An informant to bandits, Ado Haruna, who set the criminals against his nephew, Alhaji Bashiru Anas, and his family for abduction, has told of how he got only N200,000 from the N13 million collected as ransom.
The suspect, arrested by the operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), was among others recently paraded by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja.
Haruna, of Angwa Kanawa Dutse Abba, Zaria, Kaduna State, was reported to have taken Shago Yaro, Tanimu Ayuba and Lamido Dantajiri, close to the house of his nephew, Alhaji Anas, and suggested him and his family members as a good catch for kidnapping that would yield a lot of money.
On the day they struck, the bandits invaded the Alhaji Anas’s residence at about 1 a.m., met his absence and went away with his two wives and three children, as well as his younger brother and his wife.
Nigerian Tribune further gathered that the captives were taken to Buruku Sabo Birni and held hostage for 60 days.
A total sum of N13 million, four new motorcycles and N300,000 Airtel recharge cards were given to the bandits as ransom before the victims regained freedom.
Surprisingly, Haruna got only N200,000 as his share from the ransom.
Also paraded was Nyali Hassan, a kidnapper, arrested with an AK-47 rifle. Nigerian Tribune learnt that prior to his arrest, IRT operatives received a credible information about some criminal elements who specialized in kidnapping and banditry within Makarfi, Bari, Yankin Rago and Beli towns in Kano and Kaduna states respectively.
In a follow-up on the information, Hassan, resident in StaraRago, Kano, was arrested, while an AK-47 rifle with breech number 6047 and two empty magazines were recovered from him.
During interrogation, Hassan reportedly confessed to being a kidnapper. He mentioned Kawuje, Moude, Babagida, Kabiru and Umar as his gang members, saying that two other AK-47 rifles and ammunition that were being used for operations were with Umar who was still at large.
The FPRO said that the IRT operatives were making efforts to get the other suspects arrested and recover the arms and ammunition still with them.
In an interview, Haruna, aged 50, told the Nigerian Tribune: “I’m into farming and vigilante work.
It is true that I was the one who took bandits to Alhaji Anas’s house.
Anas is my nephew, my elder sister’s son.
I knew only one of the bandits who asked me to show them my nephew’s house.
“I led the bandits to his house but didn’t let him see me.
We were living in the same community.
They did not see Anas, so they took his wife and children.
For the 60 days his family was in the bush, I was using Alhaji Anas’s phone to communicate with the bandits.
“The bandits were paid over N10 million as ransom, as I was made to know, but I was given N200,000 as my share.
I bought maize with the money given to me.”
How I was picked
“I didn’t know how the police got information about my involvement.
I just saw them at my home. Life pushed me into crime.”
In his own confession, Hassan from Kano State, stated: “I’m 35 years old.
I have two wives and 10 children.
I’m into farming and cattle rearing but added kidnapping to it.
I was carrying out the operations in Kano.
I started a year ago.
I have kidnapped eight people but got money from five of them.
I collected between N1 million and N10 million as ransom.
Some of the victims escaped while those guarding them slept off.
I was targeting the rich people.
We were six in my gang and had three AK-47 rifles.
One of my members, Umar, got the rifles.
I was arrested with an AK-47 rifle.”
How we got victims
“We usually carried out our operations by laying ambush for victims on the road or visit their homes.
We never killed any of our potential victims.”
How I was caught
“I was in my house when police operatives came to me in the early hours of the day to pick me up.
I know that Qur’an does not support crime, but I’ll say that my friends misled me.
They would be spending so much money whenever we were at a gathering, so I decided to join them.
“I bought a pickup van from my share of the proceeds.
I had 20 cows that I inherited from my father.
“My friend, Umar, who is also one of the gang members taught me how to shoot with AK-47 rifle.”
The Ogun State Police Command has launched an investigation into the verbal assault and threat to life on Chief Areola Abraham by the Olorile of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi.
The Command in a statement issued and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, had ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
The PPRO assured that the Command would adhere to the rule of law and fundamental human rights principles in the matter.
Odutola hinted that the parties involved in the matter were invited and their statements taken at the Criminal Investigation Department of the Command.
She said the Command frowned at any form of assault, harassment and violence against any individual, regardless of status.
While assuring that the Command would ensure that justice is served and that members of the public would be adequately updated on the matter.
The Police statement, “Viral video of assault and threat to life: Ogun Police command launches discreet investigation.
“The Ogun State Police Command has taken cognizance of a disturbing video circulating on social media, in which an elderly man, Mr. Areola Abraham was seen prostrating while being subjected to verbal abuse and assault by Oba Abdulsemiu Adewale Ogunjobi, the Olorile of Orile Ifo.
“Given the gravity of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the matter and further assures to adhere to the rule of law and fundamental human rights principles in the instant case.
“Both parties reported at the State Criminal Investigation Department Eleweran, and their statements were obtained
“The Ogun State Police Command unequivocally condemns any form of assault, harassment and violence regardless of the individuals involved.
“The command will ensure that justice is served, and members of the public will be abreast of relevant updates in due course.”
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has put its planned nationwide protest on hold following a high-level meeting with the Federal Government over the proposed 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs.
The meeting, held on Monday, resulted in an agreement to set up a 10-man Joint Committee tasked with finding a balanced resolution to the issue.
The planned mass protest, originally scheduled for February 4, 2025, was meant to express workers’ dissatisfaction with the increase, which the NLC argued would worsen the economic burden on Nigerians.
However, after deliberations, both parties agreed to engage in further discussions through a structured framework.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Muhammadu Maigari. On the NLC’s side, the agreement was endorsed by the Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and its General Secretary, Comrade Emma Ugboaja.
The communique issued at the end of the meeting, titled “Memorandum of Understanding Between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigeria Labor Congress Over the Proposed 50% Hike in Telecommunications Tariff”, outlined the following resolutions: “Both the Federal Government and NLC acknowledged the need for technical discussions to address concerns raised about the proposed tariff hike.
“A 10-man joint committee, consisting of five representatives each from the government and NLC, was constituted to thoroughly examine the issue and propose solutions.
“The committee was given a deadline of two weeks—until February 17, 2025—to submit its findings and recommendations.
“Pending the outcome of the committee’s deliberations, both parties agreed to “stay-action”, meaning neither side would take further steps that could escalate the situation.
“Nigerians were urged to remain calm while the committee works towards a resolution.”
Before the meeting, the NLC had strongly condemned the proposed tariff hike, arguing that it would disproportionately affect Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already struggling with inflation and high living costs.
The Congress insisted that such a drastic increase in telecom tariffs would not only burden consumers but also negatively impact businesses, particularly in the informal sector, which relies heavily on mobile communications and internet services.
Although some labor activists have expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to a fair resolution, others see the formation of the Joint Committee as a step in the right direction.
Some Nigerians, particularly small business owners and students who depend on affordable telecom services, have called for absolute transparency in the committee’s deliberations.
With the suspension of the protest, attention now shifts to the committee’s recommendations and how both the FG and NLC will navigate this contentious issue to reach a mutually beneficial outcome.
According to the communique, the joint committee has two weeks to submit its findings and propose possible alternatives to the tariff increase.
Until then, the telecom sector and its millions of subscribers will be watching closely to see if the discussions yield a “win-win” solution as promised.
Nigerian socialiteCubana Chief Priesthas thrown shade at singerBurna Boy over his loss at the 67th Grammy Award.Recall that Burna Boy was nominated for the Best African Music Performance category in the 2025 Grammy Awards alongside Wizkid, Tems, Asake, and Yemi Alade.
However, Tems won the category with the song ‘Love Me Jeje’ over other nominees.
Reacting to her win, Cubana Chief priest took to his Instagram story to state that Tems would have been robbed of the award if Sean Diddy wasn’t in prison.
His post read; “If to say Diddy dey outside dem for use Johnson baby oil rub away her Grammy” Directly shading Burna Boy.
Burna Boy has been mocked constantly by the socialite and many others who claimed that the Grammy Award he won in 2021 with the album “Twice as Tall” was due to the influence of Diddy who has now been arrested on multiple charges including sexual exploitation.
Below are some of the reactions of netizens;
“Okay, but why you hide Davido Grammy inside your belle?”
“I believe Burna is Straight tho I’m not a big fan but I love his Craft and I’ll never downplay his hard work!”
“Baby oil or not, Burna Boy is good nobody should downplay his craft. E get some kind things wey person suppose dey outgrow sha”
“It’s always the nuisance around David that selfishly set him up for more drags”
Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has had a word of advice for Nigerians currently hiding in the US to prevent being deported by Donald Trump.
The United States president, Donald Trump few days into office started a mass deportation in the United States of America (USA).
This deportation of illegal migrants without legal documentation in the United States started a few days ago with thousands of people deported to their country.
Taking to his X page to, Shehu Sani advise Nigerians hiding from being deported to humbly return to the country.
He wrote;
“Nigerians in the US hiding from Trump’s deportation should just humbly come back home.”
The Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) has extended the registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Monday, February 3, 2025, from the earlier date of Friday, January 31, 2025.
The rescheduling of the commencement of the registration was disclosed in a statement on Friday, shared via JAMB’s official X page.
According to the statement, the development was necessary to allow the Board to implement essential adjustments to its registration templates.
The statement reads,
” THESE updates are in response to the recent suspension of certain law programs at selected universities, as communicated to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.
”In addition, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive practices to gain approval, requiring further scrutiny and the disapproval of such centres.
” THIS change is necessary to allow the Board to implement essential adjustments to its registration templates.
These adjustments come in light of the recent suspension of certain law programmes at selected universities, as submitted to the Board by the Council for Legal Education.
Additionally, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive facilities to be approved, prompting the need for further scrutiny and corrections by disapproving such centres.
” THE Board acknowledges the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience.
” THE additional time will be used to ensure that all necessary changes are made for a smooth registration process.”
Four soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu, Lagos, are feared dead, and others were injured after a suspected drunk driver rammed into them.
An unconfirmed number of soldiers attached to the Myoung Barracks, Yaba, in Lagos State were feared dead, and others injured after a suspected drunk driver rammed his vehicle into them.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday during morning physical training, has thrown the military community into panic.
Speaking to one of the soldiers, he said,
“There’s blood everywhere. I was spared because I was at the back.”
The soldier (name withheld) narrated that the vehicle had three young men suspected to be internet fraudsters, notoriously called ‘Yahoo Boys.’
He added that the vehicle rammed into the soldiers near the Myoung Barracks Army Sports Camp, resulting in one of the occupants of the car fleeing immediately, while the remaining two were apprehended and beaten to a stupor, with their vehicle vandalized.
United States President Donald Trump has questioned the movements of the Black Hawk helicopter before it crashed into the American Eagle jet.
Trump spoke to reporters at the White House during his remarks on Thursday.
The 78-year-old also went on to say the helicopter “had the ability to go up or down, had the ability to turn.”
“You had a pilot problem, from the standpoint of the helicopter.
I mean, because it was visual, it was very clear night.
It was cold, but clear and clear as you could be,” Trump said.
“You could have gone UP; you could have gone down.
You could have gone straight up, straight down. You could have turned, you could have done a million different maneuvers,” he added.
Trump SAID, “all of this is going to be studied, but it just seems to me from a couple of words that I like to use, the words common sense, some really bad things happened, and some things happened that shouldn’t have happened.”
However, when taking questions later on, the president seemed to backtrack and say, “I’m not blaming the controller.”
“I’m saying there are things that you could question, like the height of the helicopter, the height of the plane being at the same level, going in opposite directions,” Trump said before ending the news conference.
No one is believed to have survived the midair collision between an American Airlines jet plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter last night in the Washington, DC, area.
The development comes after emergency authorities switched to “recovery effort” after 28 bodies have so far been found.
The jet was carrying 64 people, while three soldiers were aboard the helicopter.
A Pakistan man murdered daughter over Tiktok videos.
According to a report, A man who recently came back to Pakistan with his family confessed to killing his daughter because he disapproved of her TikTok content.
According to Pakistani news outlet Geo News, a man named Anwar ul-Haq shot dead her daughter on a street in Balochistan’s Quetta on Tuesday.
During his interrogation, the man initially said that it was an unidentified gunman who shot and killed his US-born daughter. However, he eventually confessed to his wrongdoings.
“Our investigation so far has found that the family had an objection to her dressing, lifestyle, and social gathering,” a police investigator named Zohaib Mohsin told local reporters.
“We have her phone.
It is locked.
We are probing all aspects, including honour killing,” he added.
As per the report, the family recently returned to the Balochistan province after living in the United States for about 25 years.
The authorities noted that the suspect has US citizenship.
According to Geo News, Haq had told authorities that his daughter began creating “objectionable” content on the social media platform TikTok when she lived in the United States.
The OnlyFans star Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves, also known as Anna Polly, died after a tragic fall from a hotel balcony in Nova Iguaçu, northwest of Rio de Janeiro while filming for the adult content site.
The Brazilian porn star, Anna Polly is said to have fallen during X-rated scenes with two men she reportedly invited to the hotel for a threesome.
Reviewing the CCTV footage after questioning the hotel staff, Baixada Fluminense Homicide Unit noted that the investigation is still ongoing, as her mobile phone is also being examined for potential evidence.
According to the Mirror, the two men she invited gave conflicting statements about the events leading up to her death.
The police described the incident as “complex,” considering all possibilities, from a tragic accident to potential foul play.
According to the police:
“We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine what happened.
This is a complex case, and we are not ruling out any scenario, from an accident to a possible crime.”
The incident reportedly occurred at the four-star Mont Blanc Apart Hotel.
The song “Joy is Coming” is a new hit single by talented Nigerian singer-songwriter Fido.
Fido’s “Joy is Coming” single is an uplifting track that blends catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, conveying a message of hope and positivity.
If you’re looking for a song that will uplift your spirits and brighten your day, look no further than “Joy is Coming” by Fido. This track is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and have you singing along in no time.
Don’t miss out on this incredible new release from Fido. Listen, download, and share this jam with your friends and family today!
Popular kidnapper Evans rearranged by Federal government on Thursday.
The Lagos State government on Thursday rearranged convicted billionaire kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike a.k.a. Evans, before Justice Adenike Coker of the state High Court on an amended five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
This follows Evans’ absence on Wednesday, which stalled a suit filed against him by a kidnap victim.
Evans, who is facing multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery, had earlier been convicted and jailed by two Lagos courts.
In February 2022, an Ikeja High Court Judge, Hakeem Oshodi, sentenced him to life imprisonment for the kidnapping of Chief Donatus Dunu, the Chief Executive Officer of Maydon Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In September 2022, another judge of the court, Oluwatoyin Taiwo (now retired), sentenced Evans to 21 years imprisonment for kidnapping a businessman, Chief Sylvanus Ahamonu, and collecting $420,000 as ransom from his family.
Evans is still standing trial in two other kidnapping cases.
The trial suffered a setback on October 10, 2024, when Evans’ counsel was absent in court.
There are indications that Evans might plead guilty to the amended charges, as the prosecution had earlier informed the court that he had applied for a plea bargain.
Corp members to begin new allawee increments as from February.
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has announced that corps members will begin receiving a revised monthly allowance of N77,000 starting in February 2025.
Speaking on Thursday while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members in Katsina, Ahmed revealed that the increment has been incorporated into the 2025 Federal Government budget.
“This month (January) has already ended, but once the budget is passed.
By next month (February), you will start receiving N77,000 instead of the usual N33,000,” he stated.
He highlighted that the approval for the new allowance came from the Federal Government and encouraged corps members to show appreciation by being diligent during their service year.
Reaffirming his commitment to their welfare and security, Ahmed assured corps members that they would not be posted to areas experiencing security threats.
“We will not send our corps members to wherever we have challenges of security threats.
Wherever we send them, they should be less assured that the place is safe and secured for them to serve,” he said.
Evans applied to the Lagos state government for mercy.
Convicted kidnapper, Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans, has told the Lagos State High Court that he has repented from his criminal activities.
Addressing the court through his lawyer, Emefo Etudo, he made these comments after taking his plea on the amended five counts bordering on murder, attempt to murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
When the matter was called, the state prosecuting counsel, Sule Yusuf, informed the court that the matter was starting de novo and prayed the court to re-arraign the defendants.
Counsel who appeared on Evans’ behalf, Emefo Etudo, and his co-defendants, C.N Udeh, did not object to the request.
The prosecution alleged that on or about August 27, 2013, at about 10pm, along 3rd Avenue, FESTAC Town, in Lagos, Evans and Joseph Emeka killed one Peter Nweke.
They were also accused of allegedly killing one Chijioke Ngozi on the same day.
Evans and his co-defendant, Emeka, pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Following their not-guilty plea, Sule asked the court to further remand the defendants.
However, he informed the court that the first defendant (Evans) had applied for plea bargaining through Etudo, while the second defendant did the same through his counsel.
He said:
“Our focus in this matter is the plea bargain which we have submitted to the state government.
“My client is now a repentant person.
He was a young man consumed by crime, but he is now remorseful.
Presently, he is a 200-level student of the National Open University.
“In fact, he made A1 in all his papers in NECO while in prison.
All this was made possible through a scholarship given to him by the Federal Government.
“My Lord, we have asked the Lagos State Government to give him the opportunity to go around schools in the state to talk to youths about the dangers of crime.”
The Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) has announced the commencement of recruitment exercises into various positions within the Federal Civil Service.
This is coming days after the commission debunked reports of ongoing recruitment, promising to announce when it begins recruitment officially, Naijahitz reports.
In a statement on Monday through the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Taiwo Hassan, FCSC urged interested and eligible Nigerians to apply for the available positions through the commission’s official recruitment portal.
The statement noted that applicants are eligible to apply for only one position.
The statement reads, “The Federal Civil Service Commission is receiving applications for various vacancies in the Federal Civil Service. The vacancy announcement is published on the commission’s website: www.fedcivilservice.gov.ng and in national newspapers.
“Eligible applicants are to apply for only one position via the application link: https://recruitment.fedcivilservice.gov.ng.
“Applicants who are physically challenged should state the nature of their disability.
“Applicants are to upload the following documents as applicable: I) Curriculum Vitae, II) Ph.D/Master’s Degree Certificate,
III) Degree/HND/NCE Certificate, IV) WAEC/NECO/NABTEB Certificate, V) Primary School Certificate, VI) NYSC discharge/exemption/exclusion certificate, VII) Birth Certificate/Declaration of Age, VIII) Local Government Identification
IX) Recent Passport photograph
“All applications are to be submitted on or before Monday, 10th March, 2025.”
It has been confirmed that nearly two million “illegal immigrants” have been identified for deportation from the United States.
According to a recent document obtained from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE]
The document revealed that nearly two million “illegal immigrants” have been identified for deportation from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
According to the document, there are 1,445,549 non-citizens on ICE’s non-detained docket with final orders of removal as of November 24, 2024.
The list includes citizens from various African countries, with Somalia having the highest number of citizens at 4,090, followed closely by Nigeria with 3,690.
The US government has urged countries to accept the return of their nationals, as part of the deportation process. Mexico tops the list with the highest number of citizens, at 252,044, slated for deportation.
Here’s the breakdown of African countries affected by Trump’s immigration crackdown:
Over alleged cybercrime, a federal high court in Abuja on Thursday, admitted Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) to bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in the like sum.
Justice Musa Liman, in a ruling on Sowore’s bail application moved by his lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, held that the surety must be a responsible citizen with a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
Justice Liman, who directed the surety and Sowore to deposit their international passports, said the surety must depose to affidavit of means.
The judge adjourned the matter until April for trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sowore, the Convener of the #RevolutionNow Protest, was arraigned on Wednesday on allegations bordering on cybercrime offences.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the 16-count amended charge preferred against him by the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
The I-G had, in the amended charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025, named Sowore as sole defendant.
In count three, the police alleged that Sowore, on Dec. 20, 2024, through his X handle, called Egbetokun, “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force.”
He was also alleged to have posted the picture of Egbetokun on his X handle with the caption: “Mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, a country run by characterless people can not make progress.”
The police also alleged that Sowore, through his X handle, said, “IGP Kayode Egbetokun will destroy the Nigeria police if we don’t act now.”
After he pleaded not guilty to all the counts, his lawyer, Abubakar, moved his bail application and it was opposed by the I-G’s counsel, M.U. Jonathan.
Justice Liman later adjourned the ruling on the bail application until today.
Eight universities will no longer conduct admissions for the Law program during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Borad [JAMB], this follows the suspension of the Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) program by the Council of Legal Education (CLE) for the 2025/2026 academic session at the affected universities.
This was announced on Wednesday in Abuja by Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communications Advisor of JAMB.
Benjamin listed the affected institutions as follows: Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State; Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State; Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State; Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State; Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State; Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State; Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State; and Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.
The statement, entitled “Suspension of Law Programs at Selected Universities,” particularly warned that the Board would not approve any admissions for candidates seeking to enroll in the Law program at the aforementioned universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
“Please note that the suspension of the Law program at the Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, will last for two academic sessions: specifically, the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions.
“As a result, JAMB will not approve any admissions for candidates seeking to enroll in the Law program at the aforementioned universities for the 2025/2026 academic session.
“Furthermore, the ban on registration for the Law program at the Nigerian Police Academy will extend into the 2026/2027 academic session,” the Board stated.
Engineer Seyi Makinde has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales in less than six years in office, thereby, beating the records of any other administration either in the old or new Oyo State.
The commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this at the third edition of the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit held at the Great Hall, Ladoke Akintola University, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso today.
Prince Oyelade said that since 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has installed 10 kings and 40 Baales and so has the bragging and tangible rights to cognate experience in chieftaincy matters than any other administration in modern times.
At the event, which was attended by the Soun of Ogbomoso land, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, Prince Oyelade said the relationship between the government and traditional institutions must of necessity be cordial adding that the onus of such relationship rests more on the traditional institutions.
He said while the government needs the traditional rulers to assist in consolidating its policies and activities at the grassroots, the state law that governs the existence and emergence of the traditional ruler is tilted in favour of the state government, thus, traditional rulers who want to accelerate development in their communities must find a synergy.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on us to realize that to achieve this objective, there has to be a paradigm shift in our quest for the bigger picture,” he said.
He added: “Our relationship with the state government must have to undergo surgical appraisal.
I say this, not for the sake of Kabiyesi himself or the stool he occupies, but because of us, his sons and daughters.
“He must, as a necessity, be our mouth and our eyes and must be the intermediary between us, his citizens and the outside world, particularly the state government.
Kabiyesi has proven to the world that he is a goal getter and a farsighted leader.
Now, he must prove that he is also a pragmatic ruler for the sake of the rest of us.”
The Commissioner lauded Oba Ghandi for his determination to pursue informed and aggressive developmental projects that are defined within a 25-year period for Ogbomoso
He praised the King for reigniting the patriotic zeal of Ogbomoso citizens to take part in the revolutionary development of Ogbomoso land.
“Kabiyesi is determined to explore and exploit his personal experiences both as a successful businessman and his sojourn in the vineyard of the Lord for over 30 years and bring these to bear on the development of his fatherland.
“Everyone knows that if Oba Afolabi Ghandi is able to unleash his experience and determination, Ogbomoso will radically change within the first ten years of his reign,” Oyelade added.
Acknowledging the potential impact that the summit will have on Ogbomoso land in his address, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, reiterated the need to reposition Ogbomoso land to unlock the potential of the people and transform the land to a hub of excellence in agriculture, education, infrastructure, health, tourism and commerce.
He emphasised his resolve to make Ogbomoso the Silicon valley of Africa.
Oba Ghandi disclosed that his 25 year developmental project for Ogbomoso will empower industries, generate employment and improve the quality of life for residents of Ogbomoso.
He announced that the oncoming Ogbomoso International Economy Summit scheduled for April 2025 will showcase the resilience and ingenuity of Ogbomoso land and partner with relevant investors to make Ogbomoso a source of pride to the whole world.
The third edition of the Ogbomoso Digital Economy Summit with the theme: ‘Financing and deploying resources for digital transformation’ was attended by the vice chancellor of LAUTECH, Professor ROM Kalilu, prominent traditional rulers in Ogbomoso zone, high chiefs of Ogbomoso land, digital economy enthusiasts among other dignitaries.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned the Federal Government against its recent approval for telecom operators in the country to increase their tariffs by 50 percent, warning that the hike in telecom tariffs will worsen university education in Nigeria.
The President of the union, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, expressed this position in an interview with Nigerian Tribune when asked about the likely effects of the hike on the nation’s universities if implemented.
He said it is disturbing that the current government only focuses on increasing various tariffs without considering the effectiveness of the services concerned or the ability of people to pay.
He argued that what is even more concerning is that these tariff hikes primarily benefit the rich at the expense of the poor, who form the majority of the population.
He said, “You want to increase VAT, you want to increase telecom tariffs, you want to increase this or that, without considering that the same set of people are already under financial pressure.
“You just want to increase tariffs to generate more revenue to finance the rich at the expense of the poor. Meanwhile, when it came to increasing the minimum wage for workers, it was like a war for the government, and even when it was eventually approved, it took several months.
“Yet, the same government took only a few weeks to approve a 50 percent tariff hike for telecom operators.
“For those of us in public universities, we cannot afford the new telecom tariffs. It is that simple. We cannot run our education system like this and expect to make meaningful progress as a country.
“There is no way we can effectively conduct e-learning or research when we lack a conducive telecom environment in our universities, and yet the government keeps increasing costs.
“At the moment, internet connectivity in our universities is poor, and many students cannot even afford data, let alone the necessary equipment.
“Some of them barely have enough to eat and are already burdened by increased school fees and accommodation costs.
“So, how will they survive if this new tariff is implemented?”*
Osodeke emphasized that the government needs to prioritize education at all levels.
According to him, if universities had a functioning system where Wi-Fi was installed and students could access it without having to buy data, they would be able to participate effectively in virtual learning, as is the practice in well-organized societies.
Referencing the situation in Ghana, the ASUU president said, “In Ghana, a neighboring country, every department in their universities has its own internet facilities, allowing students to access the internet on campus without purchasing data.
This is possible because the country operates a working system.”
When asked why Nigerian universities cannot shoulder such a responsibility, he explained that it is simply because the subventions they receive from the government are almost insignificant.
Citing the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, as an example, he stated that the Federal Government’s monthly subvention to UNILAG is just N15 million, questioning what such an amount could achieve.
He continued, “Can N15 million even fuel the vehicles of principal officers in any public university?
Can it cover the transport costs of a vice-chancellor who is frequently summoned to Abuja—whether by the Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, or the Senate and House of Representatives committees—without any consideration for where the university will get the resources to fund these trips?”
Osodeke, therefore, urged the government to rethink its approach and focus on developing university education rather than worsening it.
Eze Chisom Faith popularly called Rexxie is an award-winning, Disc Jockey, and Nigerian Record Producer who has delighted listeners with another lovely song, “CHISOM (We Dem Boyz).”
He used the musical prowess of Jeriq, a phenomenally gifted Nigerian native rapper and songwriter, in this brand-new, captivating tune.
This is a really great tune.
This brand-new CD is a great addition to any collection for Rexxie fans and music aficionados.
Talented Nigerian singer, content developer, and media personality JoBlaq has made a thrilling musical debut with his first single, “Jo Vibe (Cana Dey).”
He used the musical skills of Zinoleesky, a versatile Nigerian singer and Marlian recording artist, to achieve the ideal result. Zinoleesky contributed a catchy verse to create a distinctive sound.
A seasoned sound engineer expertly produces the song, making sure that each beat is precisely placed to improve the listening experience.