News
Aiyedatiwa Sworn – In New HOS, 6 Commissioners, 8 Special Advisers, Assign Portfolios
The Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn-in new Head of Service, 6 Commissioners and 8 Special Advisers on Friday as new members of the State Executive Council at the International Culture and Events Centre popularly known as The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State Capital along with their different portfolios.
Addressing the new Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; the 6 Commissioners whose names are Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, in charge of the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning; Engr Razaq Obe for the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources; Mrs. Omowumi Isaac for the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN in charge of the Ministry of Justice & Attorney General’s office; Akogun Akinwumi Sowore as Commissioner to overseer the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni in charge of the Ministry of Environment in Ondo State, the Governor charged the new cabinet members to see their appointment as a call to service, to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo State.
The Governor also announced the portfolios for the Special Advisers as follows: Honourable Olugbenga Omole in charge of Information; Professor Simidele Odimayo for Health; Dr. Olawunmi Egbayelo-Ilawole for Education; Mrs. Olamide Falana for Gender; Abduganiyu Muhammed as the Special Duties and Strategy; Mr. Summy Smart Francis for Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Mr. Alabi Johnson for Energy and Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade to supervise Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
Speaking further, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the new Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, urging him to provide exemplary leadership and prioritize the interests of civil servants in the state.
He urged all officials to draw upon their diverse experiences to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals of transparency and accountability.
The governor said; “You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office. It is equally important that you see yourselves as servant-leaders and not lords in your respective MDAs. Kindly cooperate with your Accounting Officers. You are expected to work in partnership with them and ensure you are guided by relevant rules and regulations in the performance of your duties and responsibilities.
“As Commissioners and Special Advisers, you are coming on board at a very critical time. It, therefore, behoves you to come up with creative ideas and policies geared towards alleviating the sufferings of our people. We cannot afford to fail in this regard.
“This time requires us as political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle. Let me use this medium to plead with our people not to mount undue pressure on these new appointees. We should let them perform their duties without let or hindrance or distraction.”
The Governor, while acknowledging the economic strain caused by high food prices which has led to high cost of living, said measures are being taken which include releasing grains from reserves and inputs for farmers.
“As part of these measures, Mr. President has directed the immediate release of about 102,000 metric tonnes of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. It is our expectation that the positive effects of this decision will be felt across the country within the shortest time possible.
“On our own part as State Government, we have put in place the construction of rural access roads to farms across the three senatorial district of the State. You will recall that we recently flagged off the construction of the Oda Cocoa Board – Langbodo Rural Road in Ondo Central Senatorial District. Several of such roads would be constructed across the State in due course,” he added.
The governor also announced his approval of N550million for the payment of the 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for eligible public secondary school candidates in the state, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to education.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all political stakeholders to maintain peace and civility during the upcoming gubernatorial primaries and election in November. He emphasized the importance of avoiding violence, maintaining good conduct, and keeping supporters in check.
Earlier in his remarks, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure will not tolerate lateness, laxity to work and would encourage promotion based on merit.
Speaking on behalf of other commissioners and Special Advisers, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to make meaningful contributions to governance in the state.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, APC chairman in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party leaders.
The management of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, Edo State, has denied allegations that it withheld funds disbursed under the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) scheme.
The denial follows reports by an online news platform alleging that some graduates of the institution accused the university of failing to release student loan funds approved in their names.
In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university insisted that there was “no scandal of any kind” in its handling of the student loan programme.
“The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, wishes to categorically state that there is no scandal of any kind in our dealings with NELFUND and the benefitting students of our university,” the statement said.
The university explained that it first participated in the NELFUND loan programme during the 2024/2025 academic session, noting that the timing of the loan application process created complications for some students who were completing the previous academic year.
According to the management, when the loan application portal opened, the university was still concluding the 2023/2024 academic session.
“As at the time the application portal opened for the 2024/2025 loan scheme, our university was concluding the 2023/2024 academic session. Some final-year students applied for the loan, but by the time of disbursement, they had already graduated,” the statement explained.
The institution said the development created uncertainty regarding the eligibility of the affected applicants, prompting the university to seek clarification from the management of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“Due to this conflict, we sought clarification from NELFUND, and they indicated that the affected individuals were not eligible since they were no longer students at the time of disbursement,” the statement added.
AAU further maintained that it had complied with all the guidelines and procedures provided by the loan fund and assured that discussions with the agency were ongoing to resolve the issue.
“We complied with NELFUND’s guidelines. Engagement on this matter remains ongoing, and affected graduates will be kept informed of updates through established channels,” the university stated.
The clarification comes amid allegations by 13 graduates of the institution who claimed that the university withheld loan funds disbursed in their names under the NELFUND scheme.
According to the affected graduates, they applied for the loan during their final year but were unable to access the funds before their final examinations, forcing them to rely on personal savings, family assistance and private loans to pay their tuition fees.
They alleged that months after graduating, they discovered that the loan had already been disbursed to the university, despite the fact that they had independently settled their school fees.
The graduates also expressed concern that the loan still appears under their names on the NELFUND portal, raising fears that they may be required to repay funds they never personally received.
They have therefore called on the university to provide a formal explanation, refund the loan amounts, and clarify how repayment obligations would be handled if the funds are not returned.
The controversy has sparked renewed debate about the implementation of the Federal Government’s student loan scheme and the need for clear administrative processes to prevent disputes between institutions and beneficiaries.
The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a landmark law aimed at harmonizing taxes and levies across the state, a move intended to eliminate illegal roadblocks and unauthorized collections that have long burdened residents.
The bill, titled “Enugu State Harmonises Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Law 2026,” underwent thorough readings and deliberations, including review by a committee of the whole house, before being passed into law.
Members of the Assembly emphasized that the legislation would curb multiple taxation, promote transparency, and ensure proper verification of taxes through the Enugu State Board of Internal Revenue.
Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, representing Nkanu West State Constituency, highlighted the persistent menace of illegal roadblocks, particularly along federal roads, and urged residents to verify taxes directly with the Board of Internal Revenue to avoid undue payments.
“With this bill, we will put a stop to these roadblocks so that every collection of any state tax will be straight,” Aniagu said, stressing the importance of proper public awareness.
Hon. Malachy Onyechi of Nsukka West praised the law for fostering transparency and good governance, noting that harmonized taxes would strengthen government revenue and fund infrastructural development. He emphasized that educating citizens on tax structures is key to ensuring compliance and understanding of government operations.
Hon. Okey Mbah added that the law would boost investor confidence by providing a predictable and stable tax environment, while advocating for public sensitization to prevent misinformation.
However, some concerns were raised about enforcement and penalties for illegal levies. Hon. Raymond Ugwu suggested that proposed penalties may be too lenient and recommended the creation of a regulatory board to oversee enforcement and determine appropriate punishments.
Overall, the law marks a significant step toward a more transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly taxation system in Enugu State, protecting residents from arbitrary levies while enhancing fiscal discipline and good governance.
MultiChoice is shutting down its streaming platform, Showmax, after eleven years of operation.
The decision taken by the company was communicated to Showmax subscribers on Thursday.
“We’re writing to inform you of an important update regarding Showmax,” the streaming platform said in the mail sent to its subscribers.
“Following a comprehensive review, the Showmax Board has taken the decision to discontinue the Showmax service in the near future.”
MultiChoice said the move is a reflection of its bid to “focus on strengthening our overall digital offering and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive streaming environment.
“Importantly, at the moment there will be no interruption to your current service. You can continue streaming as usual, and no action is required from you at this time”.
While it did not provide a timeline for the discontinuation of the Showmax streaming service, MultiChoice said subscribers remain their “priority”.
“We understand that this news may raise questions. Showmax subscribers are a priority for us, and we are working on plans to ensure clear communication and a smooth transition when the time comes.
“We will share further details well in advance, including timelines and any future steps, should they be required,” the subscription video-on-demand, over-the-top streaming service said.
Showmax was launched in 2015 in South Africa but has, over the years, spread rapidly across the continent, operating in scores of countries.
Its operation began to compete with global streaming platforms and to respond to increasing demands for online entertainment on the continent.
Showmax offers sports, movies, documentaries, and series streamed over the internet.
Last year, South African authorities approved the takeover of MultiChoice by pay-TV powerhouse and StudioCanal parent company Canal+.
That move paved the way for the French media giant to acquire Africa’s largest pay-TV group, which includes DStv and GOtv.
Under the terms of the deal, Canal+ has made a mandatory cash offer of ZAR 125 ($7.11) per share to acquire all outstanding ordinary shares of MultiChoice not already owned by the French media group.
The approved conditions include public interest commitments aimed at enhancing the participation of historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s audiovisual sector. The commitments also guarantee sustained investment in local general entertainment and sports programming.
Canal+ and MultiChoice are now set to implement a structural arrangement, unveiled in February, which addresses local ownership regulations under South Africa’s Electronic Communications Act.
The plan includes the separation of MultiChoice’s South African broadcasting licensee, MultiChoice, into an independent, HDP-majority-owned entity.
AAU denies withholding NELFUND student loans
Enugu Assembly passes law to harmonize taxes, ban illegal levies, roadblocks
MultiChoice To Shut Down Streaming Platform Showmax After 11 Years
-
News19 hours agoPresident Tinubu Reappoints Ayo Omotayo As NIPSS DG
-
News19 hours agoUS Troops In Nigeria Only On Training Assistance -Defence minister, Musa
-
News14 hours agoWorld Cup: NFF says we’re still hopeful, no word from FIFA yet
-
News2 hours agoTinubu Govt Approves New Gratuity Package For Federal Workers
-
News19 hours agoArmy Chief, Shaibu deploys more troops to tackle insecurity in Benue
-
News14 hours agoCourt quashes NDLEA’s non-declaration of assets case Kyari, brothers
-
News14 hours agoEx-Kano State Commissioner Dies
-
News2 hours agoMiddle East War Halts Work At WHO’s Dubai Emergency Hub