The Kogi State Government has mandated students at the state-owned tertiary institutions to present their parents’ Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) for registration.

The order is contained in a circular from Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS), dated November 26, 2024 and addressed to all the heads of the state owned tertiary institutions, effective from January 2025.

The circular, signed by KGIRS Chairman, Sule Salihu Enehe, and copied to the Vice Chancellor, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, marked KGIRS/PIT/ Vol.5/11647.

It read, “Enforcement of Tax Clearance as condition for students registration.

“This is to further remind you on the need to ensure compliance for the students of your institution to present the Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) of their Parents or verifiable Guardian during the process of registration, either as fresh or returning students.

“In line with the provisions of the law , we shall carry out compliance beginning from January 2025.”

However, the move has drawn the ire of stakeholders: parents, concerned citizens and right activists in the state, who described the decision as harsh and absurd.

Several people sought more clarification, noting that the new directive was not in the students’ admission and registration requirements.

Many stakeholders raised onservation that some students sponsored themseveles and are children of peasant farmers or private individuals outside the state.

“We have been on it since last year. It’s unfortunate and condemnable, for a student that have registered and have met all conditions stipulated in the admissions process and yet cannot enjoy his or her rights. It is ridiculous.

“We urged the NBA in Kogi State as a matter of urgency to intervene quickly. There are students that are training themselves; where would they get the clearance from,” said Idris Miliki Abdul, Executive Director, Conscience for Human Rights and Conflicts Resolution (CHRCR).

Also, the National Commissioner in Charge of the Right to Education at the National Human Rights Commission of Nigeria, NHRC, Sir Agabaidu Jideani appreciated the efforts of the Kogi State Government to ensure tax compliance among its citizens, particularly parents.

“However, I strongly believe that the recent memo issued by the Chairman of the Kogi State Board of Internal Revenue Service, which mandates institutions of learning to refuse registration to students without a verifiable tax clearance certificate from their parents, may inadvertently deny children their right to education.

“Our quest to satisfy the financial urge of the government should not deprive the citizens of their fundamental rights especially that of education which is not freely given,” he said.

Meanwhile, a legal practitioner and Rights activist, Arome Odoma, has challenged the legality of the policy, in a pre-action notice addressed to the Governor of the State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and the Chairman of the Board of Internal Revenue Service.

“This policy is not only repugnant to Natural Justice, Equity and good conscience but also an attempt to deprive the future leaders their right to education.

“The Chairman of the board should take note that education is not a privilege but a right, it then goes to say that education is legally guaranteed for all without discrimination,” said Odoma in his pre- action notice on Parental Tax Clearance for Student Registration.

The state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kinsley Fanwo, did not respond to messages and calls when contacted.

However, the Public Relations Manager of the KGIRS, Muktar said, “I will speak with you after getting a clearance from my EC.”

He was yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

A wildfire in a Los Angeles suburb devoured buildings and sparked panicked evacuations Tuesday, as hurricane-force winds tore through the region.

Frightened residents abandoned their cars on one of the only roads in and out of the upscale Pacific Palisades area, fleeing on foot from the almost 3,000-acre (1,200-hectare) blaze engulfing an area packed with multimillion-dollar homes in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Firefighters used bulldozers to push dozens of vehicles – including expensive models like BMWs, Teslas and Mercedes – to one side, leaving many crumpled and with their alarms blaring.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said despite the chaotic evacuation, there were no immediate reports of any deaths or injuries.

Hundreds of firefighters swarmed the area, attacking the blaze from the ground and from the air, while crews worked in steep terrain to cut back vegetation and create firebreaks.

Around 30,000 people were ordered to evacuate the fast-spreading flames, which leveled multiple homes as powerful winds spread embers far and wide.

“We are not out of danger,” said Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, speaking at an afternoon press conference, adding that the winds are expected to pick up.

– ‘Everyone panicked’ –
The fire erupted midmorning and swelled quickly, taking many residents by surprise.

One man, who gave his name as Gary, told broadcaster KTLA hot ashes were raining down on his community of Sea Ridge.

“There was smoke in the distance, and I was assured that it would not come over the hill… Five minutes later, it’s coming down the hill,” he said. “Everyone panicked, that’s when everybody made a run and went to go and pack their houses up.”

Evacuee Kelsey Trainor said she saw the fire explode in size as she was fleeing.

“By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, which is about two or three miles, there were flames on both sides of the road, and it became gridlocked,” she said.

“No one knew what to do. Everyone was honking their horns. There’s flames all around you.

“I could see people walking with suitcases, with their dogs, children. An elderly woman was really visibly upset and in tears.”

Pacific Palisades resident Andrew Hires told AFP he got a text alerting him to the fire as his child was at the dentist about to have a tooth extracted.

“We pulled off the mask and ran to the car,” he said.

– ‘A rough night’ –
The fire came as the area was being hit by seasonal Santa Ana winds that forecasters said could develop into the worst windstorm in a decade, with gusts of up to 100 miles (160 kilometers) an hour expected.

“This looks pretty, pretty concerning,” said meteorologist Daniel Swain.

“It’s going to be, I think, a rough night. And what’s going on now is only just the beginning, because weather conditions are going to get a lot worse.”

With a huge pall of smoke visible over the whole of Los Angeles, events throughout the area were cancelled, including a red-carpet premiere of Jennifer Lopez’s new film “Unstoppable.”

US President Joe Biden – who was in Los Angeles for a planned announcement on new national monuments – was briefed on the incident, the White House said.

The president has approved federal aid to help California tackle the blaze, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

“No politics, no hand wringing, no kissing the feet. The president of the United States said, ‘Yes. What else do you need?’” he told reporters.

Incoming president Donald Trump has previously threatened to withhold wildfire aid from Democrat-run California.

Wildfires are an expected part of life in the US West and play a vital role in nature.

But scientists say human-caused climate change is altering weather patterns.

Southern California had two decades of drought that were followed by two exceptionally wet years, which sparked furious vegetative growth – leaving the region packed with fuel and primed to burn.

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has attributed his career progression to the grace of God as he celebrates his 60th birthday on Wednesday, January 8.

Kyari, whose journey began as an Almajiri pupil, reflected on his extraordinary rise from humble beginnings to becoming the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. In a heartfelt post shared on his social media, Kyari expressed deep gratitude for the opportunities he has received, particularly from former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, who allowed him to serve in crucial roles within the nation’s energy sector.

He wrote:

“Allah, by His grace, spared my life to this exceptional day, making it my 60th year from birth, even much earlier on the Hijri calendar. I am profoundly grateful to my country for giving me the opportunity to grow from an Almajiri (Tsangaya) school pupil to become the CEO of Africa’s largest energy company. Even more particularly, I deeply appreciate the exceptional privilege given to me by Presidents Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu to serve as the last GMD of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd.”

Kyari acknowledged the significant events and challenges he has faced throughout his life, describing his experiences as a mixture of good and bad times, triumphs and setbacks, and joys and pains—emphasizing that only the grace of Allah could explain his journey.

Reflecting on the milestone, he shared:

“Reflecting backwards alone can’t account for the profoundly eventful life I spent to this date, walking through good and bad times, travails and triumphs, pains and happiness, fails and successes and many more that only the sufficiency of Allah will explain. At this milestone, I feel the obligation to serve with even greater conviction and with elevated expectation of eternal recompense so deeply pleasing.”God Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari

Kyari also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to his family, friends, associates, and colleagues at NNPCL for their unwavering support throughout his career. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family, particularly due to his demanding role, and asked for forgiveness from anyone he may have unintentionally or inadvertently hurt.

“I am hugely indebted to my family for being nearly absent for most of my later years serving our nation and the common good. My deep appreciation to my family, friends and associates, my colleagues at work and my teachers (westernGod Turned Me From Almajiri Pupil To NNPC CEO – Mele Kyari and of Almajiri extractions), and many unmentioned people who account for many of my accomplishments, unconditional support and my overall wellbeing. This is a turning point, and I seek forgiveness from anyone I might have hurt unintentionally or unavoidably.”

Kyari’s 60th birthday marks not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of his significant contribution to Nigeria’s energy sector, where he has led the transformation of the NNPC into a major player in Africa’s energy industry.