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I’ll Not Be Ungrateful To APC, Ex President Buhari Swears

Immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he would not leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) that provided him platform to get elected in 2015 and 2019.
“For Muhammadu Buhari, he’s still very much an APC member. He has always said, ‘I will never be ungrateful. I will never betray the party that gave me two terms in office.”
The spokesperson to the former President, Malam Garba Shehu, who featured on “Trust TV’s 30 Minutes” stressed that Buhari remains loyal to the APC which gave him a platform to win the presidency after three failed attempts.
He said that Buhari’s camp is not shaking by unfolding developments in the APC, saying that the camp is not disturbed?
Garba Shehu said that those who played a role in forming the APC back in 2014 understand the sacrifices it took and are unlikely to do anything to weaken it now.
“It took hard work, energy and sacrifice to bring the APC together. After trying multiple times, the opposition groups finally joined forces in 2014 and won.
“Those who saw how much effort it took to build that coalition won’t be the ones to tear it down.”
He dismissed insinuation in some quarters that Buhari and President Bola Tinubu are not in good term with each other, adding that the two leaders remain united under the APC.
“People are entitled to their opinions. But officially, there is no distrust or fallout between the Buhari and Tinubu administrations.”

Nigerian Govt Settles For 16 Years Minimum Age For Admission Into Universities 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has finally endorsed 16 years as the minimum age for admission of fresh students into universities and other tertiary institutions.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who made this known today, July 7, at the opening of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Policy Meeting in Abuja, said that the new age requirement is mandatory and non-negotiable.
According to the minister, heads of institutions found complicit in admission fraud will face strict legal consequences.
He stressed that any admission conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be deemed illegal, adding that institutions and individuals involved in such practices would also be prosecuted.

Edo Gov Grants Request Of Youths, Approves ₦1 Billion Annual Bursary For Students In Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the sum of ₦1 billion as bursary support for students of Edo State origin in tertiary institutions across the country.
Governor Okpebholo made the pronouncement as part of his automatic granting of the request of the youths, during a town hall meeting with young people, for the introduction of bursaries to assist Edo indigenes pursuing higher education in various institutions nationwide.
The approval of the bursary is expected to become an annual program designed to ease the financial burden on students and their families.
Governor Okpebholo said that eligibility for the bursary will be based on proper verification through the applicant’s Local Government of Origin to ensure that only genuine indigenes of the State benefit from the scheme.
The Governor emphasized that the initiative aligned with his administration’s broader vision to enhance access to quality education, encourage academic excellence and support the aspirations of Edo youths to contribute meaningfully to the development of the State and the nation.
A statement today, July 6 by the Governor’s spokesperson, Fred Itua, said that further details on application procedures and timelines will be made available by the various relevant government agencies.

Cross River Women Threaten To Protest Naked Over Cocoa Estate Privatisation

Women and youths of Bendeghe Ekiem community in Etung local government area of Cross River state have given the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo, a 14-day ultimatum to reverse the planned privatisation of government-controlled estate or be ready to see the women go naked to dance around the cocoa plantation.
Youth in the community have already staged a protest to express their displeasure over the issue.
The community women leader, Ntunkai Obi and the women’s chief, Helen Ogar, called on the commissioner to reach out to the leaders of their community to dialogue on the issue to enable them to know the next line of action on the issue.
“Starting from today, we have given a two-week ultimatum to the Commissioner for Agriculture to get back to us after this protest for us to dialogue; otherwise, we will continue with the protest after two weeks.
“If the commissioner fails to get back to us, we will do as our culture demands. In our culture, nobody comes to us, we will go to the estate naked, and walk round the estate before leaving it for the government to occupy.”
The town council chairman, Etta Atu-Ojua, in company of the community youth leader, Comrade Tandu Kingsley, expressed their displeasure over the planned privatisation of the estate, urging the Agric Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo, to stop the move to privatise the estate to avoid plunging the community into criminality.
“The land is ours, Cocoa is theirs. We are ready to allow the commissioner to pull off their cocoa trees and take them away so that we can have access to our land to re-plant our own stems.
“Cocoa is our oil. Cocoa is our goal. Nobody can take it away from us.
“We have instances where our youths took to crime, committing all manner of crimes, until God decided to touch their hearts as a result of the functional estate.
“We knew what our community went through in the hands of youths. Unless the commissioner wants to tell us that he is seeking an avenue to send our youths to prison.
“Like the saying goes, an idle man’s heart is a workshop for the devil.
“The plantation is like an industry that engages our young men. Can’t you see how energetic they are?”
The community youths vowed to continue with the protest should the commissioner fail to give a listening ear to their cry.
They warned that the decision would plunge the community into criminality and urged the commissioner to reconsider that decision.
The community demands that the government rescind the decision to privatise the cocoa estate, engage in dialogue with the community stakeholders, and allow the community to take back their land if the government is no longer interested in managing the estate.

We’re Equipping Young Nigerians To Succeed Wherever They Are – Jobberman Nigeria Boss

The country Director of Jobberman Nigeria, Mr. Olamide Adeyeye has affirmed the organisation’s focus on local impact for young men and women in Nigeria to be productive.
Speaking at a Career Clinic organized for Young Nigerians in Yola, Adamawa State capital, Olamide Adeyeye said that the program is a platform for young job seekers and entrepreneurs, particularly those with 0 to 5 years of experience, to gain critical insights, develop their professional capacity and receive personalised guidance.
“What we’re doing here in Adamawa is part of a larger commitment to equip young Nigerians with what they need to succeed, right where they are.”
The program, tagged “Your Career Compass: Gain Clarity in Work and Business,” drew over 1,000 young people, with a 80 precent turnout of women between the ages of 18 and 35 working or aspiring to work in agriculture, hospitality and other informal businesses.
Jobberman Nigeria, carried out the program in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, with over one thousand Youths in attendance.
Adeyeye said that the two partners were out to reshape how young people access opportunity in jobs, business and in mindset, adding: “from practical CV writing and interview preparation to entrepreneurial thinking and business model development, participants were equipped with tools to make informed career and business decisions.”
The Lead Consultant at Innovate Highfliers Consulting Ltd., Mrs.Juliana Omale, challenged attendees to think beyond survival and focus on growth.
“Clarity means more than knowing what you want. It is about positioning yourself where opportunity lives, whether that’s in your skills, your business idea, or how you show up to the world.
“Through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, we are reshaping how young people access opportunity – in jobs, in business, and in mindset.”
The Clinic featured two breakout sessions running concurrently: one on Interview Etiquette and CV Reviews, which gave participants insight into building standout resumes, mastering interviews and leveraging digital tools for job searches; and the second on Entrepreneurship Development, which focused on turning ideas into viable ventures within Adamawa’s local economy, particularly in agriculture, crafts, and hospitality.
During the breakout sessions, attendees benefited from one-on-one career counselling and CV reviews facilitated by Jobberman Youth Engagement facilitators, HR experts and experienced entrepreneurs.
The personalised sessions gave participants the opportunity to receive honest feedback, identify gaps and walk away with a clearer understanding of how to move forward professionally.
A participant including Fatima Musa, 22, a recent graduate who joined the entrepreneurship track, shared her reflection:
“This is the first time I’ve spoken to someone who listened to my business idea and helped me think through how to make it work in my community.
“It feels like I’ve been given permission to try.”
Another participant, Maryam Adamu said: “before today, I felt stuck. I wasn’t sure if I should keep applying for jobs or start my own small business but now, I have direction.”
Also, Miss Asete Divine Ajayi said: ”As a young secondary school leaver, I need orientation to put and keep me on the right part of life even as I look forward to pursuing my dreams.”
The Adamawa Career Clinic is part of Jobberman’s ongoing efforts to foster inclusive employment and entrepreneurial pathways.

50 Women Trained As CNG Motor Mechanics In Edo, Nigeria

No fewer than 50 women have been trained as mechanics in Edo State and have received their certificates.
The women were trained as specialists on converting petrol vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered vehicles.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters showed that the training was sponsored by Mrs. Sandra Aguebor, Founder of Lady Mechanic Initiative, National Automotive Design And Development Council(NADDC) and Edo Government.
Mrs. Aguebor was quoted as saying that the 50 graduates would significantly boost manpower for converting petrol vehicles to environmentally friendly CNG-powered engines.
She said that the CNG conversion is a new horizon for women in the automotive industry, emphasizing women’s expanding role in the male-dominated sector.
Mrs. Aguebor, Nigeria’s first lady mechanic, said that Edo women mechanics could convert petrol vehicles to CNG following their training and successful graduation from the Lady Mechanic Initiative.
She said that that so far, the Lady Mechanic Initiative had trained more than 6,000 women across 20 states, with certified coordinators supporting the programme
Mrs. Aguebor explained that the initiative was to empower women and girls, as well as promoting economic prosperity for families, especially vulnerable women in society through skill development.
She added that the initiative also provided mentorship and counseling, further supporting the girl child and encouraging women’s sustained success in mechanics.
“All beneficiaries have been trained and certified as CNG conversion technicians.”
Mrs. Aguebor commended Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Federal Government for their vital support and commitment to the women empowerment initiative.

We’ll Not Recall Natasha Until She Apologizes As Directed By Court – Senate Spokesman

Spokesperson to the Senate, Yemi Adaramodu has made it clear that the Red Chamber would not immediately reinstate the embattled senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial Area, until she apologizes as directed by court.
Reacting to the judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja yesterday, July 4, Senator Adaramodu said that the court judgment did not override the Senate’s constitutional powers to discipline its members.
“Which judgment are we appealing when they (the court) said the Senate has the right to discipline its erring members?
“The court has not ousted the Senate’s statutory right to punish any erring senator.
“It was established that the senator in question erred. The court has already told her to go and do some things, like restitution, so after the restitution, the Senate will now sit again and consider the content of that restitution, and that will inform our next line of action.
According to Senator Adaramodu, the Senate would only reconvene to deliberate on the matter after Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had complied with the court’s directives.
“The onus is no more on us now; it is already on her doorstep to go and apologise. Once she does that, then the Senate will sit and determine how to deal with her matter.
“The first reaction now will not be from us. The court has ruled, so once she takes the step to redress and does what the court has directed her to do, then the Senate will sit and look at the content of her reaction as prescribed by the court.”
This is even as the Senate counsel, Paul Dauda, SAN, described the ruling as a partial victory for the Senate, particularly on the issue of civil contempt arising from social media posts made during the case.
Dauda said: “The first application filed by the Senate, that no social media posts should have been made, was decided in our favour. The court directed that the satirical apology be taken down and that a proper apology be published in two national dailies. “Additionally, damages of five million naira were awarded to be paid to the court.”
On the substantive ruling regarding the suspension, Dauda noted that the Senate’s authority to discipline its members was not in dispute.
“It appears the court affirmed that the Senate, as an institution, has the right to discipline its members. While members are elected to represent constituencies, they are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Senate’s standing rules.”
According to him, the court did not order Akpoti-Uduaghan’s reinstatement but merely suggested that the Senate could consider recalling her.
“There was no relief asking for the suspension to be lifted. The judge only made what we call ‘an obiter dictum,’ which is a non-binding remark, that the suspension may have been excessive.
“We will consult with our colleagues, read the full judgment, and respond accordingly.”

Edo Internally Generated Revenue In 6 Months Hits N52.6 Billion

Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration in Edo State, has posted ₦52.6 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) within six months, representing 46 percent increase from the ₦36.1 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.
The Executive Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Otunba Oladele Bankole-Balogun, who made this known said that the half-year revenue figure reflects a remarkable 89.5 percent performance year-to-date, surpassing all mid-year benchmarks set in recent history.
“We are not just collecting revenue but we are restructuring the very foundations of Edo’s tax ecosystem. Our reforms are deliberate, people-focused, and technology-driven.
“What Governor Okpebholo has achieved in just six months is more than a fiscal milestone; it is a statement that a New Edo is not just rising, it is already here.”
He said that since assuming office in November, 2024, Governor Okpebholo has focused on strengthening institutional capacity at the EIRS, launching a multifaceted approach that includes regular staff training and improved welfare, regular stakeholder engagements, infrastructure upgrade and strengthened compliance with tax laws
“This holistic model of tax administration, rarely seen in state level governance, has led to the onboarding of 1,900 new taxpayers within the six-month window, marking a shift from theoretical tax expansion to operational reality.
“It’s a progressive model,” Bankole-Balogun said, adding: “You don’t bring everyone into the tax net overnight. But you can focus on big-income earners, plug the leaks, and keep the momentum going.”
The EIRS Chairman emphasized that the Governor Okpebholo-led administration is not simply collecting tax but redefining public perception around civic responsibility.
“We are building a culture where taxation is not seen as a burden but a patriotic contribution. When people see their taxes being translated into development, compliance becomes easier.”
He assured that the revenue agency would intensify efforts to implement the new federal tax reforms recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This, he said, would further align state policy with national growth targets.

Why You Should Not Be Distracted By The Life Of This World! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed:
Dear brothers and sisters! In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget that our time in this world is limited. Many often avoid thinking about this and instead distract themselves with worldly pursuits. The Qur’an addresses this tendency. Allah the Most High says: “You have been distracted by gathering the worldly things, until you reach the graves. Certainly, you will come to know!” (Qur’an, 102:1-3)
Islam teaches that death is not the end, but a transition to another phase of existence. Understanding the Islamic perspective on death can offer profound insights, not just for Muslims, but for anyone seeking to live a more meaningful and purposeful life.
Whether you are a Muslim, Christian, Jew, or atheist, we all agree on one thing: death is inescapable. The Qur’an states: “Every soul will taste death. Then to Us will you be returned.” (Qur’an, 29:57).
This Qur’anic verse serves as a powerful reminder of our mortality and the temporary nature of worldly life. It encourages us to pause and reflect: Are we living in a way that we’d be content with if today were our last day? Are we prepared for what comes after?
In Islam, the best preparation for death is to live a righteous life. This doesn’t mean a life of austerity or constant seriousness, but rather one of balance, kindness, and mindfulness of our actions and their consequences. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Live in this world as if you are a stranger or a traveler passing through.” (Bukhari).
This Hadith captures the reality of this world – it is like an airport terminal or a bus station. Therefore, one should not be overly obsessed with excessive materialism and instead focus on actions that have lasting spiritual value.
In Islam, the moment of death is when the soul is taken by the Angel of Death.. The Qur’an describes this moment: “He reigns supreme over all of His creation, and sends recording angels, watching over you. When death comes to any of you, Our angels take their soul, never neglecting this duty.” (Qur’an, 6:61).
For those who lived righteously, this moment is described as peaceful: “Those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), ‘Peace be on you; enter Paradise, because of (the good) which you did (in the world).” (Qur’an, 16:32)
Islam provides a vivid description of what occurs at the moment of death, based on teachings attributed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). The experience is said to differ greatly depending on the person’s faith and deeds in life.
For a person who lived a righteous life, death is described as a peaceful event. According to a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him):
“When the believing servant is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, angels with radiant faces descend from heaven. They bring with them a shroud and perfume from Paradise, and sit as far as the eye can see. The Angel of Death then approaches and sits by the person’s head, saying, ‘O pure soul, come out to the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah.’”
The soul is said to leave the body easily, described as flowing “like a drop of water from a cup.” The angels then take the soul, wrap it in the heavenly shroud, and perfume it with a scent described as the most fragrant musk on earth.
The journey of the soul continues after it leaves the body. The Hadith describes: “The angels ascend with the soul, and as they pass by groups of angels, they are asked, ‘Who is this pure soul?’ They reply with the person’s best names known on earth. Upon reaching each heaven, they request entry, and the gates are opened.”
When the soul reaches the seventh heaven, Allah is said to decree: “Record the book of My servant in Illiyyun (the highest heaven) and return him to the earth. For I created them from it, and to it I shall return them, and from it I shall bring them forth once again.”
In contrast, for those who led a life contrary to Islamic teachings, the experience is described as difficult. The Hadith states:
“For the disbeliever, the soul is extracted harshly. As the angels ascend with it, they pass by groups of angels who ask, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ The angels reply using the worst names by which the person was known on earth. When they reach the lowest heaven and request entry, the gates are not opened.”
The Qur’an is then quoted: “For them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle.” (Qur’an, 7:40).
Respected servants of Allah! Islam holds that the journey of the soul does not end with death. After burial, it’s believed that two angels, one named Munkar and the other Nakir, question the deceased about their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:
“When the deceased is buried, two blue-black angels come to him. One is called Munkar and the other Nakir. They ask him, ‘What did you use to say about this man (Prophet Muhammad)?’ He will say what he used to say (in this world): ‘He is the servant of Allah and His Messenger…’” (Tirmidhi).
The soul then enters a state called Barzakh, a period between death and resurrection. The Qur’an mentions this intermediate state:
“And behind them is a barrier (barzakh) until the Day they are resurrected.” (Qur’an, 23:100).
While the exact nature of this state is known only to Allah, it’s understood to be a time of waiting until the Day of Judgment.
For the righteous, this period is understood to be one of peace and anticipation of Allah’s mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), is reported to have said: “When a believer dies, he is shown his place in Paradise morning and evening.” (Bukhari).
Conversely, for those who led sinful lives, this period may involve discomfort as a preview of accountability to come.
Respected brothers and sisters! Reflecting on death prompts us to contemplate the fundamental questions of our existence: Why are we here? Is there a greater purpose to life beyond our daily routines and material pursuits? These thoughts naturally lead us to consider the concept of a higher power or Creator. If there is Allah, what is our relationship to this Divine being? How does this relationship, or lack thereof, shape our understanding of life and our place in the universe?
Moreover, pondering death inevitably raises questions about what, if anything, comes after. Is death truly the end, or is it a transition to another form of existence? If there is an afterlife, how does that possibility influence the way we live our lives now? These are not easy questions to grapple with, but they are essential in forming a comprehensive worldview and understanding our place in the grand scheme of existence.
Such reflections challenge us to look beyond the immediate and consider the eternal. They invite us to examine our beliefs, our actions, and the very foundations of our worldview. For those who believe in an afterlife, it raises the question of how prepared we are for what comes next. For those who don’t, it prompts consideration of how to find meaning in a finite existence.
Islam teaches that it’s never too late to turn towards righteousness and seek answers to these profound questions. The Qur’an says: “O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow – and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Aware of what you do.” (Qur’an, 59:18).
This Qur’anic verse is a call to action, encouraging us to be mindful of our spiritual state and to seek understanding before our time in this world comes to an end.
Dear servants of Allah! In Islam, understanding death is not about living in fear, but about living with purpose and consciousness of our ultimate destiny. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler.” (Bukhari)
Reminding us of life’s temporary nature.
The Qur’an emphasises this perspective:
“And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter – that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.” (Qur’an, 29:64)
This teaching encourages us to prioritise our actions based on their consequences in the afterlife. It calls us to live lives of meaning, virtue, and devotion, always conscious of our return to Allah the Almighty.
As you reflect on these teachings, consider how this awareness of death and the afterlife might reshape your priorities and actions. The path to righteousness is open to all, as the Qur’an states:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an, 2:222)
The opportunity for change is always present, but the time to act is now.
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions.

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761.

Corruption In Nigeria: Politics And Governance, By Emmanuel Omuya Yusuf

A country so naturally endowed in landmarks, landscapes, land mass, and potentially blessed with people of diverse and rich cultures. We have globally celebrated icons in various fields of art, science and technology yet with deficiency in meaningful political self-governance.
Our political leadership is never lacking on the right political models but there is deliberate ignorance driven by greed and selfishness of the political leadership.
Corruption is so corrupt that even the institutions that should police the other civil
institutions are culpably corrupt and compromised by the endemically corrupt
society.
Civil or public Servants are ironically the Lords of the society, manufacturing, orchestrating, manipulating and systematically institutionalizing corruption in our
society.
We may individually have our experiences to share in any of our encounters either in seeking admission in schools or in legitimate public services ranging from job search or health care without entanglement and corrupt practices from your first contact to the top level of government officials.
Political offices are being vied for with huge resources either illegally or legitimately sourced but to be recouped by all means necessary when elected or appointed- in Nigeria politics, if you win or lose political office, just do everything to align with the system, you can be leveraged.
Honestly, addressing political governance in Nigeria is not the problem but the political class can only be intentional about it by cutting the cost of governance firstly, pruning itself of ungodly and irrational remuneration either as Executive or
Legislative.
Realistically, the country’s remuneration of the few elected elites have wicked imbalances with the salaries and wages of the working class and in a bid for the working public servants to square up with the same market realities, corrupt practices are institutionalized.
Same market with the political elites yet skewed remunerative system.
Good Government jobs, of choice offices tagged “white collar” are only for the
children of the political elites or Who-Know-Man connections.
A check on Government parastatals and Agencies can be verified.
The cost of Executive governance must be pruned. Act of making legislative laws have become so hyper expensive, than our Holy Books that are being used for oath of offices respectively.
Judiciary are no longer judicious in the dispensation of justice but most often the highest bidder wins in our various levels of our courts.

Omuya Yusuf, a
Public Affairs Analyst can be reached on:
oohinoyi@yahoo.com

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