FEATURES
The Arewa Consultative Forum has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the pressing issues of insecurity, education, and economic development in northern Nigeria.
Specifically, the ACF urged the President to review and reassess his administration’s economic policies to ensure they have a human face, given the current hardship Nigerians are facing.
The pan-northern socio-political organisation stated this in a communique released to newsmen at the end of its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna, on Wednesday.
The communique, signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic policies, which the forum claimed have worsened the condition of Northern Nigeria.
“The policies of the current Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse, with little indications of needed sensitivity to the precarious existential conditions of Arewa people.
“The time to think big is now. Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring challenging economic conditions, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to make matters much worse,” the ACF said.
The forum also expressed concerns over the escalating security situation, noting that it had become a major challenge to human existence.
It noted that security was an irreducible minimum of human existence, adding that the government must take responsibility for safeguarding lives and property.
“Those whose responsibility it is to provide security saying they are doing their best is unacceptable. The minimum duty of the government is to safeguard life and property, and doing anything less is a failure,” the communique added.
On education, the forum emphasised the dire state of Northern Nigeria’s education system, particularly the alarming number of out-of-school children.
“Statistics of out-of-school children, of which Arewa has an overwhelming proportion, are cogent pointers to the situation.
“A lot has been done, but the truth is, far more needs to be done,” the ACF noted.
It urged northern governors to adopt a strong, coordinated approach to policy planning and implementation, particularly in areas such as security, education, and agricultural production.
The communiqué stated, “Despite the dire economic conditions in Arewa, the policies of the current Federal Government have continued to worsen the situation, showing little sensitivity to the precarious existential challenges faced by the Arewa people.
“Succinctly stated, economic reforms, while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people they are meant to serve; the people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits.
“In view of the above, the meeting resolved as follows: calls on the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review, reassess, reevaluate and re-order the direction of its economic policies with a view to giving it the needed human face.
“Strongly calls on the governors of the northern states to adopt a strong, coordinated approach to policy planning and implementation, as these relate to security, education, skills acquisition, agricultural production, health services, etc.
“Calls on the Federal Government to be receptive to criticisms, suggestions, etc., not only in line with the principles of democracy but also because they improve, not retard the policy process for the ultimate benefit of the people.
“Calls on the northern elite, in all spheres of life, to take it upon themselves to counter negative narratives about the North and also imbibe the spirit of community service, individually and collectively. The interests of the North will be best served by northerners.”
It added that “The growing food crisis with every through short and long term measures, including imports where needs be, but the ultimate solution is to achieve food self-sufficiency.
“People should take responsibility for our fast-growing population. Public policy and the law should be adopted to achieve a balance.
“Poor electricity supply will continue to hamper efforts to ameliorate poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment in the region. These have to be addressed with utmost urgency.”
Speaking earlier on insecurity, the ACF lamented the operations of bandits and terrorists, killing and abducting citizens.
Its Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman (SAN), stressed the urgent need for collective action to address the deteriorating situation.
Osuman highlighted the alarming rate of attacks, kidnappings, and killings in the region, stressing that these incidents had become too common.
He said, “The North is currently under siege from various threats, including bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and unjust treatment. We must come together to address these challenges.
“As leaders, we must demonstrate prudence and concern for domestic and environmental problems affecting our region.
“It is imperative that our governors and legislators work in synergy with traditional leaders to combat the ills plaguing our region.
“We must address the internal crimes perpetuated by our sons and daughters, and work towards preventing these trends.
“There is a need for public awareness campaigns to educate our people on the importance of self-defence and preservation.
“We must develop local strategies to combat illegal mining by foreigners and locals in our region.”
The forum endorsed the Shekarau-led League of Northern Democrats, convened by elder statesman, Dr Umar Ardo, and recently launched at a meeting attended by key Northern elites in Abuja.
The League of Northern Democrats is a group comprising former governors, senators, and other prominent figures from the region.
According to the chairman, the objectives of the group aligned with the ACF’s goals.
He, however, stressed the need for inward reflection and immediate action, rather than focusing solely on long-term political solutions.
The chairman emphasised the importance of collective action, inclusive leadership, and collaboration among stakeholders to address the region’s security challenges.
“The ACF commends the League of Northern Democrats’ objectives, which align with our goals, but we must focus on immediate action and inward reflection.
“We must prioritise economic empowerment, education and skills development, infrastructure development, and security and justice to revitalise the North,” Osuman said.
Embattled UNIZIK VC Rejects Tinubu’s Sack, Says Its A Mischievous Attempt To Destabilize University
AFOLABI
The management of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, has strongly opposed a recent directive from the Federal Ministry of Education alleging the dissolution of its Governing Council and the removal of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Benard Odoh.
Recalls that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given approval to the Ministry of Education to dissolve the university’s Governing Council and sack Odoh.
The directive, issued in a letter signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, accused the university of violating regulations and disregarding federal directives. It claimed that the Governing Council had appointed an unqualified Vice-Chancellor, resulting in unrest and a breakdown of order at the institution.
Responding in a statement on Wednesday, Charles Otu, Media and Publicity Assistant to Professor Odoh, dismissed the Ministry’s actions as “mischievous” and aimed at disrupting the university’s operations.
Otu argued that the Ministry had overstepped its authority, pointing to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Act, LFN 2004, which grants the President, as the university’s Visitor, exclusive rights to dissolve the Governing Council or remove the Vice-Chancellor.
He further alleged that the Ministry acted improperly by failing to notify or interrogate the affected parties before taking action.
Otu maintained that Professor Odoh’s appointment followed due process and had received widespread acceptance from stakeholders.
Odoh’s spokesman also accused the Ministry of contempt of court, highlighting ongoing legal disputes over the Vice-Chancellor’s appointment at the National Industrial Court.
According to him, the case’s sub judice status renders the Ministry’s actions both premature and inappropriate.
Contrary to claims of disorder, Otu stated that its campuses remain peaceful and that Professor Odoh continues to perform his duties effectively.
The authenticity of the Ministry’s letter was also questioned, with the spokesman noting its unusual signing by a Public Relations Director instead of the Permanent Secretary or Minister of Education. The absence of direct communication with the Governing Council’s chairman, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe, was also criticized.
He called on the public and university community to remain calm while urging a judicial resolution to the matter.
The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Segun Showunmi, has declared that the opposition party will not die and is far more matured in handling governance issues than the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Showunmi, during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, dismissed opinions suggesting that the PDP is doing so poorly in playing its role as an opposition party.
The PDP chieftain condemned APC’s style of opposition before ascending to power, stressing that people cannot expect PDP to play opposition in the way that will demarket Nigeria.
According to Showunmi, playing opposition is having an alternative viewpoint to the policies of the ruling party, which the PDP does, insisting that playing opposition should not involve telling lies about the country and making it ungovernable.
He said, “Do you think that nonsense they (APC) were doing, calling people into the streets every day, shaming the country, running up and down the place demarketing the country, refusing Jonathan to buy arms to fight insecurity, is how to run a country?
“We (PDP) are far more matured than them because we understand what it means to protect the territorial integrity and the brand equity of Nigeria, that is why we don’t go out of the way to go and demarket the country like they were doing.”
Speaking further, Showunmi, who is among those seeking to take up the party’s national chairmanship position, insisted that despite the current leadership crisis, the party will never die.
He added, “PDP is this PDP is that; who killed it? A party that did not die when Obasanjo tore his card, a party that did not die when Jonathan stood down, a party that did not die all these years is going to die, PDP dieth not.”
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the price of kerosene has sharply risen, further burdening Nigerian households already struggling with rising living costs.
According to the NBS’s latest Price Watch report, the cost of both kerosene per litre and per gallon has increased both month-on-month and year-on-year, with the North Central region reporting the highest average retail prices.
Notably, residents in Abuja, Kaduna, and Akwa Ibom are paying some of the highest prices for the fuel.
The report shows that the average retail price of Household Kerosene (HHK) in October 2024 reached ₦1,957.44 per litre, marking a 3.07% increase from ₦1,957.44 in September 2024.
Year-on-year, the price has surged by 54.81% from ₦1,303.16 in October 2023.
The average retail price per gallon of kerosene also saw an uptick, rising by 1.94% to ₦6,949.75 in October 2024, compared to ₦6,818.11 in September 2024. This represents a 51.68% increase from ₦4,581.89 in October 2023.
State-wise, the report highlights that Abuja recorded the highest average price per litre in October 2024, at ₦2,875.00, followed by Akwa Ibom at ₦2,518.89, and Kaduna at ₦2,500.79.
Conversely, Borno had the lowest price at ₦1,500.30, with Bayelsa and Adamawa following closely at ₦1,500.67 and ₦1,679.19, respectively.
Zonal price analyses reveal that the North Central region saw the highest average price per litre at ₦2,242.67, with the North-West following at ₦2,168.28. Meanwhile, the South-East recorded the lowest price at ₦1,772.94.
In terms of gallon pricing, Katsina had the highest average retail price at ₦8,900.50, followed by Jigawa at ₦8,500.00 and Kebbi at ₦8,300.
Conversely, Adamawa recorded the lowest price per gallon at ₦5,300.44, with Nassarawa and Niger at ₦5,325.41 and ₦5,381.88, respectively.
The report also points out that the North-West region saw the highest average retail price per gallon, at ₦8,070.54, while the North-Central region had the lowest at ₦6,176.20.
This rise in kerosene prices comes amid ongoing fluctuations in the price of petrol, which currently stands at ₦1,120 per litre.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has declared its support for northerners vying for the presidency and other key positions in the 2027 general elections, citing the need to rescue the region and the country from the adverse effects of current socio-economic policies.
During its National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna State, the forum expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating economic situation in the North under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a communique signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the ACF criticized the Federal Government’s approach to leadership selection, accusing it of elevating individuals without the requisite competence or experience to positions of power.
The forum further emphasized its readiness to support Northern politicians committed to rescuing the region and the nation.
The statement reads, “Security is an irreducible minimum of human existence. In this regard, insecurity in its various manifestations remains the most worrisome challenge of Arewa people, that has even started to corrosively undermine the authority of government; such that people have started to ask what the purpose of government is!
“That those whose responsibility that it is to provide security will be saying they are doing their best is unacceptable. The minimum duty of government is to safeguard life and property, and doing anything less is a failure.
“Members expressed displeasure at the current and continuing improvisation of the proverbial common men and women in the country due to the economic policies of the current administration.
“The Meeting noted in particular that Arewa people remain at great disadvantage, being already relatively worse off economically, compared to other parts of Nigeria. Livelihoods are currently dependent on micro activities. The region faces acute and chronic food insecurity; its youths lack education and skills training. Daunting as these may be, they can be reversed. The time to think big is now.
“Notwithstanding the parlous state of Arewa’s glaring challenging economic conditions, the policies of current Federal Government has continued to make matters much worse, with little indications of needed sensitivity to the precarious existential conditions of Arewa people. Succinctly stated, economic reforms while indeed desirable, should not impoverish the same people that they are meant to serve; the people may not be alive to reap the putative benefits.”
Logan Paul, a popular American YouTuber and brother to Jake Paul, the boxer who just defeated Mike Tyson has been accused of using his massive audience to profit off shady crypto deals.
According to a BBC report, Logan Paul who has a staggering 23 million YouTube subscribers promoted certain investments while hiding his stake in them. He reportedly influenced investment prices and allegedly sold tokens to collect profit.
New Evidence reveals Logan Paul made $120,000 from Elongate Memecoin
The BBC said it has uncovered new evidence that Logan Paul benefited from promoting a meme coin which rugged. BBC findings fingered a wallet linked to the Known Logan Paul wallet which acquired $160,000 of Elongate memecoin an hour before Logan Paul promoted the memecoin via a tweet.
After Logan Paul’s promotional tweet, New buyers rushed in driving the price of the token only for the fingered wallet to sell all its tokens after 12 hours making a profit of $120,000.
A Time magazine report collaborated with the BBC report spotting a similar pattern with another cryptocurrency and wallet.
Logan Paul increased the suspicion around his involvement with a statement to his online community. The YouTuber exclaimed that Elongate the memecoin made him rich in a video shared with his closed Maverick club fan community.
“Elongate made me rich. Elon baby let’s go!” Logan exclaimed
Efforts to hold Logan Paul accountable for the alleged crime have proved abortive with the Youtuber avoiding the BBC for months.
The internet sensation finally agreed to an interview in Puerto Rico but a Look alike showed up instead and the BBC team was harassed at the scene.
A legal notice from Logan Paul’s attorney was later forwarded to the BBC warning them against publishing their findings.
Celebrity Memecoin Scams
Logan Paul’s stint with Elongate memecoin joins a long list of celebrity-related memecoin scams which often take the same pattern. A celebrity promotes a memecoin he or she secretly has a stake in only to sell all his tokens as soon as the price of the memecoin surges following new buyers responding to the promotion by the Celebrity.
Davido and Sabinus mid-year launched their memecoins which have gone on to lose virtually 90% of their value a few days after launch. Davido has been accused of shilling shitcoins repeatedly exploiting his audience for quick profits.
On the foreign scene, celebrities like Iggy Azalea, Caitlyn Jenner, and Andrew Tate all launched memecoins that have lost significant value. The credibility of celebrity-backed memecoins is at an all-time low following the unpleasant experience of traders who backed the above tokens.
What to Know
- A rug pull refers to a scam where a cryptocurrency or NFT developer promotes a project to attract investor funding, only to shut down or disappear, taking investor assets with them.
- Logan Paul also has a rug pull case hanging over his head following his failed NFT project CryptoZoo.
[Nairamtrics]
Elder statesman and legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola has declared that Nigerians must fear and respect the Police the way they regard the military, in order to guarantee order and security in the country.
Alternatively, he said Nigeria’s laws should be amended so that the military would be saddled with the enforcement of law and order in the country.
Babalola spoke on Wednesday in Ado-Ekiti, at the 4th edition of the Aare Afe Babalola Distinguished Personality Lecture Series, entitled, ‘Insecurity, leadership and peace building in Nigeria: Dynamics and challenges’.
The event took place at the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).
“For me, the military today, is the most disciplined institution in this country. The problem we have today in Nigeria is nothing other than lack of discipline. And this is right from leadership, to the followership.
“How can there be security, leadership and peace when there is no order?,” he queried.
Continuing, he said, “There is even a Biblical saying to wit, that order is the first law in heaven. As a person, I appreciate, and also enforce it.
“If an offender sees a policeman on an Okada, he does not accord any of them any iota of respect.
“However, when a man sees a soldier, he quickly comports himself. That is the quantum of respect often accorded the military.
“The time has therefore come for all of us to unite, ensure order, because orderliness and and discipline in our society is the only and the surest way forward.”
Babalola, who commended the type of uncommon discipline in the military, said he was surprised in 2016, when he was conferred with the honorary Doctor of Letters, (D. Lit) by the Nigerian Defence Academy.
He noted that the hall where the event held was not only perfectly quiet, but also nobody attempted to leave his or her seat throughout the duration.
“To me, that was the peak of orderliness and discipline. Before that day, I had believed that my university was the epitome of order, orderliness and discipline, such that some are even saying ABUAD is more of a military institution.
“But with what I saw that day at NDA, I gave, and still give kudos for the military for its discipline,” Babalola added.
Earlier in his lecture, the Commandant, Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, Major Gen. John Ochai, said the Nigerian military is doing its possible best to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
But he remarked that citizens should not expect 100 percent scorecard in that regard.
[Dailypost]
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, has adjourned till January 21, 2025, to rule on applications in a suit filed by the Labour Party seeking to declare vacant the seats of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.
The LP, in suit number FHC/PH/25/2024, is also praying the court to determine whether the defection of the 27 lawmakers said to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was proper.
The suit also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a by-election to fill in the vacant seats of the lawmakers to enable the LP and other interested parties to participate.
When the matter came up for hearing on Wednesday in the court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Obele, our reporter observed the presence of the claimant, who is the LP’s Caretaker Committee Chairman in the state, Hilda Dokubo.
Meanwhile, during the sitting, Ferdinand Orbih — counsel for the second to 28th defendants in the matter including the embattled Speaker of the state legislature, Martin Amaewhule, the PDP, among others, told the court that the 29 defendants in the case planned to consolidate their applications.
Orbih informed the court that the application deals with the same subject matter which is praying the court to direct parties in the matter to file and exchange pleadings and call for evidence in proof of their respective cases.
He stated, “We respectively pray for your order consolidating the three applications.”
Orbih further presented their motions, insisting that the applications be backed up with paragraphs of affidavits and urged the court to grant the applications.
In his argument, counsel for the claimant, Clifford Chukwu, did not object to the consolidation of the applications but opposed the applications submitted by the defence counsel.
Chukwu urged the court to dismiss the motion by the first, second to 28th, and 29th defendants.
After listening to the submissions by the parties in the matter, the trial judge, Justice Obele adjourned the matter till January 21, 2025, for ruling on applications by the parties.
[Punch]
Chidimma Adetshina, the first runner-up at the recent Miss Universe pageant, has revealed her next steps, focusing on personal growth and career development.
In an interview with BBC Pidgin, Adetshina revealed she plans to take a break from pageantry to concentrate on her education and burgeoning careers in modeling and acting.
“I want to put pageantry aside for now and focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is,” she said.
“I want to delve more into runway modeling, acting, and explore many other areas. There are so many things I would like to try and see where my potential can take me.”
Adetshina’s journey to the Miss Universe stage was not without challenges.
Born to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, she faced backlash over her nationality during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, ultimately leading to her withdrawal.
Addressing the controversy, Chidimma Adetshina assured her supporters that she would share details once she had a full understanding of the situation.
“People are really interested in the story. And like I said, I haven’t gone home yet, I haven’t heard anything, and I haven’t sat down with a lawyer or anything. So I can’t just talk about things,” she said.
“Once I get everything sorted out, I will definitely open up and give people clarity on the matter.”
![[PRESS RELEASE] Unveiled: LABAF 27.0 holds Nov 10-16, 2025](/media/k2/items/cache/11b01b06578b20d6256cf5ff7a0e23de_S.jpg)
- Theme: “CHANGE: Imaginings Alternatives”
SUNDAY November 17, as the curtain fell on the 26th Lagos Book & Art Festival (LABAF) in the plenary room of the week-long festival, the Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, promoter of the festival announced the date and theme for the 27th edition.
This is in keeping to tradition of the festival since it was born in 1999 in the cusp of Nigeria’s transition from military rule to civilian governance. The date and theme for next year’s festival is always unveiled in the closing glee - usually a poetry concert - of the outgoing edition.
Toyin Akinosho, CORA Secretary-general, in making the announcement on Sunday, stated that LABAF 27.0 will hold November 10-16, 2025 on the theme: is “CHANGE: Imaginings Alternatives.”
Before the full room audience which included Chairman CORA Board of Trustees, Chief Kayode Aderinokun, members of the CORA Volunteers Corps, CVC, and other guests, Akinosho revealed why the theme was chosen. He reminded that the past few editions had been critical of the systems that run affairs of Nigeria, and the continent; thus, the next edition would be making vital contribution to national discourse by offering a platform for people to explore possible alternatives to what currently operates.
According to Akinosho, LABAF 26.0’s theme "BREAKOUT: Hope Is a Stubborn Thing" examined the grievances and deterioration in major sectors in Nigeria; “aside from the issues of ethnicity and bad governance, hope becomes a coping mechanism and survival technique for everyone.” Akinosho also revisited the themes of LABAF 24.0 and 25.0, relating how such addressed the worrisome developments in the social and political fabrics of Nigeria, and by extension, Africa.
Explaining further the theme for 2025 LABAF, Akinosho stated: “While the just concluded festival is on Hope as a stubborn thing, we’re wondering whether the way the world is going, the eruptions that are happening all over the place and the state of things do not make people to begin to think about the idea of change. The idea of change is not just “change” as it is but “imagining alternatives”, whether at a personal level, or at the national level, or at the global level. For instance, whether the present government will be thinking in terms of how to change its own narrative of governance or whether the Democratic Party in America could begin to respond to aspirations or imagining alternatives.”
The CORA Secretary-general added that “The books that speak to imagination about alternatives will be major books of the festival.”
As the audience celebrated the unveiling of LABAF 27.0, and it’s even more controversial theme, with loud screams, lavish photo sessions and generous congratulations, Chairman of CORA’s Board of Trustees, Chief Aderinokun was ushered to stage by the anchor, Samuel Oriakhi Osaze, LABAF’s associate producer, to formally bring the festival to an end. Aderinokun, a father figure to CORA, and staunch supporter to LABAF, appreciated all participants at the festival, the CORA Board and most especially, the volunteers, who he referred to as “my young friends.”
Speaking in the plenary room, 1st floor of Kongi’s Harvest Art Gallery, Aderinokun reiterated that CORA is passionate about the future of the country and the progress of the continent, “that is why we gather intellectuals in diverse fields of human endeavours, creatives and other well-meaning Nigerians to contribute ideas on how to effect change and impact positively on the life of our beloved country and, welfare of its people.”
Paying special tributes to the 27-members of the CORA Volunteer Corps (CVC), Aderinokun stated that “we are unofficially handing over to the younger generation. We are so impressed by what you did in this past exercise and I hope that you keep it up.”
Jubilation erupted amongst the CVC and the audience, and with this, the curtain fell on LABAF 26.0.
LABAF 2025’s theme was also unveiled via a giant screen on the Main-Stage of the Festival venue, Freedom Park, which hosted the very last act of the week-long 73-events festival, Freedom Vibes, staged by CORA partner-organisation, Unchained Vibes Africa, UVA.
Program chair of CORA, and Director of LABAF, Jahman Anikulapo, was called onto the big shimmering stage, and urged the full house of mostly youth guests, to “lock down the date in your calendar, and don’t make the error of putting your own culture project in same week – as it happened this year.”
Anikulapo also asked the full house of enthusiastic guests to spend time ruminating on the theme, and be free to suggest “ideas about books, visual arts, theatrical, film and other contents that could lead to the full exploration of the theme: CHANGE: Imagining alternatives.”
About LABAF:
Started in 1999, the Festival, though a literary feast of ideas and life in outlook, has over the years, metamorphosed to being a Campaign for LITERACY devoted to heightening interest of the populace to be active participants in the knowledge economy that currently rules transactions in global political, economic and cultural affairs. The Festival is focused on three thematic elements: EDUCATION. ENLIGHTENMENT. EMPOWERMENT.
Specifically for young people, the Festival also stages
- Green Festival - devoted to students in Junior and Senior Secondary schools
- CORA Youth Creative Club -- which yearly congregate youths and young adults from different parts of the countries for mentoring and training in their natural talents and acquired skills
The Festival’s main programme iterations include:
- Book Readings & Reviews
- Conversation around ideas contained in the books of the festival – relevant to the theme of the festival
- Book & Visual Arts Exhibitions
- Workshops and Mentoring Sessions for young people
- Performances in Poetry, Drama, Music, Dance etc
- Arthouse celebrations of eminent artistes and culture workers who have registered their names and footprints in the cause of nation building – the idea is to set them up as role models for both old and young people – to inspire hope, motivate them for to aspire to greater accomplishments in their chosen careers or vocation
About CORA
The Committee for Relevant Art, CORA, is a not-for-profit advocate for the arts, culture and creative sector of the economy. We believe that we can stimulate the increase of the Human Capital resources of the country through emphasis on metal capacitation via programming ideas that spotlight: Education. Enlightenment. Empowerment. To realise this objective, we rely solely on the support of eminent institution, organisations and missions such as the diplomatic office of countries that have invested in, and produced great intellectuals and philosophers such as yours.
Sgd: Mercy Timilehin Kelani
f: LABAF Communications
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he federal government has ordered the dissolution of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, over “grave breaches of the laws governing the university.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, gave the order in a statement to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja by Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo.
Mr Alausa said the dissolution was sequel to the council’s disregard for lawful directives from the Federal Ministry of Education.
The minister noted, “The decision comes after it was found that the Chairman of the Governing Council unilaterally appointed a vice-chancellor who did not meet the minimum eligibility criteria for the position. This led to a breakdown of law and order within the university community, causing tension and disharmony. Urgent measures were needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation at Nnamdi Azikiwe University as the illegal decisions taken by the Governing Council posed a significant risk of further destabilising the institution.’’
The minister also announced the removal of the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Bernard Odoh, illegally appointed by the dissolved council of the institution.
“In accordance with the university’s founding act, an acting vice chancellor will be appointed, and a new governing council for the university will be constituted as soon as possible to ensure proper governance and adherence to the law. All these changes are with immediate effect. The step aligns with the federal government’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the nation’s educational institutions,” he said.
In a related development, Mr Alausa also announced the re-assignment of the pro-chancellors and chairmen of the Governing Councils of the Federal Universities Oye-Ekiti and Lokoja to enhance national cohesion and improve the governance of the institutions.
He stated, “Following an approval by President Bola Tinubu, the swapping involves Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba being reassigned as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, while Kayode Ojo will assume the same role at the Federal University, Lokoja. This change comes after it was noted that the current Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Kayode Ojo, is an indigene of Ekiti State.
“As part of the ministry’s commitment to promoting national integration and ensuring impartial oversight, it is the standard practice for pro-chancellors to be appointed from outside the state of the university. This ensures unbiased governance and supports the core values of diversity and national unity.’’
Mr Alausa emphasised that the reassignment was a step towards strengthening the leadership structure of Nigeria’s federal universities, ensuring that they operate under fair and inclusive governance.
He said the changes were with immediate effect, adding that they would positively impact the effective administration and development of the universities, ultimately benefiting the Nigerian people.
(NAN)
A recent study reports indicates that sitting for more than 10.6 hours a day raises the risk of heart disease, even among individuals who meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week.
In the study, published on Friday in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, researchers found that sitting for a long period is linked with “future adverse cardiovascular outcomes, with particularly prominent effects on heart failure and cardiovascular mortality”.
A team of researchers in the Mass General Brigham health care system analysed activity-tracker data from 89,530 UK Biobank participants, examining sedentary behaviour’s impact on atrial fibrillation, heart attacks, heart failure, and cardiovascular death.
Participants wore a triaxial accelerometer on their wrists for over seven days to track movement. After a median 8-year follow-up, analysis revealed that risks for atrial fibrillation and heart attack steadily increased over time.
About 5% of study participants developed atrial fibrillation, 2.1% developed heart failure, 2% had a heart attack, and a little less than 1% died from cardiovascular-related causes.
“Our findings really emphasize the importance of avoiding excess sitting… whether or not you’re physically active,” said Ezim Ajufo, the first study author and a cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
“We would really recommend that as many people as possible avoid sitting more than 10.6 hours a day. That’s not a hard and fast threshold, but we think it’s a reasonable first step for guidelines and public health intervention.”
However, Ajufo said the research has some limitations. “The study is also observational, which means that while it can make associations, it can’t prove that sitting was the cause of the heart disease,” said the first study author.
The researchers recommended standing or walking for a few minutes every 30 to 60 minutes or transitioning between tasks with short walks.
“Exercise is critical, but avoiding excessive sitting appears separately important,” said Patrick Ellinor, the co-senior author, cardiologist and co-director of the Corrigan Minehan Heart Center at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“Our hope is that this work can empower patients and providers by offering another way to leverage movement behaviors to improve cardiovascular health.”
Also speaking, Shaan Khurshid, another co-senior author and an electrophysiologist and faculty member in the Telemachus And Irene Demoulas Family Foundation Center for Cardiac Arrythmias at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: “our data supports the idea that it is always better to sit less and move more to reduce heart disease risk, and that avoiding excessive sitting is especially important for lowering risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death”.
Keith Diaz, an associate professor of behavioural medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, who was not involved in the study, revealed that more research is needed to determine the specific risks and guidelines for what constitutes too much sitting.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has filed a lawsuit against former Senator Andy Uba, who represented Anambra South, and two other individuals, over allegations of fraud involving ₦400 million.
The charge, filed before Justice Inyang Ekwo at the Federal High Court in Abuja, includes two counts and names Crystal Uba and Benjamin Etu as the second and third defendants.
The charge was filed by Abdulrashid Sidi on October 10, 2024, in the Legal/Prosecution Section of the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
In the first count, Uba, Crystal, Etu, and Hajiya Fatima (currently at large) are accused of conspiring in 2022 to commit the fraud.
They allegedly misrepresented to George Uboh that they had a method to ensure the appointment of any individual who could afford ₦400 million as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The charge states: “A presentation which you know is not true and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006.”
The second count accuses the defendants and Fatima of further conspiring in 2022, with the intention to defraud and deceive George Uboh, by falsely presenting that they could secure the NDDC MD position for anyone willing to pay the ₦400 million.
They are accused of obtaining the funds and converting them for personal use, in violation of Section 1 (2) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act.
“A presentation which you know is not true. You obtained the money and converted it into your own personal use and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (2) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related offences Act, 2006,” the count reads in part.
Uboh, in a petition dated April 5, 2023, addressed to the IGP, presented documentary and voice recordings as evidence, describing the proof as overwhelming and irrefutable.
Six witnesses are expected to testify against the defendants. The case was adjourned until February 18, 2025, following a request from M.L. Anthony, representing the IGP, who informed the court that the defendants had been evading service of court documents despite being granted administrative bail.
The delay in the arraignment was also attributed to a fundamental rights enforcement order obtained by the defendants, which had prevented their appearance in court until the order was lifted.
Justice Ekwo set the new date for the defendants to enter their plea.
After her remarkable performance at the 73rd Miss Universe competition in Mexico, Nigeria’s representative, Chidimma Adetshina, has expressed immense pride and joy.
Reflecting on the experience, she described it as the ultimate realization of her dreams.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Chidimma thanked her fans, particularly Nigerians and Africans, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
She acknowledged the significance of their belief in her, emphasizing how it played a key role in her success.
Chidimma also extended gratitude to her core supporters for their encouragement and blessings during her path to the global stage.
Although Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig was crowned Miss Universe 2024, Chidimma’s achievement as the first runner-up marks a historic moment for Nigeria and Africa in the pageant’s history.
In her post, Chidimma wrote: “I came, I saw, and I shook the universe. Returning home as Miss Universe First Runner-Up and Miss Universe Africa & Oceania, I’m filled with immense gratitude for Nigeria and Africa for believing in me and helping me reclaim my dreams.
“This is what it truly means for dreams to come true. A heartfelt thank you to Silverbird Group, Chichi Nation, and everyone who has supported me on this incredible journey. Your recognition means the world. God bless you all.”