Uzodimma Receives Global Partners On Nutrition, Food Security, Others

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May 26, 2025

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the quality of life of Imo citizens through enhanced healthcare facilities, qualitative education, and food security in the State.

Senator Uzodimma stated this when he received a delegation of some Global Partners – Food and Agricultural Organization, UNICEF, FHI- 360, Result for Development, among others – working on Nutrition and Food Security in Nigeria at the New Exco Chambers, Government House Owerri Monday May 26, 2025.

The Governor who expressed joy that Imo was among the focal States for the intervention programmes and projects, noted that the programmes align with his administration’s core values of “providing sustainable development, promoting quality living and emancipating our people.”

He disclosed that his administration established a University of Agriculture as part of its business template to address food security, with the whole idea “to promote practical agriculture, boost food production for food sufficiency and export for foreign currency earning.”

“Today, willing partners like the FAO, UNICEF, FHI-360, Result for Development and Federal Ministry of Health have volunteered to partner the State,” a joyous Senator Uzodimma said, assuring that “Imo is willing, able and committed to collaborate with these partners.”

He thanked the leader of the team who is also the House Committee Chairman on Nutrition and National Food Security/Member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Chike Okafor, for recommending Imo State to benefit from the programme/projects.

Governor Uzodimma also urged the team

to feel free to discuss all relevant aspects of their agenda and programme with the partnering ministries – Agriculture and Food Security, Education (Both Primary and Tertiary), Budget and Planning and Health – whose Commissioners were in attendance at the meeting.

Earlier, Rt. Hon. Okafor disclosed that the funding partners and donor Agencies on food and nutrition had a mandate to support national and sub-national governments in the areas of improving nutrition and making food available for the people.

He said the groups were in Imo to commence their programmes and projects, pointing out that the State is strategic, giving the position of Governor Uzodimma who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors as well as the Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum.

Rt. Hon. Okafor commended the Governor for the holistic approach to development across the State, placing on record the untiring efforts of the Governor’s team to make the visit most fruitful.

He appreciated the Agencies for the commitments made in Imo State, especially the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), a subset of the United Nations which has already started a programme in Imo State that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars, and expressed optimism that the programme will create greater impact to the people.

Contributing, the Country Director, Nutrition Intervention, Dr. Osita Okonkwo and UNICEF Chief of Field Office Enugu, Mrs. Juliet Chilewe, commended the Imo State Governor for the commitments made in promoting the well-being and development of children and for the intervention in restoring peace in the State.

They appealed to the Governor to take seriously the improvement on the nutrition of the citizenry in Imo State, particularly that of children and mothers, and used the opportunity of the meeting to appeal for support for their summit coming up in July.

Dr. Nuhu Kilishi, National Programme Manager/Director Federal Ministry of Agriculture, disclosed that there will be stakeholders’ engagement to select one School to establish Junior Farmers Club where the students will be trained and equipped in various aspects of agriculture.

He pointed out that the project will provide borehole, brood stock and other inputs, and sought for political will and commitment of the government in sustaining the project.

Other representatives who spoke and made case for improved nutrition in Imo State include, Country Director, FHI-360, Dr. Victor Ogbodo, the Country Director, Results For Development, Dr. Felix Obi.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, and members of the expanded executive council attended the meeting.

Ondo Alleged Employment Scam: Govt Not Liable – HoS

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has reacted to allegation of extortion of some prospective job seekers, by some agencies’ personnel, accusing victims of patronizing unofficial sources.

The State Head of Service, (HoS) in a statement on Monday, explained that as far as the government is concerned, processes about teachers recruitment exercise had been concluded and it followed due process.

The Ondo State Public Complaints, Financial Crimes, and Anti-Corruption Commission (SPFACC) had announced that it commenced an investigation into allegations of buying and selling employment slots by the officials of Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).

Report revealed that candidates which were eventually employed during the exercise allegedly paid between ₦200,000 and ₦750,000 to secure teaching positions at both primary and secondary school levels.

Secretary of the anti graft commission, Prof. Adewole Adeyeye, who confirmed an intervention by the state anti corruption agency, assured that the investigation would be thorough to protect the integrity of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration.

“The commission’s probe is a step in the right direction, and the governor must take decisive action to address this anomaly and ensure that the teaching profession is valued and respected.”

The HoS statement stated that “it has come to the knowledge of the Office of the Head of Service that, some unsuspecting job seekers are reportedly being extorted by some unscrupulous elements regarding the recently-concluded recruitment exercise by Ondo State Universal Education Board (ODSUBEB) and Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

“This is to alert the general public to be weary of such scammers in order not to fall victim to their scheming.

“It would be recalled that Government has since concluded the recruitment and released the duly signed list and letters of appointment to successful candidates, thus concluding the entire exercise.

“It is instructive to note that, government put in place a transparent, fraud-free process for the recruitment of qualified teachers to fill critical vacancies in both Public Primary and Secondary Schools across the State, leading to the emergence of appointable candidates, at no cost whatsoever.

“Members of the public are therefore advised not to offer bribe or any form of inducement to anyone purporting to be in position to facilitate employment either in Ondo State Universal Education Board (ODSUBEB), Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) or any other Government Agencies, for Government will not be liable for such under-hand dealings.”

2024 Kano Mosque Arsonist, Sentenced To Death By Hanging

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Shafiu Abubakar, the young and aggrieved mosque arsonist that killed several worshippers is to die by hanging, a Kano Upper Shariah Court ruled on Monday May 26,2025.

The Source reports that the convict had, on May 15, 2024, set ablaze a Mosque in Gadan village Gezawa Local Council of Kano during an early morning worship.

No fewer than 35 persons lost their lives in the incident. Others suffered serious injuries.

Abubakar took the action then to vent his frustration over an unjust sharing formula for family inheritance.

In anger, he poured petrol on the Mosque,locked up the about 40 worshippers inside ,before setting it on fire.

While 11 fatalities were recorded during the inferno, over 12 persons later succumbed to their injuries ,bringing the total number of deaths to about 35.

In addition to death by hanging, the convict is to receive 100 lashes of cane in the first installment.

That will be followed by another 50 strokes and a fine of N1,500. He is, also, to forfeit his motorcycle to the Kano State Authorities.

The proceed from the sales of the motorcycle is to be ploughed back as part of funds for the torched Mosque.

Halhatu, Huzai Zakariya ,the Judge, in his ruling found Abubakar guilty on all four count charges brought against him.

The charges as filed by the Kano state Government bordered on culpable homicide ,attempted homicide ,causing grievous bodily harm ,and mischief by fire.

The authorities argued that the offences contravened sections 143, 148 ,and 370 of the kano state Shariah legal code 2000 ,as amended.

The charges were filed on July 4, 2024, after Abubakar had pleaded guilty to the initial one count charge of culpable homicide brought against him on May 25 ,2024 .

During the trial, the prosecution called seven witnesses, including the traditional ruler of Gadan community .

President Tinubu Arrives Lagos Tuesday, For ECOWAS Celebration, Projects Commissioning

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The golden jubilee celebration of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS) continues in Lagos on Tuesday with the commission’s chairman, President Bola Tinubu presiding.

Already President Tinubu is expected to leave Abuja on Tuesday for Lagos to join other leaders, for the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

The ECOWAS golden jubilee was flagged off in Accra last month.

Special adviser to the president on media and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Monday, stated that the Lagos events will include reenacting the 1975 declaration at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island.

“At the Eko Hotels and Suites event, President Tinubu, the Chairman of ECOWAS, will highlight the economic bloc’s milestones.

“The Chairman of the NIIA and former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, will review the bloc’s 50-year journey, which panellists at the NIIA will later analyse.

“The only surviving Head of State, who signed the ECOWAS declaration, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), will participate in all the ceremonies and deliver a speech at the Eko Hotels.

“Dr Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, will deliver the welcome address.

“While in Lagos, President Tinubu will, on Saturday, May 31, commission some projects of the administration.

“Among them are Section I of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Lekki Deep Sea Port Tax Credit Concrete Road, the flag-off of Section II of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, and the 7th Axial Road.

“The President will virtually commission Kano-Kanwar-Danja-Hadejiya Section II Road and Yakasai-Zalli Road and flag off the Kano Northern By-pass, Zaria-Hunkuyi-Dabai Section I, Dabai-Kafur Malumfashi, and Malumfashi-Dayi-Yashe-Gidan Mutum Daya Section III.

“President Tinubu will observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the State House, Dodan Barracks, before returning to Abuja.”

Uzodimma Sacks Akaolisa, Attorney General And Commissioner For Justice

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Adesina Soyooye

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May 26, 2025

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Hope Uzodimma and Justice Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa

By Adesina Soyooye

In a surprise move which shocked not a few people, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday, May 26, sacked the State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister C.O. Akaolisa, with immediate effect.

Akaolisa’s sack was announced in a terse Special Government Announcement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba.

The statement which said Akaolisa’s sack took immediate effect, asked him to hand over every Government property in his possession to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Minister of Justice.

The statement reads in full:

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT SPECIAL PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

“The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C .O. C Akaolisa,

“The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary,Ministry of Justice, immediately.”

The Governor and Akaolisa come a long way which is why his sack took not a few people unawares. Both men stood by each other through thick and tin. Particularly, when Akaolisa was suspended by the Legal Body, Uzodimma continued to keep him as a member of his Cabinet and even reappointed to the high profile office of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Akaolisa, also, suffered losses for his loyalty to Uzodimma. In the course of his service to the State, Akaolisa lost his country home to arson.

However, he was blamed by many people for the recent controversy which surrounded the appointment and removal from office of the State’s Acting Chief Judge by the National Judicial Commission, NJC.

The Commission reversed Uzodimma’s CJ’s appointment because, it said, the Governor breached the law by appointing the 4th ranked Judge instead of the most senior Judge. The Governor was then directed to appoint the State’s most senior Judge as Acting Governor.

Akaolisa was blamed for not advising the Governor and the State’s Judicial body rightly.

The Government was, however, silent on reason(s) for his sack.

Hajj: Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi

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Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Kaduna-based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported by Saudi Arabia’s authority and stopped from performing the 2025 Hajj.

Sheikh Gumi confirmed this in a post made on Monday, via his Facebook page.

According to him, the Saudi government had granted him a visa to enter the country for Hajj, but he was not allowed to enter Medina to begin his religious duties.

“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj, even though they have granted me a visa.

“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”

Report added that Sheikh Gumi is part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services.

Gumi arrived in Medina with other clerics last Saturday at around 10:30pm on an Umza Air flight, but upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials prevented the cleric from entering the country.

It was further revealed that Sheikh Gumi has now returned to Nigeria to continue his daily activities, especially teaching.

Saudi authority is yet to offer explanation about what led to the treatment of the Islamic teacher in such manner.

Protesters Raze Kano Police Division Over Death Of Detainee

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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May 26, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State Police Command on Monday, May 26, 2025, informed that investigation has commenced to unravel the circumstances that resulted in the death of a detainee in Rano Local council of the state.

The death of young Abdullahi Musa who was arrested for allegedly committing a traffic offence, provoked a violent protest which led to the razing of the Rano Divisional Police formation in the Kano South Senatorial district.

According to a local, Musa died in the custody of the Police after allegedly being subjected to severe torture and physical assault by the Divisional Police Office DPO, identified as Baba Ali.

News of his sad death which spread like a wild fire, expectedly, provoked the youths of Rano into a violent protest.

Eye witness accounts revealed that the protesters, after overpowering some police personnel on duty, severely beat up and dragged the DPO before burning down the Police facility.

The protesters expressed shock and outrage that the deceased, who was not a criminal, but was only arrested for allegedly violating traffic rules could be tortured and beaten to death.

One of the locals explained that, originally, the angry youths were only engaged in a peaceful protest but turned violent after being shot at by police officials at the Rano Divisional office.

Unconfirmed reports say two of the protesting youths hit by police bullets are currently battling for their lives at an undisclosed medical facility within the area.

Witnesses noted that the Police shootings, ultimately led the protesters into descending on the police formation ,and operatives.

Tension is still high with security officials working to prevent an escalation.

Some community leaders, according to sources have been enlisted to help calm frayed nerves.

However, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, spokesperson for the Kano State Police Command, while confirming the incident, also stated that an inquest is underway.

Reps Speaker, Abass Withdraws Compulsory Voting Bill

By

Ayodele Oni

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May 26, 2025

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Abbas Tajudeen - Speaker House of Representatives

By Ayodele Oni

Bowing to public criticisms, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday announced the withdrawal of the controversial Compulsory Voting Bill.

There has been public outcry against the bill immediately it was brought before members of the green chamber with Nigerians United against it.

In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, Musa Krishi, the Speaker stated that, “following extensive consultations with a broad spectrum of stakeholders, he has decided to withdraw the Bill to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to make voting mandatory for all eligible Nigerians, which he co-sponsored with Daniel Adama Ago.

According to him, from the outset, the Bill was introduced with the best of intentions, “to bolster civic engagement and strengthen our democracy by encouraging higher voter turnout.

“Compulsory voting has long been practised with notable success in countries such as Australia, Belgium and Brazil, where it has helped sustain participation rates above 90 per cent, while nations like Argentina and Singapore have also implemented similar measures to foster inclusivity at the ballot box.”

Abbas agreed that lawmaking is ultimately about the people and that any reform must respect individual freedoms and public sentiment.

Rather than compel participation, he said he was committed to exploring positive incentives and innovative approaches that will make voting more attractive and accessible to all Nigerians.

“This withdrawal will allow time for further dialogue on how best to cultivate a culture of voluntary participation that honours both our democratic ideals and the rights of our citizens.”

Onitsha Drug Market: LP Reps Caucus Raises Concerns Over NAFDAC’s Alleged Extortion

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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May 26, 2025

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The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives, has expressed grave reservations over the disturbing reports of brazen extortion by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) officials against traders affected by the closure of the Onitsha drug market, describing the actions as scandalous, outrageous, and reprehensible.

Documented evidence have shown that NAFDAC is officially extorting N700,000 from every shop owner in the drug market, in order to allow them access to their shops. In fact, it is alleged that over 1,000 shop owners have paid the contentious N700,000 access fee.

The caucus recalled that the House of Representatives had earlier cautioned NAFDAC in a February motion, against harming innocent businesses during operations at the market, questioning the rationale behind imposition of a N700,000 levy on all business owners, regardless of culpability.

In a statement in Awka, Leader of the Labour Party Caucus, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, noted that the prolonged market closure and NAFDAC’s apparent inability to identify and bring to justice those responsible for drug counterfeiting raises concerns about the agency’s operational efficiency.

“What is this money for? If it’s for access to the shops of affected traders, does it imply that the fee absolves those guilty of drug counterfeiting? How is this fair to innocent businesses in the market? Doesn’t this contradict the principles of fairness and justice that democracy and the rule of law uphold?

“This controversy is avoidable and distracts from the fight against fake drugs. NAFDAC’s actions are unethical, unacceptable, and reprehensible. The agency must act swiftly to address this issue, which threatens its image and credibility, and saves the institution from further embarrassment,” Hon. Ogene said.

On February 19, 2025, Hon. Ogene on the floor of the House of Representatives, moved a ‘Motion of Urgent National Importance’, titled: “Need for NAFDAC to Exercise Caution Against Hurting Businesses of Innocent Traders During its Operations in Drug Markets.”

The motion read: “Notes the ongoing efforts by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to crack down on merchants of fake and counterfeit medicines;

“Aware that NAFDAC recently sealed medicine markets in Idumota, Lagos state , Ariaria, in Aba, Abia state and Onitsha, in Anambra state;

“Also aware that the ongoing enforcement operations by NAFDAC at these drugs markets is to rid the country of counterfeit and substandard medicines;

“Concerned, however, that many people operating in the affected markets have complained about the blanket disruption of businesses, including those of innocent people, causing significant losses of goods and money;

“Worried by the reports that NAFDAC sealed the affected markets and denied the traders and their leadership entry, while it’s officials proceeded to break into shops, carting away pharmaceuticals, without owners of such shops being allowed to witness the operation and take inventory;

“Further worried that such a brazen approach and unilateral break-in and confiscation of the goods from the markets, without allowing the leadership of the markets and the owners of the goods to witness the process, would make accountability difficult and also dents the integrity of the operation;

“Disturbed by reports that some traders and Point of Sale (POS) operators were forced to leave significant amounts of cash in their shops during the sudden raid and closure of the markets over the weekend, with no clear means of recovering their funds, leading to frustrations and bewilderment;”

Otedola, FirstHoldCo Shine @ Nairametrics Capital Market Awards

By

James Orji

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May 26, 2025

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First HoldCo Group had a great outing at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards ceremony which was held last Friday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. The harvest of awards started with the Group Chairman of the Holding Company, Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, blazing the trail by being honoured with the prestigious award as the Activist investor and Market Maker of the Year. This indeed is the recognition of the role he has been playing in the Nigerian Capital market and his various strategic moves which has impacted the market positively in over two decades.

FirstHoldCo, FirstBank and First Asset Management also received important awards at the prestigious event organized by Nairametrics. During the evening, First HoldCo Plc received the award as the Tier-One Bank of the Year (FUGAZ Bank of the Year), while FirstBank predictably won the Agency Bank of the Year award which is a true reflection of the relevance, spread, strength and strategy of the bank in the agency banking and retail space in Nigeria.

First Asset Management won the Fund Manager of the Year award; this clearly reflects the dominance of the company in the investment related activities in the Nigerian financial sector.

These awards indeed signify a remarkable reality at the growing status of the First HoldCo Group as a major economic driver in the country’s financial landscape.

Speaking on these unprecedented recognition and achievements, Femi Otedola, CON, the Group Chairman of First HoldCo Plc, said ‘I am delighted at this recognition bestowed on me and the awards won by the companies in the First HoldCo Group. This attests to a collective focus in shaping the future of the Nigerian Capital Market and the strategic synergy in executing effective goals and objectives in the various locations where we operate as a Group’’.

Adding further to these achievements, the Group Managing Director of First HoldCo Plc. Wale Oyedeji said “the awards won, shows the laudable progression the Group is making towards delivering excellent service across board, this indeed will continue unabated’’ Wale also used the occasion to congratulate the Group Chairman and commented on the recognition as ‘hugely deserved’.

Ugo Obi-Chukwu, the Founder/CEO of Nairametrics, reflected in his opening remarks at the occasion on the vision behind the inaugural award, he said ‘the Capital Market Choice Awards is our way of reinforcing the values that drives a robust capital ecosystem-trust, performance and progress’’ adding further ‘’ this awards will now be a tradition’’