The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, says the FCT Administration has renovated and furnished more than 60 public schools across the territory.

Mr Wike stated this after inspecting some ongoing projects in Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils of the territory on Friday.

“We have done a lot of work in schools. The schools we have renovated and furnished are more than 60 so far,” Mr Wike said.

He explained that beyond road projects, the FCT Administration had invested hugely in improving critical infrastructure in the health and education sectors.

According to him, every sector will receive the needed attention, and no one will be left behind.

“I can tell you that no sector would be left abandoned, every sector will be focused on,” he stated.

The minister, however, pointed out that “a good road network is what brings development.”

Mr Wike said the farming communities along the A2 to Pai road would be happy that they now have a road network to take their farm produce to the city and markets to sell.

He added that good road networks also have a positive impact on reducing insecurity.

Mr Wike explained that when people commit offences and there “is no road to chase them, it would become a problem.

“But when you see this kind of road with streetlights, you will have to think twice before you commit any

The Ministry of Youth Development has reaffirmed its commitment to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child.

Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development, said this on Friday in Abuja during a news conference to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.

The day is marked annually on May 16, with the 2025 theme, “Boys’ Mental Health and Well-being.”

Mr Olawande stated that the government believed every boy, regardless of background or economic status, deserved quality mentorship to help him thrive.

“As a government, we are committed to creating platforms that promote mentorship and leadership development for the boy child. Through initiatives like this, we can provide them with the support they need to succeed,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the goal was to empower Nigerian youth, including boys, with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities necessary for success.

“In today’s world, many fathers have little time for their children, especially their sons. This can negatively impact their development and well-being,” Mr Olawande noted.

He stressed the importance of mentorship in filling that gap: “Without positive male role models, many boys struggle to develop the skills and values needed to become responsible, productive members of society.”

The minister added that mentorship offered guidance, support, and helped boys build self-confidence, make sound decisions, and form positive relationships with adults.

Mr Olawande also acknowledged the United Nations for recognising the significance of supporting boys through mentorship, saying the International Day of the Boy Child reflected global commitment to promote their well-being and development.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP) on Thursday declared its readiness to take over power at the state and national levels in 2027.

Abubakar Dogara, the party’s national vice chairman for the North-Central Zone, made the statement during the SDP North-Central Zonal Caucus meeting in Nasarawa State.

Mr Dogara described the SDP as “the new bride of Nigeria,” claiming the party’s membership is growing rapidly across the country.

“We are holding meetings at the zonal, national, ward, state, and local government levels.

“It’s all part of our preparations. Our membership cards are consistently exhausted at the state level,” he said.

He added that the party was building strong grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“So, we are preparing to take over the leadership of the country come 2027, by the grace of God. I believe SDP is now the bride of the nation,” Mr Dogara said.

He urged Nigerians to join the party at their respective wards and support its candidates to transform the country’s political narrative.

Also speaking at the meeting, Idoko Idoto, the Benue State chairman of the SDP, expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the next elections.

“Come 2027, I assure you, SDP is coming with full force. SDP will take over Benue State and Nigeria.

“We’ll win all the senatorial seats, House of Representatives, and the State Assembly will not be left out,” he said.

Mr Idoto also recalled that the party had once governed Benue State, affirming that it had a solid foundation to build upon for future success.

The Ministry of Interior has launched a new online citizenship and business management platform, according to its permanent secretary, Magdalene Ajani.

Ms Ajani said in a statement on Friday that the new digital platform was designed to streamline the application and processing of citizenship and business-related services, ensuring faster turnaround time and improved user experience.

The platform aims to manage citizenship applications, process business permits, and administer regulations related to businesses and foreign workers.

The permanent secretary explained that the initiative was part of the ministry’s ongoing reforms to promote transparency and enhance operational efficiency, thereby significantly improving service delivery to the public.

“Members of the public, corporate entities, and other stakeholders are hereby expected to access the platform through the following official channels: the Ministry of Interior’s website: https://interior.gov.ng.

“Direct portal access: https://candb.interior.gov.ng, candb-support@interior.gov.ng for support or inquiries.

“The ministry remains committed to establishing a more efficient, transparent, and secure framework for citizenship administration, while continuously enhancing service delivery through digital transformation,” Ms Ajani said.

Acouple, Idris Adeyemo, 36 and his wife, Zainab, 31 were on Thursday arraigned in a Mapo Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a police officer.

Idris and Zainab were arraigned alongside one Kafaya Bakare, 40.

They pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of breach of peace, assault and threat to life, filed against them.

Magistrate O.O. Latunji admitted each of the defendants to bail, in the sum of N50,000, with one reliable surety each.

Latunji subsequently adjourned the suit until June 24 for hearing.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Oluseye Akinola, told the court that the defendants committed the crime on May 14, at Felele area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Akinola said that Idris, Zainab and Bakare had an altercation with their co-tenants, Amoke Oseni.

According to the prosecutor, a police officer from the Felele police station arrived at the scene, but Idris obstructed him from performing his lawful duty of arresting his wife.

He further stated that Idris assaulted the arresting police officer, using all sorts of abusive language and threatened to decisively deal with the complainant, Oseni.

He noted that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 249, 351 and 416 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 vol. ii law of Oyo State 2000.

The Anambra State government has banned the distribution of gifts and food items in public spaces in the state capital, Awka, particularly under the Aroma Flyover Bridge.
This was indicated in a statement on Thursday signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State Capital Territory Development Authority, Ossy Onuko.

The statement read in part. “The government has closely observed the activities of some content creators, philanthropists, and charity groups who encourage and sustain the indiscriminate roaming of children under the Aroma Bridge by consistently giving out food, drinks, and cash gifts to these kids. As noble and pious as your intentions may be, sadly, they contribute to the defacing of our capital city and endanger the lives of these kids who are at risk of being hit by vehicles, abused by unruly adults, and conscripted into cultism”.

Mr Onuko noted that henceforth charitable acts done in public were illegal, warning that any individual or group caught in the act would be seen as promoting civil disorder and risked prosecution.

He further advised that charitable activities and interventions could be channelled through accredited institutions such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations where support could be professionally and safely administered to those in need.

He added, “We urge all charitable acts to be channelled through accredited organisations such as orphanages, care homes, and registered non-governmental organisations (NGOs), where support can be professionally administered to those in need or their private homes and spaces that do not constitute a public nuisance.’’

Mr Onuko urged the residents to join hands with the government to maintain order, cleanliness, and dignity of the state capital city.

Grammy-winning R&B singer Chris Brown has been arrested in connection with an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub in 2023.
According to The Sun, officers from the Metropolitan Police took the 36-year-old American musician into custody just after 2 a.m. on Thursday 15 May at the five-star Lowry Hotel in Manchester.

The arrest relates to an incident that reportedly occurred on 19 February 2023 at Tape nightclub in Hanover Square, Mayfair.

The “Under the Influence” crooner is accused of launching an unprovoked attack on music producer Abraham Diaw during a Dirty Martini-themed club night at the exclusive venue.

Mr Diaw alleged to the news outlet that, “He hit me over the head two or three times. My knee collapsed as well.” The producer reportedly required hospital treatment and was later discharged using crutches. At the time, Brown was in the UK as part of his global tour.

The complainant, Mr Diaw, has since filed a $16 million (£12 million) civil claim against the singer, seeking damages for injuries and financial losses resulting from the incident.

Reports indicate that the R&B superstar flew into Manchester Airport on a private jet on Wednesday. After being informed of his arrival, Met Police detectives travelled to the city and arrested him.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed in a statement that the singer was taken into custody shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 15. This arrest is linked to an incident that occurred at a venue in Hanover Square on February 19, 2023, where he is suspected of causing “grievous bodily harm.”

Brown’s arrest came just weeks ahead of the launch of Brown’s Breezy Bowl XX world tour to celebrate 20 years music career journey, which includes two UK dates at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 21 and 22 June.

A High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday, remanded a 56-year-old man, Festus Ugo, in a correctional centre over alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Ugo whose address was not given, is being charged with rape.The Police Prosecutor, I.E Ekibade, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on May 8, at Upper Mission Road, New Benin, in the Benin Judicial Division.

Ekibade said that the offence contravened Sections 4(1) and Section 5(1) of the Edo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibited) Law, 2021.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional centre for an initial period of 14 days pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution.

The Judge, Justice Williams Azeigbemhin, ordered the defendant to be remanded at the Benin Correctional Centre, and adjourned the case until May 29.

The University of Ilorin on Thursday commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for taking responsibility for the technical glitches resulting in the poor performance of many candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

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In a statement signed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Wahab Egbewole, the institution said the board addressed the development with truthfulness, lauding Mr Oloyede for demonstrating courage and integrity of character.

The statement read, “We hereby write to appreciate you on how the development of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations was handled by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board under your leadership. As a university, we want to put on record the fact that the Board approached the issues that arise on the result with truthfulness, and nothing was hidden from the public. This approach demonstrated courage, honesty of purpose, integrity, strength of character, and on the whole a call on the younger generation to emulate these positive values.”

The university lauded the JAMB boss for not apportioning blame, noting that his admission of error was a rare phenomenon in the country.

“The admission of the error committed by one of the service providers culminating in the result that affected more than 300,000 candidates could have been laid at the doorstep of the service provider, but you took responsibility. This is an uncommon phenomenon in Nigeria,” the university added.

Meanwhile, the board announced it would reschedule the 379,997 affected candidates for another examination

The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 35- year-old man, Desmond Chinweuba, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged N6.5 million fraud.

The defendant, a teacher, who resides at 12, Asolo St., Agric, Ikorodu, Lagos, is being tried for obtaining by false pretence, stealing and forgery.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji told the court that the offences were committed in November 2024 at a private school at, 3, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the defendant was entrusted withN6.5 million to purchase stationeries for the school, Abosede Idehen International Academy, but failed to do so.

The prosecutor also told the court that the defendant stole the school laptop, a standing air conditioner and a projector, valued at N5 million and absconded when the auditor came to audit the school store.

The prosecutor said that it was also discovered that the defendant forged a professional certificate which he presented to the school at the point of his employment.

Ademigbuji said that efforts to locate the defendant failed until his phone was tracked and he was arrested.

The offences, according to the prosecutor contravene Sections 287, 314 and 363 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2025.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, O. O Kushanu granted the defendant bail of N350,000 with two sureties in likesum.

Mrs Kushanu adjourned the case until June 6 for mention.

The Lagos State Government has warned residents that anyone who assaults law enforcement officers, particularly those attached to the Central Business District will face the full weight of the law.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on CBD, Bola Olumegbon-Lawal, said this at the Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, on Thursday.

She disclosed that three individuals had already been prosecuted for attacking CBD officials while they were discharging their duties.

She stated, “We will not tolerate any act of violence against our officers. Anyone found guilty of assaulting law enforcement personnel will be brought to justice. In as much as we train our officers regularly on how to relate professionally with members of the public, we frown at any action of violence.’’

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that both the Lagos Island and Ikeja CBDs had been reopened for business activities.

She called on traders and stakeholders in the area to take responsibility for safeguarding public infrastructure.

“We urge all stakeholders to protect government assets in their environment and to obey all traffic rules. These facilities belong to all of us and must not be left at the mercy of vandals. We keep appealing to street vendors to desist from showcasing their wares on CBD lanes,” Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said.

The special adviser revealed that 926 vehicles and 33 tricycles were impounded in the last one year for a range of traffic offences including illegal parking, driving against traffic and obstruction.

She also warned against street trading, stating that goods seized would not be returned.

Ms Olumegbon-Lawal said that the CBD was taking internal discipline seriously as well.

“We have five CBD officers currently undergoing disciplinary action for gross misconduct, which should serve as a deterrent,” she said.

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, has reiterated the need for students to join the fight against corruption in the country, stressing that the monster does only exist in government but also thrives in homes and schools.

Mr Olukoyede, who spoke during the inauguration of Integrity Club at Al-Hikmah University, Kwara State, on Wednesday, said students should be committed to promoting transparency, discipline and patriotism.

He said, “Corruption is not a distant or abstract concept; it is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It takes many forms—from bribery and exam malpractice to cybercrime and sex-for-grades. These acts do not only exist in government; they thrive in our homes, schools, and among our peers. And this is why every Nigerian, especially students, must take ownership of the fight against it.”

The EFCC boss, represented by the Head Public Affairs Department of the Commission in Ilorin, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE11 Ayodele Babatunde, noted the event was to create zero tolerance for corruption among young Nigerians and build a generation of youths committed to good governance and national development.

He further lamented the involvement of students in internet fraud, charging them to uphold the values of hard work and ethical leadership in their schools and communities.

“Education should empower you with knowledge, not with schemes to defraud others. Social media may glorify criminal wealth, but the reality is often disgrace, prison, or worse. Your responsibility as members of the Integrity Club is to promote transparency, discipline, patriotism, and to serve as ethical role models. You are the eyes and ears of integrity on this campus,” Mr Olukoyede noted.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of University, Noah Yusuf, lauded the commission for its efforts to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of corruption and unethical consciousness, assuring EFCC of its continued support in the fight against the monster.

Mr Yusuf said, “The EFCC has shown tremendous foresight by targeting the youth for early re-orientation. At Al-Hikmah University, we are proud to align with this vision and commit to nurturing students who not only excel academically but also stand tall in character.’’

The Russian delegation arrived in Istanbul for talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, with their plane landing at Atatürk Airport, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday.

The exact time for the start of negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation is yet to be confirmed, the agency reported, citing sources close to the Russian negotiators.

Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin himself proposed the direct talks in Istanbul, but until recently, he had not confirmed whether he would attend in person.

It was only late on Wednesday that it became known that Vladimir Medinsky would head the Russian delegation.

Mr Medinsky, a presidential adviser and former culture minister, is considered a political lightweight in Moscow.

He previously led the last direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in 2022, which ended without any breakthroughs.

Germany’s foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, says he backs President Donald Trump’s demands for NATO members to spend five per cent of their economic output on defence.

On Thursday, Mr Wadepuhl said he agreed with Trump’s assessment that the drastic increase was necessary, after meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a gathering of NATO foreign ministers in the Turkish city of Antalya.

Washington has called for allies to agree on a new target of spending five per cent of gross domestic product on defence at the upcoming NATO summit in June.

Currently, NATO members are committed to spending at least two per cent of GDP on military expenditure, although not all have achieved the goal.

Germany is spending just over two per cent of its GDP on defence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said last week that each additional percentage point would mean further annual expenditure of $50.5 billion for Berlin.

In Antalya, Mr Rubio said NATO has the opportunity to grow even stronger.

One possible compromise to reach a higher target could be considering significantly more expenditure on infrastructure for military use.

A possible split could be to agree that traditional defence spending would be raised to 3.5 per cent of GDP, with an additional 1.5 per cent of GDP to be spent on infrastructure.

A deadline for meeting a new defence spending target could be 2032.

Mr Rubio said at a NATO meeting in Brussels in April that no one expected five per cent to be achieved in a year or two. Achieving the new target would also be a financial effort for the U.S.

“We have to think about what we can do to make sure that we have all the defence-related expenditures in place,” said NATO secretary general Mark Rutte, arriving at the Antalya meeting.

Mr Rutte said that additional expenditure is needed to protect the alliance from different threats – including Russia, a military build-up in China, and terrorism- and to ramp up NATO’s defence industrial production.

“We need to produce more all over NATO, and particularly when we look at Russia,” he said. “We have to beat them when it comes to defence industrial production.”

The money is also needed “to make sure that Ukraine can prevail and that we can collectively help Ukraine to bring this war to a lasting and durable peace”, Mr Rutte said.

The students of Tai Solarin University of Education have cried out over recent robbery attacks in their host communities by some unknown criminals in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

PUNCH Online learnt that the rampant criminal activities in areas like Ijele, Abapawa, Imaweje, among other localities where students reside, have posed a serious threat to their lives.

This was disclosed in an open letter addressed to the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, co-signed by the Students’ Union President, Tomide Abidakun, and General Secretary, Kehinde Olalekan, on Thursday.

They called for the state government intervention, noting that this insecurity has caused fear, and it is affecting their studies.

It was gathered that the students get ambushed, robbed, and sustain injuries from the violent attacks, restricting most of them from moving freely in the area

“This crisis began to escalate on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, with an armed robbery reported around 10:30 PM at the Council junction, a key route leading into our campus.

“That night, students were ambushed, beaten, and robbed of their mobile phones, ATM cards, power generators, and even had their accounts emptied at gunpoint.

“Since then, we have received daily reports of robberies and harassment, especially during the ongoing e-tests,” the letter partly reads.

According to the SU representatives, they alleged inaction from the state’s security agencies, including “Ogun Police Command, So-Safe Corps, and the Amotekun Security Network”.

They claimed that they get heartbreaking responses, despite multiple reports and cries for help, as there has been no consistent security patrol or visible protection.

“We are often met with disappointing excuses such as,” No fuel for the patrol vehicle”, “Our bike is faulty”, “Mobilise us first”.

“In several painful instances, students have been extorted by security personnel, turning victims into funders of their own safety.

“It is heartbreaking to witness law enforcement agencies switch roles, leaving students to organise their own local surveillance, while those officially responsible sleep or look away,” the statement noted.

The students acknowledged the concerns of the community leaders with the provision of local vigilantes, but they highlighted that the security men are poorly equipped and inefficient to combat the kind of armed threat in the area.

In the letter, they requested that the state government immediately deploy skilled security personnel, creation of a dedicated joint task force comprising Police, So-Safe, and Amotekun to conduct daily patrols.

They also demanded a declaration of a state of emergency on security until peace is restored, and disciplinary action on erring officers who neglect their duty or extort students.

The Ogun students also threatened to stage a mass protest if the silence from both the government and security agencies continue.

Efforts to contact the spokesperson for Ogun Police Command, Omolola Oguntola, was proved abortive as she neither responded to calls nor texts as at the time of filing this report.

The Nasarawa Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old woman suspected of trafficking ammunition, recovering a total of 481 rounds of ammunition in a major operation against arms trafficking across key Local Government Areas in the state.

According to report, the suspect, Fatima Salisu from Funtua in Katsina State, was intercepted in the Azuba area of Lafia while allegedly conveying a large consignment of ammunition through Keana and Doma Local Government Areas, while en route to Katsina to deliver the consignment to suspected criminal elements.

Following credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima J. Mohammed, immediately deployed the anti-kidnapping unit, leading to the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of 481 rounds of live ammunition, comprising 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

According to a statement by the Nasarawa state police command Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, the suspect is in custody and undergoing intense interrogation, as the Command reiterates it’s commitment to combating crimes.

The statement partly reads: “Police nab 21-Year-Old Female Arms Runner, Recover 481 Rounds of Ammunition in Nasarawa State

“In a bold and precise security operation, operatives of the Nasarawa State Police Command have arrested a 21-year-old female suspected arms trafficker in a mission that cut across key local government areas.

“The operation was launched following credible intelligence, The suspect, Fatima Salisu, a native of Funtua town in Katsina State, was intercepted at a Azuba area of Lafia while allegedly transporting a deadly haul of ammunition through Keana and Doma LGAs, en route to deliver the consignment to criminal elements in Katsina.

“Acting swiftly on the intelligence tip-off, Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima J. Mohammed, ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. The team acted with precision, leading to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of 400 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

“The suspect is now in custody and undergoing rigorous interrogation as investigators work to dismantle the arms trafficking network and trace its possible links to armed banditry and terrorism.”

The Kaduna government officially began the 2025 Hajj transportation on Wednesday, with 311 intending pilgrims departing for Saudi Arabia in the first batch.

The ceremony took place at Usman Katsina International Airport, Kaduna, where state officials bid farewell to the pilgrims.

Governor Uba Sani congratulated the pilgrims and urged them to represent Kaduna State and Nigeria positively.

He highlighted the spiritual importance of Hajj and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting a smooth, safe, and dignified pilgrimage.

Salihu Abubakar, chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, said 4,060 pilgrims from the state would participate in the 2025 Hajj.

He also outlined improvements in Hajj operations, such as the renovation of the transit camp and comprehensive pre-Hajj sensitisation programmes.

The Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kauru, Ya’u Usman, advised pilgrims to uphold Islamic values and follow guidance received during orientation sessions.

He reminded them to act with piety, humility, and discipline while in Mecca.

The flag-off event attracted dignitaries, including Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman of the National Hajj Commission.

President Bola Tinubu has approved massive recruitment of youth for the establishment of forest guards to secure and flush out terrorists and bandits from forests across the country.

Sunday Dare, presidential spokesperson, in a statement on Wednesday, announced Mr. Tinubu ordered the recruitment of forest guards “to secure the 1,129 forests in the country.”

“The President directed that the forest guards are to be well trained and armed to perform their duties, which is essentially to flush out terrorists and criminal gangs hiding inside the forests for criminal activities,” Mr Dare said.

He added, “Thousands of young Nigerians are expected to be employed as personnel of the outfit.”

This initiative, according to Mr Dare, is a collaborative effort between the states and the federal government aimed at tackling insecurity in the country.

“This recruitment is a security collaborative effort between the federal and state governments. The office of the NSA and the Ministry of Environment have been directed to take charge and ensure full implementation,” Mr Dare said.

This comes amid a resurgence of Boko Haram and bandit raids on communities in the North-East and North-Central in recent times.

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 21 academic programmes for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) following a rigorous accreditation exercise conducted across universities nationwide.

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The Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Owunari Georgewill, announced this development to journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

He stated that the NUC’s approval marked a significant milestone for both the management and students of the university.

“Out of the 22 academic programmes presented to the NUC for evaluation, 21 received full accreditation status, while one was granted interim accreditation.

“This reflects a 100 per cent success rate in UNIPORT’s October/November 2024 accreditation exercise conducted by the NUC,” he explained.

Mr Georgewill, who did not mention the newly accredited courses, attributed the achievement to the dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the university’s management to delivering quality education.

He commended members of staff and other stakeholders for their commitment towards the realisation of the institution’s academic objectives.

“This 100 per cent success is a testament to the tireless efforts of every member of the UNIPORT community.

“The positive outcome is the result of strategic planning, teamwork, and a collective vision for academic excellence,” he added.

The vice chancellor further noted that this accomplishment reinforced the university’s standing as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions for advanced learning and research.

Hajj 2025: 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims leave for Saudi Arabia
Ms Usara said that all flights were currently landing in Madinah in line with the agreed plan.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims, representing 34.4 per cent have so far been transported to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj exercise.

Fatima Usara, assistant director, information and publication, NAHCON disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, while providing an update on the ongoing 2025 Hajj airlift operations.

According to Ms Usara, within five days, 35 flights have successfully conveyed 14,165 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing 34.4 per cent of the total expected movement.

“This time last year, though also significant, the airlift stood at 20.2 per cent of pilgrims, having conducted 23 flights that transported 9, 788 pilgrims,” she said.

The NAHCON spokesperson said that states have concluded their airlift include Oyo, Abia, Kogi, and Nasarawa states.

“Meanwhile, Ondo and Ekiti states are currently preparing for their final flights, which will be undertaken as a combined airlift.

“Importantly, no flight cancellations have been recorded so far.

“On the contrary, one of the carriers transporting pilgrims from Niger State arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier than expected as a mark of diligence,” she said.

She said that the commission commended its staff for their prompt action and being up to task.

“NAHCON attributes the continued success of the airlift operations to the full cooperation from the state pilgrims’ boards, and the wisdom in engaging four airlines for this year’s airlift.

“The air carriers have been doing their best to fulfill the terms of engagement they signed with NAHCON.

“Additionally, Saudi Arabian authorities have released full flight schedules to all participating airlines, which further facilitates proper planning and timeliness,” she said.

Ms Usara said that all flights were currently landing in Madinah, in line with the agreed plan.

“The first set of pilgrims that arrived the Kingdom are expected to enter Makkah today where they will commence their Umrah for those who select Hajj Tumattu’i or Qiran,” she said.

She said that no official visa was issued to Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under this year’s Hajj arrangement.

“The public is invited to report anyone who claims to be in possession of official visa or selling same at any price at all.

“Similarly, NAHCON does not authorise any individual, apart from licensed Tour Operators, to register pilgrims for Hajj.

“Anyone with information and evidence of any individual selling official Hajj slots should kindly furnish the commission with this intelligence so that appropriate action can be taken to protect innocent people from being shortchanged.

“The commission appreciates the high level of interest and concern expressed towards its operations. As partners in progress, we treat all concerns raised with the seriousness they deserve,” she said.

She said that regular updates would continue to be shared with the public.