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Kogi Polytechnic Asks 273 Students To Withdraw, Expels Six Students

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kogi Polytechnic

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, on Monday June 23 ,2025 announced the forced withdrawal of no fewer than 273 students over poor academic performance.

Six students were, also,   expelled over offences bordering on examination misconduct.

A statement from the institution’s spokesperson, Uredo Omale, informed that the development was part of the decisions reached at the Polytechnic’s 120th Academic Board meeting held on Thursday April 17,2025 .

According to the statement, the Rector, Chairman of the Board, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, expressed dissatisfaction with the general academic performance of the affected students, resulting in the  decision to advise them to withdraw.

However, the  Chairman lauded members of the Committee for Result verification headed by the institution’s Deputy Rector, Dr Taiwo Olowo, for their diligence in the discharge of their duties.

Omale stated that the 273 students affected by the withdrawal notice cut across 20 academic departments, and 42 programmes.

The expulsion of the six students, he noted, was approved by the Board after the consideration of the report of an examination misconduct committee led by Dr Grace Ehimony

The Academic Board Chairman similarly commended the examination misconduct committee, and those of the various Schools and Departments for a thorough job.

This is just as he called for a sustained  synergy among the committees so as to ensure the continued making of decisive resolutions capable of positively impacting the quality of teaching and learning in the institution.

The Rector reaffirmed the commitment of the Board and Management  towards  the institutionalization of reforms that will promote the best interest of the Polytechnic.

Uzodimma To Flaunt Legacy Projects Before Tinubu In August

By
The Source
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Senator Hope Uzodimma

The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has assured that some of his numerous ongoing projects in the State will be completed and commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August.

Senator Uzodimma gave the promise Monday, June 23, 2025, when he defied the heavy downpour to visit the project sites to ascertain the level of progress on them.

In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, said some of the projects the Governor visited include the Imo International Conference Centre, now named after Late Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the Renovated Government House Chapel, the former Assumpta Round About understanding transformation with a multi-pronged flyover, the Concorde Hotel Owerri (now Concorde Hilton Hotel) and the Imo State Land Information Service Centre.

Speaking to newsmen after inspection, the Governor affirmed that the projects have attained 90 per cent completion and will be ready for commissioning by the President in August this year when he visits.

His words: “The job is about 90 per cent complete, meaning that by the end of next month or early August, it will coincide with the visit of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who will be here by August to commission all the numerous projects we have achieved under his Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“We have enough convenient construction weather to complete the job as planned,” the Governor added, dispelling insinuation that the rainy season may affect the deadline for the completion of the projects.

The Governor further disclosed that the construction and establishment of Imo Land Information Service Centre was a deliberate effort by his administration to give a permanent solution to many years of land grabbing and illicit land transactions in the State.

He noted that there was legislation by the Imo State House of Assembly to that effect which he gave assent to in 2021, making it compulsory for all land owners in Imo State to recertify and document their lands with the Geographic Information System (GIS)  provided by the Centre.

This, he said, can be done online as all land allocation records have been converted to a digital format in other to harmonise the administration of land in the State.

“98 per cent of the land transactions will be done online for convenience. By so doing, we will have a society that will be governed by sanity and harmonious way of doing things, given the 21st century challenges,” he stated.

Governor Uzodimma was accompanied on the projects inspection by the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, and other members of the State expanded executive Council.

Fidelity MD Urges Women to Embrace Lifelong Learning and Collaboration for Career Success

By
The Source
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Fidelity Bank Mentorship
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON (Middle) flanked by participants of a Women’s Roundtable themed, “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe” hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub, Gbagada, Lagos.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, has encouraged women professionals to embrace continuous learning, courage, and collaboration as key habits for achieving long-term career success and breaking through professional barriers.

She gave the charge during a Women’s Roundtable hosted by the bank over the weekend at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. Themed “Mentorship with Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe”, the event drew female professionals from various sectors and was held under the Recognition and Networking arm of the bank’s HerFidelity Proposition—a flagship initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs and professionals across Nigeria.

Explaining the vision behind HerFidelity, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the initiative was born out of a strong need to provide women with holistic support beyond access to finance.

“In my engagements with women across different industries, I’ve seen first-hand that while talent and ambition abound, many still lack access to capital, skills development, health support, and networks,” she said.

“HerFidelity was created to bridge that gap by focusing on four key pillars: access to capital, capacity building, wellness for work-life balance, and entrepreneurship support. It’s one of the initiatives I’m most proud of, because when women thrive, communities prosper and economies flourish.”

The interactive mentorship session, held in a Q&A format, offered participants an opportunity to learn directly from the trailblazing CEO, who shared personal experiences and career insights.

Advising young women aspiring to leadership, she said: “Believe in yourself, be ready to work hard, and never shy away from taking smart risks. Seek out mentors, invest in meaningful relationships, and above all, collaborate—because no one truly succeeds alone.”

The event also featured fun competitions and giveaways, with attendees winning exciting gifts courtesy of Fidelity Bank.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe’s session left participants inspired, reinforcing Fidelity Bank’s position as a champion for gender empowerment and a leading supporter of women’s advancement in business and leadership.

Gunmen Hijack Bus in Benue, Kidnap Passengers

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Gunmen Hijack Bus in Benue

By Akinwale Kasali

Gunmen have hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Limited Bus. They kidnapped all passengers in the passengers.

The Benue State Police Command on Monday confirmed the sad incident.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, in a statement said that the incident took place Sunday evening.

According to the Benue State Police Command, “We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo.

“On receipt of the information, Police Tactical Teams, Military and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene; they combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.

“Additional reinforcements have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible,” she said.

The Benue Links Nigeria Ltd Management has also confirmed the attack and kidnapping.

Johnson Ehi, the Company’s Spokesperson, said in a statement that 10 passengers and the driver were still missing.

“Benue Links Nigeria Ltd regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses, with registration number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.

“The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue.

“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside at Eke with some of the passengers’ luggage. However, the driver and 11 passengers were missing.

“One passenger managed to escape and reached the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers,” Ehi said.

The company strongly condemned the attack on its vehicle and passengers by criminal elements.

“We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those affected, and we assure the public that we are actively collaborating with security agencies.

“The security agencies are working diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver.

“We commend the swift response of law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to bring this distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed Blasts Atiku, Others For Messing Up Opportunity To Build Credible Coalition

By
James Orji
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Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has faulted the ongoing plan by some opposition leaders in the country to form a coalition to oust President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progress Congress, APC from power in 2027.

The coalition leaders include former Vice President Abubakar Atiku, former governor of Kaduna state, Ahmad Nasir El-Rufai and former governor Peter Obi of Anambra state, amongst others.

The magazine reported that Abubakar and others are behind  a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, that applied to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for registration last week.

Speaking on Arise News Channel’s ‘The Morning Show’ on Monday, the former Political Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the Office of the Vice President said the opposition leaders are messing up the opportunity to sack President Tinubu from office. He said the coalition leaders are very  unserious, and could by their actions, return the president back to office in 2027.

He said Nigerians are not sure whether they can trust Abubakar and others, saying they have failed to show that what they are doing is in the interest of the country.

He stressed that he’s not part of the coalition contrary to speculations.

According to him, young Nigerians are being left out in the coalition talks by its promoters  who he said have occupied one position or the other in the country but have no capacity to give Nigerians a better future.

“I’m just an observer who is watching with a lot of worry that an opportunity to create a strong opposition to the ruling party is being messed up by people who insist that they must be the face of that opposition,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“These are people who have been governors, vice-presidents, ministers. Some of them have contested three times for president. Now they are telling Nigerians, ‘trust us again.’ But Nigerians can see through that. They don’t represent a different future.”

“It’s the wrong approach. They meet, agree among themselves, and say, ‘We’ve decided this one will be this, and that one will be that.’ Then they invite Nigerians in. That’s not how to build a credible opposition.

“What they need is a complete departure from who they are, what they’ve done, and what they still represent. They can work behind the scenes, but new faces must emerge to give Nigerians real hope,” he said.

The magazine reported that ADA had last week applied to INEC for registration, a development that has sparked  reactions among not a few Nigerians to the effect that the coalition leaders are really bracing up to challenge President Tinubu and APC in the next election.

The promoters of the new party which appointed Chief Akin A. Rickets as its Protem National Chairman  said they have met the requirements to be registered by the commission, in line with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and “global democratic principles and objectives.”

The letter read in part: “Application For Registration As A Political Party.

“We respectfully write to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, requesting the registration of our association, the All Democratic Alliance, ADA, as a political party.

“This is sequel to the decision taken by the Nigerian National Coalition Group to sponsor our association for full registration.

“The name of the party shall be All Democratic Alliance with ADA as our acronym and ‘Justice for All’ as our slogan.

“The National Secretariat of the party is as stated at the bottom of the association’s letterhead used in this application.

“We have also herewith attached our logo describing in details the symbolism of our party colours and the their configuration and the corn (Maize).

“We have further attached our manifesto encompassing details of our party ideology, and our constitution providing the legal framework that defines our identity, structures and organization, regulates our affairs and guides our actions in alignment with Section 40 and 222 of the Constitution, Section 75 of the Electoral Act (2022) and global democratic principles and objectives.

“Please find attached the following documents: our party flag depicting our name, acronym and slogan, manifesto, constitution and minutes of meeting.

“While we eagerly await further action from the commission on the next step forward towards attaining our desired goal, please accept the consideration of our highest respect. Thank you yours most sincerely; Chief Akin A. Rickets, Protem National Chairman.”

ADA’s  application letter, dated June 19  2025,  was stamped received by INEC on June 20, 2025.

“Leave Me Alone, Face  Security Challenges  In Benue” –  Fmr. Gov. Ortom Tells  Gov. Alia.

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Samuel Ortom and Gov Alia

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The immediate past Governor of beleaguered  Benue state, Samuel Ortom, has expressed regret that his successor in office, Hyacinth Alia, has been dissipating energy and time blaming past leaderships of the State instead of concentrating on governance.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Terver Akase, on Sunday, June 22, 2025,

Ortom enjoined the Governor to meaningfully apply himself to the urgent task of addressing the security challenges facing the state, as well as their  attendant mounting humanitarian crisis.

He warned the  embattled Governor Alia that his continued obsession with his name will not lead to the mitigation of the attacks and killings of innocent residents of the state.

The Source reports that Ortom’s reaction comes against the backdrop of Governor Alia’s claim that under his immediate predecessor in office, Benue recorded a whooping four million Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, resulting from countless mindless  attacks .

However, in his statement, Ortom dismissed the claims as not only false, but also a diversionary tactic by the  Governor in the face of his glaring failure to provide leadership to the beleaguered people of Benue state when needed most.

While not denying the existence of IDPs during his tenure, Ortom, however, insisted that the number never exceeded 1.5 million, noting that his adminstration equally worked in concert with reputable organizations to provide succor to the affected people.

“At no time did Chief Ortom claim there were four million IDPs. The adminstration worked with reputable agencies to generate accurate, verifiable data.

“The figure of 1.5 million was officially documented, and is the same figure Governor Alia inherited, accepted and presented to partners.

“From the day he assumed office, Governor Alia and his aides have made it their mission to drag Ortom’s name into every matter ,whether relevant or not. This obsession won’t solve the crisis in the State,” Ortom’s spokesperson noted.

The former Governor lamented the increased level of neglect and complete abandonment of the IDPs by the current adminstration in the State .

According to Ortom, while the IDPs were protesting hunger and neglect, the Executive Secretary of the State emergency management agency, SEMA, was seen attending a lavish wedding in the United Kingdom .

“While IDPs were protesting hunger and neglect ,the Executive Secretary of SEMA was seen attending a lavish wedding in the United kingdom.

“We had expected a press release that would address that shameful act of insensitivity. Instead, what we got was yet another attack on Ortom.

“Mr President gave practical steps to address insecurity in Benue .But rather than act ,Governor Alia keeps spinning excuses –one day blaming foreign mercenaries, the next day, it is Abuja politicians, and now even religious leaders.” Akase noted .

The Source reports that Benue state has been on the spot in the last few months due to a sustained wave of gruesome attacks and killings by suspected killer herdsmen .

The mindless attacks which climaxed with the genocidal attack on the Yelewata community last week, have left hundreds murdered and several thousands rendered homeless.

Fmr LG Chairmen Plead Inclusion Into National Convention Delegates’ List Of Political Parties

By
Ayodele Oni
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APC and PDP

By Ayodele Oni

The Association of Ex-Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ASELGON) has made a case for members to be included in national convention delegates list of political parties.

The association specifically protested the exclusion of its members from the National Convention Delegates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Constitution Amendment.

In the Memorandum of protest personally signed by the National President of the Association, Albert Asipa and submitted to the Committee, the ruling party was urged to amend Article 12.1 of the APC constitution to accommodate former elected local government chairmen in Nigeria.

According to the memorandum, “there are three tiers of government, while the constitution recognizes  former Presidents and former Governors as automatic delegates to the National Convention, it excludes former Local Government Chairmen.”

This oversight (if that’s what it is), according to the former Chairman of Imeko/Afon Local Government in Ogun State “has been part of the ploys to deprive local government councils the autonomy they deserve”.

Asipa, said in Abuja that the same Memorandum would be submitted to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and All Progressives Grand Alliance Party (APGA) to accommodate and protect the interests of the members of ASELGON, that belong to those other political parties.

“We are appealing to the National Executive Committees of the political parties to give all the former elected chairmen a sense of belonging as the current executive under my watch would continue to do our possible best to give the association a solid pedestal to be proud of by the coming generations.”

Late Gov Akeredolu Disregarded Advice Not To Build Memorial Park Near Palace – Olowo-In- Council

By
Ayodele Oni
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Oba Ogunoye

By Ayodele Oni

As controversy rages over demolition of the Memorial Park in honour of victims of June 5, 2022, terrorists attack in Owo, Ondo State, Oba Ogunoye has claimed responsibility for the demolition.

The Olowo in Council, a group of Chiefs advising the Olowo, maintained that the move to construct the edifice close to the Palace was earlier resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community.

“In view of the public reactions generated by the demolition of the Memorial Park supposedly built in honour of the June 5th, 2022 murderous attack victims at St Francis Catholic church in Owo, the Palace wishes to say unequivocally that the request for this action was at the instance of His Imperial Majesty, Olowo of Owo and the entire good people of the kingdom.

“It must be made clear that the decision to site the structure in that particular location was resisted by the Olowo-in-Council and frowned upon by the people of the community when it was being conceived by the Government of the late Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON.

“All advice to the late Governor that celebrating the dead in any guise around the Palace is not in conformity with the age-long culture and traditions of Owo was defiantly dismissed.

“Even at a time a protest was made by concerned Owo youths and stakeholders to that effect which the then Governor disregarded.

“The above position of the Palace is vindicated by the enthusiasm shown by Owo people and the deluge of commendation across  sundry media platforms in support of the demolition.

“The Olowo-in-Council will soon come out to avail the public with the comprehensive details of all that happened before and during the construction of the structure which led to the current development.

“And before then, we advise anyone with any issues whatsoever against the demolition to make the Palace their target and not the listening Governor, Hon. (Dr.) Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who is not in anyway responsible for the demolition.”

Gov. Akeredolu’s Widow, Betty- Anyanwu, Says Demolition Of Owo Memorial Park, “Affront To Decency”

By
Ayodele Oni
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Betty Akeredolu-Anyanwu

By Ayodele Oni

“This evil is not just a political misstep, it is an insult to the victims, a disrespect to their families and a dishonour to a Governor who governed with empathy.”

To former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, the demolition of the Owo Memorial Park in memory of victims of terrorists attack by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, is a “desecration of sacred ground and an “affront to decency.”

In a  post on her official Facebook page on Monday, the widow of the late Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, described the move as not only profoundly insensitive, but morally bankrupt.

“The monument, erected in the heart of Owo to honor the victims of the horrific June 2022 massacre at St. Francis Catholic Church, was initiated under Governor Akeredolu’s administration as a solemn tribute to lives lost and a symbol of collective mourning and healing.

“To now dismiss it as having ‘no economic value,’ and to demolish it for a so-called ‘world-class shopping complex,’ reveals a disturbing level of moral decay.

“A world-class society does not erase its pain to make way for profit. It preserves memory, honors the dead, and builds with conscience.”

Mrs. Akeredolu did not hold back in her critique of the justification given by the Aiyedatiwa administration, dismissing it as tone-deaf and inhumane.

“How daft can one be to assume that the value of life, memory, and honor must be measured by profit margins? “An honorary doctorate cannot mask a glaring absence of humanity and scholarship.”

Demolition of Owo Parks
Demolition Of Owo Memorial Park

The late Governor Akeredolu, a native of Owo, was widely regarded as a courageous and principled leader who stood firmly against injustice.

His widow emphasized that the monument was part of his legacy—a physical embodiment of empathy and leadership in the face of tragedy.

“This evil act is not just a political misstep; it is an insult to the victims, a disrespect to their families, and a dishonor to a governor who governed with empathy.

“Lucky Aiyedatiwa has shown us who he is—and history, too, will remember.”

Two Die In Pit Toilet While Recovering Mobile Phone In Kano

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Pit Toilet in Kano

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Two people have lost their lives while trying to retrieve a mobile phone from a pit toilet in Bazabe area of Albasu local Council of Kano State.

The Kano State Fire Service in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Saminu Yusif Abdulahi, on Sunday June 22,2025 ,informed that the unfortunate incident occurred at about 11.16 am on Saturday, June, 21, 2025.

“The Fire Service received an emergency call around 11.16 am from Inspector Auwalu who reported that two people had fallen into pit toilet.

The Fire Service team from Takai LGA was  quickly sent to the scene”, Abdullahi noted.

The statement further informed that the first victim, Usman Muhammad, 40 years old ,entered the pit toilet to recover his mobile phone.

Unfortunately after entering the toilet facility, Muhammad could not come out, a development which was said to have prompted  Ibrahim Inuwa to go into the pit to assist the first victim.

“He managed to tie a rope around Usman so he could pulled him out, but also lost consciousness in the process.

“Our men rushed to the scene and rescued both men .Sadly, they were both unconscious and later confirmed dead” the Fire Service stated.

The bodies of the victims, according to the Fire Service spokesman,were immediately handed over to the Albasu police Divisional formation.

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