Jonathan Receives Sunhak Peace Prize In Seoul, Dedicates It To Peace-loving Nigerians, Africans

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April 11, 2025

Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was on Friday presented with the Founder’s Sunhak Peace Prize by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation at a ceremony in Seoul, South Korea.

Dr. Jonathan who dedicated the award to peace-loving Nigerians and Africans working for positive change in the society, also described it as “a testament to the collective efforts of those who had worked with him to promote peace, democracy, and good governance across Africa.

He said: “The honour belongs to every Nigerian who believes in the possibility of peace, to every African working for positive change in the society, and to everyone across the world who dares to choose courage over conflict.”

He also noted that the world is threatened by persistent conflicts, failing democracies and deep socio-economic inequalities, stressing that peace is the cornerstone of development, justice, and human dignity.

Speaking further in his acceptance speech, the former President urged leaders to show more commitment to dialogue, reconciliation, and good governance as the pathways to lasting peace.

According to him the award “serves as an encouragement not just for me, but for all peacebuilders across Africa and beyond, reminding us that our efforts are seen, valued, and are making an impact.”

The former President stated further: “I stand here as a son of a canoe carver from Nigeria’s rural Niger Delta. To be recognised on this global stage is humbling, but it also reminds us all that no dream is too big and no background too modest when the goal is service and the path is peace.

“I would like to specially recognise and appreciate my dear wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, whose love, strength, and unwavering support have been a constant source of inspiration to me.

“⁠It reaffirms my belief that peace is the cornerstone of development, justice, and human dignity.

“I therefore dedicate whatever financial benefit accruing to this award to my foundation, The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, to continue its work of promoting peace, democracy, and inclusive development in Africa.”

Pledging to remain committed to promoting peace, Jonathan stated that to be recognized by a platform as prestigious as the Sunhak Peace Prize is both humbling and motivating.

He said: “⁠It is in this spirit that I have continued to work through initiatives such as the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation, the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) and the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) to support peaceful political transitions and conflict resolution across the region.”

Ikechukwu Eze,
Special Adviser to H.E, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Afreximbank Disburses $50bn To Expand Nigeria’s Economy

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James Orji

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April 11, 2025

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The President of Afreximbank Prof Benedict Oramah has disclosed that Nigeria received $50 billion from the bank from 2015 till date.

Oramah who is also the chairman of the bank made this known on Thursday during the commissioning of the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He said the amount has been used in the expansion of the nation’s non- oil and gas sector, manufacturing, health, transport amongst other, noting that the banking and financial sector which received a large chunk of $19 billion.

According to him, the financing has helped the sector grow significantly in the last decade.

“Over the last decade alone, total disbursements into Nigeria amounted to about $50bn, spreading across vital sectors of energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, transport, and financial services,” Oramah said.

The AATC Abuja, which is the first of its kind, is a key component of Afreximbank’s broader strategy to create a network of trade centres across Africa and the Caribbean.

The $120m facility, which began in November 2021 and was completed within its 41 months, is designed to promote trade and investment by facilitating regional integration and enhancing connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.

Oramah stressed that the AATC will serve as a platform for boosting intra-African trade, saying, “This centre will act as a lighthouse for interconnections, providing a digital gateway that will enable businesses across Africa and the Caribbean to connect, collaborate, and trade.”

The AATC Abuja will offer a wide range of services, including a technology incubation hub, an SME incubation facility, a Digital Africa Trade Gateway, as well as conference and exhibition spaces.

“This facility is a hub for turbocharging Nigerian businesses’ engagement in the African Continental Free Trade Area,” the Afreximbank President said.

Why APC Shut National Secretariat

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James Orji

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April 11, 2025

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The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, says it’s mourning the death of its Director of Administration, Dr Abdulraif Adekunle Adeniji who was killed by suspected kidnappers.

The party has declared that its National Secretariat be shut while flags are to be on half mast as a sign of respect to the party’s officer who was abducted on January 26, and later killed by them.

The magazine reports that Adeniji was killed by the wicked abductors having already collected N90 million ransom from the deceased family.

According to a statement signed by the party’s Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagha Abel, the party’s secretariat in Abuja, will remained closed until Monday, April 14, 2025, urging members to be in sober reflection within the mourning period.

The statement: “The National Secretary has approved the closure of the National Secretariat from all party/work activities with immediate effect till Monday, April 14, 2025,” Abel said.

“The decision was made after he had received the news of the sad demise of the Director of Administration Late Hon. Abdulraif Adekunle Adeniji, PhD.

“You are advised to use the mourning period for sober reflection and prayers for the family and loved ones. May the soul of our beloved Director rest in peace Amen.”

NELFUND Threatens Varsities For Failing To Inform Students That Their Fees Have Been Paid

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James Orji

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April 11, 2025

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The Managing Director/chief Executive of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr Akintunde Sawyerr, has issued a stern warning to institutions that fail to inform students of loan disbursements made on their behalf, while still demanding payment of institutional fees from the same students.

Recent findings by NELFUND have revealed that some institutions, after receiving student loan disbursements directly into their accounts, have neglected to notify the affected students or reflect the payments in their school fee records, creating unnecessary confusion.

“This act of withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but a direct violation of the principles upon which NELFUND was established,” said Mr Sawyerr. “We will not hesitate to take legal action against any institution found engaging in such deceptive practices.”

The MD emphasized that NELFUND’s mission is to expand access to higher education by relieving the financial burden on Nigerian students and their families, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Sawyer further called on all institutions to uphold transparency and work collaboratively with the Fund in ensuring the efficient delivery of this national mandate.

“NELFUND exists to ensure no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to pursue higher education due to lack of funds. We urge institutions to support this noble cause and avoid any actions that could undermine public trust or deny students their rightful support.”

The Fund reassures students and the public of its commitment to accountability, fairness, and the successful implementation of the student loan scheme across the country.

Signed
Mr Akintunde Sawyerr
Managing Director/CE
NELFUND

Group Says Zamfara Govt. Aiding Illegal Mining, Seeks State of Emergency

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Akinwale Kasali

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April 11, 2025

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Zamfara Governor Dauda Lawal — Governor Dauda Lawal

By Akinwale Kasali

The Zamfara State Government has been indicted by a Human Rights Coalition under the aegis of Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice, NCAJ, for, allegedly, aiding Illegal Mining in the State.

The spate of insecurity in the State is, allegedly, fueled by illegal mining of gold.

The Group call on President BolaTinubu, to, as a matter of urgency declare a State of Emergency in the State.

It cited the total breakdown of governance, worsening insecurity, and the alleged complicity of the State Government in criminal mining operations.

In a statement released in Kaduna on Friday, the Group’s President, Mallam Kabiru Sani Bako, said no serious intervention can take place in the State unless power is taken out of the hands of political actors currently benefiting from the crisis.

“What we are witnessing in Zamfara State is not governance. What we are witnessing is organised abandonment of duty by those elected to serve,” Bako said.

“The state has no functional House of Assembly, no political will to stop the violence, and a growing body of allegations tying officials to illegal mining. This is no longer politics — this is betrayal of the people.”

The Group described the security situation in Zamfara as “a slow-burning war that the country is ignoring at its own peril.”

Bako said residents in many parts of the State now pay levies to bandits to farm or travel, while State actors continue to play politics.

“In towns like Zurmi, Shinkafi, Anka and Bukkuyum, people are no longer safe to attend school, visit markets or sleep with both eyes closed. Women are being abducted, children recruited, and entire communities taxed by non-state actors. And what is the government doing? – trading blame and watching,” he said.

The statement, also, noted that the lack of a properly constituted State Assembly further reinforces the collapse of democracy.

“As we speak, Zamfara has no legally recognised House of Assembly. 10 lawmakers were suspended for speaking out against the security situation in the State. This means the State is being run without the checks and balances that a democracy demands. It is a dictatorship of silence — and the victims are poor citizens who deserve better,” Bako added.

The group accused the State Government of shielding illegal miners, saying credible evidence suggests that proceeds from unregulated mining operations are funding arms purchases by criminal gangs.

“The same hands that should be protecting Zamfara are profiting from its destruction,” Bako said.

“The time has come for President Tinubu to step in — not with rhetoric, but with constitutional force. We are calling for the declaration of a State of Emergency and the appointment of a non-partisan administrator to take over the reins and rebuild institutions.

“If this is not done now, we risk allowing Zamfara to become a permanent haven for terror cells. The country cannot afford to look away. Lives are being lost daily. And governance has already left the room.”

The Northern Citizens Alliance for Justice said it will send a detailed dossier to the National Assembly and the National Security Adviser in the coming days to support its demand.

However, not a few people think the Group is a sponsored Group working to take over the State through the back door. Zamfara is a People Democratic Party’s State. It’s immediate past Governor is the current Minister of State, Defence, Bello Metawalle.

State Of Emergency: NBA Relocates 2025 Annual Conference From Port Harcourt

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 11, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has opted out of Port Harcourt ,the Rivers State Capital, for its 2025 Annual General Conference.

The NBA on Thursday night April 10, 2025, announced Enugu, the Capital of Enugu State as the new venue for the conference.

A statement jointly signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, and Emeka Obegolu, President ,General Secretary ,and Chairman AGCPC respectively, stated that the decision to relocate the Conference out of Port Harcourt, was informed by its position on the subsisting State of Emergency in Rivers State.

It would be recalled that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on March 18, 2025 appointed a Sole Administrator to oversee the affairs of the State for an initial period of six months after suspending the duly elected Governor, his Deputy and the State Lawmakers.

However, the decision has been greeted by widespread condemnation, with the NBA among the strongest voices.

The leadership of the umbrella body of legal practitioners as well as many of its prominent members have lampooned the State of emergency as unconstitutional, and a gross abuse of rule of law and democracy.

The body has vowed never to recognize the emergency contraption, nor confer undue legitimacy on it.

The cancelation of Port Harcourt as the host of the 2025 Annual Conference, the NBA maintained, is part of its protestation against the development in Rivers State.

According to the NBA, while there was an unprecedented excitement among members over the choice of Port Harcourt as the venue for the Conference as clearly demonstrated by the high level of enthusiasm expressed, as well as the large number of registration by practitioners, the body, however, regretted that the presence of a Military Administrator in the governance space of Rivers will no longer permit the holding of the Conference in the State.

Kebbi State Govt Receives Kidnapped Kebbi University Student

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 10, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kebbi State authorities on Thursday, April 10, 2025, announced the successful rescue of abducted 400 level student of the Federal University Birnin Kebbi

The Source reports that Augustine Madubiya, a final year Economics Student, was on Tuesday April 8, kidnapped by suspected banditry elements at one of the University,s off-campus hostels in Unguwar Jeji area of Birnin Kebbi, the Kebbi state capital.

He was sleeping alongside other students outside their hostel room due to heat wave when the gunmen came calling.

“About five armed men at about 3.00am, stormed, Istijaba Villa, an off-campus hostel located in Unguwar Jeji area, and approached some students who were sleeping outside their rooms due to excessive heat and asked for money.

“When the students explained that they had no money on them, the gunmen immediately attacked them.

In the course of the chaos that trailed the assault on the students, one Malam Siddi Hussaini, a herder who was tending his cattle close by tried to intervene, but he was shot and killed by the attackers.

Consequently, Augustine Madubiya, a final year student in the Department of Economics, was taken away by the gunmen”, a local stated.

Madubiya was said to have been rescued by police operatives in the Dakingari Forest in Suru Local Government Area of the state after tracking and trailing the abductors.

The Kebbi state Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Tagida, in company with the Commissioner of Police Sani Bello, and the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof.Zaiyan Muhammad, while announcing the safe rescue of the victim, expressed the unflinching commitment of the State Government in adequately safeguarding students of all the tertiary educational institutions in the State.

He further informed that the victim has been taken to the hospital for medical examination, and possible treatment.

Giving an insight into the rescue operation, the Commissioner of Police noted that the kidnappers had to flee and abandoned the victim a a result of intense pressure from operatives.

According to him, no ransom was paid to secure the victim’s freedom.

State Of Emergency: Group Seeks Expedited Hearing Of PDP Governors Supreme Court Appeal

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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April 10, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has been urged to grant an accelerated hearing of the suit filed by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Governors challenging the declaration of a State of Emergency, and the suspension of democratically persons and institutions in Rivers State.

A Civil Society Group, Advocates for Democratic Nigeria, AFDN, on Thursday, April 10, 2025, insisted that there is an urgent need to reverse the unconstitutional contraption in Rivers State to save democracy and rule of law in the country.

The Source reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, proclaimed a State of emergency in Rivers State, citing the need to avoid the breach of law and order, and the protection of critical national assets as major reasons.

He, also, proceeded to appoint a Sole Administrator, after suspending the Governor, his Deputy and members of the State House of Assembly.

The declaration has, however, continued to draw scathing criticisms from across the country, with not a few seeking an immediate reversal of the situation.

The PDP Governors, obviously dissatisfied with the emergency rule, which suspended one of its own Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, last week, formally approached the Country’s Apex Court seeking a reversal of the situation.

In a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Comrade Mazeem Idris, the AFDN called on the Court to expedite action on the appeal as well as grant the prayers being sought by the PDP Governors.

“We understand that the plaintiffs — Governors of Adamawa ,Enugu ,Osun ,Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara and Bayelsa States, based their summons on the eight grounds contained in the suit marked SC/CV/329/2025 where they want the Supreme court to determine whether the President has the constitutional authority to suspend a democratically elected structure in any state in Nigeria and whether President Tinubu’s state of emergency in Rivers state was not in negation of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

“It is on this premise that we call on the apex Court to hasten the process of properly interpreting the provisions of Sections 1(2) 5(2) 176,180,188,and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 ,to determine whether the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend, or in any manner, interfere with the offices of a Governor and Deputy Governor of any of the 36 component states of the Federation, and replace them with his own unelected nominee as Sole Administrator under the guise of, or pursuant to a proclamation of a State of Emergency”, the group stated.

According to AFDN, the acceleration of hearing and the urgent resolution of the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, will ensure the de-escalation of tension.

The group noted that some actions taken recently by the Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, rtd, including the appointment of Local Council Interim Officials, have considerably raised the political temperature of the State.

SSANU Rejects Panel Report On Se*ual Harassment Allegation Against FUOYE VC

By

Ayodele Oni

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April 10, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

The Western zone of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU), has rejected the report of a panel which investigated and cleared the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) of se*ual harassment.

The union condemned the Governing Council of FUOYE, which set up the panel, for clearing Vice-Chancellor Prof Sunday Fashina of se*ual harassment allegations leveled against him by Engr. Folashade Adebayo, a Deputy Director at the institution.

The union has threatened industrial action across 26 universities in the zone unless an impartial investigative panel is established.

Dr Abdussobur Salaam, National Vice President of SSANU and Chairman of the Western Zone, condemned the council’s decision, accusing it of shielding the accused while further victimizing the complainant.

In a statement issued on Thursday, in Akure, Ondo state, Salaam described the exoneration as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s university system, alleging that the investigative process was compromised from the outset.

“The Governing Council allowed Prof Fashina to remain in office during the investigation, which began over four months ago. This compromised the fairness of the process.

“Asking the Vice-Chancellor to merely recuse himself during the council meeting to present an illusion of impartiality is an attempt to deceive the public. The investigation was not a one-day event—it was a process tainted by his continued presence.”

Salaam expressed dismay at the council’s failure to address the Vice-Chancellor’s alleged disparagement of other principal officers, including the Registrar and Bursar, in a recorded conversation aimed at pressuring Engr. Adebayo to accept his advances.

“Is this how morally depraved we have become as a society?” he questioned.

The union rejected the council’s claim that Engr. Adebayo never formally accused Prof Fashina of se*ual harassment, calling it a “barefaced lie.”

It also dismissed the council’s reference to a Nigeria Police Force report purportedly absolving the Vice-Chancellor, noting that the Special Fraud Unit’s investigation focused on financial misconduct, not sexual offences.

SSANU further condemned the sanctions imposed on Engr. Adebayo for allegedly bringing the university into disrepute, arguing that Prof Fashina’s “immoral and unethical conduct” warranted punishment instead.

“His actions have desecrated the office of the Vice-Chancellor, undermined its disciplinary authority, and tarnished the university’s reputation,” Salaam asserted.

The union also rejected sanctions against the Chairman and Secretary of its FUOYE branch, Comrades Benjamin Faleye and Ayomikun Aluko, who were penalized for whistleblowing. “We will not accept this victimization of those who speak truth to power.

“The Governing Council, chaired by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has failed the integrity test. Its actions cast doubt on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to renewing hope in our educational institutions.”

Jigawa: 23,000 Less Privileged Get FG Conditional Cash Transfer

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Ayodele Oni

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April 10, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has said that President Bola Tinubu should expect reciprocity from citizens of the state during 2027 elections.

The governor, apparently overwhelmed by the president’s gestures to the people, made this statement, while speaking at the official launch of the distribution of ATM cards to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s second phase of the Cash Transfer programme in Dutse.

He noted that the Federal Government has initiated various policies and programmes through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to tackle poverty and hunger across the country, including Cash Transfer, N-Power, School Feeding, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).

The governor explained that under the second phase of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, about 23,000 less privileged persons in the state will benefit, receiving N27,000 each.

According to him, “The launch of the second phase is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiative,’ aimed at supporting the less privileged in society to improve their businesses.

“Our people have a good culture of repaying good deeds with good. I am sure the people of Jigawa will pay you back for what you have been doing for them.

“Therefore, on behalf of the beneficiaries in Jigawa State, we extend our appreciation to the Federal Government under Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support, and we are confident that more of these initiatives will come.”

Governor Namadi emphasized his commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the Federal Government, ensuring that Jigawa state continues to thrive under Tinubu’s leadership.

He reiterated that his administration remains dedicated to policies that uplift the welfare of Jigawa citizens, pledging unwavering support for national development initiatives.