A ministerial nominee, Prof Joseph Utsev, has generated controversy in the Senate over the age he started primary school.

Prof Utsev started primary school at the age of three according to his Curriculum Vitae.

Senator Mikhail Abiru (APC, Lagos) had drawn the attention of his colleagues to the CV of the nominee where it was stated that Prof Utsev was born in 1980, started Primary School in 1984 and completed his primary education in 1989.

Prof Utsev said he graduated as the best student from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in the Department of Civil Engineering.

He proceeded to the same university in 2009 and graduated with Bachelor of Science (Bsc) in Water Engineering.

He is also the pioneer rector of the Benue State Polytechnic, a position he assumed in 2020.

“The polytechnic is a new institution as I speak now we have started session and that is where I am presently,” he said.

Senator Abiru asked the nominee to clarify the dates on his educational qualifications, saying there seemed to be confusion in his academic records.

Responding, the Benue nominee maintained that he was born in 1980 and graduated with first leaving school Certificate in 1989.

Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue) appealed to his colleagues to ignore the discrepancy pertaining to dates in his educational qualifications, claiming it may have been a result of typographical error.

“Looking at the resume that we have, the discrepancies that we have may have necessarily come from typographical error. I want to say at this point, records don’t lie and if you look at what we have there and explain action that he has given. I think we should give him a benefit of doubt.

“I have a point that I want to make here. I want to say that I come from a part of Benue state that is a minority. I want to appeal to my colleagues to approve the nominations of my professor from Benue state,” he said.

But Titus Zam, another Benue senator, disagreed with Moro’s submission, saying that there was no discrepancy in the academic records of the nominee.

“I am from Benue and the nominee is from my constituency,” he said.

At this point, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said said he would not entertain any question pertaining to the date in the academic records of the Benue nominee after Abba Moro approached him.

“I will not want to entertain anything on the issue of when he entered school again. Senator Abba Moro just pointed my attention to an important issue which the nominee will clarify,” Akpabio said.

In a move to bury the issue, Senator Elisha Abbo (APC, Adamawa) said the nominee is exceptionally brilliant like himself for starting primary school at the age of three.

“The nominee is exceptionally brilliant like me. I took entrance exam at the age of three and I won (sic),” he said.

The immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has said that President Bola Tinubu would not regret nominating him as a minister to serve under his administration.

Naija News reports that Wike, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, was named among the first batch of ministerial nominees sent to the Nigerian Senate last week Thursday by President Tinubu for confirmation.

Appearing before the Senate chamber today for screening, Wike said as a Governor, many lawmakers present at the Senate would attest to his administration’s achievements in Rivers.

According to him, what is important is the passion a leader has and the commitment to solving the challenges of his people.

The former governor recalled that he had invited top politicians and non-politicians to commission projects in Rivers.

Wike, who said he was celebrated as a hero during his handing-over event, vowed to replicate his wealth of experience in the ministerial position if confirmed.

Naija News reports that Wike was asked to ‘take a bow and go’ after reading out his CV during the ministerial nominee screening at the Senate chamber on Monday.

Watch the video below where Wike declared his passion for service:

There was drama in the Senate on Monday when lawmakers grilled a ministerial nominee from Benue State, Joseph Utsev, citing “discrepancies” in his biodata.

Utsev started his introductory comments at exactly 02:07pm immediately after the Senate screened ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike.

He told the lawmakers that he was born in Gboko, Benue State on December 2, 1980 and he attended the University of Agriculture, Makurdi where he studied Civil Engineering and graduated with a Second Class Upper in 2004.

Utsev said he observed the mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna in 2006.

The Professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering said he bagged his Master’s Degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 2007 and further bagged a doctorate degree from same university in 2011.

However, Senator Tokunbo Abiru from Lagos East Senatorial District asked Utsev to clarify his biodata.

“You were born on December 2, 1980 but reading further down, you attended St John Primary School, Gboko, in 1989,” Abiru said. “I am wondering whether you finished secondary school in 1989 which suggest that you started primary school at the age of three to finish in 1989.”

“You also claim that you went to secondary school in 1995,” Abiru continued, adding that “what appeared a bit distorted” is that “you graduated in 2004 meaning that you probably would have spent nine years for your first degree”.

Abiru said, “I just need you to clarify those data starting from primary school, while it took you that long to get your first degree despite the academic brilliance you have exhibited.”

The nominee responded that he started primary school in the year 1984 and got his first school leaving certificate in 1989.

“I furthered to secondary school to 1990 to 1995, that was when I got my SSCE (Senior School Certificate Examination),” Utsev explained.

“I was actually supposed to pass out in 2003 but there was a prolonged strike by ASUU, I spent six years in the programme and that was why I graduated in 2004,” the nominee added.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio interjected and said the nominee probably finished nursery school at the age of three to start primary school at the same age.

“The question was you were born in 1980 and you had your first leaving certificate in 1989, that means that the period you should have been in nursery school at the age of four years, you were already in Primary one,” Akpabio said and the lawmakers had a good laugh.

Akpabio said the nominee was “exceptionally brilliant” and was three years when he started his primary education. “It’s possible that the nominee was a classmate of Senator Abba Moro”.

Taking the floor of the Senate, Moro, from Benue South Senatorial District, urged his colleagues to give the nominee the benefit of the doubt.

Akpabio thereafter said the discrepancy in Utsev’s biodata must have been a typo error.

However, a member from Benue North-West Senatorial District, Titus Zam Tartenger, raised Order 42 on personal explanation, saying that there is no discrepancy in the biodata of the professor.

Senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial District, Ishaku Abbo, said there was no discrepancy in Utsev’s biodata.

Abbo shared a “personal story” of how he sat for common entrance examination in Primary 3 and passed because he was “exceptionally brilliant”.

At exactly 02:53pm, Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, in Akpabio’s temporary absence, asked Utsev to “bow and go and if there is anything we will get back to you”.

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Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission issued a warning targeting a scam company — Binance Nigeria Limited — operating under the same name as Binance as an unregulated and unregistered exchange.

Because the company is operating without any regulatory oversight, the SEC warned that “any member of the investing public dealing with the entity making such solicitation is doing so at his/her own risk.”

This is the second warning the Nigerian regulator has made about the scam company. In early June, the SEC said it was made aware of Binance Nigeria Limited and ordered the entity to “immediately stop soliciting Nigerian investors in any form whatsoever.”

The second warning echoes the June order of asking “platform providers, making such solicitations” to stop soliciting investors in Nigeria. 

Binance did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the warning issued by its impersonator.

Outside of Nigeria, the real Binance has struggled with the regulatory environment in Europe and the US — despite the fact that Binance.US, not Binance, operates in the US.

Back in June, French authorities made an on-site visit to Binance as reports claimed that the global exchange was facing an investigation by French authorities. The global exchange, however, said that the on-site visit was “part of regulatory obligations to which all financial institutions must adhere.” It added that it spent “considerable time” and resources cooperating with “law enforcement globally.”

Binance has also withdrawn from multiple European countries as it struggles with registration. Europe recently passed the Markets in Crypto Assets Act (MiCA), which aims to regulate the crypto industry.

Last week, Binance “proactively” withdrew its application to operate in Germany, though earlier reports had stated that BaFin — Germany’s regulatory agency — had declined to issue a license last month. 

In June, Binance also announced its plans to exit the Netherlands and Cyprus. 

It’s not all bad news for Binance, however, as it did announce that it was one step closer to receiving full approval from Dubai’s regulatory agency. The Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority issued Binance a minimum viable product license on Monday, meaning that it will only need to receive a full market product license to offer more authorized services.

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A British Airways passenger who was overweight had to be hoisted out when he got stuck in his first class seat. 

The passenger was traveling from Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, Nigeria to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) on July 29, 2023.

The passenger was occupying seat 1A on the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, a first class seat. According to Seat Guru, a British Airways first class seat on a B777-300ER is 78 inches with a seat width of 22 inches. 

The aircraft landed safely at around 05:00 local time after the 6-hour flight. However, it was at this point that the passenger seated on 1A realized that he was stuck in his seat.

Flight attendants tried to help the passenger out of his seat, and kept him calm.

Various local media reported that an engineering note said: “A volumetric passenger is stuck in seat 1A. The plan is to remove the suite door and use a hoist to eject [him] from the seat.”

“The passenger was mortified. It’s astonishing because the seats are the most spacious available.It was as embarrassing as it can get for him — especially when a door in the cabin had to be removed,” a British Airways insider told The Sun. 

Overweight passengers have roused reactions from fellow plane passengers. 

In October 2022, American Airlines offered a travel credit to a passenger who complained of being “wedged” between overweight passengers on a flight. 

In 2015, an Australian passenger sued Etihad Airways after he claimed that he suffered back pain after being seated next to an overweight man on a flight.

Airlines have different policies regarding overweight passengers. For instance, United Airlines requires “customers who require extra seating” to purchase an additional seat in advance, while some airlines refund the purchase if one or more seats are available after flight takeoff.

President Bola Tinubu has informed Nigerians to expect many more tough policy measures to be introduced by his administration to reposition governance for efficiency, effectiveness and productivity.

Recall Tinubu in May 29, had announced removal of fuel subsidy and alongside the new forex regime. This, according to him, are already yielding positive results.

The President whose speech was read by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume on Saturday at the Gala/Award Nite, the concluding part of the 2023 Federal Civil Service Week celebration, said the main concern of his administration is to revamp the nation’s economy and improve the welfare of the citizens.

He said Nigeria now has the rare privilege of correcting the errors of the past in order to create the country of “our dreams”.

Recall that the announcement of complete removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu while delivering his inaugural speech at Eagle Square, Abuja on May 29, 2023, has led to increase in pump price of petrol twice. First, the price of the commodity jumped from N198/litre to N540 per litre on May 30, 2023, and further increased to 617 per litre.

Marketers have continued to blame the hike on market forces since the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol and the floating of the naira against the dollar, with many speculating that the cost of PMS could rise to as high as N 800 per litre. This has also come with consequential high-cost food items, transportation among others and attendant hardships being faced by Nigerians.

But speaking on Saturday night at the event held the International Conference Centre (ICC), Tinubu said: “The first two policies that I announced during my inauguration, namely the removal of the fuel subsidy and the new forex regime are already yielding positive results.

“We have received support and commendation from the global community for our courage in introducing these policy shifts.

“We shall, without delay, cushion the pains being experienced by our people as a result of these measures, through a number of well-targeted policy interventions aimed at giving adequate relief and succour to the great number of our long-suffering citizens,” he said.

Tinubu lamented that Nigeria is being confronted by a myriad of monumental challenges, which could have been conclusively and decisively addressed over the years, saying for the country to move forward, it has to be recalibrated and redefined in line with the dreams of the Founding Fathers.

The President noted that even though the event was a social gathering to unwind and appreciate the exemplary and commendable performance of deserving civil servants, he said it was also an auspices moment for him to talk to vision of his administration.

Ashleigh Plumptre, born on 8 May 1998 in Leicester, is a professional footballer who currently represents the Nigeria national team, the Super Falcons which today play ousted Ireland in the last group game of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup.

The Super Falcons defender recently decided to part ways with English Super League side Leicester City. The departure of Plumptre was officially announced by the Foxes in a statement  confirming  that the talented defender left the club after her contract expired at the King Power Stadium.

With a diverse background and a passion for the sport, Plumptre has made a name for herself in the footballing world.

Recognising her talent and dedication, she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence at the age of eight and spent seven years with the club, progressing from under-10 to under-15 level.

In 2013, she made a move to Birmingham City’s under-17 team, where she had the opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team. During that time, she briefly joined Derby County’s Centre of Excellence, a third-tier FA Women’s Premier League side.

Growing up in Melton Mowbray, a short 30-minute drive from the city, Plumptre’s affinity for football led her to join Leicester City’s centre of excellence at a young age.

From the age of eight to 14, she honed her skills within the club’s youth system, having already started playing for a local girls’ team a few years prior.

Reflecting on her childhood, Plumptre describes herself as a child who always craved physical activity.

After returning home from school, she would promptly drop off her bags and head outside to play football until her mother called her in for dinner.

This unwavering dedication to the sport was a testament to her passion and drive, even at a young age.

“I was one of those kids that just always wanted to be active,” Plumptre said.

Although she temporarily left Leicester City during her teenage years, fate would bring her back to the club where she would eventually sign her first professional contract.

“[It] meant a lot to me to sign for Leicester because it was the club I’ve always supported and I grew up here,” she divulged.

Education

In pursuit of her dreams, Plumptre moved to the United States in 2016 to pursue a scholarship at the University of Southern California.

There, she majored in human biology and also played for the university’s football team. In her first year, the team won the National Championship and were even invited to the White House to celebrate their achievement.

“It influenced so many things in my life, and not just football, I found out more about myself, what I’m passionate about,” she reflected.

Family

Ashleigh Plumptre comes from a mixed heritage. Her father is of Nigerian descent, specifically from Lagos State, and belongs to the Yoruba tribe. Her mother is English.

‘’My grandfather from dad’s side is a Nigerian from Lagos state. He is of Yoruba descent. My younger sister Bayleigh, is called by Yoruba name, Bisi. She is a drummer.

International Career

Plumptre’s connection to her Nigerian roots played a significant role in her decision to represent the Nigeria national team.

She spoke about her purpose and how it has evolved over time, emphasising her desire to delve into her heritage and represent the people she is familiar with.

Plumptre values the impact she can have as both a player and an individual, bringing her jovial and free-spirited personality to the game while also embracing her physical side, which she refers to as her “Nigerian side.”

“As much as I love playing football, I like to play for a purpose and a reason. I know the impact I can have by delving into my heritage more and representing the people I am always familiar with”.

Plumptre began exploring her Nigerian heritage during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Discussing her background with her sister, who identifies as black while Plumptre identifies as mixed heritage, she felt compelled to connect with her roots.

“Even though we have the same dad, we both have a Nigerian dad and a white mum, she looks a little different to me and has experienced things in school that I never had,” she says. “Most people just assume that I’m white. I identify as being mixed heritage. But my sister … she identifies as being black.”

As a result, Plumptre switched her international allegiance from England to Nigeria, aiming to experience the culture and educate her sister about their heritage.

She says: “That’s where I’m like: ‘OK, Nigeria would be good for me to do because then I can experience the culture more, I can come back and teach her about our heritage. That was the trigger for me.”

“I love the culture, I honestly love everything about being in Nigeria,” she says. She has also “realised how lucky I’ve been to just have been born in this country, the opportunities that I’ve been blessed with”. She adds: “My Nigerian teammates, for example, they’ve worked so hard but sometimes they don’t get the same opportunities based upon the teams that they’re playing in, the lack of exposure that they have. It’s a privilege to play with them.”

Career honours

Throughout her career, Plumptre has achieved several notable honours. While playing for Notts County, she was a Women’s FA Cup runner-up in 2015 and a FA Women’s League Cup runner-up in the same year.

During her time at the University of Southern California, she won the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2016.

In 2019, with LA Galaxy OC, Plumptre claimed the UWS Championship. More recently, she contributed to Leicester City’s success, helping them win the FA Women’s Championship in the 2020-21 season.

Net worth

With her impressive performances on the field and her dedication to making a difference both as a player and as an individual, Ashleigh Megan Plumptre has become a highly respected figure in the world of women’s football.

Her net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, primarily derived from her appearances as a professional footballer.

As she continues to make strides in her career, Plumptre’s impact both on and off the field .is sure to leave a lasting legacy.

Source: goalballlive.com

President Bola Tinubu has finally moved to Aso Rock in Abuja on Sunday, July 30.

The official residence has been under renovation since April which led to the president operating from his private residence in Asokoro since his inauguration.

Recall that before President Muhammadu Buhari left office, he and his family moved to the Glass House, usually a transit accommodation, following the renovation of the main residence.

But according to TheCable, President Tinubu moved to the Glass House on Sunday night pending the completion of the renovation of the president’s official residence in August.

A presidency official told the news platform that Tinubu moved into the Villa because of public complaints over the traffic congestion as a result of road closures and restrictions.

The source said: “He finally moved on Sunday night because of public complaints over the traffic congestion around his movements.

“He too was unhappy with the discomfort to the public but the official residence is still not ready, so he decided to move to the Glass House.”

The Senate on Monday commenced the confirmation hearing of President Bola Tinubu’s ministerial nominees.

This followed a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Senator Dave Umahi.

Last week, Tinubu transmitted a 28-man list of ministerial nominees to the senate for screening.

The minister-designate list was sent to the senate through Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The list has drawn much controversy from various sections of the country.

However, the exercise to confirm or reject the nominees is now underway at the Senate

Government workers in Oyo State have protested against the economic hardship in the country on Monday.

The workers, on Monday, locked the state secretariat at Agodi in Ibadan demanding palliatives, an upward review of pension allowances, and payment of salary deduction among others.

They are also demanding payment of leave bonuses, payment of gratuities to retirees who have stagnated since the year 2021 and release of promotion letters for the years 2021 and 2022.

The protesters were workers and pensioners under the banners of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, and their affiliates.

Details later