Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the Pamo University of Medical Sciences(PUMS), Dr. Peter Odili has charged newly inducted graduates of the institution to be good ambassadors as well as uphold the virtue of excellence, hard work, honesty anywhere they go.

Odili spoke yesterday at a joint induction/oath-taking ceremony for graduating students of the Departments of Medical Laboratory Science (MLS), Nursing Science and Radiography and Radiation Science of the university in Port Harcourt, Rivers state capital.

A total of 28 of the students graduated, with 18 Nurses, seven MLS and three Radiographers, respectively.

The former governor had expressed gratitude to the state government for instituting the scholarship scheme that has given youths of the state the opportunity to train in PUMS, and promised to convey the gratitude of parents of the graduating students to the government.

Earlier, parents of the graduating students had expressed gratitude to Odili and the state government for giving their children and ward the opportunity to study in the best medical science university in the country presently and prayed for the sustenance of the school.

‘On behalf of Council what I want to say to our inductees who are now associates of their various professional bodies, is that you are a very lucky set, because you have parents that have done what no other group of parents have done. I will transmit the very hearty appreciation expressed on behalf of the parents to our governor. So for our 2025 graduates, the Board of Council has approved that each of you will receive N100,000,’ he announced.

While delivering the induction lecture, with the theme, ‘Balancing Innovation and Compassion: the place of Technology in Allied Medicine,’ the resource person from the Niger Delta University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Prof. Y. M. Tatfeng charged the nurses for compassion and not just sympathy for the sick.

Also speaking the Dean Faculty of Allied Health Sciences Prof. Bashir Bello charged them for hard work, accuracy, excellency, integrity and teamwork.

In the same vein, other speakers who spoke at the ceremony appealed to the medical professionals to pursue and seek help when in doubt, rather than use human beings for experiment.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Smith I. Jaja disclosed that 18 nurses, seven MLS and three Radiographers were to be graduated and inducted into their various field bodies, assuring that the new inductees had passed through the best training they could have.

Jubilation yesterday greeted the news that a Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State has ordered the Police to maintain the status quo on the enforcement of vehicle tinted glass permit.

The court issued the order in suit No.FHC/WR/CS/103/2025, filed by a lawyer, John Aikpokpo-Martins, against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigeria Police Force.

The order came barely hours after police operatives in the state impounded the vehicle of a judicial officer despite the pendency of a suit by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) last month challenging the legality of the exercise.

Scores of Nigerians who reacted to the news noted that enforcement of the tinted permit at this time showed insensitivity to the people’s economic plights.

Others raised concerns about the difficulty in completing the process through the digital portal, possap.gov.ng, accusing the police of reintroducing the exercise as a means to extort and harass motorists.

But there were still a handful of Nigerians who stood with the police, citing the spate of kidnapping and insecurity across the country, and the need for law enforcement officers to regulate the use of tinted permits.

In its suit filed last month, the NBA had argued that the policy was unlawful and violated citizens’ fundamental rights to dignity, privacy, and freedom of movement. It also claimed that the police’s ground for the enforcement was hinged on a 1991 Act, enacted under the military rule and contradicted the 1999 Constitution.

But their lawsuit did not stop the police as enforcement commenced in most states as scheduled.

The enforcement, the police said, is in strict compliance with the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 2004, which remains a vital security regulation used to curb criminal activities and enhance public safety.

In Jigawa and Delta states for instance, the police intensified enforcements, impounding 20 and 25 vehicles respectively.

Spokesman for the Zamfara State Police Command told The Nation that offenders were charged to court immediately, adding that there was active enforcement across the 27 LGAs with emphasis on the state capital.

Adam added that he was not aware of any court order halting the exercise.

In Delta State, the police command through its X handle announced the clampdown on 25 vehicles for flouting the tinted permit law, vowing to sustain the tempo.

Motorists complain of registration challenges

Lagos motorists continued to express frustration over difficulties with the TGP registration process. Many cited persistent glitches on the POSSAP portal, exorbitant charges and the reliance on agents.

Mr. Niyi Ajet, who registered four vehicles, said he paid ?40,000 through an agent after repeated failed attempts online. Mrs. Blessing Nwosu described the process as ‘nearly impossible,’ adding that she hoped the reported court suspension of enforcement would shield motorists from harassment.

Mr. Kehinde Osakede said the portal stalled at the payment stage, while Mr. Emmanuel Azubike described the scheme as ‘extortion,’ recalling that a former IGP had earlier suspended it.

Others, like Mr. Magnus Eze, admitted resorting to agents at extra cost.

Mrs. Hope Bolaji said she decided to wait, citing frequent ‘error’ messages on the site. ‘Suspending it is the best option so we can take our time to register,’ she said, noting that no officers had impounded cars in Ajah and Victoria Island.

Meanwhile, some motorists reported differing experiences with law enforcement in Lagos.

One driver said police only requested his licence and ignored the tinted glass.

Another, however, complained that agents were demanding ?45,000 for permits officially priced at ?12,000.

An Uber driver, Cletus Emmanuel, narrated his ordeal in separate encounters with officers enforcing the directive.

Mr. Emmanuel, who was arrested around the Mile 2 axis, said his car was seized after he resisted demands for money.

Emmanuel, who resides in the same neighborhood as this reporter, explained that the officers ignored his explanations that the exercise was on hold and if the courts had given the police the go ahead, he would obtain a permit.

‘They told me I could not move unless I paid one million naira. When I refused, they assaulted me and forced me out of the car before impounding it. I was left stranded while they drove it away,’ Emmanuel has said.

Similarly, two motorists expressed dissatisfaction with the enforcement, describing the policy as exploitative, unnecessary, and burdensome on law-abiding citizens.

One of the motorists, who said he owned multiple factory-fitted tinted vehicles, faulted the regulation, arguing that it places an unfair responsibility on drivers who have already paid full import duties on their cars.

‘All my cars have factory-fitted tinted glass, and I paid all duties before buying them. Now asking me to obtain a separate permit feels oppressive and ridiculous,’ he said.

He noted that linking tinted glass to criminal activity was an indictment on law enforcement rather than justification for fresh regulations.

‘If criminals can still get a permit, will that stop crime? The police should focus on tackling crime directly instead of punishing innocent car owners. This is simply a revenue drive, not a crime-fighting measure,’ he added.

Another motorist, however, said that while he understood the government’s concerns about security, the current approach was flawed and unnecessarily stressful for drivers.

‘I don’t support crime, but the process of getting a tinted permit is discouraging.

‘Some of us use tinted glass for health reasons, like protection from the sun, but the police don’t consider that.

‘Instead, they stop us at checkpoints, delay us, and sometimes extort money,’ he said.

He urged authorities to simplify the process or scrap it entirely, noting that genuine safety measures, rather than permits, would better address the concerns.

In Katsina, transport operators lauded the court order suspending the enforcement, describing it as a huge relief.

Tasi Kofar Durbi, one of the drivers operating in Katsina-Lagos axis expressed relief, citing the challenges the policy posed to their operations.

The policy, according to him, has caused significant disruptions in the transportation sector, with many drivers facing harassment and extortion by police officers.

He said: ‘I welcome the court order. It will reduce the stress and challenges we face on the road.

”The ruling will ease the burden on us transport operators and ensure smoother travel experiences for passengers.’

Commercial motorists in Imo State also expressed concerns about the directive, demanding fair implementation.

According to them, the police have warned that they will be forced to stop operating if they failed to replace their factory-fitted tinted windscreens.

‘We are going to protest if the police give preferential treatment to vehicle owners.

‘Some of our colleagues have packed their vehicles because they couldn’t afford to change the windscreens due to the high cost of materials in the market,’ one operator said.

The police command had previously explained that the ban on tinted windscreens for commercial buses, particularly ‘Bus Imo,’ aims to enhance public safety. This measure was necessitated by the frequent involvement of such vehicles in violent crimes like kidnapping, armed robbery, and ‘one chance’ incidents in the state.

The command has directed vehicle owners with factory-fitted tinted or lightly shaded windscreens to apply for mandatory permits on the approved police portal before the October 3 deadline. The bus operators are requesting that the police apply the same strict warnings to private vehicle owners

For Anambra, Benue, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), enforcement was yet to kick off, but sensitization exercises were ongoing.

Spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that motorists were only being mobilised and encouraged to register their vehicles through circulated links.

Our correspondent who monitored the enforcement in Abuja observed that the police officers were not enforcing it.

Motorists, who spoke with The Nation yesterday, were surprised that they were not asked for the tinted permit.

Mr. Lucky Oyi, a civil servant, said his tinted permit papers were with him, but since Thursday, no police officer has asked for it.

Oyi said: ‘I am surprised that the enforcement has not started in the FCT. I have not witnessed it, and likewise my friends.

‘I am okay by it, but any time they start, I am ready. With what other states are experiencing, the police should just stop this enforcement.’

A motorist, Ada Omale, supported the enforcement, adding that the step will further help curb insecurity, ‘one chance’ menace in the nation’s capital.

‘People are using tinted glasses indiscriminately without approval, so if the police are giving approval, it is a welcome development,’ he said.

There was noticeable enforcement in other parts of Plateau State save for the capital, Jos, where the exercise was relaxed to enable free flow of traffic as a result of the President’s visit to the state.

In Abia State, Commissioner of Police Danladi Isa confirmed that enforcement had started following directives from the Inspector-General of Police.

Addressing senior officers in Umuahia, Isa warned personnel against extortion and urged professionalism during the exercise. No arrests had been confirmed at press time.

In Borno State, the enforcement of the tinted permit started on Thursday and continued yesterday without confrontation, said the police command’s spokesman, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth.

The PPRO in a telephone interview disclosed that vehicle owners who could not provided their tinted permits were asked to remove their tint from their cars on the spot.

He added that there were no reported cases of violence between the police and vehicle owners in the state.

Yobe Police Command extended the grace period to October 6, warning that any tinted vehicle found without a valid permit would be impounded, and the driver charged to court for violating road traffic regulations.’

Contacted for reaction, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police do not receive nor act on social media status quo order.

He said: ‘We have not been officially served by any court. Until then, we will know the next action to take. For now the enforcement continues.’

The political developments in Osun State provide a case in point that lays bare the clear trend in Nigeria’s democracy. Whichever side of the ideological fence one may be tempted to stand on, these events have established, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are contending with the maggot of a deformed democracy.

Tragically, a century after its first elections in the Lagos and Calabar Colonies, Nigeria is still wallowing in the cesspool of flawed democratic norms. This is especially true concerning local government polls.

In the imbroglios and endless claims and counter-claims about the Osun State crisis, the essential political debate is missing two key elements: the conditions of the people and the impact of the impasse on economic development. Local governments should be effective, as they have a direct bearing on daily lives and the economy as a whole. Citizens rely on them for vital permits and essential services.

It is characteristic of the lack of interest in governance that no one has performed a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) – including the opportunity cost – of shutting down the local governments in a state. Obviously, the concept of development no longer has any meaning. This is a shame because local governments have an integral input in primary education, primary healthcare, and social welfare. Consequently, what’s happening in Osun is in contradistinction to any known conventional definition of development.

Although the matter is, to an extent, subjudice, it is imperative that the warring parties extend the limit of their imagination and find a democratic compromise or sign a ceasefire agreement to immediately revitalize the local governments. Allowing this political combat to continue has a direct, negative impact on the daily lives of citizens and, if not contained swiftly, risks becoming an existential crisis for local governance. The immediate focus must be on political resolution to restore the essential services that local government provides.

We have gone beyond game-playing and must now focus intently on the human consequences of this crisis. Any investor contemplating a commitment in Osun State will seriously consider the detrimental impact of shutting down the local governments on his or her venture. An investor cannot deal with the state government in isolation; he or she faces unacceptable risks, especially since he or she must also engage with the local governments for vital approvals and operations.

This present back and forth cannot be the way to attract investments, let alone heighten economic activities in the state. Something has to be done immediately!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

A civic organisation – Ondo Redemption Front has charged the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on total autonomy for local government administration to allow for grassroots development.

The civic organisation which is committed to truth and accountability noted that this was to compliment the Federal Government’s desire in ensuring that effective governance was enhanced through effective local government administration.

Chairman of the organisation, Ayodeji Ologun, made the call at the group’s September Edition of its State of state address in Abuja.

Ologun said that as a group of concerned lawyers, the group had earlier raised serious concerns regarding the state of healthcare, governance, infrastructure, and financial accountability in Ondo state.

He said: ‘Ordinarily, we ought to have had this press conference in Akure but our deep concern to draw the attention of the Federal Government on the Local Government funds in Ondo State have brought us here.

‘You will recall that the Attorney General of the Federation sometimes approached, the Supreme Court in order to give life to our Local Governments. The reliefs sought by the Federal Government for our Local Government were granted.

‘The Attorney General assured Nigerians and by extension Ondo State people that our local governments will have an independent way of accessing their funds directly from the federation account for effective local government administration.’

Ologun added: ‘We hereby call on the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation to revisit the implementation of the Supreme Judgment on Local Government autonomy.

Ologun said that true governance demanded listening, planning, and acting decisively.

He said that the group was worried about the implementation of some programmes which have little benefit to the people instead of strengthening community participation and resolving long-standing conflicts through dialogue.

The Ondo Redemption Front, therefore, called for the immediate and unconditional release of Local Government funds to all the Local Government in Ondo state as released by the federal government through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

Also speaking, Co-Chairman of the Ondo Redemption Front, Mogbojuri Kayode said: ‘Citizens should not be at the mercy of governance. It is only right for the government to tell us how the Ondo state funds have been used so far. ‘It is the right of the people for the government to disclose this information.’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his happiness with the first of its kind E1 Lagos GP- electric powerboat racing championship, kicking off in the metropolitan today.

He said: ‘I am proud and happy that this city keeps making history. It was the host of the first Festival of Black Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77), which brought the world to Nigeria. A few weeks ago, Lagos hosted the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), the annual global technology event and the world’s largest startup show. It was a huge success. The Lagos International Marathon, which draws elite athletes worldwide, has been running since 2016. Now, Lagos is making history as the host of the E1 Lagos GP. It is the first city in Africa to host the powerboat racing championship, joining the ranks of Monaco, London, Jeddah, and Venice.’

Tinubu further said: ‘I am excited because, despite being Nigeria’s President – a job that I am truly honoured and privileged to have – I remain a proud Lagosian. The state is, once again, affirming its place as a bold, forward-looking city and a gateway to innovation, technology, and global sporting excellence. Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity, and hospitality. I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible. Let the E1 Lagos GP be more than a race. Let it signal to Nigeria, Africa, and the world that we are ready to lead in the great transition to clean energy and sustainable prosperity.’

The Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has dissolved another board, the Rivers State Microfinance Agency, inaugurated by the former Sole Administrator of the state, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd).

The dissolution occurred about two days after Fubara disbanded the Rivers Pension Board and directed the state’s Accountant-General to take charge of the board’s activities till further notice.

The recently dissolved Microfinance Board was among the eight agencies inaugurated in one fell swoop by Ibas on August 14th with Prof. Adolphus Toby named as the Chairman.

The governor in a statement signed by the Head of Service, Dr Inyingi Brown, appointed Pastor Jonathan Tobin to act as the Managing Director of the Agency.

The statement said: ‘The Rivers State Governor hereby announces the dissolution of the Board of the Rivers State Microfinance Agency and the immediate appointment of Pastor Jonathan Tobin as the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘Consequently, members of the defunct Board are advised by this notice to hand over all properties and assets of the Board in their possession to the Acting Managing Director of the Agency.

‘His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara will in due course reconstitute the Board.’

Four persons escaped death while one sustained serious injury in an auto crash along the ever-busy Awka-Onitsha highway.

The crash which occurred on Friday near Igbariam Junction, involved a diesel-laden tanker and a tipper truck.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Commander Bridget Asekhauno said the injured was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

She attributed the cause of the crash to loss of control by the tipper driver, which resulted in the heavy collision.

She said the incident disrupted traffic flow, as the tanker was fully loaded with diesel and required immediate transloading to another vehicle.

While sympathizing with the injured, Asekhauno, reminded motorists of the importance of road discipline, urging road users to remain vigilant and cooperate with officers to ensure safety on roads.

‘We are committed to working tirelessly to reduce road traffic accidents and enhance public safety in Anambra State.

‘FRSC personnel from the RS5.33 Nteje Unit swiftly responded to the incident, managing traffic and securing the scene during the ongoing diesel transloading.

‘Motorists on the route are advised to maintain patience, avoid reckless overtaking, and stay alert – especially around high-risk junctions like Igbariam.’

The Corps also appealed to the public to report crashes or roadside emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number 122 or any nearby command post.

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has described the late retired Inspector General of Police, Dr. Solomon Arase, as a distinguished officer who exemplified the virtues of humility, compassion and hard work in his service to the country.

Senator Diri stated this on Friday at the funeral mass in honour of Arase at the St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin, the Edo State capital.

Arase, who was appointed IGP by former President Goodluck Jonathan, served between 2015 and 2016 and passed on in August this year at the age of 69.

Speaking as Chairman of the South South Governors Forum, the Bayelsa governor paid glowing tributes to the late IGP, stating that by dint of hard work and service rose through the ranks to the pinnacle of his career.

He said: ‘We have lost a great officer in Arase, who we thought could have been of greater service not only to Edo State but the South South region and indeed to Nigeria after he retired as IGP. We all grieve but at the appointed time, no matter the position we occupy, we will all lie in state like our brother, father and friend here today.

‘For me, moments such as these are humbling. So we should all be humbled and continue to give service to our country and states to the best of our abilities. We will always be remembered by what we have done.

‘Today, we remember Arase and his good deeds in service of his country as a police man from the beginning to the zenith of his profession. His relationship with the rest of society was marked with humility and spreading love wherever he went.’

In his remarks, son of the deceased, Victor Arase, expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa governor and his Edo counterpart as well as all those who identified with the Arase family in its moment of grief.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Edo State, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede represented by Commander, Nigerian Army Training and Doctrine Command, Maj-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

Others were Commissioners of Police across the country, DIGs, AIGs and other senior police officers among other top government functionaries.

Associate Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Toluwani Odukoya, has shared the journey of separation from the husband, a period she said significantly shaped her life.

In a recent interview with Truthtable, Toluwani revealed that she is separated due to circumstances beyond her control, describing the experience as akin to a death.

The 40-year-old emphasised that separation doesn’t necessarily imply failure or fault on either side.

‘I’ll say I’m separated. Most of you don’t know I’m separated and that’s actually defined or has shaped my life. It was circumstances beyond my control,’ she said.

She praised her ex-husband, calling him a ‘great man,’ and believes that their marriage wasn’t ordained by God, making it difficult to last.

‘My ex-husband is a great man. but if God doesn’t ordain you guys to be together and you force-fit yourselves, the likelihood of staying together is very low,’ she explained.

She stated the past few years have been particularly trying for her, marked by a series of family tragedies.

She lost her stepmother, her father’s twin sister, and eventually, her father, Senior Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, who passed away on August 7, 2023.

Through her struggles, Toluwani said she has leaned heavily on her faith and found solace in her family’s support.

‘When the call came, I told God, ‘You know all the baggage I’m trying to navigate. But if You call me to serve, then maybe you’ve put something in me.’ I just decided to keep my eyes on Jesus,’ she recounted.

Support from her family, particularly her late father and her siblings, played a pivotal role in helping her stay grounded during those challenging years. ‘My dad fought for me. My family encouraged me. That embrace added to my self-esteem and self-worth,’ she said.

The Odukoya family has been at the heart of The Fountain of Life Church since its founding.

After the passing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in the United States, his son, Jimmy Odukoya, succeeded him as the Senior Pastor, serving alongside Toluwani in leadership.

A Nigeria tech firm, MOL Tech Accessories and Afro-beat singer/songwriter, Simi, have signed a 5-year collaboration deal.

As a starter, both parties will be launching MOM x SYMS, a collaboration that blends technology, lifestyle, and culture in fresh and innovative ways.

MOL and Simi have begun work on the collection, which they will unveil in the coming months. While details remain under wraps, the partners promise products and experiences designed to excite young Nigerians and global audiences.

Speaking during the signing of the deal in Lagos recently, Simi described the partnership as a natural extension of shared creativity and vision. ‘Working with MOL has been inspiring. We are building something special that reflects quality, accessibility, and creativity. Fans should be ready for products and experiences they can truly connect with,’ she added.

On his part, CEO of MOL Tech Accessories, Sanmi Oladunni, emphasised the broader significance of the collaboration, saying, ‘Many people have lost trust in local brands, and we want to change that. Partnering with Simi brings passion, credibility, and imagination. Together, we want to prove that Nigerian brands can deliver excellence and inspire confidence.’

Since launching over 2 years ago, MOL has expanded operations to 27 states across Nigeria. The company has established a reputation for producing high-quality chargers, cables, power banks, earphones, and headsets, backed by an 18-stage quality assurance process that ensures every product meets international standards. This commitment to quality and innovation has already earned MOL several industry recognitions, further cementing its position as one of the country’s fastest-growing tech companies.