News
Meet David Alayande, 17-YearOld Whizkid Who Topped 2024 UTME In Nigeria
In an exclusive interview, David Alayande, one of the joint top scorers in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), shares his journey to success.
Alayande, a 17-year-old student of Zamani College, Kaduna, scored 367 in the UTME, making him one of the top performers in the exam. He shares his primary and secondary education experiences, preparation for the UTME, and reaction to his result.
“I had my primary education at a private school in Barnawa, Kaduna South Local Government, Kaduna State. I remembered that I went away with all the prizes during graduation,” he said.
Alayande’s journey to success was not without challenges. He recalled feeling temporarily worried when he wasn’t coming first in his class at Zamani College. However, he had a rethink and decided to put in more effort and shun distractions.
To prepare for the UTME, Alayande did a lot of pre-mock and mock exams in his school from SS1. He also attended JAMB classes and tutorial sessions, and reviewed past questions. “I did a lot of past questions review. I did the JAMB mock exam as well and I scored 67 in English being the lowest score in that mock. After that experience, I decided to treat one English past question per day during my past time.”
When asked about his reaction to his result, Alayande said, “When I checked my result and saw my scores, I screenshot it and shared it with my friends first as a joke. However, I showed my parents and they were happy and said they were proud of me. That was emotional and I was grateful to God.”
Alayande plans to study Software Engineering at Nile University, citing his love for mathematics and creativity. “I like making things. I also want to study a course where I can work remotely. So, I can say I found all my interests in Software Engineering.”
He advises those coming behind him to be prayerful, determined, and hardworking, emphasizing the importance of setting targets and achieving them with God’s guidance and the right attitude. “They should be prayerful and act on their prayers because that is what helped me. We should pray for the spirit of excellence because when I was reviewing the grades, I was ahead of the second and third positions with just two marks.”
Extra
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98
Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.
Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.
Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-98/
On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3359332?__r=1069759
SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW!!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/
The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.
On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.
As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.
The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.
News
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.
The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.
The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.
The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.
The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.
Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.
The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.
According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.
The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.
News
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.
Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.
She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.
She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.
The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.
Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.
The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.
-
Analysis3 days agoThe Politics of Akara and Kuli-Kuli Empowerment, by Boniface Ihiasota
-
News4 days agoAmerica@250: Trump Unveils Special US Passport
-
News4 days agoUzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
-
Politics4 days agoUS Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Bid to Sack Fed Governor
-
Health3 days agoUS raises Ebola response to highest level as Congo outbreak worsens
-
Analysis3 days agoThe Economics of Terrorism in Nigeria, by Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
