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Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi becomes first Nigerian to qualify as Nuclear Engineer in US Navy

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Commander Matuwo Olufokunbi of the United States Navy has made history as the first Nigerian-American to qualify as a nuclear engineer under the prestigious U.S. Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.

This achievement also marks him as the third Nigerian-born officer to command a U.S. Navy warship.

Fellow Nigerian-born U.S. Navy officer Victor Agunbiade shared the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday. Expressing his joy, Agunbiade wrote, “I celebrate this rare milestone achievement, brother.”

He continued: “Big congratulations to my brother CDR Olufokunbi Matuwo—another Nigeria-born US Navy Commander takes the helm of USS OAK HILL (LSD 51). He is the third Nigeria-born to Command US Navy warship. Proud of you brother!!!

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“This is an extraordinary milestone and chapter in your professional career brother! Wishing you the very best of this Command at Sea tour,” Agunbiade added.

Commander Matuwo I. Olufokunbi, United States Navy, becomes the Third Nigerian-American and First to Qualify as Nuclear Engineer under United States Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program takes Command of a U.S. Navy warship! I celebrate this rare milestone achievement brother! pic.twitter.com/6iYxTMWdGa

The USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) also confirmed Olufokunbi’s appointment as the new commanding officer in a statement released via Facebook on Thursday.

“Today, we bid farewell to CDR Jason Nowell as CDR Matuwo Olufokunbi assumed command of our Nation’s Protector. Please join us in welcoming CDR Olufokunbi to his new role and in thanking CDR Nowell for his steadfast leadership and unwavering dedication to the ship and her crew,” the statement read.

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Olufokunbi’s Navy journey began in January 2001 when he enlisted as an Electronic Technician. He later joined the Seaman to Admiral Program and earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Old Dominion University in May 2008.

He is a graduate of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, holds JPME Phase 1 qualifications, and has a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

In his distinguished career ashore, Olufokunbi served as the Nuclear Programs Officer at Commander, Navy Recruiting Command, and as the Naval Surface Forces Expeditionary, Amphibious Warfare (AMW), and Mine Warfare (MIW) Warfighting Requirement and Assessment Lead at Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic.

His military accolades include the Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and numerous unit, campaign, and service awards.

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Aliko Dangote always tells me to save my money – Davido

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Nigerian-American singer, David Adedeji Adeleke popularly known as Davido has commended Nigerian businessman Aliko Mohammed Dangote for his style of living.

According to him, the owner of Dangote cement is a different kind of billionaire.

He said unlike other billionaires who always buy luxury cars and show off, Mr. Aliko buys two cars every 8 years.

Speaking in an interview, Davido stated that the businessman always tells him to save his money.

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“Uncle Aliko is a different kind of a billionaire, Uncle Aliko buys like two cars every 8 years. He is different ” Davido said.

“Anytime he sees me he just says one thing, save your money. There is nothing more he tells me than save your money.” He added.

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No Ban On Airtime Borrowing Or Data Advance Services — FCCPC

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Amid growing confusion fueled by viral social media posts and reports, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has clarified that it has not banned airtime borrowing or data advance services in Nigeria.

It described the reports as false and misleading.

In a statement issued on Friday on its official X handle, the Commission clarified that it has not issued any directive prohibiting consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services.

It stressed that airtime borrowing and data advance services remain available, and any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate.

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The FCCPC explained that the confusion arose following regulatory measures introduced in July 2025 under the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations.

”The Commission has not prohibited airtime borrowing or data advance services, and no directive was issued preventing consumers from accessing lawful telecom value-added services,” the statement read in parts.

According to the Commission, the framework was established after a surge in consumer complaints relating to opaque charges, unexplained deductions, aggressive recovery practices, poor disclosure standards, and weak accountability in parts of the digital lending and advance-services market.

Rather than banning services, the regulations were designed to promote fairness and transparency by requiring operators to register properly, disclose fees and terms clearly, adopt responsible lending practices, and provide accessible channels for consumer complaints.

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It noted that these measures are intended to strengthen consumer protection, improve service quality, and boost confidence in the market.

It further revealed that some telecom operators had engaged in exclusionary third-party arrangements in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, limiting competition within the sector.

The new regulations, it said, are aimed at opening up the market to both local and international participants in line with free market principles.

”The primary aim is to promote a fairer and more transparent system by mandating proper registration, responsible lending conduct, clear disclosure of fees and terms, accessible consumer complaint channels, data protection safeguards, stronger accountability for third-party partners, and effective regulatory oversight.”

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The FCCPC stated that operators were initially given a 90-day compliance period to align with the new framework, which was later extended to January 5, 2026.

Despite this extension, some operators failed to regularise their services within the stipulated timeframe and continued operating models that had long generated consumer complaints.

According to the Commission, any temporary suspension or restriction of airtime borrowing or data advance services should be understood as a business or compliance decision by the operators involved, not a ban imposed by the regulator.

It added that attributing such disruptions to regulatory action is misleading, especially when operators had sufficient time to comply.

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The Commission also warned against what it described as deliberate attempts by vested interests to spread disinformation and undermine efforts to create a fair and transparent market

It urged Nigerians to disregard false narratives and rely on accurate information regarding the status of telecom services.

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JAMB Releases First Batch of 2026 UTME Results, Warns Against Score Manipulation

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the release of results for 632,788 candidates who participated in the first day of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), held on Thursday.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, on Friday.

According to the Board, candidates can now access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” via SMS to either 55019 or 66019, using the same phone number registered during the examination process.

At this stage, only result viewing is available, as printing of result slips has not yet been enabled.

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JAMB emphasised that the UTME exercise is still ongoing, adding that additional batches of results will be released progressively as marking and processing continue.

The Board also issued a stern warning against any attempts to manipulate or falsify results.

It cautioned candidates against altering SMS messages received from its official platforms to misrepresent their scores to others, including parents and guardians.

Describing such actions as a serious criminal offence, JAMB disclosed that it has already taken action against offenders. “Two candidates and one parent are currently in custody for engaging in result falsification using AI and other electronic means,” the statement revealed.

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The Board reiterated that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face the full weight of the law.

JAMB urged candidates to adhere strictly to official channels and maintain integrity throughout the examination process, as it continues efforts to ensure a credible and transparent admissions system in Nigeria.

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