Tinubu Sacks Aisha As UniAbuja Vice Chancellor, Gets Her Replacement

February 6, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sacked Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi as Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University.
In her place is Professor Lar Patricia Manko, who is appointed as Acting Vice Chancellor of the University. She will serve a six-month term.
The Acting Vice Chancellor will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.
In the same vein, the President sacked Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsuka.
A statement today, January 6, by Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said that these were significant leadership changes the President made in several federal universities with immediate effect.
The statement reads further: “At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.
Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.
In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.
Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.
The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.
Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.
Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.
All appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.
President Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.
The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.”

Aliko Dangote Boasts Of World Standards Of His Refinery, Says It Had Already Exported 2 Cargoes To Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2025

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has again, boasted that products coming out of his refinery in Lagos are world standards.
He said that the fact has been proved with the recent exportation of two jet fuel cargoes to Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer and a leading integrated oil and gas company globally.
Information has it that Saudi Aramco is the official Saudi Arabian Oil Company, which is a majority state-owned petroleum and natural gas company that is the national oil company of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking when the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) team visited both Dangote Fertiliser Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Dangote said that exporting products to the global markets, especially Saudi Aramco, is because of his refinery’s world-class standards and advanced technologies.
“We are reaching the ambitious goals we set for ourselves, and I’m pleased to announce that we’ve just sold two cargoes of jet fuel to Saudi Aramco.”
He said that since its production began in 2024, his refinery has steadily increased its output, now reaching 550,000 barrels per day.
The NESG Chairman, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, commended Aliko Dangote for establishing the $20 billion refinery – the largest single-train refinery in the world, saying that Nigeria needs more investments of this calibre to reach its $1 trillion economy goal.
“To achieve a $1 trillion economy, much of that must come from domestic investments. I joked during the bus ride that while others are dredging to create islands for leisure, you’ve dredged 65 million cubic tonnes of sand to create a future for the country. “This refinery, fertiliser plant, petrochemical complex, and supporting infrastructure are monumental.
“My hope is that God grants you the strength, courage, and health to realise your ambitions and that in your lifetime, a new Nigeria will emerge.”
Yusuf emphasised that such local industries are essential to Nigeria’s industrialisation and will help foster the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He added that the NESG would continue to advocate for an improved investment climate to attract entrepreneurs, boost development, ensure food security, and address insecurity.
He lamented that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for foreign products and stressed that the country must support its entrepreneurs to become a global player.
“It’s inconceivable that a nation of over 230 million people, with an annual birth rate higher than the total population of some countries, is still dependent on imports to feed its citizens.”
Yusuf also praised Dangote’s bold vision for making Nigeria self-sufficient in several key sectors.
“The NESG is grateful, and I believe the nation is as well. This refinery represents the audacity of courage. It takes immense effort to do what you’ve done and still be standing and smiling.
“Thank you for inspiring us and showing that nothing is impossible. You’ve transformed Nigeria from a net importer of petroleum products to a net exporter.
“We’ve all read Think Big, but this is truly about thinking big. The message is clear: the private sector can bring about real change.”
Yusuf, alongside NESG board members and stakeholders, toured the refinery and fertiliser plants, lauding the level of investment, technology, and sophistication of young Nigerian engineers running world-class laboratories and central control units.
He acknowledged Dangote’s perseverance and success in overcoming numerous challenges.

Tinubu Approves 65 Years As Retirement Age For Doctors, Nurses, Others

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved an increase in the retirement age for medical doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years.
National Publicity Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Mannir Bature, who made this known in a statement today, January 5, said that the President directed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, to formally present the approval to the Council on Establishment through the Office of the Head of Service for finalisation.
He said that the policy shift was conveyed by Pate during a high-level meeting with the NMA President, Professor Bala Audu, and key stakeholders in the health sector.
Bature said that the meeting also had in attendance the leadership of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).
He said that discussions centred on progress made regarding the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
According to him, the coordinating minister confirmed that the arrears resulting from the adjustment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) are set for payment.
“The necessary funds have been secured, and disbursement to beneficiaries will commence soon,” he said.
Bature quoted the minister as saying that President Tinubu also approved the correction of consequential adjustments for both CONMESS and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), arising from the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“The process to effect this correction is at an advanced stage, providing much-needed relief to doctors and other healthcare workers.”
He said that following an extensive review initiated by the NMA, approval has been granted for the implementation of new tariffs for healthcare service providers.
“This will particularly benefit members of the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners and Nurses (ANPMPN), ensuring better financial remuneration and sustainability for healthcare services nationwide,” he said.
Bature said that the Coordinating Minister expressed appreciation for the patience and collaboration of all stakeholders, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of all healthcare workers.
Bature said that Professor Pate emphasised that collaboration was crucial to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
He said that attendees at the meeting renewed their commitment to work together in advocating for the welfare of healthcare workers and ensuring the full implementation of key reforms.
It is on record that NMA has been championing the cause of increasing the retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years to address brain drain, improve knowledge transfer and for quality healthcare delivery.
Source: NAN.

We Don’t Agree With Judgement Sacking Ohinoyi, Kogi Govt Protests, Heads For Appeal

Greenbarge Reporters

February 5, 2025

The Kogi State government has disagreed with the judgment of a High Court in Lokoja, sacking the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Mohamed Anaje as it heads to appeal court to challenge the ruling.
The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Muiz Abdullahi, who was reacting to the judgment said that the Governor of the state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has instructed him to appeal against the court verdict.
“We are confident that there will be a reversal of the judgement.
“The citizens should exercise restraint not to do any contrary to the Law.
“We don’t agree with the judgment because the judge didn’t consider some objections we raised before him.
“The judgment is neither here nor there.
“You should know that the law is straight forward. One plus one is two, and it can’t be contested.
“Tomorrow (today, January 5), by God’s grace, we are filing Notice and Grounds of appeal challenging the judgment of the court.”

The Only Thing That Can Remove Ohinoyi Of Ebiraland Is Death, Aide Reacts To Court Ruling

Greenbarge Reporters

February 4, 2025

Musa Usman, Director General, Protocol to the Ohinoyi Ebiraland, has made it clear that the only thing that can remove the Ohinoyi from the throne is death.
Reacting to a judgement by Kogi State High Court in Lokoja yesterday, January 3, sacking the Ohinoyi, Alhaji Ahmed Mohamed Anaje from the throne, Musa Usman said: “the only thing that can remove him from the throne is death, which we pray will be a very long time to come, In Sha Allah.”
In a statement today, January 4, titled: “Message to the Good People of Ebiraland,” the Ohinoyi aide said that there is no need for Ebira people to be jittery over the Court ruling, advising them to remain calm and continue with their normal daily life activities.
“It is important to note that the judgment is currently being appealed, and our beloved monarch, the Ohinoyi-Ebira, a man of sound faith, is undaunted and continues to hold his esteemed position as The Paramount Ruler of Ebira Kingdom. His reign is far from over, and we are confident that he will lead us for many years to come.
“Let us stand united in support of our beloved Ohinoyi and maintain the peace and harmony that define our great land.
“Together, we will navigate these challenges with resilience and faith.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”

Subsidy Removal: How Tinubu’s Govt Lost $450 Billion In Value To Save $10 Billion

Greenbarge Reporters

February 2, 2025

An unanimous economic analyst has argued that the boast by the government of President Ahmed Tinubu of having saved $10 billion in one year as a result of the removal of subsidy on petrol in 2023 cannot be compared to the loss of $450 Billion in value in the same period.
“Nigeria has lost about 450 billion dollars in value, and standard of living have fallen in one year in order to save 10 billion dollars,” the analyst said and asked: “does this make any sense at all?”
According to the expert, the losses that occured within the macro and micro economy in order to save 10 billion dollars because of the fuel subsidy removal including the fact that GDP has lost approximately 200 billion dollars in one year
The expert said that inflammation went up by almost 500 percent in some sectors whereas life expectancy was reduced by almost 10 points.
Another loss, the analyst said, is that the government spent another five billion dollars on palliative approach to mitigate subsidy removal effects.
“It now costs the government five times more to fund any project. Simply put, a 100km road that could have cost 100 billion naira now costs the government 500 billion Naira to build, meaning that government can only build fewer infrastructure due to its own foolishness and potential for economic recovery was. reduced to almost non existent
“There are massive job losses as many businesses fold up as a result of the harsh fall out of reckless subsidy removal.
“Debt profile shot up from 60 trillion Naira to 140 trillion in just over a year.”

Ododo Meets Natasha

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2025

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State had a chanced meeting with the Senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan today, January 31. The husband of Natasha, Chief Uduaghan was by her side at the meeting.
The two sides, from the same Senatorial District, have never met since they were elected on the platforms of two different political parties. While Ododo was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Natasha was elected Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Natasha had avoided the immediate past Governor of the State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello not only because of serious political differences but grudges over alleged physical attacks on her by the agents of Yahaya Bello.

Also today, Governor Ododo paid a condolence visit to the family of the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala, in Ajiolo, Dekina Local Government Area. The Auditor General lost his mother and matriarch of the Okala family, Hajiya Amina Yusuf Okala, last week Friday.
The Governor was accompanied by top officials of the Kogi State Government to the 8th Day Fidau prayer for the Auditor General’s late mother.

Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum Unanimously Picks Yobe Gov, Buni, As Its Chairman

Greenbarge Reporters

January 31, 2025

The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum has unanimously picked the Governor of Yobe State,Mai Mala Buni as its chairman.

Members of Forum acknowledged that Governor Buni’s appointment is reflection of his dynamic leadership, believing that he would live up to the high expectations.
By new position, the Governor is expected to drive collaborative efforts to address issues that bother the region, especially insecurity, and to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.

Kogi Votes N4 Billion To Battle Malaria

Greenbarge Reporters

January 30, 2025

The Kogi State Government has committed over ₦4 Billion to battle malaria through its healthcare system.
The State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who spoke at the launch of a malaria prevention campaign, with the distribution of free drugs and test-kits across healthcare facilities in the state, said that the distribution of anti-malaria drugs, rapid diagnostic test kits, and over 3 million insecticide-treated nets to healthcare facilities is in line with the commitment of his administration to promote healthy living and the wellbeing of the people of the state.
He called for collective efforts to eradicate the disease, which he said has continued to claim the lives of thousands of people in Nigeria.
Governor Ododo noted with worry, alarming statistics from the 2024 World Malaria Report, which revealed that “Africa accounted for 94 percent of global malaria cases in 2023, with Nigeria contributing 30 percent of the 5,970 deaths recorded.
He noted also that Kogi State’s malaria prevalence of 16 percent exceeded the national target of less than 10 percent, necessitating urgent intervention by all stakeholders.
The governor stressed the importance of ensuring that these supplies get to communities and people for which they are meant to improve health outcomes, noting that the items are not for sale and anyone found guilty of diverting them will be held accountable.
According to the Governor, the intervention, supported by the Islamic Development Bank, includes over 10,000 cartons of anti-malaria drugs and test kits containing more than 1 million doses for children and nearly 2 million doses for adults, adding that the supplies will be distributed to 536 government health facilities across the state, including primary healthcare centers, general hospitals, and teaching hospitals.
Governor Ododo commended healthcare workers in the state for their efforts in improving healthcare outcomes in rural areas, describing them as soldiers battling diseases on the frontlines.
He urged traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders to join hands with the government in ensuring the success of the initiative.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector as a critical pillar of the development agenda of the Kogi state government under his leadership.
He expressed confidence that the initiative, alongside federal government healthcare reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, would significantly reduce malaria prevalence and improve the quality of lives of the people of Kogi State.
Earlier, the commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams emphasized the importance of the malaria prevention programme which he said is to ensure that every household has access to malaria test kits, drugs, insecticide-treated nets, and other preventive measures.
He noted that the intervention is free and focuses on community engagement, describing it as a comprehensive strategy to combat malaria effectively across Kogi State.

Youth Corps Members To Start Receiving N77,000 As Monthly Allowance From February – DG

Greenbarge Reporters

January 30, 2025

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has announced that corps members will begin receiving a revised monthly allowance of N77,000 starting from February 2025.
Addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina, the Director General said that the increment has been incorporated in the 2025 Federal Government budget.
“This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed by next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000.”
He said that the approval for the new allowance came from the Federal Government, encouraging corps members to show appreciation by being diligent during their service year.
He reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare and security, assured assuring them that they would not be posted to areas experiencing security threats.
“We will not send our corps members to wherever we have challenges of security threats. Wherever we send them, they should be less assured that the place is safe and secured for them to serve.”

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