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  • JUST IN; Tinubu okays staggered start of six varsities approved by Buhari

    JUST IN; Tinubu okays staggered start of six varsities approved by Buhari

    President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, approved the staggered takeoff of six out of 14 public universities established in the twilight of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

     

    The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, who revealed this to State House Correspondents, said the choice of the universities — two colleges of agriculture, education and medicine each—was strategic to the skills-empowerment goals of the Tinubu-led administration.

     

    The Buhari administration approved the establishment of no fewer than 75 universities, encompassing federal, state and private institutions within seven years.

     

    However, Mamman said the Federal Government lacked the funds and qualified staffing to kick start all institutions at once as they are capital intensive.

    He added that the Tinubu administration will be “conservative” in doling out approvals for the establishment of new universities.

     

    “And then there are quite a number of universities and institutions which were approved in the last days of the last administration, which because of issues of funding, and even staff it may not be prudent to get these institutions to take off altogether at once.

     

    “So Mr. President has directed we stagger their commencement, their takeoff so that the government can properly support them,” the Former Baze University Vice Chancellor said, after he briefed Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa.

  • Police Detain Inspector For Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots

    Police Detain Inspector For Celebrating Ladipo Market Reopening With Gunshots

    The Lagos State Police Command says it has identified the person in a viral video shown shooting an AK47 rifle at the Ladipo Market as Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving in a Lagos squadron of the Mobile Police (MOPOL).

    Inspector Kwanchi was seen in viral videos celebrating the reopening of the popular Ladipo Market in Lagos State with AK-47 shots to which the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, ordered an immediate probe.

     

    The spokesperson of the Lagos Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Wednesday. confirmed the inspector’s arrest in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

     

    The police officer in this video, Inspector Istifanus Kwanchi, serving with the Mobile Police (MOPOL), has been brought in for appropriate disciplinary actions. @LagosPoliceNG condemns in its entirety all forms of unprofessional and unethical behaviour on the part of its… pic.twitter.com/IiXrXoaNVN

     

    — SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) October 18, 2023

    He said that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, has ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary proceedings against the officer for his unprofessional, unethical and dangerous behaviour.

    The police assured members of the public that the Command will not tolerate any form of deviant behaviour from its officers and men, while those found culpable will be dealt with by laid down rules.

    The police had on Tuesday vowed to probe the viral video, with the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, saying “We will identify the man with AK47 and do the needful. Thanks.”

  • 20-year-old UNILORIN student commits suicide after lending ‘online lover’ N500,000 — Management

    20-year-old UNILORIN student commits suicide after lending ‘online lover’ N500,000 — Management

    A 20-year-old student of the University of Ilorin, Sanni Hameedat, reportedly committed suicide after lending a boy she met on the social media platform, Snapchat, the sum of N500,000.

     

    According to Rubiks, the private hostel management she resided in before her demise, in a statement obtained  on Wednesday, Hameedat was undergoing her SIWES programme before the incident happened.

     

    The management asserted that the cause of her death was not unrelated to the pressure from the app agents, who were demanding fast repayment, coupled with her brother’s inability to assist her financially, which led to depression.

     

    “The cause of suicide was traced to financial misappropriation. She was entrusted with a significant sum of money by her mother. She crossed paths with a guy on Snapchat and developed a friendship.

    When the boy claimed that his mother was battling breast cancer and urgently needed N500,000, the compassionate and emotional lady decided to help him by lending him half of the N1 million she held for her mother. And the boy promised to repay the borrowed money.

     

    “However, when her mother needed the money back, the boy abruptly cut off all contact, blocking her. This left her deeply troubled and in order for her to make up the missing N500,000, she resorted to borrowing money from various apps.”

     

    Hameedat, therefore, managed to gather N450,000 from the loan apps, adding her savings of N50,000 to make up the borrowed N500,000.

     

    The management further maintained that she was reported to have ingested a bottle of pesticide popularly known as Sniper the previous night, and her roommate (name withheld), who had retired to bed early, woke up in the middle of the night to discover her in distress while she was foaming from her mouth and also vomiting.

     

    “Alarmed, the roommate sought help, and she was rushed to UITH before being declared dead,” the statement concluded.

     

    Meanwhile, both the Dean, Student Affairs Unit, Prof M.T. Yakubu, and the Head, Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun of the institution, could not comment on the issue in terse messages sent to them as they both claimed to be partaking in the 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony which kickstarted on Monday, October 16, 2023.

     

    But when our correspondent contacted the Student Union President, Ologundudu Adesunkanmi, popularly called Royal Prince, he confirmed the incident, corroborating the narration of the hostel management.

     

    He said, “The Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Student Affairs are very much aware of the issue, and they have reported to the appropriate authority to begin a full-length investigation into the matter. It is sad that the university community lost her in such a devastating manner.”

     

    Details later…

  • FG to deploy orientation officers in 774 LGAs — Information minister

    FG to deploy orientation officers in 774 LGAs — Information minister

    Says no plans to muffle Nigerians on social media

     

    The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday, said the Federal Government is on the verge of deploying officers of the National Orientation Agency across 774 local government areas nationwide.

     

    Idris, who lamented that most of the information outposts in the country are unmanned, said the move is necessary to restore consciousness of nationhood, which, he said, is waning.

     

    “The national orientation agency has offices in the 774 LGAs…not all the people that will man these local government offices are there, but we are rebuilding that. We are going to put officers of the NOA around all the 774 LGAs,” Idris told State House Correspondents shortly after he briefed President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

    Idris observed that “the belief in the concept of nationhood and patriotism has broken down in this country. We’re trying to rebuild that, to reconstruct that.”

     

    “Mr. President has given me a marching order to see that Nigerians believe in this country once again. We’re coming up with a national discourse on orientation or reorientation. So that Nigerians can believe in their country.

     

    “People don’t even believe in leaders that they themselves have elected. Flags are not flying anymore. You go to government offices, you don’t even see the symbol of our collective existence, flying even in public buildings.

    We’re bringing back this concept of discipline that Nigerians should have. Patriotism. Belief in the nationhood that our founding fathers have given us. National orientation is going to be at the center of it,” the minister explained.

     

    He said the FG will not deny Nigerians their freedom of expression despite the proliferation of fake news on social media.

     

    However, the FG is “looking at suggestions by the Nigerian Press Council to set up a registration scheme for journalists but is wary of concerns about “gagging the media,” Idris noted.

     

    While lamenting the use of unpatriotic language by Nigerians online, he argued that freedom of speech comes with great responsibility.

     

    “That is a very delicate line to toe. While the government, Mr. President and all of us in that sector are committed to ensuring press freedom. That freedom comes with responsibility…there is no attempt by the government to gag the press,” Idris told journalists.

     

    Addressing the plans by the Nigerian Press Council to register journalists as a way to sanitize the profession, the Minister said, “Well, that is being looked at; you know that Mr. President believes in press freedom. He believes in the freedom of expression, and he’s not going to gag the press in any way, shape or form.

     

    “He’s going to work assiduously to ensure that the Nigerian press that has been free is even freer. But this freedom also comes with enormous responsibility.

    You can’t just say what is not right because you’re enjoying press freedom. There will be freedom, responsible freedom.”

     

    On welfare for members of the Nigerian press in Nigeria, Idris said, “It is in the works. I have discussed that with Mr. President. He wants to see me come up with a roadmap for that.

     

    “We are going to work on that and you will get definite answers in due course. I want this to be underscored: There is no attempt by the government to gag the press. We’re going to do whatever it takes that is responsible and accountable. Responsible journalism is the way to go.”

     

    Idris assumed office on August 21, 2023. A day earlier, he concluded his maiden visit to the Nigerian Press Council where he said Nigerian journalists will “breathe and flourish” under the new administration.

  • Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    By Taiye Agbaje

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, discharged a journalist, Rotimi Jolayemi, also known as Oba Akewi, of allegations bordering on insulting former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, discharged Jolayemi after the case was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.
    The matter, which was listed for plea on today’s cause list, could not proceed due to the absence of the prosecution counsel, Joseph Offor, prompting the defendant’s lawyer, Soji Toki, to apply that the matter be struck out.
    Toki reminded the court that since Offor was in court on March 30 after the matter was reassigned to the judge, the prosecution had not been coming to court.
    The judge granted Toki’s application for being non-contested and struck out the charge.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter was initially assigned to Justice Anwuli Chikere in 2020 before her retirement.
    Justice Chikere had ordered Jolayemi’s remand after he was arraigned for alleged spreading of an audio file said to have caused annoyance, ill-will, hatred, and insults towards the minister.
    The judge ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headquarters, in Abuja, pending the hearing of his bail application.
    He was later granted bail before the matter was reassigned to Justice Nwite.
    While the Inspector-General of Police was the complainant, Jolayemi was the sole defendant in a one-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/105/2020.
    The prosecution was in court on March 30 when the matter came up before Nwite.
    However, he was not in court on June 15 and the case was adjourned until today (Oct. 18).
    Jolayemi, who anchors a Yoruba radio programme, “Bi aye se ri” on Osun State Broadcasting Service and Radio Kwara, was on May 5, 2020, arrested by the police for reciting a poem which was critical of the minister.
    Jolayemi, the Vice-Chairman, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, was subsequently brought to Abuja where he had been standing his trial.
    NAN
  • I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Alhaji Jalal Arabi, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has promised to reposition the commission to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    Arabi made the promise while addressing the management and staff of the commission when he assumed office at the Nigerian Hajj House, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said, ” The time has come for us to turn a new page. The Renew Hope Agenda is genuine. I don’t need to labour it. It’s genuine.

    ” You all know and I believe all of you can attest that when President Bola Tinubu was going around with some of us it was a privilege to go round with him and with those that spoke on our behalf.

    ” There was a pledge and indeed a promise at that stage that things will be better and of course in nature certainly there has to be change.

    ” And change must address things that have gone bad but of course that you want to reposition and you move forward and I believe I need your cooperation in that regard.”

    Arabi, who solicited the cooperation of the staff and management of the commission, advised those who are not ready to make sacrifices towards the success of the commission to take their leave.

    He added, ” But a constitutional provision has come in here, there is a freedom of choice. If you feel that the style is too taught for you or you can’t handle it by all means you will be at liberty.

    ” We will help you to even open the door because we have our system and we can slow down on that.

    Arabi, who said trust, sacrifice would be his cardinal principles, noted that conducting the affairs of hajj was a trust.

    He said, ” If we can all reflect to imagine one of the fundamentals of our religion in Islam that requires much more physical than all the others is hajj.

    ” So for us to be so chosen and privileged to come and participate in the discharge of that responsibility certainly makes us the chosen ones.”

    ” And I feel it is an opportunity that we shouldn’t allow sleep from.
    We have our vision, we have our mission and I know it has been pursued vigorously before now.

    ” But certainly there is always room for improvement in whatever endeavours one finds himself.”

    Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, while congratulating Arabi said that Arabi assumed office at its critical time.

    Hassan was represented by Alhaji Nura Yakasai, outgoing Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance of the commission.

    He said, ” On behalf of the staff and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) I want to use this opportunity to welcome the new chairman of the commission in person Alhaji Jalal Arabi.

    ” You step into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at a critical time. Why did I say critical time? You came actually when all the preparations for the 2024 Hajj have already started.

    ” And unfortunately also this time around the period or time given by the Saudi authorities is different from the traditional one, where we have sufficient time to do whatever we want to do.

    ” That is to arrange. Unfortunately, you have a very short time. The only assurance that I will give you is that you have a capable staff here that can assist you succeed.”

    Arabi was accompanied by the former Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, and Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice- President and other dignitaries.

    NAN

  • New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    By Bukola Adewumi

    The newly appointed Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr Bamanga Usman, has unveiled plans for the future growth of the agency, inline with President Tinubu’s economic agenda.
    Usman made this known on Wednesday when he took over from the former MD Sen. Tijjani Kaura, in Abuja.
    He said that his vision include establishment of OGFZA offices in every state of the federation regardless of their oil productibg status.
    He said that the expansion initiative is aimed at providing new investment opportunities and addressing the saturation of existing zones.
    The MD said that under his leadership OGFZA,  which is a key player in the oil and gas sector with focus on international clientele would introduce offshore banking services.
    According to him, this is to facilitate seamless international financial transactions and solidify OGFZA’s position as a global industry leader.
    “Having served as the sole OGFZA’s in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea for over two decades, OGFZA is preparing for a transformative rebranding.
    ” This rebranding is strategic in nature, focusing on engaging multinational stakeholders and reflecting the authority’s global ambitions, ” Usman said.
    He said that as part of the transformation, foreign investment offices would be established to enhance accessibility for potential investors and improve coordination.
    According to him, the key dimensions of OGFZA’s strategic approach include efficiency and trust
    He said he would elevate infrastructure to international standards and address challenges including deteriorating roads and inconsistent power supply.
    He also said that his leadership would update the regulatory framework to align with industry needs and global best practices.
    Usman said his leadership would focus on technology transfer, skills acquisition, and supporting local businesses in line with the Nigerian Content Act.
    He said he would create an investor-friendly environment and capitalising on Nigeria’s gas reserves for refining and development.
    Usman added that his tenure would prioritise the welfare of staff and foster an environment of collaboration, innovation and dedication.
    He promised to engage stakeholders and implement these strategic initiatives with the support of the community, aiming for a more result-driven and efficient OGFZA
    Speaking, the Outgoing MD, Oil OGFZA, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, described the task ahead of the new leadership of the agency as daunting.
    Kaura called on the staff members to extend the same level of support, understanding and loyalty that they showed him during his 14-month tenure.
    He said that with perseverance and energy, the new MD would overcome the challenges bedeviling the agency and succeed in leading the organisation to achieving its vision.
    NAN
  • FG to advance HIV Response — Pate

    FG to advance HIV Response — Pate

    By Abujah Rachael

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate,
    has highlighted Federal Government’s commitment to advancing HIV Response in the country.

    He focused on the response at a performance review meeting hosted by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
    in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the third Biannual Performance Review and Stakeholder Engagement
    meeting is aimed at sharing experiences, successes and lessons with funders and other CDC/PEPFAR implementing
    partners in Nigeria.

    Represented by Dr Anyaike Chukwuma, the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Pate
    emphasised the progress made in combating HIV and acknowledged the crucial support provided by the U.S. CDC
    and the U.S. Government as a whole.

    He outlined the achievements, challenges and plans in the fight against HIV, underscoring the importance of sustainable
    financing, improved governance and enhanced healthcare outcomes.

    He said that “over the past three decades, Nigeria has made significant strides in advancing its position in the global response to HIV.

    “The country has achieved remarkable success in expanding the delivery of HIV testing, treatment and care services, with an
    impressive accomplishment of meeting the UNAIDS 95.95.95 cascade targets by the end of 2022.

    “While celebrating these achievements, we emphasised the need to address gaps in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
    of HIV (PMTCT) and ART coverage among pediatric population.”

    He added that government’s four-point agenda and its collaborative efforts with stakeholders was to ensure a resilient and sustainable
    healthcare system in the country.

    He explained that the Ministry of Health and development partners prioritised interventions such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund
    (BHCPF) and the National Health Insurance Act to     ensure sustainable health financing.

    He said the rebranding of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
    was to strengthen the healthcare system.

    Pate added that “the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) has been restructured to align
    with new horizons and effectively lead the HIV Response.

    “The U.S. CDC grant, known as the Nigeria HIV Sustainability and Impact Project (NSHIP), is being implemented by NASCP to strengthen
    programme management and service delivery.

    “This includes integrating HIV services into national and state health insurance schemes and implementing the National Clinical Mentorship
    Programme (NCMP) for quality HIV care.”

    The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Mr David Greene, said the country’s efforts had grown as inched closer to reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

    Greene said that the operation of key population-led One Stop Shops that provided safe space for comprehensive care empowered communities and saved lives.

    He added that “the innovation hubs for adolescents and youth populations are building a generation of strong and talented leaders.

    “In April, I visited the hub in Lagos and was impressed by the spirit and skills of the students and staff there.

    “The evolution and expansion of offerings at the hubs to include new training in areas like virtual reality that will prepare youths
    to meet the demands of the ever-changing digital world is one of the many reasons I and the U.S. Government are proud to continue to
    partner with you all.”

    He said that the introduction and implementation of an integrated health service delivery platform was a novel idea with huge potential.

    “Building connections across diseases, responses and routine health activities like immunisation can strengthen the healthcare and
    public health systems and ensure efficient use of available resources.”

    Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said that the U.S. President’s
    Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) made a significant impact by reaching both urban and rural areas, addressing the
    HIV/AIDS epidemic on a broad scale.

    Aliyu added that “indeed it has been a vital initiative in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Looking forward, planning for the future
    of HIV programmes beyond the next seven years will be essential to ensure continued progress in combating the epidemic.

    “The comprehensive approach in implementing these programmes has been critical in providing care, treatment and prevention
    strategies to diverse communities.”

    The NACA boss gave an insight into the transition from addressing HIV as an emergency to managing it as an endemic global
    situation in the country.

    He said that “the shift toward active involvement of state governments in leading their respective responses and owning
    the HIV programmes is crucial for sustainability and coordination.

    “It is clear that collaboration and alignment among stakeholders, including governments at all levels, are vital to achieving HIV
    epidemic control and maintaining it beyond 2030 in the country.”

    He emphasised the need for collective responsibility, engagements and discussions, saying “it is encouraging to see efforts
    toward sustainability and service integration.

    “Working together is essential to ensure the success of these programmes.”

    NAN

  • Ede Poly Alumni Association Records Massive Success in Medical Outreach Program

    Ede Poly Alumni Association Records Massive Success in Medical Outreach Program

    By lawal Abdulsalam

     

    On Tuesday 10th of October 2023, the Adedoyin Balogun-led NEC, in partnership with Seeds of Victory Foundation Int’l, organised a Medical Outreach program on campus.

     

    The Principal Officers, led by the Rector, Committee of Deans and members of staff of the institution were present at the Indoor Game Hall of the Sport Pavillion to participate in the medical outreach. Also present are the BOT Chairman, Immediate Past President, National President, VP Male, Social Director, Welfare Director, Chairman UK/Ireland branch and other Alumni members within the Polytechnic Community.

    Members blood pressure was checked likewise their blood sugar levels, BMI and they were also tested for Malaria Parasite, Hepatitis, HIV by Certified Medical Professionals. The Chairman UK/Ireland Branch of the FPEAA in person of Mr. Gbenga Onifade was also part of the medical team in attendance.

    First Aid Boxes (10) were donated to eight (8) schools that made up the Institution as well as the Student Affairs and Sport Departments to aid in facilitating quick and first aid services to students and members of staff, courtesy, Seeds of Victory Foundation Int’l. Sphygmomanometer (5) and Oximeter (4) were also donated to the Medical Centre courtesy UK/Ireland branch.

    The Programme gained laudable recognition from all stakeholders in the institution, who asked for more of such. This is in line with the alumni advocacy for a healthy life within the Polytechnic Community.

     

    Flowerbudnews