Ekiti State Government Boosts Higher Education with Subvention Increase.

Ekiti State Government Boosts Higher Education with Subvention Increase.

By Olamide Akinwumi. 

In a significant move to prioritize higher education and enhance the role of state-owned higher institutions, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has approved a substantial increase in the subvention allocated to these institutions. This strategic decision is aimed at reinforcing Ekiti's standing as the education capital of Nigeria.

The approved increases are as follows:

●Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH): Subvention raised from N261 million to N411 million.

●Ekiti State University (EKSU): Subvention increased from N260 million to N410 million.

●Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere - Ekiti (BOUESTI): Subvention raised from N175.8 million to N275.8 million.

●Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan: Subvention increased from N45 million to N95 million.

●Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology, Ijero: Subvention raised from N26 million to N76 million.

This results in a total monthly subvention increase from N767.8 million to N1.27 billion across all higher institutions in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, since his inauguration, has demonstrated commitment by approving the payment of one month of outstanding subvention to all tertiary institutions, a payment that has been duly disbursed. Furthermore, he has directed the extension of the Independent Power Plant (IPP) to both EKSU and EKSUTH, ensuring these institutions have access to 24-hour power supply.

These financial boosts, coupled with infrastructure improvements and governance interventions, signify the government's strategic efforts to position the state's higher institutions as exemplary and equipped to provide contemporary education for the evolving demands of the 21st century.

New York to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

New York to host 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The 2026 World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, organisers FIFA announced on Sunday.

The New York bid held off a strong challenge from Dallas to secure the July 19 game, the culmination of the expanded 48-team tournament being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The competition will kick-off with the opening game at Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11.

Atlanta and Dallas will host the semi-finals while the third-place game will take place in Miami.

The decisions were announced on a live television broadcast in North America which featured FIFA president Gianni Infantino alongside comedian and actor Kevin Hart, rapper Drake and celebrity Kim Kardashian.

The 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium, across the Hudson river in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the home of the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets but has held a number of international football games including the final of the 2016 Copa America tournament.

The New York bid had lobbied hard on the city’s experience at hosting major international events and it’s position as a global city with easy transportation connections for fans.

Dallas had hoped that AT&T Stadium, in Arlington, Texas, home to the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, would benefit from having a roof to protect the game from the elements.

Los Angeles had also thrown their hat into the ring but their attempt struggled amid disagreements with FIFA about tournament upgrades needed to their NFL venue, SoFi Stadium.

The Azteca will become the first stadium to host World Cup tournament games in three separate editions after 1970 and 1986.

The venue hosted the finals of the 1970 and 1986 tournaments.

The United States will kick off their group stage campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12 and will also play in Seattle.

Toronto was selected to host the first game for the Canadian team. Vancouver is the other Canadian venue which will host the team.

Police parade suspected killer of Ekiti monarchs.

Police parade suspected killer of Ekiti monarchs.

The Ekiti State Police Command, yesterday, paraded one Baboga Alhaji suspected for his alleged involvement in the killing of the two traditional rulers in Ikole area of the state last Monday.

Briefing journalists, the AIG in charge of Ekiti, Dare Ogundare, said the suspect was arrested in the forest between Ayedun and Ayebode by the combined efforts of police and other security agencies.

The AIG, who said no arrest was made during the rescue operation of the abducted school pupils and their teachers, added that some suspects had been arrested at Oke Osun, in Ikere Ekiti, Igbo Okah and Iju-Ikere boundary forest.

Ogundare denied payment of ransom to secure the release of the abducted victims, noting that that the Nigeria Police would never encourage ransom payment.

According to Ogundare, “In our bid to flush out criminal elements in the county following the killing of the two traditional rulers and abduction of pupils and teachers in the state, a combined team of the police, Amotekun and OPC embarked on a secret operation into the thick forest in Ikere.

“During the operation, five suspects were arrested and several dangerous weapons were recovered from them.

“The team further extended their operation through Emure-ekiti Forrest where eight other suspects were apprehended.

“During interrogation, a suspect named Babooga Alhaji admitted that he took part in the assassination of the two traditional rulers. He is currently giving credible information that will lead to the arrest of other gang leaders.”

LASG rewards teachers, homes catering for PWDs.

LASG rewards teachers, homes catering for PWDs.

The Lagos State Government has recognised and rewarded teachers and homes catering for persons living with disabilities in the state.

The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, stated on Saturday during the International Disability Day celebration in Ikeja, that the recognised homes had catered for the needs of PWDs in the state thereby making them excel against all societal barriers.

Oyetunde-Lawal said the agency would be “recognising and appreciating homes, teachers, coaches, sign language interpreters, parents, and caregivers that have set exceptional standards in catering for the needs of persons with disabilities as well as individuals excelling against all barriers in the society.”

“It is pertinent to note that these groups of people that would be recognised today are groups that are passion-driven towards ensuring the promotion and improvement of PWDs. They provide adequate education, healthcare and assistance to them, thereby improving their self-worth in the society.

“To all the 70 homes, seven inclusive secondary schools, and 31 inclusive primary schools registered with the agency, I thank you for your contributions to the cause of persons with disability,” she added.

She further stated that the state government will create an enabling environment that will engender equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities in the state.

“As a government, we will not rest on our laurels until the mandate of the agency to create an equal platform for persons with disabilities is achieved,” Oyetunde-Lawal said.

While calling on “critical stakeholders” to join hands to create equal opportunities for the PWDs in the state, the LASODA GM said, “Today, we will be distributing guide canes/ slates and stylus to students with visual impairment.”

First Lady Advocates Enhanced Care on World Cancer Day.

First Lady Advocates Enhanced Care on World Cancer Day.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady, has passionately called for improved care and support for individuals affected by cancer, emphasizing that no one should navigate the challenges of cancer alone. Her plea came on the occasion of World Cancer Day, marked globally to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Addressing the significance of this year's World Cancer Day theme, "Closing the Care Gap," Senator Tinubu stressed the need to intensify efforts in establishing essential infrastructure to address health challenges associated with cancer. She urged a collective commitment to providing better care for cancer patients and survivors.

In her personal message delivered in Abuja, Senator Tinubu stated, "No one should have to face the challenges of cancer alone." She encouraged empathy, care, love, and support for those affected by cancer while emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and advocating for improved service delivery.

The First Lady also called for the celebration of individuals who have overcome cancer, expressing her wishes for their continued well-being. She concluded her message with a blessing for all, saying, "God bless you. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria." The call for enhanced care on World Cancer Day aligns with a global initiative to bridge the care gap and foster a supportive environment for cancer patients and survivors.

Internal security: IG orders reactivation of Police Smart Force database system.

Internal security: IG orders reactivation of Police Smart Force database system.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun yesterday ordered the reactivation of Police Smart Force Database System as part of his digitisation drive for the Police Force to ensure that all officers have their details captured and stored for record purposes.

 Egbetokun said the move would also ease administrative bottlenecks, create ease in tracking postings/transfers, and issue Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards for personnel identification.

The main objective of the database, according to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), “is to tremendously enhance the competence and effective service delivery in all areas of policing, most especially in the smooth administrative management of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole”.

The statement added: “The system, which is integrated with modern technology and state of the art appliances, will reduce reliance on manual and burdensome traditional administrative methods, thereby ensuring an effective management of the workforce of force.”

Reiterating his vision for a police force driven by the integration of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI), Egbetokun ordered immediate commencement of the digitisation process across all commands and formations of the force for timeous upgrade and operation of the system and charges all officers to enrol for the process at their various commands formations across the country.

Also, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Police Service Commission (PSC), Dr. Adaora Ifeoma Anyanwutaku, has retired.

She took a bow from the public service at a colourful ceremony held at the corporate headquarters of the commission in Jabi, Abuja.

The former permanent secretary clocked 60 years on January 3.

At the valedictory ceremony, where Dr. Anyanwutaku handed over to PSC’s Director in the Department of Police Investigation, Aminu Malumfashi, the former secretary expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity given her to serve her fatherland.

A statement yesterday in Abuja by the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said she also thanked the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation for finding her worthy for recommendation to serve in the nation’s highest bureaucracy as a Permanent Secretary.

She extended her sincere gratitude to the Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police (IGP), for the support and direction he gave her while in the commission.

Dr. Anyanwutaku said she was leaving the service fulfilled and thanked God for the good health and grace she enjoyed throughout her public service career.

The former secretary commended the workers of the commission for their love and support, pleading that they extend it to the next Permanent Secretary that will be posted to the commission.

“I am grateful for the great support from the honourable chairman, commissioners of the commission, directors, and the workers.

“Their support tremendously helped me to navigate and deliver on our mandate. I also appreciate the support of the critical stakeholders of the commission, especially the Nigeria Police Force, which provided me with the wings to fly,” Dr. Anyanwutaku said.

After receiving the instrument of office, Malumfashi thanked God for a glorious end of career for the outgoing permanent secretary.

He prayed God will continue to be with her and open other doors for her in future.

Dr. Arase wished Dr. Anyanwutaku a rewarding retirement from the public service.

Lagos State Govt empowers 250 indigent residents.

Lagos State Govt empowers 250 indigent residents.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, has taken 250 residents through a four-week short-term skills acquisition programme to empower them economically.

The ministry, in a statement on Sunday, said the empowerment programme was a strategic initiative to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of women, girls and youths.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony for participants, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Cecilia Dada, stated that the programme, which was held at Ojo Square in the Somolu Local Government Area of the state, was a collaborative effort with the Lagos State Health Management Authority.

She said, “The focus of the programme is to uplift the lives of indigents, vulnerable and internally displaced persons, as well as people with disabilities, across various communities of Lagos State with ready to go skills in meeting their various economic demands and challenges.”

Dada explained that the first phase of the 2024 training ran simultaneously across five centres in the state.

“The state government is ready to address factors militating against women and youths from attaining their full potential, like illiteracy, joblessness, teenage pregnancies and cultural issues, among others and give the necessary support to residents, irrespective of their positions in the state, through skills such as events decoration and flower arrangement.

Others are fabric stoning, tie and dye, catering, soap, pomade and insecticide production, hair braiding and wig making, throw pillows, and duvet making, among others.”

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Authority, Dr Emmanuella Zamba, who was represented by Mr Olatunji Rotimi, the Head, Business unit, LASHMA, commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support for the programme in line with his T.H.E M.E.S Plus Agenda.