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NYSC Wades Into Attack On Corp Member In Illorin, As Kwara Calls For Investigation

December 1, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The attack on a Youth Corp Member serving in Kwara State by teachers at Government Day Junior Secondary School in Ilorin, Kwara State, has prompted the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to wade into the matter.

The incident which occurred on November 28, 2024, when the Corps Member visited the school to collect her clearance letter, saw a teacher attack the corps Member, and in the process toreher NYSC white T-shirt.

It was gathered that the said teacher was joined by another teacher who, allegedly, slapped her.

Morakinyo Oladipo, the NYSC’s Head of Information and Public Relations in Kwara State, confirmed the incident and stated that the scheme would seek redress for the attack against the Corps Member.

Oladipo added that the Corps Member would be reposted to a different location to help her overcome the trauma.

NYSC has informed the State Government which has swung into action to investigate the matter.

“The NYSC has expressed its displeasure concerning the matter,” Oladipo said.

“Necessary steps will be taken to the extent that the law allows against such people that abused the female corps member.” the PRO added.

However, the Kwara State Government has condemned the alleged assault, describing it as unacceptable in society.

Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, stated that the State Government would not allow the incident to disrupt the peace in its academic institutions.

The Anti-Loitering Team of the Ministry and the Management Team of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission have visited the school to investigate the alleged assault case, and calm has been restored.

The Commissioner appealed to the Management of the National Youth Service Corps and all concerned individuals to be patient, remain law-abiding, and perform their duties without fear.

The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many calling for justice and strict punishment for the teachers involved.

Kebbi: Gov Idris Calls For Polio Free Society, Records 100 Percent In Campaign

Ayodele Oni

December 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has identified synergy among stakeholders as a veritable tool towards achieving a polio-free society.

He made the remark in Birnin Kebbi, while flagging-off Polio Outbreak Immunisation Campaign.

The governor urged traditional institutions, parents, religious, community leaders, development partners and health workers among others to join forces against killer diseases in children under five years.

He assured that government on its part, would leave no stone unturned to ensure immunisation of all children across the state, including hard-to-reach areas.

Idris noted that “today’s event is not only symbolic, instead, it is an event that seeks to protect our children from preventable diseases.”

The governor expressed happiness that Kebbi was among the first states of the federation that eradicated polio disease at the early stage.

He appreciated the Emir of Argungu, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and health workers for their proactive roles in eradicating killer diseases.

“However, these efforts will be meaningless if parents refused to cooperate to bring out their children for immunisation.”

In his speech, the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Muhammadu-Mera, appreciated the state government for its actionable efforts that culminated into a huge success of the exercise.

The Mornach, who is also the Chairman, Traditional Council Leaders Against Polio, assured that collaboration of all stakeholders would never be in vein.

Earlier, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Yunusa Isma’il, described the campaign as crucial to the success of kicking polio and other children killer diseases out of the state.

While commending the present administration for focussing attention on issues relating to health of the people, the commissioner observed that primary health of individuals was a responsibility of government.

In a goodwill message on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and all other development partners working in the state, Dr Nasir Zurmi said Kebbi was the only state in Nigeria that recorded 100 per cent success in the campaign.

Zurmi said following the active efforts of the state governor in eradicating the child killer diseases, Kebbi and Bayelsa were selected for the flag-off of the newly invented malaria vaccine.

President Tinubu Departs France For South Africa

Ayodele Oni

December 1, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu is expected to attend the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission parley which comes up in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Therefore, the President will leave France on Monday for Cape Town where he will co-chair the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa.

A statement on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy stated that the presidential BNC, will be preceded by a ministerial meeting on Monday at the South African Parliament Building in Cape Town.

President Tinubu and President Ramaphosa will engage in substantive talks on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including bilateral, regional and international matters.

Building on the commitments from their June 20, 2024, meeting in Johannesburg shortly after President Ramaphosa’s inauguration for a second term in office, the two leaders will review the progress achieved since the 10th session of the BNC held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

The 11th session of the BNC will feature deliberations across eight working groups, each focusing on a specific area of mutual interest.

These include political consultations, consular and migration, banking and finance, defence and security, manufacturing, social sector, mines and energy, and trade and investments.

At the high-level meeting, officials of both countries will sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements.

The Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission was established in 1999 to further strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations. The first session at the Heads of State level was held in October 2019 in Pretoria.

The BNC provides a platform for sustaining high-level dialogue and promoting cooperation in critical areas such as diplomacy, economy, trade, security and other areas of mutual interest.

This year’s meeting is particularly significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Commission, a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

President Tinubu will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising state governors, ministers, and senior government officials.

Unending Plots For The Secret Sale Of Imo NUJ Secretariat Former Chairman Writes Gov Uzodinma, Police

Suleiman Anyalewechi

December 1, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Former Chairman writes Governor, Police

A former Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Ben Osuagwu, has expressed deep concern over the unrelenting quest by some alleged unscrupulous characters to dispose of the Imo Press Centre.

He has, therefore, passionately appealed to the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodinma,

and relevant Security Agencies to wade in and prevent the sale of the only property which belongs to the umbrella body of Nigerian journalists in the State.

In a letter addressed to Governor Uzodinma and the State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, Osuagwu lamented that despite the matter being in court, some people are still making desperate attempts to sell the State, NUJ, Secretariat in Owerri, the State capital.

The Source reports that the issue first came to the front burner during the Governor’s first tenure when some Government officials were alleged to have colluded with some NUJ officials both at the State and National levels to sell the property to some vested interests.

However, the alleged unholy transaction was aborted at the eleventh hour through the combined efforts of the State Government, Security and some well meaning members of the NUJ in the state .

But of recent, there have been alleged moves by some persons believed to be the arrow heads of the controversial transaction to lock up the Secretariat despite the matter being in court.

The issue has since been litigated with the NUJ Imo State battling to safeguard its prized asset .

But the former NUJ chairman in his letter, regretted that rather than allow the matter to run its full legal course, some elements probably trying to justify the huge up-front payments made to them by the buyers are bent on disposing of the property.

According to him, the property in question was duly given to the NUJ ,during his tenure as the state Chairman by the former Military Administrator of the State Commander Amadi Ikwechegh.

He asserted that all the official documents and title deeds were received by him on behalf of the NUJ .

He, therefore, expressed surprise how some people will,suddenly, contemplate selling a collective propertyafter clandestinely collecting money from some persons.

He described the planned sale of the NUJ Secretariat as completely outrageous, insulting and unacceptable to not only working journalists in Imo state ,but the entire country.

Comrade Osuagwu alleged that those known to be pushing very hard for the sale of the NUJ property are not from the State.

He advised them to go and sell the ones in their States if they are all that desperate and leave what he described as the only visible monument for Journalists in Imo state .

“I wonder why people think that being elected into office makes them Emperors that they will take unilateral decisions.The era of imperialism is over .

“I humbly appeal to the State Governor and the police Commissioner to stop the move by some criminally minded people.

“The matter, I learnt, is in Court. They should allow it to end in the Court.Why hurrying to go and lock up the centre?

If the money they, allegedly, collected from some people is choking them, they should look elsewhere and cough out the money”, Osuagwu stated.

The Source reports that some past Imo state NUJ officials and National leaders of the body are, allegedly, deeply involved in the now controversial transaction with several millions of Naira already exchanging hands.

One Killed, Two Rescued, As Police Burst Criminal Gang In Anambra

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 30, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Anambra State Police authorities on Saturday, November 30, 2024, said they have arrested a couple who specialize in threatening residents with kidnap and

extort them in the process.

This is even as they informed that a notorious member of a dare devil criminal gang in the State has been neutralized.

A statement from the Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, said that the Police killed the gang member along Agulu/Nobi road on Friday night, November 29, during an exchange of fire between the armed group and a VIP convoy.

“Police Operatives from the operations department of the command, attached to a VIP, in the state on 29/11/2024, by 8.30pm.along Agulu/Nobi road ,demobilized one of the criminal elements in the State, and recovered one pump action gun, five cartridges, five machetes, two SUV jeeps and two pairs of desert shoes.

The hoodlums attacked the VIP convoy unprovoked, leading to a retaliation.

The Operatives resisted the armed men operating in a grey-coloured Lexus ES 330 with plate Nos ACA 551 MA and an ash-coloured Toyota Highlander with plate number SMK 544 ,who attacked their convoy unprovoked.

During the gun duel, the swift response by the Joint Security Team comprising the police and AVG operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer DPO, Neni, Anaocha Local Government Area, made the armed men abandon their vehicles and fled the scene with bullet wounds through a nearby bush”. the Police spokesman said

He revealed that police operatives in the process rescued two kidnap victims who were earlier abducted and shot by the armed men.

Unfortunately, one of the victims was pronounced dead, while the other is responding to treatment at a medical facility.

According to Ikenga, the victims were kidnapped on Wednesday November 27, 2024 ,at about 7.00 am on Ugwnwasike/Ogidi Road ,in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State .

“The victims, he added, were shot by the abductors following the discovery that they were being trailed by security agents.

They subsequently abandoned the victims in the vehicle and fled the scene.

According to the State Police Command, Mr Okoye Kingsley and his wife Chidinma, were apprehended in Ozobulu, Ekwusigo Local Council of the State ,together with multiple mobile phones and SIM cards.

The couple aged 36 and 27 respectively, are alleged to be in the habit of sending messages to Anambra residents asking for ransoms or threatening them with abductions in the event of failure to pay .

“Given reports of text messages and voice notes received by unsuspecting members of the public on threats of abductions, the Joint Security Force comprising the police and ACG acting on technology-driven information in the early hours of 29/11/2024 arrested a couple.

“The couple, Mr Okoye Kingsley 36 and Mrs Chidinma Okoye 27 years were arrested in Ozubulu ,Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra state with phones and sim cards .

“The couple specialize in sending threatening messages to people and demanding ransom or they shall be abducted or killed.

“They all confessed to the crime and admitted to destroying some of the Sim cards which they had earlier used to commit the crimes” the Police stated.

Ikenga informed that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono-Itam, has ordered the case to be transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping/Robbery Squad of the Command for a comprehensive investigation.

He also said that the suspects will be arraigned as soon as investigation is concluded.

Young Nigerian Medical Doctor Dazzles In UK University

James Orji

November 30, 2024

A young Nigerian woman, Dr Vanessa Jerry Uchenna, has been hailed for her academic excellence in the United Kingdom, following her outstanding performance at the prestigious University of West England in the UK.

The young medical practitioner who graduated with a distinction in Health technology, is the daughter of Dr. Jerry Uchenna Nwohu, a
security and strategic scholar and socialite.

Her Master’s dissertation, which was on how both clinicians and patients who have foot-drop perceive the use of ankle exoskeletons for ankle rehabilitation and independent living, received high praise from her supervisors and was recommended for publication in the University of West England, Bristol Journal.

Professor Comfort Nne Akujobi, a Professor of Clinical Microbiology, described Vanessa’s study as “fascinating” and highlighted its potential to bridge the knowledge gap in the management of patients with Foot drop. She emphasized the importance of publishing the findings in a high-impact journal to give it wide visibility

Also, Professor Yahaya Abdullahi Adadu, a Professor of Political Science, commended Vanessa’s dedication and resilience, noting that investments in education, especially in STEM fields, are crucial for Nigeria’s development. He encouraged her to consider publishing her research to contribute to addressing Nigeria’s healthcare challenges and inform policy decisions.

In the same vein, Rear Admiral Samuel Ilesanmi Alade (Rtd), a former Commandant of the National Defence College, Nigeria, congratulated Vanessa on her outstanding achievement, praising her courage and strength of excellence. He urged her to continue making a positive impact in the world

Ankle exoskeletons are wearable robotic devices designed to support and enhance ankle movement for patients who have difficulties in moving the frontal part of their feet due to neurological disorders.

They noted that her accomplishment underscores her potential in the field of health technology, and marks a significant milestone in her career.

The publication of her work in the university’s renowned journal highlights the quality and value of her research in her special field.

Northern Nigeria: So Blessed, So Wretched – Senator Shehu Sani

The Source

November 30, 2024

Most public schools are free, our young ones still don’t want to go to school.
Most of us don’t want our spouses to work or use their skills or talents to earn a living or contribute to the family. When we die, we leave them as helpless widows at the mercy of a hostile society.
Most young ones don’t want to serve as apprentices in workshops or retail outlets because they don’t have the heart and the patience to serve.
Most parents in rural areas hand over their children to a religious teacher in the city and the religious teacher depends on the children to beg or steal in order to feed him and his family.
For ethnic, religious and sectional reasons, we protected, defended, praised and refused to hold to account all our kinsmen who led the country at every wasted opportunity for over five decades.
The bandits and terrorists that kill and kidnap our people and deny our farmers from going to their farms and denied our children from going to school are not from any country or from the south of the country; they came from our homes and from our families up north. We worshipped with them in the same mosque.
We used to live together as one region in peace, brotherhood and love and then we divided and hate ourselves along religious lines.
We don’t vote for people who will serve us, we vote for those who will give us spaghetti and grains.
We concoct and spread all sorts of religiously inclined conspiracies to deny our children free health immunisation against diseases and we end up hundreds of thousands of blind, lame, crippled and deaf children, who grow up as impaired victims of polio, glaucoma or leprosy, begging in the streets of northern and southern cities. Even the kind of Bill Gates who regularly show interest in us, we have no kind words for him.
Most of our women and Girls don’t have a business capital of 100k but they have an IPhone of N1.5m. They don’t have a capital of 100k but can ‘struggle’ to meet up a wedding asoebi of 500k.
We deny most of our girl-children their right to go beyond secondary school because of the negative thoughts about the university.
We don’t want our female children to wear uniforms. Whenever the recruitment portals for the Army, police, customs, immigration, civil defence are on, we don’t want our female wards to apply.
When our children are graduating from universities, especially public universities, most of the parents that attend to celebrate and appreciate their children in such events are parents of the southern students from the south.
Most of our industries and factories in Kano, Kaduna and Jos have since closed down when our kinsmen were in power.
Our Farmers in rural areas are still farming with hoes for the whole period our kinsmen have been in power. The groundnut and cotton pyramids and fields disappeared long when our kinsmen were at the helm.
All the spare parts, building materials and pharmaceutical stores in the north are private businesses owned by people from other regions whom were not in anyway backed, funded or supported by any Government.
When our Kinsmen were in power, we attributed our poverty and insecurity to God and to our Sins; when our Kinsmen are out of power, we attribute our sufferings to the King.
The FCT is in the north, can anyone explain why the people from the region couldn’t dominate the private businesses in the FCT and Suleja and Mararaba? Who should be blamed for this one.
God gave us the largest land mass, the largest number of people, the most of the Rivers and the resources and livestock and gave us power for the most part of our history; which of the favours of our Lord can we deny?
The North; 80% of our problem is ourselves and not anyone ‘outside of ourselves’.

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka Dumps PDP

Akinwale Kasali

November 30, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

Osita Chidoka, former Aviation Minister has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Chidoka announced his resignation from the PDP during an appearance on Channels Television Politics Today.

He said that his desire to focus on his non-profit organisation, Athena Centre, influenced his decision to leave PDP.

His words: “Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP; I am leaving politics for some time; I am focusing on the Athena Centre.

“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to reform the political system to bring evidence-based governance and to support it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Chidoka also quit politics – for now.

“Stop Sending Me Text Messages, I Am Not Worried About Second Term,” – Ekiti Gov Oyebanji

Ayodele Oni

November 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stated that he has been inundated with calls over whether he is interested in contesting for the second term of office.

The Governor clocked two years in office in October having been sworn-in on October, 16, 2022 to succeed Kayode Fayemi.

Oyebanji has been endorsed by different groups for second term including the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and his predecessors led by Ayodele Fayose.

Oyebanji’s latest position may have been as a result of declaration by Fayemi at a function in his country home last week that when the time to pick comes, those that are concerned will take a position.

The governor declared that he is not worried over agitations ahead of the 2026 Governorship election in the state, stressing that his political future is in the hands of God who has never failed him.

He stated this in Ado Ekiti on Friday night at the monthly Evening of Praise and Worship at the Jibowu Hall, Government House Ground, expressing confidence in God’s ability to work out things in his favour, and that God who did it for him in 2022, would do it again in 2026.

The Governor, who disclosed that he received text messages from politicians regularly, expressing anxieties over 2026, said his belief is that God’s plan supersedes any human agenda, adding that he would not lose sleep over the development as God is in control.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievement so far, Oyebanji attributed the significant progress recorded across critical sectors in the state to divine intervention despite the economic realities.

He added that since he handed over Ekiti state to God, the state has enjoyed abundant peace, progress and prosperity.

The Governor pointed out that his focus remains on delivering good governance and fulfilling the promises he made to Ekiti people.

“God is in charge of everything including the 2026 that many people are anxious about. He will take care of everything. For now, let us concentrate on the work that has been given to us and let us do it very well.

“For those that are worried about 2026, sending me text messages everyday, don’t bother yourself. God that did the last one will do it again.

“Don’t bother yourself. Some complain that I am not a politician, that I don’t understand politics. I am not bothered about this, nothing is going to stop my peace because I serve the God of peace.

“What God does not give a man, he cannot have it and when God makes up his mind, nobody can stop him. So, I am just saying this so that you can stop sending me text messages expressing anxieties about 2026.”

FUTA Now World Class University – Ondo Gov Aiyedatiwa

Ayodele Oni

November 30, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has commended the management of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, (FUTA) for transforming the institution to a world standard.

The governor noted that education is a powerful tool for transformation and a cornerstone of national development.

He made this assertion on Saturday, at the 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the university.

In his goodwill message, Aiyedatiwa congratulated the graduands, commending their perseverance and dedication, which culminated in their academic success.

He lauded FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adenike Oladiji, and the university management for their exceptional contributions to education, research, and technological innovation.

“You have transformed FUTA into a world-class institution with groundbreaking achievements. The calibre of graduates this university consistently produces is a testament to your resilience and commitment to excellence.”

The governor urged the graduands to be exemplary ambassadors of the institution by upholding the virtues of integrity, hard work, and resilience.

He reminded them of the competitive nature of the global landscape and encouraged them to use their knowledge and skills to positively impact society and their communities.

Aiyedatiwa also expressed gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support for the students, acknowledging their vital role in the achievements being celebrated.

Reflecting on his administration’s achievements, the governor highlighted its commitment to education over the past four years, including regular salary payments, budgetary provisions, and financial interventions for state-owned institutions.

He assured the university community of continued collaboration and an enabling environment to promote academic development and innovation.

“In the years ahead, we shall continue to look forward to the university community for all-round collaboration in the onerous task of building a more virile and prosperous Ondo State.

“On our part as a government, we urge you to count on our administration to continue providing an enabling atmosphere required for flourishing academic development, innovation, enterprise, and knowledge.

“We share a collective vision and mission towards nation-building in support of the RENEWED HOPE agenda of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

The Governor further appreciated the university community’s support during the recent gubernatorial election, where his administration secured a resounding victory.

He pledged to deliver transformational development and more dividends of good governance under the renewed mandate.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Oladiji, emphasized that the institution remains committed to fostering excellence in education, research, and innovation.

She congratulated the graduands, describing them as the pride of FUTA, and commended their hard work, dedication, and resilience, which have led to their academic achievements.

The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the unwavering support of parents and guardians, emphasizing that their sacrifices and encouragement were pivotal to the success of the graduands.

“Today, we celebrate your commitment to excellence. This success story is as much yours as it is theirs.”

Prof Oladiji highlighted FUTA’s ongoing commitment to its mission of advancing education through innovation in science, technology, and engineering.

At the ceremony, the University conferred postgraduate diploma, Masters, and Doctoral degrees on 1,280 graduands: PGD 344, Master’s 756, and PhD 180.

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