Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

There is need for the government at all levels to provide more funds for education, the Vice Chancellor, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Prof. Lanre Olaniyan, has said.

He gave the suggestion at the 30th anniversary lecture of the Trinity International College, Ofada, Ogun State at the weekend. The event had as its theme: ”A legacy of excellence: 30 years of learning, leadership and lifelong connections”.

Olaniyan, who spoke on sub-theme, ”Reimagining education for a new generation: Strategies engineering lifelong learners”, however, argued that there was no way education could be free at all levels, despite the stand of the constitution on the matter.

He lamented that 82 million of Nigerians do not have access to education, despite the efforts of the government to provide education. While regretting the lack of access to education, he said only 15 per cent of Nigerians get admission to tertiary institutions yearly.

The don said the Federal Government was yet to meet the target set by the United Nations for Nigeria on education, while local and state governments are struggling to fund primary and secondary education, their areas of statutory concentration.

Chairman/Vice Chancellor, Trinity University, Prof. Clement O. O. Kolawole, sought better welfare for teachers to enable them to perform better.

The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, praised the school for three decades of transformative service to education, describing the institution as ‘a beacon of hope’ and a model for holistic learning in the state.

Arigbabu praised the school for producing graduates who have distinguished themselves globally as doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

He noted the institution’s consistent achievements, including its impressive performance this year in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

He said Trinity’s alignment with Ogun State’s education agenda, which is ‘Quality Education for All: Every Child, Every Opportunity’-makes it a key contributor to the state’s development.

Chairman of Trinity Group, Pastor Samuel Olatunji,described recent abductions of pupils as a reflection of Nigeria’s deteriorating value system.

He emphasised that the school continues to strengthen its security systems, constantly reviewing structures and urging the government to do more to safeguard lives.

World Diabetes Day may have come and gone, but for residents of Bolorunduro, Owena, Fagbo, Kajola, and surrounding villages in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, the memory lingers like a warm glow. On that day, quality healthcare-often an unreachable luxury-arrived at their doorstep through a free medical outreach organised by the youth-led Medical Aid and Advocacy for the Vulnerables Foundation (MAAVF).

Founded three years ago by Dr. Modesire Akinbogun, then just 18, and her co-founder Mofeoluwa Akinbogun, now a medical student at the University of Wisconsin, MAAVF has quickly grown from a small idea into a force for good. With more than ten medical outreaches and over 3,000 beneficiaries so far, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to expand healthcare access to underserved Nigerian communities.

Rural healthcare in Ondo faces stark challenges: few facilities, scarce health workers, and unaffordable treatment. Fully aware of these realities, Dr. Modesire and her team left Akure on World Diabetes Day for Bolorunduro, a 35-minute journey. Days earlier, radio jingles had invited villagers, who responded enthusiastically, trooping to the Civic Centre for what many described as a rare opportunity.

Partnering with medical students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the team screened all participants, dispensed medications, offered consultations, and arranged referrals for critical cases. ‘We are here to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a free outreach focusing on early detection,’ Dr. Modesire explained. ‘This isn’t just a one-day programme. Patients with dangerously high blood sugar will receive continuous care, including medications and tests for at least six months.’

Funding for the outreach comes largely from donors, particularly her parents, Prof. Tolulope and Dr. Olubukola Akinbogun, as well as supportive partners and community elders. Past outreaches revealed startling realities: many participants had dangerously high blood sugar without knowing it, while others could not afford treatment. One patient supported last year died before follow-up, a loss that shaped this year’s strategy. ‘This programme is intentional-carefully planned and driven by passion and purpose,’ she said.

The outreach extended beyond medical care. Secondary school students were invited as ‘change agents’, receiving health education on diabetes, encouraged to share knowledge with their families, and given motivational talks on career aspirations. ‘Many students here drop out, believing education has no future. We want to challenge that mindset,’ Dr. Modesire said. An essay competition with cash prizes-N150,000 for first place, N100,000 for second, and N75,000 for third-was also announced to raise diabetes awareness. This year, MAAVF aims to reach up to 500 people. Bolorunduro was chosen for its central location, surrounded by multiple villages, ensuring broad access. Follow-up programmes in schools and communities are planned to sustain the momentum.

For Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun, the initiative reflects both charity and cultural grounding. ‘We are here to give back. Ignorance is a big disease, and many die for lack of knowledge. Detecting diabetes early should be seen as an opportunity, not a death sentence,’ he said. The Executive Chairman of Ondo East LGA, Fola Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described the programme as ‘laudable and humanitarian,’ promising government support for patients needing follow-up care. Prof. Sunday Robert Ogunduyile, former Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, commended the turnout and urged communities to embrace such initiatives while calling on government to address the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis exacerbated by the ‘japa’ phenomenon.

A pro-citizens advocacy organisation has condemned the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for what it described as an opportunistic and inflammatory commentary on Nigeria’s current security challenges.

The group said the opposition party was exploiting the grief of victims’ families and the anxieties of citizens to score cheap political points rather than contribute meaningfully to national security reforms.

The Citizens for Secure Nation (CSN), a civil society coalition focused on public safety and democratic accountability, issued the rebuttal in Kaduna on Thursday.

Its president, Alhaji Musa Danladi Maikawa, said the ADC’s latest remarks were designed to undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations and to cast the federal government as complicit in the violence affecting communities in parts of the country.

Maikawa said the ADC had crossed a troubling line by making sweeping allegations without evidence, adding that public discourse on security must be anchored on facts and national interest.

He noted that while Nigerians have legitimate frustrations about banditry, kidnapping and the protection of schools, no political actor should inflame tensions or erode trust in institutions at a time when security agencies are under intense pressure to stabilise affected regions.

‘We cannot allow a political party to weaponise the pain of grieving families for narrow advantage. Our country is going through a difficult period and what we need is constructive engagement, not reckless commentary that undermines the morale of security personnel risking their lives every day,’ Maikawa said.

He said the ADC’s portrayal of recent rescue operations was unfair to the military, police and intelligence services who have ‘intensified coordinated action across multiple theatres.’

The coalition added that attempts to portray government efforts as clandestine or conspiratorial were unhelpful and capable of discouraging local cooperation with authorities.

‘There is no justification for painting security forces as collaborators with terrorists. Such rhetoric is dangerous. It casts suspicion on agencies that citizens rely on for protection and gives oxygen to extremist propaganda. Even more worrisome is that these claims are being made without a shred of verifiable proof,’ Maikawa warned.

He also faulted the ADC’s criticism of school closure decisions, saying the measures were temporary safety steps taken after assessments by security and education authorities on specific high-risk areas.

He added that federal and state governments were implementing a phased security reinforcement plan around vulnerable schools to enable safe reopening.

‘It is irresponsible to suggest that government is surrendering to terrorists simply because it has taken precautionary action to prevent children from being harmed. Countries across the world shut down facilities when credible threats arise. What matters is that the closures are temporary and that security is being scaled up so teaching can resume,’ Maikawa declared.

Maikawa urged opposition parties to exercise restraint and demonstrate patriotic responsibility when commenting on national security.

He said Nigeria’s fight against violent groups demands unity, intelligence sharing, and a public communication environment free of misinformation and alarmism.

‘The lives of citizens should never be used as political currency. We call on the ADC and others to channel their energy into supporting reforms, strengthening community-security collaboration, and advancing serious proposals that help protect our people,’ he said.

Maikawa added that the coalition would continue to monitor public statements by political actors and challenge narratives that deepen fear or distort the complexity of security efforts.

The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has facilitated the settlement of debts and subsequent release of 909 inmates over the last two years under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal.

This was made known by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Habib Muhammad Balarabe, during the 2025 End-of-Year Activities held at the Board’s premises, Bypass, Gusau.

According to him, the Board secured the freedom of 473 inmates last year and, this year, released N67,204,700 in settlement of debts owed by 436 inmates, bringing the total beneficiaries to 909 within two years.

In addition, 200 women small-scale business owners received ?50,000 each to strengthen their enterprises.

The board also presented starter packs to 100 women who completed a three-week poultry production training program to help them start their own businesses.

Furthermore, mini-computers were donated to orphans who underwent computer literacy training as part of the event.

Represented by the First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Lawal, Governor of Zamfara state, Dr Dauda Lawal, expressed great pleasure to witness the impactful work of the Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board.

Heavenly Mother’s Crusader Ministries is to empower widows and offer free healthcare services at its Open Air Crusade.at Ikotun, Lagos.

The event, with theme: ‘Eternal Excellency,’ will combine spiritual revival with practical community support, targeting widows and those requiring medical attention.

The crusade will feature a free medical care. The Widow’s Mite Empowerment initiative will provide financial assistance, food, and essential items to widows.

The ministries said the initiative reflects a commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and promoting self-reliance.

Head, Prophetess Kikelomo Olowofela, said the programmes are central to the ministry’s mandate. ‘A key part of our mission is to care for the needy and provide support to the community.

The Free Medical Care and the Widow’s Mite initiatives are practical ways we can serve both spiritual and physical needs,’ she said.

A spokesperson for HMCM’s Outreach Directorate emphasised the broader purpose of the event. ‘Excellency, in the eyes of God, is not just about spiritual wealth; it is about extending compassion and practical help to our neighbours. We believe the message of ‘Eternal Excellency’ must be grounded in immediate, actionable relief.’

Egypt international Ramadan Sobhi, who helped Pyramids win their first CAF Champions League title last season and previously played in the English Premier League, has been banned for four years by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for an anti-doping rule violation, Egypt’s anti-doping authority has

‘We have received an official letter confirming Ramadan Sobhi’s four-year suspension in a doping case,’ Hazem Khamis, head of the Egyptian Anti-Doping Organisation, told reporters.

Sobhi’s suspension stems from allegations of doping and sample tampering, the body said.

Sobhi has not yet commented on the sanction. His lawyer was quoted by local media saying that an appeal to the Swiss Federal Court was being prepared.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed the initial lifting of Sobhi’s provisional suspension, which had briefly allowed him to return to play, before the case was referred to CAS.

The 28-year-old remains in custody in a separate case. A Giza criminal court has ordered his detention pending trial over allegations of academic fraud, including forging documents and paying someone to sit exams on his behalf at a tourism and hotels institute. Sobhi has denied wrongdoing and the next hearing is scheduled for December 30.

Sobhi, who has played 37 times for Egypt, began his career at Al-Ahly before moving to England in 2016, where he played for Stoke City and Huddersfield Town.

He joined Pyramids in 2020 and played a key role in their continental triumph last term.

Oyo State House of Assembly has confirmed the appointment of Dr. Babatunde Adeniyi as the chairman of Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC).

Also confirmed are Chief Kunmi Agboola, Mr. Olanrewaju Emmanuel, Mr. Sunday Falana, Remi Ayoade, Mr. Olatunde Theophilus, Mrs. Adebayo Muriana and Mr. Babatunde Ige as members of the commission.

Their appointments were confirmed during plenary. The session was presided over by Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin.

This was followed after the House adopted recommendations in the screening report presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Special Duties and Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi.

The report indicated that the chairman and members responded to the questions put to them satisfactorily. They were found to be worthy of the appointments.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country between January and July, this year.

The service also said its collaboration with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies has also led to the seizures of drones, arms, and endangered wildlife products.

It said in the first half of the year, it generated N3.7 trillion, exceeding budget targets by 12.5 per cent and outperforming 2024 collections by 25 per cent.

According to NCS, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Area Command alone contributed N97.16 billion.

The Officer in charge of Special Duties headquarters, Abuja, Comptroller Haniel Hadison, said this at the fourth quarter aviation stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja.

The Service said its operations this year at various airports have evolved into intelligence-driven missions, shaped by citizen insights and collaborative agency efforts, adding that every tip from the public has helped it intercept contraband, enforce currency declarations and protect the border.

On its security and enforcement, he said: ‘Between January and July 2025, the NCS intercepted $2.2 million in undeclared cash at major airports across the country. For instance, $193,000 concealed in a carton of yoghurt at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on March 20, 2025, $1,154,900 and SR135,900 in Saudi Riyals at the Kano airport from a passenger arriving from Saudi Arabia and $578,000 in falsely declared cash was intercepted from an inbound passenger arriving from South Africa at Lagos Airport’.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) yesterday pleaded with the Federal Government to explore every means to curb insecurity.

Its President, Archishop Danial Okoh, made the plea at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Wuse II, Abuja.

Speaking on the Assembly’s theme: ‘Demand for Justice and Righteousness,’ Rev Okoh said the current security situation threatens the nation’s soul and places fresh moral demands on the government.

He said: ‘The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians; without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses’.

The CAN President urged the CCN to continue standing with CAN in pushing for stronger national action, adding that the church must remain firm and consistent in demanding justice for affected communities.

Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja has issued a landmark judgment affirming the constitutional validity, scope, and enforceability of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) Act 2022, over the outdoor advertising in Nigeria.

The judgment, delivered by Justice Isa Dashen, dismissed the suit filed by Godec Power Nigeria and upheld ARCON’s powers over advertising content on all platforms and targeted at the Nigerian market.

The ruling comes few days after a separate Federal High Court in Lagos reached a different conclusion in Massilia Motors v. ARCON case.

Godec approached the court seeking declarations that ARCON lacked powers to regulate or have oversight function on outdoor signage, arguing that these matters fall within the control of councils under paragraph 1(k)(i) of the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution.

Godec also argued that ARCON’s Notice of Violation which directed the company to comply with ARCON Act 2022, infringed on its rights to freedom of expression. The plaintiff sought 13 reliefs, including a perpetual injunction restraining ARCON from enforcing the Act; and N100 million in general damages.

The court in Lokoja rejected plaintiffs arguments, noting that advertising regulation is not exclusively a residual matter, and that National Assembly acted in its legitimate constitutional authority when it enacted the ARCON Act 2022.

The court also dismissed the plaintiff’s freedom-of-expression claim. Justice Dashen held that the ARCON Act’s pre-approval requirement is a lawful regulatory measure: ‘The regulatory pre-approval requirement does not suppress expression; it ensures that public communications conform to lawful standards of decency, truthfulness and fairness. Such regulation is a legitimate incident of state oversight.’

Justice Dashen was unequivocal that the plaintiff failed to prove any of its 13 reliefs and dismissed the suit. It also awarded ?500,000 costs in favour of each defendant, the Attorney-General of the Federation and ARCON.

In rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that ARCON’s powers apply only to professional advertisers, the Court also affirmed the broad applicability of the Act. It accepted ARCON’s position that advertising regulation applies to ‘any and every person who engages in, regulates, sponsors or takes benefit of advertising services.’