The 2nd edition of the Values for Daily Living (VDL) International Conference with the theme In Pursuit of Excellence was successfully held on Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Base Landmark Event Centre in Enugu, Nigeria, bringing together key national stakeholders, development partners, parents, school owners, teachers and youth advocates to reignite conversations around rebuilding Nigeria on the foundation of values.

Organized by the Help Sphere Foundation, a non-profit organization devoted to the advancement of values education, climate action, and humanitarian causes, the conference was convened by Mrs. Sandra Ani, President of the Foundation and visionary initiator of the VDL Project.

This year’s conference, themed “IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE” attracted distinguished personalities including the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, as well as delegations from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Members of Education community, parents, religious institutions, civil society organizations, the media and other critical stakeholders.

In her welcome address, Mrs. Ani reflected on the growth of the VDL Project, which began as her personal initiative during her National Youth Service in Akwa Ibom State in 2013.

She noted that what started as a small community development effort – renovating an orphanage home, empowering youths, and providing eye care for the vulnerable has now evolved into a nationwide values advocacy movement touching lives across Nigeria.

A key highlight of the conference was the Grand Finale of the 2025 VDL National Essay Competition, which recorded over 800 entries from students across tertiary and secondary institutions across the country.

The top 20 finalists competed in Enugu, with Dickson Sunday from the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State emerging as the winner of the Tertiary Category, receiving a ₦1,000,000 cash prize, while Amarachi Nkemakolam Moses from Federal Government Girls College, Lagos, clinched the Secondary School Category, going home with ₦500,000.

While the top two (2) Finalists in both categories all got consolation prizes, the most outstanding 20 finalists were also formally decorated as VDL Ambassadors and will lead values advocacy campaigns across their various states and institutions promoting integrity, empathy, discipline, and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.

In his keynote speech, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, the Director General of the NOA, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with organizations like the Help-Sphere Foundation in promoting civic values and ethical reorientation across the nation.

Other speakers and panelists echoed the need for collective responsibility among government, schools, families, and communities to rebuild Nigeria on strong moral foundations.

The conference ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants, partners, and young people to drive the Values for Daily Living Campaign – a movement that continues to inspire a new generation of Nigerians to live right, lead right, and influence right.

The Igbobi College Old Boys Association (ICOBA) has proudly announced the inauguration of Yomi Badejo-Okusanya, as the 12th President and Chairman of Council of the association.

The inauguration which took place during the 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Rev. Angus Memorial Hall, Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos drew distinguished alumni, dignitaries, and friends of the college, all gathered to celebrate this significant milestone in ICOBA’s legacy of tradition, leadership, nobility, and service.

In his inaugural address, Badejo-Okusanya expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in him by the ICOBA community and reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening the bonds among old boys, advancing the college’s mission, and fostering a culture of excellence and service.

“This moment is not just about me but about the generations of Igbobians who have passed through these hallowed halls and contributed to the making of our nation. Together, we will strengthen ICOBA’s impact and ensure its values remain relevant for future generations,” he stated.

He further said that he chose Igbobi College first, but today, Igbobi College has chosen him in turn. His only assignment as the 12th President of ICOBA is to leave the association better than he met it, building an inclusive, purpose-driven ICOBA where no set, no branch, no decade is left behind.

Highlighting the association’s traditions, he mentioned that Igbobi College is not just an institution.

It is a tradition that distinguishes us as Noble Nigerians in thought, creed, and deed.

He added that the tradition must be preserved, protected, and promoted as well as worn proudly as a badge, much to the envy of other alumni associations.

Setting the tone for his tenure, Badejo-Okusanya unveiled a bold and inclusive agenda aimed at revitalizing ICOBA and deepening its impact across generations.

“We will build a formidable ICOBA Endowment Fund, drive significant improvements in the College’s infrastructure, facilitate the construction of a new hostel for Parker House, enhance students’ welfare, project the Igbobi College brand globally, and foster a more cohesive, inclusive ICOBA.” He said.

A renowned communications strategist and industry leader, Mr. Badejo-Okusanya brings decades of experience in corporate leadership and public relations to his new role. His tenure is expected to further consolidate ICOBA’s initiatives in education, mentorship, and community development.

Badejo-Okusanya is one of Africa’s leading public relations practitioners, with decades of experience in government relations, perception management, and crisis communications.

A Fellow and past Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of NIPR, he has served on the Board of IPRA, is a two-term Secretary-General and current President of APRA, and recently became West Africa Chair of PRCA.

His numerous awards include the PR Golden Eagle Award, Bob Ogbuagu Leadership Award, and induction into the ICCO PR Hall of Fame.

Prof Austin Nosike, a leading Economist and Management scholar has been appointed as Vice Chancellor of James Hope University, Lekki-Lagos, Nigeria.

In an official statement by the Board of Trustees of the University dated August 8, 2025, the Board, in the exercise of its powers conferred by the Universities Act considered the submission of the Joint Governing Council, Senate, Search Team and approved the appointment of Prof Nosike as substantive Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Prof Nosike has three decades of experience in higher education and human capacity building ie teaching, research and consulting experiences in both private and public institutions across Africa, America, Europe and Asia.

Prof Nosike brings to James Hope University several years of experience as a distinguished scholar and astute administrator committed to championing academic excellence and international best practices in higher education and human capital development. His has previously held several administrative positions as Head of Department; Director; Dean; and Deputy Vice Chancellor in the university system across the globe.

As Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nosike is the Chief Executive, Chief Accounting and Academic Head of the University, ex-officio member of the Governing Council, Chairman of Senate and Chairman of Congregation.

He is the Chief Exponent of all the educational missions of the university and his office serves as the nerve center of all activities including protocol, external relations and the coordination of various internal organs of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor has an overall responsibility and accountability for the effective and efficient management and leadership of the University in line with its policies, goals and objectives, financial leadership that enables the University to accomplish its mission and to uphold its core values, upholding the image of the University at all times Prof Nosike is expected to exercise general superintendence over the university and regulates the admission of students, subject to the guidelines and procedures approved by the University Senate and other relevant statutory agencies.

He sees to the day-to-day administration and ensures that the provisions of the Laws, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the University are observed.

The Vice-Chancellor shall at all times advise the Governing Council on any matter affecting the finance, and the administration of the University; be responsible to the Governing Council in maintaining peace, order and efficient management of the affairs and ensuring the enforcement of the Laws, Statutes, Ordinances and Regulations of the university; and be responsible to the Governing Council for discipline in the university.

James Hope University is a fully accredited and recognized university of the Federal Government of Nigeria born out of the philanthropic endeavors of Jim Ovia, Foundation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Jim Ovia consistently pursued more than just business success.

Deeply committed to the development of Nigeria and the well-being of its people, he has always believed that the fruits of his success should contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress and international higher education.

In line with this belief, he established the James Hope College Foundation in May 2013, a not-for-profit initiative focused on delivering world-class education.

The College’s success, combined with sustained encouragement from stakeholders, guidance from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and a desire to extend the Foundation’s impact to the highest level of education, inspired the decision to establish James Hope University.

To bring this vision to life, a Planning and Implementation Committee (PIC) comprising seasoned academics and industry experts was formed to oversee the foundational development of the University. In 2021, James Hope University was officially granted its license to operate by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The University has since commenced academic activities. Prof Nosike began his career as a Journalist, human rights activist and public relations professional.

His experience in management consultancy is broad, deep and current having worked with Ace Consultancy Services; Afro-Euro Consult and Peak Consultancy Services where he facilitated several human capital development initiatives including Senior Executive Courses, In-house Training Programs, Recruitment Exercises and Corporate Auditing. Prof Nosike has organized over 100 international conferences, seminars and workshops across the globe.

He maintains consulting status with several governments, international agencies and NGOs and has worked on a number of research projects and human capacity-building initiatives centered on globalization, corporate governance, development management, business environment, public/social policy, finance, consumer behaviour, industrial relations, environmental management, human ecology, project management, corporate re-engineering, peace, security and human rights.

Prior to this appointment, Prof Nosike has held senior management positions at International University of Equator, Bujumbura-Burundi; University of Kigali, Kigali-Rwanda; Metropolitan International University(MIU); Copperstone University, Kitwe-Zambia; and Ugandan Pentecostal University, Fort Portal amongst others.

He was Visiting Professor of Finance and Management at Kigali Independent University(ULK); Visiting Scholar of Globalization and Development at Universidad de Basque Country, Gipuzkoa-Spain; President, Development Africa Consortium, a leading international consulting and research institution and President, African Academy of Economics.

Prof Nosike has held several teaching, research, consulting and administrative positions at Open Christian University, Delaware-USA; African Institute of Management, Technology and Development Studies, Kigali-Rwanda; University of Mkar, Mkar-Nigeria; Uganda Management and Technology University(UTAMU); Avance International University, Kampala-Uganda; Kaduna Polytechnic; Nigerian Defense Academy; Technological and Economic Development Mission-(TEDEM); Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri; The African Management Institute, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa-Ethiopia and a number of other international agencies, governments and civil societies. He has also held appointments as Research Fellow, Professor, Chair and Director at Ballsbridge University; Granada Management Institute (Universidad de Granada), Granada-Spain; Afro-Euro Centre for Development Studies, Accra-Ghana and Mediterranean Centre for Social and Educational Research (Sapienza University), Rome-Italy.

Upon the invitation of the Government of Namibia under the auspices of the National Council for Higher Education(NCHE), Prof Nosike served as Chairperson of the University Audit Panel in 2024.

The appointment was in line with best global practices in headhunting for strategic positions in the management of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI).

Engagement of the Nigerian-born academic, ushered in innovation and academic eminence in quality assurance, academic planning and resource verification. Prof Nosike has supervised to completion several PhD candidates and Masters Students.

His leadership, mentorship and research experience is enviable as he guides his team of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows through the research journey.

He is a Higher Education Expert and Chartered Administrator; Fellow of Board of Quality Standard: Fellow of Institute of Policy Management Development; Fellow of Chartered Institute of Professionals amongst others.

Prof Nosike is a recipient of several fellowships and research grants. He has received many awards and recognitions to his credit as an outstanding scholar. He won First Prize Essay Award, 1992 International Essay Competition for Nigerian University Students (Forum for the Advancement of Nigeria, Philadelphia-USA).

He has received other awards,honours, recognition and prizes including Central European University Fellowship Award; Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Travel Research Grant Award; International Institute of Human Rights Fellowship Award; Imo State Government Scholarship Award (Imo State Scholarship Board);International Youth of the Year Award(Africa), International Biographical Centre, Cambridge England; Marquis Who’s Who in the World; International Who’s Who of Professionals, North Carolina USA;20th Century Award for Achievement in Education; Dictionary of International Biography and Special Commendation from the Chairman of Editorial Board, Imo Newspapers Ltd (The Statesman).

Prof Nosike was a Delegate, Pan African Summit on Water, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2003;West African Delegate at African Civil Society Consultative Meeting on Water, Sanitation and Human Settlement,(UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia),2004; Special Observer at 2003 African Ministerial Council on Water and Sanitation, Addis Ababa; Nigerian Delegate at the African Hunger Summit, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa,2004;Delegate at the 3rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union; Special Observer at 5th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union; Secretary of Dr. Jean Griffith Team on Human Resources Selection Panel at African Union Commission, 2004; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Centre for Environment and Community Development, 2002–;Co-founder, Network on Water and Development in Nigeria,2003; and Secretary, Niger Delta Network on Human Rights.

He was Chairman, Human Settlement Session(Africa) for the Commission for Sustainable Development(CSD12) at UN Conference Centre, Addis Ababa; Secretary, Nigeria Money and Capital Market Project in 1995;Project Team Leader of Niger Delta Environmental Health Project in 2003; 1996 Guest Lecturer, Association of Citizens for Service, Lagos; Team Leader, Economic Globalization and Labour Study Group, Afro-Euro Centre for Development Studies, Warsaw in 2006; Resource Fellow, African Leadership Forum, Ota-Abeokuta; Consultant on Water, Sanitation and Human Ecology, United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA), Addis Ababa-Ethiopia; Regional Co-ordinator, Association of Citizens for Service, 1994-1996; Member, Imo State Committee on the Review of Education and Development, 1995; Guest Lecturer at 2000 Jubilee Youth Rally, Catholic Youth Organization of Nigeria; Trustee, Youths for Christ Foundation,1999-;Member, Governing Council, Centre for Applied Development and Public Policy, Abidjan; Chairman, Publicity Sub-Committee, 1992 Second Alvana Social Science Congress; Member, Advisory Panel for the Programme on Spatial Equity of Social Services in

Nigeria; Founder of Cajetan Nosike Memorial Trust; Member, of “Nigerian Development Since 1960” Project and Nigerian Development Council, Abuja.

Prof Nosike has participated, co-ordinated and served on over 30 research programs. He has over 200 publications including books, edited book of readings, conference proceedings, academic journal articles, book chapters, conference papers and monographs to his credit. He has delivered Convocation Lectures, Invited Lectures, Keynote Speeches, Lead papers at several events in different countries. He is founding President, African Association of Journal Editors. He is Editor in Chief, Journal of Business and Economics; Editor in Chief, Journal of Social and Educational Research; Editor, African Journal of Development Studies, Editorial Consultant, Tonyben Publishers Ltd; Consultant Macmillan Press Ltd, Lagos; Editorial Consultant, Fourth Dimension Publishers Ltd, Enugu; Book Reviewer, Micro Computer Application for the New Age,2000; Managing Editor, Journal of Social and Policy Studies; Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Women Studies and Research; Editor, African Development Review (Joint Publication of the African Management Institute and Development Africa Consortium); Secretary, Editorial Board, African Journal of Research in Education and serves on the editorial board of numerous international journals.

Prof Nosike has a proven track record in higher education and an outstanding commitment to fostering learning and research. He is balanced to make a sustainable impact on the university and the broader academic community. The appointment is expected to usher in an era of growth and excellence at the university. A scholar of Prof Nosike’s pedigree with a proven track record in higher education and human capital development brings a holistic perspective to university governance with emphasis on the importance of fostering a dynamic learning environment and community engagement. His vision for James Hope University is to promote a vibrant educational community where staff and students and other stakeholders are supported to achieve academic excellence. He is deeply committed to student success, and his tenure is expected to enhance more opportunities for innovation, research, collaborations, and a strong emphasis on community outreach.

Born on March 23, 1972, Prof Nosike graduated with Distinction from Anambra State College of Education, Awka and received BSc(Hons) Upper Second Class degree from University of Nigeria in 1993 before graduate studies at Centre for Social Studies(CSS), Warsaw-Poland; University of Lancaster, United Kingdom; Central European University(CEU), Budapest-Hungary and International Institute for Human Rights, Strasbourg-France. He holds Master’s degree in Project Management from Universidad Catolica San Antonio de Murcia(UCAM), Murcia-Spain; PhD Economics(Distinction) from Universidad Central de Nicaragua; MSc Accounting and Finance and Doctor of Business Administration(DBA) from Universidad Azteca, Chalco-Mexico.

Prof Nosike, a Christian of catholic faith has visited over 30 countries.

He speaks two international languages (Spanish and English) and is married with children