UNILORIN reduces staff children’s fees by 25%.

UNILORIN reduces staff children’s fees by 25%

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, has approved a 25 per cent school fees rebate for the children of staff members.

The university’s Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla, told newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday that the Vice-Chancellor’s decision “reflects a deep understanding of the economic challenges facing the country.”

He described the gesture as a positive step towards supporting the university community.

The registrar advised staff members to check their emails regularly and respond to the provided links for participation between December 7 and 8.

He explained that the rebate applied to officially registered biological children covering both freshers and returning students.

According to him, up to four children of members of staff are eligible for the rebate.

Reacting to the development on behalf of other unions, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities, Mr Alex Akanmu, commended the vice-chancellor and the entire management for the positive move.

Sanwo-Olu opens Lagos police station.

Sanwo-Olu opens Lagos police station.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, unveiled a newly-built police station, Area M Command, at Idimu, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Haudenyin, said the police station, equipped with a lecture hall, hostel blocks, and canteen, attested to the commitment of his administration to ensuring the security of lives and properties of residents.

He said, “No doubt, a conducive environment such as this will further enhance the performance of the commandant and his officers.

“This is important because for meaningful and sustainable development to happen, there is a need for a safe and secure environment.

“I am proud to inform you that in the last four and a half years, my administration has done a lot to change the socio-economic narratives vis-à-vis security enhancement in the state, both in the rural and the bustling towns.

“You all would recall that the sixth pillar of our administration’s THEME Plus development agendas is security and governance.

“As a government, all hands have been on deck to ensure that Lagos State is free of crime, filthy environment and several other social vices. We are leaving no community behind on this journey of a better security architecture that is required in a smart city.

“The Lagos State Security Trust Fund was established to support underfunded federal security agencies operating in the state, likewise the Lagos Neighborhood Safety Corps and the recently inaugurated Lagos Constabularies.

“They have all contributed to the reduction of crime and insecurity as well as improved public confidence to a certain extent.

“As a government, we are not unmindful of the impact of insecurity on lives and properties, businesses and the economy, that is why we are deliberate in deploying several strategies, including the provision of skills acquisitions, agricultural programmes, construction, wealth creation, employment trust fund and use of technology to make our Lagos State greater, safer and more secure as the commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and indeed Africa.

“It goes without saying that a city that never sleeps cannot but be safe for all.

“We have kept our promise by building this beautiful edifice for the police in all the 14 divisions in Lagos State.

“This is the second and third phase, phase one was also completed and delivered.”

In his remarks, the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), commended Sanwo-Olu for his commitment to enhancing infrastructural in the justice sector and supporting the course of the rule of law.

Pedro said,”Beyond offering a conducive workspace, this facility is designed to enhance community policing, fostering a closer relationship between law enforcement and Idimu residents as we address security challenges to build a safer and more harmonious society.

“As we open the doors of this new police command, let’s acknowledge the responsibility it entails. Let’s continue working together to build a state where the rights, security, and safety of every citizen are not only vigilantly protected but enhanced.”

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr Dotun Odubona, appreciated the state government and the Lagos State Ministry of Justice for constructing and delivering the Area M Command to the police.

Reps panel to probe Nigeria Air.

Reps panel to probe Nigeria Air.

The House of Representatives Committee on Aviation Technology has promised to examine the controversy surrounding the Nigeria Air project. 

It restated its commitment to address air crashes as well as other safety concerns at the country’s airports. 

Committee Chairman Abiodun Akinlade said this during an inaugural meeting yesterday in Abuja.

He said the committee was highly concerned and worried about the recent air crashes in the country, promising to help curb such incidents. 

“We will, with the support of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the regulatory authorities, organise a high-tech stakeholders’ town hall meeting to look into the causes of the air crashes and other safety abnormalities at our airports. Our airspace must be safe for all,” Akinlade said.

He added: “The Committee of Aviation and Aerospace Technology, in conjunction with the House Committee on Aviation and Aerospace, will look into the controversy surrounding the launched Nigeria Air project and inform Nigerians accordingly.

Reps aviation committee pledges to address air crashes, probe Nigeria Air project

“Last year, the Nigeria Air project was launched and there have been a lot of issues concerning it. Nigerians need to know the state of the project.”

Akinlade said the newly created Aviation Technology Committee, which was carved out of the existing Committee on Aviation, is a high-tech-driven committee with high expectations from members.

The chairman assured that the committee would not fail to meet the expectations of the House, Nigerians and all stakeholders. 

Gunmen attack Sunshine Stars of Akure team bus.

Gunmen attack Sunshine Stars of Akure team bus.

Gunmen on Thursday attacked the team bus of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, injuring some officials and  a crew member.

This is contained in a statement by Michael Akintunde, the Media Officer of the club  in Abuja.

Akintude said that the incident occurred at about 5.30 p.m. along Ore-Benin Expressway.

He said this was as the team was on their way to honor an Elite League tie against Insurance of Benin, scheduled for Saturday.

“It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians, especially football lovers that our team was attacked few minutes ago along Ore-Benin Expressway.

“The horrible incident happened to the team as they were on their way to honor an Elite League tie , against Insurance of Benin , scheduled for this weekend.

“Our ball boy was shot in the horrible attack.

“Also, our team manager and other club officials including players are seriously injured,” he said.

He said that it took the intervention of the  Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) officers,  who rescue took the injured officials and the individual shot to a nearby hospital.

Akintunde  called on all Nigerians and the football family to join them in prayers at this sad and trying times for the football club.

(NAN)

NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

NJC reinstates Justice Ojo as Osun CJ, kicks Adeleke’s petition out.

The National Judicial Council(NJC) has reinstated Justice Oyebola Ojo earlier suspended as Osun Chief Judge by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The council, in its resolution after the 104th meeting held between December 6 and 7, also recommended forceful retirement of Justice S. O Falola of Osun State High Court over misconduct. 

The Director of Information of the council, Barrister Soji Oye in a statement on the council’s website explained : “Council considered and declined the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State requesting its permission to swear in the next Most Senior Judge in the State in acting capacity, following allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Adepele Ojo, Chief Judge, Osun State and the resolution of the State House of Assembly to suspend him. 

“The Council affirmed that Hon. Justice Ojo is still the recognised Chief Judge of Osun State, and would not work on the resolution of a State House of Assembly, as it is the only body constitutionally empowered to investigate Judicial Officers and recommend same for any action to the Governor. Consequently, Osun State should revert to status quo.” 

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

Tinubu appoints Lopkobiri chair, Ogbe ES of NCDMB.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri and Felix Omatsola Ogbe, as Chairman and Executive Secretary, respectively, of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

Ogbe is taking over as Executive Secretary from Engr Simbi Wabote, who has run the affairs of the Board since September 2016 when he was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in September 2020 for a second term run.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, members of the Board include EVC Upstream of the NNPC Limited, Oritsemyiwa Eyesan; CEO of the NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe and five others.

“In conformity with Sections 71(1), 72, and 73 of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010), President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of qualified Nigerians to serve on the Governing Council and Management team of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB):

“Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri — Chairman / HMS, Petroleum Resources; Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe — Executive Secretary; Oritsemyiwa Eyesan — Member / EVP Upstream, NNPCL; Gbenga Komolafe — Member / CEO, NUPRC; Bekearedebo Augusta Warrens — Member; Nicolas Odinuwe — Member; Rapheal Samuel — Member; Sadiq Abubakar — Member; and Olorundare Sunday Thomas — Member,” the statement reads. 

The statement further said President Tinubu hopes members of the new Board and Management would deploy their expertise to help him achieve his administration’s 70% indigenous content participation in the energy industry.

President Tinubu To Shell Group: We Are Removing Encumbrances Daily, We Expect More Investments.

President Tinubu To Shell Group: We Are Removing Encumbrances Daily, We Expect More Investments. 

President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, in Abuja expressed optimism about the prospects of increased investments from Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), emphasizing Nigeria's long-term relationship with the company, which discovered the first commercial oil field at Oloibiri in the Niger Delta in 1956. 

Receiving the management of Shell Group, led by its Global Integrated Gas and Upstream Director, Ms. Zoe Yujnovich, the President said his administration will continue to ensure the security and viability of existing and new investments in the country.

"We have made progress since our last meeting. I will continue to support and encourage you on this path. There is no doubt that there is a significant focus on investment in and around the continent. I am spearheading Nigeria's global march for new investments at home.

"In view of our long-term relationship that has been established over the years, we want you to do more, and we are ready to encourage you in every way possible. 

"We are very focused on resolving all investment-related issues. There is no bottleneck that is too difficult for us to remove in our determined march toward making Nigeria the African haven for large scale investment in all key sectors. We need each other," the President told the visiting delegation.

In her remarks, on behalf of the Shell Group, Ms. Yujnovich expressed Shell's commitment to maintain its legacy of onshore investments in Nigeria, particularly as the company refocuses its investment to key into new and existing opportunities in the gas sector. 

She outlined the company's dedication to the development of the gas value chain in the country, including a substantial commitment of $1 billion over the next five to ten years, aimed at unlocking gas resources for domestic use and the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) project.

Furthermore, Ms. Yujnovich announced an imminent $5 billion investment opportunity in the Bonga North project off the shores of Nigeria, located in the deep water. 

The Shell Global Integrated Gas and Upstream Director expressed Shell's eagerness to proceed with this investment and outlined several prospective investments which Shell Group is eyeing in Nigeria over the short to medium term. She commended the collaboration her team has experienced with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, while acknowledging their roles in achieving significant progress in actualizing the potential of these projects as well as others.

"Mr President, I want to be successful in my role, and I cannot be successful in my role unless I can find a way to bring more new investments to Nigeria. 

"I have made commitments to our investors that we will continue to invest in gas and oil. In Nigeria, I see all the conditions to continue to make this partnership stronger. In the deep water, we have an imminent investment opportunity in Bonga North. This is $5 billion. I am really keen to make that investment as soon as possible. We want to continue and build a pipeline of new investments in Nigeria," she concluded.