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Pastor Kumuyi Leads Prayers For American Church, Trump’s Administration At US Presidential Inauguration Event
AFOLABI
General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, joined faith leaders at a special pre-inauguration event held in the United States ahead of Donald Trump’s swearing-in as President.
The gathering, named the ‘Inauguration Praise and Prayer Convocation’, was held at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church and organized by Jim Garlow’s Well Versed World ministry in collaboration with Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.
The event united religious leaders and believers to pray for the nation and the incoming administration.
During the program, Pastor Kumuyi delivered a powerful message to American church leaders, emphasizing the importance of holiness and righteousness for spiritual revival and national progress.
He prayed: “Almighty God. We thank You and bless Your name.
“What a great and glorious God you are. I want to thank You, Lord, for the church in America. You said, upon this rock, You would build Your church – not just for that generation but for every generation, and You say the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.
“Lord, we come in preparation for the celebration of Donald Trump, the president tomorrow. We’re asking that You will grant him wisdom and You will grant the church the unity, the revival, the knowledge, the vision, the forthrightness to speak the truth to power. And we pray, as You connect the church with the leader, that it will be a good unity, that You will help the President, and that the church will remain the church.
“Revive Your church, restore Your church and purge Your church that there will be the holiness and the righteousness You expect for Your church, and the church will have a meaningful ministry in the government, as well as for America.”
Kumuyi also shared a heartfelt prayer during an interview with SRN News, saying: “Almighty God, You chose to bring President-Elect Donald Trump to Your throne and to lead at this time. We’re asking that your grace will be with him through Your wisdom and Your power. And we pray You will help him remain focused on all the things he’s brought out in his campaign of giving Christ the recognition and the honor that He deserves. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”
Donald Trump was later sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on Monday, 20th January, with Chief Justice John Roberts administering the oath during the inauguration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate, has explained the reasons for his performance at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of renowned Nigerian Sheikh, Faruq Onikijipa, on the same day he lost his mother.
Tribune Online reports that the music icon lost his mother, Alhaja Halimot Shadiya Anifowoshe, who died at the age of 105 on Saturday.
Shortly after burying his late mother in Ijebu, Ogun State, earlier in the day, the Fuji star made his way to the wedding, which took place at Balmoral, Federal Palace, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
Reflecting on his loss while performing at the wedding ceremony, K1 revealed the profound impact of his mother’s death on him.
However, he emphasised that the special bond he shares with Sheikh Onikijipa made him attend and perform at the wedding against all odds.
According to him, his friendship with Onikijipa dates back in time, stressing that they have been friends since their youth.
He also used the opportunity to invite guests at the event to the Fidau prayers for his mother, scheduled to take place on Friday, 24 January 2025, in Ijebu, Ogun State.
See the video of his performance at the event below.
Media
Baseless and Unsubstantiated Allegations Against NGOs on "Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists — Former generals, commanders
Admin
At this time when countries the world over have recognised the central role that vibrant and active civil society organisations play in broader counterterrorism strategies and the popular support needed, which could only be built and sustained with the support and cooperation of civil society, the undersigned civil society organisations are deeply concerned about the inflammatory claims by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force published in the Vanguard Newspapers of Jan 16, 2025under the headline "Why Boko Haram, bandits thrive: How NGOs, others aid terrorists — Former generals, commanders." recklessly accusing NGOs in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of providing covert sponsorship and funding to terrorists.
We strongly condemn this act of stigmatizing, smearing, defaming and targeting the NGO sector which is inconsistent with meaningfully attending to the genuine threats of terrorism in our country. Rather than confronting the systemic failures that have allowed terrorism to thrive in Nigeria, these claims attempt to shift blame onto the very organizations that have stepped into the void to support communities abandoned by the Nigerian state.
It is a known fact that a civilian-led approach, engaging civil society and communities, is the most effective way to prevent violent extremism demonstrating the necessity of the role of civil society in channelling discontent and allowing for constructive engagement with States, and in directly undermining the factors leading individuals to be drawn to terrorism and violent extremism.
For nearly two decades, NGOs operating in the North-East have played an indispensable role in mitigating the devastating impact of insurgency and banditry. They provide life-saving humanitarian assistance, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians. These activities are carried out without any intention of gaining pecuniary benefit and they operate under the supervision of strict regulatory frameworks, including rigorous anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
In its resolution 72/284, the United Nations General Assembly urged States to ensure that counter-terrorism measures did not impede humanitarian activities or engagement. Humanitarian exemptions are critical in protecting civil society actors operating in challenging environments where terrorist groups are active from sanctions regimes and counter-terrorism measures. Acts prohibiting or otherwise impeding humanitarian services violate the obligation of States to respect the right to life. Any death linked to such prohibition would constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life.
One of the most fundamental norms of international humanitarian law is the need to protect the provision of impartial medical care to all wounded and sick persons, including members of adversarial parties and the population under its control. This is a norm that must be factored into any counter-terrorism strategy. To abide by these norms is not a sign of weakness, it is an obligation of civilized Nation States.
It is unconscionable to malign NGOs that work tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to bring hope and relief to conflict-affected communities. These accusations, devoid of proof, serve only to erode public trust, distract from the real issues, and undermine the critical work being done in some of the country's most challenging environments.
As we mark another Armed Forces Remembrance Day and honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s armed forces, there can be little doubt that Nigeria needs leadership, unity, and aggressive actions to overcome the challenges of insecurity, NGOs across the country have risen to the crises our nation is enduring. They are stretching beyond all reasonable measures and continue to advance their missions despite unfathomable challenges and coordinated attacks on the sector as evidenced in this Vanguard Newspaper article. This pattern of baseless accusations is a disservice to Nigerians and undermines the very principles of accountability and justice that we all seek to uphold.
The cost of stifling civil society to prevent any perceived threat of terrorism far outweighs its benefits. Any effective counter-terrorism strategy needs to strengthen, not weaken, civil society. There is growing evidence that the instrumentalisation of agendas to counter-terrorism and to prevent and counter violent extremism is leading to a lack of trust in State authorities.
The United Nations Human Rights Committee recognized that the right to life should not be interpreted narrowly, noting that it places not only negative obligations on States (e.g. to not kill), but also positive obligations (e.g. to protect life), to ensure access to the basic conditions necessary to sustain life
It is on this premise that we demand:
1. The Nigerian government and military leadership address the real reasons terrorism persists, including but not limited to rampant poverty and inequality, porous borders, corruption and inefficiency in defence spending.
2. The Nigerian Security Apparatus should focus its efforts and manpower on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks rather than scapegoating civil society. It must also enhance intelligence gathering and operational capacity to secure lives and properties.
3. The government must engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate the suffering of affected communities understanding that civil society can meaningfully generate peace and development, including implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and can clearly articulate the sources of grievances identified as factors leading to terrorist and extremist violence.
The undersigned calls for caution as inflammatory statements such as this news article attributed to an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force could lead to attacks on humanitarian actors further deepening the crisis we are aiming to solve.
Signed:
1. 21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
2. Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
3. Accountability Lab, Nigeria
4. Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
5. African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
6. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
7. Amnesty International Nigeria
8. Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
9. BudgIT Foundation
10. Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
11. Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
12. Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding - Kaduna
13. Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
14. Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
15. Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
16. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
17. Centre LSD
18. Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
19. Centre for Transparency Watch
20. Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
21. CLEEN Foundation
22. Community Life Project (CLP)
23. Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
24. Connected Development (CODE)
25. Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
26. EIE Nigeria
27. Elixir Trust Foundation
28. Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
29. Environmental Rights Action
30. Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
31. Falana and Falana’s Chambers
32. Global Rights
33. Good Governance Team
34. Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
35. Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
36. Hope Behind Bars Africa
37. Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
38. Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
39. INVICTUS AFRICA
40. Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
41. Lawyers Alert
42. Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI)
43. Media Rights Agenda
44. Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
45. Nigeria Network of NGOs
46. Open Society on Justice Reform Project
47. Order Paper
48. Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
49. Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
50. Partners West Africa
51. Policy Alert
52. Praxis
53. Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
54. Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
55. Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
56. Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
57. RULAAC - Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
58. Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
59. Say No Campaign
60. Sesor Empowerment Foundation
61. Social Action
62. Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre
63. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
64. State of the Union (SOTU)
65. Tax Justice and Governance Platform
66. Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
67. West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)
68. Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
69. Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
70. Women in Mining, Nigeria
71. World Impact Development Foundation
72. Yiaga Africa
73. Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) 74. Fix Politics
General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has travelled to the United States on invitation to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States (POTUS).
Kumuyi’s invitation, as a global spiritual leader, was confirmed by A. Larry Ross Communications, a prominent public relations firm based in the United States.
In a post shared on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Kumuyi shared pictures of himself and wife in a meeting with Congressman Robert Pittinger and Pastor Lucas Miles of Turning Point USA (@TPUSA).
“It was great meeting with Congressman Robert Pittinger and Pastor Lucas Miles of @TPUSA yesterday, discussing how we can partner together for global evangelism as we prepare for the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.
“The harvest is plentiful; let’s pray for open doors and hearts ready to receive the Gospel!
“We believe in the power of the Gospel to transform lives and nations. Exciting times ahead!”
More Photos Below:
Nigerian disc jockey, Oluwaforijimi Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt, has opened up about his medical battles and eventual kidney transplant.
Recall that the ‘Stylee’ crooner revealed in 2022 that he underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Speaking in a recent episode of Channels TV programme, ‘Rubbin Minds’ with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Jatt said he lost his sight in 2020 and was later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after undergoing surgery to regain his sight.
He said his health challenges began when he decided to explore the world after living most of his life in Nigeria. In the 58-year-old’s words:
“Maybe I caused it for myself because in 2019 I said that I wanted to spend more time out of the country. I’ve lived all my life in Nigeria, especially Lagos. So I wanted to explore the world; Europe, America, everywhere.
But in 2020, I started having some health issues. There were travel restrictions at that time so I was just within Nigeria. I lost my sight. I had a surgery and I regained my sight. After that I felt that I needed to take a break and comply with my plan of living elsewhere for a while.
Then I relocated to the U.S. When I was in the U.S, I was also diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I was there for a while. I was on dialysis. Eventually, I came back to Nigeria and had a kidney transplant. After the transplant, I decided to be quiet for a while to recover properly. So immediately I was discharged, I left Nigeria again.
While I was away, I was still Djying in America and Europe but I decided that it was time to return to Nigeria so I came back in December.”
DJ Jimmy Jatt said lifestyle is not always the cause of kidney ailment, stressing that he has never smoked and has long stopped drinking alcohol.
He revealed that his kidney ailment was caused by diabetes.
VIDEO: Ex-RCCG Pastor Iluyomade Opens New Church In Lagos - Months After His Resignation As Senior Pastor
AFOLABI
Months after his resignation as the senior pastor of City of David Parish of RCCG, Region 20, Lagos, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade has started his own church.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the church, which is also based in Lagos, is named ‘Family Fellowship’.
Recall that Iluyomade was earlier suspended by the leadership of the RCCG for throwing an elaborate 60th birthday party for his wife,
Dr. Siju Iluyomade, shortly after the death of Herbert Wigwe, a member and financier of his parish.
The cleric was thereafter transferred to another parish of the church following the outcries that greeted the birthday bash.
Iluyomade was later moved to the Throne of Grace, Ebute Metta headquarters of the church after he was suspended for three months
He subsequently resigned his pastoral relationship with the RCCG and has been rumoured to begin a new ministry since then.
A video surfaced on Monday, showing Iluyomade and his new congregation dancing at the new church during a Sunday service.
Wigwe, co-founder of Access Bank, was among six people killed in a helicopter crash in California, the United States in February 2024.
He died alongside his wife, son, and a former president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the crash.
The chartered helicopter was on its way from Palm Springs to Boulder City in Nevada when it went down about 96km (60 miles) from Las Vegas.
The 57-year-old banker was on his way to Las Vegas to attend Sunday’s Super Bowl.
Media
Oil prices dropped slightly on Monday as investors expect U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to relax the sanctions imposed on Russia’s oil industry by his predecessor in exchange for a deal to end the war against Ukraine.
Trump will be sworn in as President later today and his inauguration is expected to disrupt various sectors of the world economy, including the Energy sector.
Reuters reported that Brent crude futures dropped 28 cents, or 0.35%, to $80.51 per barrel by 07:39 GMT after closing 0.62% in the previous session.
The price of U.S. West Texas Intermediate slid 21 cents to $77.18 per barrel.
Expected executive orders
Trump is expected to make a number of executive orders on his inauguration day, as promised at a rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, on Sunday.
Investors expect Trump to undo Biden’s suspension of new licenses for LNG export facilities aimed at appeasing green energy groups.
“There is a fair amount of uncertainty across markets coming into this week given the inauguration of President Trump and the raft of executive orders he reportedly is planning to sign.”
“This combined with it being a U.S. holiday today, means that some market participants may have decided to take some risk off the table,” ING analysts quoted by Reuters noted.
The global supply chain
The sanction of over 100 tankers for being in business with Russia and two Russian oil producers, made both Brent and WTI soar as top buyers in China and India scrambled for new suppliers while dealers of Russian and Iranian oil sought unsanctioned tankers to ferry their loads.
The sanctions disrupted the global supply chain with some of the top buyers turning to new dealers.
However, Trump has promised to help end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly.
Analysts believe ending the war would involve relaxing some of the sanctions to enable an accord, they said.
Analyst Tim Evans told Reuters that the new sanctions are seen curtailing supply, at least in the near term.
“Higher tanker rates on unencumbered vessels and a widening backwardation in crude oil calendar spreads have been among the notable ripple effects, reinforcing the concern over supplies,” he said.
Easing tension in the Middle East following the ceasefire and exchange of hostages between Hamas and Israel also kept a lid on oil prices.
Separately, investors are watching out for the impact of a cold snap in Texas and New Mexico which may affect U.S. oil production, analysts at ANZ and ING quoted by Reuters observed.
What you should know
- Brent oil rose above $81 last week following the new sanctions on Russia by U.S. President Joe Biden.
- The fluctuation of global oil prices has led to a hike in the price of fuel in Nigeria, with pump prices around N1,000.
- Nairametrics reported that the Dangote Refinery increased its depot price from N899 to N955 last weekend. The company blamed soaring global oil prices for the hike.
[Nairametrics]
Nollywood actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh, has shared an emotional testimony of how God miraculously reunited her family.
Naija News reports that Tonto, during the Sunday service at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church in Abuja, said she tapped into the clergy’s prophetic word some weeks ago, which focused on restoring lost relationships.
The thespian revealed she did not initially recall losing anyone, but as a lover of prayer, she keyed into the prophecy, trusting God’s will to be done in her life.
However, a few days after the prophecy, she received a message via social media as a woman reached out to her, claiming to be her long-lost sister.
Tonto said she later remembered her father had told her about having a daughter he lost contact with at birth abroad after parting ways with her mother.
Tonto, overwhelmed, went on her knees, tearfully thanking God for this miraculous restoration, adding that her lost sister and her father had finally reunited.
Meanwhile, Tonto Dikeh recently spoke about her experience in the year 2024.
According to Dikeh, she experienced significant personal growth.
The politician said the year was the most transformative period of her adult life, marked by growth, love, and moments that brought her immense joy.
In her heartfelt post, Tonto expressed gratitude for the valuable lessons she learned, her accomplishments, and her progress in various areas of her life.
[NaijaNews]
Nollywood actress cum politician, Tonto Dikeh, has shared an emotional testimony of how God miraculously reunited her family.
During the Sunday service at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International Church in Abuja, Tonto said she tapped into the clergy’s prophetic word some weeks ago, which focused on restoring lost relationships.
The thespian revealed she did not initially recall losing anyone, but as a lover of prayer, she keyed into the prophecy, trusting God’s will to be done in her life.
However, a few days after the prophecy, she received a message via social media as a woman reached out to her, claiming to be her long-lost sister.
Tonto said she later remembered her father had told her about having a daughter he lost contact with at birth abroad after parting ways with her mother.
Tonto, overwhelmed, went on her knees, tearfully thanking God for this miraculous restoration, adding that her lost sister and her father had finally reunited.
See the video below.
Media
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced fare for the 2025 Hajj.
In a statement, NAHCON’s, Assistant Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the commission had fixed Hajj fare for intending pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa zone at N8,327,125.59, while those from other parts of the Northern zone would pay N8, 457,685.59.
For intending pilgrims from the Southern states, each would pay N8, 784, 085.59 (eight million, seven hundred and eighty-four thousand, eighty-five Naira Naira fifty-nine kobo).
Daily Trust reports that the disparity in the payment is due to each zones proximity, meaning their airfares determine their cost.
Sanda noted that the announced fares were sequel to approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Chairman and his team in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who is Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties did their best to maintain the Hajj fare within the same range as previously charged. Others who actively participated in stemming the cost are leadership of State Executive Secretaries, namely Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura, the Forum Chairman who doubles as the Executive Secretary (E.S) of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, his colleague from Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, with their Secretary and E.S of Adamawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu among others who worked tirelessly to ensure that the fares do not skyrocket.”
She added that the modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.
“Professor Saleh commended the whole team describing the Hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders. He appreciated the support of the Presidency and Forum of State E.S. The Chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and Saudi guidelines while emphasizing the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.”
[TheNation]
More...
Nigerian disc jockey, Oluwaforijimi Amu, aka DJ Jimmy Jatt, has opened up about his medical battles and eventual kidney transplant.
Recall that the ‘Stylee’ crooner revealed in 2022 that he underwent a successful kidney transplant.
Speaking in a recent episode of Channels TV programme, ‘Rubbin Minds’ with Ebuka, Jatt said he lost his sight in 2020 and was later diagnosed with chronic kidney disease after undergoing surgery to regain his sight.
He said his health challenges began when he decided to explore the world after living most of his life in Nigeria.
He said, “Maybe I caused it for myself because in 2019 I said that I wanted to spend more time out of the country. I’ve lived all my life in Nigeria, especially Lagos. So I wanted to explore the world; Europe, America, everywhere.
“But in 2020, I started having some health issues. There were travel restrictions at that time so I was just within Nigeria. I lost my sight. I had a surgery and I regained my sight. After that I felt that I needed to take a break and comply with my plan of living elsewhere for a while. Then I relocated to the U.S. When I was in the U.S, I was also diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. I was there for a while. I was on dialysis. Eventually, I came back to Nigeria and had a kidney transplant. After the transplant, I decided to be quiet for a while to recover properly. So immediately I was discharged, I left Nigeria again.
“While I was away, I was still Djying in America and Europe but I decided that it was time to return to Nigeria so I came back in December.”
DJ Jimmy Jatt said lifestyle is not always the cause of kidney ailment, stressing that he has never smoked and has long stopped drinking alcohol.
He revealed that his kidney ailment was caused by diabetes.
[DailyPost]
The lawmaker representing Delta North, Senator Ned Nwoko is set to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), his Director of Communications, Gloria Okolugbo, has confirmed.
Naija News reports that Okolugbo, in a statement released on Sunday, disclosed that the senator’s decision follows a series of consultations with stakeholders, supporters, and constituents in Delta North.
She attributed the move to Nwoko’s dissatisfaction with the PDP’s inability to support his developmental goals for the Anioma people.
“Senator Ned Nwoko came prepared to serve and deliver the dividends of good governance to the Anioma people, but regrettably, he has not enjoyed the cooperation and support of his party, the PDP, in pursuing this vision. This is despite being the only PDP senator in Delta State,” Okolugbo stated.
Key grievances raised by Nwoko include the lack of state government support for critical projects aimed at improving the lives of Delta North residents.
These projects include:
– Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP): The step-down project to provide electricity to over 60 communities has reportedly stalled due to lack of support.
– Ogwashi-Uku Dam: A vital project intended to ensure water supply across the region remains unfulfilled.
“The senator believes it is no use remaining in a party where his campaign promises to the people of Delta North cannot be fulfilled. The marginalisation of the zone has persisted for too long,” Okolugbo added.
Okolugbo revealed that Nwoko has begun engaging with the APC and has received positive feedback on his developmental agenda. She emphasised that the senator’s decision is driven by his commitment to delivering on his electoral promises.
“This decision is not just about politics but about delivering on his electoral promises to the Anioma people,” she said.
Controversial actor Yul Edochie has announced plans to name his next son after Donald Trump, the US President-elect.
In a recent Instagram post, Yul Edochie shared a photo of Donald Trump, praising him as the “leader of the Stubborn Boys Association.”
The actor, who is known for his admiration for Donald Trump, expressed love for the President-elect and announced his plan to name his future son Trump.
“Official portrait of my man for life, the incoming president of America. Leader of the Stubborn Boys association. President Donald Trump. You already know I’m naming my next son TRUMP,” he wrote.
[TheNation]
The National Association of Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), have backed the N1.1 billion allocation by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for staff feeding in the 2025 budget.
Speaking at a health walk organised by JAMB to kickstart its 2025 activities in Abuja over the weekend, the unions said the allocation was key to improve the level of productivity in the Board.
The unions, which countered the recent misrepresentations about the figure, noted, that the plan includes expanding free lunch provision, previously exclusive to the headquarters, to over 2,300 staff across JAMB’s 44 offices nationwide.
Budget Defence: NASS Clears JAMB Of Financial Impropriety
NASU’s Chapter Chairman in JAMB, Andrew Onakpa, who spoke on behalf of the Union, commended the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for prioritizing staff welfare.
“Efforts by the Registrar to address staff welfare are humane and should not be discouraged,” he said.
According to him, an improved feeding scheme will enhance staff performance. He added that the union pushed for the inclusion of other JAMB offices.
“We have over 2,300 staff in more than 44 offices nationwide. When you calculate the cost of feeding across all working days in a year, the figure is understandably significant. It’s not about mismanagement; it’s about improving welfare,” he said.
He expressed concern over the backlash from the National Assembly during JAMB’s recent budget defence, warning it could jeopardize these initiatives.
Onakpa described the registrar as “a man of high calibre” and urged him to maintain his commitment to improving staff welfare despite criticism.
On his part, ASCSN JAMB Branch Chairman, Ebenezer Ayalibola, corroborated Onakpa’s sentiments, emphasizing that the welfare committee meticulously calculated the feeding budget.
“This includes staff in outstations. If you multiply the agreed amount per staff per day across 12 months, the figure will naturally add up to N1.1 billion. This was a collective decision by the welfare committee, not the Registrar acting alone,” Ayalibola said.
Addressing the N850 million reportedly proposed for fumigation, Ayalibola explained that the figure encompasses all cleaning services, fumigation, and security across JAMB’s offices nationwide.
“As for the fumigation, that money was not for just fumigation alone but along with all cleaning services and security for a year at all our offices nationwide too.
”The aggregate of all the salaries for our contractors who do all the services is what constituted that N850 million.
“These costs include the salaries of contractors providing these essential services,” he clarified.