Tuggar: Despite Challenges, Nigeria’s Youths Can Transform their Lives  Through Peace, Love

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The need for Nigeria’s youths to embrace peace was brought to the fore at the 8th international conference on Love  and Tolerance, organised by the Institute For Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and a Turkish group dedicated to peace building, UFUK Dialogue.

The IPCR, UFUK Dialogue and other stakeholders gathered youths across the country in Abuja yesterday  to build the capacity of youths in Nigeria to promote peace and mutual respect and cohabitation.

Speaking at the conference  with the theme “ Empowering Youth: Cultivating a Culture of Peace and Understanding”. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in his remarks noted that the Nigerian youths may be facing challenges at the moment but they have the opportunity of transforming their lives through peace and love to change the country for the better.

The minister, who was represented by a former Nigerian envoy to Australia, Anderson Madubuike, appealed for more patriotism among Nigerians, adding that the youth can still actualize their best potential.

The Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu,  in his remarks said 8th edition of the International Conference on Love and Tolerance demonstrates the depth of understanding that IPCR and UFUK Dialogue have on the centrality of peace in national development.

He added that this platform demonstrated commitment to investing in knowledge exchanges as a veritable means of bridging the gaps in perceptions on diversities, inherent in multicultural and multi-religious societies.

Ochogwu said: “The global peace and security landscape is dotted with severe challenges associated with violent conflicts with unimaginable impacts on human society. Although Nigeria is facing such challenges in multiple fronts, there is no doubt that greater strides have been made in the areas of peace building especially in the areas of sensitization and awareness creation on peaceful coexistence, policy advocacy, capacity-building, interventions through mediation and dialogue, post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and reintegration, among others.

“These actions are aimed at reclaiming the civil space from the conflict profiteers, whose inordinate enterprises have continued to unleash destruction on human society.”

He added that the theme of the conference was germane considering the urgency of the youth in peace building, as encapsulated in the UNSCR 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security.

He said that the Nigerian youths face the same challenges and opportunities in the country, although the threshold is dependent on variables such as the peace and security index, literacy level, entrepreneurial skills, among others, noting that: “Irrespective of the abundance of the opportunities, the utility value is predicated on the peaceful nature of the environment. Innovations and creativity incubate and thrive in a peaceful environment. Nigeria’s youthful population would become more impactful when their vulnerabilities are reduced through imbibing a culture of peace and understanding.

“The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution remains committed to providing leadership in the non-kinetic approach to reversing the violent conflict trends in the country through capacity building of community stakeholders on conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding, partnership and collaboration with civil society organizations with shared aspirations, leading peace advocacy among others,” he added.

President of the UFUK Dialogue, Emrah Ilgen, in his remarks said the stakeholders came together not just as organizations, not just as individuals, but as a family bound by a shared commitment-to create a world where peace, understanding, and opportunity are accessible to all, especially  for the youth.

“At UFUK Dialogue, we believe that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the architects of today. They stand at the crossroads of great challenges-conflict, inequality, climate change, and economic hardship. But they also hold the key to innovative solutions, to hope, and to a future that is built on justice and inclusion.

“This is why we do what we do. This is why we build bridges, form partnerships, and stand side by side with organizations that share our vision. We know that no single institution can solve the world’s problems alone, but together, with our combined efforts and unwavering commitment, we can empower young minds, strengthen communities, and shape a future that reflects the values of love, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he said.

The conference was attended by religious clerics from the Christian and Muslim faiths, civil society organizations,  the academia, students, women groups, government agencies, international organizations and many others.

UNILAG Don Advises FG, NUC to Overhaul   Varsities   Courses Overtaken by AI

Oluchi Chibuzor

As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt the workforce globally, the federal government and the National Universities Commission (NUC), have been advised to overhaul and delete academic courses across tertiary institutions overtaken by artificial intelligence(AI) in today’s labour market. This is as he stressed  the need for provision of funding for AI enabled education and policy  for the country.

A professor of Labour Economics, Prof. Olukemi Iyabode  Lawanson, stated these  while delivering the 7th Professorial inaugural lecture series of the 2024/2025 academic session of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Speaking on a theme, ‘To Everything There Is A Season: The Perspectives of a Labour Economist’, Lawanson  said the government and the NUC must ensure relevant courses in today’s labour market are approved for Nigerian students.

According  to her, “On the part of the National Universities Commission (NUC) which is saddled with the responsibility of designing and approving the curricula being taught in tertiary institutions.

They must ensure that only relevant courses are taught in the tertiary institutions – courses which will be relevant in today’s labour market and not courses which are already overtaken by artificial intelligence or are likely to be overtaken by Al in the near future. 

“There should be a total and complete overhaul of courses being taught in tertiary institutions, where necessary new courses which are in tune with global practices and which fit in well with artificial intelligence should be inculcated into the university curricula. 

“There will be a need to render some courses irrelevant and delete them from the list of courses offered by some universities. There will also be a need for the NUC to engage in the training and retraining of lecturers so that they will be up to date in their methods of teaching to match international global practice.”

The professor noted that it  is imperative for the government to establish policies that foster innovation across the educational, industrial and political spheres of the economy 

Lawanson recommended that it is also crucial for the government to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure economic stability. 

She advised that the government needed to ensure that all educational institutions are well equipped to cope with automation that comes with artificial intelligence as well as tailor the output of the educational institutions towards the needs of the labour market.

“It is crucial for the government to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure economic stability and should encourage tertiary institutions to embrace artificial intelligence.

“The government should develop a comprehensive national policy on Al in education which provides a framework for integrating Al into teaching, learning and research at tertiary institutions. This policy should outline funding infrastructure and curriculum development initiatives to support Al adoption.

“The government should allocate dedicated funding for Al research and innovation projects at tertiary institutions. This will enable the tertiary institutions to invest in developing Al-powered solutions, conduct cutting-edge Al research, and train the next generation of Al experts,” she stated.

On the part of individual universities and all tertiary institutions, she said: “The Vice – Chancellor and management team of these institutions need to be on top of the game in ensuring that the students in these institutions are well-equipped with all the necessary tools for them to solve and excel in this new world of artificial intelligence. 

“The students need to be challenged to be creative, innovative and forward-looking in their approach to their studies. They should be taught how to think outside the box at all times. They should be challenged to be entrepreneurial rather than dependent on government to create jobs for them,” the labour economist said.

Aka Ikenga Mourns Adebanjo’s Passage

Sunday Okobi

Aka Ikenga, the Igbo Think-Tank, has lamented the peaceful transition of Yoruba foremost leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, which took place on February 14, 2025, “a day remarked for global celebration of love and sacrifice for humanity.”

In a statement issued and made available to THISDAY yesterday by the group Director of Publicity and Communications, Mr. Collins Ugwu, the President of Aka Ikenga, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, mourned his death, saying: “In every death, humanity is diminished, but in Pa Adebanjo’s permanent sleep, Nigeria has lost a grapevine of conscience, planted on the banks of integrity, and stood like an oak above every shrub. His roots of courage and irrepressible stamina for justice, equity and fairness to all, are so deep that even enemies marvel at a safe distance.”

Also, in a brief eulogy signed by the President and Secretary-General of the association, Ogbueshi Mark-Anthony Nduka-eze, they stated that: “We at Aka Ikenga in particular, the Igbo Nation specially, and Nigeria generally, grieve and mourn a life we cannot celebrate enough, because the denial of this giant tree of wealth in wisdom, whose shade as a truth telling canopy at every moment, is like unplugging the fresh water of revival at the heat of intense harmatthan.

“No one can ever be in doubt of Ayo’s inspiring awe and aura, nor command the value of his vehemence with such undauanting relentlessness, peculiar only to him.”

They described the departed as a rare heirloom, a family patriarch and national patriot, “that took the whole of nine decades and six years of nurture, grit and divine grace to achieve, sustain and retain.”

The statement further noted that: “High Chief Adebanjo was a lion of his principled convictions and the tiger of sophisticated activism, who firmly deployed his tools of brilliance and intellect to suffocate the litters of deceits and heaps of dishonesty haunting our nationhood, and hurting her emergence as a society of law and order, good governance, equality, and egalitarian prosperity.

“Whether as the unmatched leader of Afenifere, or a General of NADECO, Pa Adebanjo did his best and withheld no punches. No one can question his recall at a good old age, but Nigeria should pause to reflect why Pa Adebanjo who was on the frontline since pre-independence, lived through the first to our current fourth Republic, survived military persecutions fighting harder, finally went home unfulfilled, stretched to his very last, by his dreams and passions for a country he so loved, still denied.”

AKA Ikenga, therefore advised that as Nigerians mourn him deservedly, “his compelling monument and reverence as a beacon of character, truth and honesty, must be writ large, as his most worthy epitaph in the pantheon of illustrious national greats. Such pearls of credentials so scarce are nature’s springs of national sustenance that we must preserve from evaporating.”

The group vowed to stand solidly with the family, most especially his octogenarian wife, Lady Christina Modupe Adebanjo, at this hour of prayers and praises for the repose of his soul, and strength for all his disciples and compatriots, “as we celebrate together, the life and times of Pa Ayo Adebanjo triumphantly.”

Protesters against Otuaro are  Hired By Fraudulent Beneficiaries of PAP, Says Ijaw Youths

The Ijaw Youths Network (IYN)  yesterday said that those who blocked the National Assembly on Wednesday  to protest against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, are street urchins assembled by desperate and corrupt persons from the region.

The IYN therefore, urged the President Bola Tinubu to ignore call by a faceless group, the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum (NDLEF), involved in the vanguard of peddling outright falsehood against the Amnesty boss.

In a statement issued by the President and the Secretary of IYN, Frank Ebikabo and Federal Ebiaridor, the  group was  reacting to Wednesday’s protest by the NDLEF at the National Assembly, seeking for Otuaro’s suspension.

The group commended the President for his sustained support for the PAP and its leadership and indeed the Niger Delta.

The group said that those behind the sponsored protest are enraged by his refusal to open the coffers of the Amnesty Office to rogues who are used to swindling previous leaders of the  programme through blackmail.

The IYN said that its observation of the people wielding placards the so called protest shows that they are jobless under aged youths from outside the region.

The IYN condemned the demonstration and described it as a “staged and orchestrated” attempt to blackmail and distract the administrator from his ongoing reforms at the PAP.

The group advised the president to look carefully and he would see the falsehood in the allegations of the NDLEF, stressing that they are willing tools in the hands of their sponsors who are carrying out their selfish agenda.

“We strongly condemn the protest in its entirety. Those behind this mischief, and criminal enterprise are those who have registered fake camps to steal funds belonging to the government, and they are not happy that Otuaro’s reforms at the PAP have prevented them from achieving their criminal intentions.

“We call on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to disregard the Niger Delta Liberators and Ex-Agitators Forum. If the President checks their activities properly, he would see how hollow their allegations sound.

“Otuaro will not succumb to cheap blackmail. Their lies fly in the face of cogent reforms being carried out by Otuaro.Nigerians are wise enough to see through the nefarious antics of these serial blackmailers whose lies are clearly visible to the discerning mind.

“To convince the public about their sponsored protest on Wednesday, the NDLEF hired young urchins, bought them new shirts and trousers and slippers to make them appear neat during the protest”, the IYN said.

The group insisted that Otuaro remained committed to transparency, accountability, and the empowerment of Niger Delta youths in the administration of the Programme.

Dismissing the allegations of nepotism and financial mismanagement against the PAP leadership, the group stated that “all contracts awarded followed due process in line with procurement laws.”

The group added: “This protest is nothing more than an act of desperation by those who wish to derail the progress being made in the Amnesty Programme. Otuaro will not succumb to cheap blackmail.

“We urge Niger Deltans to disregard the allegations. The administrator’s primary focus remains the fulfillment of the PAP’s mandate. 

“We reaffirm our support for Otuaro’s leadership, and no amount of propaganda would derail his transformative agenda for the Amnesty Programme.

“We also call on stakeholders and beneficiaries of the PAP to remain steadfast because the programme, under Otuaro’s leadership, will continue to work towards sustainable peace and development in the Niger Delta.”

Nigeria’s Devt Hinges on Innovation, Information Management, Says Lawmaker

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, in Oyo State, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has emphasised that the future growth and development of the country depend heavily on innovation and the effective management of information.

The federal lawmaker, while speaking as the Chairman of the 1st International Conference, organised by the Department of Information Management, Lead City University, Ibadan,  pointed out that the theme, “Navigating the Future : Innovation in the Field of Information Management,” is a timely reminder of the essential role information management plays in shaping the destiny of the country. 

He underscored the importance of cultivating an environment where innovation thrives, stating that the era of disruptive technologies, big data, and knowledge management calls for a comprehensive reevaluation of existing approaches to information management. 

He then challenged stakeholders to rethink how data is collected, organised and used for national development.

He said: “Innovation is not merely an option; it is a necessity. We must create a space where creative ideas flourish, where collaboration knows no boundaries, and where the collective intelligence of our global community is fully leveraged.”

“This is the only way we can anticipate and lead the change sweeping across the world today. 

The Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), further highlighted the inextricable link between information management and innovation as drivers of societal development, stressing that the effective management of information not only allows for the organisation and sharing of data but also fuels creative solutions that can uplift communities, create jobs, and contribute to sustainable development.

According to him, Nigeria’s growing information economy offers opportunities to harness the potential of its youth, calling for the development of strategies that would enable young people to participate in the knowledge-based economy, thereby ensuring a brighter future for both individuals and the nation as a whole. 

He challenged participants to explore innovative solutions that can bridge the gaps in access to information and technology, particularly in Nigeria’s underserved and remote areas.

The federal lawmaker also posed several thought-provoking questions to the conference attendees, urging them to rethink information management practices and the role of technology in governance and decision-making. 

In a bid to ensure that innovation results in tangible societal benefits, Oseni stressed that the adoption of advanced information management systems must align with Nigeria’s development goals. 

He emphasised that collaboration between academia, industry, and government would be key to achieving these objectives, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

As part of his ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, he shared the recent launch of his programme tagged, “ROCOF Royal Ambassadors (RRA)”, which seeks to reward and recognise outstanding youth in various sectors, including academics, entrepreneurship, and governance,

noting that the initiative would further promote ethical leadership, innovation, and youth engagement in shaping a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria.

Highlight of the event was the award presentation to Oseni, by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo.

HoS Holds Valedictory Session for Accountant-General of the Federation, Perm. Secretary

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Head of Civil Service(HoS) of the Federation, 

Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack has held a special valedictory ceremony in honour of the 

Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein and the  erstwhile Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Adeoye Adeleye Ayodeji.

The special session was held at the monthly Service-Wide Meeting of the Head of the Service of the Federation with permanent secretaries, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Auditor-General of the Federation.

Madein will be retiring from the service on March 7, 2025, while Ayodeji bowed out on February 8, 2025. In her remarks, Walson-Jack extolled the virtues of both retiring officers, describing their careers as exemplary and impactful. 

She paid glowing tributes to Dr. Madein, describing her as a trailblazer and an icon of public service.  She noted that as the first female Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Madein shattered barriers, championed financial reforms, and set new standards of excellence.

“Today, we celebrate an icon, a trailblaser, and a dedicated public servant. As Nigeria’s first female Accountant-General of the Federation, she redefined excellence in public service. Through her visionary leadership, integrity, and innovation, she transformed the financial management landscape of the nation,” Mrs. Walson-Jack stated.

She further emphasised that under Madein’s leadership, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation achieved significant milestones, including the digitization of financial operations, strengthening of revenue generation, and enhancement of fiscal responsibility. Dr. Madein was also lauded for her commitment to capacity building, which ensured the training and development of treasury officers nationwide.

She also praised Ayodeji as a visionary leader and a paragon of public service as well as highlighted his ability to manage complex national projects with precision, streamline processes, institutionalise best practices, and uphold transparency as a hallmark of the system.

Walson-Jack concluded by thanking the retirees for their service, stating, “Your legacies of diligence and professionalism will inspire generations to come. We thank you, we honour you, and we wish you boundless success in this new chapter of your lives”.

In their responses, the retirees expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve the nation meritoriously. They thanked the Head of Service for her exemplary leadership and dedication, while also encouraging their colleagues to remain committed to service and finish strong.

CBN, EDC Partner to Strengthen Cooperative Society as Economic Devt Tool

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enterprise Development Centre(EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University and Pro-Serve Integrated Services Limited to strengthen the cooperative as an economic tool for national development.

The MoU, which was signed at the EDC head office in Ajah Lagos yesterday was witnessed by the Managing Director, GEN Nigeria, Dr Olawale Anifowose; President, CBN Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Nkechinyere Ofili; Founder, Pro-Serve Integrated Services Limited, Kenechukwu Nwankwo; Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Dr Nneka Okekearu; and General Manager, CBN Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Pius Obianyor.

According to the parties, the partnership is brokered by lead consultant Pro-Serve Integrated Service Limited. The firm is the business transformation consultant of the CBN cooperative.

Speaking on the importance of the partnership, CEO/Lead Consultant, Pro-Serve Integrated Services, Kenechukwu Nwankwo said: “This partnership brings to bear the potential of using cooperatives as an economic tool for national development.” 

“The CBN Cooperative will serve as a pilot to showcase the potential of a cooperative and what it can achieve for the economy.”

He  added:   “Currently, CBN Cooperative Society has about 12,000 members nationwide, and we hope that the partnership with EDC will bring about structured processes in business and corporate governance as well as project management within the cooperative space.”

According to Nwankwo, “The partnership will transform the cooperative into an institution that has medium and long term strategy, which are hinged on integrity and transparent process. It will also ensure that there are consistent strategic reviews measured by Key Performance Index (KPI) and it will also ensure that the right people with the capacity and competence are running the institutions.”

Speaking on behalf of EDC, Director, EDC of Pan-Atlantic University, Dr. Nneka Okekearu applauded the partnership and described it as historic. She stressed on the importance of the partnership between EDC and CBN Cooperative to make cooperative management successful.

 “So, through these collaborations, over the next two years, we will be helping the cooperative to strengthen their capacity, assist them to institutionalize structures and policies and to ensure that eventually, they are very sustainable,” she said.

“It is a very exciting deal because more often than not many cooperative societies are left to run anyhow but we can see that the CBN Cooperative is thinking differently and our hope is that as we do this today other cooperatives out there will see the need to restructure their operations,” she added.

The President of CBN Staff Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited, Nkechinyere Ofili said: “We are an old organization. We have been in existence for over 45 years however, in the business landscape things have changed and we know that if we continue to do things the way we used to do things there is a possibility we may become dinosaurs in the business space.”

So, what we are doing right now is to re-invent the organization. We are giving it a clear structure and trying to set in place a lot of policies and procedures so that the organization can be alive for another 45 years and beyond.”

“The partnership will afford our members the opportunity to come to EDC for training at a discounted rate, and another beautiful thing is once there is a change of leadership the newly elected officials will come here for one week training on corporate governance and sustainability practice.”

Taraba Returns 198 Rustled Cattle to Owners

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Taraba State government has returned 198 rustled cattle intercepted in the state by troops of 6 Brigade Nigeria  Army and local hunters back to their rightful owners.

Troops of 6 Brigade had on 27th of January, 2025 intercepted 222 cows and 58 sheep at Namnai village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State which were believed to have been rustled from Kampanin Zurak in Plateau State.

Three suspects namely Sabiu Lawal, Haruna Ayuba, and Yusuf Mukawo, all from Kampanin Zurak were arrested by the troops in connection to the rustling.

Handing over the cattles to their owners in Jalingo on Thursday, the Chairman of the Committee on Recovery of Stolen Cows to Owners, Dr. Aminu Jauro Hassan, stated that the committee was able to ascertain the owners of 198 out of a total 222 cows.

Dr Hassan, who is the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Areas as well as ALGON Chairman in the State disclosed that the committee screened 52 owner groups using traditional methods to ascertain the veracity of their claims to ownership of the cows leaving 24 cows yet unclaimed.

He further disclosed that the owners of the rustled cows are from Ardo Kola local government area of Taraba State just as he assured the people  that the committee would continue to announce to the public for the owners of the remaining cows to come for them.

Hassan listed the other members of the committee to include the Chairmen of Ardo Kola, Gassol, Lau and Karim Lamido local government areas as well as representatives of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and security agencies.

He, however, commended the state governor, Dr Agbu Kefas for his commitment towards ensuring that the cows are returned to their rightful owners.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Taraba State, Alhaji Yau Ibrahim, also commended Governor Kefas for returning the stolen cows to their rightful owners, saying such efforts would enhance peaceful coexistence of the people.

NDIC Restates Commitment to Protecting Depositors’ Funds

John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has restated its commitment to protecting depositors’ funds and ensuring financial stability in the country.

The Managing Director of the NDIC,  Bello Hassan, stated this yesterday  at the 46th Kaduna International Trade Fair.

Speaking at the NDIC Special Day of the NDIC, Hassan noted the role of the  corporation  in safeguarding bank customers over the years, particularly the most vulnerable.

He said: “For over three decades, the NDIC has played a critical role in protecting depositors and strengthening the financial system,”

Hassan, who was represented at the event by the Kano Zonal Controller of NDIC, Ahmed Umar, explained that the NDIC core responsibilities include insuring deposits in licensed banks, supervising financial institutions, managing distressed banks, and ensuring seamless resolution in the event of bank failures.

According to him, the corporation had consistently ensured prompt reimbursement to depositors when banks collapsed.

Commenting on the revocation of Heritage Bank operating licence on June 3, 2024, Hassan said: “Within four days, NDIC reimbursed depositors using their Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). We pay up to N5 million per depositor per bank from our deposit insurance funds.”

He further assured the people  that creditors of defunct banks would receive payments once all depositors had been settled, stressing that NDIC’s systematic approach prioritises asset recovery and financial stability.

He called on  Heritage Bank depositors yet to receive their funds to come forward with necessary documentation for prompt reimbursement.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Director-General of the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, (KADCCIMA), Alhaji Usman Saulawa, commended the NDIC for its role in safeguarding the financial sector.

Saulawa said: “The NDIC has been instrumental in ensuring financial stability and protecting depositors. We appreciate their efforts and urge them to sustain this commitment. “

FAAN Arrests Passenger for Alleged Stealing on Air Peace Flight

Chinedu Eze
 

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Securities (AVSEC) officials have arrested a passenger for allegedly stealing a phone and some money on board Air Peace domestic flight from Lagos to Port-Harcourt.

In a statement from the airline, signed by its Head of Communication, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, Air Peace expressed worries over the rising incidents of in-flight theft despite efforts by the airline to alert passengers.

The incident happened on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.

 In a video that has gone viral on social media, the suspect, who attempted to resist arrest, was seen held by AVSEC security operatives who later took him away.

 In the video, other passengers on the same flight were shouting, “He stole a phone and money.” However, the suspect was also heard denying the allegation.

Dr Ndiulo, who gave the aircraft number as P47190, reiterated Air Peace’s commitment to passenger safety and security, adding that a decisive decision has been taken against the suspect in response to the situation.

“During the flight, a passenger was found in possession of a missing item following a thorough search conducted upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. 

The suspect was subsequently handed over to the airport police for further investigation and necessary action.

“Air Peace is deeply concerned by the rising trend of in-flight thefts observed in recent weeks. To curb this menace, the airline is implementing enhanced surveillance measures onboard its flights. Cabin crew members have been advised to heighten their vigilance throughout the journey, and in-flight announcements will be intensified to sensitize passengers on the importance of securing their belongings and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.

“The airline is taking a firm stance against such criminal acts by recommending the blacklisting of the identified suspect, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy for any misconduct that compromises the safety and comfort of passengers.”

Meanwhile, when contacted, the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airport Authority Nigeria, Igbafe Afegbai, said he did not know about the incident and promised to confirm from his officers.

FUL Shut Down Over Continued Unrest after the Death of 5 Students

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

The Management of the Federal University , Lokoja, has ordered the indefinite closure of the University  following  students unrest that greeted the untimely death of  five of their   colleagues who lost their lives in a fatal  accident at Felele area on  Monday.

The rampaging students have been blocking Okene – Lokoja- Abuja  highways since Tuesday morning protesting the death of their colleagues .

This was contained in circular issued by Registrar and Secretary to governing council ,Mrs. Rebecca Okojie, and  copy of which was made available to the journalists in Lokoja  yesterday.

“The University  following the unfortunate loss of the lives of five students to a tragic trailer accident at Felele city centre on Monday, 17” February , 2025, students have barricaded the gates of the university despite magnanimous interventions from the the State Government as well as frantic efforts and appeal by the University Management for calm.

“Accordingly, arising from the advice of the State Security Agencies and to forestall further loss of lives, the Vice-Chancellor after due consultation with Mangement has decided on behalf of Senate, that the University (both campuses) be dosed down indefinitely  within one hour of release of this circular.

“Students are therefore, to vacate the campuses on/or before 12 noon, today, Thursday, 20” February, 2025. Please note for strict compliance, the circular stated .

Earlier the students have  threatened to block the Abuja-Lagos highway if the federal government failed to stop the incessant killing of their colleagues by trucks.

The President, Student Union Government (SUG),Benjamin Timothy who made the threat during the procession at the Falele Campus, Lokoja, said the students were tired of mourning their colleagues.

Five of the institution’s students were killed on Monday when an articulated vehicle lost control and crushed a shuttle bus carrying students.

“The five students killed on Monday have brought the number to 12 students killed by trucks in avoidable accidents in just a space of two months,” the SUG President decried.

Timothy said that the peaceful demonstration staged on Wednesday was a signal to the authorities concerned to do something drastic about the continuous massacre of innocent students along the highway or they would barricade the highway.

“We have given the authorities 72 hours to address the incessant killings of our fellow students or we file out of the streets in huge protest.

“The five fellow students that were killed on Monday brought the casualty to 12. We can’t keep folding our arms to see those trucks keep on killing us like chickens.

Kano Commits N2.3bn to Livestock Women Empowerment Programme

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

As part of efforts to promote agricultural productivity and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities especially women, the Kano State Government has begun implementation of the second phase of its livestock empowerment programme valued at N2.3 billion under Agro-Pastoral Development Project (KSADP).

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Mamood Danjuma, disclosed this while addressing newsmen  yesterday  in Kano.

According to him, the initiative aimed to empower beneficiaries with a comprehensive package, including livestock, feed, medication, and salt lick, to boost their economic stability and improve their overall well-being. “911 beneficiaries are being supported with two rams each, feed for three months, drugs and salt lick, while 2,386 women are being supported with two goats and a buck goat in the poorest households in the state.

“The total package under the empowerment programme showed that 1,342 bulls were procured by the government at the cost of N560m, 1,822 rams were procured at the cost of N175m and 7,158 goats bought at the cost of N451m” he said.

Danjuma further disclosed that “Under the cattle scheme, each cattle gains 100kg over a period of 120 days. The fattening period is for 120 days, making three cycles possible in a year.”

“As for the small ruminants fattening scheme, with the same 120-day fattening period yielding an extra 15kg/animal.

“The project promotes goats’ reproduction through women who will take care of the animals and sell the young ones to improve their income and standard of living,” he said.

He said that the programme promotes economic empowerment, particularly among women, by providing them with livestock to care for and sell, ultimately improving their income and standard of living.

CSO, Journalists Team Up to Promote Transparency in Abia

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

In a bid to enhance the quality of governance in Abia State, a civil society organisation, the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support(CHARS-Africa) has teamed up with the media to campaign for transparency and accountability.

The partnership and campaign were birthed yesterday in Umuahia at a media round table themed: “Support to civil society advocacy towards strengthening key legislative frameworks for increased accountability and good governance in Abia State”.

The stakeholders reviewed the status of the extant legal frameworks that promote good governance and their application in Abia government business. These include the Public Procurement Act 2007, Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 and Freedom of Information Act 2011.

Though the Public Procurement Act 2007 was domesticated in Abia since 2012, it has largely been ignored by past governments and even the present administration is not fully implementing the provisions.

Worse still, Abia has not deemed it necessary to domesticate the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Freedom of Information Act.

But the stakeholders in the campaign for good governance resolved to intensify efforts and apply every available legal instruments to hold state actors accountable to the masses.

The Executive Director, CHARS-Africa, Mrs. Amaka Biachi, said that the programme  is  supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC), in collaboration with the European Union.

According to her, by bringing together key stakeholders in Abia media space “to exchange ideas, knowledge, explore opportunities and make recommendations on the way forward for good governance in the state.

By so doing, she stated, the stakeholders would “establish innovative strategies that will enhance accountability in Abia State governance.”

Biachi decried the prevailing situation where  Abia government project contracts were devoid of local contents and virtually awarded in the dark in violation of Part VI, Section 25(2)(ii) of the Public Procurement Act 2007. This provisiion stipulates, among others, that “the invitation for bids shall be advertised in at least two national newspapers.”

She noted with concern the unwillingness of state actors to comply with the provisions of the various legal frameworks put in place to promote accountability and good governance.

However, the CHARS-Africa ED called for the assistance of the media in helping to hold the state actors accountable to, adding that with effective synergy between the media and the CSOs state actors would not escape public scrutiny.

In his presentation, the Project Director, ROLAC, Mr Peter Chuka Okoye, commended the media and the CSOs in the state for their efforts in promoting good governance and accountability.

He regretted that there was always the tendency to lay much blame on the state actors for not doing enough to promote good governance whereas “we, the people” remain indifferent instead of playing their own part.

He promised that he would partner with the duo of CHARS-Africa and Abia media people to achieve good results in the campaign for good governance in God’s Own State.

Missing Anambra Businessman: Court Arraigns Three, One Suspect Arrives in Ambulance

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The Anambra State High Court has commenced hearing in a matter against three persons suspected to be involved in the mysterious disappearance of an Anambra businessman, Mr Benjamin Ezemma.

Ezemma also known as BigBen and co-founder of Dubai Estate in Awka went missing since November 12, 2024. He was suspected to have held a meeting with some people shortly before he went missing.

However, the Department of State Services (DSS), which was investigating the disappearance dragged three persons, Jeff Nweke, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka Chukwunonso, to court, accusing them of the disappearance of the businessman. The suit, numbered AWK/6c/2025, was began yesterday, and presided over by Justice Ike Ogu at the Anambra Judiciary Complex in Awka. Two of the defendants, Nwokoye Tochukwu, and David Chukwuemeka Chukwunonso were brought in for arraignment by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Services (NSC), but there was drama as Mr Jeff Nweke arrived court in an ambulance, with drip attached to his body.

Youths from his community, Awka, formed a human shield around him as he was brought out of the ambulance,  and moved to the court room in a stretcher.

The lead defendant was represented by Alex Ajesieme, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Other suspects were also represented by their counsels.

The prosecuting counsel, a deputy director from the Ministry of Justice, presented the case against the defendants.

The defendants pleaded guilty to a two count charge of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping of the businessman, Mr Benjamin Ezemma.

In his ruling, Justice Ike Ogu ordered that two of the defendants be allowed to return home, while Tochukwu Nwokoye was remanded in custody. 

The matter was later adjourned until March 7, 2025.

Rivers, Firm Train Teachers on Digital Education

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

An indigenous information technology (IT ) firm, Cinfores Limited in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Education and State Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), has trained teachers on educational technology.

 Cinfores Limited, developed a dynamic online platform called TeachersHub (www.teachershub.com.ng), dedicated to the continuous growth and development of teachers at every stage of their careers.

 TeachersHub is an innovative digital platform  that serves as a vital bridge between traditional teaching methods and the rapidly evolving landscape of modern education.

The platform was officially launched yesterday during the third edition of the Compulsory Teachers’ Training Programme on Educational Technology Adoption, held at the Rumuokwuta Girls Secondary School in Port Harcourt.

In his speech at the event, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Ovy Chukwuma, encouraged the use of the TeachersHub platform and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to quality education.

He urged teachers to embrace technology to remain relevant in the profession.

Dr Chukwuma further mentioned that the ministry of education would onboard teachers and schools onto the “TeachersHub” platform, a move that is expected to enhance interactivity among teachers, administrators, and policymakers in both public and private schools.

 This, he noted, would streamline policy harmonisation, communication, and decision-making within the education sector.

The platform is also expected to help in the re-evaluation of school standards, ensuring that only government-certified institutions are onboarded.

 The compulsory teachers’ training programme introduced participants to technology-based teaching methods, covering topics such as: Technology Integration in the Classroom, Learning Management Systems (LMS), Tech-Based Support for Learners with Special Needs among others.

 The State Chairman of NAPPS, Mr. Sunday Adafe-Jaja, highlighted the importance of equipping teachers with ICT skills to align with modern-day teaching practices.

He stated that the initiative marks a new era in school administration, ensuring that teachers are equipped with 21st-century skills to compete on a global scale.

 A professor of Educational Technology at the University of Port Harcourt and a facilitator at the programme, Prof Esther Fomsi, stressed the importance of digital literacy among teachers, regardless of their age.

 She expressed concerns over the widening gap between digitally savvy students and teachers who lack technological proficiency, warning that this disparity could severely impact learning outcomes.

 Dr Ella Gogo from Cinfores Limited explained that the TeachersHub was specifically designed to bridge the technological gap identified by Professor Fomsi.

 She assured participants of the platform’s effectiveness in streamlining education management, lesson delivery, and teacher-student interactions.

 She added that “the platform will provide teachers with real-time access to digital teaching resources, assessments, and administrative tools.”

 TeachersHub is regarded as a revolutionary tool for school administrators, enabling efficient management of teacher records, tracking professional development, and ensuring adherence to government policies.

 Participants at the programme noted that the interactive training helped them overcome their initial fears of using technology in the classroom.

Knight Frank, Mount Anvil  Unveil Newest Boutique Devt in Lagos

Leading real estate consultancy firm, Knight Frank and UK-based residential developer Mount Anvil have unveiled London’s newest boutique development, The Edit, to the Nigerian market at a well-attended business cocktail in Lagos recently. The partnership is expected to offer savvy Nigerians the opportunity to own premium real estate in London, one of the world’s most sought-after property markets.

This partnership, according to Knight Frank, also offers an opportunity to a growing number of Nigerian investors seeking stable and high-yield investment opportunities abroad, especially in real estate.

Speaking during the launch event, Senior Partner/CEO of Knight Frank Nigeria, Frank Okosun, noted that the real estate sector had been significantly hit in recent years due to recession and unhealthy economic policies that have stifled investment, hence the need to lure foreign investors to Nigeria and vice visa through strategic developments like The Edit, which is London’s newest boutique development on the South Bank.

On his confidence that Nigerian investors will consider this opportunity, Okosun said in addition to its yields now in the future, “many Nigerians have their children in UK schools; this is an opportunity to provide shelter for those children to enhance their studies.”

Also speaking at the event, Head of Africa Desk, Knight Frank UK, Mr. Ben Woodhams, added that The Edit is a very good  investment opportunity in London and it promises to set a new standard for curated quality and personalised service at home in London.

 “The development consists of 95 private apartments in studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom options,” he explained. 

During his presentation to guests at the event, Group Sales Director, Mount Anvil, Mr. Jon Hall, disclosed that as part of the tailored approach for the scheme, all residents will enjoy state-of-the-art Swiss-made V-ZUG cooking appliances in each home, with each three-bedroom home and penthouse featuring a wider range of V-ZUG appliances.

UNICEF Tasks Bauchi Legislators on Funding Child Nutrition

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly have been called upon to commit themselves to make child nutrition funding part of their constituency project in order to address the problem of malnutrition in children in the state.

The Chief of Bauchi Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, made the call while addressing the lawmakers on Adequate budgetary Appropriation for Nutrition Intervention during  a two- day advocacy and sensitisation meeting held  in Jos, Plateau state yesterday.

She said that the child Nutrition Fund is an initiative designed to support government efforts in some countries that carry the highest number of children suffering from the problem of malnutrition. 

Adding that Nigeria is one of the countries where there are high number of malnourished children  because of its  large population.

Rafique stated that the fund (UNICEF) has been a partner to Bauchi state in addressing malnutrition through enhanced nutrition financing.

She explained that the UNICEF provides both technical and financial assistance to strengthen policies, improve service delivery and ensure the availability of essential nutrition commodities, including ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and multiple micronutrients supplements (mms).

Rafique, who commended the Bauchi state government for the continued collaboration, said without children, no future of any given society is guaranteed.

She recalled that in the last five years, there has been 2.9 per cent increase in severe acute malnutrition and  seven  per cent increase in moderate malnutrition in Bauchi state, saying action must be taken to curb the trend by expanding the investment in nutrition to save the children.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office Bauchi stressed that proactive steps must be taken to improve nutrition financing, noting that the meeting provides the opportunity for the stakeholders to discuss and commit to actionable strategies to increase funding.

According to her, Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) is an initiative that give state governments in the country the ownership of funding nutrition through a counterpart funding to match UNICEF contribution in the same sum to the basket fund.

“If you put N100 million, we will match N100 million, so N200 million will reach the children. We work on prevention, cure and rehabilitation of the children under nutrition to help set up a society where no child should suffer from malnutrition. Children suffering so much from malnutrition can be rehabilitated, so this is so sensitive and I will like all of you to feel from the heart. You have to be fathers to children in your constituencies, literally this is your accountability’

 “So the most important thing is to start thinking of how much you can commit.So what I suggest if I was in your place, with the support from UNICEF, you can identify in your constituencies where the highest number of malnourished children are.You should go around and see things for yourself, we have the data for bauchi state and it is one of the worst state suffering from malnutrition”

 However, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly (BAHA), Rt. Hon Abubakar Sulaiman, assured  UNICEF officers and other stakeholders  of finding a way to making provision for nutrition in the 2025 budget despite  having been passed and signed into law.

The Speaker in his remarks while declaring the meeting open described nutrition as very important, which if not taken care of, will affect the lives of the children, lamenting that the meeting came late and at a time the 2025 budget has been passed and signed into law by the governor.

 According to him, “I was discussing with the deputy speaker that this programme  should have come before the passage of the 2025 budget, which would have been an avenue for us to discuss so many issues surrounding malnutrition and then include it in the 2025 budget”, he said.

 “Unfortunately the 2025 budget has already been passed, but that notwithstanding, as members of the house of assembly who have the responsibility of passing the budget, we will definitely see what we can do to ensure that what we are going to discuss here is reflected in the budget, we have a legal way of doing that, and in Sha Allahu we will do something about that”, he  said.

Rt. Hon Sulaiman ,who commended the House members for attending the meeting, assured UNICEF that the assembly  was committed to policies that would improve the living standard of children.

Speaker Sulaiman said that to show commitment to issue of nutrition, Bauchi state assembly under his speakership has constituted a standing committee on nutrition and food security chaired by a member who has concerns for nutrition unlike before when there was none.

According to him, the committee which comprises  committee chairmen on agriculture, health and appropriation as members, indicated the seriousness of the assembly regarding nutrition.

 “We want to assure UNICEF and other partners that Bauchi state assembly is fully committed to ensuring that our children are free from malnutrition. I commend the ministry of budget and economic planning and UNICEF for initiating this important meeting for the members of the state assembly as representatives of the people at the grassroots to discuss about nutrition”, the Speaker disclosed.