Oyebanji Tasks Universities On Quality Of Graduates

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February 11, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has called on Universities in the country to prioritize research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting this nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers.

Governor Oyebanji, made the call on Saturday at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) stressing the need for institutions to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.

The Governor, at the event, which was attended by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, and other eminent personalities, justified the importance of nurturing a generation of problem solvers poised to drive sustainable development.

He urged universities to revamp their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solution to the problems of this country.

Emphasizing the urgent need for homegrown solution to Nigeria’s divers challenges, Oyebanji stressed the importance of equipping students with practical skills and a real-world experience through hands-on learning and industry partnership.

The governor commended the University for its numerous achievement in about eight years of establishment.

He said “I have watched with keen interest the phenomenal growth of this university from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years as well as the quality of scholarship in the institution.

The governor congratulated the graduands and charged them to take the advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to the society.

Oyebanji assured that his government will continue to collaborate with the institution for greater development and growth of the school.

“As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution but I plead with you sir, university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produces solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country.”

Highpoint of the event was the conferment of honourary degree of the university on three eminent personalities which include Senate Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Senator Solomon Adeola, and Rt Hon Yusuf Adamu.

While Senator Opeyemi Bamidele was conferred with the degree of Doctor of Public laws, Senator Solomon Adeola was conferred with Doctor of Accounting and Rt Hon Yusul Adamu, Doctor of Political science.

Wigwe’s Death: Obi Cancels AFCON Final Trip, Mourns Friend, Devastated

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February 11, 2024

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The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, Peter Obi, will be conspicuously absent in Abidjan, Cote Ivoire today (Sunday) when Super Eagles of Nigeria take on the Elephants. of Cote d’Ivoire in an epoch final of the Africa Football Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Obi, a staunch supporter of the Super Eagles from his days as Governor of Anambra state (2006-2014) who was in Abidjan to cheer the Eagles to victory during the quarter-final match against Angola has already purchased a return ticket and was to depart Nigeria by 1 pm today to the West African country before tragedy struck in the United States and devastated the LP standard bearer.

Obi’s love for football dates back to his days as a student at Christ the King College, CKC, Onitsha during which he was also an ardent supporter of Rangers International of Enugu and the old Green Eagles. As a Governor, he further demonstrated his love for the game when he renamed the Onitsha township stadium in Fagge, Onitsha after the first National team Captain, Godwin Achebe.

But he will not watch the epic match today following a helicopter crash in California, USA on Saturday that killed two Nigerian seasoned bankers, a sector Obi professionally belongs, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, his wife and son, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).

As a result, Obi is in shock, and mourning and can no longer travel to Abidjan as already scheduled but his heart remains with the boys as he wishes them victory to bring home the trophy.

Writing about the deceased on his X handle, Obi said:

“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of my dear friend, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, along with his wife and son, and another close friend, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former Group Chairman of NGX Group.

“This loss is profoundly felt across the nation.

“I first met Herbert during his early days, on the brink of starting his marital journey. I vividly remember assisting him in preparing for his traditional wedding and being there for the ceremony with his wife, Chizoba, from Achina, Anambra State.

‘Since then, I’ve maintained a connection to his endeavors in my own modest ways.

“Herbert, a determined and forward-thinking individual, led Access Bank to new heights following his brother Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede.

“His noteworthy contributions extended beyond the professional realm, with commendable philanthropic efforts in health and education, exemplified by the establishment of Wigwe University, showcasing his deep commitment to education as a driver of development.

“The loss of such an exceptional individual reminds us of life’s fleeting nature, encouraging us to live with a purpose that contributes to the betterment of humanity.

“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Herbert, his beloved wife, his son, and all those who lost their lives in the tragic plane crash.

‘May God grant them eternal rest and provide strength to Herbert’s family, Access Holdings, and all of us mourning this irreplaceable loss.

-PO”

Wigwe, his wife, Chizoba, son, Ogunbanjo and two crew members -Pilot and co-Pilot, died in a fatal helicopter crash on their way from California, United States to Las Vegas. The helicopter crashed, apparently, in bad weather, and killed everybody on board.

High Cost Of Living: Kwankwaso Cautions Opposition, Absolves Tinubu

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February 11, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

The escalating prices of essential commodities and its negative impacts on Nigerians should not be blamed on President Bola Tinubu, according to Dr Iliayasu Kwankwaso.

The opposition parties, particularly the peoples Democratic Party PDP, he posited, are misdirected and misinformed on their scathing criticisms of the performance of the All Progressive Congress APC led Federal Government.

These were the highpoints Kwankwaso, a chieftain of the APC in Kano, during an interview with a section of the media in Kano on Saturday ,February 10 2024

Kwankwaso, immediate past Kano State Commissioner for Rural Development,and cousin to the Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party NNPP Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said prices of all items are being determined by market forces as a result of the liberalization of the foreign exchange rate and the bold and patriotic steps taken by the president in abolishing the much abused petroleum subsidy regime ,.

The arch political rival of his cousin and former Governor of Kano state Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, said the present difficult situation is but fleeting,as the federal government is doing everything humanly possible to stabilize the economy.

He lauded the recent directive for the release of about 102 metric tons of grains ,espressing optimism that the measure will go a long way in crashing prices of essential commodities.

According to him , the plan is for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to make available an initial 42,000 metric tonnes of maize, garri, milet and other related food items, while Rice Farmers and Millers across the country ,through the instrumentality of their umbrella body will provide about 62 000 metric tonnes .

In an apparent reaction to an alleged leaked memo on the purported approval of an initial N500m out of a budgeted one billion Naira for the inauguration of a 37 man Tripartite Committee on the New minimum wage alleged to have been circulated by the PDP National Spokesperson, Debo Ologunagba, Dr Iliayusi Kwankwaso while dismissing the allegations as empty ,called on the opposition to engage in constructive criticisms.

“The opposition should criticize constructively and strive to give positive advice to the federal government on how to move the country forward.

“They should desist from casting aspersions on the government of the day ,as well as creating unnecessary tensions and anxiety in the country. Not everything should be politicized”

Dr Kwankwaso ,also, appealed to all those hoarding essential commodities to have a rethink, as their actions are inflicting unnecessary hardship on the hapless masses of the country.

“Look, Government knows where the major distributors and dealers are . If they refuse to heed the calls for the commodities to be released in to the markets, Government will take a decisive action to ensure that these products are made available to the people. Dr Iliaysu Kwankwaso stated.

World Bank Says Kaduna, Borno, Some Other Northern States Risk Food Crisis

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 10, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The pathetic state of food insecurity in Nigeria has led to the projection by the World Bank that Kaduna, Borno and five other Northern States in the country are at the risk of food crisis in 2024.

According to the World Bank in its latest food security report, insecurity and armed conflicts would plunge three north-eastern states and four north-western states into a food crisis.

The states highlighted by Bretton Woods Institution are Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.

Apart from Nigeria, the report revealed that other countries in the West African region such as Burkina Faso, Chad, and Niger will experience varying degrees of food insecurity.

It stated, “It is projected that most areas in West and Central Africa will remain minimally food insecure (IPC Phase 1) until May 2024, with some being categorized as Stressed IPC 2.

“Nigeria (far north of Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara states) will be at crisis food security levels (IPC Phase 3), mostly because of persistent insecurity and armed conflict and deteriorating livelihoods.”

It further noted that areas in North-eastern states such Abadam, Bama, Guzamala, Marte and others will experience Emergency food security levels (IPC Phase 4) as a result of limited household food stock and access to market and humanitarian aid.

The report also noted that over 63.2% of low-income countries experienced inflation levels surpassing 5%, marking a 1.3%-point increase compared to the previous food update on January 17, 2023.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has been battling with a food crisis leading to the high cost of food items in the market, due to the inability of farmers to go to farms in the north as a result of banditry ravaging people.

Breaking: Herbert Wigwe, Access Holdings Boss, Wife, Son, Die In Helicopter Crash

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 10, 2024

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By Adesina Soyooye

Nigeria has lost one its brightest stars. Herbert Wigwe, the Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings and his wife, Chioba, have been killed in a helicopter crash in the United States of America.

The couple, son and three others, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, were on their way from California to Las Vegas on Friday when the chopper crashed near a border between Nevada and California.

Wigwe, the founder of Access Bank Plc, was its immediate past Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer before he became the overall boss of Access Holdings, was the Proprietor of Rivers State-based Wigwe University which is in its first year, and planned to become an all-round best in the country.

He was aged 57 years.

More details, later.

NANS Pleads With NLC, TUC To Shelve Proposed Strike In National Interest

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Akinwale Kasali

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February 10, 2024

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By Akinwale Kasali

The proposed nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has generated heated debate and controversy, prompting the National Association Of Nigerian Students to appeal to both Unions to shelve the plan for the sake of National interest.

Pedro Obi, NANS National President made the appeal at a Press Briefing Saturday in Abeokuta, Ogun State Capital.

It would be recalled that both the NLC and TUC had issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice to the Government over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Obi noted that NANS shared in the pains Nigerians are experiencing, especially the youth and the student community, over the current hardship. He explained that the Association was of the strong belief that the planned strike, if embarked on, would further worsen the economic crisis in the country.

The NANS President added that the Labour Unions had the right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their points, but appealed for reconsideration of the decision.

He urged them to take into consideration the potential impact on insecurity, economy and more importantly, the academic progress of students across the nation.

“While recognising the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities.

“A strike, though a powerful tool, can lead to civil unrest and further worsen the security and economic situation of the country.

“We believe that constructive dialogue and engagement can lead to mutually beneficial solutions without causing nationwide unrest.

“Our plea is not to undermine the legitimacy of the concerns raised by the labour unions, but to emphasise the potential adverse effects a strike could have on all sectors of our economy.

“We remain hopeful that a consensus can be reached through meaningful discussions, ensuring that the rights and well-being of both workers and students are considered in the pursuit of fair and just solutions,” he said.

He called on the Federal Government to fast-track the process of implementing the new minimum wage, saying it would go a long way in addressing the plight of the people.

Kidnappers Intercept GUO Motors On Ore-Benin Road, Kidnap Passengers, Kill Driver, Little Girl Left Stranded

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The Source

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February 10, 2024

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By Gideon Njoku

A GUO Motors Bus was on Saturday, February 10, 2024, intercepted by blood-thirsty gunmen along Ore-Benin Road, and its Passengers kidnapped.

All the passengers in the bus, except a little girl of about six years, were kidnapped. The little girl was travelling with her parents both of whom were kidnapped. The driver of the Bus was shot dead while still on the steering of the ill-fated bus.

Apparently, in a bid to manoeuvre and escape from the kidnappers, he was shot and killed while still driving and the bus veered into the roadside bush.

It is not known where the bus and its passengers were headed to, but eye witnesses said it took off from Lagos and was probably headed to the South-east.

One man who was in another bus, while bemoaning the attack on the bus, the fate of the kidnapped passengers, and the killed driver, said all of them, including the passengers in the ill-fated bus, stopped and ate in Akure.

A WhatsApp video of the incident showed a few Policemen, the stranded little girl, the ill-fated bus in the bush by the roadside, and shocked passengers in other vehicles who all disembarked at the scene to see how they could help.

The fate of the stranded little girl is not known, but it is strongly suspected that the Policemen at the scene will take her away with them.

The roads are increasingly becoming dangerous.

A few days ago, 14 passengers in two vehicles – a Sienna, of the ABC Transport, and a bus of God is Good Motors, both of which took off from Umuahia, Abia State, to Abuja were kidnapped in Kogi State. The 14 passengers were released after about one week in the custody of their abductors.

AFCON Cup: Nigerians Waiting To Celebrate You, Uzodimma Tells Super Eagles

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The Source

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February 10, 2024

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Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has sent another goodwill message to the Super Eagles players ahead of their encounter with the Elephants of Cote D’ Ivoire, Sunday, urging them to work extra hard to bring home the trophy as Nigerians are earnestly waiting to celebrate them for winning the 2023 AFCON cup.

Governor Uzodimma has continuously encouraged the players and their handlers since the tournament entered it’s critical stages to put in their best to carry the day at the end of the continental football fiesta.

The highpoint of Governor Uzodimma’s encouragement was the support of N200million to the Super Eagles by the Progressive Governors’ Forum which he is the Chairman, prior Nigeria’s semi final match with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 via penalty shootouts to qualify for the final match at the ongoing 2023 AFCON Cup chase in Côte D’Ivioire.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said as the chase for the trophy takes place Sunday, February 11, at the Alassane Quatara Stadium, Governor Uzodimma reiterates his earlier advice to the Super Eagles players and their handlers to make hard work and commitment their watch word and be rest assured that victory is sure.

The sports loving Governor Uzodimma of Imo State said he entertains no fear that the Super Eagles players and their coaches are trusted and tested, and that they have proved to be so since the critical stages of the tournament commenced.

Governor Uzodimma reminded the Super Eagles players that they have a record of beating the Elephant of Côte D’Ivioire in the past, including doing so at the elimination series of the 2023 AFCON tournament in their country, hence there is nothing to be afraid of on Sunday.

The Governor added that Nigerians have been waiting earnestly for the AFCON Cup to be brought to Nigeria since 2013 when the Super Eagles last achieved that feat.

“You did it before, you can do it again and again because you have what it takes to do so,” Governor Uzodimma said, noting that government and well meaning Nigerians are prepared to give them all the necessary support they need to be the African Champions once again.

Governor Radda Blames Mass Export To Niger Republic, Mali For High Cost Of Commodities

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The Source

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February 10, 2024

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By Daniel Maduka

The Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, has blamed the rising cost of essential commodities in the State ,and some parts of the North on mass export of essential items to Niger Republic, Mali, and other neighbouring countries.

This is even as he also noted that hoarding of essential commodities by some unscrupulous characters has worsened the economic plights of the people.

Governor Radda who spoke at a meeting held on Friday February 9 2024 ,with key stakeholders in the State, over the continuous rise in the prices of essential commodities, said it was a similar situation that led to pockets of protests in Niger and Kano State recently.

The Katsina Governor said Government is aware of, and sensitive to the daily rise in prices of essential commodities, and its negative consequences on the people.

“Reports have shown that the mass export of commodities from Nigeria to Niger, Mali and other neighbouring countries ,together with some Nigerians hoarding essential food items are responsible for the increments in prices of goods and commodities” Governor Radda noted.

In the same vein ,the Katsina State Governor, expressed willingness to back any community ready to protect itself from the onslaught of bandits and other criminal elements .

He assured that his adminstration will provide logistical and training support to such communities ,that are prepared to assist in the fight to route out all criminal elements from the state .

The State holders meeting had in attendance the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and Alhaji Umar Faruq Umar respectively,.

Others were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Nasiru Yahaya ,the Chief Judge ,the Grand Khadi and other top government functionaries.

Socialite Mach€tes Wife To Death, Commits Suicid€, Ondo Police Command Investigates

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Ayodele Oni

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February 10, 2024

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By Ayodele Oni

A Socialite and Petrol Station owner in Akure, Ondo State, Sesan Adelabu, popularly known as Emirate, has reportedly mach€ted his wife to death.

He was said to have committed suicide by drinking sniper, an insect-killing substance, thereafter.

It was gathered that the incident happened in the Alagbaka area, Akure, Ondo state capital. Adelabu was the owner of the Emirate filling stations in Akure.

His body and that of his wife are said to have been deposited in the morgue.

Ondo State Police Command Spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami- Omisanya, in a reaction said the Commissioner of Police, (CP) Abayomi Oladipo has ordered the Homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) to take over the case.

Police account stated that “On the 9th of February, 2024 , a distress call was received by the police of A’ Division Akure, by men of Special Protection Unit.

“The Officer attached to the deceased in his house at Alagbaka area in Akure, received a call from the deceased’s’ child around 6pm asking after his father, because he was not picking his calls.

“The Police man while trying to inform his principal, discovered him face-down and lifeless in the toilet while his wife’s body was found on the bed with multiple cuts suspected to be machete cuts on her head and face.

An empty container of sniper was also found at the-scene.

“Investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances leading to the unfortunate incident and scene cordoned off to enable police do the needful please.”