GRLife
Nigeria ranks 91 among World’s Happiest Countries, Finland Tops Rating
Finland is the world’s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and Nigerians at 91st position.
The survey also found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.
The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.
Finland rose from fifth place in 2017 to oust Norway from the top spot.
The 2018 top-10, as ever dominated by the Nordics, is Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia.
The U S. came in at 18th, down from 14th place in 2017. Britain was 19th and the United Arab Emirates 20th.
One chapter of the 170-page report is dedicated to emerging health problems such as obesity, depression and the opioid crisis, particularly in the U. S. where the prevalence of all three has grown faster than in most other countries.
While income per capita has increased markedly in the U. S. over the last half-century, the happiness index has been hit by weakened social support networks, a rise in perception of corruption in government and business and declining confidence in public institutions.
“We obviously have a social crisis in the U. S.: more inequality, less trust, less confidence in government,” the head of the SDSN, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs of New York’s Columbia University, told Reuters as the report was launched at the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences.
“It’s pretty stark right now. The signs are not good for the U.S. It is getting richer and richer but not getting happier.”
Asked how the current political situation in the United States could affect future happiness reports, Sachs said: “Time will tell, but I would say that in general that when confidence in government is low, when perceptions of corruption are high, inequality is high and health conditions are worsening … that is not conducive to good feelings.”
For the first time since it was started in 2012, the report, which uses a variety of polling organisations, official figures and research methods, ranked the happiness of foreign-born immigrants in 117 countries.
Finland took top honours in that category too, giving the country a statistical double-gold status.
The foreign-born were least happy in Syria, which has been mired in civil war for seven years.
“The most striking finding of the report is the remarkable consistency between the happiness of immigrants and the locally born,” said Prof. John Helliwell of Canada’s University of British Columbia.
“Although immigrants come from countries with very different levels of happiness, their reported life evaluations converge towards those of other residents in their new countries,” he said.
“Those who move to happier countries gain, while those who move to less happy countries lose.” NAN
The Friends of Regent Primary School (FORPS), Maitama, Abuja, has donated two manual boreholes to the Kogo II and Barangoni communities in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
Chairperson of the Friends of Regent Primary School, Mrs. Salma Dahiru Muhammed, speaking at the commissioning of the boreholes which took place on Friday, 4th July 2025 in the two communities, described the project as a meaningful step in the group’s ongoing commitment to community development and social impacts.
“Access to clean water is a basic human necessity, yet it remains a challenge in many parts of Abuja. This initiative is aimed at providing sustainable potable water, thereby promoting better health, supporting development, and improving the living conditions of the beneficiary communities.
“These boreholes are testament and benefits of collective action and a shared vision and the attendant positive impacts,” she noted, while expressing gratitude to all donors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the projects, emphasizing that their generosity made the intervention possible. She reaffirmed the group’s dedication to continuing efforts to uplift underserved communities.
Also speaking at the event, the Headmaster of Regent Primary School, Mr. Shaun Stockden said that the borehole project was conceived and completed in just seven months. “We organize annual fundraisers that support impactful community projects, and we look forward to initiating more of such interventions.”
Vice Chairperson of the Friends of Regent Primary School, Mrs. Fiona Ewa recounted a viral video showing both people and animals sharing the same water source in some rural communities, an image that deeply moved the group to take action. “We knew something had to be done,” she said.
“Providing a clean, sustainable, and reliable source of drinking water can significantly improve hygiene and living standards of the people. Each borehole is estimated to supply up to 3,000 liters of water daily,” she said.
In appreciation, Chief Samuel Gimba of Kogo II and Mr. Timothy Yohana of Barangoni communities both in Bwari Area Council, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Friends of Regent Primary School and acknowledged the life changing nature of the donation, while pledging differently to maintain the facilities responsibly.
CampusLife
A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
In a heartfelt celebration filled with joy, pride, and inspiration, Ms Pamela Iweze—renowned advocate and founder of Olivedoor Community CIC and the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF)—witnessed a deeply personal milestone as her daughter, Princess Christiana Adebisi a Classical trained Music Scholar from the famous London Music Fund, graduated from the prestigious Royal Alexandra and Albert School.
The graduation ceremony was a proud and emotional moment not only for the family but for a broader community that has watched Ms Iweze dedicate her life to advocating for children, empowering women, and building bridges of support between Nigeria and the UK. For the many who gathered—family, friends, and well-wishers from both sides of the Atlantic—it was a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the fulfilment of a mother’s dream.
“It’s an incredible blessing to see my daughter achieve this milestone,” Ms Iweze shared emotionally. “Over the years, I’ve stood beside so many families celebrating their children’s growth. Today, I’m grateful to be the one celebrating mine.”
Princess Christiana’s achievement stands as a testament not only to her dedication but to the enduring value that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to bring to their host communities.
Her success adds to the growing number of Nigerian youths abroad who are making meaningful contributions—academically, socially, and professionally—putting Nigeria in a positive global spotlight.
This moment is also a powerful reminder of the intellectual excellence that Nigerians have long demonstrated across the world. It reinforces the importance of education, particularly for the girl child, and affirms that given the right support and encouragement, Nigerian girls can rise to the highest levels of academic and personal success.
For Ms Iweze, the occasion was more than a graduation—it was the embodiment of everything she has worked for: creating opportunities, nurturing potential, and promoting the importance of strong family and community values.
In a joint congratulatory message, Olivedoor Community CIC UK and PIKCF Nigeria commended Princess Christiana for exemplifying the very principles they stand for: excellence, integrity, and service.
Her journey, they noted, reflects the hope of a new generation of Nigerians shaping the future with courage and conviction.
As the celebrations continue, this milestone reminds us all that the empowerment of one child—especially a girl—can echo across nations, inspire communities, and transform futures.
Spotlight
PRCAN Congratulates Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on Her Historic Election as President of NIMN
Reporter: SANDRA ANI
The Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her election as the President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN).
In a statement signed by Dr. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, fnipr, Chair/CEO of PRCAN, the association described Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s election as a landmark achievement and a significant moment in the history of the marketing and communications profession in Nigeria.
“On behalf of PRCAN, I extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi on her historic election as the first female President of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria. Her emergence is not only a celebration of professional excellence but also a beacon of inspiration to practitioners across the integrated marketing communications industry,” Dr. Ali-Balogun stated.
She further noted that Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi’s distinguished career and consistent dedication to the development of the marketing profession have earned her this well-deserved recognition.
“Her leadership comes at a critical time in Nigeria’s evolving marketing and communications landscape. We are confident that NIMN will continue to thrive under her visionary guidance, championing innovation, professionalism, gender inclusion, and sustainable growth in the sector,” she added.
PRCAN expressed optimism about strengthening institutional collaborations between NIMN and PRCAN to advance professional development and capacity building in Nigeria’s integrated marketing communications ecosystem.
“We look forward to deeper synergy between our two organisations as we collectively strive to elevate standards, empower practitioners, and shape the future of our industry,” the statement concluded.
PRCAN once again congratulates Mrs. Bayo-Ajayi on this outstanding achievement and wishes her a successful and impactful tenure.
FORPS Donates Boreholes to 2 Bwari Communities in Abuja
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A Joyous Milestone: Pamela Iweze Celebrates Daughter’s Graduation with Pride, Purpose, and a Message of Hope
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