News
Reps laud TETFUND for promoting research amongst Nigerian students, youth

…as Kalu calls for more innovative hubs in S/East
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been applauded by the House of Representatives for championing creative researches and establishing innovative hubs for the promotion of science and technology education amongst Nigerian students and youth.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a two-week cohort learning for some select Nigerian students, researchers and academia at the Abuja Innov8 Hub over the weekend, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu said the Parliament would continue to support creative activities that tended to develop the minds of Nigerian youth with innovations, such as the one undertaken by the TETFund.
Termed “Research for Impact Initiative (R4i)”, the programme is a collaborative endeavour by TETFund and Innov8 Hub, launched in year 2022, to usher in a new era of innovation, technology, research and development in Nigeria with the aim to spur economic growth and comprehensive national development.
Kalu said: “The House is interested in providing solutions to the hydra headed needs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It has also come to our mind that, the problems that we are trying to solve year-in, year-out, using the usual tradition, has not given us the expected level of production in this country, therefore, the call for innovation that will challenge tradition, to increase production; that call cannot be overemphasized”.
The Deputy Speaker said that in today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity, stressing that it is the key to unlocking economic growth, tackling complex challenges, and building a brighter future for the youth and generations to come.
“For Nigeria, this need for innovation is even more crucial. We face
numerous challenges, from unemployment and poverty to security threats and climate change. To overcome these obstacles and achieve sustainable development, we must unleash the immense potential of our people, particularly our young minds brimming with creative ideas and
entrepreneurial spirit.
“This is where initiatives like the Innov8 Hub by i-FAIR come into play. By
providing mentorship, resources, and collaboration platforms, these
programs empower our innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs to
transform their ideas into tangible solutions”, Kalu added.
The Deputy Speaker also acknowledged the role of the Embassy of the State
of Israel in Nigeria and the Israeli community, in “partnering with Nigeria in
this crucial endeavor. Your commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria is truly commendable, and we, as a nation,
deeply appreciate your support”.
He said that it is the lot of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigeria to innovate for the good of the country even as he expressed joy that TETFund is planning to expand the hub and provide the needed platforms for innovation.
“The President (Tinubu) believes that we need to innovate. Nigeria believes that we need to innovate. That is why every agency of government, such as TETFund, has been given all that is needed to push innovation from where this administration met it, to where it ought to be. And I’m happy, speaking from the parliament, that the man who is driving it is my good friend, he is not sleeping, he is interested in pushing. I’m proud of you. I’m really proud of you!
“You are thinking outside the box, how we can build this nation, not by doing the usual, but by considering the possible and fighting the impossible elements, so that the possibility will be showcased to make our lives easier. I’m proud of the work you are doing and you should do some more.
“And I know when I heard what you said in that speech that you are planning to multiply this, I was impressed. When I heard you are planning to even incorporate those who innovated outside this hub, that you will provide a platform for them; I was very impressed, because, by so doing, you will harvest innovations you have not invested in, and then prune it for a greater future”, Kalu told TETFund.
The Deputy Speaker also called for the establishment of such innovation hubs across the South East region of Nigeria, to mitigate the impacts of insecurity and underdevelopment, which is part of the programs being undertaken by the Peace in South East Project (PISE-P).
“Furthermore, this initiative can be strategically linked to the Peace in South
East Project (PISE-P), a comprehensive program ideated by my office in
collaboration with legislators from South East Nigeria aimed at addressing
socio-economic challenges and fostering peace in the region. By engaging young people in innovation and entrepreneurship, we can provide them
with meaningful alternatives to violence and instability, contributing
significantly to lasting peace and development.
“Therefore, I call upon i-FAIR to consider establishing a similar facility in the
South East of Nigeria. This region, renowned as our nation’s manufacturing
hub, presents immense potential for harnessing innovation and
entrepreneurship”, he stressed.
Earlier in his speech, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono said the initiative is part of the Fund’s strategy to reposition public tertiary institutions as a catalyst for national rebirth to a knowledge economy for socio-economic development.
He appreciated Innov8 for partnering TETFund to propagate and advance an innovation ecosystem in Nigeria’s tertiary education sphere, saying the role of the firm in providing the technical expertise needed to bring the ideas of participants to life is highly commendable.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of certificate of participation to participants in the 2-week training; exhibition of group works innovated during the period as well as conducting the Deputy Speaker round the facilities to appreciate many creative activiti goes ongoing at the hub.
News
HAJJ! Saudi Arabia releases fresh 2025 rules, bars kids, updated visa policies

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Saudi Arabia has announced fresh changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.
The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.
According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.
Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.
● Changes in visa regulations
Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.
Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.
The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.
Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.
Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.
This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.
● Affected Countries
The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.
●¡Hajj registration and new payment options
Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.
A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.
News
EFCC drags man to court for refusing to accept naira as legal tender

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, arraigned Precious Uzondu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged refusal to accept naira as a legal tender before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
One of the counts read: “That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Given his pleas, prosecution counsel, Hannatu Naisa, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional centre.
Counsel to the defendant, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.
Responding, Naisa informed the court about a counter-affidavit and a written address to the application. She prayed the court to accept the same and discount the application by the defendant.
After listening to both parties, Justice Owoeye admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must own landed property in Lagos which must be verified by the court and also swear to an affidavit of means.
The judge also ordered the defendant’s remand in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned till April 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
News
SAD ! NYSC Member Beaten To D3ath In Plateau

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Police in Plateau State confirmed that a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Safwan Fade, has died after being attacked by a group of people.
According to report the ugly incident occurred in Pankshin Local Government Area when a group of men stormed a local stadium.
Fadec was serving with the Federal University of Education in Pankshin.
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said at the Command’s headquarters in Jos on Tuesday that two male suspects –Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe – have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The commissioner said, “On 23/01/25 at about 07:00am, we received a report from one Umbule Boreng Reuben of Pankshin LGA, who reported that on 22/01/25 at about 06:00pm, one Safwan Adamu Fade, an NYSC corps member serving at FCE Pankshin was reportedly beaten and severely injured by unknown hoodlums at the Pankshin township stadium.
“Upon receipt of the report, I immediately directed the DPO of Pankshin division to lead a team of policemen to the scene where the victim was quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“The victim was treated and declared stable by the Medical Doctor on duty. The victim was later transferred to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as a result of some complications. The victim eventually died in the process.
“In the course of our investigation, two suspects, one Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe, both male, have been identified and arrested in connection with the case. Efforts are being intensified with a view to apprehend the fleeing suspects and charge them to Court.”
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