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First Nigerian female professor of psychiatry and Provost in UI honored for landmark achievements

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In a grand celebration, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun, the first Nigerian female professor of psychiatry and first female Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (CoMUI), was honored for her remarkable achievements.

The event, held at the Olubadan Hall of Academy Suites and Resources Hotel, Ibadan, brought together medical luminaries, alumni, and dignitaries to pay tribute to Omigbodun’s pioneering contributions.

The get-together was organised by Abib Olamitoye Foundation founded by a former President of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) World, Dr. Abib Olamitoye, who is also the founder, Ibadan Central Hospital (ICH) and proprietor of Academy Suites and Resources Hotels in Ibadan and Abeokuta in Ogun State.

Eminent personalities in attendance on the occasion included husband of the honouree, Prof Akinyinka Omigbodun, who had also served as a Provost of the College; new Provost of the College, Prof Temidayo Ogundiran, and his wife, Prof (Mrs) Mary Ogundiran; Dr. Abib Olamitoye, and his wife, Olubunmi; and the current President of ICOMAA, Prof Emmanuel Otolorin.

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The honouree, Omigbodun, told newsmen on the sidelines of the programme: “I feel very relieved. It was a very tough four years as the Provost of College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. I started on the 1st August 2020 in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. We were all wearing face masks. Not only that; it was a time when there was a problem in the system, which was strike.

“In fact, there was a time that for 18 months, the university was on strike. Then in-between the18 months, for eight months, no salary. I did not receive salary for eight months. So, trying to navigate an administration in the heart of a pandemic and strike and strife, was extremely tasking.

“But I must say that I had an excellent team of people, particularly I must commend the Deputy Provost, Prof Fatai Adeniyi, a professor of physiotherapy. He is one you’ll call an implementer. I had a lot of ideas running from my mind and he was working with me solidly to implement them. I think that helped us.

“Another aspect that I must say was very helpful was the fact that we have an excellent group, the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association. In fact, Dr. Abib Olamitoye is a past president ICOMAA. Prof Dipo Emmanuel Otolorin is the current President of ICOMAA.

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“Our members are all over the world. We had 100 per cent support from our alumni. We have chapters in North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa, and of course, in Nigeria.

“I think that the way to go when you have a problem of funding in any institution is to get the alumni on board…

“I feel relieved because I think we tried our best. We have a lot of landmark achievements that God gave us. Of course, I have handed over the baton to somebody else. As a Provost of the College, I feel very fulfilled that I dd my best. I treated the college passionately, with perseverance.

Olamitoye, in his address noted that the “University of Ibadan, the University College Hospital Ibadan, and the College of Medicine of UI. These three organisations are my origin. They represent my alma mater.

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“I did my first degree in Medicine and my second degree in Business Administration from University of Ibadan. I have been the past President of Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) Worldwide. Our love, our vision, our hope, and our prayer stand as harmony for the various institutions.

“We also used the get-together to celebrate those who are upgrading our University, our college and our hospital. So, we have the Provost that is outgoing. She has done a lot for the College., and invariably for the university.

“So, we want to use this occasion to really let her know that we love her. We appreciate her, and we treasure the achievements she has been able to make during her tenure.

“This gathering is to celebrate the progress that was made in the last four years by the Management Team of the College of Medicine of the University of Ibadan, which team was headed by my good friend and former classmate in the famous Class of “85, Professor Olayinka Omigbodun.

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“Aside from being good friends, I have had the privilege of also working with her in two different capacities, first as members of the local organising committee for the 30th anniversary of our class graduation from the College of Medicine in 2015.

“I was the chairman of that committee while she was the Secretary. Like I have testified over and over, Prof. Omigbodun was the most pleasant and organised person I had ever worked with.”

The President of ICOMAA worldwide, Prof Emmanuel Otolorin, described the get-together as “a joyous occasion. It’s always a pleasure to be recognised for service, and I think that it’s been a good thing by the Olamitoyes to get us all together to look back and recognise the service of the first female Provost of the College of Medicine.

“She’s done very well, and she needs to be applauded so as to encourage other people.coming to the office, particularly women. It is always said that what a man can do, a woman can do better. She came into the office with her own style and with a passion, and with a lot of skills to which we are all grateful.

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“She has left the Provost Office of the College of Medicine better than she met it. The foundation she has laid would be worked upon by those who are succeeding her, so that at the end of the day, all of the legacy projects that she started will be actualised.”

The new Provost of the College, Prof Temidayo Ogundiran, Prof Temidayo Ogundiran, congratulated Prof Omigbodun for the great legacies she left behind. He assured stakeholders that the college would continue to wax stronger during his tenure of office.

He stated that he came with ‘S7 Programme’ to build on the achievements of the past administrations in the college saying: “Well, each administration has its own agenda and programmes. So, I have my own programmes for the College of Medicine, which, during the political campaign, was tagged ‘S7′. It includes paying attention to students’ affairs, staff development and welfare structural development, strategic partnership, service, oriented programmes, and sustainability.

“All these points are encapsulated in what is referred to as ‘S7 Projects ” Looking at the S7 Projects, it encompasses everything that affects the in-and-out of the life of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan.”

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Dr. Abib Olamitoye, organizer of the event and former President of ICOMAA, praised Omigbodun’s dedication and achievements, saying, “We want to let her know that we love her, appreciate her, and treasure the progress she made during her tenure.”

The President of ICOMAA, Prof Emmanuel Otolorin, described the occasion as “a joyous celebration of service” and commended Omigbodun for leaving the Provost Office better than she met it.

The new Provost, Prof Temidayo Ogundiran, congratulated Omigbodun and assured stakeholders that the college would continue to build on her legacy.

This story highlights Omigbodun’s trailblazing achievements and dedication to medical education, inspiring future generations of medical professionals.

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Ex-Gov Obaseki on EFCC Watchlist as Probe of Edo’s Contracts Begins

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has placed former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, under its watch list as it intensifies its probe into financial activities during his administration.

The EFCC’s investigation, which is focusing on contracts and transactions awarded during his two terms in office, has heightened political tensions in the state.

Obaseki, who completed his tenure on November 12, is facing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the management of state resources.

While the EFCC has not directly linked him to any criminal activity, sources within the anti-graft agency revealed that the investigation is far from over.

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A source close to the commission stated, “An investigation into his administration has started, but he won’t be invited until we reach an advanced stage. So far, many transactions are not directly tied to him, as he delegated responsibilities to others. Our team is pursuing leads on contracts and other financial activities under his watch.”

In early November, the EFCC detained five senior officials from the Obaseki administration, including the state’s Accountant General, Julius Anelu. The officials were interrogated over large-scale withdrawals from the state treasury, which occurred in a compressed period before Obaseki’s exit from office.

Obaseki, however, has expressed confidence in the probe. On November 8, he publicly declared that he was prepared to face any scrutiny. “I have no fears about the EFCC’s investigations,” he stated, emphasizing his readiness to account for his eight years in office.

Despite his assertive stance, insiders within the EFCC have revealed that former governors, including Obaseki, are routinely placed on a watchlist.

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This measure, according to the source, ensures that they remain within reach throughout the investigation process, particularly to prevent them from fleeing the country while cases are ongoing.

“All former governors are monitored by the EFCC, regardless of active investigations. This prevents them from leaving the country while cases are ongoing,” an EFCC source disclosed.

The probe into Obaseki’s administration has also been fueled by claims made by his successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo, who has set up a 14-member committee to review the assets of the former administration.

The committee is tasked with examining the financial and contractual dealings of the past government, which some allege have left the state saddled with a heavy debt burden.

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Tinubu Endorses Elevation of 11 Directors for Permanent Secretary Roles

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the elevation of 11 directors, who are part of the 19 candidates selected for the final stage of the permanent secretaries’ qualifying examination. This development, which follows a rigorous selection process, was confirmed in a memo issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

According to a report by Gists9ja, this confirmation comes after the initial stages of a highly competitive process aimed at filling vacancies for permanent secretaries across various federal government ministries. The announcement also highlights the continued efforts of the Tinubu administration to ensure that capable and qualified individuals are appointed to crucial civil service positions.

The process began earlier in October when the Federal Government, through the OHCSF, initiated the appointment procedure for new permanent secretaries, focusing on addressing vacancies in eight states. A memorandum issued by the OHCSF and signed by Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, outlined the terms for the selection. Notably, the memo specified that individuals under any form of disciplinary action would be ineligible to apply for the permanent secretary roles, ensuring the integrity of the recruitment process.

The official memo from the OHCSF, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, announced that the 11 directors, who had excelled in the initial stages of the examination, were invited to the next phase. The document read: “The under-listed eleven (11) candidates are invited to the oral interview stage of the process for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service, following their successful performance in Stages I and II of the exercise.”

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Initially, 38 directors participated in the first stage of the process. Out of these, 19 directors advanced to the second stage, and following their exceptional performance, 11 directors were shortlisted for the final stage. These individuals are now set to face the oral interview, a critical step before the formal appointments are made.

This move is seen as part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of the federal bureaucracy and fill critical leadership positions within the civil service. Upon completion of the recruitment process, it is expected that President Tinubu will officially announce the newly appointed permanent secretaries.

The process of selecting permanent secretaries has always been highly anticipated due to the significant role these individuals play in the day-to-day operations of government ministries and the implementation of key national policies. With the current stage of the recruitment process nearing completion, all eyes are on the final appointments, which are expected to be revealed once the interview process concludes.

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BREAKING: Makarfi dies in Kaduna at 93

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Jafaru Makarfi, a respected Islamic leader and retired public servant, has passed away in Kaduna at the age of 93.

Suleman Abdulkadir, who announced the death on behalf of the family, in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna, said he passed away on Saturday night.

Mr Abdulkadir, who is also the Garkuwan Zazzau, said Mr Makarfi was the Chairman of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Kaduna State.

He was a prominent figure in the Nigerian Muslim community and he served as a commissioner in the defunct Kaduna state.

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Mr Abdulkadir said, “A veteran of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Makarfi joined the corporation in 1950 and had a distinguished career spanning over four decades.

“He was the first Northerner to hold the position of District Superintendent in the Western District of the NRC.”

He said the funeral prayer would be held on Sunday at 1:00 pm at the Sultan Bello Mosque, Kaduna.

Mr Abdulkadir added, ”Makarfi is survived by six children.

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“We extend our condolences to his family, friends, JNI, and the entire Muslim community.

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