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SystemSpecs Founder John Obaro Bags Honorary Doctorate for Trailblazing Impact in Tech Innovation


In a notable acknowledgement of his transformative contributions to Nigeria’s technology landscape, John Tanimola Obaro, the Founder and Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, has been honoured with an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree by Kings University, Odeomu, Osun State.
This distinguished award highlights Obaro’s pioneering impact on technological innovation and his outstanding leadership within the industry, celebrating a career dedicated to advancing digital transformation and empowering future generations of innovators.
The honour was conferred during Kings University’s 5th and 6th Combined Convocation Ceremony on Friday, October 25, 2024, marking a significant milestone in Dr. Obaro’s illustrious career. His journey, marked by relentless dedication, has not only reshaped Nigeria’s digital landscape but has also influenced technological advancements in the country. Through his leadership at SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Dr. Obaro has consistently championed innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and progress within the software tech industry.
Presenting the distinguished award, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Chancellor of Kings University and Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre, commended Dr. Obaro’s impactful contributions to technology. He praised Dr. Obaro’s commitment to regional growth and development, recognizing him as a visionary whose work continues to drive progress and inspire future generations of innovators.
Dr. Obaro’s transformative leadership at SystemSpecs, one of Africa’s premier software technology powerhouses, has left an indelible mark on the digital landscape of Nigeria and beyond. Under his guidance, SystemSpecs has pioneered solutions that drive growth and foster innovation, notably through its flagship e-payment platform, Remita, as well as its Human Resource management application, HumanManager. These groundbreaking products empower governments, businesses, and individuals to harness technology as a powerful tool for streamlining financial transactions and human resource management, setting new standards in the industry.
SystemSpecs extends its impact through its forward-thinking subsidiaries namely Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), HumanManager Limited (HML), SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL) and SystemSpecs Deelaa Limited. STSL offers bespoke technology solutions and consulting services tailored to meet the unique challenges of the African market, while SystemSpecs Deelaa delivers eCommerce tools to drive business growth, provides efficient travel solutions, and offers diverse entertainment options. Together, these entities embody SystemSpecs’ commitment to expanding access to technology-driven success across various sectors, reflecting a dedication to regional advancement and sustainable progress. During the event, Dr. Obaro delivered a lecture titled “Navigating the Digital Era: Embracing Creativity and Unlocking the Boundaries of Technology,” in which he emphasised the importance of creativity in the ever-evolving digital world. He encouraged the graduands to explore new possibilities within technology, saying:
“As we navigate this digital age, creativity becomes the key to unlocking boundaries and pushing the frontiers of technology. Innovation is not confined to traditional tech sectors; rather, it can benefit several fields seamlessly. The integration of technology in areas like law, medicine, and engineering opens unprecedented pathways for growth and success. Our capacity to innovate and embrace the opportunities before us will define not just our future, but that of generations to come.”
He also advised the graduating students to embrace the responsibility of innovation, emphasising that the future hinges on their courage to push boundaries and create transformative change. “As you enter this next chapter, remember that each of you owes humanity a debt of innovation. You are the inheritors of a legacy, with the tools to build on past achievements and the responsibility to chart new courses for progress. Make excellence your calling card as you step into new spaces, owning your narrative and pushing beyond boundaries, because the world is watching,” remarked Dr Obaro.
The convocation ceremony brought together notable figures from various sectors, including distinguished awardees Mr. Paul Alaje, Senior Economist and Partner at SPM Professionals, Abuja, and Ms. Yemi Adeyinka, Team Lead at Eaglecrest Legal Consult, Lagos State. Both were honored with Awards of Excellence in recognition of their outstanding achievements and contributions within their respective fields, adding to the significance of the event.
In his address to the graduating class, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo encouraged them to recognize the abundant opportunities within Nigeria, a nation he described as rich with potential for those ready to innovate. “There is serious unemployment everywhere in the world; it is your creativity that companies want to hire you for. There is money in Nigeria, and you can find it by making a difference through creativity, innovation, the digital world, and business ideas,” he emphasized. “If anybody tells you there is no money in Nigeria, they lie to you. Nigeria is at a crossroads with a record number of graduates without jobs. Look into the horizon. It’s hard for anyone to promise you anything better than what you see for yourself.”
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to Kings University for the prestigious honor, Dr. Obaro also took the opportunity to acknowledge the unwavering support of his family and the talented team at SystemSpecs. He remarked, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition, and I dedicate this award to the many innovators who continue to shape Africa’s digital ecosystem. This recognition is as much a testament to the passion and dedication of the incredible minds I have had the privilege of working with.”
Dr. Obaro’s words reflected his belief in collaborative success and his commitment to advancing technology across the continent through a shared vision of innovation and progress.
The Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs, Dr. John Tanimola Obaro, is a distinguished alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics in 1979. He furthered his academic journey with an MBA from the University of Lagos in 1981, followed by the Chief Executive Program at Lagos Business School in 1999. His dedication to the advancement of Nigeria’s tech industry was also recognized by Trinity University in 2024, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Computing and Information Technology for his pioneering contributions to the software sector.
Dr. Obaro’s professional affiliations underscore his impact across policy, finance, and technology. He is a Fellow of the Centre for African Policy Development and Research in Glasgow, Scotland, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society. His visionary leadership at SystemSpecs has been instrumental in driving technological advancements and shaping the future of digital payments and human capital management across Africa, reinforcing his influential role within the continent’s technology landscape.
Spotlight
MTN’s Dr. Goodluck Named Among Nigeria’s Top PR Changemakers
Nigerian PR Must Adopt Customer Service Principles Says MTN’s PR Manager | Reporter: SANDRA ANI


Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s Public Relations Manager, has been recognised in the ‘Changemakers’ category as one of the leading voices advocating for a shift in how Nigerian PR professionals approach their craft.
Speaking at the recent 2025 PR Power List event at the Alliance Français, Ikoyi, Lagos, he drew compelling parallels between customer service excellence and effective public relations strategy.
“PR has progressed from that period when the speech was one company to everyone, now we do one company-to-one person engagement. It’s the same principle that is applied in customer relations,” Dr. Goodluck explained during a panel session. His approach centres on the principle that successful brands speak to one customer at a time, designing products and messages for individual satisfaction, knowing that others within similar demographics will naturally follow suit.
At the corporate level, managing communications for Africa’s largest telecommunications company requires a delicate balance between authenticity and appropriateness. Goodluck emphasised the critical importance of understanding media consumption behaviour as part of audience analysis, a component he believes many PR professionals overlook. “If you understand the media consumption behaviour, then you’ll be able to tailor your message to the audience properly,” he stated.
The communications expert referenced Marshall McLuhan’s famous theory that “the medium is the message,” explaining how platforms dictate communication formats and styles. This insight becomes particularly crucial for Nigerian brands navigating diverse media landscapes, from traditional outlets to rapidly evolving social media platforms like TikTok, where content format fundamentally shapes message delivery.
His customer service-inspired approach to PR represents a strategic evolution for Nigeria’s communications industry, moving away from broad, generic messaging toward precision-targeted, individually-focused communication that creates ripple effects across larger audience segments.
Others present on the panel session titled “The PR Hustle: Breaking In, Staying In, and Standing Out” were Segun McMedal, Lead Partner at Upticomm Marketing Company and Former Chairman of the Lagos NIPR; Jimmie Akinsola, TV host and Actor, and Founder of Lagos Athletics; and Dr. Olubukola George-Taylor, Managing Director of Robert Taylor Media.
Sports
MTN Nigeria Awards 150 million Naira to Super Falcons after Historic WAFCON 2024 Win
Reporter: Sandra Ani


MTN Nigeria has rewarded the Nigerian Super Falcons with 150 million naira following their remarkable victory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The announcement was made at a celebratory breakfast reception hosted by the technology company in Lagos, in the presence of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) leadership and female executives across key sectors, alongside a host of MTN executives who came out to celebrate the champions and reaffirm the company’s commitment to football, inclusion and youth empowerment.
The Super Falcons’ win goes down as one of the most thrilling in tournament history. Facing Morocco on their home soil, Nigeria came back from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory, clinching their 10th WAFCON title and reinforcing their status as Africa’s most decorated women’s team.
Delivering the opening remarks, MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, highlighted the Super Falcons’ win as an inspiration for Nigerian women. “The Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) is a championship that has been held 13 times and Nigeria has won 10 times. This is no small feat. It is a testament to how determined Nigerian women can be when they set out to achieve something. What you have achieved not only makes Nigeria proud, but it makes us, even we women, proud. Here at MTN, we believe, and one of our values is ‘Can Do’, can do with integrity. Your final match exemplifies that.”
As the official telecommunications partner of the NFF, MTN presented the 150 million naira reward to celebrate the team’s resilience and achievement. MTN director, Ifueko Okauru explained that 115 million naira would go to the players and 35 million to the technical team.
“At MTN we believe in the power of connection, not just through technology, but through our soul, through our spirits, what we share and what unifies us,” said Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria.
Toriola described the company’s investment in the NFF as fruitful. “As proud sponsors of the Nigerian Football Federation, this long-term significantly financially-heavy investment in supporting the NFF has borne so many fruits. We followed you through every match, every challenge, every trial and some of them losses. We followed you and we continue to support you and today we are so proud to say our efforts have not been in vain. We followed you for the big things, we followed you for the smaller things.
He added, “To the Super Falcons, you are more than athletes, you are inspirations. You are an inspiration for everyone in Nigeria, every young lady to go out there and make a difference. You are role models, you are ambassadors, and you are proof that when Nigerian women rise, the world will take notice.”
Captain of the Super Falcons, Rashidat Ajibade, thanked MTN and its board members for their warm reception and support. “We appreciate you a lot. We feel valued, we feel honoured, we feel respected, and this only inspires us to do better, and keep inspiring the next generation.”
“This win is for all of us,” she said, dedicating the 10th title not just to the current Super Falcons squad but to all the players who came before. While grateful for the milestone, she made it clear they were not content. “We want to take this to the next level. We want to be global contenders. We don’t want to be just local champions. It’s time to take it to the next level. We understand the huge responsibility on us, and we hope that we can all work together, the Federation, the federal government, and also private bodies to keep investing and keep supporting the Super Falcons Council so we can all achieve this objective.”
The breakfast reception featured a classical string quartet, stirring soul-Afrobeats choir rendition that had the Falcons on their feet, dancing joyfully in celebration of their hard-won victory. Singer Praiz also delivered a performance that drew cheers from the audience and added to the festive energy in the room.
As the nation continues to celebrate their victory, this moment stands as both a reward and a reminder of what Nigerian women can achieve when backed by belief, investment and opportunity. The celebration was especially timely as it fell on Pan African Women’s Day, a fitting moment to honour the strength, resilience and achievements of Nigerian women on and off the pitch.


It was a moment of heartfelt tributes and celebration on Friday, as family, friends, political allies, and well-wishers gathered at the Abuja residence of former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, to mark his 59th birthday.
Speakers hailed Irona as a principled, dependable, and courageous leader whose legacy continues to inspire trust and admiration.
The atmosphere brimmed with admiration as speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to Engr. Irona, describing him as a dependable, courageous, and principled leader whose legacy continues to inspire across political and social divides.


In their separate remarks, three former members of the House of Representatives – Hon. Ikenga Mayor Eze, Hon. Jeff Ojinika, and Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, praised Irona’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, describing him as a relentless crusader for equity and good governance.
“Irona is dependable. He does not tolerate injustice in any form,” they affirmed. “He is steadfast and upright, always willing to stand for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”
Echoing similar sentiments, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State and ex-federal lawmaker, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, hailed Irona as “a man of truth who consistently chooses the path of justice, regardless of whose ox is gored.”
Also lending his voice, former Director of Public Affairs at the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Barry Nwibani, reflected on over two decades of personal friendship and professional admiration. “Engr. Irona’s consistency, integrity, and lifestyle remain exemplary. He represents the kind of leadership Nigeria yearns for – credible, courageous, and selfless.”
In a heartfelt tribute posted on his verified Facebook page, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, described Irona as “a trusted pillar of steadfast loyalty.” The former Governor used the opportunity to also celebrate the Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, Dr. Vin Udokwu, who marked his 68th birthday on the same day.


The message, titled “Honouring Two Steadfast Allies,” read in part:
“To the glory of God, I celebrate two exceptional men – Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, my trusted Deputy in Imo, as he turns 59, and Dr. Vin Udokwu, our devoted Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, marking 68 remarkable years.
Over time, these two gentlemen have proven to be trusted pillars of steadfast loyalty, exemplary character, and resolute commitment. Their dedication to service and the shared vision for Imo has inspired confidence and hope across the state and beyond.”
In his remarks during a virtual chat, former lawmaker representing Oguta State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Ugboma stressed that
“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Gerald A. Irona is not just a leader but an inspiration to many of us who look up to his courage and commitment to service. Celebrating him at 59 is celebrating excellence, resilience, and uncommon grace.”
Irona’s wife, Ogbuefi Vivian Irona, in a special birthday message, described Irona as a selfless leader. Her message reads in part – “today, I celebrate not just your birth, but the man you are- strong, yet gentle, visionary, yet humble, courageous, yet compassionate.”
“Your life of service, both to your family and to the people of Imo State speaks volumes of your character – selfless, noble, and deeply inspiring.”
Adding his voice, former Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Ken Akunnakwe stressed that “in Hon. Gerald Irona, I found a humble, loyal, consistent, and practical politician. He is a man of few words who leads by example. Beyond his kindness, Irona is deeply grateful to those who have contributed to his journey.


Beyond Abuja, the 59th birthday of Engr. Irona was also celebrated by associates and supporters at various locations in Imo State, including the ‘Rebuild Imo movement’, reflecting the wide-reaching admiration he enjoys for his leadership, integrity, and principled politics.
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