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Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory. Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration. The project was the 13th so
Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu says the leadership quality of the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, is taking governance closer to the residents of the territory.
Tinubu stated this in Abuja on Monday, while inaugurating the newly-constructed access roads in Giri district, executed by the Wike-led FCT Administration.
The project was the 13th so far inaugurated, out of the 17 outlined for inauguration to celebrate Tinubu’s second year in office.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the president said Wike’s work speaks for itself in every corner of the FCT.
“From the vast-spaced districts of Maitama, Jahi, Katampe, Wuye, Mabushi and the likes, to the towns of Gwagwalada, Kwali, Bwari and Abaji, and the growing communities of Kabusa, Ketti and now Giri district, your leadership has brought progress closer to the people.
“You have not only embraced the visions of my administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”, you have localised it, made it meaningful and made it real.
“Your actions have brought quality and excellence to the dual states of communities long laid in the shadows.
“Honourable minister, on behalf of myself, my administration and the good people of the FCT, I say thank you for reminding us that good governance is not about fanfare, but about footsteps,” he said.
Tinubu said the newly-constructed access roads were not just infrastructural achievements but a statement of intention to open up Giri district and the FCT.
To the residents of Giri, Tinubu said: “May these roads lead you to greater opportunities; may they carry your children to school, farmers to markets, families to healthcare and dreams to reality.”
In his remarks, Wike said the district houses University of Abuja, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Academy and other institutions.
He said that EFCC would be the first beneficiary of the access road, as it would encourage it to commence construction of its academy.
“Most of the problem we’re having here is that sometimes, when you allocate land, there are no facilities, no infrastructure, and people are not encouraged to develop the allocated land.
“So, we will do everything we can to see that basic infrastructure is provided in Giri to become an important district that will attract so many investors,” he said.
The minister further stated that efforts had begun to construct the critical road network in the district.
He said he had already asked the acting Executive Secretary of Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, Mr Richard Dauda, and other experts to begin working on the details.
Wike added that the road network would help to stop land grabbing by University of Abuja, adding that the university had grabbed 11,000 hectares without authorisation.
“So, I have told the director of lands and other relevant agencies to carve out 4,000 hectares and give it to the university.
“The other ones would be reallocated because we are going to provide the roads here, and that is the true situation,” he said.
On her part, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as yet another shining example of the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, connectivity and inclusive growth.
According to Mahmoud, the Giri road is part of a broader initiative to open up under-served communities and stimulate economic activities within the area councils.
Earlier, Dauda said that the project was awarded in November 2024 to provide access roads to the district, planned to be an institutional area.
He stated that the proposed main sewage treatment plant for the city at Giri was also located within the district.
Wike taking governance closer to FCT residents – Tinubu
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- June 30, 2025
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SDP Warns Nigerians Against Dealing With Suspended Party Officers
SDP Warns Nigerians Against Dealing With Suspended Party Officers
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has warned the public to avoid dealing with the suspended officials of the party, who were alleged to have been involved in financial misconduct.
According to a statement on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party disclosed that it had approved the suspension of its National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gaba, National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi and National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Uchechukwu, over allegations of financial misappropriation, constitutional breaches and misconduct.
The statement noted that the decision was reached at the NWC meeting on June 24, 2025 after members reviewed prima facie submissions of financial indiscipline and other infractions by the affected officers.
According to the party, the suspension took immediate effect in accordance with the powers vested in the NWC by the 2022 Constitution of the SDP as amended.
The party further stated that the suspension remains in force pending the outcome of internal investigations by the party’s disciplinary committee, as well as ongoing probes by law enforcement agencies over allegations of malfeasance, fraud and misappropriation.
“These individuals are being investigated for their roles in conspiracy, fraud, misappropriation and diversion of party funds between 2022 and 2025, as well as for gross breaches of the party’s constitution,” the statement read.
The statement equally revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been formally notified of the development and had acknowledged receipt of the party’s communication.
Consequently, the party has warned the public, especially political stakeholders, to avoid engaging in any form of transaction, alliance or collaboration with the suspended members, insisting that they no longer have the mandate to represent the party in any capacity.
The suspension was adopted and endorsed by a majority of the NWC members, with signatures attached to the resolution included in the document.
Reiterating its commitment to transparency, discipline and internal accountability, the party emphasised that the decision was necessary to preserve its integrity ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has warned the public to avoid dealing with the suspended officials of the party, who were alleged to have been involved in financial misconduct. According
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NANS declares nationwide protest Wednesday
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced it will stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a statement, signed by its president, Olushola Oladoja, on Monday, NANS expressed serious displeasure at the closures that have lasted over
NANS declares nationwide protest Wednesday
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced it will stage a mass protest on Wednesday, July 2, over the continued closure of public primary schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement, signed by its president, Olushola Oladoja, on Monday, NANS expressed serious displeasure at the closures that have lasted over two months, affecting thousands of children (particularly poor families) from benefiting from basic education.
Last week, NANS gave an ultimatum of seven days to the FCT Administration, headed by Minister Nyesom Wike, to reopen the schools or face protests across the country.
“It is very clear that the government’s silence is an act of negligence and apathy towards the educational destiny of the Nigerian child,” said Oladoja, who described the closure as “unacceptable.”
He added that despite repeated appeals and calls for dialogue, authorities had made no effort, of any kind, to assist in resolution of the deadlock, nor had they made any effort to open the affected schools..
In response, NANS announced a mass protest to demand the immediate reopening of all closed public primary schools in the FCT.
Protesters will converge at the FCDA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, by 7:00 am on Wednesday, dressed in black to symbolise mourning for the “death of basic education” in the country.
“All NANS structures across the FCT and neighbouring states—Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Kaduna—are by this notice directed to commence full mobilisation of students, civil society allies, and education rights activists for this mass action,” Oladoja added.
Zone A and Zone C leaderships have been tasked with coordinating participation to ensure a widespread and impactful turnout.
“This protest is not just about education—it is a fight for justice, equality, and the soul of Nigeria’s future,” the NANS president emphasised.
NANS declares nationwide protest Wednesday
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- June 30, 2025
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Petralon: Empowering Nigeria’s Future Energy Leaders
Through its commitment to nurturing and equipping the next generation of energy leaders with requisite knowledge and insight to operate at highest level of professional excellence, Nigerian indigenous oil and gas operator,…
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- June 30, 2025
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Condolence message from Jaiz Bank Plc on the passing of Alhaji Dr. Aminu Alhassan Dantata, CON
Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn. The Board, Management, and entire staff of Jaiz Bank Plc extend our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Alhaji Dr. Aminu Alhassan Dantata, CON,…
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- June 30, 2025
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REDAN President, Adeoye, Emerges New Oluoke of Okeigbo
REDAN President, Adeoye, Emerges New Oluoke of Okeigbo
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Prince Akintoye Adeoye, has emerged as the new Oluoke of Okeigbo, Ondo State.
The Media Director, Aare Kugbaigbe Ruling House, Okeigbo, Elder Ayodele Olopade, in a statement on Monday, in Ibadan, said the Chairman, lle-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, Hon. Adebare Adeboye, in conjunction with Aare Kugbaigbe Ruling House, made the disclosure after the selection.
Adeboye praised the chiefs saddled with the selection for being transparent, honest and peaceful, stating that their unwavering committment in the selection of the new monarch is highly commendable and worthy of note.
The statement described the Oba-elect, Adeoye, as an astute, quintessential and versatile property developer with a remarkable career spanning over three decades, while his expertise and dedication to the fields of law and real estate have earned him great reputation.
He holds a Bachelor of Law ( LLB) and Master in Law (LLM) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State. He attended the Nigerian Law School in 1983 and called to the Bar the same year.
In addition, he earned a Bachelor of Theology from Life Seminary University of Ibadan.
The Oba-elect has participated in numerous empowerment and leadership programmes in Nigeria and abroad.
Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN), Prince Akintoye Adeoye, has emerged as the new Oluoke of Okeigbo, Ondo State. The Media Director, Aare
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Alleged $1 billion scam: Court refuses CBEX promoters bail requests from EFCC custody
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, has refused the bail applications of three promoters of the now-collapsed and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme known as “CBEX” following their detention…
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Association’s Petition Led to Probe of Ex-minister Sirika, Others, Says Witness
Association’s Petition Led to Probe of Ex-minister Sirika, Others, Says Witness
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness on Monday told an Abuja High Court that a petition written by a coalition of aviation employees led to the investigation of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, and others.
The EFCC charged Sirika alongside his daughter, son-in-law and a company, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, with contract fraud and abuse of office.
The former minister, according to the EFCC, abused his office as minister by conferring unfair advantage upon Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, whose alter ego are said to be his daughter and son-in-law, by using his position to influence the award to them, the contract for the apron extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.
This, the prosecution said, is contrary to Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, as well as Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same sections.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
At the resumed hearing in the case before Justice Sylvanus Oriji, the 12th prosecution witness (PW12), Adekunle Odofin, told the court that EFCC received a petition in 2021.
“A coalition of aviation employees, under the aegis of Coalition of Aviation Sector Employees for Transparency and Good Governance, wrote a petition against the management of the Federal Ministry of Aviation.
“In the petition, the coalition alleged that the ministry received N14.7 billion for the rehabilitation and remodelling of airports across the country and that the money was siphoned by some greedy individuals in the ministry.
“The petition was assigned to the Chairman of the Monitoring Team II for investigation,” he said.
Odofin said that one Mark Adebayo was invited by the anti-corruption commission to shed more light on the content of the petition, which he (Adebayo) wrote.
He told the court that in January 2024, the EFCC set up a committee made up of himself as chairman and four others to review and investigate the allegations contained in the petition.
The investigating team, according to him, wrote letters to Zenith Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, Jaiz Bank and Access Bank,.
Letters, he said, were also sent to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Federal Ministry of Aviation, Bureau of Public Procurement, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NNRA) and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
According to him, the Ministry of Aviation was requested to furnish the team with details of all contracts awarded by it to Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, as well as all payments made to the company by the ministry in respect of contracts awarded to it.
“We also wrote the BPP requesting for details made to the Bureau by the Federal Ministry of Aviation on no objection for the selective tendering method of appropriation in respect of 2021 remaining projects, 2020 appropriation and 2018 appropriation respectively.
“We also requested BPP to furnish EFCC with details of responses to the aforementioned requests from the Federal Ministry of Aviation,” the PW12 told the court.
Odofin informed the court that responses from the organisations were received and analysed by his team, as a result, the former minister was invited by EFCC on April 23, 2024.
“Consequent upon the analysis, the first defendant (Sirika) was invited on April 23, 2024 where he was shown a copy of the petition. He read it and understood the same. He then volunteered to make a statement in the presence of his lawyers,” the witness told the court.
He said that Sirika’s daughter, Fatima, had earlier been invited by the team on February 26, 2024, while her husband, Hamman Jalal Sule, was invited the following day, February 27, 2024.
According to the PW12, both defendants were shown the petition, which they read, understood and later volunteered their respective statements in company with their lawyers.
“Invitation was also extended to the top management of the Federal Ministry of Aviation. On February 22., 2024, one Musa Odiniya was invited to the commission.
“He was the Director, Procurement, Federal Ministry of Aviation during the period under review while the first defendant (Sirika) was the minister,” he said.
On January 31, 2024, he said Azubuike Okorie, the special assistant to the first defendant on projects in the ministry, was invited.
“He served and retired as Deputy Director, Procurement in the ministry. After his retirement, he was appointed SA to the first defendant on projects,” the witness said.
He further told the court that the investigating team executed a search note on Okorie’s Prado Jeep when he visited the EFCC office, adding that a particular document with the caption “remaining 2021 projects” was recovered from the jeep.
The witness added that: “In serial number 13 of this document contained a particular contract, terminal building and apron expansion at Katsina airport.
“On this same number 13, a red pen handwriting dividing the one contract into two, terminal building for Enginos Nigeria Limited and apron expansion to the fourth defendant, Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.
“This handwriting on the document was believed to have been written by the first defendant. This same handwriting was shown to the first defendant. He denied knowledge of it and also declined that the handwriting was his.”
Consequent to the denial, Odofin told the court that handwriting specimens were taken from the former minister, while the team went to the Ministry of Aviation to receive documents reflecting Sirika’s handwriting.
These, he said, were forwarded to a forensic expert together with the disputed handwriting and the original copies of the extrajudicial statements made to EFCC by the former minister.
He informed the court that on May 14, 2024, the team received the report of the forensic expert analysis in which it was established that both the disputed handwriting and the specimen’s handwriting “were made by no other person but the first defendant in this case”.
“The position of the forensic report further corroborated the position of Azubuike in whose custody the disputed document was recovered,” Odofin told the court.
He added that one Sabo Yahaya, who was the MD/CEO, Tramak Engineering Services Limited, was invited in the course of investigation by his team and made two statements in respect if the N500 million transferred to his company account with Zenith Bank from the total contract sum paid to Al Buraq Global Investment.
He also disclosed that the mother of Sirika’s son-in-law, Saratu Chinade, was also invited to make her statement, adding that the mother was signatory to the account of Al Buraq with Zenith Bank.
Justice Oriji adjourned the case until July 1 for continuation of evidence of the PW12. (NAN)
An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness on Monday told an Abuja High Court that a petition written by a coalition of aviation employees led to the investigation of
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E-Visa: Nigerian govt processes over 14,000 applications within 6 weeks
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the electronic visa regime of the federal government which began on May 1 has been largely successful, stressing that it has processed more than 14, 000 applications within the first six weeks of going live. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Monday, during a stakeholders sensitization workshop on major
E-Visa: Nigerian govt processes over 14,000 applications within 6 weeks
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the electronic visa regime of the federal government which began on May 1 has been largely successful, stressing that it has processed more than 14, 000 applications within the first six weeks of going live.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Monday, during a stakeholders sensitization workshop on major immigration innovations held at the headquarters of the Nigeria Immigration Service NIS in Abuja.
According to him, the electronic Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card e-CERPAC and the electronic Temporary Work Permit TWP will also go live in the next one week.
“I can tell you within the first six weeks of the e-visa, we were able to process over 14,000 visa applications. Within six weeks. So, that by any standard in the world, is a pass mark. It is a huge one and, of course, those little hitches, I tell you, within the next one to two weeks, will be history. We will correct them.
“We are already working. Even yesterday in my house, the CGIS was there. Technological partners were in my house. The DCG visa was in my house. All of us in my house. We worked for hours yesterday, Sunday, even in my conference room at home. We were working because we understand when you are in the process of innovation, there is no room, there is no opportunity for you to close your eyes. You must make sure it works. We are ready for the challenge,” he said.
The minister stated that the Federal Government decided to come up with the e-visa system knowing that it is not just a migration management document but also an enhancer of economic growth.
He added that the e-border solution has really also given Nigeria extra leverage in terms of its border security architecture.
Tunji-Ojo, while speaking on the e-CERPAC and TWP, reiterated that the era of using TWP to circumvent CERPAC was gone, adding that the elimination of manual archiving in the passport application processes has saved Nigeria about a billion Naira annually as the contract regarding that had since been cancelled.
On her part, Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Kemi Mandap, while explaining some of the recent digital innovations by the Service, said the new visa regime comes with its several innovative services, including the e-Visa Application Channel, e-CERPAC, Landing and Exit Cards and Temporary Work Permit.
“The already installed e-Gates at our major Airports and commissioned Command and Control Centre are positioned to house and harness these technologies. These digital solutions leverage technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and improve the overall experience for travellers and stakeholders”, she explained.
The Immigration boss maintained that the e-Visa system allows for seamless online applications, eliminating the need for physical visits to immigration offices.
“The e-CERPAC integrates residence permits into a digital document, simplifying processes for foreign nationals residing in Nigeria. Our Temporary Work Permit has also been digitized, reducing processing times and increasing efficiency”, she added.
E-Visa: Nigerian govt processes over 14,000 applications within 6 weeks
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NBTE approves ND Law, Health, other new programmes for Kwara Poly
The National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, has awarded full accreditation status to all academic programmes recently evaluated at the Kwara State Polytechnic. The endorsement follows a comprehensive accreditation and facility assessment exercise conducted by the Board. NBTE has also approved the commencement of several new National Diploma, ND, and Higher National Diploma, HND, programmes,
NBTE approves ND Law, Health, other new programmes for Kwara Poly
The National Board for Technical Education, NBTE, has awarded full accreditation status to all academic programmes recently evaluated at the Kwara State Polytechnic.
The endorsement follows a comprehensive accreditation and facility assessment exercise conducted by the Board.
NBTE has also approved the commencement of several new National Diploma, ND, and Higher National Diploma, HND, programmes, which are scheduled to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Monday, by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Halima Garba.
The official communication from NBTE was conveyed through a letter signed by Dr Fatima Umar, Director of Polytechnic and Allied Programmes.
According to the letter, the newly approved ND programmes include Medical Imaging, Health Information Management, Industrial and Labour Relations, Law, and Chemical Engineering Technology, among others.
The HND programmes receiving clearance for launch comprise Agribusiness Technology, Crop Production Technology, Journalism and Media Studies, Tourism Management Technology, Mechatronics Engineering, and Urban and Regional Planning.
During an earlier visit to the institution, Dr Umar commended the Polytechnic’s academic infrastructure and the quality of its curriculum delivery.
She acknowledged the proactive leadership of the Rector, Dr Abdul-Jimoh Mohammed, and expressed the relevance of the new academic offerings in addressing national workforce and educational gaps.
She encouraged the Polytechnic’s management to continue expanding its academic portfolio to accommodate the rising number of students seeking technical and vocational education.
Responding to the development, Dr Mohammed expressed appreciation for the NBTE’s rigorous evaluation and the valuable insights shared during the process. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in academic delivery.
Some members of the Polytechnic staff, reacting to the development, commended the institution’s leadership and expressed optimism that the latest approvals would inspire further advancements in vocational and technical training, with positive implications for national development.
NBTE approves ND Law, Health, other new programmes for Kwara Poly