The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • T.Y Danjuma donates $1.36million USD to UI college of medicine

    T.Y Danjuma donates $1.36million USD to UI college of medicine

    A former Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma, has donated a total of $1,363,108.43 to the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI) to build hostel for students.

    The donation made through the T.Y Danjuma Foundation, was in response to an earlier request by the College towards the realissation of the student hostel building project.

    The sum, which will be used to build the Block D of the hostels is said to be the highest donation so far by an individual to the course of the project.

    The Provost, CoMUI, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun made the disclosure during a joint press conference organised by the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) shortly after the turning of sod of the hostel facility to be built with the donation.

    The donor was represented at the Sod turning ceremony by his wife, Senator Daisy who was accompanied by her sisters, Mrs. Vicky Falope, a former permanent secretary to the Oyo State Government, and Dr. Edugie Abigail Abebe, a former federal Permanent Secretary.

    Address journalists, the Provost, flanked by s Co-Chair of the Project Building Committee, Prof Gbemisola Oke and Deputy Provost of the College, Prof Adefatai Adeniyi, explained that the envisioned 280-room hostel, encompassing blocks A, B, C, D, E, and F, alongside a utility building, is designed to house a total of 664 students.

    Building the hostel, she noted, was critical to the re-accreditation of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan by the Medical and Dental Council of

    Nigeria (MDCN).

    She added that the project which is in partnership with the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association Worldwide (ICOMMA WW) is an alumni-driven initiative which is ongoing in phases.

    Narrating how tough and difficult it had been to get the project to its current level, Prof Omigbodun said the donor has showed again his love and passion for the good of the ordinary people calling on others to emulate him.

    Read Also: NGE installs Bello, Alli, 12 others fellows at Uyo confab

    She said, the donation will be towards the building of an entire building out of the six that forms the entire project.

    Also in their separate remarks, the President ICOMAA Worldwide, Prof Emmanuel Otolorin and a Platinum donor, Dr Modupe Sokunbi who joined the press conference online thanked General Danjuma for the donation and support towards the actualisation of the project.

    They lamented that although there are many individuals in the country with the means and wherewithal to help actualize the project but accessing and reaching out to them had been very difficult.

    The duo appealed to other individuals to come to the aid of the College of Medicine to ensure the timely completion of the project urging then to take a cue from the retired Army boss.

  • NPA goes tough on container stripping on port access road

    NPA goes tough on container stripping on port access road

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko, has issued a stern warning against the illegal stripping of containers along the port access road, stressing that the authority will deal decisively with perpetrators of the unwholesome practice.

    Bello Koko stated this, at the weekend, when he paid an unscheduled visit to Tin-Can Island Port where he inspected designated container stripping yards and the port access roads to ensure trucks are not loitering around the port corridors.

    The NPA chief warned that truckers caught in the act stand the risk of being delisted from the Electronic Call-up System (eto) platform managed by the Truck Transit Park (TTP) limited.

    He added that the NPA has rolled out Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for barge operators adding the SOP will serve as a guideline to all operators.

    Speaking further, Bello Koko emphasised that stripping constitutes a menace when undertaken outside designated yards, as it provides a platform for trucks loitering around the ports access roads which results in traffic disruptions and attendant chaos.

    He said the NPA would intensify its vigilance and monitoring to nip the negative trend in the bud.

    Addressing the scarcity in some of the stripping yards, the Managing Director acknowledged the impact of global economic upheavals on cargo flow and reiterated that low business downturn cannot constitute a justification for illegality.

    He revealed that proposals for well-equipped stripping yards, referred to as devanning yards are receiving accelerated attention, signaling a shift from illegal roadside stripping.

    Read Also: No more strike in varsities, Tinubu assures

    Regarding sustainability of the measures, he informed that the NPA has collaborated with other government agencies and the Lagos state government to ensure that such unhealthy practices no longer take place along the port access road

    The Managing Director also stated that such unannounced spot visits would become more frequent and will be followed by regular stakeholder engagements to continuously improve the seamless operations of the eto platform.

    He warned that stripping yards that violate the operational rules will face temporal shutdowns for first time offenders, and the possibility of non-renewal of land leases for recalcitrant offenders.

    He noted that these stringent measures are geared towards maintaining orderliness and safety within the port and its environ.

  • You’re an icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    You’re an icon of democracy, Tinubu tells Jonathan at 66

    President Bola Tinubu has affirmed the former President Goodluck Jonathan’s wisdom and patriotism will always stand as standard for leaders who aspire to make a difference in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

    President Tinubu made the assertion a in his goodwill message commemorating the 66th birthday of Dr Jonathan, describing him as an icon on democracy and a statesman.

    The message, contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President lauded the former President’s commitment to the service of humanity, carrying on with humility and inspiring hope in good governance.

    The President, however, celebrated Jonathan, on behalf of the people and government of Nigeria, saying he has given Nigeria and Africa a pride of place in histories of democracy.

    The statement read: “On behalf of the people and government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu celebrates former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, on his 66th birthday, for his unique demonstration of statesmanship and for his distinguishing achievement as a leader, who gave Nigeria and Africa, a pride of place in democratic lore by upending the vitiating paradigm of those who seek to hold onto power by all means.

    Read Also: No more strike in varsities, Tinubu assures

    “President Tinubu shares the joyous occasion with one of our icons of democracy, whose humility continues to inspire hope for good governance in the country and on the continent.

    “The President believes the former President possesses a distinguished profile on leadership, rising up the ladder as Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice-President and President, and now championing the cause of peace in Africa by bringing together and counselling leaders on harmonious co-existence for the benefit of the people they serve.

    “The president commends former President Jonathan for committing himself to the service of humanity and to strengthening democratic institutions, exemplified by his relentless peace missions and advocacy of non-violence in the peaceful transition of power across the African continent.

    “As the former president clocks 66, President Tinubu affirms that his wisdom, foresight, and patriotism will continue to set an example for leaders aspiring to make a difference in Nigeria and beyond.

    “The President prays that God Almighty will continually sustain the former President and his wife, Patience, in good health and strength.”

  • Enugu resident doctors issue two-week ultimatum over recruitment, insecurity

    Enugu resident doctors issue two-week ultimatum over recruitment, insecurity

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu has called on the Enugu State government to increase doctor employment and enhance security within a 14-day timeframe.

    The doctors said they would down tools if the state government failed to heed to their call.

    In a communiqué issued weekend by Ikemefuna Nnamani, the association’s secretary-general, and Chukwunonso Ofonere, the president of ARD-ESUTH, the association disclosed that it has been 120 days since the state government promised the employment of medical officers and resident doctors, but nothing had been done.

    The doctors therefore called on the management of ESUTH and the Enugu government “to declare a state of emergency on the employment of doctors in the hospital.

    According to them, there should be an urgent approval for the recruitment of medical officers, resident doctors and house officers in the hospital.

    Read Also: To serve humanity, the mind must be trained, character shaped – Shettima

    The statement read: “This recruitment should be focused especially at the Accident and Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Internal Medicine Department, Paediatrics Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments.

    “Secondly, management should ensure the implementation of safety policies to protect her workers against physical attacks and kidnap within one week as promised by the chief medical director (CMD).

    “Thirdly, the immediate implementation of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) as our counterpart in other states; even as attached to this communique is the list of the eligible doctors and the financial implications.”

    The resident doctors said the 14-day ultimatum would terminate on December 1, adding that if the above demands were not met, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed.

  • OAUTH acting CMD absconds as director of Admin suspended

    OAUTH acting CMD absconds as director of Admin suspended

    The acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, (OAUTH), Dr. Owojuyigbe Olumuyiwa, was reported to have run away from his duty post.

    The acting CMD, it was revealed, absconded from his duty post in July 2023 over job racketeering where he was alleged to have employed over 1,973 staff as against the 450 vacancies waiver granted the hospital in 2022 by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

    Balogun Tajudeen, the acting Director of Admin has also been suspended for his involvement in the alleged issue, according to the Federal Ministry of Health in a press statement on Sunday by the Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe.

    According to Deworitshe, the Ministry was forced to wade into the issue that created unrest at the institution which led to the setting up of an investigative panel that exposed the absconding acting CMD and his accomplices.

    The Dr. Adereki Azeez of the Ministry’s Hospital Services Department-led investigative panel was set up in August 2023 to unravel the cause(s) of the unrest to address the issues.

    Olumuyiwa, who was appointed in acting capacity in March 2023 was found to have flagrantly abused the extant rules and regulations by the investigative panel.

    The statement reads in part: “The unrest is attributed to the alleged job racketeering/over employment saga in the establishment, under the former Chief Medical Director, (CMD) Dr. Owojuyigbe Olumuyiwa who employed over 1,973 staff as against the 450 vacancies waiver granted in the 2022 employment by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), which is flagrant abuse of extant rules and regulations.

    “The hospital conducted the exercise in 2 phases (230&220) after securing approval from the Federal Character Commission not to advertise the posts.

    “During the first phase, the hospital recruited 600 instead of 230, and a total of 1,823 staff members were recruited in the second phase instead of 220.

    Read Also: Ganduje: Mistake we used to nail Kwankwaso, Yusuf

    “At the end of the 2 phases, the hospital recruited 2,423 staff instead of 450. As such, 1,973 staff members were recruited more than the approved waiver.

    “In August 2023, an investigative panel was set up, led by Dr. Azeez, and the report of the panel states that the former Chief Medical Director, (CMD) Dr.Owojuyigbe Olumuyiwa, was embroiled in over-employment/job racketeering in the establishment, without provision in the personnel budget for over 1,973 workers illegally employed.

    “The report further noted that the 450 workers waiver granted to the OAUTH was for the recruitment of clinical staff, but only 55 clinical staff were employed, while others were non-clinical staff.

    “The outcome of the recruitment exercise also revealed that OAUTH has a staff strength of 7279 (out of which 3034 were clinical staff and 4245 were non-clinical staff, this translates to a nonclinical staff ratio of approximately 1:1 instead of the recommended 3:1, that is 3 clinical to 1 non-clinical).

    “It further stated that many recruited staff were without requisite academic and professional certificates as well as evidence of National Youth Service Corps Certificates.

    “Currently, Dr Owojuyigbe Olumuyiwa who was appointed in acting capacity in March 2023, has absconded from his duty post since July 2023, while his co-culprit Mr Balogun Tajudeen, who was the Acting Director Admin has been suspended for their involvement in the job racketeering saga.”

  • Seven years after escape from prison, NDLEA arrests wanted Abuja drug kingpin

    Seven years after escape from prison, NDLEA arrests wanted Abuja drug kingpin

    Seven years after his escape from prison custody following his conviction for drug dealing, a notorious major distributor of illicit substances within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ibrahim Momoh, popularly known as Ibrahim Bendel, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    Spokesperson of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, who revealed this in a statement on Sunday, November 19, said Momoh was arrested during a raid of his hideout at Filin Dabo, Dei-Dei area of the FCT.

    Babafemi said Momoh was first arrested on 27th November, 2014 with cannabis sativa weighing 385.1kgs, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on 22nd July 2015 but while serving his jail term at Kuje, he escaped from prison custody on 16th May, 2016.

    According to the statement, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on 20th November 2022 stormed the warehouse of the fleeing ex-convict, Momoh, and recovered 81 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,278kgs.

    Babafemi said the store was located within the suspect’s poultry farm in Dei-Dei area of the FCT.

    He said though Momoh was not around at the time, his warehouse manager, 55-year-old Ghanaian, Richard Forson Gordon was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail.

    According to the statement, the Agency thereafter declared Momoh wanted.

    The Agency’s Spokesman said the manhunt for the drug lord paid off on 5th November 2023 when operatives again raided his hideout at Filin Dabo, Dei-Dei area of Abuja where he was arrested with 56.9kgs of cannabis sativa and 42.7 grams of Diazepam.

    He said in another raid in the same area of the FCT on Monday 13th November, a suspect Yusufa Ibrahim, 27, was arrested with 75.3kgs of cannabis.

    He also said a massive operation in the forest of Efon Alaye in Efon local government area of Ekiti state on Saturday 18th November 2023 has led to the destruction of 52,500 kilograms of cannabis sativa covering over 21 hectares of farmland while a total of ninety two bags of same substance weighing 1,380 kilograms were recovered and another 250 bags weighing 3,000kgs stored in different huts on the farm were also burnt.

    He said: “No fewer than 15 suspects were arrested on the farm during the operation. They include: Okikiri Julius, 27; Ozoemene Friday Efajemu, 31; Tosin Ibrahim, 18; Israel Samuel, 25; Godwin David, 39; Friday Isaac, 19; Ayomide Igbekele, 18; Joshua Daniel, 27; Emmanuel Nwachukwu, 19; Emeka Onyeama, 31; Ani Augustine, 27; Obasi Ogbu, 32; Orsusue Peter, 23; Daniel Emmanuel, 18; and Yinusa James, 22.

    “In Ondo state, five persons including another wanted drug kingpin, Christopher Onyebuchi, 40, were arrested at New Bridge Compound, Idoani on Wednesday 15th November and a total of 1,945 kilograms of cannabis recovered from them. Others include: Olorunda Ojo, 52; Femi Tomoye, 22; Abdurahman Salahu, 29; and Momoh Jimoh, 31. Onyebuchi had earlier been arrested by NDLEA on 25th March 2022 with 89kgs of same substance but jumped bail after he was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Akure. Operatives in the state also on Sunday 12th Nov raided Upemen village in Owo where they recovered 1,834kgs of same substance with 273kgs also seized the previous day, Saturday 11th Nov at Ipesi Akoko.

    “While NDLEA officers in Sokoto recovered 290kgs of cannabis from a female suspect, Fatima Salmanu, 20, at Gangaren Tashar, Illela Sokoto in Sokoto North LGA on Thursday 16th Nov, their colleagues in Edo state evacuated 808kgs of the same psychoactive substance stored in a forest at Igueben on Monday 13th Nov.

    “Not less than 231kgs of cannabis were recovered and five suspects arrested in a joint raid between NDLEA operatives and soldiers in Kwande council area of Benue state on Monday 13th Nov. Those arrested include: Denen Terhemba, 25; Liambee Iorhuna, 36; Iorhuna Sughnen, 20; Aboh Sonter, 23; and Msendoo Tyokaa, 36.

    “While operatives in Ogun state on Tuesday 14th Nov arrested a suspect, Tony Jonah at Abule Iroko, with cannabis sativa weighing 67kgs, those in Lagos arrested Chike Agu at Ago Palace way, Isolo with 364.3kgs of Loud, a variant of cannabis.

    In Imo state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri -Onitsha expressway on Monday 13th Nov intercepted a truck marked XS 669KRD driven by one Orji Ifeanyi, 33. A search of the truck led to the seizure of 82,320 pills of opioids including Tramadol 225mg, and Diazepam as well as 32.5 litres of codeine cough syrup and 100 pieces of Molly weighing 49.62 grams.

    “The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign of the Agency continued in equal measure in schools, markets, worship places and others across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA advocacy lecture for Muslim faithful at Badagry Central Mosque, Badagry, Lagos; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Government Science College, Wase, Plateau state; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi, Anambra state; WADA advocacy lecture at St. Thomas Grammar School, Otan Aiyegbaju, Osun; WADA advocacy lecture for students and staff of Government Junior Arabic Secondary School, Maigatari, Jigawa state as well as students and staff of Mainland Technical College, Oron, Akwa Ibom state.

    “While commending the officers and men of the FCT, Ekiti, Ondo, Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, Ogun and Imo Commands for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to intensify the offensive action tempo against drug cartels as the yuletide season approaches while maintaining a balance with their drug demand reduction efforts.”

  • Bayelsa poll: Jonathan under fire over comment on mother’s relocation

    Bayelsa poll: Jonathan under fire over comment on mother’s relocation

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has come under fire over his comment that he would have relocated his mother elsewhere if Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had won the Bayelsa state November 11, governorship poll.

    Incidentally, the incumbent Governor Douye Diri and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), won the election.

    But in a show of anger and disbelief, the APC Deputy governorship candidate in the just-concluded poll in Bayelsa State, Great Joshua Maciver, took exception to the former President’s outburst and his partisan endorsement of Diri in spite of his statesmanship.

    Maciver in a statement on Sunday, said: “It is with a deep sense of concern and sadness that I, Great Joshua MacIver, deputy governorship candidate of the APC in the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Bayelsa State, address the endorsement of Governor Douye Diri by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

    Read Also: Seven years after escape from prison, NDLEA arrests wanted Abuja drug kingpin

    “In a manner that departs from the expected statesmanship, I find it disheartening that Jonathan, in a state where his role should be father like and non-partisan to all candidates, has chosen to endorse a specific individual, during a political season.

    “Furthermore, I express my reservations regarding the former President’s statement about the planned relocation of his mother to Abuja had Governor Douye Diri lost the governorship election. This public speech, openly demarketing Bayelsa State as unsafe and insecure, is a sentiment that should not be voiced by someone of his stature.

    “Sadly, Jonathan’s recent action has made him lose the respect of all true followers of the former Minister of State Petroleum Resources and APC governorship candidate in the last election, Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva.”

    He advised Jonathan as a statesman to be wary and conscious of his statement at all times and to avoid a situation whereby people would begin to question his statesmanship and integrity as a former leader and father of all, irrespective of political leanings.

  • Seven years after escape from prison, NDLEA arrests wanted Abuja drug kingpin

    Seven years after escape from prison, NDLEA arrests wanted Abuja drug kingpin

    Seven years after his escape from prison custody following his conviction for drug dealing, a notorious major distributor of illicit substances within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ibrahim Momoh, popularly known as Ibrahim Bendel, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

    Spokesperson of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, who revealed this in a statement on Sunday, November 19, said Momoh was arrested during a raid of his hideout at Filin Dabo, Dei-Dei area of the FCT.

    Babafemi said Momoh was first arrested on 27th November, 2014 with cannabis sativa weighing 385.1kgs, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on 22nd July 2015 but while serving his jail term at Kuje, he escaped from prison custody on 16th May, 2016.

    According to the statement, following credible intelligence, NDLEA operatives on 20th November 2022 stormed the warehouse of the fleeing ex-convict, Momoh, and recovered 81 jumbo bags of cannabis weighing 1,278kgs.

    Babafemi said the store was located within the suspect’s poultry farm in Dei-Dei area of the FCT.

    He said though Momoh was not around at the time, his warehouse manager, 55-year-old Ghanaian, Richard Forson Gordon was arrested, prosecuted and sentenced to two years in jail.

    According to the statement, the Agency thereafter declared Momoh wanted.

    The Agency’s Spokesman said the manhunt for the drug lord paid off on 5th November 2023 when operatives again raided his hideout at Filin Dabo, Dei-Dei area of Abuja where he was arrested with 56.9kgs of cannabis sativa and 42.7 grams of Diazepam.

    He said in another raid in the same area of the FCT on Monday 13th November, a suspect Yusufa Ibrahim, 27, was arrested with 75.3kgs of cannabis.

    He also said a massive operation in the forest of Efon Alaye in Efon local government area of Ekiti state on Saturday 18th November 2023 has led to the destruction of 52,500 kilograms of cannabis sativa covering over 21 hectares of farmland while a total of ninety two bags of same substance weighing 1,380 kilograms were recovered and another 250 bags weighing 3,000kgs stored in different huts on the farm were also burnt.

    He said: “No fewer than 15 suspects were arrested on the farm during the operation. They include: Okikiri Julius, 27; Ozoemene Friday Efajemu, 31; Tosin Ibrahim, 18; Israel Samuel, 25; Godwin David, 39; Friday Isaac, 19; Ayomide Igbekele, 18; Joshua Daniel, 27; Emmanuel Nwachukwu, 19; Emeka Onyeama, 31; Ani Augustine, 27; Obasi Ogbu, 32; Orsusue Peter, 23; Daniel Emmanuel, 18; and Yinusa James, 22.

    Read Also: Why I don’t want war in Akwa Ibom, by Akpabio

    “In Ondo state, five persons including another wanted drug kingpin, Christopher Onyebuchi, 40, were arrested at New Bridge Compound, Idoani on Wednesday 15th November and a total of 1,945 kilograms of cannabis recovered from them. Others include: Olorunda Ojo, 52; Femi Tomoye, 22; Abdurahman Salahu, 29; and Momoh Jimoh, 31. Onyebuchi had earlier been arrested by NDLEA on 25th March 2022 with 89kgs of same substance but jumped bail after he was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Akure. Operatives in the state also on Sunday 12th Nov raided Upemen village in Owo where they recovered 1,834kgs of same substance with 273kgs also seized the previous day, Saturday 11th Nov at Ipesi Akoko.

    “While NDLEA officers in Sokoto recovered 290kgs of cannabis from a female suspect, Fatima Salmanu, 20, at Gangaren Tashar, Illela Sokoto in Sokoto North LGA on Thursday 16th Nov, their colleagues in Edo state evacuated 808kgs of the same psychoactive substance stored in a forest at Igueben on Monday 13th Nov.

    “Not less than 231kgs of cannabis were recovered and five suspects arrested in a joint raid between NDLEA operatives and soldiers in Kwande council area of Benue state on Monday 13th Nov. Those arrested include: Denen Terhemba, 25; Liambee Iorhuna, 36; Iorhuna Sughnen, 20; Aboh Sonter, 23; and Msendoo Tyokaa, 36.

    “While operatives in Ogun state on Tuesday 14th Nov arrested a suspect, Tony Jonah at Abule Iroko, with cannabis sativa weighing 67kgs, those in Lagos arrested Chike Agu at Ago Palace way, Isolo with 364.3kgs of Loud, a variant of cannabis.

    In Imo state, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Owerri -Onitsha expressway on Monday 13th Nov intercepted a truck marked XS 669KRD driven by one Orji Ifeanyi, 33. A search of the truck led to the seizure of 82,320 pills of opioids including Tramadol 225mg, and Diazepam as well as 32.5 litres of codeine cough syrup and 100 pieces of Molly weighing 49.62 grams.

    “The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign of the Agency continued in equal measure in schools, markets, worship places and others across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA advocacy lecture for Muslim faithful at Badagry Central Mosque, Badagry, Lagos; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Government Science College, Wase, Plateau state; WADA sensitisation lecture for students of Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi, Anambra state; WADA advocacy lecture at St. Thomas Grammar School, Otan Aiyegbaju, Osun; WADA advocacy lecture for students and staff of Government Junior Arabic Secondary School, Maigatari, Jigawa state as well as students and staff of Mainland Technical College, Oron, Akwa Ibom state.

    “While commending the officers and men of the FCT, Ekiti, Ondo, Sokoto, Lagos, Edo, Benue, Ogun and Imo Commands for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to intensify the offensive action tempo against drug cartels as the yuletide season approaches while maintaining a balance with their drug demand reduction efforts.”

  • Real estate expert Oyedemi bags Professorship award

    Real estate expert Oyedemi bags Professorship award

    In a dazzling display of recognition and admiration, the celebrated International Entrepreneurship University, USA has bestowed the prestigious title of Professorship in Strategic Business Management on Dr. Julius Olaniyi Oyedemi.

    The grand event, held at the NECA Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, marked a crowning achievement in the illustrious career of the Executive Director (Sales and Marketing) of PWAN Group.

    This accolade serves as the latest jewel in the crown of Dr. Oyedemi’s remarkable journey, adding to his extensive collection of laurels as a serial award-winning real estate guru.

    The African Coordinator of the University, Dr. Josephine Egbuta, lauded Oyedemi as a distinguished personality deserving of acknowledgment for his outstanding contributions to academic excellence, business administration, and humanitarian services.

    Egbuta highlighted the International Entrepreneurship University’s recognition of Oyedemi’s impactful contributions to academia, business, and humanity, stating, “The conferment of Professorship is in view of your achievements and contributions to academic excellence and development.”

    This recent honour follows Oyedemi’s immortalisation in the Engineering department of Umar Ukpai Polytechnic, Abia State, where he generously awarded scholarships, settled student debts, provided feeding allowances, and even spearheaded a new course on wealth creation and financial literacy.

    Read Also: APC Elders wades into Aiyedatiwa, Akeredolu fued

    Adding to his string of accolades, Dr. Oyedemi was also honoured with the prestigious ‘Next Bull Award’ for 25 Top CEOs by BusinessDay Media Limited. The award ceremony, held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, celebrated Oyedemi as a dynamic and accomplished leader who has consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence in the real estate industry.

    During the event, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, the Publisher of BusinessDay, commended Oyedemi’s hard work, tenacity and unwavering commitment to excellence, describing him as a figure who has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s business landscape.

    In yet another momentous occasion, Professor Oyedemi was crowned the ‘Real Estate Humanitarian Personality of the Year 2023’ at the Nigeria Philanthropy Awards.

    The ceremony, hosted by Unabashed Media LTD at the Nigerian National Merit Award House in Maitama, Abuja, aimed to pay tribute to exceptional philanthropists and leaders dedicated to positive change and corporate social responsibility.

    Ambassador Emmanuel Oko, Principal Partner of NPA, emphasized the noble purpose of the Nigeria Philanthropy Award, which is to celebrate individuals who have selflessly dedicated themselves to the development of society’s most vulnerable.

     Oyedemi’s journey, marked by recognition, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to excellence, continue to inspire and shape the landscape of academia, business, and humanitarian efforts in Nigeria.

  • Why I don’t want war in Akwa Ibom, by Akpabio

    Why I don’t want war in Akwa Ibom, by Akpabio

    President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio, at the weekend, said he is not interested in any kind of war in his home state, Akwa Ibom, but is rather poised to develop the state.

    He insisted that he would continue to work for the peace and development of Akwa Ibom State, across party lines.

    Akpabio made the promise while speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, at Our Lady of Mercy Chaplaincy, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

    A statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate  President, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio, who is a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, as saying “as an elderstatesman, my major concern now is to work for the peace and unity of the state and by extension Nigeria.

    “I am not interested in any kind of war. I am more interested in bringing development to the state. If there should be any competition amongst us, let it be in the overall interest of our people, like competing for development and life  changing projects for our people.

    “If the governor is bringing a project to street or road A, as the President of the Senate, I should be seen working on bringing water or electricity to street or road B. That is the kind of competition I want to see and not unnecessary bickering that brings no good to our people,” he noted.

    Speaking further, Akpabio lauded Hon. Ekpo for remembering to thank God after his nomination and swearing-in as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the Federal Executive Council.

    He noted that “we are who and what we are today because God made it possible for it to be so. It is, therefore, imperative that we give thanks always. I thank you for not forgetting the God who made it possible for you to be who you are today.

    “Let me also use this opportunity to once again,  thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting an Akwa Ibom son to occupy the number 3 position in the country. It has never happened since the creation of our dear state.”

    Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, called on Akwa Ibom people to unite behind any indigene of the state in any position of authority for the benefit of the state.

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    He also stated his readiness and that of his government to put the state and its people first without any political or religious considerations.

    Earlier in his speech, Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon Ekpo, disclosed that his sudden introduction to President Bola Tinubu by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as the ministerial nominee from the state looked like a joke to him.

    According to him, “when I was formally introduced to President Tinubu by my leader and President of the Senate for this ministerial appointment, it looked like a joke to me. Subsequently my name was announced as a nominee and when I appeared  before the Senate, I was told to take a bow. Today, I am a Minister of the Federal Republic.”

    Speaking further, Ekpo said he was in God’s presence to return all thanks to God for using President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio to make his appointment possible.

    “I am here today with my family to return thanks to God Almighty for making today possible. I also thank our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for finding me worthy of this appointment.

    Ekpo pledged his readiness to do his best for the state, its citizens and Nigeria as a whole, to ensure that Nigeria reaps from its enormous gas resources for the country’s development.