Saturday, October 18, 2025
Home Blog Page 58

Wike Mourns Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, Hails His Legacy in Nigeria’s Development

Toyin Adebayo
-
0
Wike Mourns Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni, Hails His Legacy in Nigeria’s Development

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, one of his predecessors, describing the loss as “the fall of one of the biggest trees in Nigeria’s forest.”

In a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Wike extolled the late Army General’s outstanding contributions to the development of the FCT during his tenure as Minister from 1993 to 1998.

Wike said “From joining the Army at the age of 14, to becoming the Military Governor of the defunct Bendel State, Minister of Transport, Quarter-Master General of the Nigeria Army, FCT Minister and Senator for the Plateau South of Plateau State, Lt. General Jeremiah Timbut Useni, can be said to be among those Nigerians who saw it all and lived a life of service to the country.

“He was a jolly good fellow, fondly called ‘Jerry Boy,’ who took service to the people as his number one priority.

“Nigerians, especially the Tarok people of Plateau State will never forget the late General for epitomising great virtues.

“He will be sorely missed by the entire people of Plateau State, Nigerian Armed Forces and Nigerians in general.

“On behalf of myself and residents of the FCT, I mourn the departure of General Jeremiah Timbut Oseni, a great man, a Patriot, a fine military officer, a Politician, a Peacemaker and a man of faith in the Almighty God.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

NELFUND Disburses N116bn in Education Loans, Projects Over N1tn in 2025

Saladin Babagana
-
0
NELFUND Disburses N116bn in Education Loans, Projects Over N1tn in 2025

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has disclosed that it disbursed N116.18 billion in education loans to 176,252 beneficiaries, including 108,484 students who received N8.5 billion for upkeep.

Speaking to the National Assembly Joint Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyer, highlighted the growing demand for educational loans, with 457,621 new students already registered, and 352,796 actively applying.

“The total loans given, both institutional and upkeep, amount to 680,658, with a committed sum of N116,184,265,261. Of this, over N37 billion went to institutional loans, while N78 billion was disbursed for upkeep,” Sawyer revealed.

Projections for 2025

Sawyer projected a sharp rise in loan applications in 2025, estimating that 1.8 million students—75% of the 2.5 million in NELFUND’s database—will apply for loans totaling over N1 trillion. The overall expenditure for 2025, including loans and training programs, is expected to approach N2.5 trillion.

Empowering Youths Through Skills Training

In addition to loans, NELFUND plans to implement skills acquisition programs, taking training directly to communities to ensure broader participation. “We aim to train over 25,000 youths in 2025, growing that number annually. Each trainee will receive a loan of N1.5 million, covering four batches of 6,250 trainees each,” Sawyer explained.

The training will span six months per batch, followed by a six-month moratorium before loan repayments commence. This initiative will cost N9 billion per batch, totaling N36 billion annually.

Budget Allocation and Support Request

For 2025, NELFUND’s budget includes N12 billion for personnel costs (21%), N24 billion for overhead (42%), and N21 billion for capital expenses (37%). Sawyer called on lawmakers to support the agency in conducting roadshows and community engagement to promote the loan program and skills training opportunities.

“We need to take this initiative to the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. Lawmakers are closest to the people, and we seek their collaboration to help spread the word and gather communities for awareness programs,” he said.

Driving Accessibility and Economic Growth

Sawyer emphasized that the agency’s efforts aim to bridge education funding gaps, empower Nigerian youths with skills, and stimulate economic development. “This program is more than loans; it’s about creating opportunities and ensuring the next generation is equipped for the future,” he concluded.

NELFUND’s ambitious plans signal a commitment to addressing education and skills development challenges in Nigeria, with significant implications for the country’s socioeconomic growth.

Transportation Minister Assures Support for New NRC MD, Dr. Kayode Opeifa

Roland Edet
-
0
Transportation Minister Assures Support for New NRC MD, Dr. Kayode Opeifa

The Minister of Transportation, Senator Said Ahmed Alkali, has pledged his ministry’s full support to the newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

This assurance was given on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, when Dr. Opeifa officially assumed office at the Ministry of Transportation. In a statement by Umar Alkali Jibril, Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Alkali lauded President Tinubu’s choice of Opeifa, describing him as a seasoned administrator with a proven track record.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made a right choice by appointing Dr. Kayode Opeifa, whose wealth of experience as a former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation and former Transport Secretary for the Federal Capital Territory will be invaluable to the rail sector,” Alkali said.

Vision for Railway Modernization

The Minister urged Opeifa to leverage his expertise to drive the Federal Government’s railway modernization projects, a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda. “Your leadership will be instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s rail transport system and delivering on our transportation goals,” Alkali added.

Dr. Opeifa, who succeeds Mr. Ben Iloanusi as NRC Managing Director, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s transportation development. “I see my appointment as a rare privilege to work with Mr. President in transforming the rail transport system, which is listed as one of the eight priorities of this administration,” he said.

Commitment to Excellence

Opeifa assured that his tenure would focus on actualizing the government’s vision for a modern and efficient railway network across the country. “I am committed to delivering sound policies and programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation to improve the sector and make rail transportation a reliable option for Nigerians,” he stated.

Leadership Transition at the NRC

Dr. Opeifa’s appointment follows the retirement of Engineer Fidet Okhiria, who served two consecutive terms as NRC Managing Director until October 18, 2024. Opeifa steps into the role with the mandate to further strengthen the railway sector, ensuring it contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth and mobility.

The appointment underscores the Tinubu administration’s focus on infrastructure development as a driver of national progress, with rail transportation playing a pivotal role in achieving sustainable economic transformation.

Minister of Power Clarifies N8 Billion Advocacy Budget, Targets Protection of Power Infrastructure

Uche Kingsley
-
0
Minister of Power Clarifies N8 Billion Advocacy Budget, Targets Protection of Power Infrastructure

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has debunked claims that the N8 billion allocated to the Ministry in the 2025 budget is for sensitizing Nigerians on electricity bill payments. Instead, he clarified that the funds are designated for advocacy, education, and technological initiatives to safeguard power infrastructure nationwide.

Speaking through a statement by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister emphasized that the advocacy campaign aims to address vandalism, sabotage, and community engagement to protect critical power assets.

“Far from the claims, the Ministry does not need to advocate for electricity payment; that is the responsibility of the DISCOs. This budget is for sensitizing Nigerians on protecting and taking ownership of power infrastructure and addressing the alarming rate of vandalism,” Adelabu stated.

Rising Acts of Vandalism

The Minister highlighted the destructive impact of sabotage on the power sector, citing recent incidents where vandals used dynamites to destroy transmission towers on the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, plunging parts of northern Nigeria into darkness.

“It costs the Transmission Company of Nigeria over N9 billion to repair the damage caused by these vandals. Just last weekend, half of Abuja was thrown into darkness due to underground cable vandalism. This advocacy is crucial to

Tinubu Approves N50 Billion Water Project for Satellite Towns, Kuje to Benefit

Toyin Adebayo
-
0
Tinubu Approves N50 Billion Water Project for Satellite Towns, Kuje to Benefit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and improved living standards, announcing a N50 billion water project for satellite towns, with Kuje Area Council as a key beneficiary.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the commissioning of the asphalt carriageway from Garage Junction to the LEA Secretariat in Kuje.

“This year, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved N50 billion in the budget to provide water to satellite towns, and Kuje Area Council is a key beneficiary,” Wike announced. “This demonstrates a government that understands and prioritizes the needs of its people.”

Progress on Kuje Road Project

Wike also addressed the ongoing Kuje road project, originally awarded under the previous administration for N59 billion but stalled until recently. “The President directed that whatever needs to be done to complete the project must be done. Contractors are now back on-site, and soon, residents will no longer need to leave Kuje to access essential facilities,” Wike said.

The Minister revealed plans to extend the road project beyond its current endpoint to Opakuk, with the extension included in the statutory budget presented to the National Assembly.

Community-Centered Governance

Wike highlighted the unique approach of the Tinubu administration in engaging communities directly. “This government sits with you, asks what you want, and ensures it is done. This is governance that communicates with and delivers for the people,” he stated.

He commended the leadership of Kuje Area Council for their dedication to community development. “Your chairman has done well, and with your continued cooperation, more projects and development will come to Kuje,” Wike said.

Call for Unity

Urging residents to support government initiatives regardless of political affiliations, Wike emphasized that governance is about improving lives. “This is about the people, not parties. Together, we can achieve even more,” he concluded.

The announcement underscores the administration’s focus on impactful projects that address core community needs and its commitment to fulfilling promises made under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Southwest Governors Criticized Over Lack of Collaboration on Security Amid Bandit Influx

Udehi Alambo
-
0
Southwest Governors Criticized Over Lack of Collaboration on Security Amid Bandit Influx

Amid concerns about the influx of bandits and terrorists from the North into the Southwest, Yoruba leader and Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, along with key security groups, have criticized Southwest governors for failing to collaborate on strengthening regional security.

Adams, speaking through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, expressed frustration over the governors’ lack of response to repeated calls for partnership to curb insecurity. “Yorubaland will be too hot for terrorists and ISWAP members. Our security groups, including the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) and the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group (SSSG), are ready to flush out these criminals,” he said.

Security Groups Call for Collaboration

The OPC Deputy Coordinator in Ogun State, Alao Olusola, revealed that letters sent to governors and traditional rulers seeking approval to support security efforts have gone unanswered. “We are ready to flush out all criminal elements if the governments in the region give us the go-ahead,” Olusola said.

Similarly, the Coordinator of OPC in Osun State, Mr. Adeyemi Aboderin, stated that while they have been instructed by Gani Adams to remain vigilant, the state government is yet to engage them for collaboration. “We have 36,000 members spread across the 30 local government areas of the state, ready to contribute to ensuring safety,” Aboderin noted.

Amotekun Steps Up Efforts

Meanwhile, the Southwest Security Network, known as Amotekun, has intensified its operations, with the Ondo State Command arresting 21 suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping and violations of anti-open grazing laws.

Adetunji Adeleye, Chairman of the South West Amotekun Commanders, emphasized their readiness to protect the region. “The Southwest is not a safe haven for criminals. We are on top of the situation and determined to flush out those who have infiltrated our region,” he stated.

Adeleye disclosed that Amotekun foiled 15 kidnapping attempts within a month and assured residents that security breaches at the borders have reduced due to heightened vigilance.

Governors Urged to Take Action

While some governors, such as Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, have supported security groups with operational tools, stakeholders like the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) believe more collaboration is needed.

“The governors cannot tackle this menace alone. We are closer to the grassroots and can play a critical role in securing our forests and border towns,” said NFSS Media Officer Bayo Adediran.

Conclusion

With rising threats in the Southwest, stakeholders have urged governors to engage regional security groups proactively to safeguard lives and property. The call for collaboration underscores the urgent need for a unified approach to counter the infiltration of bandits and terrorists in the region.

NNPCL Uncovers 179 Oil Theft Incidents in One Week Across Niger Delta

Uche Kingsley
-
0
NNPCL Uncovers 179 Oil Theft Incidents in One Week Across Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reported uncovering 179 incidents of crude oil theft between January 11 and 17, 2025, as part of its ongoing war against oil theft and vandalism.

A video released by the NNPCL revealed that the discoveries were made in collaboration with the Command and Control Centre, Tantita Security Agency, and other industry stakeholders, including government security agencies.

Details of the Operations

During the week, security forces uncovered 29 illegal pipeline connections and 55 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta region. Several hidden storage sites used for illegal petroleum activities were also exposed and destroyed in Rivers and Abia States.

“Security operatives dismantled illegal refineries producing black-market petroleum products and repaired vandalized pipelines to mitigate further environmental damage,” the NNPCL stated.

The incidents were recorded across the Central, Eastern, Western, and Deep Blue Water corridors, with the Central Corridor accounting for 90 incidents, followed by the Eastern Corridor with 70, the Western Corridor with five, and 14 in Deep Blue Water.

Arrests and Confiscations

Security teams intercepted vehicles and wooden fibre boats transporting stolen crude oil in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Abia States. In total, 30 suspects were apprehended and handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.

Environmental Impact and Challenges

The week also saw several oil spills caused by acts of sabotage, including vandalized condensate pipelines and damaged wellheads in Rivers State. The NNPCL confirmed that efforts are ongoing to repair affected facilities and prevent further environmental damage.

Commitment to Eradicating Oil Theft

The NNPCL reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating oil theft, which has long hindered Nigeria’s ability to meet its annual oil production targets. “Our resolve remains unshaken, and the fight against crude oil theft will continue until the menace is eradicated,” the company stated.

Reports show that 128 illegal refineries were uncovered in the first two weeks of January, highlighting the scale of the challenge.

The crackdown on oil theft is a critical step in securing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon infrastructure and ensuring the nation achieves its production targets and revenue projections.

Nigeria’s Debt Servicing Hits N3.57tn in Q3 2024 Amid Rising Costs, Weak Revenue

Olajumoke Sanusi
-
0
Nigeria’s Debt Servicing Hits N3.57tn in Q3 2024 Amid Rising Costs, Weak Revenue

Nigeria’s total debt servicing costs surged to an estimated N3.57 trillion in the third quarter of 2024, reflecting the twin pressures of increased external debt obligations and a depreciating naira. This marks a 1.71% rise from the N3.51 trillion recorded in the preceding quarter, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).

Rising External Debt Servicing

External debt servicing costs stood at $1.34 billion in Q3, translating to N2.14 trillion at an exchange rate of N1,601.03/$ as of September 2024. This represents a 29.7% increase in naira terms compared to the N1.65 trillion spent in Q2, largely driven by naira depreciation and higher dollar obligations.

The bulk of external debt service payments went to multilateral creditors, totaling $712.66 million in Q3—an increase of 6.04% from $672.01 million in Q2. Payments to the International Monetary Fund rose slightly to $406.98 million. Meanwhile, bilateral debt servicing costs skyrocketed by 325.52%, driven primarily by a sharp rise in payments to China’s Exim Bank, which accounted for $182.04 million in Q3.

Commercial debt obligations, including Eurobonds, amounted to $438.68 million, with Eurobond interest payments alone reaching $427.72 million.

Domestic Debt Trends

Domestic debt servicing costs declined to N1.43 trillion in Q3 from N1.86 trillion in Q2, driven by a drop in Federal Government bond interest payments. Despite the decline, bonds accounted for 87.41% of domestic debt servicing, down from 90.32% in the previous quarter.

Interest payments on Nigerian Treasury Bills (NTBs), however, rose significantly by 56.8% to N168.53 billion in Q3, signaling increased reliance on short-term borrowing instruments

Nigeria Leads Fight Against Skin Bleaching Epidemic, Says Minister Salako

Mosali Edunosa
-
0
Nigeria Leads Fight Against Skin Bleaching Epidemic, Says Minister Salako

Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, has described the pervasive use of skin-bleaching products in Nigeria as a public health crisis, calling for stronger regulations and cultural reorientation to combat the practice.

Speaking at a high-level workshop in Libreville, Gabon, on January 22, 2025, Dr. Salako identified Nigeria as “the world capital of skin bleaching,” citing a World Health Organization (WHO) report that 77% of Nigerian women use skin-lightening products.

“Despite the well-documented harmful effects of these products, skin bleaching remains prevalent in Nigeria and across Africa, driven by societal pressures linking lighter skin to beauty, success, and social mobility,” Dr. Salako said.

Health Hazards of Skin Bleaching Products

Dr. Salako emphasized the severe health risks associated with these products, including skin damage, organ toxicity, and cancer. Hazardous substances such as mercury, hydroquinone, and heavy metals—commonly found in unregulated skin-lightening products—pose significant dangers.

“Mercury exposure can lead to renal and neurological damage, while hydroquinone has been linked to ochronosis, a bluish-black discoloration of the skin, and potential carcinogenic effects,” Dr. Salako warned.

Government Action and Regulatory Framework

Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s proactive measures, including the 2019 Cosmetics Products (Prohibition of Bleaching Agents) Regulations, which ban harmful ingredients and limit hydroquinone concentration to 2%.

He commended the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for ensuring cosmetic products meet safety standards through stringent testing and certification. “Through the Cosmetics Safety Management Programme, we’ve conducted public sensitization campaigns, market surveillance, and grassroots education to raise awareness and remove hazardous products from circulation,” he said.

Cultural and Behavioral Change

The Minister called for a cultural shift to dismantle harmful beauty standards. “We must revive the ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement to celebrate Afrocentric beauty and dispel the myth that fairer skin is better,” he stated.

Dr. Salako added that influencers, community leaders, and celebrities are being engaged to promote natural beauty and self-acceptance, with campaigns emphasizing that beauty is not tied to complexion.

Global and Regional Collaboration

Dr. Salako urged African nations to adopt national policies on cosmetics and enforce global conventions such as

Five Rivers Cultists Arrested for Killing Man, Collecting Ransom

Gladys Phillip
-
0
Five Rivers Cultists Arrested for Killing Man, Collecting Ransom

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected cultists for allegedly beating a 34-year-old man, Rowland Horsfall, to death after accusing him of generating a fake alert for hard drugs he purchased from them. The suspects, members of the dreaded Iceland cult group, collected ransom from the victim’s mother despite having already killed him.

According to the police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were arrested after the victim’s mother became suspicious and alerted the police. The suspects confessed to the crime, revealing that they had dumped the victim’s remains along Queens/Kings Bakery, Abuloma Road, Port Harcourt.

The arrested suspects include Endurance Friday Thompson, Boma Otonye, David Link Ishaku, Moses Nsikak Benjamin, and Emmanuel Aniete. The police have recovered the victim’s remains and deposited them at a morgue. The command has intensified its search for other fleeing suspects to bring them to justice.

The police warned young people to be cautious of the company they keep and the places they visit to avoid falling prey to criminal elements.

1...575859...377Page 58 of 377

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

ABOUT US

Newsfocus is your news, sports,politics, entertainment, music fashion website. We offer you the latest breaking news and videos straight from the sports and entertainment industry across the world.

Contact us: [email protected]

FOLLOW US

© 2020 Focus Media . All Rights Reserved