₦airaland Forum

AXA Mansard urges business leaders to create enabling environment for diversity, technology, and multigenerational workforce.

The Chief Client Officer, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Rashidat Adebisi, has urged business leaders and managers to create the right environment for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), technology adoption, and a multigenerational workforce to thrive.

She said that, among other evolving workplace trends of the 21st century, these factors will redefine how organizations operate and perform.

Speaking to members of the Society for Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) – the female arm of the Institute of Chartered Account of Nigeria (ICAN), Adebisi noted that business leaders must pay close attention to these trends, embrace them and create environments where they can enable productivity. She added that companies that fail to integrate the changes brought about by new workforce trends risk falling behind in today's increasingly competitive and digital economy.

Adebisi said that the importance of a diverse, equitable, included workforce cannot be overstated. She noted that in Nigeria and worldwide, women remain underrepresented in executive roles, with women occupying only 24% of directors' seats on the top 30 capitalized companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, according to a March 2021 report by KPMG. She stressed the need for organizations to go beyond token representation and implement policies supporting women's advancement into leadership roles.

Additionally, she noted that issues such as ageism, BSc-HND discrimination, and accessibility for professionals with disabilities continue to create barriers for talented individuals. She urged organizations to develop systems to eliminate these biases, focus on competency-based hiring, and foster inclusive work environments that empower employees of all backgrounds.

On the importance of a multigenerational workforce, Adebisi noted that today’s workforce now spans four generations, from Baby Boomers to Generation Z, making it more diverse than ever before. "Each generation brings unique strengths. Baby Boomers and Generation X offer experience, while Millennials and Gen Z drive digital innovation and agility", she said.

She explained that businesses must intentionally create structures that allow these generations to collaborate effectively so the organizations can harness the opportunities for higher productivity and better problem-solving outcomes. "Despite the opportunities, many companies still struggle with the generational divides in communication, belongingness, and work styles and expectations," she added.

"Technology remains a major driver of workplace evolution," she continued. "The adoption of AI, automation, blockchain, and cloud computing is reshaping industries, from accounting to insurance and other sectors. No matter how small, one can hardly think about a business not investing in digital transformation today. Yet many employees of these organizations lack the skills to fully leverage these advancements for personal and business growth".

Adebisi emphasized that business leaders must prioritize upskilling and digital literacy programs to ensure their workforce is equipped to navigate the new era technology has brought to the workplace. She cited examples of how FinTech and digital accounting solutions are revolutionizing financial management, allowing accountants and business leaders to make data-driven decisions faster and more accurately, saying, "Every industry is going through a similar journey to do things faster, cheaper, and better with technology."

She explained that while these technology trends are placing new demands on every facet of the workplace, leaders have a higher responsibility of not just investing in talent and skill development but also creating an environment that can unlock the opportunities that technology brings to business operations.

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Footage from Nigeria’s game against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium shows Victor Osimhen visibly frustrated after the final whistle. While many Nigerians shared in the disappointment, Osimhen’s reaction went beyond frustration—he lashed out at his teammates and the coaching staff.

Where was the leadership? Where was the professionalism? Where was the sportsmanship? Osimhen failed to display any of these qualities.

A great coach once told me: When you’re winning, don’t gloat; when you’re losing, don’t lose your head. Yet, Osimhen did exactly that—he lost his head.

I’ve seen teams suffer painful defeats but still stay behind to console one another and acknowledge their fans. Osimhen, however, displayed a poor attitude, setting a bad example for younger players and disappointing millions of supporters.

The Nigerian Football Federation must take action. Such blatant aggression cannot be overlooked; it must serve as a deterrent.

Lest we forget—was it not Osimhen’s recklessness that cost Nigeria a spot at the last World Cup in Qatar? He had clear chances to put Ghana away but chose to chase a spectacular finish instead of securing the win.

At the very least, Nigerians deserve an apology from Victor Osimhen for his unsportsmanlike behavior.

Nigeria's leading insurance company, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, has announced the release of the AXA Mind Health Report 2025. This comprehensive study underscores the critical importance of mental health in the workplace and among young people.

According to Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi, General Counsel and Human Resource Director of AXA Mansard, the Mind Health Report is part of AXA's ongoing commitment to promoting positive mental well-being and reducing stigma through holistic approaches. She said, "The state of mind health in the world continues to give cause for concern, with a lot of people currently experiencing a mental health condition.

This fifth edition of the report shows a worrying trend among our youth. We also observe an interesting trend in the workplace that reveals work impacts employees mental health either as a source of support or a source of issues.

The AXA Mind Health Report 2025 reveals significant insights into the mental health landscape, highlighting the challenges young adults and employees face. According to the report, 44% of young adults (18-24) currently suffer from mental health conditions, with excessive use of social media and financial instability being major contributing factors. Additionally, work-related stress, including excessive workload, tight deadlines, and a lack of work-life balance, remains a significant concern for employees.

Adewusi further emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health in the workplace, explaining that mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. Organizations must implement policies that support their employees.

"For us at AXA, this realization is at the heart of our We Care Programme, which affords our employees benefits such as flexible working hours, access to professional counselling services, monthly health workshops, a supportive work environment, menstrual, extended paternity, and caregiver leave benefits."

"The findings of the AXA Mind Health Report 2025 highlight the urgent need for proactive measures to address mental health issues in the workplace and among the youth. We are calling on business leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to foster a wellness culture that promotes positive mental health and supports individuals in reaching their full potential.

The 2025 study, conducted in collaboration with IPSOS, aims to identify mental health and wellness issues in global society to build solutions to mitigate them. A total of 17,000 respondents from 16 countries participated in the survey.

AXA Mansard Valentine’s Campaign, PartnerforLife, with Adedimeji Lateef excites customers

AXA Mansard, Nigeria’s leading insurance company and a member of the global insurance giant, AXA has demonstrated a deeper impact with its PartnerforLife campaign during Valentine’s Day in the country.

This initiative, featuring the beloved Nigerian actor Adedimeji Lateef, aimed to show that true love goes beyond grand gestures and is reflected in meaningful actions.

AXA Nigeria's campaign was not about typical Valentine’s gifts. Instead, it was about reaching out to the beneficiaries of their late customers' life insurance policies, reminding them that they are not alone.

This thoughtful gesture was a testament to AXA's commitment to being more than just a payer of claims; they are a partner for life, standing by their customers through good and challenging times.

The campaign kicked off with visits to women who had recently lost their husbands.
These grieving widows received heartfelt gifts and personal messages from AXA Mansard Chief Executive Officer Kunle Ahmed, reinforcing the message: “We are your partner for life.” This kindness provided comfort and support during a difficult time, showing that AXA's care extends beyond the policyholder to their loved ones.

Next, AXA celebrated moments of joy by visiting new mothers who had recently welcomed twins.

These mothers were not only surprised with gifts but also received personal letters emphasizing AXA's enduring promise of partnership. The mothers expressed their gratitude for the seamless and reassuring experience provided by AXA’s health insurance services, making their journey into motherhood a little easier.

Adedimeji Lateef's presence added a special touch to these visits. His involvement brought an extra layer of warmth and excitement, turning a thoughtful gesture into an unforgettable experience. His smiles and joy to the recipients highlighted the campaign's success in creating memorable moments.

AXA Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer summed it up perfectly: “At AXA Nigeria, we understand that life is a mix of ups and downs. We want to be there for our customers through all of it. From the first day they choose to partner with us to every moment that follows, we are committed to being their ‘Partner for Life.’

This Valentine’s Day, through acts of kindness, love, and support, we reinforced this promise. We are here for all the moments; we are here through the tough times, providing comfort, stability, and the reassurance that, no matter what, they are not alone.”

As AXA Nigeria moves forward, its focus remains on creating experiences that touch the hearts of its customers. Whether through thoughtful gestures or the consistent reliability of its services, AXA’s commitment to being a true partner for life is unwavering. This Valentine’s Day, it showed up for its customers in a meaningful way, and it will continue to do so.

AXA Mansard health strengthens provider partnerships to enhance customer experience in 2025

As part of its continued effort to ensure that its customers receive quality healthcare service anywhere and anytime, Nigeria's leading health insurance company, AXA Mansard Health, has brought over 1,000 healthcare professionals in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja during its annual providers' forum.

According to Tope Adeniyi, the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health Limited, the annual Health Providers Forum, with the theme "Together for Wellness," underscores the company's commitment to engaging its providers so they can deliver exceptional services to its customers.

In his keynote address, Adeniyi emphasized the importance of the forum's theme and the company's dedication to its customers. Our providers are integral to our vision, he remarked. We are a customer-first company in principles and practice.

But our providers are at the heart of that commitment. When our providers give our customers the best of care, then our customers can validate our promise. So, this forum is an opportunity to listen, learn, and ensure that we continue evolving with our providers in the ultimate pursuit of a healthier and prosperous society."

He furthered that the roles of healthcare providers and Health Insurance Organisations in national development are integral, noting that providers should appreciate the forum not just as another engagement but as an opportunity to share in a purpose that provides the country with a better society.

"At AXA Mansard, our purpose is acting for human progress by protecting what matters. Health matters not just to individuals but also to the national development of any nation. The healthier people a nation has, the higher its capacity and propensity for development".

So our meeting here today is not just for the wellness of our customers and your patients; it is for the collective prosperity of our country. So we are inviting you to join us on this ambitious journey to make healthcare accessible, available, and accessible in Nigeria, he remarked.

One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of outstanding providers who had gone above and beyond in delivering quality care to customers. These providers were celebrated for their dedication, innovation, and excellence in service, reinforcing the message that AXA Mansard values and supports its provider network.

As AXA Mansard Health moves into 2025, the insights and feedback gathered from this forum will be instrumental in improving its customers' services.

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has conferred an honorary doctoral degree on Kola Adesina (MFR), Chairman of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc.

According to UNILAG, this prestigious recognition celebrates Adesina's exceptional contributions as a "globally renowned entrepreneur with extensive experience spanning academia, finance, trade, diplomacy, and the energy sector."

Speaking on the development, Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Rashidat Adebisi, congratulated Adesina, noting that this honour underscores Adesina's significant impact in Nigeria and Africa's growth and development.

She praised his unwavering commitment to excellence and human capital development, highlighting that it is no surprise that a prestigious institution like UNILAG is honouring him.

"As a business, we have greatly benefited from Adesina's vast expertise and wealth of experience. His outstanding leadership and dedication to our nation's progress are truly remarkable. We are immensely proud to be associated with him and celebrate this milestone. We believe this honour will inspire Mr. Adesina to continue being a beacon of progress in Nigeria's socio-economic landscape," Adebisi stated.

Also the Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Kunle Ahmed, lauded Adesina's virtues and emphasised that the honorary degree is a testament to Mr. Adesina's exemplary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence. "Mr. Adesina's visionary approach has been pivotal in driving our company's success and positively influencing our ambition to transition from a payer to a partner. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and this well-deserved recognition," Ahmed remarked.

The conferment ceremony at UNILAG's main auditorium was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, including academia, finance, and industry, who gathered to honor Mr. Adesina's remarkable achievements and contributions.

The League of Young Professional Progressives in Nigeria (LYPPN) has rejected the appointment of Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Accountant General of the Federation, saying it’s a violation of integrity, transparency, and merit.
 
In a statement signed by its Deputy National Coordinator, Munkail Jalaludeen, the group expressed disappointment over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision, arguing that Ogunjimi did not emerge as the best candidate in the selection process.

“We are deeply concerned that the long-awaited announcement of the new Accountant General has fallen short of basic integrity, transparency, equity, and credibility tests, as Ogunjimi is noted to have emerged in a distant third position in a competitive hiring exercise meant to produce the best among the other contenders,” the statement read.
 
The presidency had announced Ogunjimi’s appointment in a press release dated March 4, 2024, signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement claimed that his selection followed a rigorous, merit-based process involving a written assessment, an ICT proficiency test, and an oral interview. It further stated that the appointment underscored Tinubu’s commitment to “promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in key public service positions.”

However, LYPPN dismissed this claim, insisting that Ogunjimi’s appointment contradicted the very principles the administration claimed to uphold.
 
“It is therefore embarrassing and of particular interest to our group that Ogunjimi, in spite of having made a distant and woeful third position, was announced ahead of the other finalists, even as his previous records in service did not show that he has had a distinguished career, having been found to be involved in an alleged N2 billion police payroll fraud,” the group stated.
It noted that both the Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Eno Olotu, had previously assured Nigerians that the selection process would be based on merit, professionalism, and integrity.
 
“In an earlier statement issued on February 12, the Head of Service assured that the rigorous selection reflects the dedication to appointing the most capable professionals who will uphold the highest standards of integrity and efficiency,” the statement added.
 
LYPPN also recalled that controversy had surrounded Ogunjimi’s name when he was reportedly considered for the position of Head of Service in December 2023.
 
“We are aware that Ogunjimi’s moral burden may have informed the controversies that emerged when he was first named to succeed the outgoing Head of Service of the Federation. His appointment as Accountant General now ridicules the distinguished and exalted office where a high sense of integrity is expected,” the group stated.
 
It, therefore, called on the National Assembly, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and Nigerians to prevail on the president to review the appointment and ensure that the candidate with the highest performance in the selection process is appointed without delay.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and Nigeria Medical Association have said the diversion of patients to private clinics or medical facilities by doctors who are government employees is unethical.

They explained that while some senior physicians who meet the requirements were permitted by law to operate private clinics after their working hours at government facilities, they were not allowed to divert patients to their personal establishments.

The bodies, however, clarified that most of the cases of patient diversions were mere allegations, adding that processes were in place to ensure those found guilty were punished according to the provision of laws guiding the medical practice.

This is coming after the Abia State Government vowed to sanction doctors under its employment who divert patients to private clinics.

The Administrator of the Abia State Eye Health Management Bureau, Dr Betty Emeka-Obasi, gave the warning at the maiden meeting of Optometrists in Abia State civil service earlier in February.

She said that any doctor working in Abia State civil service and government-owned medical institutions, discovered to be diverting patients, would be strictly sanctioned.

In May 2024, the Anambra Ministry of Health suspended the salaries of a medical doctor and two nurses caught diverting patients from General Hospital, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, to private hospitals.


“We have been able to discover those sabotaging government efforts in the repositioning of our hospitals for optimal healthcare delivery service to the people.

“We will continue to fish them out one by one, and we don’t act on hearsay but with evidence. Those involved will also face the full extent of the law of the civil service,” Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said.

Also, in July 2023, the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital management said it commenced an investigation into the alleged diversion of patients to private facilities by its doctors.

“Management has commenced investigation into the matter and we can assure the general public that appropriate disciplinary measures shall be taken against any erring staff in line with the public service rules,” the Head, Corporate Affairs Unit of UITH, Mrs Elizabeth Ajiboye, disclosed in a statement.

But speaking exclusively with our correspondent, the MDCN Deputy Registrar, Dr. Enejo Abdu, said consultants who had been in full-time employment of the government and had worked for 10 years were permitted to operate a private clinic as provided for in the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria.

He, however, clarified that the provision of the law only allows for consultation, adding that they are not permitted to carry out any procedure or treatment on the patient.

Abdu, who spoke to PUNCH Healthwise on behalf of the MDCN Registrar, Dr Fatima Kyari, said, “The rule states that: Those who are consultants—that is, they have the rank of a consultant, are appointed as consultants in a government hospital, or work in a government hospital and have been registered as such for at least 10 years—are permitted to have a clinic for consultation only.


“That clinic is outside their government work. They are permitted to have a private clinic for consultation only after they have been in government employment for more than 10 years. The person must either be of the rank of a consultant or a consultant who has been registered for at least 10 years to be permitted to have a private clinic.

“It must not open until past closing time of 4:00 pm when the doctor is free, meaning they are not working at the government hospital. It is not just about their physical presence; the clinic itself should not open until they are free. It is for consultation only. They are not to carry out any procedures, whether for investigation or diagnosis. Their role is strictly consultation.

“If any procedure is required, they must send the patient back to the government hospital where they work. If a patient seen in that private clinic requires admission, they must be referred to the government hospital where the doctor works—not to another private hospital.

“So, diverting a patient or asking a patient in a government hospital to see you in a private hospital is wrong. If you see a patient in your private clinic, the correct thing to do is to refer them to the government hospital where you work—not just any other government institution, but the one where you work.”

He, however, said processes are in place for doctors who are found guilty of such to be punished according to the law.

According to him, the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal and the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel are the bodies saddled with hearing and trying cases of doctors who engaged in professional misconduct.


Abdu said those tried and found guilty by the tribunal may lose their licence permanently, get suspended from practice up to six months or get reprimanded.

The MDCN deputy registrar said, “The investigation panel only handles allegations against registered doctors and dentists. The investigation panel conducts an investigation when there is a formal allegation against a specific doctor.

“MDCN does not randomly accuse doctors. There must be a documented complaint against the doctor, which will then be presented to them for a response. After this response, a formal investigation is carried out.

“If the doctor has a case to answer, they will be charged before the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. If the tribunal finds them guilty, it determines the appropriate disciplinary action—not MDCN.

“Each sanction is enforced by MDCN, as it is the custodian of the register. MDCN grants and withholds practicing licenses based on the tribunal’s decisions. So, for example, if a doctor is found guilty of patient diversion, the tribunal decides the appropriate punishment. This has happened in the past,”

On his part, the NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, said the majority of patients’ diversion claims are allegations, adding that if such is found to be true, the MDCN could handle the misconduct appropriately.

“Everybody knows what an unethical practice is. Of course, it is unethical and we have not gotten any such report. The MDCN which is the regulatory body will be involved when such happens


“As far as it has not been investigated and found happening or identified those who are guilty of such, then it is just a mere hearsay or at best an allegation,” the don said.

Idowu Abdullahi
https://punchng.com/its-unethical-to-divert-patients-to-private-hospitals-mdcn-warns-doctors/

Honourable Moshood Adeleke, the Founder of the Honourable Moshood Adeleke (HMA) Foundation, has extended warm greetings to Muslims across the world as the holy month of Ramadan 1446 | 2025 commences.

With the official sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia, Muslims will begin their first Taraweeh prayers tonight, February 28, marking the start of a sacred period dedicated to fasting, prayer, and acts of kindness.

In his message, Hon. Adeleke urged the Muslim faithful to embrace the spirit of Ramadan by fostering unity, compassion, and generosity.

"Ramadan is a time for deep reflection, self-discipline, and renewed commitment to faith. As we embark on this spiritual journey, let us strengthen our bond with Allah and extend kindness to those in need. May this month bring peace, blessings, and divine rewards to all," he stated.

He further emphasized the significance of charity and community support, reiterating his foundation’s commitment to initiatives that uplift the less privileged, particularly during this sacred season.

As Muslims worldwide embark on their first fast on March 1, Hon. Adeleke prayed for Allah’s guidance, mercy, and acceptance of all supplications.

https://newsbulletin.com.ng/2025/02/hon-moshood-adeleke-greets-muslims-as-ramadan-1446-begins/

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Board for Technology Incubation, (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji has praised the leadership
qualities of the Executive Chairman of
the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede and the successes of the anti-corruption fight under his watch.

He gave the commendations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 when he led the executives of the Board on a courtesy to the EFCC Chairman at the corporate headquarters of the Commission in Jabi, Abuja.

“Let me begin by wholeheartedly commending the EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, a man of unparalleled vision, courage, and integrity, whose tenure has set new standards in the fight against corruption,” he said.

He observed that the EFCC boss has been result-oriented since he took over the leadership of the Commission. “Under your stellar leadership, the EFCC has intensified its crackdown on economic and financial crimes, ensuring that accountability and transparency become the bedrock of governance and business practices in Nigeria. Your commitment, resilience, and unprecedented achievements have not only restored public confidence in the anti-corruption efforts but have also positioned the EFCC as one of the most effective crime-fighting agencies in Africa. Your leadership is inspiring, and your impact is undeniable. Mr Chairman, under your stewardship, the EFCC has achieved remarkable milestones that have significantly bolstered Nigeria's fight against corruption and enhanced our nation's global standing. Notably, during your tenure, the EFCC has recovered over N200 billion and secured approximately 3,000 convictions within a single year, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to justice and financial accountability.

“You have arrested and prosecuted high-profile individuals and facilitated the seizure of 753 properties in a single estate, showcasing the Commission's resolve to address corruption at the highest levels. You apprehended foreign nationals involved in economic sabotage, thereby safeguarding Nigeria's economic interests and deterring international financial crimes. These accomplishments have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has acknowledged Nigeria's progress, reflecting the positive impact of the EFCC's intensified anti-corruption efforts. This improvement has in turn, elevated the perception of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, affirming its dedication to eradicating corruption and promoting good governance.

“While the EFCC is tackling corruption head-on, the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI) is complementing this effort by creating economic opportunities, fostering innovation, and empowering entrepreneurs with the right tools to build a corruption-free and self-sustaining economy,” he said.

Dr Raji who stated that NBTI’s mission was to seek the possibility of forging a collaboration, noted that working together with the EFCC will enhance the use of technology to disrupt financial crimes networks and fraudulent schemes.

“NBTI plays a pivotal role in driving emerging technologies in today’s knowledge-based economy. To remain competitive, Nigeria must prioritize technological advancements, digital skills, and workforce development. We recognize that sustainable development cannot
thrive in a corrupt environment. Corruption stifles innovation, discourages investment and robs the nation of its full economic potential. This is why our collaboration with EFCC is not just necessary but critical.

“Together, we will leverage technology to develop anti-corruption tools for real-time monitoring of financial transactions, procurement processes and fund disbursement; ensure accountability in SME funding, preventing mismanagement and ensuring
that investments in startups are used for their intended purpose; launch capacity-building programs to educate entrepreneurs on ethical business
practices, financial integrity and compliance frameworks; provide entrepreneurial training for rehabilitated offenders, equipping them with skills for legitimate economic activities; strengthen research and development collaborations to use AI and data analytics in detecting and preventing financial crimes,” he said.

While noting that corruption was one of the greatest impediments to Nigeria’s progress, he stated that EFCC-NBTI synergy could be decisive in the anti-corruption fight.

“Corruption is an enemy of progress. It is the greatest obstacle to Nigeria's economic growth. However, with EFCC leading the charge in enforcement and NBTI fostering job creation and entrepreneurship, we are laying the foundation for a transparent,
accountable,and prosperous Nigeria. This collaboration is a game-changer, a powerful statement that Nigeria is ready to rebuild trust, boost investor confidence,and create an economy that works for all. Together, NBTI and EFCC will stamp out corruption, unlock economic opportunities and drive Nigeria towards sustainable prosperity,” he said.

In his response, Olukoyede, who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mohammed Hammajoda congratulated the NBTI boss on his appointment and urged him to thread the paths of ethical standards in the discharge of his duties. He expressed delight at NBTI's hunger for collaboration with the EFCC in the anti-corruption fight.

“Let me congratulate you on your appointment as the Director General and CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI). We are all aware that the agency you lead is among the drivers of technology, research and development in the country. This means that a lot is on your shoulders. And as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected. Much is expected of you because we are far behind in science and technology and only trying to catch up with the rest of the world as a developing country. In your efforts to make a difference in your new position and assignment, I wish to encourage you to always thread the paths of probity, transparency and accountability. This simply means that you must keep your hands clean. Don’t approve expenditures or contracts sums that you cannot defend. You must be guided by the fact that the position that you hold today is that of trust, meaning that a day of reckoning must surely come, a time to account for your stewardship is inevitable, even if it tarries,” he said.

The EFCC boss expressed appreciation of Dr. Raji’s kind words on the successes of the anti-corruption fight. “We are encouraged by your kind words on what we have been doing in the past one year and four months in the Commission. The challenge of fighting corruption is enormous in a society where the value system has been eroded and all that matters is “get rich quick,” but our assurance to all Nigerians is that we are in this fight with all devotion and everything we could muster. We are focused and determined to win for the sake of our country.

He thanked the NBTI for stepping out to be counted in the anti-corruption fight, noting that the only choice was to stamp out corruption.

“The anti-corruption fight is a fight for the survival of our country. The only option we have is simply to win. We are therefore happy that an important agency such as yours is identifying with our efforts and stepping out to contribute your quota in the fight against corruption. I am particularly delighted with the collaboration you seek in the areas of developing anti-corruption technologies, capacity building, promotion of transparency, joint research and development and strengthening of compliance frameworks. You have my assurance that we will collaborate and partner with you in the pursuit of your mandate and in our pursuit of ours. We will work with you in the interest of Nigeria. Our doors are open to further leverage the anti-corruption fight on the wings of science and technology,” he said.

Visit www.efcc.gov.ng for more stories

EFCC Arraigns Four More Chinese for Alleged Cyber-terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, arraigned four Chinese before Justices M. Kakaki and Ayokunle Faji, both of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The quartet are part of the 792-member syndicate of alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested in Lagos on December 10, 2024 by officers of the EFCC in a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation.”

While three of the defendants, Xia Guang Can, Li Xu Xin, and Zhang Xue Hui were arraigned on separate one-charge charges before Justice Kakaki, Lu Yubo was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice Faji. The charges border on internet fraud, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, advance fee fraud and identity theft.

The charge against Hui reads: "That you, ZHANG XUE HUI sometime in December, 2024 at Lagos within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court cause to be accessed computer system used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable) under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act 2015".

One of Yubo’s charges reads: “That you, Lu Yubo and Genting International Co. Limited, adult, on or about the 11th December, 2024 at No.7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, willfully caused to be accessed, a computer system which was organized to seriously destabilize the economic and social structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud, and you thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015 (as amended)."

They all pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to them, following which prosecution counsel, Fanen Anum and Ahmed Yerima asked the courts respectively for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded at a Correctional Centre, while counsel for the defendants prayed for a short adjournment to file their bail applications.

Justice Kakaki adjourned till March 18, 2025 for trial, and ordered that the three defendants be remanded in a Correctional Centre, while Justice Faji adjourned till March 31 and April 3, 2025 for trial, and ordered that Yubo be remanded in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

https://www.efcc.gov.ng/efcc/news-and-information/news-release/10698-efcc-arraigns-four-more-chinese-for-alleged-cyber-terrorism-internet-fraud-in-lagos

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has sought the support and collaboration of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in the pursuit of its mandate of controlling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.

The request was made on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 when the management of the Centre, led by its Director General, Johnson Babatunde, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) came on a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

“We are here essentially to look for possibilities of initiating collaborative efforts with the EFCC in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. Since we've been able to establish a link between arms proliferation and finances from heinous crimes. We acknowledge the pivotal role of the EFCC in combating financial and economic crimes in Nigeria and in a way, violent crimes. It is common knowledge that most violent crimes in Nigeria wouldn't have been possible if proliferation of small arms and light weapons was absent.

“But with the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, criminal elements become involved. So we are here to seek collaboration. We are here to seek for synergy. We are here to initiate a sort of an interaction, a collaborative effort with the EFCC to see how the EFCC will be of tremendous assistance to us in our statutory responsibility of fighting proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” he said.

Speaking further he said, “We have seen where proceeds of crime have been used to bring in arms and ammunition when it became difficult for criminal elements to bring in huge sums of money accruing from their illicit financial transactions. Some of them resort to buying small arms and light weapons to be brought into the country to prosecute some other heinous crimes. Some of these things of course are critical areas where we are looking for collaboration to see how EFCC can be of tremendous help.”

The NCCSALW boss also sought EFCC’s help in manpower training in the areas of financial intelligence, forensic investigations and financial intelligence analysis.

In his response, Olukoyede acknowledged the nexus that exists between violent crimes and financial crimes and pledged the willingness of the EFCC to collaborate with NCCSALW to contain the proliferation of arms and weapons in the country.

“Wherever you see insecurity, there is usually the propensity or prevalence of financial crimes. That's the truth. There is a very strong relationship between financial crimes and proliferation of small arms, which the end result is insecurity. When we go out on sting operations, particularly against the young people involved in cybercrime, we discover that their activities have even gone beyond the perpetration of financial crimes through the use of computers and other electronic gadgets. A lot of them now carry arms. They are into kidnapping, they are into banditry. They are also into ritual killing. I just pray that all Nigerians understand what we are talking about so that everybody will be part of this crusade. This has necessitated that both agencies work together to form a strategy,” he said.

The EFCC boss expressed delight with the increasing collaboration and synergy among law enforcement agencies in the country against their past tendency to operate in silos. “The inter-agency collaboration that we lacked in Nigeria has probably become a thing of the past. In recent times you could see collaboration among the law enforcement agencies. Most of the time these days, we speak with one voice. You see us sitting together at a round table to discuss the issue of security in Nigeria. I pledge our support, our collaboration to ensure that you achieve your mandate. There is a need for information and intelligence sharing” he said.

The AGF, apparently responding to Mr Sowore’s claim of illegality of Mr Egbetokun’s tenure, admitted that the IGP ought to have left office in September 2024 but for an amendment to the law.

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has stepped into the lingering controversy over the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun,
Mr Fagbemi clarified in a statement on Thursday that Mr Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is legal contrary to assertions that he should no longer remain in office having attained the retirement age of 60.

The clarification came amid prosecution of rights activist Omoyele Sowore by the police for referring to Mr Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP”.

The attorney-general, who was apparently responding to Mr Sowore’s claim, which was fast gaining traction since his prosecution began, admitted that Mr Egbetokun ought to have left office in September 2024 when he attained 60 years but for an amendment to the Police Act.

Mr Fagbemi said the amendment secured a four-year tenure for the occupant of the IGP office.

“The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September 2024,” Mr Fagbemi wrote in a statement on Thursday.

He added, “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.”

The referenced section 7(5) of the Act states that “any person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”

Controversies
The amendment, proposed as an executive bill and passed almost immediately after it was introduced at the National Assembly on 23 July 2023, drew a public uproar with many questioning the motive behind it.

The bill, passed with supersonic speed, scaled second and third readings on the same day, it was introduced at both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both chambers passed the bill that same day.
It created a new Section 18(8A) of the Police Act that gave IGPs special civil service rights and enforced section 7(6) of the Act.

In the principal Act, Section 18( states: “Every police officer shall, on recruitment or appointment, serve in the Nigeria Police Force for a period of 35 years or until he attains the age of 60 years, whichever is earlier.”

But the newly introduced section stated, “Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section ( of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”

According to the presidency which sponsored the bill, the amendment aimed to guarantee the tenure of the IGP and revolutionise police operations by enhancing accountability, modernising policing methods and fostering a more harmonious relationship between the police and the community.

But many Nigerians criticised the amendment.
The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) said “the overzealousness” of lawmakers in passing the bill to amend the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, was to “accommodate ‘sit tightism’ of Mr Kayode Egbetokun in office.”

The National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies similarly criticised the amendment, arguing that it defeated the objectives of the current 35-year service limit or 60-year retirement age.

The group added that extending service terms might not improve morale, performance, and job satisfaction in the police force.

Many have yet to come to terms with Mr Egbetokun’s extended tenure, with Mr Sowore recently referring to him as an illegal IGP.

The police had charged Mr Sowore with cybercrimes at the Federal High Court in Abuja for posting the comment on social media.

Mr Sowore was arraigned on Wednesday, when he pleaded not guilty to 17 cybercrime counts. The court granted him bail on Thursday.
An Abuja-based lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, also sued the federal government at the Federal High Court in Abuja over the matter.

In his suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/342/2024 filed in September 2024, Mr Okpara contended that Mr Egbetokun, who was born on 4 September 1964, clocked the mandatory retirement age of 60 in 2024, according to the Public Service Rule, and was expected to have left office. The matter is ongoing yet to be decided on by the court.

Egbetokun’s tenure legal – AGF, Nigerian police
The AGF said Thursday that the amended Police Act has “therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him (Egbetokun).”
The Nigerian police, similarly, defended Mr Egbetokun’s stay in office on Thursday,
Also responding to Mr Sowore’s claim, force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the appointment of Mr Egbetokun was legal and was confirmed by the Police Council.

“The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore, alleging that the tenure of the IGP is illegal, Adejobi said, adding that “Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.”

The police spokesperson further stated that Mr Egbetokun’s appointment is grounded in law, specifically Part III, Section 7(6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which states that “any person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”

Mr Adejobi also argued that the IGP’s appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, “and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from 31 October, 2023, to 31 October, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed, which amended the Police Act.”

He argued that the amendment of the Police Act aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, “enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.”
Adejobi urged the public to disregard Mr Sowore’s claims, alleging that his assertions were aimed at turning the public against the IG.

“It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police is both legally and procedurally sound,” he stated.
He added, “The Nigeria Police Force views Mr Sowore’s unfounded assertions as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the force’s leadership. Dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly about the IGP’s standing, has the potential to compromise the security framework of our nation and impede our collective efforts to ensure peace and order.”
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/770804-why-igp-egbetokun-remains-in-office-despite-attaining-retirement-age-agf-fagbemi.html?#km1nm9ke2yiitwfxkillfmoykmdkzncnr

Office of the Baale Igberi Enle, Offa Kingdom, Offa, Kwara State

URGENT APPEAL FOR INTERVENTION TO MAINTAIN PEACE AND SECURITY

It has come to the attention of the Igberi Enle community that a group identifying themselves as the ADC boys from Ilemona, reportedly under the direction of their principal actor, has engaged in activities that threaten the peace and security of our community. These individuals, allegedly armed with weapons, have carried out acts of intimidation and violence, including the destruction of numerous bricks at the newly established Juma'at Mosque in Igberi Enle, as evidenced in the video above.

This situation is deeply alarming and poses a significant risk to the peaceful coexistence for which Offa Kingdom is renowned. If left unaddressed, these actions could escalate into broader unrest and violence, which we are determined to prevent.

We categorically condemn these acts of aggression and intimidation. As a community, Offa Kingdom prides itself on values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. We firmly reject the use of weapons or violence as a means of resolving differences, as such actions threaten our unity and shared harmony.

In light of this, we are making an urgent appeal to the following:

1. His Royal Majesty of Ilemona – To take immediate action, facilitate peaceful resolutions, and promote constructive dialogue among all involved parties.

2. The Kwara State Government – To deploy necessary measures to safeguard lives and properties, and to ensure justice is served to prevent further escalation of tensions.

3. Other Concerned Authorities in Kwara State – To provide active support in restoring peace and creating a sustainable framework for conflict resolution.

Offa Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to a legacy of high tolerance and peace. We urge all stakeholders to join us in preserving this legacy by addressing this situation with fairness, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility. Together, let us protect our communities, prevent further unrest, and uphold the values that make Kwara State a beacon of unity and progress.

Baale Igberi Enle Media

Oyo state Police on Thursday said the death toll in the Ibadan Children Funfair Stampede is now 35 with six others critically injured.

The state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Adewale Osifeso made this known in a live radio interview monitored by Blueprint.


SP Adewale Osifeso said seven suspects including the Principal Organiser of the Funfair are now in Police custody.


“I can say categorically now that 35 deaths has been recorded with six others critically injured”, he said.

The PPRO stressed that investigations are still on going on the matter.

https://blueprint.ng/update-death-toll-rises-to-35-in-ibadan-funfair-stampede/

Yesterday, I was in the company of Sheikh Khalifa Ashir Abdussalam Albadawiy where we paid a visit to city of Nguru, Yobe state, the home of Sheikh Muhammad Gibrima Zul-Ma’arif (Professor of Knowledge).

Sheikh Muhammad Gibrima (1902–1975) was a distinguished Islamic scholar and Sufi from Nguru, in present-day Yobe State, Nigeria. Born into a Kanuri family with deep roots in the Tijaniyya Sufi order, he was immersed in Islamic teachings from an early age.

Throughout his life, Sheikh Gibrima made significant contributions to Islamic scholarship, particularly within the Tijaniyya order. He was a prolific writer, authoring numerous works on theology and mysticism. Some of his notable publications include “Jihaazu Saarih,” “Suril Musuun,” “Sidrat Al Muntahaa,” “Far’u An Nawaal,” and “Shajarat Al Kaun.”

In pursuit of deeper spiritual knowledge, Sheikh Gibrima traveled extensively. A pivotal moment in his spiritual journey was his visit to Senegal, where he met Sheikh Ibrahim Niasse, a prominent figure in the Tijaniyya order. This meeting had a profound impact on him, leading to a strengthened commitment to Sufism and the teachings of the Tijaniyya path.

Sheikh Gibrima’s legacy endures through his writings and the many students he mentored. His works continue to be studied by scholars and practitioners of Sufism, reflecting his lasting influence on Islamic scholarship in West Africa.

Sheikh Muhammad Gibrima was honored with the title “Zul-Ma’arif,” an Arabic term meaning “Possessor of Knowledge,” in recognition of his profound scholarship and deep understanding of Islamic theology and mysticism. This epithet reflects his esteemed status as a learned figure within the Islamic community.

As part of continued commitment to support its Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) customers, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc has planned to offer some selected Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (MSME) customer’s free exhibition stands at the Made by Nigerians Fair.

The company has been paying particular attention to MSMEs because of their significance to the economy.

Earlier, the company has offered different media exposure opportunities to its MSME customers, giving them the platform to introduce their products and services to a wide range of customers for free.

According to the Head, Marketing, AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, Olusesan Ogunyooye, said this is another gesture by the company to show that MSMEs can benefit for having insurance.

He explained that MSMEs are the backbone of any economy, noting that they drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute significantly to national development.
"Our support for these businesses at the MBN Fair reflects commitment to their growth and sustainability.

We are passionate about helping them reach their full potential by connecting them with resources and opportunities that foster success".

"By the very nature of insurance, its benefits are in the future and they are uncertain. That has been a main source of discouragement, particularly to MSMEs. Businesses are geared to making money. So, when thinking about Insurance, an average MSME will rather invest the money in the growth of his business first".
But the risks that businesses face are also real. There are various types of risks businesses have to contend with today. From burglary, to fire, health of employees, and so on. When these risks manifest, they can significantly impact a business negatively. We understand that to get MSMEs to protect themselves and the millions of jobs they create, we must help them strike a balance between growing their businesses and protecting them".

So, we have come up with different Initiatives to help them grow their businesses. The opportunity to exhibit their products and services to thousands of visitors to the MBN Fair is another in the series of our initiatives.
"We are convinced that for insurance to grow, we need to help people and businesses see it as a strategic lever to grow their businesses, not a cost that takes away from them. If we get this right, it can’t have a massive impact on our economy because, when MSMEs thrive, the economy will prosper".

"We have experimented with this model, and we are particularly excited about the responses from our customers. It is a call for us to do more, and we are committed to Nigerian MSMEs", Ogunyooye explained.
AXA Mansard has been recognised for its various MSME Initiatives. The organization has been recognised by Nairametrics as Best MSME Insurance Company of the Year, and Marketing Edge Magazine as Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year.

AXA Mansard Insurance wins inclusive insurance Brand of The Year at the 10th Edge Awards

AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, a leading provider of innovative insurance solutions and part of the AXA Group, has been named the Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year at the prestigious Edge Awards, 2024. The Edge award is a platform known for celebrating excellence and innovation in marketing, advertising and business across various sectors In Nigeria. This award reflects commitment to making insurance accessible and affordable for all Nigerians through innovative and inclusive initiatives.

Over the past few years, AXA Mansard Insurance has developed a range of products and established strategic partnerships aimed at ensuring that insurance is available to everyone, irrespective of socio-economic status or financial capability. The introduction of several impactful products has continually reinforced this commitment.

One standout offering is the Device Insurance, designed to subsidize the cost of device repairs. For just N2,500, customers can benefit from a remarkable N50,000 discount on phone screen repairs through a partnership with Slot Limited, along with a complimentary motherboard replacement. Another innovative product is the AXA Pass, which provides customers access to essential healthcare services and medications from pharmacies worldwide for just N1,000.

In a significant recent development, AXA Mansard has partnered with leading telecommunications companies, enabling customers to access healthcare directly from their phones via SMS, USSD, and web platforms. Users can select from various subscription plans starting as low as N50 daily, granting them access to tele-consultations with medical practitioners and essential medications at thousands of pharmacies nationwide. This partnership ensures that even individuals in remote communities can obtain health insurance without barriers.

Commenting on the award, Adebola Surakat, Chief Marketing Officer at AXA Mansard, stated, "Being named the Inclusive Insurance Brand of the Year is a tremendous honour. This recognition underscores our steadfast commitment to promoting inclusivity in insurance. We firmly believe that quality healthcare should be accessible, available, and affordable for everyone, regardless of socio-economic class, gender, or age."

As part of its ongoing dedication to inclusivity, AXA Mansard continues to invest in technology-driven solutions that enhance customer experience, streamline claims processes, and facilitate easy access to insurance products.

Looking ahead, AXA Mansard is excited to build on this momentum and expand its initiatives to create a more inclusive insurance landscape in Nigeria and beyond.

simpleseyi:
The OP is mentally unstable.

Fake Pastor Yemi Judas Osinbajo is forgotten forever. Betrayers don’t end well

I’m certain that you’re one of the clowns shouting ebin pawa.
Osinbajo tried to rescue Nigeria from this calamity but the delegates chose dollars over competence.
Osinbajo is not a fake pastor, all you need is a functioning brain

NOTICE OF INDUCTION

DATE OF INDUCTION: THURSDAY, 28TH NOVEMBER 2024
TIME: 9:00 AM
VENUE: THE AUDITORIUM
MEDICAL AND DENTAL COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MDCN) HOUSE
PLOT 1102, CADASTRAL ZONE B11
BEHIND PRINCE AND PRINCESS HOUSING ESTATE
KAURA DISTRICT, ABUJA

The Induction of the foreign trained medical and dental graduates who passed the MDCN Assessment Examination which held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan in September 2024 has been scheduled to take place on Thursday 28th November 2024.

Prospective inductees are requested to check their emails used for exam registration for their Assigned Folio Numbers. If you are unsure, contact MDCN by email to provisionalregistration@mdcn.gov.ng

With the folio number, proceed to register on the MDCN Portal by following these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Go to: www.portal.mdcn.gov.ng
Step 2: Click on the button under ‘Doctor Access’
Step 3: Click on ‘Create new account’ link under the login form; or Click on ‘Register’ link on top right corner of the page.
Step 4: Click on the button under ‘New Doctor Account’
Step 5: Complete the Registration Form.
Step 6: Click on the “Create Account” button

Once your account is successfully created, you will receive an email with your login details. The login details will become active only after you receive a signup approval email from the MDCN, typically within 48 business hours.

Step 7: Login at www.portal.mdcn.gov.ng with the received details, update your records and make payments.

Please note that foreign trained graduates are expected to select ‘Foreign Provisional Registration’ from the drop down list under ‘Provisional Registration Type’

The required payments are:
Registration fees – N230,000.00
Insurance Indemnity – N15,000.00

Please note that registration for the induction closes on Friday, 22nd November 2024

Only candidates who have fulfilled the registration requirements will be enlisted for induction.

The three essential litanies (adhkar) of the Tijaniyya are the Lazim, the Wadhifa and the Haylala on Friday.

These three mandatory litanies for the disciple correspond to the three levels of religion that were taught by the prophetic tradition:
– LAZIM / “ISLAM” / SHARIA
– WADHIFA / “IMAN” / TARIQA
– HAILALA / “IHSAN” / HAQIQA

Each of these evocations has its particularities, but they are all based on expressions which come from the Quran and the Sunnah. Reciting them is an inexhaustible source of blessings like the Kawthar of The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and neglecting or abandoning them is an open door to misfortunes.

The three expressions are:
1 – Asking ALLAH for forgiveness (Istighfar):
ALLAH (The Glorified and the Exalted) said:
“Those who say, “Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire,”
The patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah ], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn” (S3, V16-17)

“And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allah . And if, when they wronged themselves, they had come to you, [O Muhammad], and asked forgiveness of Allah and the Messenger had asked forgiveness for them, they would have found Allah Accepting of repentance and Merciful” (S4, V64)

“And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself but then seeks forgiveness of Allah will find Allah Forgiving and Merciful” (S4, V110)

“But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.” (S8, V33)

“And said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.” (S71, V10-12)

“And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins – and who can forgive sins except Allah ? – and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.” (S3, V135)

– The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O people! seek forgiveness from ALLAH. Verily, I seek forgiveness from Him a hundred times a day.” (repported by Muslim)
– The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There is no servant that asks ALLAH’s forgiveness seventy times a day without being forgiven seven hundred sins. Woe to the servant who commits more than seven hundred sins in a single day.” (Baihaqi and ibn Abi Dunya)
– Anas Ibn Malik (May God be satisfied with him) reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “ALLAH the Exalted said: “O son of Adam! As long as you invoke Me and place your hope in Me, I will forgive whatever sins you have committed, and I will not set store by it. O son of Adam! If your evil deeds reach the sky, and then you ask Me for forgiveness, I will forgive you. O son of Adam! Even If you come to me with sins as big as the earth and then you meet Me and you assiociate nothing and nobody with me then I will come to you with equal pardon.””” (Tirmidhi)
– Abou Sa’id el Khoudri (May God be satisfied with him) reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Satan had declared: “O Lord! I swear on Your Glory, I will not stop tempting Your slaves as long as their souls remain in their bodies.” The Lord said, “I swear by My Glory and Majesty, I will continue to forgive them as long as they ask My forgiveness.”” (Ahmed and El Hakim)
– In “Targhib el Taleb“, it is reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Excessively implore forgiveness because this removes sins in the same way that fire devours wood and that sheep eat grass. If a person’s book rose up to the sky and did not contain the request for forgiveness, then it would not have a single light, but if it rose up with the request for forgiveness in it, it would be radiant. There is no group that sits together to distract themselves but who closes with the request for forgiveness, without this meeting being fully counted as an assembly seeking for forgiveness.“
– According to Ibn Chaïba in “Kanz“, it is reported that Abou Darda (May God be satisfied with him) said: “Blessed is he whose book contains even only a few requests for forgiveness.”
– Abou Hourayra (May God be satisfied with him) said: “Since the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) I have seen no one reciting as much as him: “I ask ALLAH for forgiveness and to Him I repent.” (Ibn Asakir and Abu Yala)
– Yahya ibn Muadh said: “The one whose goal is not ALLAH’s forgiveness is a not a knower.“
– Ibn Wahaba said: “He who has commited sins is not searching for God’s approval but His forgiveness and yet he who has perfected his knowledge is certainly in this state.”
2 – Sending Prayers (Salat ala Nabi) upon The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him):
ALLAH (The Glorified and the Exalted) said: “ALLAH sends His Salat on the Prophet (Muhammad saw) and also His angels too. O you who believe! Send your Salat on him (Muhammad saw), and salute him with a worth salutation.” (S33, V56)
– Ibn Masud (May God be satisfied with him) reported that the Messenger of ALLAH (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “On the Day of Judgement, the people the most worthy of my solicitude and my love will be those who blessed me the most in this world.” (Tirmidhi)
– Abu Talha Al Ansari (May God be satisfied with him) reported that the Messenger of ALLAH (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “One day, ALLAH’s messenger was of good disposition and joy was visible on his face. They said: “O Messenger of ALLAH, this morning you are of good disposition and happyness is visible on your face.” He said: “Indeed, an emissary came to me from my Lord, The Powerful and The Glorious, and told me: “for each member of your community who prays one prayer upon you, ALLAH will record ten good deeds on his behalf, ten sins will be forgiven and he will be elevated by ten degrees and he will do likewise.”“ (Ahmed and Nissa-i).
– According to El Khatib in “Kanz“, it is reported that Abu Bakr Siddiq (May God be satisfied with him) said: “Sending prayers upon The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) erases sins more than water extinguishes fire. Saluting The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is better than freeing slaves and the love of the Messenger of ALLAH (peace and blessings be upon him) is better than freeing souls or combat by the sword in the way of ALLAH.”
– The imam Ali (May God be satisfied with him) said: “On the Day of Judgment, whoever sends blessings upon The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) a hundred times on Fridays will come with a light on his face so big that people will ask: “what deed did he accomplish?”” (Baihaqi)

3 – The Kalima “LA ILAHA ILLALLAH”: “There is no God but ALLAH”
ALLAH (The Glorified and the Exalted) said:
“So know, [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah” (S47, V19)
“Indeed they, when it was said to them, “There is no deity but Allah ,” were arrogant.” (S37, V35)

Abu Said al Khudri (May God be satisfied with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and be upon him) said: “When Musa asked ALLAH to teach him a prayer to recite whenever he remembered or called upon Him, ALLAH answered: “Say, O Musa, “There is no god but ALLAH” Musa said: “O Lord, all your servants say these words. ” ALLAH said:”O Musa, if the seven heavens and all they hold, and the seven earths as well, if all these were weighed against this word of “There is no god but ALLAH” the latter would outweigh the former.”(Nissa-i, Ibn Hibban and El Hakim)

– Talha ibn Ubeydullah reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best word the prophets before me and I have said is “There is no God but ALLAH.” (Malik)

– Qurtubi reported that The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The angel of death came to a man. He looked at each one of his limbs and found not one good deed. Then, he opened his heart and found nothing. Then, he opened his mouth and found his tongue stuck to his palate saying: “There is no God but ALLAH”. He said then: “Paradise is compulsorily your home because of these words of sincerity i.e. “There is no God but ALLAH.“

– Sahl Tustari (May God be satisfied with him) said: “The word “There is no God but ALLAH” has no other reward than the contemplation of The Noble Countenance of ALLAH, whereas Paradise is the reward of good deeds.“
He also said: “Upon pronunciation of the word of oneness, the darkness of disbelief will be dissipated and the light of oneness is established in his heart. If a believer has said it a thousand times a day, each time, it removes something, according to the Prophet (pbuh) this is the best dhikr, this is the right way for the worshippers to proceed and the pilar of the traveler, it is provision for the journey and the excellence of those who have gone ahead.“

The success or failure of a leader largely depends on the people they choose to work with. And I’m not just talking about political appointees. Outside of government, there must also be men and women who fully understand what the leader stands for and are willing, at any moment, to step up and say, “My friend, you are not doing well.”

Too often in our country, leaders choose their team based on factors that have little to do with competence. Having observed governance as a journalist for 30 years, served as a senator for four years, and acted as a presidential adviser for eight, I have seen some infuriating reasons why people are appointed. It often comes down to friendship, family ties, religious or ethnic affiliations, and, in some cases, the simple fact that the appointee is pliant and will unquestioningly follow the leader’s orders. The few competent ones who do get appointed are often crowded out and frustrated, labeled as enemies of the leader.

For a leader to succeed in our environment, they must not only have sound ideas and ideals but also surround themselves with people who share those same values. If you want to succeed, your vice president , heads of the legislative houses, your chief of staff, your police chief, your immigration head, your intelligence director, and, of course, your ministers, Secretary to the Government, and advisers must be fully committed to your vision. Even the state governors sponsored by your party must share this conviction and not merely be resource guzzlers. It must be about the people, the country, and society at large—not about self.

It’s not enough to have people who simply say “Yes, sir” all the time, or who prostrate before you in a show of subservience. Leadership requires more than superficial loyalty. The people around you must challenge you, think critically, and be prepared to act in the interest of the public good, not personal gain.
In addition to appointing capable individuals within the government, a leader must also cultivate a circle of friends and advisors outside government—people who are not hungry for power or personal favors. These must be individuals who can remind the leader of their contract with the people when things start to veer off course.

As I reflected on this early this morning, I remembered the role I and my former colleague, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, played during the eight-year governorship of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos State.

My colleagues at The News asked me to step away from editorial duties temporarily to help manage Tinubu’s campaign office, which I did without hesitation. After he won, I chaired his transition committee alongside figures like Asue Ighodalo, Dupe Adelaja, who became minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo, journalists Funmi Iyanda and Mayor Akinpelu, Teju Phillips (daughter of the late billionaire Chief Deinde Fernandez), and media mogul Guy Murray-Bruce. We worked diligently and delivered on our mandate.

When it came time for appointments, Tinubu asked me which position I wanted. I told him I would return to journalism. He was surprised and asked why. I explained, “You need someone like me, who doesn’t want anything from you, who isn’t afraid to tell you the truth. I can come to you from time to time and tell you what’s really going on.”

This became my role for the next eight years. Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who was then Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, referred to me as “our one-man opposition” because every time I showed up at the government house, it was to point out what wasn’t working.

When the security operatives around him chose “Superman” as his code name, I approached him and said, “This is not good for your mindset as a leader. You are not Superman; only God is.” We then changed the code name to “Eagle.”

On another occasion, one of his close aides falsely accused a friend of his, which made him angry. I stepped in and explained that what they claimed his friend said was not true—I had been present, and the situation was not as it had been reported to him. The aides were merely trying to distance him from a friend they felt had too much influence over him.

Six weeks into Tinubu’s term, The News published a July opinion piece titled “A Season To Do Something.” It was a hard-hitting piece written by Bayo Onanuga. It was a holistic look at democracy that Tinubu interpreted as a veiled attack on him. He called me, saying, “Femi, with friends like you, who needs enemies?” I knew he was referring to Bayo’s article but played along. “What are you talking about?” I asked. “Didn’t you read Bayo’s piece?” he replied. “Oh, that? Yes, I did. Are we your enemies now? If so, we’re proud to be.” He was stunned by my response and immediately asked to meet.

When I arrived at his office, I found three Lagos white-cap chiefs sitting with him. They seemed uncomfortable with how I addressed Tinubu, and one even stood up, demanding I show respect. But before I could respond, Tinubu intervened. “This is between me and my friend; it’s none of your business,” he said, and led me into a smaller room.

“Femi, what’s the problem? Why did Bayo write that?” he asked. I told him the hard truth: “Garbage is piling up on the streets, the roads are bad, traffic is chaotic, and people are abusing you, calling you names. What should I do?”

During the transition, we had brought in top professionals to help formulate a plan for governance. Experts and credible individuals like Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Yemi Osinbajo, and other distinguished figures had chaired committees covering sectors like housing, infrastructure, health, judiciary, taxation, finance, and the arts. These committees worked diligently, producing reports that laid out short, medium, and long-term strategies, including a plan for Tinubu’s first 100 days.

“You’ve discarded these reports,” I said bluntly. “Do you still have copies?” he asked. I did, so I rushed home to retrieve the diskettes, printed them out, and walked him through the recommendations. I suspect he later took them to his cabinet. The cabinet was filled with capable people who were unafraid to stand up to him. In fact, a group of four or five commissioners often met to push their own patriotic and selfless agenda or checkmate self-serving colleagues. After this, things began to improve.

A leader, whether in or out of government, needs people who can challenge him. When leaders start being treated like gods by their appointees and friends, they are courting disaster.

UPDATE ON MDCN's SEPTEMBER 2024 FOREIGN TRAINED MEDICAL AND DENTAL GRADUATES ASSESSMENT EXAMINATIONS

As mandated by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act CAP M8, Laws of Federation of Nigeria 2004, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has responsibility for determining the standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the medical or dental profession (Section 1, subsection 2 subsubsection a)

The MDCN desires to maintain the rules and regulations for completion of a course of study that is to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the medical or dental profession.

MDCN also institutes an assessment/examination for holders of foreign medical or dental qualifications.

MDCN commiserates with our dear students whose studies have been affected by the COVID19 pandemic in 2019 to 2021 and the conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan in 2022.

Following these disruptions, there have been extensive deliberations with key stakeholders, students and their parents with MDCN.

We are trying our best to ensure smooth integration of students who have the desire to become medical and dental practitioners and who have worked so hard, putting in a lot of time and effort.

We recognise that medicine is a calling.

It is in this regard that the MDCN had put up several remediation pathways to alleviate the consequences of the difficult circumstances that students found themselves in:

1. For students of 2022 from Ukraine who had completed their course of study of medicine or dentistry and were about to write their exams when the war broke out:
• (a) MDCN prepared a well-structured, organised and sufficient 6-months remediation programme at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, conducted by medical teachers from the University of Abuja, with collaborative supervision by MDCN. This has just been concluded.
• (b) All students who have satisfactorily attended and completed this remediation course are deemed eligible to register for and write the MDCN examinations in September 2024.
2. Students who would have graduated in later years (2023 onwards) are deemed not to have completed their course of study of medicine or dentistry by 2022. These students were advised on the following completion pathways:
• (a) Return to a designated campus of their foreign university to complete their studies. Those who take this pathway would be expected to have been at the medical school physically for their completion of study.
• (b) Transfer to any Nigerian university of their choice depending on availability and NUC regulatory compliance. A number of students from Sudan and Ukraine who opted for this pathway have been successfully integrated in the medical schools and some have already completed their course of studies and others are nearing completion. They will not be required to take the FTMDG exams if graduating from an accredited Nigerian university.
• (c) For those who were not able to join any of the above pathways, they are advised to integrate into any university (according to National Universities Commission (NUC) regulatory guidelines) in order to complete their medical school.
3. If there are any students who are confirmed to be of the 2022 set, another remediation programme would be arranged after full discussion and reviews with key stakeholders.
4. Online medical schools are not recognised in Nigeria. The study of medicine requires bedside teaching, with in-person clinical training and lab work. These are mandatory and must be fulfilled
5. The final exams for qualification to be a doctor must also include hands-on clinical assessments and cannot be completed online/virtually.

The MDCN is determined in maintaining high standards in medical and dental education and practice in Nigeria, therefore will continue to abide by the rules and regulations for the study of medicine.

Management

https://mdcn.gov.ng/page/recent-news/update-on-mdcn-s-september-2024-foreign-trained-medical-and-dental-graduates-assessment014

𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘

𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗞𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗡. 𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗡 𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗝𝗜, 𝗠𝗥𝗦 𝗗𝗨𝗣𝗘 𝗔𝗝𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗢𝗬𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗖 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘, 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗔 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗚𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

Honourable Moshood Adeleke has joyfully congratulated Offa local government APC candidate, Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji, Vice Chairmanship candidate, Mrs Dupe Ajibade Olawoyin and all the APC councillorship candidates in Offa local government.

"I sincerely extend my warmest congratulations to Hon. Sulaiman Olatunji (OMITUTUN), Mrs Dupe Ajibade Olawoyin on your well deserved victories as the APC Chairmanship candidate, Vice Chairmanship candidate and all the councillorship candidates in Offa local government."

Indeed, your emergence is a clear reward for loyalty and dedication to the party's growth and, grassroots/community developments.

I sincerely commended the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq (CON) for his unwavering commitments to the development of Kwara State Kwara.

Special thanks to the State APC Chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, Political leaders, the leadership and stakeholders of the party in Offa local government for rigorous contributions towards the success of the primary elections.

I implore the remaining as aspirants to see it as "No victory, no vanquish" but a triumph for democratic values and prospects.

I pray for a resounding victory in the forthcoming local government elections for all our party's candidates.

𝓢𝓲𝓰𝓷𝓮𝓭
𝓗𝓸𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓪𝓫𝓵𝓮 𝓜𝓸𝓼𝓱𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓐𝓭𝓮𝓵𝓮𝓴𝓮
(𝓨𝓘𝓞 𝓡𝓞𝓡𝓤𝓝)
𝓙𝓾𝓵𝔂 08, 2024.

𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐘 𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐆𝐄

𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐊𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐋𝐇𝐀𝐉𝐈 𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐊𝐀𝐍𝐁𝐈 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐏𝐂 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐎𝐘𝐔𝐍 𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓.

... extends his congratulatory message to his running mate, Hon. Funmilayo Abioye and all the APC councillorship candidates.

With all sense of joy and solidarity, I expressed my genuine congratulations to our party's chairmansip candidate in Oyun local government, Honourable Kamaldeen Olawale Akanbi, his running mate, Honourable Funmilayo Abioye and all the APC councillorship candidates in Oyun local government.

Your emergence is a clear testament to your loyalty and positive contributions towards progress of the party and community development.

On the journey to the main local government elections, I sincerely assure you all of my positive for all round victories.

May Almighty God grant us landslide victories.

𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙚𝙙:
𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝘼𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙠𝙚
(𝙔𝙄𝙊 𝙍𝙊𝙍𝙐𝙉)
𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 08, 2024.

One of the Police escorts attached to an Abuja-bound train from Kaduna reportedly lost his life during a trip on Thursday morning.

The policeman was said to be hale and hearty when the train left Rigasa Train Station in Kaduna en route Abuja.

A witness said the deceased later complained of chest pain and sought help before he eventually ‘died’.

“A police officer, who was one of the escorts on a Abuja-Kaduna train just died. He left home in good health. But later during the journey, he complained of chest pain and asked his colleague to get him some glucose and water.

“There was no emergency medical care on the train. Before a doctor, who was also a passenger, could come, the officer was already dead,” the passenger told a newspaper.

After the officer died, his remains was moved to a side of the train, while his face was covered.

The train arrived at Kubwa in Abuja around 3:20pm after which passengers disembarked. Security operatives on ground prevented passengers from recording the incident.

About 20 minutes after the arrival of the train, a police van drove into the station to pick the corpse to the mortuary.

As at the time of this report, LEADERSHIP was unable to reach the spokesman of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

https://leadership.ng/just-in-police-escort-dies-aboard-kaduna-abuja-train/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter#google_vignette

UK AGENCY HAILS NUC BOSS, MAIYAKI, NAMES HIM COMMITTEE MEMBER, AS FG APPROVES TWO NEW PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

In recognition of an outstanding contribution to the tertiary education sector at home and abroad, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr Chris Maiyaki, has been appointed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the United Kingdom, to its International Advisory Committee (IAC), Empowered Newswire reports.

Lauding him for his professional excellence, the QAA in a statement by its Director of International and Professional Services for Higher Education in the UK, Eduardo Ramos, stated that the appointment was based on Maiyaki’s wealth of experience at the NUC as well as achievements recorded since his assumption of office as Acting Executive Secretary, including the approval of guidelines on Transnational Education (TNE) in Nigeria and Quality Assurance, in line with the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS).

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) is an "independent charity working to benefit students and higher education, and one of the world’s experts in quality assurance."

The UK based international agency is " trusted by higher education providers and regulatory bodies to maintain and enhance quality and standards..

The agency works to "ensure that students are involved in all aspects of our work. It also works "with governments, agencies and institutions globally."

The global agency has International Advisory Committee (IAC), which is
an Eminent Persons Group of experts, constituted to guide its international activities, and provide strategic advice on partnership, membership, TNE, accreditation, consultancy activity, and so on.

According to Ramos, the formation of the Committee followed QAA’s launch of a new Strategy, covering 2023-2027, that emphasises “international” focus as one of the four areas of its functions.

He said that “international activities” are crucial to the agency’s efforts. And, it was to provide implementation guidance that the IAC was formed, and it would meet twice a year. Members of the Committee are expected to work together to provide strategic advice and direction, leveraging their collective backgrounds and expertise in administration, policy development, knowledge of accreditation in higher education and diplomacy.

Maiyaki, whose new appointment comes after the recent licensing of two new private universities by NUC and facilitation of the establishment of the first four Private Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Universities in Nigeria, aimed at resolving the challenges of equity and access to university education in the country, acknowledging the appointment, expressed gratitude to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the UK.

The NUC boss said that he was excited by the opportunity to contribute to the promotion of partnerships and collaborations that would certainly enhance the higher education landscape of the United Kingdom, Africa and, indeed, the world at large. According to him, the NUC, which is “the flagship that regulates university education in Nigeria”, recognises the critical role that quality assurance plays in ensuring excellence and continuous improvement within the higher education ecosystem.

“The commitment of the QAA in safeguarding standards and improving the quality of higher education in the United Kingdom is not only legendary, but it also resonates with the mandate of the NUC,” Maiyaki said while expressing confidence that the combined wealth of experience, expertise and insights of the Committee members would contribute to the fulfilment of the international agenda of the QAA on higher education.

As the acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Maiyaki is noted for spearheading efforts to improve the quality of higher education in Nigeria.

As the NUC helmsman, Maiyaki has been actively involved in developing and implementing policies and guidelines to ensure that universities in the country meet international standards of academic excellence.

Under Maiyaki's leadership, the NUC has taken steps to enhance the accreditation process for universities, promote research and innovation, and foster collaborations with foreign institutions.

His dedication to advancing the education sector in Nigeria has been instrumental in driving the commission's mission to elevate the quality of higher education and enhance the overall academic standards in the country.

Recall that the NUC on Thursday, 22nd February 2024, presented provisional licenses to two new private universities, Lighthouse University, Evbuobanosa, Edo State and the African School of Economics, Abuja, FCT, at the Idris Abdulkadir Auditorium, in Abuja, where Maiyaki highlighted the importance of quality education in the development of any nation.

While commending the promoters of the two new universities for their dedication and commitment to establishing institutions of higher learning, despite the challenges and resource implications involved, Maiyaki emphasized the role of private universities in bridging the gap in access to university education in Nigeria, as demand continues to outstrip available placements.

With the addition of these two new universities, the total number of private universities in Nigeria has now reached One Hundred and Forty-Nine (149) and the total number of universities to Two Hundred and Sixty-Five (265).

"NUC’s stringent 14-step selection process is a well-articulated set of criteria and procedures developed by the Commission over the years, to meet its commitment to continually deepen quality and widen access to university education.

"This process is guided by our firm belief in the pivotal role of quality education in the overall development of any nation and the need for more placements for the teeming youth who are desirous of that university education which is anchored on genuine partnership and cooperation with the private sector.  It is generally believed that deliberate and result-oriented investment in quality education is a prerequisite for the production of the human capital required to drive sustainable socio-economic and cultural development," Maiyaki said.

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olugbode: Charting Course as Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy, NHS President

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode  doubles as the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society, NHS. With double Bachelor of Science degrees in Physics and Hydrography and double Masters in Hydrography and Strategic Studies, the senior officer also boasts of key skills in strategic leadership, digital transformation and change management. Upon assumption of office in June 2023, THISDAYchecks by Chiemelie Ezeobi reveal that he has been improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity.

Rear Admiral Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is the Hydrographer of the Nigerian Navy (NN) as well as the President, Nigerian Hydrographic Society (NHS).

Since assumption of office as the Hydrographer of the NN from July 8, 2023 till date, a position he took over from Rear Admiral Emeka Okafor (Rtd.), the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office (NNHO) has remained fully committed to the conduct and coordination of hydrographic operations in Nigeria, as well as collaboration with other maritime stakeholders in support of navigational safety, maritime security and sustainable economic development of Nigeria.

Under his watch too, the NHS has gone beyond working underground to being visible with a view to become more proactive in  hydrographic advocacy in Nigeria and within the wider Gulf of Guinea (GoG) sub-Region.

Just recently, it was revealed that the NNHO has contributed 85,385 km2 of bathymetric data to the Nippon Foundation – GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project as part of its commitment to the global endeavour to achieve a complete map of the ocean floor. This data submission is the first from an African country and covers an area in the GoG G nearly the size of Jordan.

Passion for Hydrography

Beyond his passion for Hydrography, the senior officer has backed this up with the requisite knowledge. With a combination of experiences as a Seaman, hydrographic surveyor, strategic studies researcher, oceans laws and policy Rhodes scholar, this has come to bear in his day-to-day activities charting the course of Hydrography not just for the Nigerian Navy but the nation at large. 

 The Hydrospatial Advocate, who has been a Member, International Hydrographic Organisation, Capacity Building Sub-Committee from January 2009 till date, has conducted several Hydrography surveys and they include theBathymetric Survey on Plymouth Sound, UK and Bathymetric/Oceanography Survey on Tamar River, both as UK Undergraduate Studies. 

He also did the Bathymetric Survey of  Bonny River; Commander Pool – Lagos Harbour Entrance; Geophysical and Bathymetric Survey of Landfall for pipeline – Lekki Free Trade Zone, Lagos.

To his credit too, he is professionally affiliated as Member to the Royal Institute of Navigation, International Federation of Hydrographic Societies, and Nigerian Hydrographic Society. 

Optimising Marine, Blue Economy 

As one of the firm believers in Blue Economy, Rear Admiral Olugbode has backed words with action. Just last year, the NNHO actively participated at the Roundtable on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy hosted by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

During the retreat, he presented the National Charting Scheme for Nigeria and highlighted other activities of NNHO geared towards the advancement of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Not done, he has often clamoured for optimisation of Nigeria’s blue economy potentials. This he reiterated while conferring with members of the society in a seminal gathering aimed at advancing the hydrography profession in the country, in September last year. 

Part of the interactions were centered on ways and means to deepen multidimensional collaboration within hydrography professional clusters and cohorts towards enabling the full optimisation of the blue economy potentials of the country.

In another gathering last year, which was the maiden dinner organised by Nigeria Alumni of World Maritime University (WMU), in Lagos, the senior officer opined that to harness the Blue Economy, maritime experts and policymakers need to set up a think-tank forum as they have huge roles to play in policy direction for the government in exploring the untapped resources in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

In November 2023, Rear Admiral Olugbode with Rear Admiral AA Mustapha visited the Italian Navy Hydrography Institute (IIM) at Genoa, Italy in fulfilment of the Italian and Nigerian Armed Forces Bilateral Cooperation Plan signed in Rome on  November 9, 2023, which was in tandem with NN’s commitment to fully operationalise the Nigerian Hydrographic Agency as well as Nigeria’s blue economy aspirations.

Strengthening Collaborations

One of his strategic guidance has been on the import of collaborations. One of such advancements was strengthening the hydrographic ties pertaining to capacity building, as well as Research and Development (R&) with University of Lagos (UNILAG).

Also, in November 2023, the senior officer and team hosted a delegation from Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCIN) at the NNHO. 

In furtherance of the NNHO’s commitment to ocean science and capacity-building, NNHO recently held talks with Professor Kanna Rajan of RAND Corporation and Dr Ngozi Oguguah, the Chief Research Officer at the National Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research in January 2024 to involve a team of distinguished international scientists and researchers to conduct oceanographic surveys in the Gulf of Guinea and develop capacity of West African ocean scientists. 

The research surveys aim to address ocean data shortage in the Gulf of Guinea and improve understanding of oceanographic phenomena such as upwelling and marine heat wave as well as the scientific impacts of climate change on marine biodiversity.

This January, the NNHO hosted a delegation from Starfix Geosolutions led by its Managing Director of Starfix Geosolutions, Mr Bankole Falaye to discuss collaboration to deliver advanced hydrographic training to industry practitioners so as to address the address the acute shortage of qualified and competent professionals in the Nigerian hydrographic industry.

Also in January, the NNHO led by Rear Admiral Olugbode, paid a courtesy visit to West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCO) Limited to engage on key areas of collaboration including data sharing and operational synergy in ensuring the entire length of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and its Pipeline Protection Zone (PPZ) are accurately depicted on NNHO navigational products.

With an avid interest in fishing, the senior officer through the NHS sponsored the Hydrographer’s Fishing Competition last November, which was organised by the Apapa Boat Club to promote aqua tourism/aqua culture and raise awareness of the importance of sustainable fishing to coastal livelihood, recreation and the economy.

Education and Qualifications

Taking a trip down memory lane to what makes him tick. It was gathered that the senior officer had in 1993 obtained a B.Sc, Physics from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and in 2005, took it further with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hydrography from University of Plymouth, UK. 

In 2010, he obtained a Diploma in Oceans Law and Policy from Rhodes Ocean Scholar, University of Virginia School of Law, USA. In 2015, he bagged a Masters Degree in Hydrography from the  University of Plymouth, UK and in 2018, he topped it up with another Masters in Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Career Laurels

Laurel wise, Rear Admiral Olugbode has bagged several commendations and awards including the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Commendation letter as Chairman of draft National Maritime Security Strategy (NMSS 2023), Brazilian Government Prize for Best Research Paper in Science and Technology in 2017 at National Defence College, Nigeria.

Also to his credit is the Robert Maine Award for Best Undergraduate Ex Seafarer (2005), University of Plymouth, UK; and Third in Order of Merit Graduating Student, Junior Division Course (2002) – Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Nigeria.

Professional Development

As one who strongly believes in professional development, Rear Admiral Olugbode has obtained several certificates in that regard. 

In 1995, he obtained the Sub-Technical Course, QUORRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria and in 2002, was the Junior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria while in 2007, it was the Senior Staff Course, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, Nigeria.

In 2013, Defence Attaché Module, Geneva Center for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland as well as the Joint Management & Intelligence Attache Course (JMAC)-Defense Intelligence College, Karu, Abuja, Nigeria was added to his professional development. 

In 2016 and 2017, he bagged the Senior Executive Course, National & International Security, Harvard Kennedy School, USA and the Fellow Higher Defence and Strategic Studies Course, National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, respectively.

While in 2020 it was the Senior Executive Course, Strategic Leadership in a Dynamic World, Harvard Kennedy School, USA, 2021 saw him attaining the Company Direction Course II – Building Effective Boards (CDC II), Institute of Directors, Nigeria; and Company Direction Course 1 – Building Effective Directors (CDC I), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2022, he was in Senior Managers in Government, Harvard Kennedy School, USA;  Independent Directors Masterclass (IDM), Institute of Directors, Nigeria, as well as Company Direction Course III- Building Future Ready Boards (CDC III), Institute of Directors, Nigeria.

In 2023, he was in the Senior Executives Programme – Africa 2023 – Harvard Business School, Harvard University, USA; Oxford Executive Leadership Programme 2023 – Saïd Business School-University of Oxford, UK; and 2023-Negotiation Strategies: Building Agreement Across Boundaries, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. Also in 2023, he was in Leading through the Changing Media Landscape, Harvard Kennedy School, USA. 

Appointments

As expected, the senior officer has occupied various positions in his meritorious career trajectory. He was once the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Admiralty Maritime Services Limited (AMSL) Nigeria; Deputy Commandant, Naval War College Nigeria; and Director of Academic Research and Analytical Support (DARAS), National Defence College, Nigeria.

He was also the Director of Curriculum and Programmes Development (DCPD), National Defence College Nigeria; Directing Staff (Faculty Member), National Defence College Nigeria. Director of Information, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; and Assistant Director Transformation (Civil Military Relations), Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria.

Others include Nigerian Defence Adviser to India with concurrent accreditation to Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Korea (2013-2016); Assistant Director Policy, Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Nigeria; Executive Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship OBULA; Head of Hydrographic Survey Services, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency; and Staff Officer II and I (Hydrography), Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office. 

He was once an Instructor – Tides, Geodesy and Afloat Survey and Chief Instructor, both in the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He was also on Watch Keeping Duties, Nigerian Navy Ship ARADU; Staff Officer III (Operations), Naval Headquarters; Aide-de-Camp, Military Administrator, Bayelsa State; Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship AYAM; and Watch Keeping Officer, Nigerian Navy Ship SIRI.

With the unflinching support of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, who is also enthused with Hydrography, Rear Admiral  Ayodeji Olumide Olugbode is not just passionate about improving Nigeria’s hydrographic capacity for improved maritime safety and security, but has also set in motion several measures towards enhancing Nigeria’s national economic growth and prosperity through the riches and abundance of the oceans. 

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/02/23/rear-admiral-ayodeji-olugbode-charting-course-as-hydrographer-of-the-nigerian-navy-nhs-president

Jjk

By Balogun Murtala Mohammed.

Toleration is often indifference in disguise -Frederick Buechner

For all stakeholders of Kaduna Polytechnic who have followed recent developments online, our collective tolerance has gone beyond suggesting our indifference in a matter that obviously affects us, as much or even more than it affects the persons directly concerned.
As a proud Alumni of the Department of Mass Communication, and someone with the privilege of following the case of the exams leakage from beginning, I owe the obligation of putting the issue in its context, to challenge those concerned to arrest this unguarded onslaught on the Institution and the department in particular and to hopefully guide the public who may now be poorly informed and inclined to a wrong perception.

The issue
Even without a sense of history of the case; between December 2023 and January 2024 alone, three major incidents have given pointers to the Exam leakage case in Mass Communication Department, Kaduna Polytechnic, nearly long forgotten after it happened over a year ago.

1. Students expelled over their being complicit in the leakage of exam questions took the matter to a global audience and court of public opinion, claiming that justice was not well served.

2. The push to full disclosure resulting from this, initiated a final outcome of the Police findings after  several months of investigation. The highlights of the Police report was presented by the Rector and deliberated openly at a duly constituted  Academic Board. The same Board deliberated on the appeal entered by the expelled students and overwhelmingly upheld their expulsion. The students are insisting in their claim, among others (without evidence or proof) that certain key actors of the leakage who were their classmates were not punished.

3. The final Report of the Police Investigation affirmed the roles of the students and indicted two persons who have been staff of the Exam office for over four years. Credible sources say, they have both been duly served Queries and have made appearances before the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee, of which a final outcome/verdict is being awaited.
According to those in the know, the Report detailed  HOW the leakage was carried out, with substantive evidence generated. It can be verified.

Before the case was handed over to Police in March 2023, the Institution's authority received two independent submissions from both the PTD and the Management Committee set up specially to separately investigate the matter. Their outcomes are also substantial pointers that offer insights to the incident. They are verifiable and actionable to every extent, including room for litigation for aggrieved persons, as all parties involved are alive.

The Challenge
The credibility and integrity of these processes and their outcomes is being ridiculed, with potential harm for the Institution and persons targeted for orchestrated damage to their reputations, through what can be identified as a "backend server" driven by Brekete, but not necessarily initiated by it. There was no way the persons responsible for this mess would go down easily without mudding and bringing down the roof on us all.

For a Police report that categorically stated that, *the indicted persons are not only responsible for the particular incident of leakage in question, but for all previous leakages in the department*; it was not going to be a tea party for all actors and for the institution. It will come with a hard price. This is an open contest (or war) between truth and falsehood. No room for sentiments.

There have been references to open statements of veiled threat to pull everyone and everything down, if the outcome of the case takes a particular dimension. Understandably, due to the magnitude, there are a number of interested parties in the case and this may exert pressure on the Management.
Kaduna Polytechnic is however greater than anyone or group of persons. Consequently, it should remain bold in not sparing anyone for any infraction identified with this case, as with others, in whatever magnitude.

Markers
It is all too clear, why the focus of Brekete is not on the end of the matter which has already and effectively been determined. It is clear why Brekete has continued to avail the disgruntled expelled students the platform to rehash the same falsehoods propagated at the beginning of the Investigation, which were never proven up to the end across all layers- PTD, Management Investigation Committee, DSS/Police.

It is all too clear, how Brekete and its promoters ignored the basic canons of fair hearing and verification/balance, on a contentious matter which actual position can be ascertained from a visit to Kaduna Polytechnic or the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, if not both.

It is all too clear, why some specific names are being called out, dragged and openly maligned by the students without substantial evidence but the same expelled students now doing the call-out are silent in calling out their actual source of the leakage or in affirming the final confirmation of same by the Investigative agencies. I thought we should all be happy that the Police have produced the academic staff responsible for the leakage and Brekete along with the students should have devoted same energy to mention this openly and categorically, rather than attending to hearsays and conjectures, chasing shadows. Why are we being dragged back to sensationalize issues that have been determined and of no substance to the criminality of the leakage, and for what purpose?

Summarily, it is all too clear, how an underhand is instigating the "leadership" of the expelled students and scripting narratives for them, to sway public opinion against the credibility of the already determined outcome and return us all to a needless dramatization and unnecessary dilemma, ahead of a final verdict on the actual culprits exposed by the investigation.

Summarily also, it is all too clear where the prejudice of the promoter of the station lies. The deliberate serialization of the narratives of the expelled students and deliberate refusal to formally approach the Institution or the Police and present official positions on the matter. The deliberate escalation of same, after (and in prejudice to) an earlier assurance by the Minister of Information to verify the issues through the Minister of Education. The well established choice of words by the promoter in reference to the Institution's reputation, concurrent generalization of deep seated bias over same and clear diversion away from the matter in context, so long as as the narrations reinforce these prejudices, in many instances on the programme.

Even if the objective is civic or advocacy journalism, this approach is far from civil and negates all globally known canons of decent, responsible journalism.

Way forward
The Institution has a responsibility to arrest this unguarded onslaught by presenting a position before Brekete, stating the facts of the case and its current status. It is not necessary for the school to have a representation in appearance at Brekete. It is also a better immediate option than urgent contemplation of legal action (which should also not be ruled out).

The school should avail the public a full disclosure on the case and affirm the culpability of those culpable and exoneration of those exonerated, categorically, since there is a report by investigators to that effect. This will put an end to any speculation of an attempt to cover up part(s) of the case. The school has to do this with urgency in the interest of its over six decades' legacy, reputation and its hundreds of thousands of alumni, current students, future ones, employees and other universe of its stakeholders.

As critical stakeholders who have more at stake/to lose, the silence of the active Alumni community on this issue is appalling. The Alumni are supposed to be forerunners in cultivating alternative, evidence-based narratives and in disaggregation of the building up of what is gradually becoming a collateral damage on this matter.

Brekete Radio/TV is not a court of legal jurisdiction and has no competence/basis of upholding any claim, however (il)logical, appealing or enchanting such is to its listeners and viewers. It is also a legal entity which can account for it's deliberate innuendoes and speculations, if/when demanded.

A higher level of accountability should therefore be demanded and availed by everyone concerned. The expelled students who maintained culpable silence for over nine months but are now uncontrollably 'vommitting' may also prepare to account for their claims in court, including seeking redress where affirmed, as full adults recognised by law. Some of them and their instigator(s) collectively in a hole from the verdict upon them,  are shamelessly still digging with ignominy. The school or its Alumni cannot be proud of their conduct.

This clear attempt to rubbish the institution and the department (and its thousands of  highly distinguished graduates and many dedicated staff with proven integrity) in particular is unacceptable. Please, Kadpoly Management and Brekete should name the person(s) responsible for the leakage as summarily indicted, and put an end to this mess once and for all. Persons not satisfied should go to a competent court, instead of this diversionary, malicious media trial.

The author is an Alumni & Past President of Mass Communication Students Association, MACOSA, Department of Mass Communication, Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna

He's popularly known as Dr. JAKI (DONKEY) because of the way he talks and behaves.