Author: user user

The Aare Atunluse of Awori Kingdom and the Chairman, Mapcotec Nigeria Limited, Aare (Surveyor) Dr. Segun Osifeso, has said that the Federal Government’s recently approved Ijebu – Ode Inland Dry Port Project will advance the country’s Blue Economy and decongest seaports in the western corridor.

Aare Osifeso, who made these remarks at Ota, Ogun State during a chat with newsmen on Tuesday, noted that the project marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to expand trade infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency, and strengthen intermodal transportation networks across the country.

He described the project as a noble investment that will not only boost trade and logistics efficiency, but also support job creation and economic growth within Ogun State and beyond.

Aare Osifeso stressed that the port will significantly improve intermodal connectivity between road, rail, and water transport systems while easing pressure on Nigeria’s existing western seaports, adding that when completed, it will strengthen the Ijebu-Ode economic cluster and enhance trade competitiveness in the region.

The renowned Surveyor noted that the proposed Ijebu- Ode Inland Dry Port will serve as a key logistics hub, offering efficient cargo handling and customs clearance services for importers and exporters within southwestern Nigeria.

He commended the President Bola Tinubu’s administration for this laudable project, which he said will ultimately form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to promote regional trade, expand maritime infrastructure, and position Nigeria as a leading player in the global Blue Economy.

The community leader also appreciated the Ogun State Government for creating the much needed enabling environment for the project with its allocation of 130 hectares of land to the Federal Government for the construction of the port project, stressing that this underscores the State Government’s dedication to national development and infrastructure partnership.

Aare Osifeso, however, advised that with the transfer of rights, control and possession concluded, it will be in the interest of Nigerians that the Federal Government ensures the timely delivery of the project.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has frowned at what it describes as the Federal Government of Nigeria’s lack of regard for tertiary education, as reflected in the way it treats the welfare and conditions of service of intellectuals in public universities.

The ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan Chapter, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, stated this on Thursday while featuring on ‘Situation Room’, a radio programme in Ibadan, Oyo State.

However, the Union said it would not abandon the fight to secure decent welfare and conditions of service for its members, while also ensuring the Federal Government’s commitment to adequate funding for the revitalisation of public universities in the interest of the children of the masses.

ASUU had commenced a two-week warning strike on Monday to protest the failure of the Federal Government to sign the renegotiated draft agreement reached with the Yayale Ahmed Committee set up by the Tinubu-led administration to renegotiate with the Union.

The Committee, ASUU said, concluded its sittings over eight months ago.

Dr Afolabi noted that the Federal Government had taken ASUU for granted for over eight months, adding that the Union, though reluctant to embark on the warning strike, was compelled to do so by the Federal Government’s delay tactics and its disregard for the principle of collective bargaining.

The ASUU boss stated that the Union waited for eight months and organised protests to sensitise Nigerians on the need for the government to sign the draft renegotiated agreement with the committee headed by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, only for the government to set up a new committee to start the engagement afresh.

This, according to the Union, is a waste of time and resources, and an indication that ‘the government is only interested in wasting our time and not ready to resolve the welfare and conditions of service of lecturers.’

Dr Afolabi drew attention to the wave of resignations by high-profile professors in Nigeria’s public universities as they relocate abroad in search of greener pastures for themselves and their families.

Apart from professors’ resignations, Dr Afolabi lamented that young lecturers who were recently employed are also resigning, having been dismayed by the salaries and conditions of service when they were paid.

He said: ‘We don’t work in an ideal environment. How do you reward your intellectuals with so little and still expect them to be happy and continue to work?

‘Our strike is based on a lack of trust in this Federal Government because their approach is not different from previous ones.

‘You do not want to strike, but government policies disrupt the livelihoods and survival of lecturers amid galloping inflation. How can you not trust your own committees, yet set up another committee to review what the last committee did, and then establish another expanded committee to meet with the Union again?

‘Now the situation is terrible. Lecturers are finding it difficult to come to the office due to the high cost of transportation. Those who come cannot concentrate due to many unmet needs.

‘Now, professors are voluntarily resigning and relocating abroad, while first-class graduates do not even show interest in lecturing, let alone applying for the job.

‘These events have consequences for the future of university education in Nigeria.’

A Customs officer, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) Lawal Tukur, has been found dead in a hotel room in Katsina State, northwest Nigeria.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, October 15, at Murjani Hotel in Katsina metropolis, where the officer had lodged.

According to reports by counterinsurgency expert Zagazola Makama, hotel staff discovered the officer’s lifeless body in his room around 8:30 a.m. and immediately alerted the management and security operatives.

Sources at the hotel said some empty sachets of suspected substances were found in the wastebasket of the room.

Three women – Khadija Ali (34) of Dutsin Amare Quarters, Katsina; Aisha Lawal (30) of Ingawa Local Government Area; and Hafsat Yusuf (22) of Brigade Quarters, Kano – were said to have been at the hotel during the incident.

It was gathered that Khadija and Aisha spent the night with the deceased, while Hafsat visited them later and also lodged in the same hotel.

The body of the officer was reportedly taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Katsina, where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor and deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has been notified of the development, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of death.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has dissociated itself from the nationwide planned protest tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest’ scheduled for October 20.

The protest is organised by the rights activist, Omoyele Sowore.

The President of NANS, Comrade Olusola Oladoja, at a press conference in Ibadan on Thursday described as malicious and misleading that the body has concluded plans to participate in the protest.

‘We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that NANS is not, and will not be part of any protest organized or influenced by Omoyele Sowore or any other politically motivated group or individual.

‘The entire claim is false, mischievous and designed to drag the name of our noble Association into political controversies that do not align with our mandate as a student body.

‘As the umbrella body representing all Nigerian students both home and abroad, NANS believes strongly in the rule of law, due process, and peaceful engagement.

‘We understand that the matter concerning Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a legal issue currently before a competent Court of law, and it would, therefore, be inappropriate, unlawful, and irresponsible for NANS to take a partisan position or mobilize any form of protest on a matter before the Judiciary.

‘Whatever Mr. Sowore and his group are planning or doing is for their own political interest and has absolutely nothing to do with NANS.

‘We advise him and his co-travelers to stop using the name of NANS to give credibility to their politically driven agenda.

‘Our focus as a responsible students organisation remains on education, youth development, peace and national unity not partisan agitation’.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Jigawa State Command, on Wednesday confirmed the gruesome discovery of a three-year-old girl who was reportedly raped and dumped in a bush in Kiyawa local government area.

The victim was identified as Harira Yakubu Bala, a resident of Sabon Gari in Kiyawa Local Government Area. She was earlier declared missing by her distraught parents on Tuesday, according to a statement issued to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Jigawa State Command, ASC. Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud.

The statement disclosed that information reached the Kiyawa Divisional Office on Wednesday that the body of the little girl had been found in a nearby bush, bearing multiple injuries.

Mahmud expressed deep condemnation over the tragedy: ‘The command has expressed deep concern and condemnation over the tragic murder of a three-year-old girl identified as Harira Yakubu Bala, a resident of Sabon Gari, Kiyawa Local Government Area, whose lifeless body was discovered earlier today in a nearby bush.’

Upon receiving the distress report, NSCDC personnel from the Kiyawa Divisional Office swiftly mobilised to the scene, secured the area, and evacuated the body to the hospital for proper medical examination and investigation.

Following the examination, it was officially confirmed that the deceased child had been brutally raped, molested, and subsequently murdered by yet-to-be-identified persons.

The State Commandant, CC Muhammad Kabiru Ingawa, has since directed the Intelligence and Investigation Department to work closely with the Kiyawa Divisional Office and other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous act are arrested and swiftly brought to justice.

The command, while condemning the act, reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, particularly the safety of children and other vulnerable members of society.

The remains of the deceased were later released to the family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites, and the NSCDC urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and promptly report any suspicious movement or persons to the nearest security formation.

As part of activities marking World Food Day 2025, the Presidency has reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ health through coordinated action on sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling (FOPL) – two key policy areas aimed at creating a healthier food environment and reducing diet-related diseases nationwide.

The event, themed ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future,’ was jointly organised in Abuja by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Health, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHandSW), CAPPA, GHAI, Resolve to Save Lives, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health and Policy Champion for Sodium Reduction, reaffirmed that the Presidency remains steadfast in ensuring Nigerians have access to safer and healthier food options through evidence-based policy reforms.

‘Our national efforts in sodium reduction and clear labelling are not just local initiatives; they are our concrete way of taking a global hand and working together with partners and citizens to create better foods and secure a better future for every Nigerian,’ Dr Anas said.

She added that sodium reduction and front-of-pack labelling are core pillars of the Renewed Hope Health Agenda, reflecting the government’s determination to translate political will into measurable outcomes that improve citizens’ health.

In his technical presentation, Dr Jerome Mafeni, Technical Lead at NHED, described sodium reduction as ‘one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.’

‘Better health begins with better information,’ Dr Mafeni stressed. ‘By reducing sodium and ensuring that nutrition labels speak clearly to every consumer, Nigeria is taking a decisive step towards better foods and a better future.’

Representing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr Femi from the Department of Food and Drug Safety explained that the Ministry is focused on translating scientific evidence into actionable policy.

‘The Ministry is translating evidence into action through sodium-reduction and clear labelling policies that make safer and healthier food choices easier for all Nigerians,’ he stated.

Also speaking, Dr Olusina Ajidahun, a social media influencer and health advocate, called on digital creators and journalists to take greater responsibility in public health communication.

‘Every post and story can influence choices and save lives,’ he said. ‘We must all use our platforms to promote accurate information and encourage healthier lifestyles.’

In his goodwill message, the Country Director of NHED commended the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Health for their leadership, noting that sustained collaboration among stakeholders is vital for accountability and long-term success.

‘NHED remains committed to supporting government through advocacy, evidence generation, and strategic communication that ensure effective policy implementation and accountability,’ he affirmed.

The engagement underscored that sodium reduction and FOPL are central to Nigeria’s alignment with global frameworks, including the WHO SHAKE Technical Package for Salt Reduction, the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan on NCDs (2019-2025), and the WHO Global Action Plan on NCDs (2013-2030).

Participants at the event emphasised that continued cooperation among government agencies, the media, and civil society is essential to reducing the growing burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases and achieving a healthier population for all Nigerians.