The Federal House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport has initiated an investigation into the frequent vandalization of railway tracks and other assets belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) nationwide.

During the investigative hearing, the Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Blessing Onuh, stated that the probe was prompted by reports of alleged theft of NRC assets across the country. The recent incident involving the movement of coaches from Maiduguri to Jos, which raised suspicions, served as a catalyst for the inquiry.

Concerns have been raised by Nigerians regarding the condition of NRC assets, particularly the safety of railway tracks amidst reports of vandalism of track sleepers in various parts of the country.

Reports surfaced last October when train coaches, loaded on special trucks, were intercepted by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) while being transported out of Maiduguri.

Addressing the Committee, the Managing Director of NRC, Freeborn Okhiria, clarified that the Maiduguri incident resulted from a communication gap, leading to allegations and the temporary detention of NRC officials by security agencies. However, the issue was later resolved.

Okhiria explained that the movement of coaches is a routine procedure to relocate them to areas where they are needed. The coaches in Maiduguri were en route to NRC’s workshop in Jos when intercepted.

The NRC chief informed lawmakers that, besides the three trucks apprehended, there are additional trucks located at various points awaiting transfer to NRC custody once investigations by NSCDC and other security agencies are concluded.

Furthermore, Okhiria revealed that the Minister of Transport, Saidu Alkali, has constituted a committee tasked with assessing the volume and value of NRC assets nationwide.

In response, the Committee Chairman directed the Corporation to furnish the panel with all relevant documents pertaining to its activities, ensuring a comprehensive investigation

The Kebbi State Government, through the Ministry for Religious Affairs and its Hisbah unit, has confirmed the stabilization of no fewer than 23,542 individuals with mental retardation and other brain anomalies.

Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Arch Muhammad Sani Aliyu, made this revelation during the weekly press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture in Birnin Kebbi.

Aliyu emphasized that the treatment provided is inclusive and continuous, with patients from other states and neighboring countries also benefiting from the health outreach program. The services, which are offered free of charge, encompass conditions such as leprosy, epilepsy, and various mental disorders.

In a concerted effort to address the challenge of street begging and underage almajiri syndrome, the state government is conducting a demographic survey of almajiri schools. This initiative aims to identify the ages, origins, and living conditions of the almajiris’ parents to facilitate strict measures against defaulters. Such measures may include seeking legislation to ban underage begging and holding parents accountable for sending almajiris to local malams without providing for their basic needs.

Highlighting the multifaceted approach of the ministry, Commissioner Sani noted that Hisbah also played a role in facilitating a detribalized mass wedding. This event saw 600 couples, including divorcées, widows, and spinsters from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds, join in matrimony. Notably, some Christian couples from Zuru emirate were among the beneficiaries of this initiative.

The efforts of the Kebbi State Government underscore its commitment to holistic healthcare provision and social welfare, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to lead dignified and fulfilling lives.

The federal government has reaffirmed its stance on not paying ransom to secure the release of abducted individuals, including the recent case of the 287 school children kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reiterated the government’s policy of non-payment of ransom. He emphasized that this principle was upheld in the case of the Kuriga school children.

Idris expressed appreciation for the efforts of the security services in safely reuniting the abducted children with their families. He assured the public that the government is committed to bringing all perpetrators of such criminal acts to justice.

The release of the school children followed a combined effort of security personnel, prompting President Bola Tinubu to renew his commitment to protecting educational facilities from such incidents. He commended the diligence of the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and all security agents involved in the rescue operation.

Furthermore, Minister Idris provided insight into President Tinubu’s upcoming birthday celebration, revealing that the President has opted for a private affair without any formal ceremony. He emphasized the President’s directive to channel resources away from congratulatory gestures towards charity and social security programs for the benefit of Nigerians.

In addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, Minister Idris highlighted the establishment of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, approved by the Federal Executive Council. This fund, to be domiciled in the Presidency, aims to bridge the infrastructure deficit in the country, which requires substantial investment totaling $878 billion between 2016 and 2040.

The government, under President Tinubu’s leadership, remains committed to addressing Nigeria’s developmental needs and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Prof. Edward Olanipekun, has announced that several eminent Nigerians will be conferred with honorary doctoral degrees at the institution’s 28th Convocation ceremonies.

Addressing journalists at the Convocation Press Conference, Prof. Olanipekun listed the awardees as Pastor E.A Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God; Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, the first civilian governor of Ekiti State; former secretary of health, Prince Julius Adeluyi; and Princess Folorunsho Alakija.

He also revealed that the university will graduate 91 First Class graduates and numerous other second class graduates, highlighting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Notably, five Law graduates achieved First Class honors at the 2024 call to bar.

In addition to academic achievements, Prof. Olanipekun announced disciplinary actions against staff and students involved in misconduct. Nine staff members were dismissed, ten appointments were terminated, and five individuals were warned and pardoned. Furthermore, three staff members were suspended. Regarding students, twelve were expelled, thirty were suspended, six were warned, and seven were exonerated.

Highlighting the academic accomplishments of EKSU, Prof. Olanipekun stated that out of 10,894 graduates, 91 attained First Class degrees, including 73 Ph.D. graduates, 81 Masters graduates, and 1 Postgraduate Diploma recipient. Additionally, 58 new medical doctors were inducted into the profession by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria on February 8th.

Reflecting on his tenure, Prof. Olanipekun listed achievements such as the approval of 16 new academic programs, including BSc Mass Communication and BSc International Relations. He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for intervention funds from agencies like TETFund and NEEDS Assessment, which facilitated the completion of numerous projects on campus.

The Vice Chancellor commended the university’s ambassadors and educators for their contributions to EKSU’s success.

The Convocation ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 3rd and 4th of April 2024, marking a significant milestone for the institution.