Immigration Clears 60,000 Passport Backlogs In 4 Days – Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Immigration Clears 60,000 Passport Backlogs In 4 Days – Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has confirmed the clearance of almost 60,000 passport backlogs within four working days.

This is in response to the directives given to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) last week Thursday by the minister, to clear all pending passport applications.

Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, quoted Tunji-Ojo as disclosing this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, on a courtesy call.

According to him, the visitation was informed by her ministry’s need to collaborate with the interior ministry to drastically reduce human trafficking and other related challenges.

“We are not just working on humanitarian endeavours as human trafficking, our NIS must help us change the story, completely.

“When we came on board, the passport crisis was an embarrassment. And, we said: it cannot continue.

“As of this morning, I can tell you that about 60,000 passport backlogs have been cleared, specifically 59,906.

“On Wednesday, September 6, 2023, when I gave the 2-week ultimatum, we had over 200,000 backlogs.

“We have recorded progress, and I maintain my word, that those backlogs must be cleared.

“So, you can be assured that our ministry is ready to work with you on any solution we consider thoughtful and progressive like the ones you have shared.

“We may only have to expand it to include the welfare of inmates in our correctional homes as they are Nigerians as well.

Native Reporters

Ekiti State APC Announces Advisory Committee for Local Government Primary Elections.

Ekiti State APC Announces Advisory Committee for Local Government Primary Elections.

In a significant development, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has unveiled the composition of its Party Advisory Committee for the upcoming Local Government Primary Elections. This crucial committee will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and fair conduct of the elections.

The newly appointed advisory committee members are as follows:

Chief Samuel Abejide - Chairman

High Chief Jide Awe - Co-Chairman

Barrister Adeyeye (APC State Legal Adviser) - Secretary

Rt. Hon. Tope Ademiluyi - Member

Hon. Adetunji Stephen - Member

Hon. Femi Awe - Secretary

High Chief Mrs. Ronke Okusanya - Member

Alhaja Hon. Madam Mariam Ogunlade - Member

This esteemed group of individuals represents a diverse cross-section of the party and its leadership in Ekiti State.

Barrister Paul Omotosho, the APC State Chairman, made this exciting announcement. He called on all party members to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure a seamless and transparent electoral process. Further instructions will be communicated to all concerned parties as the elections draw nearer.

The unveiling of this advisory committee underscores the APC's commitment to upholding the principles of democracy and inclusivity within the party, as it prepares for the upcoming Local Government Primary Elections in Ekiti State.

President Tinubu Orders Swift Payment of Insurance Entitlements to Fallen Soldiers' Families.

President Tinubu Orders Swift Payment of Insurance Entitlements to Fallen Soldiers' Families.

In a commendable display of commitment to the welfare of the nation's heroes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a directive for the prompt settlement of insurance entitlements owed to the grieving families of officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation.

This uplifting announcement was conveyed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, during the inaugural session of the combined second and third quarters COAS conference, held on a serene Tuesday in Abuja.

The directive from President Tinubu stands as a testament to the government's unwavering dedication to honoring the fallen soldiers' contributions and ensuring their bereaved families receive the support they rightly deserve. This compassionate initiative not only recognizes the sacrifices made by these brave individuals but also extends a compassionate hand to those they have left behind.

The move to expedite the payment of insurance entitlements showcases the administration's commitment to the welfare of military personnel and their families, underscoring the principle that the nation stands firmly by those who have sacrificed for its security.

As the nation continues to mourn the loss of these courageous servicemen and women, President Tinubu's directive serves as a beacon of hope, providing solace and support to the families of our fallen heroes during their time of need.

JUST IN: Akeredolu Sacks D-Gov’s Media Aides, Disbands Press Crew.

JUST IN: Akeredolu Sacks D-Gov’s Media Aides, Disbands Press Crew.

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has sacked all media aides attached to his deputy governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Below is a press statement announcing the developmental Unedited:

Government House Media Team Rejigged.

All media aides appointed by the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, and seconded to the office of the deputy Governor, have been relieved of their appointments with immediate effect. 

The affected aides include: Press Secretary to the Governor, Kenneth Odusola; Special Assistant to Governor (New Media) Okunniga Oladipupo; and Special Assistant to the Governor (Photography) Abayomi Samson Adefolalu. 

They are to submit all government properties in their possession to the Acting Permanent Secretary, Office of the deputy Governor. 

Similarly, the Press Crew attached to the office of the deputy governor has been disbanded. 

Consequently, all members of the Press Crew are to report back to their various ministries and stations. 

Equally, the ministry of Information and Orientation is directed to provide adequate coverage for the activities of the deputy’s governor office henceforth. 

Signed: 

Richard Olatunde 

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 

September 12, 2023.

Ado North LCDA Chairman, Hon. Yomi Oso, Outlines Vision and Achievements for Development.

Ado North LCDA Chairman, Hon. Yomi Oso, Outlines Vision and Achievements for Development.

In Pic: Hon. Yomi Oso, Chairman Ado North LCDA.

The Chairman, Ado North LCDA, Hon. Yomi Oso, had assured the citizens of the area that his administration will lay a solid foundation for the development of the Council area through prudent management of financial and human resources, running an open administration and adopting the bottom - top approach to governance.

The Chairman spoke during a Radio personality programme, gave a vivid description of the composition of the LCDA, saying it is one of the largest in the State as it spans, Okeyinmi- Okeila- Afao  Ekiti border; Christ School-Dallimore- Adebayo-Opoogbooro-EKSU; and Olorunsogo- Olorunda- Ikingbinsin axis, hence, the necessity for its affairs to be properly and efficiently managed.

The Council's helmsman seized the opportunity to intimate the public about the efforts being made by his administration on constructing a befitting Secretariat for the Council by acquiring thirty (30) plots of land, along Afao Road, constructing the fence, and acquiring the Certificate of Occupancy to guarantee ownership, intimating the people further that the Secretariat construction has reached an advanced stage.

In order to boost the Council's IGR, improve the economic status and add  to the aesthetics of Ado Ekiti metropolis, Hon. Yomi Oso, revealed the efforts being made by his administration, through Public Private Partnership, towards rebuilding the old Mojere market, to an ultra -modern shopping complex featuring shops, modern toilets and expansive parking space. The Chairman, reiterated that the Certificate of Occupancy of the market had been acquired in consonance with his promise to secure all assets and property of the LCDA to avoid such resources from falling into private hands.

Hon. Yomi Oso commended  the Ekiti State Governor, HE, Biodun Oyebanji, for his laudable efforts in dredging the canals and desilting the drainages in Ado Ekiti metropolis to forestall flooding which often leads to loss of lives and property. He spoke in details about the ecological work done by his administration at the Dallimore - Olobe - Okeila - Adebayo axis which has now made the notorious poor road passable and the people a sigh of relief from erosion pledging  to replicate similar work in some other areas of the LCDA.

Some residents of the area, James Olayinka (Afao Rd), Olufemi Hassan (Ileri Community) and Iyanda Mary (Dallimore), all poured encomiums on tlHon. Oso for implementing people oriented programmes, they however, advised him to intensify efforts on grading of roads, drainages construction and poverty alleviation programmes. Hon Oso replied by appreciating the people for their unflinching support for the State and Local Governments with a bold assurance that his administration will intensify efforts on bringing the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people.

Sandwich Programme, Not Inferior To Regular Programme -EKSU VC.

Sandwich Programme, Not Inferior To  Regular Programme -EKSU VC. 

In Pic: Professor Edward Olanipekun, The Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

The Vice Chancellor, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Professor Edward Olanipekun has described Sandwich Programme as a mode of learning to acquire university degrees and not in any way inferior to the regular degree programme of the university.

The Vice Chancellor made the clarification at the matriculation ceremony held for the newly admitted students into the Sandwich Degree Programme of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti for the 2023 Contact Session.

At the ceremony,

Professor Olanipekun gave a comparative analysis of  Part time/Sandwich and Regular Programmes and asserted that, the admission requirements and conditions for the award of degrees to graduates of the different programmes are the same.

He charged the matriculants to be proud of their studentship of Ekiti State University which is ranked  as the 14th best out of over 250 universities in Nigeria and the 3rd best among State Universities. 

The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to reiterate the university authority's determination to sustain its zero tolerance for anti-social behaviour as well as acts that are tantamount to breach of rules and regulations, since appropriate sanctions are always placed on anyone who flouts the matriculation oath. He, therefore, advised the fresh students to avail themselves of the University students' Hand Book in order to be more acquainted with the university regulations.

The Registrar of the University, Mr Ife Oluwole  had earlier led the students in taking the matriculation oath.

The ceremony was attended by the Principal Officers of the University, Director, Directorate of Continuing Education Programme, Deans of Faculties among many others.

President Tinubu Mourns Victims Of Boat Accidents In Niger, Adamawa States.

President Tinubu Mourns Victims Of Boat Accidents In Niger, Adamawa States.

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the recent boat mishaps in Mokwa Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State and Gurin village, in Fufore LGA of Adamawa State, which tragically claimed many lives, including several children.  

While expressing solidarity with the governments and people of Niger and Adamawa States as they swiftly mobilized emergency response teams and volunteers to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the incidents, the President wishes a most speedy recovery to those who were injured.

Furthermore, President Tinubu demands a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the recurring tragedy of fatal boat incidents across the nation. 

The President directs various government agencies, including law enforcement, maritime safety and transportation safety authorities to collaborate closely in identifying the root causes of these unfortunate and preventable disasters.

President Tinubu underscores his commitment to holding government agencies accountable for any regulatory or safety lapses and further instructs a comprehensive review of safety measures and a strict enforcement of existing laws on boating activities in the country.

The President assures the affected families and communities of government’s continued support and his commitment to the prevention of such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 12, 2023