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Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students

Beware of fake loan portal, NELFUND alerts students

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned students to be cautious of a fake portal with fraudulent messages currently circulating online.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday by the fund’s Director of  Strategic Communications, Mrs Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi said the information contained in the online messages were misleading.

“The attention of NELFUND has been drawn to a fraudulent message currently circulating online, falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu has directed the reopening of the NELFUND Student Loan portal

“The portal is with a link to a fake website: https://nelfund-student-loan-2025.po-rt-al.com/NELFUND/.

“We wish to categorically state that this website is FAKE, and the information contained in the message is false and misleading.

“The only official portal for the NELFUND Student Loan Application is: https://nelf.gov.ng,” she said.

Oluwatuyi urged the general public, especially students, parents, and guardians, to avoid clicking on unverified links and to never submit personal or financial information on suspicious websites.

She pledged NELFUND’s commitment to transparency, safety, and fairness in the loan application process, adding that the fund would always make announcements through its verified platforms.

She, however, appealed ro students to report any suspicious messages or websites to the fund via email at info@nelf.gov.ng.

Oluwatuyi also advised students to reach out through its official social media platforms: ‘X’ (formerly Twitter): @nelfund, Instagram: @nelfund, and Facebook & LinkedIn: Nigerian Education Loan Fund – NELFUND. (NAN)

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned students to be cautious of a fake portal with fraudulent messages currently circulating online. This is contained in a statement in Abuja

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Surulere Chief Whip Calls for Full LG Autonomy to Boost Development 

Surulere Chief Whip Calls for Full LG Autonomy to Boost Development 

Funmi Ogundare 

An author and the Chief Whip of Surulere Legislative Arm, Hon. Eric Eninla Otinwa, weekend called for full autonomy for local governments, saying that such move will ensure true development and meet the local needs of the people.

Otinwa, who made the call at the launch of his book titled, ‘Council Autonomy and Grassroots Governance’; and his 50th birthday celebration, in Lagos, explained that the issue of grassroots autonomy is central to national progress and true development can only take root when local governments are granted full autonomy. 

His book, a comprehensive 204-paged work, he noted, is aimed at addressing the structural and operational issues plaguing local governance in Nigeria.

According to him, “This book documents not just the challenges, but the structure,  impact, and urgent need for councils to govern themselves in ways that meet local needs.”

Speaking with journalists, Otinwa, who is also the Chairman Lagos State Chief Whip Forum, believes that his work will serve as a powerful resource not only for local administrators, but also for scholars, students, federal lawmakers, and everyday citizens. 

“Information is power,” he noted. “This book covers everything, from the history of Surulere and biographies of past leaders to deep comparisons of Nigeria’s local governance systems with those of South Africa, Ghana, and the UK.”

The author emphasised the role of local councils, their representatives, and how a disconnect between the people and their grassroots leaders has slowed progress.

He stated that understanding these structures is critical. “Many citizens don’t even know the duties of their local government or what their councillors are meant to represent,” he said. “This book changes that.”

He highlighted his personal achievements in Surulere as a case study for successful grassroots governance. 

According to Otinwa, under his leadership, Surulere has witnessed a remarkable transformation: installation of solar-powered street lighting, new buses to improve local transport, construction of recreational centres, road rehabilitations, and more than 1,000 cars distributed to support mobility and productivity. 

The Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor on Housing, Hon. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, emphasised the importance of learning from history as a tool for shaping a better future. 

She called on members of her constituency to engage deeply with documented history to avoid repeating past mistakes, adding that they should read the book and internalise its lessons.

“History has been documented. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen tomorrow is rooted in today,” Odunuga-Bakare stated. “If we learn from the present, the impact of future challenges can be reduced. Reading and reflecting on historical context is not just enlightening, but essential for progress.”

The book reviewer and Professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Lagos, Grace Otinwa, emphasised that the book offers a critical analysis of the structure, challenges, and impact of local government administration, an issue she described as vital to national development.

“The book speaks for itself,” she said. “Its strength lies in how it documents the historical context and operational challenges of local governance in Nigeria. It also reflects the biography and dedication of the author, who is not only a family member, but an extremely active and hardworking individual.”

She added that the author’s passion for community engagement and physical activity stems from his background in sports, making his work dynamic and people-centred.

A former Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Chief Agboola Dabiri, described Otinwa as a politician who has given his best in the history of Surulere, adding that the society should learn from the history of the place that has produced notable people in politics.

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Funmi Ogundare  An author and the Chief Whip of Surulere Legislative Arm, Hon. Eric Eninla Otinwa, weekend called for full autonomy for local governments, saying that such move will ensure

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Gov. Yusuf, Emir Sanusi Depart for Medina to Attend Dantata’s Funeral

Gov. Yusuf, Emir Sanusi Depart for Medina to Attend Dantata’s Funeral

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the funeral of elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.

This is contained in a statement issued in Kano by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Mr Sanusi Bature.

Yusuf is leading the delegation to the funeral rites in Madina, following the death of Dantata in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The delegation includes the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa; former Jigawa governor, Ali Saad Birnin Kudu; top government officials and other dignitaries.

The statement described Dantata as a prominent figure in commerce, philanthropy, and community development, noting that his death marks the end of an era in Nigeria’s business and humanitarian sectors.

Speaking before his departure, Yusuf described Dantata as “a father to many, whose generosity and commitment to humanity transcended borders.”

He said the delegation’s presence in Madina was a mark of respect and appreciation for the late elder statesman’s contributions to Kano and Nigeria.

The funeral is expected to draw family members, government delegations, business associates, Islamic scholars, and well-wishers from across the world.

Dantata is remembered for his humility, deep faith, and notable contributions to economic growth and social development in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN)

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State departed the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the funeral of elder statesman and business mogul, Alhaji

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13 Passengers Abducted in Benue Regain Freedom

13 Passengers Abducted in Benue Regain Freedom

George Okoh in Makurdi

13 passengers on a commercial bus in Benue kidnapped a forthnight ago have regained freedom. The victims were rescued by security  operatives  yesterday.

The passengers were abducted at Eke in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The Chairman of the Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the rescue of the abductees.

Inalegwu said that a joint operation by the police and vigilance group in that area led to the rescue of two of the abductees on Saturday.

According to him, youths of the area enlisted the services of those from neighbouring Kogi State, leading to increased pressure, which made the kidnappers abandon the remaining 11 victims at Orndo village at about 4:00 p.m  yesterday.

The local government chairman further said that the provision of logistics by Governor Hyacinth Alia, with improved security surveillance and tracking, led to the rescue of the victims.

The victims are being profiled before they are reunited with their families.

Meanwhile local sources have disclosed that  there  is an ongoing exchange of gunfire between suspected herdsmen and military personnel near Tse Asha and Ukange villages in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

The sources  said the confrontation is taking place approximately two kilometers from the Ortese Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp.

A resident, Zege Orkwande, said security operatives have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

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George Okoh in Makurdi 13 passengers on a commercial bus in Benue kidnapped a forthnight ago have regained freedom. The victims were rescued by security  operatives  yesterday. The passengers were abducted at Eke