Don’t Cause Confusion In 2025 Hajji Operations With Premature Demands, NAHCON Tells Group

February 20, 2025

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned a group known as Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) against making demand that can cause confusion in the 2025 Hajji operations that would be conducted by the Commission.
In a statement today, February 20, reacting to the group’s reference to foreign exchange differentials in the 2025 Hajj fare, the Commission pleaded for support from all the stakeholders for it to deliver a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
The statement, signed by Shafii Sani Mohammed, a Staff of the Information and Publications Division of the Commission, cautioned against “making premature demands that could mislead the public or create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims.”
He said that refunds, if applicable, are traditionally processed after Hajj operations, not before.
“This ensures proper financial reconciliation, prevents disruptions in service delivery, and guarantees that all necessary expenses for the pilgrimage are fully covered before making any financial adjustments.
“It is also important to note that Hajj planning involves multiple financial commitments, including airfare, accommodation, feeding, and local transportation, all of which are subject to international market fluctuations.
“These factors must be carefully managed to avoid unintended financial setbacks that could compromise the experience and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
“NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of Hajj funds. Any legitimate financial adjustments will be addressed after the Hajj exercise when all expenditures have been accounted for. Pilgrims and stakeholders can rest assured that the Commission will act in their best interest.
“Our collective priority should be the welfare of the pilgrims and the overall success of Hajj 2025. NAHCON remains open to constructive engagement and welcomes genuine collaboration toward achieving this goal.”

Gathering Tension: Authority Shuts Down Federal Universities Of Lokoja

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

Authority of the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State capital, has ordered the immediate closure of the institution.
The closure of the institution followed the gathering tension in which students are protesting over the death of five of them in a trailer accident at Felele city centre.
A circular dated February 20, with reference number FUL/R/GEN/REGC/03 and signed by the University’s Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Dr. Rebecca Almiohu Osagie, said that after the February 17 accident, students have barricaded the gates of the university.
The circular said that despite the proactive measures taken by both the state government and the university authority to assuage the students, they have remained adamant.
“Arising from the advice of the security agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice Chancellor, after due consultation with the management, has decided, on behalf of the Senate, that the university (both campuses) be closed down indefinitely within one hour of this circular. Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses before 12 noon today, Thursday, 20 February 2025.”

Ogun State Institute of Technology Takes Delivery Of Emerging Tech Centre

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa.
The project, called Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), is sited on the Institute’s campus. It is aimed at enhancing learning experience of students while providing a platform for digital innovation, research, and development (R&D) for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.
The Centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, bandwidth, and connectivity tools, to provide students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, said that the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. According to him, it embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of our nation, Nigeria.
“Under the strategic direction of the Hon Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and strategic focus of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country.”
Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe said the USPF has implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, which has continued positively impact ICT utilisation and deepen connectivity across the country.
“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this project to fruition. The ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.
“We expect this project to have a significant impact on the institution and the wider community. It will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. It will also enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research and to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners.”

The USPF Secretary said that the ETC will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow.
“We believe that this project will contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community.”
In his remarks, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, applauded the NCC and the USPF team for siting the project in the Institute, promising that the project will be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the Institute abut its entire community.
He expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project, as has been articulated in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and the USPF. “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefits of the entire community,” he said.
The USPF was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria. The Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.

Abiola Won 1993 Presidential Election, Annulling It Was Most Difficult Of My Career, IBB Confesses

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

Former Nigeria’s Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has confessed that late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola won the June 12, 1993 Presidential election in the country.
According to the retired General, in his autobiography that was launched today, February 20, late MKO Abiola, who contested on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured both the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to be declared President.
The autobiography is titled: “A Journey in Service.”
The book reviewer, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, quoted Babangida to have described the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his career.
“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements.”
Babangida expressed happiness however that the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously recognized Abiola’s victory by awarding him the prestigious Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, which is reserved for Presidents.
The book attracted donations of nearly N17 billion, part of which would be used to build a state-of-the-art library.

Uproar: Let’s Forgive Senator Natasha, Senate President Pleads With Colleagues

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has pleaded with his colleagues to forgive Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her outburst today, February 20 during the plenary session.
Akpabio particularly appealed to the Chairman of Senate Services, Senator Steve Karimi, who was the main target of Natasha verbal onslaught to forgive her actions and not insist on strictly following Senate rules, which could have led to her being sanctioned.
The Senate President spoke to Senator Natasha, saying: “I can see that you feel very hurt. You came under Order 10 of our rules. This is the Nigerian Senate. The matter, according to our rules, is to be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges.
“I appeal that we do not go further. The matter will be dealt with at the appropriate time.”
Senator Natasha, who represents Kogi Central, had protested the reallocation of her seat today, February 20, by the removal of her name-tag from her new seat and placing it on her previous seat.
In the process, Natasha verbally attacked the Senate President and Senator Karimi, accusing Karimi of being responsible for the seat reallocation.
But Senator Karimi, who represents Ogun West, raised a matter of privilege on the Senate floor, reporting Natasha’s conduct and requesting a referral to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges for investigation and enforcement of the Senate’s rules.
Narrating his ordeal, Karimi said that Natasha caused an uproar in the chamber by “shouting my name all over the place.
“Earlier this morning before sitting, there was an uproar in the chamber over the change of seats.
“The President of the Senate has the power to change seats at any time without prior notice.
“Senator Samson Ekong was the first person who approached me regarding the change of seats, and I told him I wasn’t even aware.
“Before long, Senator Natasha was shouting my name all over the place. I want to say that my privilege has been breached.”
Senator Karimi, who was visibly upset, recalled how the Kogi State caucus rallied around Natasha when she first joined the Senate.
“When she arrived here, we fought for her to ensure she got a chairmanship position.
“I don’t understand why the chamber should be turned upside down over seating arrangements. I want her to come out and apologize to us.”

Yobe Govt Signs N22.3 Billion Damaturu Fly Over Bridge, Under Pass

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

The Yobe state Government under the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni, has signed an N22.3 billion contract for the construction of a state-of-the-art FlyOver Bridge and UnderPass in Damaturu Main roundabout, marking a significant milestones in the administration’s commitment to infrastructural development.
A statement today, February 20, by Yusuf Ali, Senior Special Assistant, Digital and Strategic Communications to Governor Buni, said that the state Commissioner for Works, Engineer Umar Duddaye signed the contract on behalf of the state Government, while Engineer Habib Geojea signed the agreement on behalf of Merss Triacta Nigeria Limited, the contracting firm.
The statement quoted the Commissioner as saying that the the state government put much emphasis and priority to major infrastructural development, including the construction of roads, bridges, drainages and all other Civil Engineering works.
“The Fly Over Bridge and Underpass at Damaturu main roundabout will cost the sum of N22.3 billion with a completion period of 12 calendar months.
“Also, a contract for the construction of Damaturu-Gambir road has been signed between the Yobe state government and Merss Elegance Construction Nigeria Limited with a completion period of 9 dry months.”
The Commissioner said that Damaturu Metropolis would undergo a huge transformation through the construction of 23.5 kilometer roads and 27 kilometer of concrete line drain and resurfacing on all major roads in the state capital and that the project would begin in the second quarter of this year.
The Area Manager of Triacta Nigeria Limited who spoke on behalf of the Contractors pledged to deliver quality work base on the contractual agreement.
This came as residents of Damaturu expressed excitement over the project, describing it as a much-needed initiative to beautify the city and enhance its status as a state capital.
“This project is yet another feather in the cap of Governor Buni, whose administration continues to earn accolades for its transformative achievements in Yobe State,” the people stressed.

“I Can’t Be Silenced,” Senator Natasha Dares Senate President, Akpabio, In Heated Argument

Greenbarge Reporters

February 20, 2025

Senator representing Kogi State Central Senatorial District, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has dared the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to stop her from making a point she stood up to make during today’s plenary session of the Red Chamber.
The Senate President had declined the request of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to speak as the session was on today, February 20, but the Senator insisted that she would make the point.
In the exchange of words between the two, Natasha, who was not allowed to speak after pleading to be allowed to do so under order 10 of privileges said: “I am not afraid.”
She stressed that she would not allow herself to be silenced.
In the heat of the argument between the two senators, Akpabio ordered that Natasha should be walked out of the Chamber but she told other senators who pleaded with her to obey the order of the Senate President: “I will not leave this seat.”
She stood up from her seat on two occasions and spoke on top of her voice directly to the Senate President who was on the presiding seat.
She said that ever since Akpabio became Senate President, he had continually stopped her from speaking in the Chamber.
She said that she was not elected by her constituency to go and warm the seat, protesting in absolute anger, saying: “I have been taking a lot from you (Senate President). I am ready for you.”

Senate Summons Top Nigeria’s Security Leadership Over USAID Alleged Sponsorship Of Boko Haram

Greenbarge Reporters

February 19, 2025

Nigeria’s Senate has summoned key security and intelligent leadership over allegations made by a United States Congressman, Scott Perry, on Boko Haram sponsorship by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Senate issued the summons at the plenary today, February 19.
Some of the top security agencies summoned by the Red Chambers include the National Security Adviser (NSA), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
According to the Senate, the agencies’ heads are expected to brief lawmakers on the alleged sponsorship of Boko Haram by USAID through supposed humanitarian aid to Nigeria.
The Senate leadership said that it needs more clarification on the matter before conducting its independent investigations.
Details later…

Online Newspaper Publisher Loses Wife

Greenbarge Reporters

February 19, 2025

The wife of the publisher of Newdawn Online, Mrs Desola Amoke Latifat Abatan, nee Adewunmi is dead.
A statement today, February 19, from the husband, Olatunde Abatan, said that the wife died yesterday, February 18 afternoon after a brief illness.
The deceased is survived by her husband, children and siblings.
Olatunde Abatan said that burial programme will be announced later.

Edwin Clark, Niger Delta Leader Dies At 97

Greenbarge Reporters

February 18, 2025

Leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, is dead, aged 97.
His death was announced in a statement signed by Professor C. C. Clark for the family and Mr. Penawei Clark for the children.

According to the statement, Chief Edwin Clark died yesterday, February 17, 2025.

The statement reads: “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”

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