Newly appointed Directors of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have assumed their official duties.
They are, from left to right: Director of Special Duties, Horatius Egua; Director General (DG), Captain Chris Najomo and Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, putting heads together after their meeting in Abuja today, December 3.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested and detained the suspended National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.
Her arrest came a few hours after President Bola Tinubu approved her suspension over the suspicious movement of N17 billion from NSIPA account to other accounts within one week.
The embattled CEO was accused of approving payment of billions of naira by the agency without presidential approval. It was gathered that operatives of the EFCC, who were drafted to the National Coordinator’s private office and home, got her arrested at about 8 pm today, January 3. According to The Nation, after searching her home and office, Halima was taken into custody for interrogation.
It was also gathered that the EFCC was closing in on a director of the agency, who was allegedly complicit in the huge payments into the suspicious accounts. According to reports, about 27 billion have been recovered so far.
The Nigeria’s National Universities Commission (NUC), has blacklisted 18 identified questionable foreign and local universities operating in the country.
The names of such universities, according to data from the website of the NUC are as follows:
1. University of Applied Sciences and Management, Port Novo, Republic of Benin or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
2. Volta University College, Ho, Volta Region, Ghana or any of its other campuses in Nigeria.
3. The International University, Missouri, USA, Kano and Lagos Study Centres, or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
4. Collumbus University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
5. Tiu International University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
6. Pebbles University, UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
7. London External Studies UK operating anywhere in Nigeria.
8. Pilgrims University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
9. West African Christian University operating anywhere in Nigeria.
10. EC-Council University, USA, Ikeja Lagos Study Centre.
11. Concept College/Universities (London) Ilorin or any of its campuses in Nigeria.
12. Houdegbe North American University campuses in Nigeria.
13. Irish University Business School London, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
14. University of Education, Winneba Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
15. Cape Coast University, Ghana, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
16. African University Cooperative Development, Cotonou, Benin Republic, operating anywhere in Nigeria.
17. Pacific Western University, Denver, Colorado, Owerri Study Centre.
18. Evangel University of America and Chudick Management Academic, Lagos.
This is coming even as the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related offences Commission (ICPC), commenced investigation into the Togo, Benin university degree certificate drama.
A statement from the spokesperson of the Commission, Mrs. Azuka Ogugua said that the Commission’s Chairman had already interacted with the undercover reporter on Cotonou University’s alleged six-week degree scheme.
“To verify details and move beyond speculation, ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, convened a critical meeting today at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja with a reporter from a news outlet. They discussed the outlet’s December 30th report on alleged corrupt practices in rapid degree issuance at a Cotonou university, aiming to deepen the investigation and initiate relevant actions.
“The investigation into Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies (ESGT) in Cotonou reveals a concerning situation where degrees are allegedly awarded in as little as six weeks, bypassing standard academic procedures like application, registration, coursework, and examinations.
“In response to these critical allegations, the ICPC is embarking on a thorough investigation. This probe will rigorously examine the networks and individuals engaged in these malpractices, with the objective of restoring and preserving the integrity of our educational system.”
The statement said that thhe Commission would engage in a synergistic collaboration with relevant domestic and international bodies to jointly evaluate the legitimacy of academic qualifications procured from overseas institutions, especially those highlighted in the investigative report.
“The ICPC calls upon all stakeholders in the educational and governmental sectors to join hands in this critical endeavor. Together, we can work towards a future where the credibility of our educational qualifications is unimpeachable, and where corruption finds no refuge.”
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the extension of the closure of registration for intending Muslim Pilgrims for the 2024 pilgrimage to January 31.
A statement, today, from the Commission said that the extension, which was approved by the Federal Government, came in the wake of pressure mounted by stakeholders, including State Governors, religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions
The statement, signed by the NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said that the extension would give an additional opportunity for individual Muslim to participate in the pilgrimage.
“Consequently, NAHCON is confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the Commission would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj.
“The extension therefore provides a window for new registrants to do so and by the end of January, those who need to balance up payment would be able to do so as well.
“NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts.
“With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.
“This extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders.
“He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims. Malam Arabi described this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all.
“He prayed all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity well for success of 2024 Hajj operations.”
The Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Education has moved to involve the Department of State Service (DSS) and other relevant bodies to investigate the suspected underhand business being done by Universities in the Republics of Benin and Togo.
This is coming on the heels of the ministry’s suspension of Degrees offered by the universities in the two countries, suspected to be “unworthy.”
The spokesperson for the Ministry, Augustina Obilor-Duru, in a statement today, January 2, confirmed the report detailing how a degree was acquired from a university in Benin Republic within six weeks.
According to Augustina, accreditation and evaluation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo have been suspended until investigations are concluded by the body being constituted.
She stressed that the discovered development confirmed the suspicions that some Nigerians have been deploying nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get Degrees with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified.
“The Federal Ministry of Education vehemently decries such acts and with effect from 2nd January 2024 is suspending evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from Benin and Togo Republics pending the outcome of an investigation that would involve the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and the two countries, the ministries responsible for Education in the two countries as well the Department of State Security Services (DSS), and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).”
The ministry called on Nigerians to assist in providing information to help the committee as it seeks lasting solutions to prevent future occurrences.
“FME has been contending with the problem including illegal institutions located abroad or at home preying on unsuspecting, innocent Nigerians and some desperate Nigerians who deliberately patronize such outlets.
“Periodically, warnings have been issued by the Ministry and NUC against the resort to such institutions and in some instances, reports made to security agencies to clamp down on the perpetrators. The ministry will continue to review its strategy to plug any loopholes, processes, and procedures and deal decisively with any conniving officials.”
Government of Saudi Arabia has issued a new registration for Muslims visiting the country to perform hajj, insisting that worshippers visiting the two holiest Mosques in Macca and Madina should wear facemasks as a precautionary measure.
This is coming days after the kingdom announced the detection of a new variant of COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) had designated JN.1 as a “variant of interest” earlier this month, due to its rapid spread around the world.
The UN agency said that the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is “currently evaluated as low”, based on the available data.
It added that current vaccines still offered protection against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants.
JN.1 is a descendant of Omicron and its symptoms appear to be similar to other variants, such as having a sore throat followed by congestion, according to specialists.
The Saudi General Directorate of Public Security said, in a social media post, that wearing masks at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque and their courtyards would help prevent the transmission of diseases.
The kingdom’s Public Health Authority said that it had identified the local spread of the JN.1 variant of COVID-19, which accounted for 36 percent of the cases in the country.
However, it said that there is no cause for alarm, as the variant had not led to any increase in admissions to intensive care units.
The authorities said that they have eased pandemic-related restrictions, allowing different businesses and activities to resume. Earlier last year, about 1.8 million Muslims performed the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia for the first time in three years, after the pandemic had limited the number of pilgrims.
Millions of Muslims from inside and outside Saudi Arabia visit the Grand Mosque, Islam’s most sacred site, in Mecca every year to perform Umrah or minor pilgrimage and offer prayers. Many of them also travel to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
Meanwhile, the Kingdom said it expects about 10 million foreign Muslims to perform Umrah during the current season, amid facilities for overseas pilgrims.
The first baby of the New Year, a male, named Baby Boluwatife Johnson, was born at 12.03am today, January 1, at the National Hospital in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
On hand to welcome the baby into the world was the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. She was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima; Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohaneye; wife of the minister for works, Mrs. Umahi and the wife of the Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Bello Matawalle.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Mohammed Raji Mahmood, who received the First Lady and her team, expressed the appreciation of the hospital for the visit.
He seized the opportunity to appeal for more help to sustain the legacy of the hospital.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu also took time off to visit other babies that were born in the hospital. She distributed gifts to them, including a set of conjoined twins.
Senator Oluremi called on expectant mothers to prioritize their health and seek to know their HIV/AIDS status.
According to her, this will enable them prevent mother to child transmission of the disease and help themselves stay healthy.
She appealed to well meaning Nigerians to join forces with Government to adopt hospitals and wards to improve the healthcare delivery in the country as government alone cannot do it.
“I urge nursing mothers to take adequate care of their babies, ensure that they are immunized as and when due, practice exclusive breastfeeding and provide them with adequate nutritious and healthy weaning food for their brain development”.
“Expectant mothers should always take antenatal and postnatal care seriously, maintain basic hygiene at home, space their births, register their babies with the National population Commission, NPC and make efforts to enroll them in school at the appropriate age.
The First Lady said that her foundation, Renewed Hope Initiatve (RHI) is working in collaboration with the UNICEF to see that all births in Nigeria are registered in order to ensure the rights and protection of all children.
She said that her Initiative, the Renewed Hope Initiative, RHI is ready to lend a helping hand to facilitate the surgery to separate the conjoin twins.
The Chief Executive Officer of S. J Deluxe and Suites in Okene, Kogi State, Alhaji Salawu Jimoh has claimed that the most exciting thing about the New Year that began today, January 1, is the fact that Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over the mantle of leadership as Governor in a matter of days.
In a New Year message, Alhaji Salawu described the New Year and the coming of Ahmed Ododo as the new beginning and hope for the people of the state.
“Indeed, the most exciting things about this new year is the incoming administration of hope and joy for the state.
“I have no doubts that the incoming administration of Ododo will add great values to the state’s and individual’s living standards.”
Alhaji Salawu attested to the fact that the incoming Governor is an easy going leader with a vision and mission that will transform the state for better, in terms of economic transformation.
The businessman felicitated with the people of the state, who he said are peaceful, unique, hardworking and understanding.
Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial Area, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has charged the youths to begin to ask questions about what their governments are doing with the resources at their disposal and on other issues.
She said: “Nigerian youths, let 2024 be a year you take charge of your government. Question the numerous MoUs and contracts entered by foreign investors and the Federal/State governments. That’s how unqualified Shell companies are uncovered and we can avoid another SolGas, GINL Ajaokuta steel & Delta steel mishap.
“Critique our bilateral agreements and treaties. “Some are meaningless, obsolete, and sovereign traps. Help Nigeria escape from neocolonialism!!!”
Senator Natasha, in a New Year message she posted on social media platforms, asked the youths to demand monthly question-and-answer sessions with the President (Bola Tinubu). “Share your developmental ideas and public opinions. He is your president till 2027 so you might as well begin to make the best use of him for you!!!
Remember Nigeria is ours to fix.”
She wrote: “as we enter into the New Year, many do the usual: “thank God for keeping me alive, for my healthy children, for the house I built”.
Personally, I have a lot to be grateful for this year. I survived a ghastly motor accident on the 14th of April 2023, after being rigged out of the Senatorial elections I overwhelmingly won. Gratefully the courts bided me justice on the 31st of October 2023.
Indeed, 2023 was quite a remarkable year but we can’t help but think about the suffering lot and those who died only to assume that God loves them less.
Two recent unfortunate incidents come to mind, the Tudun Biri Kaduna drone strike of the 3rd December 2023 where 88 innocent people were killed by an erroneous military air attack. Shouldn’t have happened at all. Then the Black Christmas for residents of Bokkos and Barkin communities in Plateau where over 150 people were killed by terrorists. The image of the crying baby strapped on her dead mother’s back still haunts!!!
Today, millions of Nigerians live in the despair of poverty and joblessness amidst the high cost of living. Quality basic education is a luxury and our women are still held hostage for want of settling maternity bills in poorly fit healthcare facilities. The roads… oh the roads are death traps and playgrounds for bandits and kidnappers.
Yes, I can… and so can you… as well as the President. We can fix the problems ourselves and rebuild the Nigeria of our dreams.
How about starting off 2024 by making a resolution for accountability?
On grounds of negligence, we can call for the sack and prosecution of the Army commandant who ordered the Tudun Biri air strike.
We can call for the sack of the Plateau State Director of DSS and Commissioner of Police for gross incompetence over the killings in Plateau.
Fellow Nigerians, you are mostly young, smart, and intuitive; there lies your power… let 2024 be a time you show yourself changing narratives in well-defined civil spaces. I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will walk with you!
Let 2024 be a year you unleash your potential.
Nigeria’s music industry wasn’t established by the government but by ordinary citizens webbing an ecosystem responsive enough to own their space in the world. Afrobeats thrives!!! P
Who says you can’t do same with Science and Technology what you did to the music industry? Who says you can’t revolutionise alternative medicine in the wake of the pharmaceutical giant’s departure from Nigeria? In the past two weeks, I watched the NAFDAC DG and Sen. Aminu Abbas, Chairman Committee on Science and Technology make strong cases to support startups and clinic research in furtherance of alternative medicine.
The next big pharma could be Nigerian!!!
Let our specialised TechHubs be your playground. Station F of France, STING of Stockholm,Botswana Innovation Hub… brace up innovators!!!
Nigerian youths, let 2024 be a year you take charge of your government.
Question the numerous MoUs and contracts entered by foreign investors and the Federal/State governments. That’s how unqualified Shell companies are uncovered and we can avoid another SolGas, GINL Ajaokuta steel & Delta steel mishap.
Critique our bilateral agreements and treaties. Some are meaningless, obsolete, and sovereign traps. Help Nigeria escape from neocolonialism!!!
Demand monthly question-and-answer sessions with your president. Share your developmental ideas and public opinions. He is your president till 2027 so you might as well begin to make the best use of him for you!!!
Remember Nigeria is ours to fix.
Remember the dead of yesterday could be us tomorrow.
Remember politicians’ promises are only as real as you make them by demanding accountability and recalling the unperforming amongst us.
In 2024, intentionally critique the budget … follow the money… monitor the contracts.
Know that every single kobo borrowed to fund the budget is a debt on all of us including the unborn children. So treat governance seriously. Your democratic rights don’t end at the polls… it starts there. Be involved, we shall work with you!!!
So as we thank God for making us see this New Year, let the lives of those who died not be in vain.
As we give thanks for the health of our children, remember the children in the kidnappers’ dens.
While we thank God for the new houses we moved into or built, remember those rendered homeless by the flood and insurgencies.
Be concerned and emphatic about the situations in other states and regions because as we are all bound in poverty and insurgencies ; we shall also be bound in the successes of our innovators and industrialists.
Finally, please learn to apply the Law of Attraction internationally to your daily life because you are your own self programmer. I did this from childhood long before I knew the philosophy existed and it worked. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho are good books to read free on the net.
Unambiguous determination sets in motion series of events that would work in your favor. I’d love to practice this with you all.
So let’s leave the fears and tears of 2023 and intentionally seek a prosperous 2024.
Happy New Year resilient Nigerians
Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan
Kogi Central
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ezenwo Nyeson Wike, has called on the residents of the capital city to support his move to fast track the development of the city by promptly paying their taxes.
In a New Year message today, January 1, the minister declared: “your support and cooperation, especially in the prompt payment of taxes, and active participation in the overall development of the FCT are invaluable.”
Wike asked the residents to join hands with him to build a stronger, more prosperous and harmonious capital city in the New Year and beyond.
Read the full text of the minister’s address:
1. On behalf of the FCT Administration, I extend my warm and heartfelt greetings to all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as we usher in the New Year, 2024.
2. We thank the Almighty for the gift of life to witness the dawn of a new year and pray that He guides us through it successfully, meeting all our aspirations and goals.
3. Let me begin by saying that the successes recorded in 2023 under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the promises inherent in the Renewed Hope Agenda will serve as a blue print as we implement our development agenda for the FCT.
4. The promises embedded within the Renewed Hope Agenda resonate deeply with our aspirations for the FCT as they encapsulate our dedication to enhancing infrastructure, inclusive growth, and fostering a sustainable environment conducive to economic empowerment and social well-being.
5. Over the past few months, we have made significant strides in various sectors, propelled by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Our efforts have been directed towards enhancing infrastructure, ensuring effective urban planning, bolstering healthcare facilities, improving education, and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
6. In the year ahead, we will commit to implementing robust policies and initiatives that will bolster the development of the FCT and ensure that it continues to thrive as a model of excellence in all ramifications.
7. In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, our development plans for the Federal Capital Territory for 2024 encompasses several key areas including the following:
i. Infrastructure Development: We aim to continue on our current course of accelerated infrastructural development including road construction, public transportation with re-opening of the Abuja Metro System and the expansion of essential amenities such as water supply and electricity to meet the demands of the ever increasing FCT population.
ii. Economic Empowerment: we remain committed to fostering economic growth involving the creation of an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, promoting entrepreneurship, and initiating programs that provide employment opportunities for our youth. We intend especially to focus attention on the tourism sector which hitherto had remained largely untapped and which has the potentials of being a major revenue earner for the FCT.
iii. Social Welfare: We are dedicated to advancing social welfare programs that prioritize healthcare, education, and housing, ensuring that every resident has access to essential services and quality living conditions. We will intensify efforts to enhance educational institutions, equip our youth with the necessary skills, and create opportunities for their holistic development.
iv. Sustainable Development: we are also determined to promote sustainability practices that preserve the environment, such as green initiatives, waste management, and renewable energy projects. We are also dedicated to implementing robust urban planning and renewal strategies and initiatives which includes the removal of shanties and slums and a renewed commitment to adherence to the dictates of the Abuja Masterplan.
v. Community Engagement and Inclusivity: We also recognize the importance of engaging with our diverse communities and fostering inclusivity. Hence, we will continue to prioritize dialogue, participation, and collaboration with residents to address their needs effectively.
vi. Security: I wish to reaffirm the Administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of all residents. Security remains a top priority, and we will continue to support the efforts of the security agencies in keeping the FCT safe. While we will remain vigilant and responsive by adapting to evolving threats, I equally call on residents to play their roles by cooperating with security agencies by providing much needed information should the need arise.
8. As we embark on this journey into the New Year together, I urge all residents of the FCT all to join hands with the Administration in our efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous, and harmonious capital territory
9. Your support and cooperation, especially in the prompt payment of taxes, and active participation in the overall development of the FCT are invaluable.
10. Finally, I wish also to enjoin all residents of the FCT to rally behind and support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This transformative vision is poised to bring about positive change and elevate our nation to new heights.
11. President Tinubu’s commitment to good governance, economic prosperity, and social development aligns seamlessly with our collective aspirations for a better Nigeria and a Federal Capital Territory which will be the pride of all of us.
12. I once more wish you and your loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and prosperous New Year!
EZENWO NYESOM WIKE CON
HONOURABLE MINISTER,
FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY.
