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Thursday, December 7, 2023

NYSC secures release of corps members kidnapped in Zamfara.

NYSC secures release of corps members kidnapped in Zamfara.

The National Youth Service Corps has secured the release of two females prospective corps members kidnapped in Zamfara State on their way to the Orientation Camp in Sokoto State.


The Army had secured the release of two victims.


A statement by NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, said efforts are ‘on to ensure the safe release of the remaining four prospective corps members’.


Seven prospective corps members from Akwa Ibom State were abducted on August 17 in Zamfara State on their way to the camp. The kidnappers demanded N200 million.


The statement reads: “The NYSC Director General, Brig.-Gen. Y.D Ahmed reassures the public, especially parents of the remaining four victims, that we would explore every available strategy to ensure they are released unhurt and reunited with their families.


“Management also appreciates the overwhelming support from the Army in its concerted efforts towards securing the release of the victims. The Scheme will always remain resolute in its statutory responsibility of fostering national unity and integration.”

Tinubu, NUPENG, others mourn as Kokori dies at 80.

Tinubu, NUPENG, others mourn as Kokori dies at 80.




President Bola Tinubu on Thursday mourned the passing of former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Frank Kokori, whom he described as a thoroughbred activist and an exemplary comrade.


The late elder statesman, who passed away at about 1:30 am Thursday, was a foremost figure in the June 12 struggle. He was aged 80.

It was gathered that Kokori had been in a private hospital in Warri, Delta State, undergoing treatment for a kidney-related ailment.

 Also, the family, in a statement on Thursday, formally announced the death of the late labour leader in a statement issued by Kive Kokori, one of his children.

 “The children and grandchildren regret to announce the passing of their daddy, Chief Frank Kokori, who died at around 1:30 am on December 7th, a day that also doubles as his birthday.

“Chief Frank Kokori was 80 years old.

“Chief Frank Kokori was one of the arrowheads of the June 12 struggle and the enthronement of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. He was a labour leader per excellence, chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and an elder statesman. His love for Nigeria was unparalleled,” the family said.

Reacting to the news, President Tinubu condoled with the Kokori family, the civil society, the government, and the people of Delta state over the deeply painful loss.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President described the former labour leader “as a man of conscience; highly principled, courageous, and true.”

In the statement titled ‘President Tinubu mourns hero of June 12 struggle, Frank Kokori,’ Tinubu said, “Frank Kokori was a thoroughbred democrat and activist. He fought for democracy at a great personal cost.

“He surrendered his liberty to fight for truth and justice. He was the finest among reformers and champions of civil rights in Nigeria.

“He was a brother in the June 12 struggle. He was uncompromising, unbending, and irrepressible. He was an exemplary comrade.”

Tinubu prayed for the repose of Kokori’s soul and encouraged those he left behind to take comfort in his peerless legacy.

Also, NUPENG said Kokori was a beacon of democratic struggles in Nigeria and he remained an advocate of democracy throughout his life.

President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, said on Thursday in Lagos that Kokori would be missed greatly by the labour and pro-democracy movements.

He said, “He stood firm and continued to speak for the downtrodden until his last breath on earth. We wish he lived longer. It is a sad day for us in NUPENG and will continue to celebrate him.

Akporeha said, Kokori “spent a life of “Sacrifice” to struggles for emancipation of the working class globally and enthronement of democratic rule in Nigeria,”.

According to him, Kokori spent years in prison and was severely brutalised in his struggles for not only the trade unions but also against military rule in Nigeria.

He said the late unionist spent the later years of his life nursing some of the vicious wounds inflicted on him in the course of those struggles.

Also, the President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, and Deputy President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria; Tommy Okon, said Kokori’s death was very painful.

“The trade union movement will miss him seriously, but his contributions to the growth and development of the trade union movement in the country can never be forgotten.

“Let me use this medium to extend my condolences to the family and the trade union movement, in particular the NUPENG family, for the loss.

“Also, I pray for the repose of the soul of the erstwhile General Secretary of NUPENG, Chief Frank Kokori; may his soul rest peacefully,“ Okon said.

Also, Programme Manager, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Mr Okeke Anya, described Kokori’s death as a very sad one.

“Chief Frank Kokori was not only a great labour leader, but also a great patriot, who fought for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

“We console the family and pray that his soul rests with the Almighty, “ Anya said.

The Delta State Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Kenneth Gbagi, described Kokori’s transition as “a great loss to the Urhobo nation”.

Gbagi, in a condolence message, said Kokori’s transition had come at a time Nigeria, Delta and the Urhobo nation needed him most, particularly at a time when we are supposed to mark his birth anniversary”.

Also, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, described the late Kokori as “an iconic labour leader, a staunch progressive politician, and a fearless defender of democracy”.

“He was a compassionate and determined administrator, a peacemaker and bridge builder who stepped in and led a section of the oil sector at a very difficult time in the history of the country.

Former Deputy President of the Senate and governorship candidate of the APC in Delta State, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, in a tribute, eulogized Kokori as an advocate for the people and accountable governance.

“He deliberately put his life on the line when he mobilized workers in the oil industry to fight the Abacha repressive regime. They could not buy him over, they could not handle him and it required the use of undercover state operatives to render and detain him.

“It cannot be faulted to say that he is one of the main pillars of the birth of democratic rule in May 1999. Chief Kokori epitomised the virtues of the advocacy of father of labour activism in Nigeria, the late Pa Michael Imodu, who used the platform to fight irresponsible and dictatorial tendencies in government,” Omo-Agege stated.

IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.

IDPWD: Humanitarian Affairs Minister Calls for Establishment, Domestication & Implementation of States Disability Commission, Laws Across Nigeria.        ......Presents thousands of Assistive Devices To People with Disability across the country.

Nigeria's Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu has called on state governments and state Houses of Assembly to establish and domesticate and fully implement disability laws across the country. 


The Minister made the call Wednesday when she declared open the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the Sheu Yaradua Centre, Abuja.

She also called for significant improvement on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria, saying under the Renewed Hope Agenda, there is no segregation.


According to Dr Edu, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already directed that 10% of all the intervention programmes of the Ministry be given to the PWDs, pointing out that the president runs an inclusive administration. 

"President Tinubu is prepared and committed to doing everything possible to see that PWDs take centre stage in our country's development. 


"Hence he began by signing the African Charter for Persons with Disability, which ensures that your rights have been protected. We are celebrating today five years of having a law in Nigeria that protects you. 


"I want to use this medium to call on our state governments to establish, and for those who have established already, to domesticate persons with disabilities law and Commissions across the country", 


Dr Edu said “Doing this will give PWDs equal rights and voices as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will enable us to have seamless programmes that can get to the grassroots in all the 774 Local Government Areas of Nigeria. 


"We have the president's backing, we must protect the persons with disability so we are calling strongly for the creation of all the accessibility mediums for persons with disability in all Public and Private buildings in the country.


On the need to improve the budget of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Minister said: "The budget allocation to the Disability Commission needs significant improvement from the 2024 budget moving forward.


"On behalf of 35.5 million Nigeria who fall within the PWDs category, we are pleading with the very dynamic and uncommon leadership we have at the National Assembly to please improve on the budget for the Commission for Disabled Persons in Nigeria. We plead with NASS members to channel some of their constituency projects to persons with Disability.


Dr Edu, at the event, made a symbolic presentation and distribution of thousands of assistive devices to people with disabilities which will be shared across the country, to states and LGAs assuring them of President Tinubu's solidarity. 


Some of the devices include Orbit readers, collapsible guide claim, iPhone Pro Max with optical characters, typewriters jaw screen readers, laptops with jaws, the talking watch, digital magnifiers, low vision lamps, the charisma share water, the beauty blocks for CWA, the talking toys for CWA, the doorbell for the deaf, the speech to text for the deaf, the alerting devices, the digital hearing aids, the HP laptops, sewing machines, hairdryers, air cleaners, motorised wheelchairs of different types clutches among others.  


Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu commended President Tinubu for giving them Dr Edu as Minister supervising the commission. 


Lalu who described the Minister as the ambassador of the disability community, lauded her for providing innovative and dynamic leadership in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. 

"President Tinubu has given us a BETTA HAND”


"She takes this Commission as a priority in the Ministry and we are very grateful", Lalu said.


The minister Dr Edu Launched the Gazetted and simplified copy of the the Disability regulation Law and regulations for implementation, after which she alongside other dignitaries inspected the exhibition stands showcasing items manufactured by People with Disability 


Also at the event were Senator Osita Izunaso who is representing the Imo West Senatorial district and Chairman, of the House of Representatives Committee on Persons with Disabilities, Dr Basheer Dauda, SA to President on Disability as well as development partners who have been working with the Commission.

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)