From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Professor Elijah Ebenehi Ogbadu of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has advocated the use of ethical and socially responsible marketing practices to address poverty, insecurity, unemployment and other social challenges in Nigeria.

Ogbadu made the call while delivering the university’s 25th Inaugural Lecture, titled “Marketing, A Societal Saviour: Charting the Course for Future Nigeria,” at the university auditorium on Tuesday.He said marketing had evolved beyond its traditional focus on sales and distribution to encompass broader concerns about quality of life and societal wellbeing.

According to him, marketing organisations should identify consumer needs and provide value in ways that promote both customer satisfaction and the wider interests of society.

Ogbadu said profit remained an important measure of business performance but should not be treated as the sole objective of commercial activity. He identified poverty, corruption, poor governance, insecurity, drug abuse, inadequate healthcare, cultism, communal conflicts, unemployment, examination malpractice, electoral malpractice and unethical business practices among challenges affecting Nigeria.

The professor argued that a socially oriented approach to marketing could help identify social problems and support the development of sustainable solutions. He also emphasised stakeholder engagement, employee welfare, customer satisfaction, social responsibility and long-term value creation as important elements of modern marketing.

The Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, congratulated Ogbadu on the lecture and described it as another milestone in the university’s academic development. Usman commended the lecturer for linking marketing scholarship with contemporary social challenges.

By Israel Adamu

Hope is gradually returning to Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State as residents displaced by insecurity begin returning to their ancestral homes and resuming farming activities.

Communities including Egwuma, Akele, Olegankolo, Ikpele 1 and 2, Ogwumogbo, Iwari, Okpokpolo, Olakpa, Ogbai, Olegadapa, Olegadaechono, Ekwo and Okadu/London are among those where residents have reportedly returned. The development has been supported by security operations and interventions by the Benue State Government, Agatu Local Government Council and other stakeholders.

Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has provided logistics and equipment to security agencies operating in the area, while the State Emergency Management Agency has continued humanitarian support for displaced residents.

Agatu Local Government Chairman, Ambassador Melvin James Ejeh, said his administration was working with security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders to consolidate peace and facilitate the return of displaced residents.

Education and other basic services are also receiving attention. The local government is operating the Universal Basic Education primary school in Nkwele as part of efforts to restore access to education.

Residents Ocheje Okpoku, Agaba Oche and Elder Gabriel Ngbede commended the state and local governments for supporting security operations, humanitarian assistance and community rehabilitation. Ejeh also commended Operation Whirl Stroke, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for their operations in the area.

However, communities including Ejima Geche and Ejima Gega are still awaiting the full return of residents, while some displaced families remain unable to return because of destroyed homes and inadequate infrastructure.

Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the 85th birthday of former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), fondly known as IBB.

In a heartfelt tribute, Dogara described General Babangida as “a statesman of uncommon vision whose leadership helped shape the destiny of Nigeria.” He emphasized that Babangida’s years in power were marked by bold reforms, infrastructural expansion, and the creation of new states that gave voice and identity to millions of Nigerians.

Born on August 17, 1941, General Babangida rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army to become Head of State in 1985. His eight-year tenure remains one of the most defining eras in Nigeria’s political and economic journey. During his administration, Babangida introduced far-reaching economic reforms, strengthened Nigeria’s federal structure through state creation, and invested in infrastructure projects that continue to serve the nation decades later.

Dogara noted that Babangida’s foresight in establishing institutions and agencies has left an enduring legacy. He highlighted the former president’s role in expanding Nigeria’s federation, ensuring equity and representation across diverse regions, and laying foundations that successive governments have built upon.

Beyond his years in office, Dogara commended Babangida’s enduring role as an elder statesman. Even in retirement at his Minna Hilltop residence, Babangida continues to provide wise counsel to successive governments and inspire younger generations with his humility, patriotism, and resilience.

He prayed for Babangida’s continued health, strength, and grace, adding that his life is a testimony of service to God and country.

As Nigerians reflect on his 85 years, Babangida’s story is not only one of military distinction and political leadership but also of enduring influence in shaping Nigeria’s path toward unity and progress. His legacy continues to resonate, reminding the nation of the importance of vision, courage, and commitment to the common good.