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  • VC’s 2 years: LASU has been transformed, staff, students say

    VC’s 2 years: LASU has been transformed, staff, students say

    Members of staff and students of the Lagos State University ( LASU ) said on Thursday that the institution had experienced positive changes in the first two years of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, in office.

    Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State appointed Fagbohun as eighth substantive Vice-Chancellor of LASU on January 6, 2016 and inaugurated him on January 11, 2016.

    Fagbohun, a professor of Environmental Law, was appointed following Ambode’s approval of five-year single-term tenure for all helmsmen of the state-owned tertiary institutions.

    Fagbohun’s appointment also followed the expiration of the tenure of Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, the seventh substantive Vice-Chancellor of the institution on October 31, 2015, after which Prof. Fidelis Njokanma, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) held office as Acting Vice-Chancellor.

    Mr Saheed Oseni, Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU Chapter, told NAN that several segments of the institution had to a large extent, experienced transformation within the last two years.

    Oseni said although there were ups and downs which were humanly inevitable, the incumbent vice-chancellor’s administration was quite commendable .

    He, however, urged Fagbohun not to rest on his oars, but to initiate policies that would bring more smiles to the workers’ faces because the end justifies the means .

    “To a large extent, things have been transformed in LASU within the last two years; but the vice-chancellor must endeavour to do more because it is not the beginning that matters, but the end.

    “He must also ensure that all pending contentious issues are resolved amicably, while the rule of law must be upheld to the letter while making sure that no party within the system is unjustly treated, ” he said.

    Mr Samuel Olalere, President of LASU Students Union (LASUSU) said the university was not what it used to be, because it had seen a lot of progress.

    Olalere said the students community was pleased with the current administration and its system because the atmosphere in the campus had been relatively serene.

    “This is my fourth year in LASU and I would not have been involved in students unionism if it was the LASU of then.

    “But because things have really changed under Prof. Fagbohun, and we are enjoying peace, that is why I am now a student union leader,” he said.

    Read also: LASU undergoing internal cleansing – Spokesman

    Olalere, however, urged Fagbohun to continue to maintain the peace enjoyed within the university community and to ensure that the LASU brand was incomparable globally.

    Mr Adekoya Martins, the University Spokesman, said that LASU had witnessed tremendous improvement in all facets within the last two years, compared to its 35 years of existence.

    Martins said that Fagbohun’s achievements so far hinged on the Lagos State Government’s support and funding, to ensure that all roads in the institution are in good shape and to ensure the community was well lit.

    “Other infrastructure being put in place, aside beautifying the entire university environment, include installation of a new generator at the Faculty of Arts, renovation of some classrooms and the university’s Iba road entrance,” he said.

    According to him, the restoration of peace in the university has ensured uninterrupted academic calendar within the period.

    “Staff, within the two years administration, got their outstanding and due promotion; and no staff duly qualified was denied promotion, while the end of the year package was improved upon,” he said.

    Martins said the Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI) established to replace the LASU External system which was recently phased out was recently approved by National Universities Commission.

    NAN

  • Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Aare Ona Kakanfo to promote Yoruba unity, cultural values- Chairman

    Chief Ayo Ladigbolu, the Chairman, Aare Ona Kakanfo Installation Central Planning Committee says the Aare Ona Kakanfo is expected to promote Yoruba unity and cultural values.

    He made this known in Ibadan on Thursday at a news briefing to herald the installation of Chief Gani Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi had on October 15, 2017 proclaimed Adams as the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land.

    He said the title was also expected to protect the Yoruba nation from incursion and to guide its value from erosion or extinction.

    “Aare Ona Kakanfo today must believe in the cause of the Yoruba and must be loyal to the Alaafin as well as all Yoruba Obas.

    “The position has changed from that of a warrior to one of leadership since the reign of the late Premier of Western region, Ladoke Akintola.

    “The Aare Ona Kakanfo position is a functional title and not ceremonial. The occupant is expected to protect Yoruba nation from incursion and values from erosion or extinction,’’ he said.

    He described as a fallacy, the mystical believe by many that occupants of the position do not live long and die mysteriously.

    Ladigbolu said the position was sought by many prominent Yoruba sons but Alaafin, reserved the power to appoint the occupant picked Adams.

    Read also: Between Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland and Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland

    “The choice of Adams was acceptable to the world. The position is not for the highest bidder.

    “It is one that comes with sound might and spiritual profundity reserved only for a person of substance who has fought for the interest of Yoruba race,’’ he said.

    He said the title was established in the 16th century by the then Alaafin Ajagbo, who appointed his war friend to direct the standing Oyo Army.

    Ladigbolu said Adams would be secluded on Friday morning after which he would return to the Alaafin’s palace at  4p.m. to undergo three stages of induction.

    Mr Bimbo Kolade, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters said the installation was an opportunity to celebrate the culture and values of Yoruba race.

    Kolade, who is the chairman of the State Installation Committee, described the title as a unified one across the Yoruba race.

    Prince Femi Davies, representative of Aare Ona Kakanfo said that efforts were on top gear to host a befitting installation ceremony starting from Friday.

    Davies said there would be cultural display at the Atiba Hall on Friday and a musical jamboree at Methodist Primary School, Oyo town.

    Adams will on Saturday become the new Aare Ona Kakanfo, 20 years after the demise of the last occupant, late Chief MKO Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998.

    Adams, who is presently in seclusion, will be installed on Saturday in the ancient town of Oyo where no fewer than 10,000 dignitaries across the globe are expected.

    The conference will be attended by High Chief Akinade Yusuf, Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Agbaakin of Oyo and High Chief Rasheed Adewale, Alapini of Oyo.

    Others are Mr Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Ismaila Oluranmisi, Ondo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism and Mr Bisi Odewunmi, Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters from Osun State.

    NAN

  • 2019 polls: No rift with Amosun, says Deputy Speaker

    2019 polls: No rift with Amosun, says Deputy Speaker

    The purported rift between Ogun lawmakers and Gov. Ibikunle Amosun ahead of the 2019 polls should be disregarded, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, said on Thursday.

    “The report is untrue, it is total lies; we are in a political `perilous’ times, so you should expect a lot of things,” he said while reacting to a social media report which alleged that the governor and the lawmakers are now at loggerheads after a botched meeting of APC lawmakers called by Amosun on Monday.

    The social media was awash with reports that the meeting which was also attended by National Assembly members was “unsuccessful” as the attendees and the governor disagreed over second term tickets in 2019.

    Read also: 2018: Amosun assures of accelerated development in Ogun

    Oluomo, who featured on an interview forum of the Correspondents Chapel of Ogun Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the face-off is a rumour and a lie.

    He said the relationship between the governor and the lawmakers elected on the platform of APC was “cordial”.

    “The governor also enjoys cordial relationship with lawmakers representing the state at the National Assembly.

    “The governor has a policy at the beginning of every year to call all members of the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly for an interaction on his programmes.

    “The legislators had a `fruitful’ meeting with the governor.

    “So, the same thing happened on Monday and in fact, only the principal officers of the State House of Assembly were at the meeting because the House is on recess,’’ the deputy speaker said.

    NAN

  • UNHCR registers 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in 2 states

    UNHCR registers 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in 2 states

    The UN High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) has registered 12,100 Cameroonian refugees in Benue and Cross River.

    Antonio Canhandula, UNHCR Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, gave the figure during a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said 4,000 of the Cameroonians were registered in Benue while 8,100 others were registered in Cross River.

    According to the UN official, there are Cameroonian refugees in some other parts of the country, but they are more in Benue and Cross River, which need urgent intervention by government and humanitarian partners.

    “What are the figures today? When talking about figures, our organisation, UNHCR, talks about figures that have been verified, and the people who have been registered.

    “So far in Cross River State, we have registered 8,100 refugees; certainly, they are more and that is why the team is still on ground. So, we can’t state how many more.

    “But what we can state is that they are still coming, and they are coming daily. In Benue, we have a total of 4,000 refugees; 2,310 in Abande and 1,690 in Abasse; these are figures that we can vouch for.”

    Read also: Crisis as Cameroonian refugees swell Cross River communities

    He further noted that the 40,000 figure that was earlier stated was for contingency plan and not the actual figure of registered Cameroonian refugees in the country.

    “We have worked with our partners since this crisis started; we have prepared a contingency plan and the contingency plan has a figure.

    “That figure in the plan should not be used as the figure of refugees that are in the country already. With the contingency plan, it means that we are preparing the resources.

    “In case we reach that number, the contingency figure is 40,000 so far, which can be reversed, ” the UNHCR representative said.

    According to him, the UN body is trying to accelerate the registration process, to get the actual figures of Cameroonian in those states.

    Sadiya Farouq, the Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displayed Persons (NCFRMI) said on the occasion that Federal Government had started giving out relief materials to refugees in the affected states.

    She said that government was working with other partners to address the situation, by putting them in camps and ensuring that those camps were secured.

    Farouq, however, said that discussion was ongoing with the Cameroonian government to ensure that the political crisis being faced at the moment was resolved.

    Mr Tamuno Jaja, the Deputy Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service noted that not all the Cameroonians came through the borders.

    He said that some of them came into the country through community close to them, stating that the most affected states were Taraba, Benue, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.

    Jaja said that all efforts were geared toward resuscitating them in the interim, noting that the peace of Cameroon is the peace of Nigeria.

    NAN

  • NAPTIP arrests 2 suspected returnee traffickers

    NAPTIP arrests 2 suspected returnee traffickers

    The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ), says it has arrested two suspected traffickers among Nigerian returnees repatriated from Libya.

    The Director General of NAPTIP, Ms Julie Okah-Donli disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday.

    Okah-Donli said two of the suspects were currently under investigation as one of the suspected traffickers; a female, was transferred to NAPTIP’s Lagos Zonal command for questioning.

    She stated that the agency had set machineries in motion to fish out those involved in the trafficking or smuggling of Nigerians and would be prosecuted accordingly.

    According to her, nine pregnant women and five babies were among 972 returnees that have been repatriated.

    The director general disclosed that among the returnees, Edo has the highest of 533 returnees, Delta with 128 while Yobe has 28.

    Others include Ogun and Imo states which have 25 each, Ondo 17 and Oyo state has 15.

    Read also: NAPTIP ‘convicts’ seven traffickers

    She added that 27 states have so far had their indigenes returned, while nine states and Federal Capital Territory(FCT) were yet to record any returnees.

    She said those states that had no returnees were Borno, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Niger.

    Okah-Donli noted that about 40 personnel of her agency had been deployed to provide various services to the returnees at the Port Harcourt’s camp.

    She said those officials include counsellors, caregivers, investigators and public enlightenment officers.

    The director general commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his concern and the bold step in the evacuation of the trapped Nigerians in Libya.

    She said “this will go into history as the biggest evacuation of Nigerians ever by a Nigerian Government.

    “It shows the great interest of the President in the protection of the lives of Nigerian citizens no matter where they are across the globe and irrespective of their immigration status”.

    NAN

  • Bauchi traditional ruler recovers two abandoned children

    Bauchi traditional ruler recovers two abandoned children

    Alhaji Nadada Ahmadu, the Ward Head of Gwallaga in Bauchi metropolis, has recovered two teenagers from Jigawa allegedly abandoned by their parents to attend an Islamic school in the state.

    Ahmadu, who is also a retired army officer, said the children; Nura Shehu, 6, and Saude Suleiman, 5; were found by residents of the town along Maiduguri byepass in Bauchi metropolis at 1 a.m sleeping under a culvert.

    According to him, the children were discovered to have been dumped by the parents in Bauchi under the pretext of giving them eastern education.

    “They were brought to my house by two Samaritans who said that in spite of the chilled harmattan weather the boys were found sleeping in the open air in the night.

    “When I interrogated the boys, they said that they were trying to escape and to trace their way to their parents who resides in Birnin Kudu town in Jigawa state,” Ahmadu said.

    Read also: Bauchi to distribute kits worth N1.5bn to women

    He said he admitted them into his house and fed them, and later took them to the District Head of Bauchi, Alhaji Nura Jumba, who directed him to take the boys to the State Social Welfare Office for re-unification with their parents.

    Ahmadu, who could not hid his feeling, said it was disheartening to note that in spite of availability of both conventional and orthodox schools nowadays, some parents could still allow their vulnerable children who could not even bath themselves to travel long distances in search of knowledge.

    “It is unfortunate for parents to travel over 400 kilometres to dump their children under the pretence of educating them and I want to call on parents to enrol their children in the nearest schools to them so that they could carter for them.

    “This is a sign of wickedness on the part of the parents because these children can fall into the hands of undesirable elements and be kidnapped or used for rituals,’’ the traditional ruler said.

    Nura Shehu, one of the boys, who looked haggard and apprehensive, while speaking to journalists, said that they were running away because their Arabic teacher usually flogs them.

    Nura, who showed scars of horse whips on his back, said: “I ran away from my school because my teacher is always flogging me even when

    I am reciting the Qur’an; that is why I have decided to return to my parents in Birnin Kudu.”

    The victim, who could neither identify the name of his Arabic teacher nor the school he was studying in Bauchi, said: “I was in primary two in Birnin Kudu before my father brought me to Bauchi.”

    NAN

  • 2019 elections: Group cautions against violence, urges youths’ involvement

    2019 elections: Group cautions against violence, urges youths’ involvement

    A group, known as Yoruba Council of Youths Worldwide ( YCYW ), has urged the youths to get involved in leadership process and shun violence as the 2019 general elections approach.

    Mr Aremo Hassan, the President of the group, made the call on Thursday in Lagos, following the release of the 2019 election time table by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ).

    According to the time table, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on February 16, 2019 while the Governorship and State Assembly elections will be conducted on March 2, 2019.

    “The Nigerian people, especially those of the voting age should go and register at the nearest INEC office to them and vie for leadership positions.

    “There is need for us to conduct ourselves rightly ahead, during and after the process by shunning evil acts of electoral malpractices and violence.

    Read also: INEC releases timetable for 2019 general elections

    “We need to take this rear advantage to scout for good leaders whose interest is centred first on the people; we should ensure to vote wisely.

    “We are all stakeholders when it comes to election rituals, for this is another golden opportunity to elect excellent performance, qualitative leadership and good governance.

    “We need to alternate where we have bad records by voting out those that failed to deliver real dividends of democracy to the people,’’ he said.

    Hassan, a legal practitioner, commended the timely release of the 2019 electionstime table, saying there was need to create level playing ground for all candidates and political parties.

    “It is imperative to advise the politicians to take due advantage of the time table to prepare themselves and shelve any acts of criminality and monetisation of the process.

    “All parties need to align their programs in conformity with INEC’s set guidelines and laws, by conducting their conventions and party primaries accordingly,’’ he added.

    The youth leader said that the people remained the legitimate key drivers of elections globally, adding that Nigeria was no exception.

    Hassan called on the Federal and State Governments to provide INEC with enabling support in terms of funding, security and infrastructure to ensure a hitch-free exercise.

    According to him, the support should be without any biased motives, duress, undue influence and interference that could negatively affect the overall success of the electoral process.

    NAN

  • NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    NBA decries alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers in Ebonyi

    The Nigerian Bar Association ( NBA ), Abakaliki branch, has condemned alleged incessant extortion of motorists by soldiers along major roads in Ebonyi.

    The Chairman of the association, Mr Victor Anyanwu,  made the condemnation in an interview in Abakaliki on Thursday.

    Anyanwu said the anomaly was extensively discussed and condemned by the association at the end of its meeting in the state.

    He alleged that soldiers while perpetrating the act, caused traffic congestion along the roads which inconvenienced motorists and put them at risk.

    “They do not care who is watching them and this act which hitherto, was associated with a particular security outfit, has become an eyesore.

    Read also: Buratai orders investigation into alleged extortion by soldiers

    “We call on relevant army authorities in the country to check this shameful practice for the preservation of its integrity,” he said.

    He said the act was mostly being perpetrated along the Abakaliki—Enugu and Afikpo—Okigwe federal highways.

    “We are, however, making concerted efforts to consult the army authorities on the issue to ensure that it is permanently curbed,” the chairman said.

    Col. Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Public Relations at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, however told NAN that the army did not condone acts such as extortion.

    “We do not encourage indiscipline or any form of professional misconduct as any soldier seen extorting money from motorists on the road should be reported.

    “Appropriate sanctions will be applied because such act is against our Code of Conduct and won’t be tolerated when established,” Musa said.

    He noted that the army had embarked on routine patrols and supervision to ensure adequate compliance with the rules of engagement and Code of Conduct.

    NAN

  • INEC registers 68, 079 voters in Kwara; creates 10 additional centers

    INEC registers 68, 079 voters in Kwara; creates 10 additional centers

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) says it has registered 68, 079 voters in Kwara since the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration ( CVR ).

    Mr Paul Atser, INEC Administrative Secretary made this known on Thursday in Ilorin while briefing stakeholders on the exercise.

    He said that the commission had created 10 additional mobile registration centres in the state to bring the exercise closer to the people.

    The continuous registration began in April 2017 in all the 36 states of the federation including Abuja.

    Atser however frowned at the low pace of collection of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) since the commencement of the registration exercise in April.

    Read also: Over 657,000 PVCs unclaimed in Oyo State – INEC

    “It was sad to note that collection of permanent voter card was at its lowest ebb since April, 2017 to date.

     “Only 3, 069 PVCs have so far been collected out of the total 242, 069 unclaimed cards after 2015 elections.

     “As we speak, 239, 000 Permanent Voter Cards yet to be unclaimed,” Atser said.

    The Administrative Secretary therefore called on the people that had registered as voters to come for the collection of their voter cards.

    He said the new registration centres were located in Ilapa in Asa Local Government, Ilesha in Baruten, Tsonga in Edu, Igbaja in Ifelodun and Iponrin in Ilorin East.

    Other centres are Oro II in Irepodun, Kemanji in Kaiama, Shao in Moro, Igbana in Oke-Ero and Kpada in Patigi.

    Atser also appealed to eligible voters who had not register for their permanent voter card to do so to enable them exercise their franchise during the coming elections.

    NAN

  • A’Ibom promises 8 returnees from Libya adequate care 

    A’Ibom promises 8 returnees from Libya adequate care 

    The Akwa Ibom State Government on Thursday promised to cater for the welfare of the eight returnees from Libya into the state.

    The state Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, gave the promise when he received the returnees who were rescued from Libya by the Federal Government.

    The returnees, who arrived the country through Port Harcourt International Airport on Monday, wore forlorn faces.

    They said they were very happy to return to their state of origin after months of incarceration in Libya.

    Ekpo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary; Deputy Governor’s office, Mr Nkopuruk Ekaiko, commended the Federal Government for coming to the rescue of the returnees.

    The deputy governor charged them to learn from the lessons of their travel and reintegrate themselves into the society, advising that there is no place like home.

    “I believe you have learnt your lessons through your travel to seek greener pastures where they do not exist.

    “Thank God for your safety, we have received you back into the state. Government will take charge and cater for your welfare.

    “Be of good conduct to benefit from state government’s welfare package,” Ekpo said.
    Speaking to the

    One of the returnees , Victoria Sampson, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that she traveled to Libya in 2016 when she lost her husband.

    Sampson , a mother of three children, said after the death of her husband, a woman took her to Libya on condition that she would work to offset the transport expenses incurred on her.

    Read also: Libya returnees reject N1,000 transport allowance

    “I work for 10 months in Libya and paid the madam her N600,000. Unfortunately, when I started to work for myself I was arrested and thrown into prison where I was living on a meal of Macaroni once daily.

    “I was arrested and put in an underground prison for nine months. The Libyans tortured us every day while in prison.

    “One of us from this state by the name Eno died in prison as a result of the torture,” Sampson said.

    Another returnee, Isonguyoh Patrick, a 2012 Banking and Finance graduate from one of the Nigerian universities said he traveled to seek job in Europe.

    He said he was trapped in Libya and imprisoned for four months.

    “After my graduation from the university in 2012, I tried to look for job in the country, but it was not forthcoming.

    “My friend facilitated by travelling to Europe in search of the greener pastures but I could not get to Europe before I was arrested and thrown into prison for four months.

    “Travelling to Europe by land is the worst venture anyone can undertake,” Patrick said.

    He appealed to governments to make policies and programmes that would create jobs for the teeming youths to discourage illegal traveling.

    The eight returnees were made up of five males and three females.

    NAN