Tag Archive for: spotlit

From Aviation to the Pentagon: Amanda Azubuike’s Historic Rise in the U.S. Army

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Amanda Azubuike has etched her name into history as the first woman of Nigerian heritage to earn the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Army, breaking barriers in a profession historically dominated by men. At age 57, her rise through the ranks exemplifies extraordinary dedication, resilience, and leadership across more than three decades of service.

Early Life and Background

Born in London, United Kingdom, Amanda Azubuike grew up in a multicultural family. Her father, of Igbo descent from Nigeria, went to Britain to pursue legal studies, where he met her mother, a Zimbabwean nursing student. After her parents’ separation, Azubuike and her sister relocated with their mother to the United States, where she would later become a U.S. citizen in April 1989.

Education and First Steps Toward Military Service

Azubuike’s interest in military service began while she was still in high school. At 17, she joined the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Jacksonville High School, an initiative that provides secondary school students with citizenship training and foundational aerospace science education.

She continued her education at the University of Central Arkansas, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communications in December 1993. Shortly thereafter, in 1994, she entered the U.S. Army as an aviator following her completion of the Army Aviation Officer Basic Course.

Military Career and Major Assignments

Soon after her commissioning, Azubuike completed flight school in 1995 as a UH-1 helicopter pilot, beginning her career at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia with the 924th Aviation Support Battalion, where she served as a platoon leader.

Her early assignments also took her to South Korea, serving with the 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation) as an operations officer and RC-12 pilot after completing advanced intelligence and fixed-wing qualifications.

Azubuike furthered her academic preparation with a Master of Professional Studies in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University, equipping her for increasingly strategic leadership roles.

Leadership Roles and Strategic Contributions

Over a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Azubuike transitioned from aviation assignments into high-level strategic and leadership roles within the U.S. Army, including:

  • Deputy Commanding Officer, U.S. Army Cadet Command
  • Chief of Public Affairs, U.S. Southern Command
  • Senior Military Advisor at the Pentagon

Her professional trajectory reflects significant responsibility in military intelligence, public affairs, senior guidance, and mentorship of future leaders.

Historic Promotion and Recognition

The pinnacle of her career came with her promotion to Brigadier General, marking her as the first Nigerian woman to reach this senior U.S. Army rank. This achievement not only honors her personal accomplishments but also stands as a symbol of recognition for women and particularly Black women rising through the ranks of military leadership.

Leaders both within and outside the military have acknowledged Azubuike’s achievement. In Nigeria, the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, publicly congratulated her promotion, highlighting the global significance of her success for Nigerians and the diaspora community.

Spotlight on Excellence: TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Heman Bekele, and His Breakthrough Research

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Fifteen-year-old Heman Bekele, an Ethiopian-born student living in the United States, has been named TIME Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year for his innovative research aimed at making skin cancer treatments more affordable and accessible.

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Bekele moved with his family to the U.S. at a young age. Growing up, he showed a natural curiosity for science and medicine, often conducting experiments at home and immersing himself in scientific literature. His interest deepened as he learned about global health disparities – particularly the challenges faced by people who lack access to affordable medical care.

Bekele’s research journey began in earnest after his own family experienced the harsh realities of healthcare costs. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, he turned his attention to skin cancer – one of the most common cancers worldwide. Recognizing that current treatments can be prohibitively expensive and out of reach for many, especially in lower-income communities, he began developing a novel approach: a bar of soap capable of delivering cancer-fighting medication directly through the skin.

With guidance from mentors and access to laboratory resources, Bekele worked on refining his concept, incorporating compounds designed to stimulate an immune response against cancer cells. Though the soap remains in the early research and testing phase and is not yet approved for clinical use, the scientific community has acknowledged the potential of his work.

Bekele’s innovation stood out among thousands of submissions to TIME Magazine’s Kid of the Year program, which honors young individuals making significant contributions through creativity, leadership, and scientific achievement. His selection underscores the power of youth-driven innovation in tackling some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

In addition to his scientific pursuits, Bekele is also actively involved in community outreach, where he encourages other young students to explore STEM fields and problem-solving through research and experimentation.

Bekele’s recognition by TIME places him among a growing group of young changemakers whose ideas and passion have made a meaningful impact, offering hope and inspiration for future advances in medical science.

Five tracks, one bold statement- Culture Vibes (DatEdoBoi)

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The release of Culture Vibes (DatEdoBoi) is a defining moment in BOY EJ’s career. Featuring tracks like Light, Dem Talk, Workins, Rora and Ekò, the EP captures a unique mix of rhythm and emotion. Each song reflects his Edo heritage while carrying the universal appeal of Afrobeats. For fans of Burna Boy and Fela-inspired music, this project is a must-listen- a bold statement that BOY EJ is ready for the global conversation.

SINGLES THAT DEFINE BOY EJ’S JOURNEY

BOY EJ’s singles Ire and Broken Words showcase his range as an artiste. While Ire tells a story of hope and perseverance, Broken Words, featuring KullGP, explores the pain of love and healing. Both tracks prove his versatility- whether it’s soulful storytelling or vibrant collaborations, BOY EJ always brings depth and rhythm. These singles laid the foundation for his EP and marked him as one to watch.

VIDEOS ARE PURE ART

BOY EJ’s creativity extends beyond sound to powerful visuals. With directors like DirectorPry and Kumaz behind his videos, fans have been treated to high-quality storytelling through music. Ire, Ekò, and Light are more than videos—they’re cultural statements that connect with emotions and community. His eye for detail and performance energy make every release a complete experience.

Collaboration has always been key to Afrobeats’ growth, and BOY EJ proves his worth on Trumpet by Tbnxn. His verse brings fire, showing his ability to complement and elevate big projects. This feature is evidence that BOY EJ isn’t just building his career solo—he’s contributing to the collective sound shaping today’s Afrobeats scene.

King (Like Father Like Son): DJC’s Bold Statement in Music

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The release of King (Like Father Like Son) marks a defining chapter in DJC’s career. Known for his ability to create music that resonates deeply with audiences, DJC blends lyrical richness with sonic precision in this album.

As both a producer and singer, he captures a wide spectrum of emotions—from ambition to legacy, love to resilience. King (Like Father Like Son) positions DJC as an artiste who is not afraid to tell his truth while crafting sounds that push boundaries.

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With over 21 years of experience in the music industry, DJC Ahmed, popularly known as DJC, has carved a solid reputation as a versatile music producer and creative force. From his early days at Sound City Studio to building his own brand Beat by DJC, he has consistently delivered unique sounds that blend rhythm, melody, and innovation.

DJC combines technical skill with deep artistic intuition, producing beats that cut across genres like Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, and contemporary urban sounds. His ability to craft signature rhythms has earned him recognition among artistes and collaborators who trust him to bring their vision to life.

With over two decades of shaping music, DJC is not just a producer but also an artiste whose creative journey continues to inspire upcoming talents and elevate the Nigerian music scene.