Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, on Tuesday inaugurated a 72-unit housing complex for teachers in Mafa Local Government Area of the state as part of efforts to improve welfare and revitalize the education sector.

The houses, in eight blocks of three-storey buildings, are equipped with basic amenities.

The housing project, comprising two- and three-bedroom apartments, is to address the shortage of accommodation for teachers, particularly in rural communities affected by insurgency.

Zulum said the welfare of teachers remained central to his administration’s drive to ensuring quality education across the state.

He added that ‘the provision of decent and secure housing is one of our key priorities, as we believe that teachers must be well-motivated and comfortable to deliver quality education.’

The governor then presented keys to selected beneficiaries and urged them to take proper care of the facilities provided.

Earlier, Alhaji Lawan Wakilbe, the Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, said the beneficiaries were drawn from primary and secondary schools within the local government area.

He commended Zulum ‘for his continued commitment to improving teachers’ welfare and upgrading learning conditions in the state.

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have declared a nationwide protest for Thursday, October 9, over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.

In a joint statement issued under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), both unions directed their branches across the country to mobilize members for a one-day protest, which will include campus marches, placard displays, and press briefings.

According to the memo signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, NASU General Secretary, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU National President, the decision followed a meeting held on Monday, October 6, after a review of the government’s poor response to previous ultimatums.

Among the unresolved issues are the alleged unjust disbursement of ?50 billion earned allowances, delay in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU-SSANU Agreement, non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries, and arrears of 25% and 35% salary increases. The unions are also demanding payment of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

The JAC recalled that it had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on September 15, later extended by 14 days, which expired on October 6 without meaningful progress.

‘Despite meetings held on September 19 and October 6 with the Minister of Education’s Joint Consultative Committee, little progress was made. Our demands remain unresolved despite extensions and engagements,’ the circular stated.

The unions therefore directed all branches in federal and state universities to hold joint congresses on Wednesday, October 8, in preparation for the protest the following day.

‘All members of NASU and SSANU in both Federal and State-owned Universities are expected to strictly comply with this directive. Your cooperation and active participation are essential for success,’ the JAC warned.

The protest marks the latest in a series of confrontations between the university non-academic unions and the Federal Government over welfare and implementation of past agreements.

Governor of Anambra, Prof. Charles Soludo, has stressed the need to hold Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials accountable for their actions.

He said those who violate electoral laws should be prosecuted and jailed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Soludo, former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, stated this in a virtual message at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015-2025.

The event was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership with the theme, ‘A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity’.

According to him, some collation officers had declared results in breach of INEC guidelines, making it wrong to protect such officials from prosecution.

‘My idea is simple. During elections, you should not need to know any security agents or election officers.

‘The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster,’ Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s innovations but criticised a proposal to limit its power to review election results.

The proposal seeks to restrict INEC’s review powers to only cases where results were declared under duress.

‘I think that is where the problem lies. Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully?’ he questioned.

Soludo highlighted the need for transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.

He stressed the importance of gradual improvement and constant vigilance to ensure credible elections.

Also speaking, Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), called for a new direction in Nigeria’s politics.

He said a fresh approach was vital for building a democratic and prosperous nation.

According to him, the present political system is flawed and must be reformed to guarantee free and fair elections.

‘We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,’ he said.

Aregbesola warned against corrupt party structures and political godfathers that discourage credible candidates.

‘Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa,’ he added.

He urged the judiciary to respect the will of the people and uphold merit, integrity, and transparency.

The Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Mr Osita Chidoka, said the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s electoral progress.

Chidoka lamented that in spite of technological advancements, court rulings often undermine electoral reforms.

‘The greatest challenge is the judiciary. They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology.

‘Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone,’ he said.

Chidoka called for judicial education on the electoral process and said the Athena Centre would host a forum to address this.

Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections in Nigeria.

Yakubu, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, INEC National Commissioner, said the commission was dedicated to continuous reform.

‘INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,’ he said.

He acknowledged the challenges faced in past elections and assured that INEC was addressing them.

Yakubu added that INEC values contributions from civil society, political parties, and the public in its reform efforts.

‘By engaging with stakeholders and tackling these challenges, INEC aims to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent,’ he said.

Nigerian singer Oludipe David, popularly known as Spyro, has opened up about his difficult upbringing and the emotional battles he faced on his way to fame.

In an emotional interview with veteran media personality Frank Edoho, the Who Is Your Guy crooner revealed that he once believed he would ‘die broke,’ blaming the fear of failure on his father’s constant negative remarks during his childhood.

‘I thought I was going to die broke. I always had this fear of failure. And my dad contributed to that. He took every opportunity he got to always tell me that I am a failure,’ Spyro said.

The singer recalled how his father’s harsh words affected his confidence, leading to poor academic performance in secondary school and self-doubt when he got into university.

He noted that the experience left him battling atychiphobia, the fear of failure, for years.

Spyro explained that his turning point came when he developed a personal relationship with God, which helped him rebuild his self-belief.

He also shared that he nearly gave up on music and had already started a business in interior design before his breakthrough song, Who Is Your Guy, went viral in 2022.

The hit track, followed by its remix with Tiwa Savage in 2023, cemented Spyro’s place in the Nigerian music industry.

Later that year, the collaboration won Best Collaboration at the 16th Headies Awards.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday declared that the state has set a new benchmark in workplace safety and public protection with the inauguration of the Safety First Campaign and the Occupational Safety Cadre, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaking at the third Lagos State Occupational Safety and Health Conference (LASOSH), the governor described the initiative as a ‘bold declaration’ that safety in Lagos will no longer be treated as an afterthought but as a structured and professional discipline within the public service.

‘This groundbreaking cadre is not just a bureaucratic innovation; it means safety will now be a recognised career path with structure, expertise, and continuity,’ Sanwo-Olu said.

‘Generations of Lagosians will benefit from a professional corps dedicated solely to occupational safety and health,’ he added.

Sanwo-Olu also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to strengthen safety initiatives across the state.

Highlighting Lagos’ technological advances in safety management, the governor disclosed that the state has deployed a safety application that allows citizens to report hazards in real time, drones for aerial surveillance of high-risk zones, and body cameras with thermal sensors for monitoring compliance and emergency response.

‘These tools are deliberate investments in predictive governance,’ he said, adding that ‘They help us identify safety issues as they emerge and act proactively rather than reactively.’

While stressing that safety remains a collective responsibility, Sanwo-Olu called on all stakeholders, from private businesses to civil society, to embrace a culture of compliance.

‘Safety should not be seen as a cost, but as an investment in sustainability and human dignity,’ he said.

He also urged safety officers to balance enforcement with fairness, saying, ‘If a facility doesn’t deserve to be shut down, don’t shut it down. But when the law must take its course, don’t hesitate to act.’

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC), Lanre Mojola, revealed that compliance levels have significantly improved, leading to fewer enforcement actions.

He added that the commission continues to strengthen regulations in areas such as swimming pool control, construction safety, and the handling of dangerous goods transported through Lagos ports.

Mojola announced the induction of 28 new Occupational Safety Officers, noting that over 20,000 facilities in the state are now registered on the Government Safety Information System (GPIS) with verified pictorial evidence.

He also disclosed that the commission is leveraging Artificial Intelligence to predict and prevent safety risks before they escalate.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting every resident, saying: ‘Every Lagosian deserves to live, work, and move freely without fear.’

He added that the annual LASOSH conference remains a vital platform for thought leaders, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange ideas and chart pathways for safer workplaces and communities in Lagos.

It was not a surprise that key members of the opposition have quickly latched on the claims that the Minister of Science Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji forged his academic certificates to hit at the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Perhaps, that has been the whole objective all along – Tinubu, not Nnaji may have been the target of these purveyors of falsehood. Yes, falsehood it is! And the fact that this false claim has been fraudulently given vent to spread far, even adorning front pages of some newspapers does not make it true.

As the Yoruba people say falsehood may take off a thousand years, but truth will overcome it in a single day. Against the deliberate misinformation of the past few days, the truth now in public domain is that the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology is a distinguished and proud alumnus of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The Minister graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biochemistry, with Second Class (Honours) Lower Division.

This was confirmed by the University itself in a letter it issued on 21 December 2023, duly stamped and signed by Mrs. I.A.S. Onyeador for the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Celine Ngozi Nnebedum. The letter, was written in response to inquiry by online news platform, People’s Gazette that had like Premium Times taken upon itself the task of probing the academic credentials of the Minister. ‘Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, with registration number 1981/30725, was admitted in 1981 to study Microbiology/Biochemistry and graduated in July 1985 with a Bachelor of Science, Second Class (Honours) Lower Division,’ the letter issued on the letter head of the university and properly stamped stated emphatically.

Also, UNN’s 1985 Convocation Brochure, which, I gathered, was brought out and circulated by some school mates of the Minister who were not only surprised but were taken aback by the shenanigans and lies of the past few days have been circulating in the past few days.

The Convocation Brochure had the names of the 37 students who successfully completed their course in Microbiology and were duly certified for convocation in 1985. The Minister’s name and picture was clearly reflected in the brochure as a member of the graduating class of the Department for that year.

The brochure is part of the UNN’s archives. But the good news is that the names of the classmates of the Minister are also well reflected and some of them have volunteered to start speaking to further put a lie to this deliberate misinformation in the next few days.

Furthermore, the Minister had submitted the same UNN credentials to the Senate for screening before confirmation of his nomination as a minister. Surely, the credentials were duly screened and confirmed as genuine by the DSS before Nnaji was called for screening by the senate.

Yet, we must put the role of the UNN, especially, its Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya who only assumed office about two months ago in this deliberate disinformation campaign under the searchlight. Said to be a dyed-in- the- wool politician, Ortuanya was a former commissioner of education and Secretary of the State Government under the PDP administrations of Governors Sullivan Chime and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in Enugu State respectively. He was also a former Director General of South East Governor’s Forum. There are speculations that the Vice Chancellor remains a card carrying member of PDP and is planning to contest for the senate in 2027.

His ‘volte face’ on the Minster’s graduation from UNN as reflected in a letter he purportedly issued to Premium Times two years after the institution in a letter duly signed by its registrar said otherwise, seemed a confirmation of these speculations.

The fact that the Vice Chancellor also dabbled into issues related to examination and graduation records instead of the Registrar who is recognized as the custodian of such functions reflected Prof’s Ortuanya mischief in the ugly affair. What’s more, the Minister had after getting information that of attempts to tamper with or alter his academic file had filed a suit against the Vice Chancellor and the management of the UNN.

The court, presided over by by Hon. Justice H. J. Yilwa had on 22 September granted a series of protective orders, including an injunction restraining the Vice Chancellor and management of UN from tampering or continuing to tamper with the Minister’s academic records. The court also issued an order of mandamus compelling the University to release the Minister’s academic transcript as well as a directive to the supervising authorities to ensure compliance through their disciplinary powers.

But rather than obey these certified order of court, the Vice Chancellor, a lawyer decided out of what is believed to be a politically motivated malice to embark on media trial obviously aimed at embarrassing the Minister and indeed, the Tinubu’s administration.

A clear reading of the political climate in Enugu State will reveal a clear case of the Biblical voice of Jacob but the hands of Esau as the nation races towards 2027. Certainly, it was not a coincidence that the falsehood about the Minister’s academic credentials began to circulate days after the same platform behind it had indicated that Enugu’s PDP governor, Peter Mba is plotting to decamp to the ruling APC.

With the Enugu chapter of PDP in shambles as a result of infighting, the Governor had long desired to dump the party for the APC. Unfortunately, the Minister who is rightly the leader of the APC in Enugu State not just because of his present position or the fact that he was the gubernatorial candidate of the party 2023 election, but because of the role he has been playing in solidifying the party as credible platform has constituted his main stumbling block.

This is more so if its realized that the PDP and its leadership had since 1999 hold Enugu by the jugular, despite their failures to meet the yearning of the people by ensuring that the opposition parties can only function as appendages. However, in the 2023 election, the opposition parties demonstrated that the PDP is far from invincible in Enugu State. There is palpable fear in Enugu Government’s House that with his rising profile matched against failure of the Mba’s administration to deliver on its promises to the people, the unending crises in PDP, the Minister now constituted the biggest obstacle to the Governor’s bid to use the APC to return to office in 2027.

It’s very unfortunate that an otherwise noble institution with distinguished alumni who are contribution to the advancement of humanity across the globe has, courtesy of a Vice Chancellor, has become a pawn in Enugu politics. It will seem as if the Vice Chancellor has wittingly lend himself to a coordinated campaign to drag a public servant dutifully serving his country, and a distinguished alumnus on an institution he is presiding over into the mud of partisan politics for obvious political gain.

But what is also clear going by reports in the past few days was that beyond Nnaji, the opposition has seized on this falsehood to his at the President’s Tinubu’s administration as reflected in flurry of press statements by the opposition parties. These opposition political parties and so called public commentators who do not wish the Tinubu’s administration well have taken position, passed judgments and pronounced guilty verdicts despite the fact that the issue is under adjudication at a competent court. They cannot wait for pronouncement of the court on the matter because their aim is to do everything possible to discredit the Tinubu’s administration.

But Nigerians cannot be fooled. And knowing him, President Tinubu will also not be carried away or distracted by such sponsored campaign and neither should Nnaji. The Minister should also not allow the campaign of calumny to take his gaze off the task of advancing innovation, building Nigeria’s science and technology capacity, and restoring the nation’s confidence in research-driven industrial growth as he was mandated by the President.

The Kaduna State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday suspended its State Secretary, Sa’idu Adamu, over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

The suspension was announced in a statement signed by the Kaduna State PDP Publicity Secretary, Maria Dogo

According to the statement, the decision to suspend the secretary was taken by the State Working Committee and endorsed by the State Executive Committee during a meeting held on Monday at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna.

Dogo said the suspension of the secretary was in line with the provisions of Articles 58(1)(h) and 57(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

According to the statement, Adamu’s suspension, which takes immediate effect, will last for one month pending the outcome of investigations and subsequent decisions of the party.

Dogo said the suspended secretary was barred from participating in any party activity at all levels during the suspension.

‘The PDP wishes to assure its members and the general public that the party remains resolutely committed to upholding internal discipline, fairness, and justice under the able leadership of the State Chairman, Edward Masha,’ the statement said.

‘The ongoing efforts of the State Working Committee are aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring accountability across all ranks,’ it added.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a return to the Senate on Tuesday, marking the end of her six-month suspension as the National Assembly resumed plenary after a 10-week recess.

The Senator representing Kogi Central, who had been absent from legislative activities since her controversial suspension earlier in the year, was seen in the chamber as lawmakers reconvened.

Although Senate President Godswill Akpabio was notably absent, his deputy Barau Jibrin presided over the session, which saw a turnout from senators across party lines.

In a display of international solidarity, some senators were seen wearing the colours and attire symbolising Palestinian identity, in support of the Free Palestine movement.

The Senate had gone on recess in late July 2025,

A group of market women in Benin metropolis on Tuesday lauded Oba Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, for rejecting plan by the daughter of the president, Mrs Folasahde Tinubu-Ojo to install one Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Iyaloja-General, the market leader in Edo state.

Oba of Benin had during a recent visit of Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria to his palace said the Benin culture did not recognise installation of Iyaloja-General in markets in the city.

The traders had turned down plan by Folashade-Ojo to install Pastor (Mrs) Josephine Ibhaguezejele as Edo market leader, prompting the Iyaloja-general to visit the Oba over the matter.

The market women hailed the Oba for explaining Edo market women leadership tradition to Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

Madam Florence Ahunwan, who led the women to the palace, hailed the Oba for upholding the rich culture and tradition of the Benin Kingdom.

Ahunwan showered praises on Oba Ewuare for his truth and goodwill to Nigerians in defence of Edo heritage.

The market women sang praises of the Oba and thanked him for being a beacon of support to his subjects.

Responding on behalf of the palace, Chief Osaro Idah, the Obazelu of Benin, joined by other palace chiefs acknowledged the visit by the market women.

Idah assured the group that their goodwill message would be communicated to the Oba .

He cautioned the market women against violence while carrying out their trade at the various markets. (NAN)

Veteran Nigerian Scrabble player Chinedu Okwelogu, fondly known in Scrabble circles as Chinedu Thorpe or Sidespin, is brimming with excitement at the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Ghana.

At 60, Okwelogu is defying age barriers and proving that Scrabble is indeed a lifelong sport.

While many of his contemporaries are settling into retirement and grandparenthood, he is preparing to battle it out on the world stage against opponents young enough to be his grandchildren.

He is one of the 15 players selected by the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), to represent the country at the biannual competition holding in Accra, the Ghanaian capital next month.

For Okwelogu, the thrill of competing among the best minds in global Scrabble is not just about personal glory-it is a testament to the longevity and employability that the game offers.

Having first picked up Scrabble tiles in 1973 before a decade-long detour into table tennis, Okwelogu turned professional in 1983.

His love for the game eventually helped him achieve academic success, earning his O-Levels in 1986 after several unsuccessful attempts.

Sidespin’s passion for Scrabble also opened professional doors, leading to his employment within the Scrabble community in Kano State.

Now set to retire from the Federal Civil Service on November 7, Okwelogu remains fully active in the sport as a Tournament Scrabble Consultant, illustrating what he calls the ‘uncommon reality’ of Scrabble as a lifelong profession.

‘Scrabble can employ a human being for life in multiple capacities,’ he said. ‘I’m fulfilled just by being an example of that truth.’

In both Nigerian and international Scrabble circles, it is not unusual to see players well into their 70s still competing-and winning prize money. Okwelogu takes pride in being part of that enduring tradition.

Looking ahead to WESPAC 2025, the veteran aims to break into the Top 10, determined to better his previous outing at the 2009 Championship in Malaysia, where he finished around 68th position.

Before heading to camp with the rest of his teammates, his preparations have been intense, focusing particularly on mastering two- to six-letter words, a key component of elite-level Scrabble success.

Team Nigeria will be camping in Lagos for about two weeks before leaving for Accra.

As Okwelogu counts down to Ghana, his journey stands as an inspiring reminder that passion and persistence can indeed make age just another word on the board.

By virtue of Nigeria’s leading role and state in the World, the country has been given 15 slots for players representation at the global event which runs from the 9th to the 17th of November 2025 in Accra.

As a country, Nigeria is currently ranked second in the World and that’s our lowest ranking in the last ten years.

After a series of National and Continental championships and Qualifiers the most revered and respected NSF Technical Committee has carefully selected 15 players who will represent Nigeria at the World Championship.

The list include, current African Champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko, former African Champion Rex Ogbakpa, PANASA President’s Cup winner Victor Godwin and Africa number two player George Ezinore as well as number three ranked player on the continent and highly rated in the World, Abdulmumin Jimoh.

The rest of Team Nigeria are very experienced serial winners at national and international competitions in the last five years.

TEAM NIGERIA SQUAD

? Oluwatimilehin Doko – Continental Champion

? John Aiyedun – All Africa Championship winner

? George Ezinore – Africa’s No 2 and NSF Green Jacket holder

? Victor Godwin – President Cup winner

? Rex Ogbakpa – Continental Champion

? Abdulmumin Jimoh – Exp

? Tega Okiemute

? Samuel Adebola

? Chinedu Thorpe

? Emmanuel Umujose – EEAST winner

? Larry Etuwa

? Ben Quickpen – 2024 NSF golden medallist

? Tuoyo Mayuku – The most decorated female of all time in Africa

? John Curtis Ebomah

? Peter Ebomah