Category: Latest

……….Gifts Hezekiah University with #250m at Convocation

By Innocent Osuoha, Owerri 

The Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma has been speaking on the need for government and the private sector to synergise with a view to providing quality education for her citizenry.

The Governor made the assertion while speaking as a Special Guest at the maiden Convocation ceremony of Hezekiah University, Ishiala Umudi, Nkwerre, Imo State, while commending the Proprietor of the University, His Grace, Most Rev Professor Daddy Hezekiah for his efforts in establishing the University, the Governor insisted that governments should encourage private Institutions so that students could access qualitative education at subsidised rates.

Governor Uzodinma used the occasion to eulogize President Bola Tinubu for recalibrating education in Nigeria and hoped that the educational policy changes under Tinubu’s administration would impact on institutions such as Hezekiah University and later gifted the School with two hundred and fifty million naira.

Commenting on the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) on his wife, Barr Chioma Uzodinma, the Governor averred that the recognition was not just an acknowledgement of her outstanding public service but also a call to do more especially as they concern support for the girl child.

The Conferee was decorated by the Chairman of the University’s BoT Ambassador Onyinye Gift Uwaechia and the Pro-Chancellor Lady Ogechi Ibeagi on behalf of the Proprietor, His Grace Daddy Hezekiah.

Daddy Hezekiah who had earlier witnessed the commissioning of an ultra modern students hostel as well as the planting of the Convocation tree, said the School was not established for profit making as he has been subsidizing the students fees to the tune of a hundred thousand naira per students, per year, since 2015.

In her speech, Dr Barr Chioma Uzodinma was overwhelmed that the recognition coincided with the world women day celebration and pleaded that government presence should be felt in private Institutions through TETFUND intervention and scholarship awards to students.

She then advised the graduands to go out to the world and make a difference by being good ambassadors of their alma mater and families.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Okere informed that Management of the Institution was seriously addressing the get-rich quick cankerworm looming large among the youth of the nation by putting a lot of emphasis on entrepreneur training and development.

He said the School has achieved a lot without government assistance and faulted the policy that prevent TETFUND, PTDF and other bodies from helping private Universities whereas the NUC has set standards for the accreditation of both private, state and federal Universities.

Prof Okere disclosed that the 273 graduands that convocated were found worthy both in character and in learning.

Investigator news reports that the creme de la creme of the society attended the maiden Convocation ceremony of Hezekiah University which was established in 2015, presently runs three faculties, that of Humanities; Management and Social Sciences as well as Natural and Applied Sciences with fully accredited academic programmes. The University also runs JUPEP programmes.

Emmanuel Clement 

Twenty-nine lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly in favour of Mudashiru Obasa’s removal as Speaker have arrived the Lagos State High Court for the hearing of a matter brought by the latter.

Obasa had gone to court to challenge his removal by at least 36 of his colleagues on January 13, 2025.

In the application dated February 12, 2025, and filed by his lawyer, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), the plaintiff claimed that he was removed from his position on January 13, 2025, by 36 lawmakers while he was out of the country.

Lawyers to Speaker Mojisola Meranda and the House include lead counsel, Mr. Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Others counsels to the lawmakers are: Mr. Olu Daramola (SAN), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN); Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN); Mrs. Abimbola Akeredolu (SAN); Dr. Dada Awosika (SAN); Prof. Dayo Amokaye (SAN); Mr. Mofe Oyetibo (SAN); Mr. Olumide Oyewole and Mr. Wunmi Okeremi.

At the time of filing this report, the lawmakers had taken their seats in preparation for the hearing.

Meanwhile, the House has condemned what it described as an invasion on Thursday.

“The Lagos State House of Assembly wishes to bring to the attention of Lagosians, Nigerians, and the global community an incident that occurred on Thursday, involving an unsanctioned attempt to convene a plenary session by the former Speaker, Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, alongside three members.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the rules governing plenary sessions of the House are clear. A valid sitting requires a formal notice to all members, the presence of a quorum, an approved agenda, and the mace—an essential symbol of legislative authority.

“None of these procedural requirements was met during the purported session, with only 5 out of 40 members present, rendering it unconstitutional and without legislative effect,” the House said in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Hon. Steve Ogundipe.

The statement added that the House remains steadfast in upholding the integrity of the legislature and is committed to maintaining the highest parliamentary standards.

“As an institution dedicated to the progress and development of Lagos State, we shall continue to act within the confines of the law to protect and preserve democratic governance.

“Furthermore, we reaffirm our unwavering support for the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, who continues to demonstrate dedication to the service of Lagosians. Any speculation suggesting her resignation is entirely unfounded. She remains firmly in office and enjoys the confidence and support of 36 colleagues,” the statement said.

The House said it aligns with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in working towards a constructive resolution of misunderstandings adding that the House will continue to work in the interest of Lagosians.

 

Emmanuel Clement 

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,has  congratulated Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on her well-deserved election as a member of the Steering Committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD).

In a congratulatory message signed,Hon Imaan stated that her Excellency’s election is a recognition of her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to uplifting women, children, and vulnerable groups across Africa.

She went further to state that through the Renewed Hope Initiative, she has championed economic empowerment, education, and healthcare, aligning with OAFLAD’s mission to drive sustainable social development.

She said,”The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs fully supports Her Excellency’s vision and remains committed to advancing initiatives that promote gender equality, women’s empowerment, and family cohesion.

“Your leadership in OAFLAD will undoubtedly strengthen impactful policies and partnerships that transform lives across the continent.

“Once again, congratulations to Her Excellency on this remarkable achievement.”she submitted

 

Lord Mayor Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State.ln this interview with Emmanuel lkpeama,he sheds more light on the state of lgbos in Lagos,his achievements and the way forward for Ndigbo in Lagos 2025.

Excerpts:

Can you introduce yourself sir.

My name is Lord Mayor Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State.

As President General Ohaneze Ndigbo Lagos State, what are your expectations and that of Ndigbo in this year 2025.

Our expectations this year especially myself is to start with God,guide everything l do with prayers, knowing fully well that God is the ultimate,not hoping on man and ensure that all the doings and dealings with individuals are from the directive of God almighty.

Also,l want to use this opportunity to urge Ndigbo to pray endlessly and believing God for his goodness and mercy. I am also appealing to them to continually be law abiding this year,be their brothers keeper and go away from gossip and ill fighting that is trying to be part of Ndigbo lifestyle, sometimes it gives me concern as to why we fight ourselves in different associations and aspects of life.

Notwithstanding,in all of this,l will say that Ndigbo are the most honest people in this world especially when it comes to business,they are highly enterprising, little wonder they are doing well in their various businesses.

Leading Ohaneze Ndigbo in Lagos comes with great responsibilities. What has been your core philosophy as a leader.

As Ohaneze Ndigbo leader,my philosophy is to unite Ndigbo in Lagos and this has been my motto which l will achieve before my tenure elapse by bringing all groups together under one umbrella.

How do you balance preserving traditions while adapting to the modern challenge faced by lgbos in Lagos.

Well, the Ndigbo’s,it has been a kind of tradition for them, facing challenges since after the Civil war which they completely lost most of their achievements, since then so many people have been struggling just to feed themselves because of the situation we found ourselves and this has given an edge of working hard to achieve what we least expected.

So l want Ndigbo to be grateful to God almighty, looking at their developmental strides they have achieved so far, they should keep thanking God for his mercies and if they were not strong enough, they would have been like the smallest village in Cotonu .

Notwithstanding the hurdles and challenges, the lgbos have remained stronger.

What has been the most decision you had to make as a leader and what did you learn from it .

My decision was that l wanted to silence all the Cabals inside Ohaneze Ndigbo,all those that are using the name of Ndigbo to trade. Yes this was my hardest decision and at the end l came out victorious and l have made sure that over 70% of those people who can tell you that without them you cannot stand,today it is no longer so as l have been able to silence them all.

What is the biggest misconception about Ohaneze Ndigbo.

You know everyone has his/her own decisions of thinking,we have different feelings and to me Ohaneze Ndigbo is a Socio Cultural Organization that has no allocation, you can only pilot the affairs as a leader based on your contact and capacity as a successful business man.

In a rapidly changing world,how do we keep the younger lgbos generation connected to their roots while embracing modernization.

Well this is just what you have to do as an individual, family by family by advising them and letting them know the challenges behind someone who wants to grow faster than God decision in his/her life, trying to pin them down by making them to understand that all those modern things they are seeing today,they will see a better tomorrow if they are patient.

There has been ongoing debate about political marginalization of lgbos in Lagos. Do you believe this is real or exaggerated.

To me, looking at the contributions of Ndigbo in Lagos State,l expect the lgbos to be occupying some major offices or positions but the reverse is the case, which means there is an atom of truth in it, that is all l can say.

What are your plans for Ohaneze Ndigbo this year 2025.

Thank you for this wonderful question,we have a lot of programs lined up for the upliftment of Ndigbo in Lagos State which include empowerment, celebrating Igbo day, Cultural day, lgbo yam festival and others that l would not like to unfold now but this year promises to be great.

Your advice to Ndigbo.

First, let them be law abiding and be mindful of what comes out from their mouth, what to say and what not to say, there are things we don’t need to say because of our safety so that we can stay here in Lagos,so Ndigbo should be mindful of utterances this 2025. Thank you

 

……..As he removes UNN,UniAbuja VCs,appoints replacement 

Felicia Asuquo, Abuja 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced significant leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja, now known as Yakubu Gowon University.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser on information and strategy Mr Bayo Onanuga stated that these changes are effective immediately.

At Yakubu Gowon University, Onanuga noted that President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and relieved Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi of her duties as Vice-Chancellor.

Senator Lanre Tejuoso, currently Pro-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, has been appointed Pro-Chancellor of the Yakubu Gowon University. He will be succeeded in Makurdi by Senator Joy Emordi, now pro-chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education.

To succeed Maikudi, President Tinubu appointed Professor Lar Patricia Manko as Acting Vice Chancellor at the Yakubu Gowon University for a six-month term. She will not be eligible to apply for the substantive Vice Chancellor position when it becomes available.

In addition, President Tinubu has removed Professor Polycarp Emeka Chigbu from his position as Acting Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), before his tenure ends on February 14.

Professor Oguejiofu T. Ujam has been appointed as his successor for six months and will not be eligible to apply for the permanent position.

The leadership changes at UNN extend to the role of Pro-Chancellor, with Gen. Ike Nwachukwu reassigned to Pro-Chancellor at the University of Uyo. President Tinubu appointed Engineer Olubunmi Kayode Ojo as the new Pro-Chancellor of UNN. Previously, Ojo held the same position at the Federal University of Lokoja and the Federal University of Oye-Ekiti.

Professor Zubairu Tajo Abdullahi, currently the Pro-Chancellor of the University of Uyo, has been appointed to succeed Ojo at the Federal University of Lokoja.

Senator Sani Stores is the new Pro-Chancellor of Alvan Ikoku University of Education, succeeding Senator Joy Emordi. Senator Stores is a Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Additionally, Barrister Olugbenga Kukoyi, a current Council Member at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been appointed the new Pro-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Anambra State.

Onanuga reiterated that all appointments and reassignment decisions are effective immediately.

He added that Tinubu emphasised that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s higher education system through dynamic leadership and accountability.

The restructuring aims to strengthen governance and academic excellence within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama

Fidelity Bank, a leading financial institution, has announced the imminent launch of its dedicated physical facility for Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SME) and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

Known as the Fidelity SME Hub, the multipurpose facility features training halls, meeting rooms, networking spaces, podcast rooms as well as music, photography and content production studios.

“For nearly four decades, Fidelity Bank has been at the forefront of supporting small businesses in achieving their potential and driving the nation’s economy. During this time, we have recognized that SMEs require more than just financial assistance.

This realization has led to the implementation of various non-financial initiatives tailored to support this sector.

“The Fidelity SME Hub is our latest non-financial solution for SME growth.

The facility is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and capacity-building -vital elements necessary for strengthening Nigeria’s SME ecosystem and driving economic growth”, commented Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc in a chat with journalists recently.

Located at the heart of Lagos, the Fidelity SME Hub will provide entrepreneurs with networking and stakeholder engagement initiatives as well as access to industry experts and mentors for hands-on guidance and business advice.

A key feature of the facility is the Creativerse, a well-equipped space for entrepreneurs in the creative industry.

The bank has also announced the launch of dedicated courses to be hosted at the SME Hub in areas such as Financial Management & Investment Readiness, Digital Transformation & Technology Adoption, Marketing, Branding, and Business Growth Strategies.

Furthermore, a fully-fledged creative academy will be established to cover courses on Music Production, the Business of Music, Website Design & Development, Mobile Videography, Disc Jockey and Photography.

To see a comprehensive list of available courses or to apply, please visit https://www.fidelitybank.ng/smehub/.

Explaining further, Onyeali-Ikpe said, “Beyond empowering small businesses, the Fidelity SME Hub will also serve to bolster our non-oil exports drive as we empower SMEs to increase their contribution to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP thus supporting government’s economic diversification drive.

Through our investment in Creativerse in particular, we anticipate that content creators will unlock new revenue streams in entertainment, digital media, and arts, an industry already contributing 2.3% to GDP.”

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged customer commercial bank serving over 8.5 million customers through its 255 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as through digital banking channels.

The bank has garnered multiple local and international awards, including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023, and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.

It was also recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023 and the Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

By Christian ABURIME

Nigerians’ penchant for knee-jerk reactions is a well-worn trope. We are a society often driven by immediate outrage, demanding instant solutions to complex problems.

Like firefighters rushing from blaze to blaze, we react to crises with a flurry of activity, often without truly addressing the underlying issues.

This “fire brigade” approach, while offering a temporary sense of accomplishment, rarely yields lasting solutions. Instead, it often creates a cycle of reactive governance, where problems resurface, demanding yet another round of frantic, short-sighted interventions.

Since last year, Anambra State like any other States in the country has been battling a surge in insecurity, particularly kidnappings, leading to fierce, relentless and even exaggerated criticisms of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s handling of the crisis. Opposition politicians had a field day hypocritically lampooning the state government.

Even critics in cassock turned their hallowed pulpits into vilification platforms against the person of the governor.

However, Governor Soludo has demonstrated a strategic leadership approach, refusing to be stampeded into rash actions.

His calculated strategy, focusing on long-term solutions and empowering security forces, is now yielding undeniable results, proving his critics wrong and restoring hope to the state.

The recent launch of “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” (Peace Must Reign) and the bolstering of the “Agunechemba” vigilante force was not knee-jerk reaction.

It was all a carefully planned initiative designed to dismantle criminal networks at their roots. The dramatic discovery and demolition of the Udoka Golden Point Hotel and Suites, also known as ‘La Cruise Hotel,’ in Oba area of the state is a tribute to this strategy.

The hotel, masquerading as a legitimate business, was discovered to have housed a horrifying secret: over 30 partitioned graves and a shrine, revealing the gruesome extent of the criminal activities taking place within its walls.

This shocking revelation underscores the insidious nature of the security challenges that have been facing Anambra since last year.

Vicious idolatry mixed with ritual bestiality and bloody cultism has become a staple of desperate felons who converged on Anambra like ravenous vultures.

Criminals often operate under the guise of normalcy, making detection difficult. But now, Governor Soludo’s approach, targeting such clandestine machinations and establishments directly, is sending a potent message: there will be no safe haven for criminals in Anambra Stste

The government’s commitment to public safety, reinforced by the new homeland security law, is finding expression in these decisive tactics.

Indeed, the discovery of the graves and shrine points to a complex web of criminality, potentially involving ritualistic practices and organised crime. While understandably causing fear and concern among residents, it also highlights the importance of the government’s focused efforts.

The community’s reaction, a mix of relief and horror, points at the challenge ahead, but also their growing confidence in the government’s resolve.

The demolition of the hotel, while a significant victory, is just one step in a larger battle. The Soludo government’s commitment to uncovering and dismantling these networks is clear.

Beyond the immediate operation, Governor Soludo has invested in equipping security operatives with the resources they need to succeed.

The provision of a fleet of vehicles and AI-aided security gadgets demonstrates a commitment to modernising law enforcement and improving surveillance capabilities.

These tools, praised by security personnel, are already proving crucial in tracking and apprehending criminals. This is just the beginning.

Thus, the alleged security crisis in Anambra State and Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s response to it, offers a compelling case study in the stark contrast between this reactive tendency and the power of a well-thought-out, strategic approach.

While critics clamoured for immediate, visible action, Governor Soludo chose instead to build a foundation for long-term security.

Now, as the results of his calculated strategy become increasingly evident, it is time to ask ourselves: isn’t it time we, as a society, learned to value strategic thinking over the fleeting satisfaction of quick fixes?

In the long term, the success of ‘Operation Udo Ga-Achi’ and the ‘Agunechemba’ initiative will not just be about reacting to individual incidents. It is about proactively disrupting criminal operations, dismantling their infrastructure, and restoring a sense of security and hope to the state.

As Governor Soludo’s strategic thinking and refusal to be swayed by short-term criticisms are now bearing fruit, Anambra is witnessing a turning of the tide, with hope replacing despair. Yes, the original Solution is still working. Peace will indeed reign in Anambra.

Emmanuel Clement 

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim,has commiserates with the people, and government of Niger State on the tragic incident of the petrol tanker explosion that occurred on Saturday morning along the Dikko-Maje road, opposite the Badeggi filling station, Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State resulting in the loss of over 70 lives.

In a press release signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity,Mr Jonathan Eze stated that the Minister is deeply saddened by the unfortunate event, which occurred when a petrol tanker overturned and spilled fuel, prompting people to gather and scoop the fuel, unaware of the imminent danger.

Investigator news reports that the subsequent explosion and fire engulfed those gathered, including rescue efforts, resulting in a significant loss of life and property.

The release went on to say that the Honourable Minister extends her condolences to the Government, families of the victims and the people of Niger State.

She prays for the speedy recovery of those injured and for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed.

The Minister went further to commend the swift efforts of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleja Local Government officials, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the volunteers in evacuating the victims and responding to the emergency

While urging the general public to exercise caution and vigilance in situations involving hazardous materials, such as petroleum products.

She opined that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to provide support to those affected by the tragedy.