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A revered Nigerian statesman, broadcaster, and corporate governance champion, Dr Christopher Kolade, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 93.

In a statement announcing his death, the Kolade family expressed gratitude for his long and impactful life.

‘We are thankful for his incredible life of faith and service, and are grateful for God’s abundant blessings,’ the statement read in part.

Born on December 28, 1932, in Erin-Oke, Osun State, Kolade was the son of an Anglican missionary. He attended Government College, Ibadan, before proceeding to Fourah Bay College in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Over the course of a remarkable career spanning broadcasting, diplomacy, academia, and business leadership, he earned a reputation as a man of deep integrity and an ardent advocate of ethical governance.

Kolade began his career in broadcasting, rising to become the Director-General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. He later served as Chief Executive and Chairman of Cadbury Nigeria Plc and was appointed Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

A passionate educator, Kolade taught corporate governance and human resource management at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and leadership and conflict management at the School of Media and Communication (SMC), both of Pan-Atlantic University, where he also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council.

He was the Chancellor of McPherson University, Ogun State, and held honorary doctorate degrees from several institutions, including McPherson University (2016) and the University of Sierra Leone (1976).

Kolade also championed business ethics in Nigeria through his leadership of Integrity Organisation Ltd. GTE and The Convention on Business Integrity Ltd. GTE, leaving behind a legacy of honesty, professionalism, and service to humanity.

The National Council of State, on Thursday, approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Professor Amupitan, upon confirmation by the National Assembly, will replace Professor Mahmood Yakubu who recently bowed out after completing two terms in office.

President Tinubu, during the council of state meeting, presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, describing him as the first person from Kogi, North-Central state, nominated to occupy the position and is apolitical.

Below is what to know about Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan:

State of Origin and First degree

Born in April 1967 in Aiyetoro-Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amupitan distinguished himself early in his academic journey. As an undergraduate at the University of Jos, he graduated at the top of his class and received several awards, including the Richard Akinjide Prize and the University Chancellor’s Prize.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN)

Joash Amupitan is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who earned the title in August 2014, recognizing his contribution to the legal profession and scholarship in Nigeria.

UNIJOS deputy Vice-Chancellor

As of October 25, 2022, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, where he has been teaching law for many years.

Three Law degrees

He holds three law degrees: an LL.B (Hons) obtained in 1987, a BL from the Nigerian Law School in 1988, an LL.M in 1993, and a Ph.D. in Law in 2007-all from the University of Jos.

Academic career

Amupitan began his academic career at the University of Jos in 1989 as an Assistant Lecturer and became a Professor of Law on October 1, 2008. He has supervised numerous postgraduate students and received the Teslim Elias Award for meritorious service in 2014.

Speciliazation and roles in Legal education

His areas of specialization include Company Law, Corporate Governance, and the Law of Evidence, which he has taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Between 2006 and 2012, Amupitan served as Head of the Department of Public Law and Dean of the Faculty of Law, later re-elected for a second term in 2012.

Legal experience

Beyond academia, he has been involved in litigation across Nigerian courts, served on company boards, and contributed to national development initiatives such as Vision 2020 and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Namu Town conflict.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured the conviction of a retired Director of Finance and Administration with the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Garuba Mohammed Duku, for corruption and money laundering involving the sum of ?318 million.

Garuba Duku was convicted and sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho, after being found guilty on a six-count charge of corruption and money laundering filed by the Commission in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/608/2022.

Investigations by the ICPC revealed that between 2012 and 2013, the convict fraudulently diverted ?318,250,000 belonging to AMMC into his personal account domiciled at Fidelity Bank Plc.

Further findings showed that he received multiple payments totalling the said sum, including ?56.25 million, ?71 million, ?53 million, ?54 million, ?46 million, and ?36.3 million, which were subsequently transferred to Bureau de Change operators and expended for unauthorised purposes.

During the trial, the ICPC successfully demonstrated that the defendant’s method of fund release and withdrawal was fraudulent and in violation of extant government financial regulations.

In the course of the trial, the Commission also refuted Garuba Duku’s claim that the funds were disbursed to his superiors, as no evidence was produced to substantiate the assertion.

In his judgment, Justice Omotosho held that the totality of evidence and witness testimonies presented by the Commission proved the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Consequently, the court sentenced Garuba Duku to four years’ imprisonment on each of the six counts, or an option of fine equivalent to five times the amount stated in each count, totalling approximately ?1.6 billion. The sentences are to run concurrently.

This conviction underscores ICPC’s unwavering commitment to holding public officers accountable and ensuring that those who betray the public trust through corrupt practices are brought to justice, in accordance with the law, as contained in a statement signed by Demola Bakare, Director, Public Enlightenment and Education/Spokesperson for the Commission, made available to journalists on Thursday.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo State, has emerged seventh in the latest national ranking of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, according to an assessment conducted by an international research and evaluation body, Pole Global Marketing (PGM).

The exercise, which evaluated over 180 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country, recognised the institution among the top ten for its impressive strides in academic innovation and management efficiency – despite being one of the youngest federal polytechnics in Nigeria.

According to the list released by the organisers, the top ten institutions include Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; University of Lagos, Akoka; Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi; Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti; Yobe State University, Damaturu; Federal Polytechnic, Ayede; Federal University, Otuoke; Yaba College of Technology, Yaba; and Federal University, Gashua.

PGM stated that the institutions were assessed based on key performance indicators such as academic excellence, innovation, institutional management, and community impact. It explained that the ranking was designed to measure how effectively tertiary schools integrate technology, research, and capacity development to enhance learning outcomes.

The body noted that Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, performed excellently in digital learning adoption, course engagement, and resource management, earning it a place among Nigeria’s best-performing institutions.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Polytechnic’s Governing Council, Hon. Yakubu Dati, described the ranking as ‘a well-deserved honour’, commending the management for what he called a consistent drive for excellence and innovation.

‘This is a remarkable achievement for such a young institution,’ Dati said. ‘The Rector, Dr Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, has demonstrated exceptional leadership through his commitment to quality education and strategic partnerships that continue to position the Polytechnic for greatness.’

He added that the Governing Council was proud of the institution’s rising profile, urging the management and staff to sustain the momentum and build on the current achievements to attain global competitiveness.

Speaking with journalists, the Rector, Dr Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who also confirmed the development, attributed the recognition to the collective dedication of staff, students, and stakeholders, describing it as a motivation to do more.

He reaffirmed the Polytechnic’s commitment to promoting innovation, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, and STEM education, with the goal of producing skilled graduates ready to contribute to national development.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) at the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (EAUED), Oyo, has accused the Federal Government of insincerity and warned of an indefinite strike if their five key demands are not urgently met.

The warning followed a press conference held on the EAUED campus after a massive one-day nationwide protest on Thursday, October 9, 2025, which brought all non-academic activities to a standstill. The protest, led by Comrade Ayotunde James Fabeku, SSANU EAUED Chairman, and Comrade Adetunji Michael Adesina, NASU EAUED Chairman, was in response to a national directive demanding action over what the unions described as the Federal Ministry of Education’s failure to address long-standing grievances.

Addressing journalists amidst hundreds of protesting staff, Comrade Adetunji Michael Adesina accused the government of bad faith, citing its repeated failure to honour agreements reached with the unions.

He emphasised that the government’s continued neglect had deepened frustration among non-teaching staff across universities.

The protest focused on several unresolved financial and contractual issues. Chief among them is the government’s failure to pay two months of withheld salaries, a major source of contention. The unions also decried the non-payment of 25% and 35% salary arrears arising from previously approved increments, as well as the inequitable disbursement of the ?50 billion Earned Allowances. They further condemned the government’s delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU Agreements and its failure to remit third-party deductions-funds withheld from members’ salaries for cooperatives and welfare schemes during May and June 2022.

In his address, Comrade Fabeku stressed the indispensable role of non-teaching staff in the university system, declaring, ‘It is we that wheel the engine of the university. Without NASU, without SSANU, there is no university system.’

He lamented the meager nature of their salaries amid worsening economic conditions and cautioned the Federal Government against treating non-teaching staff as second-class citizens, demanding due recognition and fair treatment.

The JAC leaders described the day-long demonstration, which effectively shut down all non-academic operations, as a warning to the government. They stated that if the authorities fail to show genuine commitment to resolving these issues, the National JAC would have no choice but to escalate the action into an indefinite strike.

They also urged the Federal Government to empower the Yayale-Ahmed Committee to urgently negotiate a workable template for improved welfare for all non-teaching university workers.

The protest concluded with members vowing to sustain pressure until their welfare concerns are adequately addressed. The demonstration featured a massive procession across the main campus, with staff chanting slogans such as ‘Pay Our Two Months Outstanding Salaries Now!’ and ‘FG Stop Discriminatory Payment of Earned Allowances!’

The chants echoed across the university grounds as all administrative and technical operations remained suspended throughout the day, leaving the campus tense and charged. The union leaders reiterated that the protest was not symbolic, but a deliberate warning meant to compel the government to act decisively in addressing the plight of non-academic staff.

National Council of State has approved the nomination of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) from the North-Central as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Amupitan as the nominee to fill the vacant position, following Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s exit. Yakubu served from 2015 till October 2025.

This was contained in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information and Strategy), on Thursday. President Tinubu told the council that Ojo Amupitan is the first person from Kogi, North-Central, nominated to occupy the INEC chairman position and is apolitical.

Council members unanimously supported the nomination, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo describing Amupitan as a man of integrity.

In compliance with the constitution, President Tinubu will now send Amupitan’s name to the Senate for screening.

Amupitan, 58, from Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu LGA in Kogi, is a Professor of Law at the University of Jos, Plateau. He is also an alumnus of the university.

He specialises in Company Law, Law of Evidence, Corporate Governance and Privatisation Law. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in September 2014.

Amupitan was born on April 25, 1967.

After completing primary and secondary education, he attended Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, from 1982 to 1984, and the University of Jos from 1984 to 1987. He was called to the bar in 1988.

He earned an LLM at UNIJOS in 1993 and a PhD in 2007, amid an academic career that began in 1989, following his National Youth Service at the Bauchi State Publishing Corporation in Bauchi from 1988 to 1989.

Currently, he serves as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at the University of Jos, a position he holds in conjunction with being the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State.

Among the academic positions he has held at UNIJOS are: Chairman of the Committee of Deans and Directors (2012-2014); Dean of the Faculty of Law (2008-2014); and Head of Public Law (2006-2008).

Outside of academics, Amupitan serves as a board member of Integrated Dairies Limited in Vom, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies Governing Council, and a member of the Council of Legal Education (2008-2014), among other roles. He was a board member of Riss Oil Limited, Abuja(1996-2004).

Amupitan is the author of many books on law, such as Corporate Governance: Models and Principles(2008); Documentary Evidence in Nigeria (2008); Evidence Law: Theory and Practice in Nigeria(2013), Principles of Company Law(2013) and an Introduction to the Law of Trust in Nigeria (2014).

This week has been Customer Service Week across the world, and as always, it is a time to celebrate customers and appreciate those who serve them. At the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the celebration has been full of colour, excitement, and unity. From themed dress days to fun activities, staff across the country took time to appreciate the people who make their work meaningful, the taxpayers.

But beyond the glamour and celebration, this year’s Customer Service Week has given everyone at FIRS another reason to reflect on the kind of leadership the agency has been blessed with. Since Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman, came on board, he has shown that leadership is not just about policy but about people, and when I say people, I mean the people of Nigeria. He has brought a human touch to tax administration and changed the way many Nigerians perceive the agency.

Today, FIRS is not just an agency collecting taxes across Nigeria; it is a people-driven institution that listens, understands, and responds. Through innovations such as the TaxProMax platform, electronic invoicing, and an active online presence, people and businesses can now file returns, make payments, or access information with ease. Every transaction is secured and verifiable through a unique Invoice Reference Number and QR code, while taxpayers without internet access can conveniently use the *829# USSD code to retrieve their TIN, verify tax clearance certificates, locate nearby offices, or make quick inquiries. It is now easy for anyone to pay taxes or ask questions, as FIRS experts are always ready to assist through the website, social media, or call centers.

The Tax Boss is a man who knows his onions and leads with direction and purpose. FIRS has built a strong culture of courtesy and service excellence. Staff are reminded that taxpayers are partners in progress and that respect, fairness, and timely service are necessary to good governance. This change has increased public trust and strengthened the agency’s reputation as a responsive institution. Today, if you ask ten Nigerians, nine will tell you they now understand taxes better and why they are important. We have never had it this good.

His calm confidence, intelligence, and people-first approach have changed the atmosphere within the Agency. Staff now take pride in serving, knowing that their work makes life easier for millions. Taxpayers, too, are beginning to see FIRS differently, not as a burden, but as an institution they can trust.

As this year’s Customer Service Week comes to an end, with the theme ‘Mission: Possible,’ Nigerians can agree that Dr. Zacch has made it more than just a theme; he has made it our reality. He has shown that change is possible in public service. He leads by example, puts people first, and ensures that FIRS has become a true model of what responsive governance should look like.

At the end of the day, Dr. Zacch is a tactical leader whose results speak louder than words. What he has built at FIRS tells its own story. It is a system that works, a team that serves, and a nation that believes again. Nigerians can now see that the mission is truly possible.

Happy Customer Service Week to the Tax Boss, the entire FIRS team, and the ever-supportive taxpayers across Nigeria. Together, we keep building a better country for everyone.

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the Technical Assistant, Broadcast Media to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

A 47-year-old man, Adetayo Adewodun, has been remanded in prison for allegedly impersonating an official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Adewodun was recently arrested in the Itire area of Lagos after he and two others, who are currently on the run, allegedly extorted ?7,800 from a driver.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against him by the Lagos State Government and was granted bail, but remains in custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

He was arraigned on a two-count charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and impersonation.

It was recalled that Adewodun was arrested by LASTMA operatives on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, during an operation carried out by the agency’s Surveillance and Intelligence Unit under the directive of the General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki.

According to LASTMA, ‘The suspect, in concert with two other accomplices now at large, accosted one Mr. Ayano Stephen, the driver of a white Hilux vehicle (registration number GME 259 TE) for allegedly making an unlawful turn around Itire Junction.

Posing as a bona fide LASTMA operative, Mr. Adewodun deceitfully demanded the sum of ?80,000 as a purported penalty for the alleged traffic infraction.’

The traffic agency also added that ‘The unsuspecting motorist eventually parted with ?7,800, the only cash in his possession, which he reluctantly handed over to the impostor.’

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the arraignment and remand of the suspect as a welcome development, saying justice must take its due course.

He noted that the court’s action would serve as a deterrent to others who impersonate LASTMA officers to defraud members of the public.

Bakare-Oki further reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline on Lagos roads while protecting law-abiding citizens from fraudulent activities.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), has launched a new Nigerian Content Fund Clearance Certificate (NCFCC), a verifiable and transparent instrument that serves as tangible proof of compliance by relating companies.

The certificate is expected to aid the board in realising its determination to deepen local content through certification, compliance and financial support.

The launch was done in Port Harcourt during a stakeholders sensitisation and engagement forum, which was organised in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BoI) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, who was represented at the event by the Director, Finance and Personnel Management, Osa Uchendu, stated that the stakeholders’ engagement ‘goes beyond being a sensitisation programme.

‘It is an open conversation between us as stakeholders. It provides us an opportunity to listen, to present and address critical issues and present better clarity on the interventions and benefits of the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund.

‘Over the years, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board has remained steadfast in promoting and ensuring that the Nigerian oil and gas intervention funds are taken good care of.

‘However, we understand that for compliance to be truly ready, it must be practical and mutually beneficial to all participants in the industry. In line with this, we are introducing the Nigerian Content Fund Clearance Certificate (NCFCC), a verifiable and transparent instrument that serves as tangible proof of compliance by relating companies.

‘This innovation reinforces our shared commitment to accountability and trust in the implementation of local content across the oil and gas value chain. Beyond compliance, we also recognise the pivotal role of financing in different local contents,’ he said.

Speaking at the event, the executive director, Large Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Dr Ifeoma Uzokpala, said the stakeholders’ engagement reflects the three organisations’ vision and shared commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain.

Uzokpala said: ‘This stakeholder engagement is important and we realised that the dialogue will help us deepen our understanding better on how to service the oil and gas industry and make the best of it for Nigeria and the world.

‘The gathering reflects our vision and shared commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain by not only providing finances, but also deepening engagements with our customers and partners.’

On his part, the head, Specialised Business Development, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Mohammed Awami, said the event provides a vital platform for dialogue and shared commitment towards advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification agenda.

‘This forum represents a vital platform for dialogue and shared commitment towards advancing Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification agenda.

‘At NEXIM Bank, we recognise the pivotal role NCDMB chose to play in driving local content development, building indigenous capacities and promoting value addition within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and linkages to other activities,’ Awami said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) in the fight against economic and financial crimes, particularly cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-related offences.

This was made known by the EFCC Executive Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, on Thursday during a one-day sensitisation workshop for CSOs and the media held at the EFCC Kano Zonal Directorate.

Speaking on his behalf, the Acting Zonal Director, Kano Zonal Directorate, Sa’ad Hanafi, said the measure was necessary because the fight against corruption is not a solo mission.

He noted that it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.

Olukoyede said, ‘The aim to achieve from this workshop is to build and deepen a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the EFCC and your esteemed organisations.’

He added that ‘Our fight against corruption is not a solo mission; it is a collective national endeavour that requires synergy, trust, and shared intelligence.’ The EFCC boss noted that the choice of CSOs and journalists was both deliberate and strategic, as they are not merely observers in the socio-economic landscape of the nation.

His words: ‘You are critical drivers of change. CSOs serve as the conscience of the society and a vital bridge between the government and the citizenry. Journalists, on the other hand, wield the powerful pen that shapes public opinion, holds power accountable, and illuminates the dark corners where corruption often thrives.’

He therefore emphasised that, ‘Together, you are indispensable allies in the fight to safeguard our economy and our collective future.’

Olukoyede noted that the world is witnessing a dramatic shift from traditional schemes to sophisticated cyber-enabled fraud, hence the need to enlighten participants on the growing threats of cryptocurrency fraud and other cyber-criminal activities.

He said the workshop aimed to educate and inform participants on understanding cryptocurrency fraud and other emerging cyber and financial crimes, as well as to provide crucial guidance on the intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes – the challenges faced and how to collaborate to find better ways to rid Nigeria of economic and financial crimes, including corruption.

He added that the workshop was also designed to enhance the understanding of CSOs and journalists on the legal and procedural intricacies of prosecuting financial crimes.