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Author: Khadijat Adelani

  • NELFUND disburses over N72m student loans to three schools

    NELFUND disburses over N72m student loans to three schools

    The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has disbursed more than N72 million in student loans across three tertiary schools, benefiting 1,607 students.

    The Federal College of Education in Obudu, Abdulkadir Kure University in Minna, and Adamawa State University in Mubi were all given the grant, which was intended to lessen the financial strain of tuition fees.

    NELFUND reiterated its dedication to helping students at Nigerian postsecondary institutions in a statement released on Tuesday.

    “This disbursement is a testament to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving access to education and reducing financial barriers for students across the country,” the statement read.

    According to NELFUND, the Federal College of Education, Obudu, received a total of N21,789,500, disbursed in two tranches.

    The first batch, released in October 2024, amounted to N14,320,500 for 215 students, while the second batch of N7,469,000 was disbursed on March 5, 2025, benefiting 107 students.

    Abdulkadir Kure University, Minna, received N2,900,000 to cover tuition fees for nine students.

    In an acknowledgment letter signed by the institution’s registrar, Dr. Garba Abdullahi, the university confirmed receipt of the funds and expressed appreciation for the initiative.

    Adamawa State University, Mubi, received the highest allocation of N47,621,121, benefiting 1,283 students.

    The institution’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ibrahim Bwatanglang, acknowledged the disbursement and expressed hope for continued collaboration with NELFUND in subsequent batches.

    The management of the Federal College of Education, Obudu, commended NELFUND for the successful implementation of the initiative.

    In a letter signed by the Provost, Dr. Richard Utubaku, and the Bursar, Joseph Ogar, the institution stated, “This is a testament to President Tinubu’s relentless efforts in repositioning the Nigerian education system at all levels. We sincerely commend NELFUND for the smooth and transparent disbursement process.”

    Similarly, Abdulkadir Kure University expressed gratitude for the intervention, noting that it had significantly eased financial difficulties for its students.

    Adamawa State University, in its statement, assured NELFUND of its commitment to ensuring the proper utilisation of the funds. The institution also requested an approved list of shortlisted beneficiaries for the second batch.

    NELFUND reiterated its dedication to ensuring that no qualified Nigerian student is denied access to higher education due to financial constraints.

    “We remain steadfast in our mission to provide financial support to students in tertiary institutions across the country. This is only the beginning, as more disbursements will follow in the coming months to ensure a wider reach,” the statement read.

  • Senate confirms appointment of Ayogu as CBN board director

    Senate confirms appointment of Ayogu as CBN board director

    The Senate formally approved Professor Melvin D. Ayogu’s appointment to the Central Bank of Nigeria Board of Directors, On Tuesday.

    An Enugu State native, Ayogu teaches economics at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

    The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), heard the presentation and then approved the nomination.

    On behalf of Abiru, who has left the nation for Umrah, Senator Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West) delivered the report.

    Izunaso said, “The Senate has received and considered the report of the Committee on Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Institutions regarding the confirmation of the nomination of Prof. Melvin Damian Ayogu for appointment as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

    The confirmation comes one week after President Bola Tinubu submitted a request to the Senate for Ayogu’s confirmation as a member of the board of the apex bank.

    In a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary, President Tinubu stated, “In compliance with Section 10(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2007, I am pleased to present, for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Prof. Melvin D. Ayogu as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria. His Curriculum Vitae is attached for your review.”

    The President further emphasised that the nomination was in line with Section 6 of the CBN Act, 2007, which outlines the composition of the CBN Board of Directors.

  • Customs seize125,000 litres of smuggled petrol in Kebbi

    Customs seize125,000 litres of smuggled petrol in Kebbi

    The Nigeria Customs Service has disrupted an anti-smuggling operation in Kebbi State by seizing 125,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, also referred to as petrol.

    The seizure, which was made as part of Operation Whirlwind, is the biggest gasoline bust that Customs has seen since the program’s inception.

    Fuel smuggling is a significant economic concern that contributes to revenue losses, artificial shortages, and security risks, according to ACG Hissaini Ejibunu, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, who spoke at a news event in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

    He disclosed that three Scania trucks carrying petrol were intercepted in Tsamiya by agents from the Federal Operations Unit, Zone B and the Kebbi Area Command in response to intelligence.

    The confiscated fuel—packed in 4,375 jerrycans of 25 litres each and 54 drums of 200 litres—had a Duty Paid Value of ₦125m and was allegedly being smuggled across the border.

    Customs said the intercepted trucks were registered in the Republic of Benin and had been under surveillance before officers moved in.

    More fuel was also seized at smuggling hotspots, including Dolekeina, Zaria Kalakala, Tunga Waterside, and Lolo Tsamiya.

    “The success of this operation was credited to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), whose intelligence collaboration was key in disrupting the smuggling ring,” he said.

    The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by ACG Hussaini Ejibunu, praised the officers’ vigilance and commended National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for his role in the broader fight against economic crimes.

    He urged Nigerians to support Customs’ anti-smuggling efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

    “This operation proves the strength of inter-agency collaboration. We remain committed to dismantling smuggling networks and holding economic saboteurs accountable,” Adeniyi stated.

    The Customs Area Controller for Kebbi Command, Compt. Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, reiterated that the crackdown will continue with renewed intensity.

    He assured legitimate traders of the NCS’s commitment to facilitating lawful trade while ensuring full compliance with regulations.

  • Police accuse 17 Oyo students for vandalising N25m school property

    Police accuse 17 Oyo students for vandalising N25m school property

    The Oyo State Police Command on Monday accused 17 of the 59 students arrested in connection with the damage of scientific laboratory equipment worth more than N25 million at the Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Oniyere in Ibadan, the state capital.

    At the Eleyele Police headquarters, this was confirmed at a stakeholders meeting attended by the state commissioner of police, Johnson Adenola; commissioner of education, Salihu Adelabu; and special adviser to the governor, Seyi Makinde, on security matters, Fatal Owoseni (retd).

    According to Adenola, the impacted pupils broke inside the school and demolished the buildings.

    He went on to say that 17 of the 59 pupils who were arrested had been found guilty of the charges.

    He said, “On Thursday, last week, pupils of Government Technical College, Orita Aperin, went on the rampage as they invaded the premises of the CAC Grammar School, Orita-Aperin.

    “During the attacks, several vehicles were destroyed while the science laboratories blocks with equipment worth several millions of naira were vandalised.

    “Also, some people received machete cuts during the attacks. This, we found quite unacceptable. This situation was brought under control with the support of the local security and the authorities of the affected schools.

    “I personally interviewed these children on Saturday, and the revelation was stunning. I was surprised at the level of decadence in the public schools in the state.

    “That is why the police authorities summoned the stakeholders meeting to put an end to the gang violence which has become a recurrence incident in the public schools.”

    In his address, the Commissioner for Education, Adelabu, decried the growing level of indiscipline in public schools.

    Adelabu submitted that the government could no longer condone any act of indiscipline, adding that whoever is found culpable of any misdemeanour would be made to face music.

    “The present administration is investing so much in the education sector. It is sad to note that the affected pupils do not appreciate the efforts.

    “The parents have role to play in the upbringing of their children. The failure of the parents is what we are witnessing today,” he said.

    Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Owoseni, admonished the parents to be aware of their responsibilities.

  • Judge withdraws from Natasha’s case following Akpabio’s petition

    Judge withdraws from Natasha’s case following Akpabio’s petition

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja has withdrawn from a lawsuit involving suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    The complaint was supposed to be heard by Justice Egwuatu, but he said on Tuesday that he would no longer be involved.

    He took this action in response to a petition challenging his impartiality written by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The judge decided to step aside even though the matter was scheduled for hearing when the court clerk called it up.

    The complaint was supposed to be heard by Justice Egwuatu, but he said on Tuesday that he would no longer be involved.

    He took this action in response to a petition challenging his impartiality written by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    The judge decided to step aside even though the matter was scheduled for hearing when the court clerk called it up.

    He said he would return the case file to the Chief Judge, who would assign it to another judge.

    On March 4, Justice Egwuatu issued an interim order stopping the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from proceeding with disciplinary actions against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

    She was accused of violating Senate rules.

    The judge ruled that the disciplinary process should not continue until the case was decided.

    He also gave the defendants 72 hours to explain why the court should not stop them from investigating the senator without following the rules laid out in the 1999 Constitution, the Senate Standing Order 2023, and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

    Justice Egwuatu allowed the senator to serve legal documents on the defendants using substituted means.

    The court ordered that the documents be given to the Clerk of the National Assembly or pasted at the National Assembly premises.

    They were also to be published in two national newspapers.

    The interim order came after the senator filed an urgent application.

    However, despite the court’s ruling, the Senate Committee still held its meeting and suspended her for six months.

    Later, after the defendants applied, Justice Egwuatu amended his earlier order.

    He removed the part that prevented the Senate from taking any action while the case was ongoing.

    Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, questioned the court’s authority to interfere in Senate affairs

  • Rivers head of service resigns, new SSG appointed

    Rivers head of service resigns, new SSG appointed

    Dr. George Nwaeke, the head of the Rivers State Civil Service, has resigned.

    Newsmen were able to get a statement from the Chief of Staff to the Sole Administrator on Tuesday morning, which featured the resignation of the HoS, who was employed by the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

    Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator, wished Nwaeke luck in his future aspirations and thanked him for his contribution in the brief time since he took office.

    The statement reads, “The office of His Excellency, the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (retd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, is saddened to announce the resignation of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke, FCA, Mni.

    “His Excellency, the Administrator appreciates the immense contributions he has shown this administration in the short period he served and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”

    Meanwhile, Ibas has appointed Prof. Ibibi Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government.

    Worika’s appointment was also contained in a statement from the office of the Sole Administrator also obtained on Tuesday morning.

    The statement reads, “His Excellency, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd.) CFR, the Administrator of Rivers State, is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ibibia Lucky Worika as the new Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG).

    “His appointment follows careful consideration of his credentials, extensive experience, and performance during rigorous selection process.

    “Professor Worika’s distinguished career spans academia, international legal practice, and high-level policy advisory roles, making him uniquely qualified to support the administrator in the onerous task of achieving Mr President’s mandate. His appointment takes immediate effect.

    “Professor Worika’s appointment reflects the administrator’s commitment to harnessing the great human capital of the Rivers’ people to work with him to achieve the much-needed peace, stability and security.”

  • Small Doctor, partner welcome first child in Canada

    Small Doctor, partner welcome first child in Canada

    The Nigerian singer Adekunle Temitope popularly known as Small Doctor has welcomed his first child with his spouse.

    On Monday night, the singer’s partner announced the baby’s arrival on her Instagram page. She also thanked God for everything.

    Based in Ontario, Canada, the woman posted prenatal pictures of herself and the singer, calling her baby her “sunshine.”

    In the photos, the small doctor’s spouse held her large baby bulge while wearing a long red dress and a crimson veil.

    “Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!! Alhamdulillah Robbil Aalamin!!! Welcome to the world sunshine,” she wrote.

     

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  • NCoS mourns officer killed in Kogi jailbreak

    NCoS mourns officer killed in Kogi jailbreak

    The Nigerian Correctional Service is mourning Senior Correctional Assistant Shuaibu David, who died on Monday at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, while trying to stop an inmate escape.

    Twelve detainees were able to escape when inmates tampered with padlocks in one area of the facility, resulting in the jailbreak.

    According to the NCoS, five prisoners have been recaptured thus far.

    The late David was said to have shown extraordinary bravery while performing his duties, attempting to prevent the escape and safeguard the integrity of the detention facility, according to a statement signed by NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar on Tuesday.

    His actions serve as a testament to his dedication and commitment to his role within the service and his country’s security.

    The statement added that the Acting Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the entire NCoS, offering condolences to the deceased officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.

    “The Nigerian Correctional Service regrets to announce the tragic demise of Senior Correctional Assistant Shuaibu King David during the unfortunate escape incident at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Koton-Karfe, Kogi State, on 24 March, 2025.

    “SCA Shuaibu David, in the line of duty, bravely stood his ground in an effort to prevent the escape of inmates and protect the integrity of the custodial centre.

    “His courageous sacrifice reflects his unwavering dedication to service and national security. His service and ultimate sacrifice will forever be remembered and honoured,” the statement read.

    In response to the escape incident, the NCoS is collaborating with other security agencies and local communities to track down the remaining escaped inmates.

    Steps are also being taken to improve security measures in custodial centres nationwide to prevent similar incidents in the future.

    “The Nigerian Correctional Service is working closely with relevant security agencies and communities to recapture those still at large and bring them to justice. Additionally, measures are being taken to enhance security in all custodial centres across the country to prevent such occurrences in the future.

    The Service remains committed to ensuring the safety of officers and the security of custodial facilities nationwide,” the statement added.

  • Tinubu congratulates Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize win

    Tinubu congratulates Jonathan on Sunhak Peace Prize win

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has received congratulations from President Bola Tinubu on his 2025 Sunhak Peace Founders’ Award victory.

    In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Tuesday, Tinubu praised Jonathan for his unwavering support of democracy and peace, calling it a patriotic endeavour that has brought him international acclaim.

    “The President states that Dr Jonathan’s winning the Sunhak Peace Award affirms his bold efforts in peacebuilding and promoting democracy in Africa and beyond.

    “The President recalls the former President’s historic acceptance of the results of the 2015 presidential election and his peaceful handover of power to an opposition party, which bolstered the nation’s democratic profile,” the statement read.

    Tinubu thanked the Sunhak Peace Prize Committee for recognising individuals working to improve the world.

    Launched in 2015, the Sunhak Peace Prize is awarded every two years to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to global peace and development.

    The prize recognises efforts in three key areas: sustainable human development, conflict resolution, and environmental conservation.

    Jonathan has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Founders’ Sunhak Peace Award, which will be presented by the Sunhak Peace Prize Foundation in Seoul, South Korea.

  • Nigerian music industry not for the weak – Jaywon

    Nigerian music industry not for the weak – Jaywon

    Afrobeats singer Jaywon has said that one way celebrities may deal with social media trolls is to develop a thick skin.

    He underlined that the Nigerian music industry is not for “the weak”.

    Jaywon noted that superstars like as Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy are routinely mocked on social media, emphasising that any musician who isn’t willing to face criticism will fail in the industry.

    He urged artists not to leave social media because of trolls but to stay to promote their crafts.

    On his X handle on Sunday, the singer wrote, “Some of my colleagues call me to chat about the current state of the industry and how I handle all the ranting and disrespect online. My response is always the same: today’s industry is not for the weak.

    “Just look at the level of disrespect thrown at artists like Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and many others on social media. If you’re not prepared, you won’t last. They will always come for you, and the only real escape is to go offline but we can’t do that. This is our life, our craft, and no matter what, we will keep pushing forward!”