Category: Auto Guid

By Adejoke Monsurat

The Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has presented letters of permanent appointment to its Teaching Experience Acquisition Channel (Ogunteach) interns following the successful completion of their two-year internship programme.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the Board Secretariat Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Board, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, described the occasion as a significant milestone, noting that the teachers had demonstrated dedication, resilience, hard work and commitment throughout their internship period.

Ifede, urged the newly appointed teachers to view their transition into permanent staff as a call to greater responsibility and professionalism. He also commended the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for fulfilling his promise to the teachers.

“Another phase begins today and it requires more dedication, unwavering commitment and hard work, as you are now full-fledged professional teachers, having undergone the necessary training over the past two years,” he said.

He charged the teachers to deliver quality education, introduce innovative ideas and improve the standard of schools they were posted to, while emphasising the need to ensure that every learner under their care could read, write and communicate effectively.

Also speaking, the Permanent Member IV of the Board, Rt. Hon. Akeem Balogun, lauded the SUBEB Chairman for his leadership style and charged the teachers to rededicate themselves to improving basic education, while maintaining respect for senior colleagues.

In his remarks, Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr. Femi Fatade, urged the teachers to remain focused, diligent and committed to their careers, saying that their permanent appointment presents an opportunity for career advancement and encourage those with NCE qualifications to upgrade to degree level.

He advised them to register with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and follow necessary procedures for proper documentation to ensure prompt salary payments.

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed teachers, Mr. Michael Oladipo from Odeda Local Government and Miss Oluwakemi Odejimi, from Yewa South Local Government, expressed their gratitude to the State Government for the opportunity to serve and for granting them permanent employment.

They pledged their commitment to contributing meaningfully to the development of basic education in Ogun State.

By Isa Isawade

The head of a global vaccine coalition has said that scientists are working at high speed to develop four Ebola vaccines to tackle the outbreak in DR Congo.

Two of the vaccines, according to a report by Semafor, could be ready for clinical trials in two months.

More than 500 cases of the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no proven vaccine, have been reported in the outbreak, which is concentrated in eastern DR Congo.

Two of the experimental vaccines — one being developed by Oxford University scientists, and another by Moderna — harness technology used to create vaccines for COVID-19 and could be in trials by the end of August.

This was reportedly disclosed by CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Richard Hatchett.

However, Hatchett cautioned that, even if a vaccine performed well in clinical trials, it would take at least two more months to move to further trials and regulatory approval.

Emanuele Capobianco at global vaccine alliance GAVI, meanwhile, said a proven vaccine would be a “game changer,” but warned in an interview that it was likely “to take several months, potentially years” to end the outbreak.

He reportedly compared it to a 2018 Ebola epidemic in eastern DR Congo which lasted two years, despite there being a vaccine. Health experts say the disease is likely to have circulated, undetected, for weeks in the northeastern Ituri province, where artisanal mining is an economic mainstay.

The Nigerian Navy has arrested three suspects linked to the vandalism of the OandoOndewari pipeline in Bayelsa.

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Naval Information, Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, on Friday in Abuja.

Folorunsho said that the suspects were arrested by personnel of Operation DELTA SENTINEL for allegedly vandalising the Oando-Ondewari pipeline at Ogboinbiri Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

He also said that the arrest followed a joint intelligence-led operation conducted by naval personnel in collaboration with a private pipeline surveillance outfit after reports of a deliberate breach along the pipeline corridor.

He added that subsequent inspection confirmed that the pipeline had been vandalised, resulting in the spillage of crude oil which posed a threat to critical national energy infrastructure.

According to him, acting on actionable intelligence, naval personnel conducted a targeted raid on a suspected hideout at Ondewari community in the early hours of June 12, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

“Preliminary investigations established the suspects involvement in the act of vandalism, while further inquiries revealed that a fourth suspect remains at large.”

Folorunsho highlighted that the operation underscored the navy’s commitment to protecting critical oil and gas infrastructure, as well as denying economic saboteurs the opportunity to undermine Nigeria’s economic interests through acts of vandalism and sabotage.

He also confirmed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and conclude investigations.

“On conclusion of investigation the arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws,” he said.

The naval spokesperson reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations under Operation DELTA SENTINEL to safeguard critical national assets, curb crude oil theft, and ensure the security of Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors.

(NAN)

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, on his 84th birthday, describing him as a patriotic leader and elder statesman whose contributions have left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s democratic development.

In a goodwill message released on Friday, Jonathan praised Abdulsalami’s decades of service to the nation, saying his leadership had consistently reflected humility, sacrifice and commitment to the Nigerian project.

The former President noted that Abdulsalami’s life and career stood as an example of leadership driven by service rather than the pursuit of power.

According to Jonathan, the former military ruler has devoted more than six decades to serving Nigeria, earning respect across different generations through his dedication to national unity and development.

“General Abdulsalami’s legacy is defined not merely by the offices he has held, but by the character he has consistently displayed. At defining moments in our national journey, he demonstrated courage, restraint, and an abiding faith in the Nigerian project,” Jonathan said.

He further commended Abdulsalami’s role during one of Nigeria’s most critical political transitions, noting that his stewardship helped strengthen the foundations of democracy and reinforced the principle that leadership is a trust exercised on behalf of the people.

Jonathan also lauded the elder statesman’s continued commitment to peacebuilding, dialogue and national cohesion, describing him as a respected voice whose influence extends beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“The elder statesman’s stewardship during a critical period of national transition helped strengthen the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy and reinforced the principle that leadership is ultimately a trust held on behalf of the people,” he stated.

The former President added that Abdulsalami’s moderation, patriotism and statesmanship remain qualities that are urgently needed in contemporary Nigeria.

“At 84, General Abdulsalami continues to embody the values of moderation, patriotism, and statesmanship that our nation so greatly needs,” Jonathan said.

He expressed gratitude for the former Head of State’s contributions to Nigeria and humanity, praying for continued good health, peace and strength for the elder statesman.

“As we celebrate this milestone, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for his contributions to our country and humanity. I pray that Almighty God grants him continued good health, strength of spirit, and many more years of fulfillment, peace, and service,” Jonathan added.

Former NFL linebacker, Darron Lee, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge over the death of his girlfriend, Gabriella Perpetuo.

Lee, who previously played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, is accused of killing the 29-year-old woman in February.

According to reports, a Hamilton County grand jury returned the indictment on Tuesday, June 9, while prosecutors dismissed a tampering with evidence charge in order to focus on the murder case.

Hamilton County District Attorney, Coty Wamp, confirmed the development, saying the former NFL player remains in custody without bond.

Perpetuo was found dead in her home in Ooltewah, Tennessee, in February.

A medical examiner reportedly said she died from multiple blunt force injuries. She was also said to have suffered several injuries, including hematomas, bone fractures and stab wounds.

Lee was arrested on February 6 on a murder charge.

Investigators also alleged that he had searched ChatGPT for information on how to get medical help without alerting authorities. He was further accused of asking whether a fall could cause bruising around the eyes and wounds that appeared like stab injuries.

The former linebacker now faces a possible life sentence or the death penalty if convicted.

The issue of whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty is expected to be discussed in court in the coming weeks.

Lee is scheduled to appear in court on June 17.

Before the latest case, Lee had faced previous legal troubles.

In April 2023, he was arrested over allegations that he assaulted his mother, his then-girlfriend, Lindsey McGlone, and their two-year-old son.

He was reportedly on probation in Franklin County, Ohio, over the assault allegations. He was also said to be on probation in Alachua County, Florida, in connection with another assault case.

As of the time of filing this report, Lee remains in the Hamilton County Jail without bond.

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu has defended his administration’s economic reforms, saying the measures have restored stability to Nigeria’s economy and laid the foundation for long-term prosperity despite the hardship currently faced by many citizens.

Speaking during his Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said his government was compelled to undertake difficult but necessary reforms after inheriting an economy burdened by fiscal strain, weak investor confidence and mounting uncertainty.

According to Tinubu, the reforms were designed to secure what he described as Nigeria’s “economic freedom” and place the country on a path of sustainable growth.

“The reforms we are undertaking were not chosen for ease, but for necessity,” the President said, noting that public finances were under severe pressure when his administration took office in 2023.

Tinubu stated that the reforms have helped restore stability and credibility to economic management, leading to higher federation revenues and increased resources for state and local governments to invest in infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.

He also said fiscal transparency has improved, leakages have been reduced and public resources are now being channelled more effectively towards national priorities.

The President further claimed that investor confidence has rebounded, resulting in increased investments across key sectors including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology, mining, transportation and the creative industry.

Highlighting developments in the energy sector, Tinubu said domestic refining capacity had expanded, reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and strengthening energy security.

He also outlined efforts to reform the power sector, describing the electricity industry inherited by his administration as one plagued by generation shortfalls, poor transmission infrastructure, huge losses and mounting debts.

To address the challenges, Tinubu said he signed the Electricity Act granting states greater authority over power generation, transmission and distribution. He added that the Presidential Power Sector Task Force had been mandated to tackle the country’s metering deficit and raise a N4 trillion bond to settle verified legacy debts in the sector.

The President noted that the Rural Electrification Agency, with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank, had expanded off-grid and mini-grid electricity projects to underserved communities, universities, markets and hospitals.

In the agricultural sector, he disclosed that the National Agricultural Development Fund is deploying 10,000 tractors over five years to boost food production, while more than 1,000 small and medium-scale enterprises have been certified for export.

Tinubu also revealed that non-oil exports grew by 21 per cent in the past year, describing it as evidence of the country’s ongoing economic diversification efforts.

Despite citing the positive indicators, the President acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting many Nigerians and pledged that his administration would remain focused on reducing inflation, expanding food production, creating jobs and improving living standards.

“We are moving from uncertainty to stability. The next phase is about accelerating growth and ensuring the benefits are felt in every home, every community, and every region,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that democracy must deliver tangible benefits to citizens, declaring that “democracy must be felt in the pocket.”

The President maintained that his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda remains focused on broadening economic opportunities, strengthening local governance and ensuring that the gains of reforms translate into improved living conditions for Nigerians.

American music star Taylor Swift has made history as the youngest woman ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The 36-year-old singer received the honour on Thursday night at the 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony in New York City, where she was joined by her parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, and her partner, Travis Kelce.

Swift became emotional during her acceptance speech as she reflected on her long journey in music and the sacrifices her family made to support her career.

The Grammy-winning singer recalled how her parents moved the family from Pennsylvania to Nashville when they realised her passion for songwriting was not just a passing dream.

She said it was easy for her to choose songwriting, but admitted that it could not have been easy for her family to uproot their lives so she could pursue music in Nashville, widely regarded as America’s songwriting capital.

Swift paused at one point as she fought back tears before looking towards her parents and saying: “You’re the reason I’m here tonight.”

The emotional moment drew applause from the audience, as the singer used the night not only to celebrate her achievement but also to acknowledge the family support behind her rise.

Swift was introduced at the ceremony by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whom she had personally requested to induct her.

The singer said she was surprised and grateful when Spielberg agreed to honour her at the event, despite his busy schedule.

She also recalled a line from Spielberg’s wife, Kate Capshaw, who told her: “Good and true things are easy.”

In her speech, Swift looked back on more than two decades in the music industry, speaking about the pressure, criticism, public scrutiny, world tours and industry battles that have shaped her career.

But despite the difficult moments, she said songwriting remained the one thing that always felt natural to her.

Swift described songwriting as “the easiest thing I ever did,” even though she admitted that the process could also be demanding and frustrating.

Before she took the stage, singer Sombr performed a tribute to her with renditions of some of her songs, including Dear John and Cardigan. Swift later described the performance as “perfect.”

Her induction places her among the most celebrated songwriters in modern music.

Other artistes inducted in the 2026 class include Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten, Graham Lyle and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.

Swift, who released her debut album in 2006, has gone on to become one of the most successful artistes of her generation, with multiple Grammy Awards, record-breaking albums and sold-out world tours.

But on Thursday night, the singer made it clear that behind the fame, awards and global success was a family that believed in her dream early enough to make sacrifices for it.

By Isa Isawade

As part of activities marking World Sickle Cell Day 2026, Penscroll Media Productions in collaboration with LASU Theatre Arts Alumni Association (LATHAAA) will host a screening of “SOLACE”, a short film and documentary that explores the realities, challenges, hopes and triumphs of individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

The event, according to a press release dated 10 July 2026 sent to PM NEWS, will take place on Friday 19 June 2026 by 10:00 am at Femi Gbajabiamila Conference Centre, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

Observed globally on 19 June each year, World Sickle Cell Day serves as an opportunity to increase public awareness, promote understanding, and advocate for improved support systems for people affected by sickle cell disorder.

“Through compelling storytelling and authentic experiences, SOLACE seeks to foster empathy, encourage meaningful conversations and inspire collective action toward improving the lives of persons living with sickle cell disorder.

“The screening is expected to attract healthcare professionals, advocates, policymakers, students, members of the creative industry, development partners, and the general public,” the release said.

The organisers also emphasised that the event is more than a film screening but a platform for education, advocacy and social impact.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed a lone accident involving an empty 40-foot articulated truck along Isheri Elemu inward Ijegun, where the driver lost his life.

The General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement on Friday in Lagos added that the motor boy survived the incident.

Bakare-Oki said the driver was trapped beneath the overturned truck and died instantly from the impact, while the accompanying motor boy sustained multiple injuries and fractures.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the empty containerised vehicle suddenly lost stability while in motion and overturned, causing the devastating crash along the corridor.

“LASTMA rescue and recovery operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, conducted coordinated intervention, extricated the deceased driver from the wreckage, and ensured safe evacuation of the injured motor boy promptly,” he said.

He said that personnel from the Isheri Osun Police Division provided security support during the exercise, maintained orderliness and facilitated seamless rescue and recovery.

Bakare-Oki expressed sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the bereaved family, while wishing the injured motor boy speedy recovery.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to road safety advocacy, emphasising routine mechanical inspections and proactive maintenance of heavy duty vehicles, especially articulated trucks operating across Lagos roads to prevent tragedies.

He urged operators, companies, and drivers to ensure vehicle roadworthiness and comply with safety regulations.

“Preventable mechanical failures remain significant threats to lives, property, and overall motoring public safety,” he said. (NAN)

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Yaya Bauchi Tongo, a member of House of Representatives representing Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency of Gombe State is dead.

Rep Tongo died in Abuja on Friday following a brief illness, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akintude Rotimi said in a statement quoting the Gombe State Caucus of the House of Representatives.

While paying tribute to the late lawmaker, Rotimi said his death marked the end of a distinguished life devoted to public service and the advancement of his constituents, Gombe State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Rep. Tongo was a dedicated public servant, seasoned grassroots politician, and committed legislator whose life was marked by unwavering service to his people and the nation,” Rotimi said.

The deceased lawmaker served as Chairman of Funakaye Local Government Area, Special Adviser to the Government of Gombe State, and Member of the Gombe State House of Assembly before his election into House of Representatives.

He was Chairman of the NigeriaUnited Arab Emirates Parliamentary Friendship Group in the House of Representatives.

“A respected voice within the Parliament and a passionate advocate for the welfare and development of his constituents, Hon. Tongo brought wisdom, experience, and a deep understanding of governance to legislative deliberations. His contributions to nation-building and democratic development will remain an enduring part of his legacy.

“On behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, GCON, the leadership, and the entire membership of the House, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the people of Gombe/Kwami/Funakaye Federal Constituency, and the Government and people of Gombe State on this painful loss.

“As we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, we pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives his shortcomings, accepts his good deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus. We also pray that Allah (SWT) grants his family, loved ones, constituents, and colleagues the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Rotimi said.

He added that further details regarding parliamentary tributes and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.