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Alumni urges Wike to reverse revocation of UniAbuja land, seeks dialogue

The University of Abuja Alumni Association has formally protested the proposed revocation of a significant portion of land allocated to the institution, urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to rescind the decision and adopt a more constructive engagement process. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the FCT minister, the
Alumni urges Wike to reverse revocation of UniAbuja land, seeks dialogue

The University of Abuja Alumni Association has formally protested the proposed revocation of a significant portion of land allocated to the institution, urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, to rescind the decision and adopt a more constructive engagement process.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the FCT minister, the association expressed “grave concern” over the recent reduction of the university’s land allocation from over 11,000 hectares to 4,000 hectares, an action the group described as “unlawful and “arbitrary”.

The letter was signed by the general secretary, Abdullahi Dangana, and president, Habeeb Abdulkadir.

According to the alumni, the land in question was originally allocated to the university in 1988 by the then military administration under President Ibrahim Babangida, as part of a broader vision to establish a comprehensive academic and research institution in the nation’s capital.

According to the alumni body, the land is not just a physical asset, but a “national educational treasure” meant to accommodate future expansion, research hubs, and a growing student population.

It explained that the land was specifically envisioned to accommodate a main campus with extensive infrastructure for conventional and distance learning; agricultural, scientific, and environmental research zones; recreational and community services.

“The proposed revocation of two thirds of this portion at this time profoundly undermines the strategic future of the university, especially as it strives to expand its research capacity, accommodate an increasing student population and inherent Staff increase, and fulfil its dual mode (conventional and distance learning) mandate,” the letter read.

The alumni association insists that the land is covered by valid legal instruments and protected under the Land Use Act, adding that any revocation without due process and compensation would amount to a violation of natural justice.

“Any attempt to reduce this allocation without due process, adequate compensation, and demonstrable and bona fide overriding public interest, distinct from general land management objectives, would constitute a violation of established land tenure laws and principles of natural justice,” the letter stated.

Beyond legal concerns, the letter highlights the sociocultural significance of the institution, describing the university as a melting pot of Nigeria’s diverse ethnicities and a critical pillar for nation-building.

“The land is not a mere territory. It represents hope, unity, and development for past and future generations,” the letter said.

While acknowledging the FCT minister’s efforts to sanitize land administration in Abuja, the alumni urged him not to lump the university’s allocation into cases of land misuse.

They offered to collaborate with his office to monitor development on the land and ensure transparency.

However, the association also cautioned that should the minister fail to respond to their appeal, it will begin a series of actions, including open letters, peaceful protests, legal actions, and petitions to the presidency and international bodies.

“We remain open to dialogue but are fully prepared to escalate this matter if treated with contempt,” the letter noted.

Alumni urges Wike to reverse revocation of UniAbuja land, seeks dialogue

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2027: We didn’t ask Peter Obi to withdraw from race – Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dismissed reports claiming it advised Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race. The group also refuted allegations that it urged northern leaders not to support Obi’s presidential ambition. In a statement issued on Tuesday its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the
2027: We didn’t ask Peter Obi to withdraw from race – Ohanaeze

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has dismissed reports claiming it advised Peter Obi to withdraw from the 2027 presidential race.

The group also refuted allegations that it urged northern leaders not to support Obi’s presidential ambition.

In a statement issued on Tuesday its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, Ohanaeze described the claims as acts of mischief by “street urchins”.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been alerted to a misleading report circulating on social media alleging that the apex Igbo body warned Mr. Peter Obi against contesting the 2027 presidential election,” the statement said.

“It also claimed that Ohanaeze cautioned the North against backing his candidacy. We wish to categorically state that such a mischief-driven and misleading statement did not emanate from the dignified apex Igbo body.”

Chukwu noted that the statement was the handiwork of a group he described as “clandestine starving street urchins who parade a phantom, ludicrous brown-envelope Ohanaeze, with POS as their address”.

He emphasized that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, under the leadership of credible figures such as Senator John Azuta Mbata (President-General), Prince Okey Nwadinobi (Deputy President-General), and Emeka Sibeudu (Secretary-General), could not have issued such an “ignominious” statement.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is committed to the wellbeing of the Igbo nation and national development through justice, fairness, and equity,” the group reiterated.

“We remain non-partisan and have not taken any position on the 2027 presidential election or endorsed any candidate.”

The group urged the media and the public to disregard statements from “incurable mercenaries unconscionably parading the Ohanaeze brand to execute the pecuniary bidding of their political paymasters”.

2027: We didn’t ask Peter Obi to withdraw from race – Ohanaeze

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Lekki airport: Residents demand compensation before demolition

Residents of Ajiwe community of Ajah, Lagos State, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stop the demolition of their houses for infrastructure projects until they receive due compensation. The landlords and tenants alleged that their property had been slated for demolition to make way for the Gas Link pipeline and Green Line Rail projects,
Lekki airport: Residents demand compensation before demolition

Residents of Ajiwe community of Ajah, Lagos State, have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to stop the demolition of their houses for infrastructure projects until they receive due compensation.

The landlords and tenants alleged that their property had been slated for demolition to make way for the Gas Link pipeline and Green Line Rail projects, integral components for the new Lagos Airport being constructed in the Ibeju Lekki area of the state.

DAILY POST reports that the affected landlords and tenants staged a protest on Abraham Adesanya expressway over the weekend.

They displayed placards with inscriptions such as, ‘We say no to Gas Link and Green Line Rail projects demolition of our properties without Compensation’, ‘Our properties cannot be demolished without compensation’, ‘Compensate us’, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Kehinde Alakoso said the projects served an overriding public purpose, as stipulated by law, but stressed the need to consider the human cost.

“We have written to the state governor, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, and other relevant people in the state,” he said.

Lekki airport: Residents demand compensation before demolition

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Cross River explores local options for production of ARVs for 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients

Cross River State government is exploring cost-effective local manufacturing options for production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the more than 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients in the state. Director General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) Dr. Charles Iwara, disclosed this at a meeting with officials of a pharmaceutical firm. Iwara explained that
Cross River explores local options for production of ARVs for 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients

Cross River State government is exploring cost-effective local manufacturing options for production of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs for the more than 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients in the state.

Director General, Cross River State Agency for the Control of AIDS (CR-SACA) Dr. Charles Iwara, disclosed this at a meeting with officials of a pharmaceutical firm.

Iwara explained that the initiative is aimed at making the state self-sufficient in HIV treatment.

According to him, the plan has become imperative in order to reduce reliance on foreign aid and donor funding for HIV/AIDS.

Iwara noted that with over 30,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Cross River State and declining funding from donor partners, it has become imperative to explore accessible and sustainable options.

“This initiative is commendable, especially considering that at the national level, the Federal Government is also striving to produce ARV drugs locally.

“So, having a local firm who has shown interest in manufacturing these drugs in Calabar would be a significant development,” Iwara said.

He also thanked Governor Bassey Otu for initiating the idea of local production of the drugs.

“We have been considering ways to ensure sustainability in our healthcare services, and this is a crucial step towards providing necessary support to those in urgent need of these medications in addition to their integration in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme,” Iwara added.

He maintained that the local options will meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards, adding, “The local production of ARVs is poised to significantly alleviate the hardships faced by residents of the state living with HIV/AIDS.”

Cross River explores local options for production of ARVs for 30,000 HIV/AIDs patients

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Nigeria crumbling due to elite failure – Pat Utomi

Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has lamented that Nigeria is collapsing under the weight of poverty, insecurity, institutional decay and elite failure. Utomi, convener of a political coalition, ‘The Big Tent’, spoke at media briefing where he described the situation in the country as an “existential crisis requiring urgent civic action and responsible leadership”.
Nigeria crumbling due to elite failure – Pat Utomi

Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has lamented that Nigeria is collapsing under the weight of poverty, insecurity, institutional decay and elite failure.

Utomi, convener of a political coalition, ‘The Big Tent’, spoke at media briefing where he described the situation in the country as an “existential crisis requiring urgent civic action and responsible leadership”.

“The rural economy has collapsed. Farmers can’t farm, and yet our political elite are obsessed with convoys, jets and SUVs. It’s morally bankrupt,” he said.

Utomi proposed structural reforms including overhauling land tenure laws, empowering universities for extension services, and supporting agro-processing clusters with the view to addressing the challenges.

Weighing in on insecurity, Utomi emphasised the link between poverty and rising violence.

He stressed that poverty makes people easy recruits for terrorists and criminals, stressing the need for decentralised policing.

Nigeria crumbling due to elite failure – Pat Utomi