The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed that all versions of the naira, including the old and new designs of the N1000, N500, and N200 notes, as well as the commemorative and previous designs of the N100 note, remain valid legal tender without any expiration date.

In a statement released on Friday, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, debunked widespread claims of a December 31, 2024, deadline for using old banknotes, labeling them as misinformation.

The CBN emphasised that this clarification is in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling of November 29, 2023, which permits the indefinite concurrent circulation of all versions of these denominations.

“The Bank’s previous clarifications and to offer further assurance, the CBN wishes to reiterate that the subsisting Supreme Court ruling granted on November 29, 2023, permits the concurrent circulation of all versions of the N1000, N500, and N200 denominations of the Naira indefinitely,” the statement read.

The apex bank urged Nigerians to disregard any contrary claims and to accept all naira banknotes for their daily transactions.

“We urge Nigerians to continue accepting all Naira banknotes (both old and redesigned) for their daily transactions and to handle them with care to ensure their longevity,” Mrs. Ali stated.

Additionally, the CBN encouraged the public to adopt alternative payment methods, such as electronic channels, to reduce dependence on physical cash.

This clarification by the CBN aims to quell confusion and ensure smooth economic activities amid the concurrent circulation of old and redesigned naira banknotes.

Polytechnic lecturers under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) have suspended their two-week strike after reaching a new agreement with the Federal Government.

The union directed its members to resume work across the country on Monday.

In a statement signed by ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja yesterday in Abuja, ASUP explained that the decision to suspend the strike followed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached at a conciliation meeting with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on December 9.

The statement said: “Members of the Union and indeed the general public may recall that our Union declared a 2 week definite strike effective 2nd December, 2024 over the inability of the government through its agencies to execute nine items in the work plan jointly developed with our Union to resolve some pending issues of trade dispute.

“You will also recall that a strike was declared to serve as a warning and precursor to an indefinite strike.

“Within the period of the strike, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment convened a conciliation meeting between our Union and the government on the 9th December, 2024 to resolve the dispute and save the sector from the impending indefinite strike.

“At the meeting, a new memorandum of understanding was signed with a caveat that another meeting will be held on 23rd January, 2025 to assess compliance by parties as well as to address other issues.

“After this meeting, the Union’s National Executive Council will meet to review the situation.

“In view of this development, all members of the Union are directed to resume duties from Monday 16th December, 2024.”

Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, yesterday frowned against those politicising President Bola Tinubu’s reforms, saying the reforms are meant to prevent the economy from collapsing.

Speaking at the 48th National Council on Information and National Orientation in Kaduna, Sani said the current administration inherited a comatose economy.

This, he said, warranted the innovative and creative solutions of the President to reinvent the economy and put the nation on the path to sustainable growth and development.

While acknowledging some of the pains that come along with the reforms, the governor said they are being implemented with good intentions, for the greater good of Nigerian people.

He said: “Our dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR assumed office at a trying time in the nation’s history. He inherited a near -comatose economy.

“He therefore has the unenviable task of initiating and implementing far-reaching measures to prevent the Nigerian economy from collapse. Because of global economic meltdown and years of mismanagement in Nigeria, fixing our economy requires time and sustained re-engineering.

“That is why Mr. President has come up with innovative and creative solutions to reinvent the economy and put our nation irreversibly on the path to sustainable growth and development. Although some of the measures have been painful, they are being implemented with good intentions, for the greater good of the Nigerian people. As a Father of the nation, President Tinubu has continued to renew our hope in the possibilities of the Nigerian nation.”

He therefore charged information managers to help communicate the background of the reforms to the people.

He said: “Information Managers have a responsibility to effectively communicate Mr. President’s Reform Agenda to the Nigerian people. We must fashion a robust Communications Strategy to carry out this important task. We must give the people the background to the reforms, what it is all about, and the benefits therein. “We must be patient with the people and break things down for them. Messages should be crafted in a way that takes care of the peculiarities of different audiences. We need the buy-in of the people in what we do. The people are our pillar of support.”

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, fired from all cylinders to record a 9-0 win over their counterparts from Niger Republic on Thursday.

The victory is recorded in the second match of this year’s WAFU U17 Girls’ Cup, taking place in Ghana.

In a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Head of Communications, the Flamingos started brilliantly, with Aishat Animashaun scoring after only five minutes, following an in-swinger by Mary Mamudu.

2024 FIFA World Cup star Shakirat Moshood then started her own song, as she produced a screamer from 35 yards that saw the ball sail above Nigerien goalkeeper Ndiaye Basiru for the second goal in the 17th minute.

Six minutes later, the ever-relentless Moshood scored her second and Nigeria’s third, assisted by Animashaun, and in the 33rd minute, Janet Akekoromowei made it four by netting from close range.

Akekoromowei escaped the attention of Nigerien defenders in the 42nd minute to power home for Nigeria’s fifth, and nicked her hat-trick almost immediately after with a powerful header.

Moshood, not to be outdone before recess, got her own hat-trick in the 45th minute to make it 7-0 against the hapless neighbours at half time.

Moshood was on song again just before the hour, collecting the ball high up the pitch and making a solo drive to fire past Ndiaye for her fourth and Nigeria’s eighth.

With 11 minutes left on the clock, Peace Effiong opted to have her own name on the scoresheet, when she fired from outside the box to beat Ndiaye for Nigeria’s ninth goal.

The Flamingos will next take on their counterparts from Cote d’Ivoire on Monday. (NAN)

All the 36 State Governors in Nigeria have submitted their reports to back the establishment of state police.

This was disclosed by the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Thursday immediately after the 146th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

The Kaduna Governor revealed that the 36 states had submitted proposals supporting the establishment of state police, reflecting a strong consensus among the governors.

“Today, one of the discussions we had at the NEC meeting was the update on the creation of state police. As you are aware, there was a submission by States toward the establishment of state police.

”Today, about 36 states have already made their submission for establishing state police in Nigeria. And I can say here that from what is available, virtually most of the states are in agreement with the establishment of state police in Nigeria,” Sani stated.

Despite the overwhelming support, discussions on the initiative were postponed until the next NEC meeting scheduled for January.

Sani explained, “The council decided to step down the discussion until we receive a report from the secretariat. After that, there will be deliberation at the next NEC meeting.”

He also highlighted a resolution from the previous NEC meeting calling for further stakeholder engagement to refine the proposal.

“And not only that, there’s also a resolution in the last NEC meeting, which is today the Secretariat have also agreed on that, there will be further stakeholder engagement after the panel and deliberation by the members of the NEC.”

The governor acknowledged the unique security challenges faced by different regions, noting, “Considering the fact that virtually every state has their peculiarity in terms of the problem we are having of insecurity in our own states. Knowing fully well that we have a lot of ungoverned space in Nigeria, and also that we have a lot of deficit in terms of number of boots on ground, looking at the fact that a lot of security agencies, the police, the army and other relevant security agencies have no personnel to cover all the ungoverned spaces, that is the reason why most of us agreed that establishment of state police in Nigeria is the way forward toward addressing the problem insecurity in our own country.”

At the last NEC meeting, the governments of Kwara, Kebbi, Adamawa and the FCT were given one week to submit their reports on the proposed creation of state police.

Governor Sani said while others have complied, the FCT failed to do so, with explanations which were accepted by the council.

The council had, in September, threatened to impose decisions on any state that had not complied with the request for reports.

The push for state police comes as Nigeria grapples with severe insecurity issues, including banditry and terrorism.

The NEC’s discussions follow a broader national dialogue on policing reform initiated by President Bola Tinubu earlier in the year.

The President has long advocated for state police as part of efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s heavily centralised security apparatus.

A chief magistrates’ court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, on Thursday, remanded a 30-year-old woman, Mercy Michael, in a correctional facility for allegedly killing her daughter with rat poison.

Michael was charged by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, NSCDC, with culpable homicide, contrary to Section 189 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.

The NSCDC prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that on December 11, one Godfrey Sunday of Fadia Bakut, Zonkwa, reported the case at the Corp’s office.

Audu said that on December 10, the defendant inexplicably fed her eight-month-old daughter with rat poison.

He explained that the baby was rushed to the General Hospital, Zonkwa. But she died the following day.

According to him, the matter was first reported to the Salama Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Kafanchan. But it was referred to NSCDC for investigation.

The presiding judge, Mr Samson Kwasu, did not take the plea of the accused, for lack of jurisdiction.

Kwasu directed the prosecutor to forward the case file to the State Director of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

He, thereafter, adjourned the case until December 17 for further mention.

United States President-elect Donald Trump has surpassed multiple prominent figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Princess of Wales Kate Middleton, Joe Rogan, Elon Musk, and others, to be named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2024.

This marks the second time Mr Trump has been named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, following his recognition in 2016—the year he won his first election to the White House.

The year 2024 has undoubtedly been a tumultuous one for Mr Trump, characterised by mixed fortunes. He faced a conviction on 34 felony charges in New York, survived an assassination attempt on his campaign train, and ultimately secured reelection to the White House in November.

Mr Trump’s opponent in the recently concluded U.S. presidential election, Ms Harris, was also a leading contender for Time’s 2024 Person of the Year. However, the president-elect has now bested her twice this year.

Economist and activist Yulia Navalnaya, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell, Mexico’s first female president Claudia Sheinbaum, and Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg were among the ten shortlisted individuals for the honour.

Speaking about his recognition as Time’s Person of the Year, Mr Trump said, “It is a tremendous honour… getting this honour for the second time, I think I like it better this time, actually.”

He later told CNBC: “We’re going to be cutting taxes still further,” specifically corporate taxes, adding that “a lot of incentives are going to be given.” He also suggested potential interventions in ongoing wars around the globe.

The Nigerian Armed Forces on Thursday retired 656 senior non-commissioned officers, who have served for 35 years.

The retirees were celebrated in a colourful ceremony at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi, following a six-month demilitarisation training programme designed to prepare them for civilian life.

The retirees included 535 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 86 from the Nigerian Navy, 35 from the Nigerian Air Force, and two from the Defence Intelligence Agency.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, paid tribute to the retirees, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the country’s peace and security.

“This training has equipped you with the knowledge and skills needed to transition seamlessly into civil life as resourceful managers, entrepreneurs, and contributors to national development,” Abubakar said.

Quoting the popular military saying, “Soja come, soja go, but barracks remain,” he reflected on the resilience of the armed forces and the enduring legacy of its members.

“The discipline, courage, and commitment that defined your careers will inspire future generations. As you move into civilian life, I urge you to uphold these values, becoming role models and ambassadors of the military profession in your communities,” he added.

The Air Chief encouraged the retirees to embrace the new chapter with confidence, reminding them that their training and experiences would ensure a successful transition.

NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Mamman, highlighted the centre’s role in preparing retiring officers for life after service.

“NAFRC has trained over 51,000 personnel, providing them with self-reliant and managerial skills to excel in civilian life,” Mamman said.

He urged the retirees to face the future with optimism.

“Do not fear the future. With the discipline and skills you have acquired, along with faith, you will enjoy a bright and prosperous future filled with long life, good health, and success,” Abubakar said.

Justice Mojisola Dada of an Ikeja Special Offences Court has reversed the bench warrant issued against former Managing Director of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, Ahmed Kuru.

The judge had issued the bench warrant last week following Kuru’s failure to appear in court in an alleged fraud case involving N76bn and $31.5m.

Kuru, alongside four others, faces charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused them of theft, abuse of office, false statements, and dishonest misappropriation of Arik Airline assets.

The co-defendants are Kamilu Omokide, former Receiver Manager of Arik Airline Ltd; Captain Roy Ilegbodu, Chief Executive Officer of the airline; Union Bank Ltd; and Super Bravo Ltd.

The bench warrant, issued on December 3, 2024, was lifted on Thursday after Kuru appeared in court and his lawyer, Olasupo Shasore (SAN), filed a motion requesting its revocation.

Justice Dada granted the application, emphasising the absence of objections from the EFCC prosecution team.

“In view of the attendance of the second defendant in court and the undertaking signed by his counsel to ensure his presence at all times, the application is granted, and the bench warrant is set aside,” Justice Dada ruled.

The court adjourned the case to January 20, 2025, the date originally scheduled for arraignment.

Shasore assured the court of his client’s commitment to attending all future court sessions.

“We undertake to ensure that the second defendant will be available for arraignment and trial as required,” he stated.

EFCC counsel, Dr. Wahab Shittu (SAN), did not oppose the motion, citing the undertaking by Kuru’s lawyer.

“We are not objecting to the application since the learned silk has assured the court that the second defendant will be available for arraignment on January 20, 2025. We are satisfied with the undertaking,” Shittu affirmed.

Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, has been awarded Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Educational Practitioners, United Kingdom.

According to the Global President of CIEPUK, Dr Marcel Ezenwoye, the fellowship award was in recognition of Mefor’s outstanding professional achievements and contributions to the fields of mass communication and entrepreneurial technology.

Ezenwoye, who spoke during the investiture and induction awards ceremony, at Paul University, Awka, on Thursday, said the award reflected the commissioner’s distinguished career spanning over three decades, during which he successfully handled notable media and communication projects domestically and internationally.

He said, “Also, your fellowship with other Nigerian institutions is a testament to your exceptional expertise and commitment to excellence.”

Mefor, on his part, appreciated the institutions, respectively, assuring them of his support and that of his friends.

He further reiterated Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s special interest in education, which he said the governor demonstrated by offering free education from primary to secondary school for not only the people of Anambra but all residents of the state regardless of their states of origin.

He said, “Free education is a tool created to break generational poverty transfer. Some families are so poor that unless something is intentionally done, the poverty will continue from generation to generation.

“With free education, it becomes possible that such families where you have dynasties of poverty can now become havens of wealth because, with secondary school education, any person can spring up from the family with a basic education.

“The free education offered by Governor Soludo is not just for Ndị Anambra. As long as you live in Anambra, you will enjoy free education. I am aware that some people living in neighbouring states are enrolling in Anambra schools because of free education. We are not sending them back because Anambra is a place for all.”

The Vice Chancellor of Paul University, who handed Mefor the fellowship award, approved the request of the Information Commissioner to lecture in the university gratis in his spare time, assuring him of his appointment as associate professor or professor after peer review of his academic credentials.

The vice chancellor also announced a 50 per cent rebate for school fees for certain categories of students and the university’s readiness to partner with the Soludo administration to advance education generally in the state.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Oluyemi Oluyede, has reaffirmed his commitment to lead the Nigerian Army with empathy and promised to ensure every officer and soldier gets their entitlements.

Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement, said Lt Gen Oluyede stated this during his maiden operations visit to Headquarters, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, in Kaduna, as part of his tour of formations and units across the Nigerian Army on Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Addressing officers and soldiers during the visit, Oluyede reaffirmed his commitment to leading the army efficiently while prioritising the welfare and professional development of personnel.

He assured troops of his resolve to address accommodation challenges, ensuring that no soldier is left without proper housing.

Lt Gen Oluyede also emphasised the importance of rigorous training to maintain a combat-ready and result-driven force, even as he urged officers to take ownership of their roles, uphold professionalism, and contribute significantly to the growth and efficiency of the Nigerian Army

Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff was received by a well-turned-out quarter guard before being thoroughly briefed on the operational activities of 1 Division by the General Officer Commanding, GOC, Maj Gen Mayirenso Lander Saraso.

Oluyede leveraged his visit to commission several key projects, including the 1 Division Officers’ Mess Annexe at Dallet Barracks and the remodelled Corporals Below Quarters at Kotoko Barracks, Ribadu Cantonment.

Each of the commissioned blocks comprises 30 housing units, designed to enhance the living conditions of personnel.

The police command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.

The police disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

The command explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubakar and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad on December 10 while riding a tricycle.

During the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno-Adamawa border.

The command identified some communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu LGAs.

The spokesman said during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.

“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner. Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

The command reiterated the commitment of police commissioner Yusufu Lawal to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season.

Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who sat the West Africa School Senior Certificate Education exam 17 times, has earned a distinction from the prestigious London Graduate School in the UK.

Mr Ahmadu, a Nigerian mental health advocate based in the U.S., disclosed this in an interview in Lagos. He said he was also inducted as a fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants in Lagos.

“My fellowship, the highest grade of membership in the Institute of Management Consultants, will position me as a thought leader equipped to provide innovative strategies in tackling depression and suicide.

“This recognition is not just a personal milestone but a step forward in the global fight against mental health crises,” said Mr Ahmadu.

“It’s a call to action to innovate solutions that inspire hope and resilience,” he added.

Mr Ahmadu said his personal story had resonated globally, inspiring millions.

“A childhood marked by instability saw me attend 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools. Yet, I persevered, ultimately earning two honorary doctorates and publishing in mental health journals,” stated Mr Ahmadu.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an ex-parte order suspending the production and distribution of Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System, a book authored by human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi.

The court granted the order pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction dated and filed on Friday, December 6, 2024.

The book, which has sparked widespread debate due to allegations of judicial manipulation, recently became a global bestseller in the politics category on Amazon.

It was earlier reported that armed police officers arrested Farotimi at his Lagos office on December 3, transporting him over 300 kilometers to Ekiti State.

Justice Peter Kekemeke granting the order after listening to the exparte application filed by the claimant, the managing partner at Afe Babalola’s law firm, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, said: “The order temporarily restrains the agents, publishers, distributors, sellers, re-publishers, re-sellers, or any other person howsoever described, including Dele Farotimi Publishers, Amazon Online Bookstore, Rovingheights Bookstore, Booksellers Bookstore, Jazzhole Lagos Bookstore, Glendora Bookshop, Quintessence Lagos Bookstore and Patabah Books Limited from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing the physical/hard/digital/soft copies of the book online, electronically, physically or by any other means including social media.”

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, was temporarily shut down on Wednesday following an Allied Nigeria aircraft skidding off runway.

A statement by the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, noted that a cargo plane belonging to Allied Air Cargo skidded off the runway on Wednesday.

“At 10:05am on December 11, 2024, an Allied Air Carge aircraft with registration number SN-JRT skidded off Runway 22 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with five (5) souls on board with no reported injury,” the statement read.

The aircraft, a Boeing B737-400, made its first flight over 31 years ago.

According to Flightera.net, an aviation tracker and flight data website, The Boeing 737 Classic are narrow-body airliners produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes, the second generation of the original Boeing 737-100/-200. Development began in 1979 and the first variant, the 737-300, first flew in February 1984 and entered service in December of that year. The stretched 737-400 first flew in February 1988 and entered service later that year The shortest variant, the 737-500, first flew in June 1989 and entered service in 1990.

Nigerians are experiencing power outages across the country after electricity distribution companies announced a grid collapse Wednesday afternoon.

“We wish to inform you that a system disturbance occurred on the national grid at 1:32 p.m. today causing power outage across our franchise areas,” AEDC said on Wednesday.

Jos disco posted a similar message on social media pleading for patience, noting that efforts to restore the power was underway..

The discos did not attach a timeframe to when the grid would be fixed, leaving many business entities in limbo regarding when electricity would be restored.

The national grid continued to suffer incessant collapses in recent months on the heels of unfulfilled promises by the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu to improve the sector.

The Nembe Division of Bayelsa High Court on Wednesday ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to appear before it within 42 days in connection with a N649 million accommodation debt suit.

The court, presided over by Justice T. Y. Abasi demanded the appearance of the IG following the suit filed by Darius Obienem, the owner of Euphemie Motel in Opu-Nembe, Bayelsa State.

The court threatened that failure of the IG and the two other respondents, the Nigerian Police and the Police Service Commission, to make an appearance, personally or through a legal practitioner, would result in a judgement being entered in their absence.

The hotel owner, Mr Obienem, had filed a suit over an alleged refusal of the respondents to settle the accommodation debt incurred by the Police SWAT team deployed from August 12, 2023, to October 3, 2024, in Opu-Nembe.

The SWAT team deployed to the Opu Nembe community had allegedly occupied the motel, turning it into their operational base without due permission of the owners.

The SWAT team was allegedly drafted to the area on the request of Timipre Sylva, former minister of state for petroleum resources and the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections.

The claimant prayed the court for a declaration that the defendants forcefully entered and allegedly took over the entire claimant’s business premises on August 12, 2023 as illegal.

He said, “A declaration that the claimants are entitled to the sum of N25,000 per night per room for rooms contained therein from August 12, 2023, to October3, 2024, when the defendants vacated the claimant’s premises. A declaration that the claimant is entitled to the sum of N100,000 only per conference hall per day for the three conference halls contained therein from August 12, 2023, to October 3, 2024, when the defendants vacated the claimant’s business premises. A declaration that the claimants are entitled to the sum of N649,450,000 for the period between the 12th of August, 2023, and the 3rd of October, 2024.

“An order of this court mandating the defendants to pay the defendant the sum of N649,450,000 for the period between August 12, 2023, and October 3, 2024.

“And the sum of N200,000,000 against the defendants for the damages done to the claimant as a result of their forceful entry and occupying same for a period well over 13 months and loss of revenue accruing from the bar and restaurant.’’

Ebonyi governor’s wife, Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, on Tuesday, secured the release of 41 inmates from the Abakaliki Medium Security Custodial Centre after paying their fines.

Ms Nwifuru announced the gesture when she visited the inmates and officers of the centre in Abakaliki.

The intervention was part of the activities organised by her office to celebrate Christmas.

Ms Nwifuru urged the inmates to consider their stay in the facility as their fate, urging them to turn a new leaf and repent from the crimes for which they were convicted.

The governor’s wife also donated cash to the inmates, encouraging them to take advantage of their incarceration to make a change in their lives.

She said her initiative, Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), aims to transform lives.

She underscored the need for the inmates to imbibe good morals and shun crime for the betterment of society.

She said that her passion for assisting the vulnerable and underprivileged members of society spurred her visit to the facility.

“This is the second time BERWO is providing such a gesture to inmates in the state. We will continue to give hope to the inmates,” Ms Nwifuru said.

Ebonyi’s attorney general, Ben Odo, said there were 1,265 inmates at the centre.

Mr Odoh appealed to the federal government to complement similar efforts by decongesting the prisons.

“Some of the inmates here have stayed for years because they do not have money to pay their fines,” he said.

A 27-year-old beneficiary, Emmanuel Nwafor, said he had been in jail since August 2023.

“Hardship led me to prison. I stole a generator and was asked to pay a fine of N100,000, but I could not pay,” Mr Nwafor said.

Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier is expected to arrive in Nigeria Wednesday on a two-visit to President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.

The visit of the German president to Nigeria, according to a recent statement by the country’s embassy, is scheduled for this week.

According to the statement, Mr Steinmeier would visit the president of the Commission of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Alieu Omar Touray, before heading to Lagos to meet business representatives and stakeholders in the culture and Civil society sector.

It added that the German president would then proceed to Lagos to engage with business representatives, visit a start-up hub, and meet with members of Nigeria’s culture sector and civil society.

“The German president will further meet with Dr. Nike Okundaye, popularly known as Mama Nike, of the Nike Art Gallery, and the legendary author and Nobel Laureate for Literature, Prof. Wole Soyinka.

“There will also be an opportunity to be part of a tour of the city of Lagos to gain insights into the urban development of megacity Lagos, including environmental and social challenges,” the German embassy stated.

Mr Steinmeier will be accompanied by a business delegation of CEOs and high-ranking board members of some of Germany’s most successful companies in IT, high-tech and energy.

The scheduled visit followed both leaders’ meeting at the 18th G20 Summit in India, where Mr Steinmeier said to Mr Tinubu: “We acknowledge the business-friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives.”

Stating that both countries “share striking commonalities, including being the strongest economy and the most populous country on their respective continents,” the German embassy said Mr Steinmeier’s visit would be the third exchange between both countries on the level of head of state or government since Mr Tinubu’s inauguration.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Nigeria in October 2023, and Mr Tinubu visited Germany in November 2023.

The authorities of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) have announced the appointment of Mr. John Olusola Dada as the new substantive bursar and Mrs. Henrietta Adebola Gbemisola Badejo as the new substantive registrar.

According to a statement issued by the Acting Registrar, Dr. E. J. A. Akinwale, on December 10, 2024, the appointments were approved by the institution’s Governing Council. Both officials are set to serve a five-year tenure starting January 2, 2025.

Mr. Dada, the incoming bursar, hails from Efon Alaaye in Ekiti State and is an alumnus of CAC Grammar School, Efon Alaaye, and The Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti, among other institutions.

Olusola Dada, a Professional Accountant, Management and Financial expert, is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA); Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (ACTI); Associate Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountant of Nigeria (ACIMA)

With a combination of 30 years of working experience across the Polytechnic, University and the Private Sectors, Olusola Dada has received several commendations on the job, in professional and community services, inclusive of five different times from Yabatech Management ( 5 times) 2008, 2009, 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024)

The Commendations received by the new YCT Bursar among others are on: Proper Accounting Records on TETFund Activities; Computerization and Digitalization of the Bursary Department;Proper Accounting Returns;

Member of team that won grants into Yabatech 2ce. (200,000 USD Ford Foundation Grant for the establishment of Art museum and production of Sexual Harassment Policy for the College in 2019. & 1,000,000 USD FCDO/UNICEF GESP grants for training of 5,750 Girls on TVET related skills.

An accomplished Chartered Accountant, Auditor and ICAN Fellow, Olusola Dada has also played several pivotal professional roles and leadership services for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria at the National, sub national and ICAN Districts Society levels. He is married with children.