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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Kresta Laurel Limited, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous elevator and escalator company, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the management and staff of the company for their enterprise discipline, resilience, and commitment to sound business practices, which he said have ensured the firm’s longevity in a highly competitive industry.

Headquartered in Lagos, with branches in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and a zonal office in Ibadan, Kresta Laurel has emerged as a major player in the installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.

The company is also a recipient of the African Order of Merit in Cranes, Escalators, and Elevator Technology.

President Tinubu recalled the company’s support during his days as Lagos State Governor-elect in 1999, when it provided office space for his transition team as he assembled a technocratic cabinet to steer the affairs of the state.

He expressed appreciation to the firm for its continued belief in the Nigerian market and for contributing to the growth of indigenous enterprise.

While extending his felicitations to the Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors, Senator Gbenga Daniel, the President wished the organisation many more years of success and greater milestones in its corporate journey.

In recognition and appreciation of selfless service, patriotism, contributions to the security, peace and unity of Nigeria and overall wellbeing of humanity, some government officials, entrepreneurs, movie personalities, climate change activists and philanthropists, were on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, honoured with Nigeria’s Pride Awards at a ceremony that took place in Abuja.

The Awards wereborganised by First Green White Resources (FGWR), publishers of African Leadership Scorecard Magazine and Nationwide Reports; and chaired by Gen. Paul Boroh (Rtd), former Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta/Coordinator of Amnesty Programme while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris was Guest Speaker.

Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru, was honoured in two categories as Best Governor on Road Infrastructure and Best Governor on Community Empowerment; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa- was honoured as ‘Shield of the Nation’ while others include Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo- Most Impactful Minister of the Year, Senator Ireti Kingibe- Most Grassroots-Oriented Politician of the Year and Dangote Group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Anthony Chiejina-Most Impactful Corporate Marketing Officer of the Year.

Others who received awards were Dr. Sarah Jibrin – Most Outstanding Female Politicians of the Decade, veteran Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, in two categories for her philanthropic activities, Directors-General of NTA, Salihu Abdulhamid Damboos- Outstanding Leadership Award, Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Sir Jideani Agabaidu- Most Gender-Inclusive Chief Executive Officer of the Year; and Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC), Hon. Rinsola Abiola- Exemplary Young Corporate CEO of the Year; as well as President of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Emeka Rollers- Most Impactful Entertainment Personality of the Year, Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson- Most Outstanding Movie Producer of the Decade, Chi-Tola Roberts- Pillar of Support and Empowerment of Women in Agriculture, Hajia Mariam Aliyu Abdullahi (Jagaban Matan Zaria)- Champion of Hope for the Needy and Hajia Zainab Abdulrahaman- Outstanding human oriented public service award.

Nwifuru, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Grace Umezurike, praised the organisers and thanked them for honouring Nwifuru in two categories, a gesture she said was well deserved, in view of the massive transformation taking place in the State.

Prof. Umerurike said Nwifuru has achieved massive development in the state within just two years and few months of his administration and transformed many communities, increased minimum wage to N93,000, empowered women and youths and provided water facilities, hospitals and other dividends of democracy across all senatorial districts. She urged Nigerians play their parts in nation-building, promising people that Governor Nwifuru has more to offer them in the years ahead.

Boroh said Nigeria’s Pride Awards was a well-thought initiative to honour those who have served the nation well and contributed to nation-building. He commended the Chief off Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa for his efforts in rooting terrorism and other criminalities I the country and suggested that the awards be an annual event.

Minister of Information and National Orientation who was represented by the Director, Publications, Production and Documentation, Mr. Ibidapo Okunnu, praised CDS Musa for his patriotism and multi-dimensional approach in securing Nigeria. He commended the organisers of the awards for their commitment to the unity of Nigeria and for honouring citizens who have contributed t the development of the nation.

Senator Ireti Kingibe, while appreciating the honour done to her by the award, reiterated her commitment to the people of the FCT and promised to continue to provide quality representation at the national assembly by ensuring that rights of residents were protected through quality legislations while at the same time pledged to attract more projects from the federal government to make the city and satellite town better.

Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser to Aviation Minster said Keyamo was committed to ensuring continuous improvement of Nigerian aviation sector and airports, safety of air travelers and compliance to global best practices by airline operators and other stakeholders in the industry.

The Chief Executive Officer of First Green White Resources and Founder of Nigeria’s Pride Awards, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said, although Nigeria is a country in need of quality leadership, many Nigerians are doing well and making the nation proud both at home and other parts of the world.

He said the idea behind the awards is to identify those good leaders, in the public or private sector, and honour them as a way of encouraging them to do more while at the same time, encourage others to wake up.

Ahaziah Suleiman, Chairman of the organizing committee, in his welcome remark, said Nigeria’s Pride Awards is a way of rewarding hard-work and patriotism, adding recipients are nominated through rigorous and painstaking process to ensure that only those who merit the honour are selected.

While NTA DG was represented by the Executive Director, Special Duties, Kalil Ibrahim, the Managing Director of Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Dr. Abba Aliyu was represented by Engr. Dr. Sabo Mahmoud.

Also honoured were Emeka Duru- Most Impactful Movie Personality of the Year, Gloria Chisom Okafor- Best Movie Producer of the Year, Sandra Okunzuwa- Best Actress of the Year, Empress Njamah- Lifetime Outstanding Nigerian Actress, Hajia Rekiya Ibrahim Attah-Lifetime Motivational Personality in Movie and Entertainment Media Production, Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Yakubu- Outstanding Leadership Award, Emeka Okoye- Best Actor on Comedy, Etinosa Idemudia- Best Actress on Comedy; Chidi Anyanwu- Best Movie Director of the Year, Luchy Donalds- Best Motivational/Innovative Actress of the Year and Chief Honorus Obasi- Meritorious Corporate and Community Service Award.

Awardee corporate organizations were Dangote Group- Chief Cornerstone of Business in Africa; NTA- Best Television Station on Culture, Weather, Defence and Security Coverage; CLTC- Meritorious Long Service Award on Human Development; and Rural Electrification Agency- Most Improved Service Delivery Agency of the Year.

Highlight of the event was music and dance drama performances by FCT NYSC cultural group.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs) to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

He made the call at the maiden National State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Conference held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Sheralton Hotel, Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme, ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria,’ underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents, and the growing threat of climate change.

He stressed that resilience at the national level depends largely on how prepared state-level agencies are to manage emergencies.

Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration has significantly upgraded the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines, and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, the expansion of the Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks, synchronization of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and the closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination, and technology-driven response.

‘Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,’ he said.

In her remark, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, commended Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units, and building resilient communities. She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive, and participatory.

Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management, and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners, and communities.

She emphasised the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

In his welcome address, the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of all the SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners, and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery, and resilience.

‘When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

‘Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

‘The Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society, and international partners for their support, stressing that disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,’ he added.

Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with journalists, said the agency has concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute on Saturday, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

On Saturday, we are going to have our Institute of Emergency Management, which will ensure they build capacity, not only in Lagos State, but in the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We’ll be sharing capacity, information, and knowledge with international communities. We are collaborating with the International Organization of Migration (IOM).

‘Moreover, we won’t need other people from other countries to come and teach us what we need to do. We will have that institute. We will build the capacity of all our responders.

‘By Saturday, it will be launched, and I am sure they are going to have their first intake by December.’ he said.

He commended the governor for taking ownership of emergency management and providing clear political will to ensure the safety of life and property.

‘We are now looking holistically, we are building the resilience to all the local governments and encouraging all the states to do the same.

‘We did a simulation here today to show the good people of Lagos State that we are capable, that we have the personnel and ability to manage any form of emergency or disaster in the state. We also did it to showcase the kind of sophisticated equipment that we have, like the light-duty and heavy equipment.

‘We want our people to know that we have the biceps to work 24 hours, to manage the golden hour very well. We want our people to have confidence in us and develop the right positive attitude towards emergency management. Disaster is everyone’s business.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) at the state-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over alleged unpaid salaries, arrears, and other unmet demands.

The association vowed to join their counterpart, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which has already withdrawn services since August over similar grievances.

ASUU had earlier warned that the planned resumption of students and the forthcoming convocation ceremony could be disrupted if outstanding payments were not made.

Speaking on Thursday, Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in AAUA, Comrade Olutayo Ogungbeni, accused the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration of reneging on promises made in June 2025 to settle arrears and increase subventions to tertiary institutions.

According to him, SSANU members are owed more than two months’ salaries, with the last payment received in July.

He explained that the current subvention accruable to the institution is insufficient, making it difficult to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage for university workers.

‘The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), AAUA, may commence industrial action if all outstanding salaries are not paid. The last salary collected was in July, and now we are in October,’ Ogungbeni said.

He lamented that staff had exercised patience for too long, stressing that they are now poised for a showdown.

Ogungbeni further accused the state government of neglecting the university by failing to provide adequate funding over the years.

While noting that the ASUU strike has already halted academic activities, Ogungbeni warned that the looming SSANU strike would paralyze all administrative and support services at the institution if the government fails to intervene.

He listed some of SSANU’s demands to include, ‘Payment of 54 months’ arrears of 2019, payment of 18 months’ arrears of the 25%/35% salary increment, payment of two months’ arrears of the 2024 minimum wage, payment of promotion arrears for 2022, 2023, and 2024, and immediate payment of August and September 2025 salaries.

The Commissioner for Education in the state, Prof Igbekele Ajibefun, was not available for comments when contacted on Thursday by our reporter.

Prof. Ajibefun neither picked up calls nor replied to his messages as of the time of publishing this report.

Recall that the state government had said it was making frantic efforts at forestalling an industrial action in the state-owned institution as the organised unions threatened to disrupt the resumption and planned convocation ceremony.

The Big Brother Naija reality show has a long history of disqualifying housemates who breached the rules, often due to physical violence, aggressive behaviour, or other forms of misconduct.

1. Faith (Season 10, 2025): The most recent disqualification was Faith in Season 10, who was asked to leave the house immediately after a physical altercation with housemate Sultana during a skincare task rehearsal, leaving Sultana with a twisted ankle.

2. Kemen (Season 2, 2017): Another notable case was Kemen in Season 2, who was disqualified for sexually inappropriately touching fellow housemate TBoss while she was asleep.

3. Khloe and K-Brule (Season 3, 2018): In subsequent seasons, other housemates have faced similar consequences. Khloe and K-Brule were disqualified in Season 3 for accumulating three strikes due to aggressive behavior and physical confrontations.

4. Tacha (Season 4, 2019): Tacha followed suit in Season 4 after a physical fight with Mercy Eke, which involved pushing and hair-pulling.

5. Erica (Season 5, 2020): Erica was disqualified in Season 5 for multiple rule breaches, including abusive language and disrespecting house rules.

6. Beauty Tukura (Season 7, 2022): Beauty Tukura was disqualified in Season 7 for aggressive behavior, including throwing her wig and glasses at a fellow housemate during an argument.

This incident set a precedent for the show’s zero-tolerance policy on physical misconduct.

Veteran actress Bimbo Akintola has called for Nigerians to embrace polygamy as a part of the country’s tradition.

In a recent interview with Biola Bayo, Akintola argued that polygamy was a common practice in Yoruba families, where men often have multiple wives.

She stated that the current perceived shortage of men in society makes it practical for two women to share one husband.

She said, ‘With the way the world is going, people should embrace polygamy. You say marriage is everything, so if we don’t have enough men according to statistics, does that not mean two women to one man?

‘I also believe it is part of our tradition. Most of Generation X, Yorubas, and even our parents had two to three wives. It was something we saw while growing up. Maybe we also noticed the disadvantages, but some people say there are advantages too.

Akintola shared a personal anecdote about a woman who brought a second wife into her home to alleviate pressure from her husband’s higher sexual needs.

According to Akintola, some women may even welcome sharing a husband as a way to maintain peace in the household.

‘I know some women who would rather have a second wife. I even know someone who married a second wife for her husband so that she could have peace. They didn’t have the same libido. His was higher than hers, so she thought, ‘this man will kill me, let me find support,’ and she married a wife for him’, she added.

She also advised parents who prefer monogamy to focus on raising boys with strong values, teaching them discipline and respect from a young age to prevent infidelity and promiscuity.

‘All these men we are talking about, who are polygamous and cheat, were raised by someone. Raise your son to be that kind of man so that future women, your daughters, will have men like that to marry’, she added.

Popular Ondo cleric, Prophet Samson Oluwamodede of the Prayer Centre Church of God (PCCG), and the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration have clashed over the ‘poor condition’ of roads, particularly in Akure South Local Government Area of the state.

In a viral video by his church on Thursday, Prophet Oluwamodede lamented the worsening state of the Akure/Idanre (Oke Aro) road, describing it as a death trap for motorists.

He alleged that several lives and vehicles had been lost due to the deplorable condition of the road, which he said had become nearly impassable.

‘Mr Governor (Aiyedatiwa), you remember there was a time I called your attention to how bad the road is, and you promised to contact your S.A. on Infrastructure.

‘But the road is now worse. If you see how people are dying on that road, particularly at Owe Akala, Idanre garage, and Abiodun junction to the new town area, it is terrible. Many commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders) are dying, lorries continue to fall, injuring people and destroying goods,’ the cleric lamented.

Oluwamodede, who said he had made several failed attempts to reach the Governor, added that if nothing was done by Sunday, he would mobilsee resources to carry out ‘surface repairs’ on the road himself to avoid further embarrassment.

‘I’m calling your attention to the road, Mr Governor, because we still have the confidence in you. Do something now because the road is very bad. Painfully, this is happening within the street of Akure. I wish the governor could try and drive down to see what we are facing here. Please, Mr. Governor, I am calling your attention to the bad road.

‘I have witnessed the administrations of Governors Olusegun Agagu, Olusegun Mimiko, late Rotimi Akeredolu, and now you (Aiyedatiwa) is the fourth. I want you to make a difference. This is not about politics but the suffering of people. If I don’t see action, I will bring in a grader for surface dressing,’ he stressed.

The Nation report that the Akure/Idanre road leads directly to Prophet Oluwamodede’s expansive church.

However, in a swift response, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Lands and Housing, Mr Ayorinde Abiola Olawoye, attributed the delay in the project to incessant rainfall, noting that construction is a gradual process with defined stages.

‘At Oke Aro, the contractor, who began work less than six months ago, has already achieved over 8,000 meters of lined drains – about 4km out of the 10km stretch. This is an impressive milestone in such a short time,’ he said.

Olawoye explained that road construction begins with hydraulic works like drains and culverts, followed by earthworks and then pavement structure, stressing that skipping stages would compromise quality.

‘While the concerns raised by the prophet are valid, incessant rainfall has made grading or palliative works impossible. Such measures in the rainy season would worsen the situation. Now that rains are subsiding, the contractor has commenced palliative works to ease movement pending the completion of the full project,’ he added.

Aiyedatiwa in April flagged off the dualisation of the 10-kilometre Akure-Idanre road.

The project, designed to ease heavy traffic and boost economic activities, will feature a 28-metre-wide carriageway, modern traffic systems, and solar-powered streetlights.

Eight traditional rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State on Thursday threatened legal action against Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi.

They also ssued 21-day ultimatum to the monarch to withdraw the alleged false accusation against Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

The monarchs, including the Alasipa of Asipa, Oba Mufutau Oyekanmi; Olulamokun of Yakoyo, Oba Mesharch Oyediran, Alakinlaalu of Akinlaalu, Oba Oluwabusola Oloyede, among others, under the aegis of Origbo Meje Obas, led by the Salu of Edunabon, Oba Kehinde Adesoji, flayed the allegation by Oluwo that Oba Ogunwusi attempted to poison him in a viral video on social media.

Oba Adesoji held that Oluwo’s conduct amounted to insult and gross disrespect to the sacred throne of Oduduwa, describing his allegations against Ooni as criminal defamation and unbecoming of a traditional ruler.

He recalled the activities of Oluwo in the past, which led to his suspension from the meetings of the Osun State Council of Obas after assaulting the Agbowu of Ogbaagba during a peace meeting.

He insisted that the recent outbursts of the Oluwo were aimed at ridiculing the institution of traditional leadership in Yorubaland, warning that such behaviour would no longer be tolerated.

His words: ‘Oluwo has 21 days to write to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to substantiate his allegations or retract them publicly. Failure to do so will leave us with no choice but to take legal action against him at the expiration of this ultimatum.’

The monarchs noted that the Ooni of Ife remains the head of all traditional rulers in Yorubaland, describing the Oluwo’s continued outbursts as attempts to gain undue attention.

They stressed that no amount of unruly conduct from the Oluwo of Iwo would diminish the supremacy of the sacred stool of Oduduwa.

Lille goalkeeper Berke Ozer delivered a stunning performance in the closing stages of their Europa League clash against Roma, saving three consecutive penalties to secure a dramatic 1-0 victory for the French side.

The match began with an early goal from Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, who capitalized on a defensive error to score in the 6th minute. Despite Roma pressing for an equaliser, they were continually frustrated by Lille’s defense.

Their best chance came in the 80th minute when Aissa Mandi was penalised for a handball inside the box. Substitute Artem Dovbyk stepped up for the home side but his penalty was saved by Ozer. However, the referee, Erik Lambrechts, ruled the save out as Ozer was judged to have moved off his line, prompting a retake.

Dovbyk tried again, and once more, Ozer denied him. But for the second time, the Lille keeper was penalised for moving too early, giving Roma yet another chance from the spot.

Matias Soule took the third penalty, but Ozer stood tall yet again, producing a third stunning save – this time, a legal one – to preserve Lille’s lead and seal a memorable win.

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini said afterwards: ‘I’ve never seen three missed penalties in one match. It was an almost unique, random situation, which ultimately compromised the result.’

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have threatened to withdraw their services if the federal government failed to meet their demands.

The union has extended its ultimatum by seven days to ‘allow the government room to respond.’

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) had issued a seven day ultimatum beginning from 15th September 2025, to the federal government to meet its outstanding demands.

The demands include: renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU agreement, non-payment of withheld salaries and unjust disbursement of warned allowances.

In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim at the end of its 52nd National Executive (NEC) meeting at Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri Imo state, the university workers expressed displeasure over government’s continued silence, as the ultimatum draws closer.

The communique reads, ‘NEC expresses deep disappointment over the continued silence and inaction of the Federal Government’s Renegotiation Committee regarding the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement. NEC strongly calls on the government to honour the two weeks extension given by JAC of SSANU/NASU in order to avert the impending industrial crisis in the university system.

‘NEC strongly condemns the continued withholding of salaries of SSANU members who participated in the 2022 industrial action.

‘NEC therefore, urges the Federal Government to immediately release the outstanding two (2) months withheld salaries as a demonstration of good faith and commitment to restoring industrial harmony within the University system.

‘NEC also notes that third-party deductions from the already paid two months of withheld salaries have yet to be remitted and therefore calls for the immediate release of these funds.

‘NEC expresses deep concern over the Federal Government’s persistent disregard for Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Memoranda of Action (MoAs), and other duly negotiated collective bargaining agreements entered into with SSANU.’

The union reiterated that such agreements, reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full.

The SSANU warned that if this pattern of neglect continued, it will have no choice but to ‘explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.’

The union also condemned the formula adopted for the disbursements of earned allowances (EA) that was released by the government.

It alleged that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a larger share of the released EA.

The union further said, ‘SSANU frowns at the inequitable and negligible allocation of the N50 billion Earned Allowance, wherein only 20% which amounts to N10 billion was allotted to the three (3) non-teaching unions (SSANU, NASU and NAAT) as against the N50 billion agreed in the signed MoU/MoA before the suspension of the 2022 industrial action.

‘This allocation is unjust, discriminatory, and fails to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian Universities.

‘It is also in breach of the MoU/MoA signed with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU in August 2022. NEC calls for an immediate release of the balance of ?40 billion Earned Allowance to reflect principles of fairness, equity, and inclusiveness across all non-teaching staff unions of universities and Inter-University Centres in line with the Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Action signed with the unions.’

The union also deliberated on the state of the health sector and other sectors in the country.

It expressed deep concerns over the poor funding of the sector and deteriorating condition of critical sectors, the rising spate of insecurity including kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes which have continued to disrupt daily life, displace families, and cripple economic activity.

SSANU also expressed concerns that, ‘Agriculture and food security are under severe threat, with an estimated 33.1 million Nigerians facing acute food shortages due to conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability.

Key recommendations made to federal and state governments include: granting full autonomy to university governing councils to reduce political interference and enable decisions that best serve the staff and students of the universities; strengthen existing research and innovation funds and make them accessible to all disciplines to ensure consistent support for groundbreaking studies and technological development; and provide a living wage with guaranteed, timely salary payments to attract, motivate, and retain top talents among both teaching and non-teaching staff.

Others are: increase budgetary allocations to health and education, and to ensure that all funds are fully and transparently disbursed; strengthen primary healthcare systems while improving working conditions to curb the brain drain of professionals; declare targeted security emergencies in high-risk states with the deployment of modern technology, intelligence gathering, and community policing, while addressing root causes such as poverty, youth unemployment, and land-use conflicts.

It also recommended support for farmers through provision of inputs, access to credits, storage facilities, and irrigation systems to safeguard food security and stabilise prices; prioritise infrastructure development by maintaining roads, ensuring reliable electricity, providing safe water, and implementing effective flood-control measures.

The union’s NEC called on all tiers of government to act with urgency and sincerity, noting that Nigerians deserved concrete action, not promises.