Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume says Nigeria owes the heroes of democracy debt of gratitude for having endured the brutality of military officers, the imprisonments, the humiliation, and even for paying the supreme price.

Akume made this statement at a Democracy Day Lecture at the State House in Abuja on Thursday as part of events to celebrate the 2025 Democracy Day.

Ekwutosblog reports that the event is themed, ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms’.

He said despite the many military takeovers in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria remains a shining example of a nation upholding the tenets of democracy for 26 unbroken years.

Recall that in the last five years, West and Central Africa have recorded over 10 coup attempts since the August 2020 military takeover in Mali. Apart from Mali, military juntas have also replaced elected leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon.

Earlier in 2025, the trio of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso pulled out of regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

The former Benue State Governor applauded all heroes of democracy, both dead and alive, for their struggle for a new Nigeria.

“Today’s celebration would not have been possible but for the commitment and determination of ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality, and rights denial.

“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets. From the towns and villages, the cries for democracy and just governance were a movement. That is the June 12 struggle. That movement gave birth to the new democratic regime,” he added.

Present at the event was the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, ministers, heads of agencies and departments, scholars, among others.

A 40-year-old British-Indian from London, Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, is believed to be the only known survivor of the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash that occurred Monday morning near Ahmedabad Airport.

Initial reports indicated that at least 40 people had died in the accident. A subsequent update raised the estimated death toll, with over 200 passengers confirmed dead.

The latest information from local authorities in Ahmedabad confirms that at least one individual, Ramesh, survived the crash.

Ramesh had been visiting family in Ahmedabad and was on his return journey to London when the aircraft went down shortly after take-off.

He sustained injuries to his chest, eyes, and feet and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Speaking from his hospital bed to the Hindustan Times, Ramesh recounted the horrifying moments leading up to the crash:

“About thirty seconds after take-off, there was a loud bang, and everything just fell apart. It happened so fast. When I regained consciousness, I was surrounded by bodies. I panicked and started running. Debris was everywhere. Someone pulled me out and rushed me to an ambulance.”

The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, lost contact with air traffic control moments after departure.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the last recorded signal from the aircraft came when it was at an altitude of just 625 feet (190 metres).

The plane crashed into a densely populated residential area housing medical staff, triggering a massive fireball and widespread devastation on the ground.

Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc recently appointed Mr Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of its Board, effective 16th June 2025.

Ekpe’s appointment comes after the retirement of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Chairman of the company on Wednesday.

Dangote’s retirement brought an end to a 20-year leadership of the company.

His retirement will take effect starting from June 16, this year, according to a statement issued yesterday by Company Secretary Temitope Hassan.

However, Ekwutosblog brings you seven things you need to know about Dangote’s replacement, Arnold Ekpe:

1. Ekpe is a seasoned finance professional with more than thirty years of experience in the corporate sectors and banking.

2. He was born in Aug. 1953 in Nigeria, and went to King’s College, Lagos, where he graduated in 1972 and later traveled to abroad for his tertiary education.

3. Ekpe attended the University of Manchester and earned a First Class Honours degree in Engineering as a Shell Scholar (1973–1976).

4. He later obtained an MBA from Manchester Business School (1977–1979).

5. Ekpe started his career in 1977 with Schlumberger SA as a Wireline Logging Engineer.

6. He joined Alcan Aluminium Nigeria as Executive Assistant to the CEO in 1979.

7. Ekpe then entered the banking industry in the early 1980s, starting at International Merchant Bank (an affiliate of First Chicago) as Head of Strategy.

8. He later became Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a role he held until his retirement in 2012.

9. He has served as an Independent Non‑Executive Director at Dangote Sugar Refinery since 2024.