News

Bobrisky: We won’t spare indicted officials – Interior Minister

Published

4 months ago

September 28, 2024

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has vowed to ensure effective sanctions are meted to any official found wanting in the face of allegations that convicted cross dresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was sentenced to six months in prison but was allegedly given an apartment outside the custodial facility.

Speaking at a media interface Friday in Abuja, the minister said the senior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service NCoS who were already suspended is to ensure unhindered investigation into the matter.

He said; “We will not spare anybody no matter how highly placed. Let’s be patient. Investigation is on but let’s be assured that nobody will be shielded and nobody will be protected,” the minister stressed”.

Tunji-Ojo expressed confidence in the ability of the investigative panel headed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, to discharge its mandate creditably.

According to him members of the committee were carefully selected, with two of them from the civil society community.

On activities of vandals in some parts of the country, the minister over the past year, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC arrested 2, 254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently under prosecution and 122 convictions already secured.

“In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps.

“The reform of the private security sector has also yielded impressive results. 115 licensed companies are now legally operating, and we are in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies. Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue of ₦861,620,500.

“In alignment with our economic diversification goals, we launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue. This is just one example of our commitment to reducing dependency on the oil industry.

“Our personnel have received extensive training to maintain readiness in the face of evolving security challenges. Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre, ensuring a motivated and capable workforce. We have also prioritized the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear”, he stated.

News

JAMB Postpones 2025 UTME Registration to February 3

Published

31 minutes ago

February 1, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a shift in the commencement date for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration. Initially scheduled to begin on Friday, January 31, 2025, the registration will now start on Monday, February 3, 2025.

According to JAMB, the adjustment is necessary to implement crucial changes to its registration templates. The modifications follow the recent suspension of certain law programs in selected universities, as communicated to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.

A statement issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, also revealed that the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers had secured approval through fraudulent means. This development has necessitated further scrutiny and the disqualification of such centers to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

“The Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience,” Benjamin stated.

He assured that the additional time would be used to implement all necessary adjustments to facilitate a seamless registration process.

News

Anambra monarch fingered In Community’s Insecurity Scandal

Published

36 minutes ago

February 1, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

There is looming tension in Enugwu-Agidi community over the arrest of a suspected kidnapper Chukwudi Tansi by Soludo’s Agunechemba team .
Recently , the Social media was awash with news about the arrest of Chukwudi Tansi, a member of the Enugwu-Agidi Community Vigilante, apprehended with a cache of firearms, which exposed his alleged involvement in criminal activities that have long plagued Enugwu-Agidi community.

What adds more fuel to the fire is the implication of the traditional ruler of the community in the unfolding drama, as revealed by the President General (PG) of the community, Hon Chukwuebuka Onuorah

Speaking to journalists, the PG, Mr. Onuorah, expressed vindication . He pointed fingers at the traditional ruler for nominating Tansi to the community Vigilante despite prior warnings from the PG about Tansi’s possession of firearms.

Speaking further, Onuorah said he went as far as writing to the Inspector General of Police, citing threats to his life and the illegal possession of weapons by Tansi, a willing tool in the hand of the traditional ruler.

Part of his letter to the Inspector-General of Police reads:

“After my inauguration, I have received series of threats from the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Agidi HRH Mike Okekeuche of Umuakwuelo-Etiti village, Enugwu-Agidi in Njikoka LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria, ranging from forceful invasion of my residence and privacy and restriction of my free movement.
On Friday, 29th March, 2024 at exactly 11:07am, my residence was surrounded and invaded by heavily armed unknown faces who later introduced themselves as members of the Nigeria Police Force, claimed to be acting on the instructions of HRH Mike Okekeuche, took me to an unknown destination, but I return glory to God, that the unknown gun men vehemently warned me to denounce my position as the President General of Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Nigeria (EBU-NIG) so that Igwe’s choice will be installed and later released me unhurt.
“The Igwe HRH Mike Okekeuche, through one Chukwudi Tansi and Okonkwo Clement Ugochukwu, well-known members of outlawed IPOB, who parade themselves as soldiers and moving around the community with AK47 rifles have on several occasions attacked me with their guns, threatening to kill me, except I resign and step down from my position as the President General of my Community, and Igwe’s choice installed, that even the local Police are afraid of them. The confidence reposed on me by the good people of Enugwu-Agidi, I do not wish to give away; hence I had to run away for my dear life.
“Sir, in this circumstance, I am writing this petition with hope of consolation vis-a-vis calling attention of Police IRT, Abuja whose track record in tackling heinous crimes is visible to the blind and audible to the deaf in Nigeria, to arrest, and prosecute the above named unscrupulous criminal elements and all that are involved no matter whose ox is gored. Peradventure my complaints get to you late, and my life taken away, you should at least know my killer for I do not wish to join the long list of unresolved murders”.

Corroborating the PG’s account, a social media user from Enugwu-Agidi, Ezeobi, raised pertinent questions about influential figures aiding Tansi’s evasion of justice despite his involvement in serious criminal activities.

In light of these revelations, the PG is now urging for a thorough police investigation to expose the support network shielding individuals like Chukwudi Tansi.

News

Nigeria Needs Thinkers and Builders, Not Spectators – Speaker Abbas

Published

3 hours ago

February 1, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…highlights youth as key to progress

By Gloria Ikibah

Speaker House of Representatives,Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to have active thinkers, builders, and leaders rather than passive observers.

Giving a Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT Minna), Speaker Abbas described Nigerian youths as the country’s most valuable assets, urging them to embrace innovation and technology to drive national development.

His lecture, titled “From Crisis to Prosperity: Harnessing Technology to Drive Nigeria’s Transformation,” focused on the role of technology in shaping the country’s future.

He said: “In an age characterised by rapid technological advancements that are fundamentally altering economies and societies, it is imperative for Nigeria to seize opportunities for growth and innovation. By strategically leveraging technology, the nation can effectively confront pressing challenges, stimulate economic development, and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens.”

Speaker Abbas explained how the strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions can transition Nigeria from its current crises toward a trajectory of sustainable prosperity.

He noted that in Nigeria, there exists a pervasive belief that university degrees are inherently superior to diplomas from technical polytechnics and colleges.

“As Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, Nigeria faces many socioeconomic challenges that hinder its development trajectory. Addressing these issues is crucial for the nation’s progress. This lecture focuses on how technology can transform Nigeria from a state of crisis to one of prosperity, offering innovative solutions to longstanding problems.

“This perception has led to an overwhelming demand for university admissions, often at the expense of technical and vocational education,” he said.

Abbas further noted that there is an erosion of technical skills essential for industrial development.

“Ironically, many university graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively acquired through technical education.

“In contrast, countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have robust technical education systems, where polytechnics and vocational schools are integral to driving industrial innovation. Nigeria must learn from such models by strengthening its technical education sector to meet industry demands.

“The declining quality of graduates from Nigerian universities, is a reflection of broader systemic issues, particularly the insufficient number and lack of quality of academic staff. Nigeria faces a significant shortage of qualified lecturers, with the lecturer-to-student ratio far exceeding global standards.

“This overcrowding severely limits the ability of lecturers to provide personalised attention and quality instruction, undermining the learning experience for students,” he stated.

Speaker Abbas also noted that there was a shortage of qualified academic staff, which he said is further aggravated by inadequate remuneration and limited opportunities for professional development.

“Compounding these challenges is the commercialisation of education, which has led to unethical practices such as exchanging grades for money or sexual favours. These practices not only tarnish the integrity of academic institutions but also erode public trust in the quality of education being delivered.

“The consequences of these systemic issues are evident in the poor performance of Nigerian universities in global rankings”, he asserted.

To address these challenges, the Speaker said there was an urgent need for targeted interventions, including increased funding for higher education, improved remuneration for academic staff, and expanded opportunities for professional development.

Additionally, he said stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the implementation of transparent evaluation systems could help curb academic corruption and restore the integrity of Nigerian universities.

“Nigerian universities face chronic underfunding, which has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality. While the expansion of universities aims to increase access to higher education, it often leads to stretched resources and diminished quality.

“A more strategic approach would focus on enhancing existing institutions through improved funding and resource allocation, drawing lessons from successful funding models employed by universities globally and within Africa”, Speaker Abbas said.

While noting that globally, universities adopt diverse funding models that reduce reliance on government allocations, the Speaker said Nigerian universities must rise to this challenge by envisioning and developing a ‘Nigerian Innovation Corridor’ that fosters collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Speaker Abbas added that by positioning themselves as drivers of technological transformation, Nigerian institutions can create a thriving ecosystem that competes globally and propels the nation into a future powered by innovation.

The youths of Nigeria represent an invaluable assets to the nation. They exemplify qualities of intelligence, resilience, and a strong inclination towards innovation, particularly in the realm of technology. It is essential to leverage digital tools for personal development and entrepreneurial ventures.

“Young Nigerians are encouraged to utilise online learning platforms, engage in coding boot camps, and participate actively in technology communities to enhance their skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. The imperative for youth engagement is more pressing than ever, particularly in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by technology and innovation.

“The Nigerian government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated its commitment to fostering an environment that supports young innovators through various initiatives. These initiatives aim to promote technological advancement by implementing policies that facilitate access to funding, mentorship programs, and platforms that stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship”, he added.

By prioritising youth engagement and increasing funding for technology and innovation, Speaker Abbas said the Nigerian Government is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and dynamic economy.

“These initiatives empower young Nigerians to harness their creative potential and position the country as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa,” he said.