member of the North Central Peoples Forum, Plateau Elders Forum, and Northern Elders Forum, showcasing his commitment to regional and national development. Additionally, he holds the prestigious title of Garkuwan Matasan Arewa, a Chieftaincy title that reflects his influence and leadership in the Arewa community. With international work experience in Saudi Arabia and South Africa, Prof. Sheni brings a wealth of global knowledge and expertise to the table.

Why Prof. DDD Sheni is a Valuable Asset

With over 45 years of experience in lecturing at the university level, Prof. Sheni has established himself as a leading figure in academia. His achievements include:

Academic Achievements: Prof. Sheni is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, South African Optometric Association, and Nigerian Optometric Association. He has published several refereed papers in international journals and authored books on clinical optometry and binocular vision.
– Leadership Experience: Prof. Sheni served as Vice Chancellor of Plateau State University, Bokkos, and Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of State-owned Universities. He was also President of the World Council of Optometry and Association of African Optometric Educators.
Humanitarian Work: Prof. Sheni is the founder of the Decent Danjuma Foundation, which focuses on empowering widows and promoting community development.

Awards and Recognitions

Prof. Sheni’s contributions to academia, leadership, and humanitarian work have earned him numerous recognitions, including:

Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON): Awarded by President Muhammadu Buhari for his contributions to education and public service.
International Optometrist of the Year: Awarded by the World Council of Optometry for his outstanding contributions to optometry.
Africa’s Patriotic Personality of the Year: Awarded by the League of African Development Students for his dedication to nation-building and human capital development.

A Strong Case for Prof. DDD Sheni’s Ministerial Appointment

Given his impressive background and achievements, we believe that Prof. Doknan Decent Danjuma Sheni is an excellent fit for the Plateau State ministerial position. His leadership experience, academic expertise, and commitment to humanitarian work make him a valuable asset to any government. We humbly request that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu considers Prof. Sheni’s candidacy for this role, leveraging his skills and expertise to drive policy and development in Plateau State.

Conclusion

The Concerned Arewa Youths in Home and Diaspora strongly believe that Prof. DDD Sheni has the potential to make a positive impact in the government. We urge President Tinubu to consider his candidacy for the Plateau State ministerial position, recognizing his exceptional leadership qualities and dedication to public service.

Signatories:
1. Faisal Zubairu – Representing North-West
2. Aishattu Abubakar – Representing North-East
3. Olamilekan Tunde Ajayi – Representing North-Central
For Concerned Arewa Youths From 19 Northern States, Region and in Diaspora

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News

Nigeria Get Second Chance as CAF Reportedly Considers Flying Eagles for 2027 U-20 AFCON

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles could be handed a lifeline in their quest to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup following reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering including the team in the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The development follows Ghana’s reported removal as hosts of the continental competition, potentially creating an opening for Nigeria to secure a place in the tournament.

Sports247 reports that CAF has informed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to keep the Flying Eagles on standby for a possible invitation to the 2027 U-20 AFCON.

Nigeria initially missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Burkina Faso in the final of the 2026 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship.

Burkina Faso secured the region’s automatic qualification ticket, while Ghana were expected to occupy the second available place as hosts of the continental tournament.

However, Ghana’s reported failure to meet CAF’s hosting requirements has thrown the arrangement into uncertainty, with the continental governing body expected to appoint a new host.

The situation could work in Nigeria’s favour, with the Flying Eagles potentially considered for the place initially reserved for Ghana as tournament hosts, having finished runners-up in the WAFU Zone B competition.

Although CAF is yet to make an official announcement confirming Nigeria’s inclusion, the reported development has raised hopes of a second opportunity for the seven-time African champions.

The 2027 U-20 AFCON will carry additional significance as it will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

According to CAF’s qualification format, the four semi-finalists will represent the continent at the global tournament.

Nigeria’s possible inclusion would therefore provide the Flying Eagles with another opportunity to compete for continental honours and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

The West African giants have a proud history at the FIFA U-20 World Cup, having finished runners-up on two occasions, in 1989 and 2005.

For now, Nigeria will await CAF’s final decision, with the reported development offering renewed hope after their disappointment in the WAFU Zone B final.

Business

Afrinvest CEO recalls how Elumelu’s $1 million loan helped salvage firm from crisis

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Tony Elumelu played a supreme role in getting investment bank Afrinvest back on track in 2011 after the global financial meltdown pushed the investment bank to the brink, its chief executive recalled in a letter to the tycoon seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

The multisectoral magnate, who is the top shareholder of United Bank for Africa, the Transcorp Group, and Seplat Energy, granted a soft loan of $1 million to Ike Chioke, the CEO of the financial institution, as a mark of urgent support when the firm direly needed the cash to recapitalise, the latter said.

“Fifteen years ago, Afrinvest was navigating one of the most challenging periods in its history, as we struggled to rebuild and recapitalise the business in the aftermath of the global financial crisis,” Mr Chioke said.

“At that critical juncture, when the future was far from certain, you made the remarkable decision to lend me US$1 million of your personal funds. You placed your confidence not simply in the prospects of a business but in me as an individual, my integrity, my determination and my conviction that Afrinvest could emerge stronger from adversity.”

This June, Mr Chioke eventually completed the repayment of the credit, according to the letter, describing the gesture as an extraordinary act of friendship, generosity and trust.

READ ALSO: Afrinvest repays undocumented $1 million from Elumelu with interest

Mr Elumelu, whose economic vision is anchored on what he calls “Africapitalism” – an investment philosophy that prioritises the private sector’s role in democratising the wealth Africa needs to power large-scale growth, has been involved in active philanthropic initiatives on the continent.

In March, his foremost charity project, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, turned sixteen, and he said the initiative had disbursed over $100 million in seed capital to 24,000 entrepreneurs in Africa and created more than 1.5 million jobs over the period.

The foundation expects to fund an additional 3,200 entrepreneurs this year, it said in September.

Mr Chioke applauded the profound impact Mr Elumelu’s financial assistance has had on Afrinvest, notably transforming it into a diversified regional financial services group with an expanding universe of clients and operations in asset management, investment banking, research & consulting, and securities trading.