Flood damaged 13,944 houses across Adamawa in 2024 – Fintiri

Floods destroyed 13,944 houses in parts of Adamawa State during the wet season of 2024, the state governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has disclosed.

The governor also said 10,722 hectares of farmlands were lost to the floods which devasted over 52,000 people.

Fintiri, speakimg during a meeting with a Swiss delegation in his office, said the floods caused significant damage to infrastructure, including collapsing of 14 bridges and seven culverts, disrupting transportation and communication and straining education and health systems.

The governor who said all the foregoing happened despite the state government’s priorities in flood prevention that included strengthening early warning systems and proactive responses, expressed readiness of his administration to explore collaborative solutions.

“Improving infrastructure, such as resilient dams and drainage systems, is critical to mitigating flood risks,” Fintiri said.

Governor Fintiri emphasized the need for collaboration in flood risk assessment, disaster management, and capacity-building programs for local communities and called for pilot projects and innovative flood prevention solutions.

Earlier, the Deputy Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Siamak Rouhani, accompanied by Nicolas Dartiu-Achard and Dr Valeria Hutter, said they were in the state to discuss how the government of Switzerland could provide technical support to mitigate floods.

Flood damaged 13,944 houses across Adamawa in 2024 – Fintiri

Varsity students want lawmakers to emphasise on education

Higher school students in Cross River State have appealed to their representatives in both the state and federal legislative chambers to prioritise education in their constituency empowerment programs.

Jenifer Ntui of the University of Calabar spoke on behalf of 60 students from communities in the central district of Cross River State, who enjoyed free transportation courtesy of Mr. Kingsley Ntui Isong, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly, back to Calabar after the holidays.

She said that instead of Nigerian lawmakers spending money on bicycles, wrappers, indomie, and other palliatives or empowerment items, they should focus on awarding scholarships to deserving constituents.

The students expressed their happiness for the support they received from the lawmaker, which enabled them to return to school, urging others to similarly support schools and students.

“The free transportation was a generous act and a big relief to us. You know that transport fares by bus from Etung LGA are now over N25,000, compared to about N8,000 before.

“We’re free to use the money we saved to defray other charges at school. We are grateful,” she said.

Similarly, Anthony Bissong, chairman of the Youth Progressive Party, YPP, called for educational interventions by lawmakers in the state.

He said doing so could help mitigate the impact of rising transportation costs and general inflation.

Varsity students want lawmakers to emphasise on education

You lack education – Bautista slams Lionel Messi

Former Mexico international, Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista has slammed Lionel Messi, saying the Argentine football icon lacks professionalism and education.

He said the Argentine superstar crossed the line for his antics during Inter Miami’s friendly clash against Club America.

The game was a pre-season friendly clash between both sides played at the Allegiant Stadium on January 18.

The match ended in a 2-2 draw before the Messi-led Herons defeated the Mexican club 3-2 in a shootout.

Messi scored in the 34th minute, after which he appeared to mock Club America fans and in extension Mexico, with a controversial gesture.

Following the jibes from Club America fans during the game, Messi showed them three figures to denote the number of World Cups won by Argentina.

The former Barcelona football king then made a zero with his hands which indicated that Mexico had never won the trophy.

Adolfo Bautista, a former Mexico international, took to Instagram on Monday to hit back at the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner.

He shared an image of himself with Messi on the pitch, tagged the Argentina captain, and wrote (via Google Translate, “I admired you as a player. But messing with my country speaks of your lack of professionalism and education.”

DAILY POST reports that Bautista and Messi have come against each other in only one game and that was in the 2010 FIFA World Cup round of 16.

Argentina won 3-1 against Mexico.

You lack education – Bautista slams Lionel Messi

If I were Fubara, you won’t come to Rivers again – APC chieftain tells Wike

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has taken a swipe at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following a recent interview by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka.

During the interview, Olayinka had amongst other things, said the presidential interest of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is the crux of the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Eze described Wike’s stance as a false perception, grossly illogical and contrary to established facts on the matter.

“I make bold to tell Wike that his attack on Atiku is irrational, fallacious and a mere expression of prideful spite, occasioned by hallucination and Atikuphobia,” Eze said in a statement on Monday.

Eze, a member of the APC Legacy Projects Media Team, said Wike’s recent attack on Atiku did not come as a surprise to him in the sense that Nigerians are in the know that Wike is playing to the gallery to remain in the good books of President Bola Tinubu.

“From the standpoint of objectivity and truth, not a few Nigerians view Wike as a self-styled despot and dictator, who always want the buck to terminate at his table,” he added.

“If Wike were to be a good man, peace-loving and a progressive democrat, he would not have been fighting Siminalaye Fubara, a man voted by the people of Rivers State to govern them.

“If I were Fubara, the Governor of Rivers, Wike will only step into the State at his own risk.

“After ruling for 8 years… Wike doesn’t want his fellow man to rule except Fubara governs under his whims and caprices. It’s too bad, annoying and nauseating for Nigerians to believe a man like Wike.

“The former Rivers State Governor… is in fact, the architect of the protracted crisis undermining the PDP due to his selfish agenda…

“As a result of selfishness and fear of the unknown, Wike a card carrying PDP member is in deed and in action, a member of the ruling APC.

“From Wike’s time as a local government chairman, Rotimi Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Minister of Education (State), and Governor of Rivers State, Atiku never destroyed PDP. It is the PDP that gave Wike the platform to become what he is today. If anybody had destroyed PDP, would Wike be anything in Nigeria’s political terrain today? Certainly no.

“At this juncture, I urge Wike to shelve his political underhand schemes targeted at Atiku as they are dead on arrival and will only lead him to political dungeon.”

If I were Fubara, you won’t come to Rivers again – APC chieftain tells Wike

Sanusi: Coalition backs Tinubu’s economic policies

A coalition of civil society organizations, the Socialist Liberation Movement, SLM, has backed President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies and development initiatives.

The development is coming after a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, criticised Tinubu’s economic policies.

Speaking at the 21st Chief Gani Fawehinmi Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Ikeja branch, in Lagos on 15th January 2025, Sanusi criticised the handling of the economy by Tinubu’s administration, noting that things are not being done correctly.

He also said the Tinubu government does not have credible people to explain its economic policies to Nigerians.

However, Sanusi has come under fire from the Federal Government and a section of Nigerians over the comments.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, SLM, a coalition of CSOs, said the measures being implemented by the Tinubu administration are beginning to positively impact the lives of Nigerians.

Convener of the coalition, Dr. Agabi Emmanuel, noted that the Federal Government under Tinubu has adopted a proactive approach to addressing Nigeria’s economic challenges.

According to the coalition, key policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira have shown promise in restoring confidence in the nation’s economy.

The coalition highlighted the establishment of the Presidential Economic Coordination Council, PECC, and the Economic Management Team Emergency Taskforce, EET, noting that they have helped in strengthening Nigeria’s economic governance structures.

According to the SLM, the Tinubu administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, including roads, railways, and energy projects, will contribute to economic growth. It noted that the infrastructure projects, implemented through public-private partnerships, are expected to reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets across the country.

The coalition added that the government has made significant strides in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy with initiatives such as the Digital Nigeria Program, which focuses on broadband expansion and supporting tech startups.

The initiatives are driving innovation, boosting financial inclusion, and creating new job opportunities, the coalition said.

It added that programs like the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme and the National Agriculture Growth Scheme-Agro-pocket have the potential to increase food production and reduce dependence on imports.

“After an extensive scrutiny of some of the policies introduced by the present administration, It was observed that President Bola Tinubu has taken steps to restore confidence in the economy by reducing inflation, stabilizing the foreign exchange market, and improving fiscal management.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritizing the digital economy, driving innovation and financial inclusion through initiatives like the Digital Nigeria program. This flagship program aims to enhance digital literacy, employability, and economic growth, while boosting GDP, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

“By investing in digital technology, empowering small businesses, and creating opportunities across sectors, President Tinubu seeks to leverage digital transformation to reduce poverty and improve living standards.

“With commitments to training three million youths in digital technology and creating one million new tech jobs, the administration is poised to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential and drive sustainable economic growth.

“The Bola Tinubu administration has implemented transformative initiatives to boost Nigeria’s agricultural sector, prioritizing food security and economic growth. Notably, the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme aims to enhance food production and reduce import reliance.

“Additionally, the National Agriculture Growth Scheme-Agro-pocket provides training, certified inputs, and subsidized irrigation equipment to millions of farmers, increasing productivity and incomes,” the coalition said.

It added that Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the agriculture sector underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing sectoral challenges.

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration has introduced transformative policies to revitalize Nigeria’s health sector, demonstrating a commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and increasing access to quality services.

“Key initiatives include the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which has mobilized $2.2 billion in external financing, and the redesigned Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to enhance access to essential healthcare services.

“Additionally, the National Health Insurance Authority Act (NHIAA) aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by mandating health insurance for all Nigerians, while programs like the National Health Fellows Programme and prioritized domestic health financing further underscore the administration’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“In the educational sector, President Bola Tinubu has introduced several education policies aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education sector. One notable initiative is the “#WeAreEqual” campaign, which promotes inclusive education, skill development, and gender equity.

“The government has also approved four new education policies, including the creation of a data repository, out-of-school children education, teacher training and development, and skill development and acquisition.”

The coalition stressed that Tinubu’s budget policy prioritizes national defense and internal security, job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

“Key initiatives include overhauling the internal security architecture, and promoting public-private partnerships to leverage private capital for infrastructure projects.

“In our considered opinion, President Bola Tinubu has embarked on a promising trajectory towards translating our hopes and aspirations into tangible realities, demonstrating a commitment to transformative governance and economic development,” the coalition observed.

“By implementing bold economic reforms, investing in critical sectors, and prioritizing the welfare and prosperity of citizens, the administration has shown determination to create a better Nigeria for this generation and the generation unborn.“

Sanusi: Coalition backs Tinubu’s economic policies

Student Loan: NANS bemoans low application from southern region, urges students to access scheme

The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has called on students of higher institutions in the southern part of the country to ensure they access loans from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, to ease their financial burden in the pursuit of their education.

NANS made this call in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Senate, NANS National headquarters, Abdul-Yekinn Odunayo, on Monday, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Odunayo, who bemoaned the low application for the student loan by students from the south of Nigeria, noted that the loan scheme was put in place by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government to help Nigerian students achieve sustainable higher education and functional skill development.

He added that the students body had observed that students from the north were taking advantage of the scheme more to enhance their education pursuit, declaring that students from the south will only be doing a disservice to themselves if they fail to emulate their Nothern counterpart.

Odunayo, lauded NELFUND for not making the process of accessing the loan cumbersome for Nigerian students and commended the President Tinubu-led administration for establishing the scheme.

According to him in the statement, the student loan scheme has helped many indigent Nigerian students to realize their dreams, urging NELFUND to continue to maintain accountability and probity in its operations.

Odunayo, however, charged the agency to engage in more publicity to further create awareness about the loan scheme, particularly for students in the southern part of the country.

Student Loan: NANS bemoans low application from southern region, urges students to access scheme

Wike begins commissioning of six road projects in Abuja

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will on Monday, this week, commence the commissioning of six road projects executed in the six Area Councils in the FCT.

Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said in a statement on Sunday, that the projects commissioning will kick off tomorrow, with the newly constructed 5km Naharati- River Ukya to Unguwan Hausawa Road with three Span River Bridge in Abaji Area Council.

He said; “On Tuesday, 11km Yangoji-Sukuku-Ebo Road, in Kwali Area Council, will be commissioned while the rehabilitated 9km Paikon Kore-Ibwa Road within Gwagwalada Area Council, will be commissioned on Wednesday.

“Commissioning of the Asphalt Carriageway from Garage Junction to Local Education Authority Secretariat in Kuje Area Council is on Thursday, with that of the Gaba-Tokulo Road in Bwari Area Council, which was constructed with a two Span River Bridge is slated for Friday.

“The Access Road to Saburi I and II communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council from ONEX to Old Keffi Road near Dei-Dei International Market will be commissioned on Wednesday, January 29.”

Speaking on newly flagged off projects, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson said; “New road projects like the construction of Kabusa-Takushara Access Road, construction of Kabusa-Ketti Access Road, access road to the new EFCC Academy site in Giri District and 15km Road from A2 Junction Abuja-Lokoja Road to Pia in Kwali Area Council are going on as, with completion date expected to be met.

“Other ongoing projects are; reconstruction of the 25km Kwaita/Yebu road in Kwali Area Council, rehabilitation of the Old Ushafa- LUD Road and Dutse-Lower Usuma Dam Dual Carriage in Bwari Area Council, construction of 11km Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road in Gwagwalada Area Council and Dakibiyu District Dual Carriage Road.

“Also ongoing are; 11km Kuje Road, Full Scope Development of 4km Arterial Road N5(Obafemi Awolowo Road) from Life Camp to Ring Road III, arterial road N16 (Shehu Shagari Way) from Ring Road II to Ring Road III with two interchanges and 11.3km Access Road to the Judges Quarters in Katampe from Arterial Road N11 (Ahmadu Bello Way in Mabushi).”

Wike begins commissioning of six road projects in Abuja

Adamawa: Police foil robbery attack, make arrest

The Adamawa State Police Command has announced the arrest of a young man and the recovery of a jackknife and a mobile phone as part of its efforts to combat violent crime in the state.

SP Sulaiman Yahaya Nguroje, the Police Public Relations Officer for Adamawa State, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to Nguroje, on January 8, 2025, police operatives from the Hong Divisional Police Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call reporting an armed robbery.

The suspects, armed with offensive weapons, had attacked Mrs. Laraba Akanawaya, a staff member at the College of Education in Hong, and stole her mobile phone.

“One of the suspects, identified as Ferdinand Yerima, was apprehended at the scene. A jackknife, used in the robbery, and the stolen phone were recovered, while the other suspects fled the scene to avoid arrest,” Nguroje said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigations to take over the case for a thorough inquiry.

He also reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

Adamawa: Police foil robbery attack, make arrest

Transcript Delays: BUK launches investigation into bribery allegations

Bayero University, Kano (BUK), has launched an investigation into allegations of bribery linked to delays in the issuance of transcripts.

The university has assured stakeholders that measures are being taken to address the complaints and restore trust in its processes.

In a statement signed by the University Registrar, Haruna Aliyu, BUK acknowledged the concerns about the prolonged delays and unethical practices in the transcript collection process.

“The Management has noted with dismay the recent concerns regarding delays in the issuance of transcripts and the allegations of bribery associated with the process,” the statement read.

“We take these matters very seriously, and we want to assure you that we are committed to maintaining the integrity and trust of our university.”

To resolve the issues, the Registrar disclosed that the university has introduced measures to streamline the process, ensuring timely issuance of transcripts without undue difficulty.

“The Registrar’s office has implemented a series of measures designed to ensure that all students can receive their transcripts in a timely manner without encountering unnecessary challenges,” Aliyu added.

On the allegations of bribery, the university confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway, with a promise to take disciplinary action against anyone found guilty of unethical conduct.

The statement also called on graduates and stakeholders to support the investigation by reporting any suspicious activities or providing information about the bribery claims.

Transcript Delays: BUK launches investigation into bribery allegations

Strike: Taraba varsity’s fate in limbo as SSANU refuses to resume work

The hope for a full resumption of academic and administrative activities at Taraba State University (TSU), following the suspension of a month-long strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has no doubt been dashed as the university’s Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) continues its industrial action.

Despite efforts by the state government to address ASUU’s concerns, the refusal of SSANU’s TSU chapter to return to work, as observed by our reporter, will continue to keep the university in a state of paralysis.

DAILY POST findings reveal that the SSANU strike stems from unresolved grievances, including demands for salary arrears, promotion benefits, and pension reforms.

In a statement issued in Jalingo on Sunday, SSANU Chairperson Bitrus Joseph Ajibauka, declared that the strike would persist until all the union’s demands are met.

“The union will remain on strike until all its demands are fully implemented, as has been done for other unions in the university,” he emphasized.

Among the key issues raised by SSANU are the payment of withheld salaries for September, October, November, and December 2022, and the settlement of promotion arrears for 2016–2020, which the union alleges have already been paid to other university unions.

SSANU is also demanding an immediate 50% payment of the N692.9 million owed to its members, with the remainder to be cleared within three months.

Additional demands, as noted in the statement, include the implementation of updated 2020 guidelines for the appointment and promotion of senior non-academic staff, the replacement of outdated 2012 criteria, and the finalization of a pension scheme under the State Pension Scheme, with a recommendation for establishing a Tertiary Education Pension Board.

While the union acknowledged Governor Agbu Kefas and the Ministry of Tertiary Education for implementing the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage and peculiar allowances, they maintain that these measures fall short of resolving broader issues.

The prolonged strike has left TSU in disarray, with administrative functions paralysed and academic schedules disrupted.

Stakeholders who spoke with our reporter have called on the state government to adopt a more inclusive approach to address SSANU’s demands and restore normalcy at the university.

Strike: Taraba varsity’s fate in limbo as SSANU refuses to resume work

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Sunday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers:

1. No fewer than 60 bodies have been recovered from the scene of tanker explosion at Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Saturday morning, killing scores and injuring several others. The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kumar Tsukwam, revealed the number in an update Saturday afternoon.

2. The pump prices of petrol, have risen to between N1,050 and N1,150/litre depending on the area of purchase, following the hike in the cost of the commodity by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and various depot owners. Dealers confirmed on Saturday that PMS prices would continue to rise since the major component in fuel production, crude oil, has been on the upward swing lately.

3. Tragedy struck in the Amai community, Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, as a 70-year-old man, Mr Aghanti, and his 50-year-old daughter, Mrs Atagoshi, were reportedly beheaded over a land dispute. The gruesome incident occurred after the suspect allegedly lured the victims into the bush under the pretext of discussing the land issue.

4. The Egba Division of the Ogun State Police Command has arrested one Kazeem Sholola for pouring hot oil on his wife, Mutiat Sholola, and stabbing her in the head during a domestic dispute. Sholola, a resident of the Ring Road Community in Owode Egba, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area, reportedly carried out the assault in a fit of anger following a misunderstanding with his wife.

5. Strong indications emerged on Saturday that the Chairman, Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), has concluded arrangements to dump his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP for the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

6. Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has lodged a formal complaint against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, with the National Judicial Council, NJC. Kanu accused the judge of judicial misconduct in handling his ongoing trial.

7. The Edo State Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the party on Saturday at the Election Petition Tribunal in Benin tendered more documentary evidence to support their petition. But the the All Progressives Congress and its candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo objected to the tendering but said they would give their reasons when they presented their written addresses.

8. Lagos State Government has closed Smiley Kids Montessori School on Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, following the death of a toddler in its swimming pool. According to a statement by Mr Kayode Sutton, Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, the school was shut on Friday.

9. The Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit (TaskForce) has detained 27 suspects for allegedly engaging in criminal activities in the Ikeja axis of the state. Mr Jubril Gawat, the Senior Special Assistant on News, Media to the Lagos State Governor, confirmed this in a post he shared on his X handle – @Mr_JAGs, on Saturday.

10. The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down a pharmacy on Onitsha Crescent, Area 11 – Garki, Abuja, for selling expired and unregistered drugs. The action followed a tip-off from a concerned citizen, prompting an enforcement operation by NAFDAC officials.

Nigerian Newspapers: 10 things you need to know Sunday morning

Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi scholarship beneficiaries to be good ambassadors

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has called on the newly enrolled indigenous students of the state scholarship scheme to serve as exemplary ambassadors of the state.

Nwifuru made this known during the flag-off ceremony of the Ebonyi State 2024/2025 Scholarship Programme (foreign and local), held at the Wilberforce Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, Onueke.

In his address, Nwifuru reminded the beneficiaries, particularly those on foreign scholarships, of their dual roles as students and representatives of Ebonyi State.

He urged them to be conscious of their words, actions, and achievements, as these reflect the collective identity of the Ebonyi people.

The governor emphasised the importance of graduating on time and returning to the state to apply their expertise in their fields of specialisation.

He warned against following the example of some scholars who failed to contribute meaningfully to the state after benefiting from such programmes. He encouraged the students to focus on academic excellence, network building, and channeling their skills, innovative ideas, and experiences into transforming critical sectors such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology in Ebonyi State.

Nwifuru also expressed gratitude to key contributors to the success of the scholarship programme, including the Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, the Ebonyi State Ministry of Tertiary Education led by Professor Amari Omaka, and the State Scholarship Board headed by Chaka Nweze.

He noted that the scholarship initiative aligns with his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” manifesto, aimed at strengthening literacy and human capital development.

Prominent stakeholders, including Ambassador Franklin Ogbuewu, Senator Sylvanus Ngele, Elder Professor Chigozie Ogbu, and the State APC Chairman, Stanley Emegha, lauded Governor Nwifuru for advancing education and human capital development in the state.

They highlighted the programme as a continuation of the legacy of the former governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu, towards revamping the backwardness of the education sector in the state.

The stakeholders advised the beneficiaries, particularly those travelling overseas, to resist distractions such as luxurious lifestyles and the pursuit of quick wealth.

They urged the students to remain focused and committed to their studies, while offering prayers for their success in all their future endeavours.

Out of the 1,000 beneficiaries of the scholarship programme, 204 students are set to travel to the United Kingdom for masters and PhD programmes, while others will pursue their academics through local scholarships in various institutions across Nigeria.

This initiative marks a significant step in empowering Ebonyi youth and fostering development through education.

Gov Nwifuru urges Ebonyi scholarship beneficiaries to be good ambassadors

Gov Uzodinma replies critics, gives reasons for frequenting Abuja

The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma has revealed reasons behind his frequent visit to Abuja, saying it is in the best interest of the state.

The Governor, made the disclosure during the first anniversary thanksgiving service of his second term in office at Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri while responding to remarks by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace Most Revd Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.

Ugorji had in his homily, advised Uzodinma to be more present in the state rather than spending so much time in Abuja.

However, in response to the Archbishop’s advice, the Governor said the state is among those that makeup Nigeria and for any state to derive the maximum benefits from the Federal Government, its leadership must maintain a robust presence at the national level.

Uzodinma said as the Chairman of the APC Governor’s Forum and the South-East Governors forum respectively, the two positions made it necessary for him to be in constant touch with Abuja.

The Governor, maintained that how often a Governor stays at home cannot be a useful yardstick to determine his administration’s achievements.

He said a good leader must leverage every available opportunity to advance the course of his citizens.

“Being in Abuja has not hindered the payment of workers’ salaries. It has not slowed down the war against insecurity. It has not slowed down the pace of numerous ongoing projects across the state,” Uzodinma claimed.

In a similar vein, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic and Creative Media, Ambrose Nwaogwugwu said the presence of the Governor in Abuja has proven what he termed indispensable results in the area of attracting federal government interventions to the state.

Nwaogwugwu said aside the Archbishop’s advice, it is imperative to debunk the misconceptions being peddled by those he called the Governor’s detractors, whom he also accused of blowing the issue out of proportion.

He maintained that in every ramification, the results speak for themselves as the state has never before, witnessed federal presence more than the present administration of Uzodinma.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, mentioned that the conversion of Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education to a Federal University of Education, the elevation of the Federal Medical Centre to a Federal University Teaching Hospital and the reconstruction of Owerri-Port Harcourt and Owerri-Aba Roads are the major Federal projects attracted by the Governor.

“These are just a few among other intangibles of the dividends of democracy that Imo State has enjoyed under Governor Uzodinma, thanks to his strategic engagement with the National Government,” he maintained.

Nwaogwugwu added that if staying in Abuja will ensure that the state gets its fair share of national benefits he saw no reason why the Governor will stay at home.

“The Governor’s primary responsibility is to use his office to improve the lives of Imolites and he is doing just that. The reward for good work is more work. And in this context, good work means staying at the epicenter of decision-making to attract more benefits to Imo State. As illustrated in the attached achievements, the dividends of Governor Uzodinma’s strategic presence in Abuja are unmatched,” Nwaogwugwu claimed.

Gov Uzodinma replies critics, gives reasons for frequenting Abuja

Tanker explosion in Niger leaves many dead, scores injured

A devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday morning has claimed several lives and injured many others. The explosion occurred around 10 a.m.

According to reports, the tragic incident happened when a crowd gathered to scoop fuel from the overturned tanker. The resulting blast led to a high casualty rate, though the exact number of fatalities is yet to be determined.

Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger State, Kumar Tsukwam, revealed to news men “Investigations are ongoing, and the total number of victims will be disclosed in due course.”

Reacting to the tragedy, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed profound concern over the recurring cases of tanker explosions in the state.

He stressed the urgent need for stronger safety protocols and public education to avert future disasters.

More details on this tragic event will be released as investigations progress.

Tanker explosion in Niger leaves many dead, scores injured

Varsity lecturers suspends strike after reaching agreement with Taraba govt

The Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU, Taraba State University, TSU, has called off its strike.

The strike which lasted for over a month, was called off following the state government’s promise to meet the union’s demands.

In a statement released on Saturday, ASUU-TSU, Chairman, Dr Joshua Mbaver, announced the suspension of the industrial action.

He disclosed that the strike, which began on December 5, 2024, was triggered by the State government’s partial implementation of multiple agreements dating back to 2014.

Mbaver said, “The government, through the University Governing Council, has committed to improving funding in line with Taraba State Law No. 4 of 2008. An initial payment of 10% of the accumulated EAA has been disbursed, with a commitment to release 5% of the total arrears monthly starting February 2025 until full payment is achieved.”

He said the state government has agreed to approve and implement a State Defined Pension Scheme, ensuring efficient and prompt payment of retirement benefits to the lecturers.

A template for clearing outstanding arrears is set to be finalized by the first week of February 2025. Adjustments to the council’s composition will be made to comply with statutory requirements. He said.

The government, as further stated by him, has agreed to the implementation of the new national minimum wage and consequential adjustments, with assurances of timely salary disbursements.

He noted that the suspension was approved by ASUU National and the TSU Congress following the government’s fulfillment of critical demands.

“We extend our profound gratitude to ASUU National, the Zonal leadership, and the TSU Congress for their unwavering support, which has culminated in the successful resolution of this struggle,” he said.

He also commended the governor for his proactive leadership in resolving the dispute, as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education and the university administration for their collaborative efforts in achieving a resolution.

Varsity lecturers suspends strike after reaching agreement with Taraba govt

Kano official explains return of N100m, hails governor’s transparency

The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, has provided insight into his decision to return N100 million unspent funds to the state government, a move that recently made headlines.

Addressing journalists in Kano on Friday, Othman attributed his action to the exemplary leadership style of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to the commissioner, the governor’s transparency and integrity served as a guiding principle for his decision-making.

“In an ideal governance setting, the leader sets the pace for others to follow,” Othman remarked. “The governor’s actions and body language emphasize transparency, and it is only natural for us to align with that vision. This is precisely why I returned the funds.”

Othman was initially surprised when Governor Yusuf chose to announce his gesture publicly during the flag-off of a free school uniform distribution initiative.

However, he acknowledged that the governor’s decision to make the matter public was intended to inspire future generations to embrace transparency.

“He is a transparent governor, and it is his wish that everyone follows this example. I believe his public acknowledgment was done with genuine intentions,” Othman added.

As the head of the committee overseeing the school uniform distribution program, Othman was tasked with managing a budget of N2 billion to produce 798,000 uniforms for primary one pupils across the state.

Despite the large scale of the project, he returned N100 million in unspent funds, an act that drew commendation from Governor Yusuf during the program’s launch.

The commissioner, a retired customs officer, emphasized that the governor’s trust and leadership inspired him to handle the project with utmost accountability.

“This administration’s emphasis on good governance and integrity is a model for all public officials,” Othman said.

Kano official explains return of N100m, hails governor’s transparency

Inadequate manpower hampering NBTE from delivering mandate – Executive Secretary

The Executive Secretary of National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, Professor Idris Bugaje has lamented that the operations of the agency are being hampered by inadequate manpower.

Bugaje disclosed this on Friday in Abuja when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education to defend the 2025 Budget of the agency.

He stated: “The operations of the agency are being hampered by inadequate manpower to carry out its mandate; as such, there is need to have more staff to do the job.

“For personnel, we are looking for an improvement because we have about 700 institutions to visit and our staff strength is at 330, which is very low.

“Similar agencies like ours have more staff, fewer institutions and more funds to carry out their duties, but our personnel cost is very low, so we want that one to be increased so that we can inject more hands to do that rotation.”

Speaking on the agency’s Internally Generated Revenue, Bugaje said there were charges being paid by institutions, which he said are not constant.

“It’s only when we go for accreditation we charge service charge. Before it was N 75,000, we have increased to 150,000 per program.

“And then we give 50 per cent to the federal government. For the whole year we ended up with N25 million in IGR. Which is dismally low.”

Inadequate manpower hampering NBTE from delivering mandate – Executive Secretary