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Reps urge swift rescue of kidnapped medical students

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Reps urge swift rescue of kidnapped medical students

The House of Representatives has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 20 medical students in Benue State, Nigeria, urging swift intervention from security agencies.

According to reports, the abducted students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and eight from the University of Maiduguri, were kidnapped on Thursday, 15 August 2024, while travelling to a conference organised by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students in Enugu.

This incident has caused significant alarm and distress across the country.

The Nigerian Medical Association has voiced its deep concern for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals.

The NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, stated in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police that “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return. The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

Similarly, the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students stated: “As students, we are the future of Nigeria, and an attack on us is an attack on the very future of this great nation. Medical students are also crucial to the future of healthcare excellence, innovation, and compassion. Their education, safety, and well-being are vital to the progress and health of our society.”

In a statement on Saturday by the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Rotimi Akin, the Green Chamber aligned itself with the NMA and NANS in urgently calling on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to mobilise all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of these students.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dennis Idahosa, emphasised: “The safety of our medical students is paramount, and this incident is not just an attack on these young professionals but on the future of our healthcare system. We cannot afford to lose any more lives to the insecurity plaguing our country.”

He added: “No student should be fearful of going about their lawful duties in the country. We demand decisive action from our security agencies to bring these students home safely.”

The statement concluded: “The House remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance the security and safety of all Nigerians and will continue to monitor this situation closely. Our thoughts and prayers are with the abducted students and their families. We call for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safe return.”

Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials

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Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials

Recent allegations involving an Bashir Hadejia and several high-profile Nigerian government officials have sparked significant controversy.
Hadejia, a former aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, is alleged to be one of the sponsors of the #EndBadGovernance protests.
He was arrested on Monday, 5th August and has been accused of “treason and subversion against the state”.
Videos and photos that emerged since his arrest has linked Hadejia to high profile government officials.
Hadeija is alleged to be involved in serious transnational crimes and has been accused of spreading misleading information.
His arrest has elicited reactions from various quarters, following reports that during interrogation by the Force Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force, the suspect mentioned the names of top government officials.
Sources however said contrary to allegations, he never mentioned the name of the Minister of State for Defence, Matawalle.
However, sources also disclosed that some politicians are working assiduously to establish a nexus between the suspect and the minister of state for defence to achieve a set motive.
Matawalle has publicly denied the allegations, emphasising commitment to national security and public service.
The sources have raised concerns that the claims may serve as a diversion from the core issues under investigation and have advised the public to cautiously approach the allegations as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, some ethnic nationalities, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF), Northern Awareness Network (NAN) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), in a statement, lauded Hadejia’s arrest.
The statement issued by President General of AYCF Yerima Shettima, Chairman of NAN, Salifu Suleiman, and the leader of the YYC, Comrade Eric Oluwole, said Hadejia’s arrest was due to the efforts of the country’s security network being coordinated jointly by the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, the Armed Forces, Police and other security agencies.
Parts of the statement read, “The confession of Bashir Hadejiya has unveiled a disturbing nexus of criminality that transcends national boundaries, posing significant threats not only to Nigeria but to the broader West African region and beyond. His involvement in the gun-running trade and the smuggling of gold pilfered from the Central Bank of Libya underscores a perilous partnership with international criminal networks.
“These entities do not merely undermine our national integrity; they provide the very resources necessary for exacerbating terrorism and instability across West Africa—a situation that represents a severe affront to our sovereignty and a pronounced invasion of our peace.
“The tireless work and unwavering commitment of President Tinubu’s security team, specifically the resolute efforts of key figures such as NSA, Defence Ministers are quite commendable and essential in our collective fight against such security threats.
“To bolster our national security further, we advocate for empowering these defenders—providing them with the tools, resources, and authority necessary to navigate complex national security challenges. It is only through a well-resourced and supported security team that we can expect to confront the evolving threats that loom over our democracy, the statements added.
“While we commend the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for its efforts to protect the sovereignty of our Country we call on the Federal Government to provide the funds and materials needed for the security agencies to function optimally.”
Bashir Hadejia: Concerns rise over links to high-profile govt officials

NSIA, MedServe begin first phase of healthcare expansion programme

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NSIA, MedServe begin first phase of healthcare expansion programme

NSIA Advanced Medical Services Limited has inaugurated the first phase of its healthcare expansion programme to establish 23 diagnostic centres, three additional oncology centres, and seven catheterisation laboratories across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

The ceremony for the first phase of the MedServe healthcare expansion project which was held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi State was attended by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer NSIA, Aminu Umar-Sadiq and MD MedServe, Dr Tolulope Adewole alongside the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.

Others are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun; and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, as well as other senior government officials.

The first phase of the healthcare expansion project aims to establish diagnostics and oncology centres in 10 locations, including Bauchi, Enugu, Kaduna, Sokoto, Oyo, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Kwara, Plateau, and Yobe states respectively.

While speaking at the ceremony, Umar-Sadiq described the inauguration as the culmination of five years of resilience and hard work, underpinned by a vision to birth what was once deemed impossible.

“Over the ensuing five years, we have perfected the business model in terms of governance structure, pricing, recruitment and training of key personnel, and the patient experience.

“It is against this backdrop that MedServe is expanding from one to three oncology centres and two to 10 diagnostic centres. We have anchored this in Bauchi State, which will be one of the 10 centres in phase one of the healthcare expansion project.

“We commit to commissioning and operationalising these centres within 12 to 15 months”, Umar-Sadiq said.

In her remarks, Adewole re-affirmed MedServe’s commitment to optimise oncology care through the creation of three additional oncology centres, strategic collaboration with key stakeholders to deepen capacity and partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers to improve patient outcomes.

On his part, Pate lauded NSIA’s vision for the healthcare sector, stressing that the projects will be completed within 12 to 15 months, setting a new precedent for healthcare infrastructure investments in Nigeria.

“About 12 months from now, the centres will be ready to deliver qualitative service across Nigeria. This is the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria”, Pate said.

Also commenting, Edun said, “I have been impressed by the pace with which Medserve has mobilised original equipment manufacturers, service providers, technical partners, and other stakeholders to actualise the healthcare expansion program.”

Nigerian students should join protests like their Bangladeshi counterparts – Sowore

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Nigerian students should join protests like their Bangladeshi counterparts – Sowore

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, AAC, Omoyele Sowore, on Saturday charged Nigerian students to partake in the upcoming second leg of the #EndBadGovernance protest.
The second leg of the protest tagged ‘FearlessInOctober’ will hold in October across Nigeria.
Sowore gave the charge while comparing Nigerian students to their Bangladeshi counterparts who took part in a massive revolt against their leaders.
The activist cum politician said the revolt by Bangladeshi students led to he resignation of the country’s Prime Minister.
Sharing two pictures, Sowore said: “A Tale of Two Religious Countries – BANGLADESH and NIGERIA! The first photo shows Bangladeshi students embarking on a massive revolt against their leaders, which led the Prime Minister to resign and flee the country.
“The second photo is of students of the University of Ibadan in Nigeria during an “UPPER ROOM” religious event on August 16th, 2024.
“The Nigerian students shunned the nationwide #EndbadgovernanceInNigeria, while Bangladeshi students led their own version of #EndbadGovernance revolt.
“Nigerian students still got a chance to fully partake in #FearlessInOctober.”
The #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest which spanned for 10 days ended a few days ago.
Protesters had demanded a return to the fuel subsidy regime, release of Nnamdi Kanu, among others.
Nigerian students should join protests like their Bangladeshi counterparts – Sowore

Colleagues release names of abducted medical students

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Colleagues release names of abducted medical students

The Medical Students Association has released the names of the medical students who were abducted last Thursday.

The association’s General Secretary, University of Maiduguri Chapter, Abwa Lawrence, confirmed the list of the victims.

According to a telephone conversation with Lawrence on Saturday, eight of the students are from Maiduguri who joined their colleagues from the University of Jos in the ill-fated journey.

According to the list trending on social media and confirmed by the association’s general secretary, the names of the abducted medical students include; Okopi Peter (UNIJOS), Enger Benedicts (UNIJOS), Kwagbande Aondona Kingsley (UNIJOS), Boniface Okon (UNIMAID), Dondo Fabian, (UNIMAID) John Bitrus Naga (UNIMAID), and Fortune Chima Umeh (UNIMAID).

Others are; Godwin Gregory Tunda, (UNIMAID) Monica Ejembi Unijos, Ogbonna George Chukwuebuke, Paul Nyampa Zira, Lawrence Victory Adanugo, Boniface Tishe Unimaid and Gabriel Jita Iwev, (UNIMAID).

Also included are; Thomas Yahaya, (UNIMAID) Paul Shantone (UNIJOS), Victoria Cornelius, (UNIJOS) Pius Samson (UNIJOS), Okan Adara (UNIJOS) and Dr Luis Mmbanomyeukwu.

The medical students who were travelling for the Federation of Catholic  Medical and Dental Students Annual Convention in Enugu were kidnapped at Ojano, about 20 minutes away from Otukpo town.

The police in Benue State have stated that security operatives have been deployed to the area to rescue the abducted students.

Lawrence said that as of the time of this report, there was no update about the kidnapped medical students.

Gospel singer, Aduke Gold, for burial August 23

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Gospel singer, Aduke Gold, for burial August 23

The family of late gospel singer, Aduke Gold, has announced the schedule for her burial rites.

The schedule for her burial was as contained in an obituary banner sighted on Saturday, August 17, barely a week after the news of her death broke on August 13, 2024.

According to the event schedule, a candlelight service will take place on Wednesday, August 21, at Ayanleye Primary School Idiagbon Bus Stop, College Road, Ifako Ijaiye, Ogba, Lagos State by 6pm.

Also part of the event will be an artistes night on Thursday, August 22 at the same venue from 6pm to 6 am.

The lying in state/burial service will take place on Friday, August 23 at Lagos African Church Grammar School College Bus Stop, College Road, Ogba from 9am.

The gospel singer died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan after an illness that lasted for about two months.

Fellow gospel artist, Esther Igbekele, who on Tuesday posted a tribute on social media with the caption, “A general has fallen. RIP” had said, “Despite the competitive nature of the gospel music industry, Aduke Gold made a significant impact with her soul-lifting songs and unwavering dedication to her craft.

“Her talent and passion earned her a growing fanbase and increasing popularity, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by many.”

Imo: Internal Revenue Service seals 7 hotels, others over alleged tax evasion

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Imo: Internal Revenue Service seals 7 hotels, others over alleged tax evasion

The Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) has moved against hoteliers and other hospitality establishments in Owerri, the capital city, accusing them of deliberate evasion of taxes.
The agency described the act as economic sabotage.
The affected establishments include Lavianto Hotel, Titanic View Hotel and Suites Ltd, Heroes Luxury Apartment, Zoey International Hotel, Benconn Hotel, Hotel Ibis Royale, Hotel Arizona Ltd, and Zeeworld Hotel.
According to the IIRS, the defaulters failed to remit taxes in accordance with the tax laws, despite repeated warnings.
As a result of the development, the Debt Management and Enforcement Department of the IIRS sealed off the establishments.
Speaking on the development, the acting Chairman of the IRS, Remigius Justice Okoye said that it is the last option available for the agency having written to the establishments severally.
He said that the agency is determined and committed in ensuring full compliance with extant tax laws and urged all taxpayers in the state to remit their taxes promptly to avoid sanctions.
“The enforcement unit will continue the exercise until maximum tax compliance is achieved in Imo State. This is part of the State Government’s efforts to boost revenue generation and promote a culture of tax compliance.
“The IIRS has warned that any establishment found to be evading taxes will face severe sanctions, including sealing off and prosecution,” he said.
Okoye used the occasion to advise taxpayers to take prompt and regular payment of taxes very seriously to avoid any inconvenience.
He also assured the public that the revenue generated from taxes will be used to fund developmental projects and improve the standard of living in Imo State.
Imo: Internal Revenue Service seals 7 hotels, others over alleged tax evasion

FG unveils solar project in FCT community

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FG unveils solar project in FCT community

The Federal Government of Nigeria commissioned a 40kWp solar hybrid mini-grid in Rafinzurufi Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Saturday.

This initiative, executed through the Rural Electrification Agency under the Rural Electrification Fund’s Call 2 programme, aims to provide clean, affordable, and reliable electricity to underserved communities in Nigeria.

The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, represented by Special Adviser Michael Bawa, underscored the project’s potential to drive socioeconomic transformation in Rafinzurufi.

“Beyond the illumination of a vibrant community such as Rafinzurfi, there is no doubt that the men, women, and children in this community will now experience socioeconomic transformation like never before. Electricity is a catalyst, and access to sustainable electricity creates opportunities and possibilities for previously unconnected citizens.

“This is why the work being done in rural communities by the REA further shows that the Federal Government of Nigeria is keen on leaving no one behind in the delivery of its developmental programs,” she stated.

The Managing Director/CEO of the REA, Abba Aliyu represented by the Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund, Doris Uboh, reiterated the Agency’s dedication to electrifying rural areas.

“Today, as we officially commission this mini-grid, we are not merely ushering in brighter nights and productive days in this vibrant community. We are unlocking opportunities for all,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of reasonable tariffs for the sustainability of the solar power project in Rafinzurfi Community.

“Well, you know this is a lot of funds that have been sunk into this project, so you cannot expect it to be free. What you should expect is a reasonable tariff for the community to be able to afford it and gradually grow their business,” she stated.

According to the ED, providing absolutely free electricity would lead to the collapse of the project, as it would be unsustainable. Instead, the agency plans to establish a Rural Electrification Cooperative Society, comprising indigenes of the community, to oversee the project’s maintenance and ensure its longevity.

“If you give it for free, that means you want this place to collapse because you won’t be able to sustain it. And the sustainability plan, like we said earlier on, is to inaugurate a committee… that will be made up of indigents from this community. They will be trained on how to handle minor maintenance on the panels,” she explained.

The committee will serve as first responders to any issues arising from the project, reporting to the REA, the project developer, or the zonal coordinator’s office as needed.

“So we do have plans to make sure that this goes a long way. The batteries of this project, the panels… we have plans in place to ensure the project’s sustainability,” the ED added

Highlighting the transformative impact of the project, CEO of NAYO Tropical Technology Limited, Anayo Okenwa pointed out how the initiative has curbed rural-urban migration.

“This project has reversed rural-urban migration. The community is expanding, and we can see the kind of development electricity brings. We look forward to the expansion of the project. We want to thank the Rural Electrification Agency for their support to us and the development of electricity projects across the country,” Okenwa remarked.

The Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Abubakar Giri, represented by Muhammad Ibrahim Gasheda, extended his gratitude to the residents of Rafinzurufi for their cooperation during the project’s implementation.

“To the people of Rafinzurufi, I say congratulations. I appreciate your support and cooperation during the implementation of this project in this community. It is my prayer that it will help increase and bring more investors to this community,” he said.

The community leader, Etsu of Rafinzurufi, Yunusa Musa, expressed his satisfaction with the project, acknowledging the Federal Government’s commitment to rural development.

“This project has now made us believe in the promises of the Federal Government. Indeed, this is a sign that the Government has not forgotten the rural people of this country,” the Etsu stated.

The community also pledged their support to secure the facility.

“Already the plan is that we will have the vigilantes who are protecting the solar house. Nothing will happen to it. Because day and night they are watching it.” the leader said.

Afenifere lauds Ekiti gov’s efforts in economic, agricultural growth

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Afenifere lauds Ekiti gov’s efforts in economic, agricultural growth

The Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere, has praised the various economic and agricultural programmes of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji.

According to Afenifere, the programmes are helping to address the development needs of the state.

Afenifere Chairman in Ekiti State, Yemi Alade, said the government’s various agricultural interventions were impactful and capable of yielding the desired results in tackling poverty and hunger in the state.

Alade, represented by Afenifere Deputy State Chairman, Bayo Idowu, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Friday after the group’s assessment tour of projects and facilities in the state capital and neighbouring communities.

He praised Oyebanji’s efforts in road construction, housing, security, health interventions, and education, among others, and advised the governor not to rest on his laurels, as more could still be done.

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Reps panel laments decayed infrastructure, land encroachment in tertiary institutions

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Reps panel laments decayed infrastructure, land encroachment in tertiary institutions

The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has expressed concern over dilapidated infrastructure and land encroachment at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, and other universities in the South-East Geo-political Zone.
In his remarks following an oversight visit to Federal Universities in the South-East region, Abubakar Hassan Fulata, Chairman, House Committee on University Education, appealed to older universities to make concerted efforts to renovate and maintain the structures on ground instead of building new ones while the available facilities are left to decay.
Fulata noted that most of the universities his committee visited did not comply with federal character principles and also spend internally generated revenue without the approval of the National Assembly, which he considers as gross violation of the Constitution.
He said the fact that a university is located in a certain location in the state does not mean a certain ethnic group or people from that location should dominate without recourse to federal character principles.
The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Professor Nnenna Nnannaya Oti in her submission lamented over the encroachment of the land belonging to the institution by the host community.
She said non-availability of perimeter fence is one of the factors that resulted to the land encroachment and sought the assistance of the committee to address the challenge.
In the same vein, the Vice Chancellor, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Owerri, Prof. Stella Lemchi said the school was recently upgraded from Federal College of Education to university.
She said Infrastructure remains one of the major challenges as the school needs expansion in areas of structures for various faculties and departments.
Similarly, the acting Executive Director, National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba, Prof. C.I. Ugwu told the committee that despite vast land allocated for the school, only little portion has been utulised due to lack of fund.
Prof. Ugwu noted that despite previous efforts, there has not been assistance from Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFUND). He appealed to to the committee and TETFUND for an intervention.
The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh in his contribution said the oversight visit should not in any be viewed as witch-hunting as it is inline with the provision of the constitution.
He said the oversight visit enables the lawmakers who are saddled with the responsibility of appropriation to also check whether what has been appropriated is properly utulised.
Hon. Ilyasu Aliyu, a member of the committee, said while there are several needs to be attended to, the resources available are limited hence the need for effective utilisation of the appropriated fund.
Reps panel laments decayed infrastructure, land encroachment in tertiary institutions

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