Former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said achieving peace in society goes beyond carrying rifles and guns, insisting that justice and equity must prevail.

Mr Jonathan made this known on Saturday in Abuja, where he was the guest of honour at the President’s Night organised by the Rotary Club of Asokoro.

Represented by a former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petirin (retd), the former president emphasised that peace was not merely the absence of war, but the presence of fairness.

He said, “You see, he (Jonathan) has this sense of justice, that we must be just. We should not exclude anybody. He understood that achieving peace is not just about carrying rifles and guns. In fact, he believed that this accounts for just about 30 per cent of what is needed. The remaining 70 per cent involves hard work, people talking, negotiating, agreeing, disagreeing, coming back again to discuss and then finally agreeing.’’

According to him, this approach was instrumental in restoring peace to Plateau State during Jonathan’s administration.

He also commended the Rotary Club for its impactful service to humanity.

In his remarks, the 24th President of the Rotary Club of Asokoro, Babatunde Adetoba, said the event was to showcase the club’s contributions to the community.

He said, “Rotary Club is an international organisation that has been established for over 100 years. We focus on seven key areas, including education, water, sanitation, and maternal health.’’

Mr Adetoba stated that the club recently assisted indigent patients with free cataract surgeries and donated five million naira to a hospital.

He added, “We reached out to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, donated drugs and medications, conducted free eye screenings, and gave out free glasses. Rotary is big on polio eradication. Globally, we have spent over 2.6 billion dollars on the cause, and we continue awareness efforts to ensure Nigeria remains polio-free.”

He described charitable donations as a noble act that did not necessarily require much.

“A small amount can put a smile on someone’s face or change their life forever,” he said.

Mr Adetoba also noted that the club had sustainability measures in place to ensure the long-term impact of its projects.

Speaking on the essence of the President’s Night, he said it was an opportunity for the president to honour friends, associates, and supporters who contributed to the club’s achievements over the year.

Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Stella Okotete and the Managing Director of SunTrust Bank, Halima Buba, were also honoured at the event for their outstanding contributions to society.

The Police Community Relations Committee in Owerri, Imo State, has elected and inaugurated a new set of executive officers led by Bathram Uzodimma.

The National Chairman of the PCRC, Mogaji Olaniyi, inaugurated the 15-man executive committee, as part of activities marking the PCRC’s 41st anniversary celebrations held in Imo State on Saturday.

Mr Olaniyi charged the Mr Uzodimma-led executives to eschew arrogance, power confrontation and vindictiveness in the discharge of their duties.

He also urged the PCRC family in the state to extend their support and cooperation to the new executives.

He urged them to keep the flag flying through commitment and dedication to duty, to strengthen the relationship between the police and the public.

He, however, hailed the immediate past excos led by Chima Chukwunyere for their exemplary performance which he noted raised the committee’s credibility.

The state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, represented by the command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, commended Mr Olaniyi for enhancing the relationship between the police and the public.

He said that sustained partnership, trust and collaborations were of crucial importance for the police and the PCRC to move on.

He congratulated the new excos on their emergence and wished them a successful tenure.

Also speaking, Mr Uzodimma pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him, promising a robust relationship between the police and the public.

Earlier, Mr Chukwunyere said that he established a weekly radio programme in Owerri to smoothen the relationship between the police and the public.

He added that he also created a stronger public awareness on the dangers of cultism, drug addiction and other vices among students.

According to him, police remain friends with members of the public.

Me Chukwunyere, who is the MD/CEO of Domino Paramount Hotel Owerri, said that between 2008 till date, he had so far offered free hotel accommodation to police officers on transit to the tune of N7.6 million.

He stated, “In addition to the radio programmes, the Imo PCRC under my watch regularly visited secondary schools across the state to sensitise pupils to the dangers of drug abuse and cultism, with our 68th visit last Thursday, to City School, Owerri.’’

Mr Chukwunyere joined the association in 1996.

He also served in various leadership positions since 2008, including South-East Zonal chairman, before assuming Imo State chairman of the committee in 2025.

Mr Chukwunyere is now elected as the National Consultant, Community Policing of the PCRC, for his role in reviving and revitalising the committee in Imo and the South-East.

The Rivers State Government has announced plans to revitalise the underutilised technical and vocational centres in the state.

The state’s Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), disclosed this during the inspection of some facilities in the state, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

The facilities were the Dr Obi Wali International Conference Centre and the ongoing state assembly complex projects, among others.

Mr Ibas expressed concern over the underutilisation of the vocational skills centre given its potential to transform lives through skilled basic education.

He stated that the centre would play a significant role in developing skilled labour, promoting economic growth, and tackling youth unemployment in the state.

Mr Ibas emphasised the importance of skills-based education and the need to optimise the use of state facilities to engage more young people productively.

According to him, the state government’s commitment to revitalising key infrastructure is expected to drive youth empowerment, economic development, and sustainable growth.

He stated, “The government hopes to provide young people with the skills and training needed to succeed in the workforce and contribute to the state’s economic growth by reactivating the centres. The move is seen as a positive step towards addressing youth unemployment and promoting economic development in the state.

George Ineubong of Team Benue on Sunday won a silver medal in the 60kg men judo in the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta.

Ineubong, who did exceptionally well, was overpowered by his opponent from Team Ogun in the closing minutes of the encounter.

Ineubong, who spoke with journalists shortly after the win, thanked Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue for making it possible for him to participate in the games.

The silver medallist regretted that he couldn’t win the gold medal, which has always been his target.

“Be that as it may, I am further encouraged and motivated to give my all for the state when another opportunity presents itself.

“Like I said, I am grateful to the governor, my coaches and my family for ensuring that I reach this height,” he said.

The NSF is a biennial multi-sport event organised by the federal government.

It brings together athletes from all 36 states and the FCT to compete in various sports, promoting national unity, sportsmanship, and excellence across Nigeria.

A group of 47 Nigerian medical students who escaped war-torn Sudan in May 2023 are now struggling to register for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria examination due to a document requirement.

The students, many of whom fled or were evacuated by the Federal Government without exit visas, are currently racing against time to meet the registration deadline, with their future careers hanging precariously in the balance.

The students, who were enrolled at Sudan International University (SIU), were evacuated to Nigeria during the 2023 conflict in Sudan while in their final year of study.

According to the students, with the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC), they were permitted to continue their academic programme at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH) in Sokoto.

Speaking during an interview on Sunday in Abuja, one of the students said: “We successfully completed our studies and graduated in 2024, receiving our certificates as students of SIU.”

He added that they were currently preparing to sit the MDCN examinations.

The student, however, added that one of the requirements was presenting a first entry visa and a last exit visa.

“Unfortunately, none of us have these documents as most of our passports remained in Sudan due to the emergency evacuation. We respectfully request permission to sit for the examinations scheduled for June 2025,” he said.

The President of the Nigerian Students Association at SIU, Najid Hassan, confirmed that due to the war in Sudan, Nigerian students were evacuated by the Federal Government.

Mr Hassan explained that with NUC approval, the affected students were allowed to continue their academic programme at UDUTH following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SIU and UDUTH.

“After the MoU, we resumed studies at UDUTH in December 2023 and spent one year there. We completed clinical rotations, lectures in gynaecology, paediatrics, surgery, and medicine, and graduated in October 2024. We took examinations supervised by consultants at UDUTH,” Mr Hassan said.

He added that after graduation, students were awarded certificates bearing the SIU name.

Mr Hassan, however, said that when they approached MDCN for registration, the process, expected to be seamless, became challenging.

“We are currently preparing for the MDCN exams, but one requirement is the submission of a ‘first entry visa and a last exit visa.’ Unfortunately, none of us have these documents because most passports remain in Sudan due to emergency evacuation,” Mr Hassan said.

He appealed to the Federal Government to intervene.

MDCN is the regulatory body for Medicine and Dentistry in Nigeria and was established by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act.

The Act had been operational since December 18, 1963, and updated under the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The council’s statutory functions include setting and reviewing standards for medical and dental education.

Section 9(3) and (4) of the Act empowers the council to conduct assessment exams for holders of foreign medical or dental qualifications recognised by their countries of origin.

Candidates expected to sit the examinations are trained outside Nigeria at institutions listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.

One of the application requirements is submitting relevant portions of international passports, including visa and arrival/departure stamps.

In a 2024 publication addressing students returning from conflict zones, MDCN Registrar Dr Fatima Kyari, reaffirmed these rules but expressed sympathy for students affected by COVID-19 and conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan.

Ms Kyari stated, “The council has held extensive consultations and developed remediation pathways to facilitate integration. Students graduating in 2023 or later were advised to return to a designated campus of their foreign university to complete studies physically. They can also transfer to an accredited Nigerian university, subject to NUC approval; or integrate into a Nigerian university per NUC guidelines. Many students from Sudan and Ukraine have successfully integrated through these pathways, exempting them from the foreign-trained medical and dental graduates (FTMDG) exams if graduating from Nigerian institutions.”

She explained that the MoU with UDUTH was an academic collaboration and did not equate to clinical training for medical qualification recognised by MDCN.

She noted that students who properly transferred and graduated from Nigerian universities approved by MDCN had been indexed, graduated, and registered as doctors.

The Federal Ministry of Education, through the Director of University Education, Rakiya Ilyasu, acknowledged the situation.

She advised the affected students to formally write to the minister of education, including their names, and to copy the Director of Education Support Services to help facilitate a resolution.

Similarly, NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, Chris Maiyaki, confirmed the development and advised the students to contact the ministry of education to resolve the issues.

However, efforts to get the reaction of the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, regarding the students’ plea proved unsuccessful.

Similarly, efforts to get the response of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) on the development were not successful.

The deputy provost of the medical school said that he had no authority to speak on the issue, while the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bashir Garba, said he was on transit and would respond appropriately.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the recently conducted 2025 UTME resit examination for candidates at affected centres.

In a statement on Sunday, the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, said of the 336,845 who were eventually scheduled, 21,082 were absent.

He said that despite the ongoing inquiries, performance analysis remained consistent (between 11 per cent in 2013 and 34 per cent in 2016).

Mr Benjamin said that while the situation was unfortunate, it revealed numerous alarming practices perpetrated by candidates and certain proprietors of schools and computer-based test (CBT) centres.

He said this had exacerbated examination irregularities.

“It would be recalled that after the conduct of the resit examination, a meeting of the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs) in all states of the federation was held to consider the results. In attendance at the meeting were a few notables,” he said.

Mr Benjamin said extensive deliberations were made after consideration of the report of the resit examination.

He said the constitution of a sub-committee chaired by the vice-chancellor of the National Open University, Olufemi Peters, who is also the CEE, FCT, was constituted to confirm that the results were in order.

The spokesperson added that before the release of the resit examination, the CEEs reviewed the exercise and directed that an expert in psychometrics, Boniface Nworgu, be invited to analyse and endorse the results for subsequent release.

On the release of results of all under-aged candidates, he said the meeting resolved that the withheld results of the under-aged candidates (except where litigation is involved) who performed below the established standards be released.

However, according to him, the result does not qualify them for admission.

He said the candidates had previously signed an undertaking during the registration process acknowledging that only those who meet the prescribed standards would be considered for under-aged special admission.

He said candidates involved in “WhatsApp Runs” and other misdemeanours were found to have been involved in illicit solicitation of assistance.

While noting the over 93 per cent attendance at the resit examination, he said the meeting offered all the candidates absent an opportunity to participate during the normal annual mop-up examination.

According to him, this waiver is also extended to the candidates who, for whatever reason, must have missed the initial main UTME.

He explained that the meeting condemned the involvement of some CBT centres in perpetrating serious registration and examination malpractices and resolved that all the implicated CBT centres should be blacklisted while complicit owners should be prosecuted.

” In addition, the identified individuals who directly registered the candidates with modified pictures and biometrics be apprehended and prosecuted.

“The meeting observed with great concern the role of some tutorial centres in the perpetration of examination malpractices.

“It urged governments at all levels to take appropriate steps in ensuring that operators of tutorial centres are properly regulated, licensed and constantly monitored. This is to curtail the initiation of candidates into the path of dishonesty,” he explained.

On the tribal/sectional narrative of the examination, he said the meeting expressed regret at the attempts by some groups to exploit the incident to disseminate tribal and sectional narratives.

Mr Benjamin emphasised that such narratives risk exacerbating existing divisions within society and even the JAMB workforce.

Results of UTME from the past twelve years as shown in the table below:

COMPARISON OF UTME RESULTS SINCE THE INCEPTION OF CBT IN 2013-2025

A Seventh-Day Adventist group, The Apostles, has urged the West African division of the church to reject attempts by the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, to unilaterally amend the varsity’s election guidelines in electing a new vice chancellor.

The Apostles, in a statement on Sunday signed by its coordinator, Elder Samson Fasasi, said that it was not unaware of the move by the outgoing vice chancellor to impose a successor on the university against the electoral guidelines of appointing a vice chancellor.

It stated, “The hallmark of our faith is in the purity of our actions and fairness to all, as preached by Ellen G. White. Those in positions of authority, no matter how highly placed, must understand that they are not exempted from these principles. We are not unaware of the move by the vice-chancellor to impose Professor Abiodun Adesegun on the university despite his ineligibility having passed the benchmark age of 60 years by changing the statutory age to 65.

“The vice chancellor must be reminded that his ascension into office was a result of protest and valour of men and women of good conscience who fought to ensure that due process is followed. For him to now move to truncate the same due process that brought him into office is borrowing from the playbook of Robert Mugabe.”

The group accused the vice chancellor of unilaterally changing the guidelines of the election without consulting the institution’s Senate and forwarded the edited version to the division for ratification.

The statement added, “We are hereby imploring the division to reject outrightly this descent into dictatorship under Professor Ademola Tayo. Never in the history of the church has the vice-chancellor imposed a successor on the university, albeit an ineligible one at that? Any rectification of such amendment to the guideline has the tendency of setting the entire university into chaos.”

The current VC’s tenure ends before the beginning of the next academic session.

The Ebonyi government has urged mining investors in the state to protect the rights of host communities and improve on its social responsibilities.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru made the call on Saturday in Abakaliki, at a one day conference, tagged, “Solid Minerals in Ebonyi: the Government and the people”.

Mr Nwifuru, represented by Oguzor Ofia-Nwali, commissioner for commerce and business development, noted that the state government was committed to harnessing its various mineral resources.

He urged the mining investors to operate with guiding policies of the business and ensure that the host communities enjoyed the community development agreement (CDA).

“Solid minerals remain one of the keys for sustainable development. I believe that our own will continue to remain a blessing to us and not a curse,” he said.

Chidi Onyia, state commissioner for solid minerals development, said the conference was in collaboration with the Ebonyi State university (EBSU) and lke-Elechi Ogba Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

Mr Onyia noted that the programme was to reflect on the significant strides made in repositioning the solid minerals sector in the state.

He said that Ebonyi remained one of the states endowed with various solid minerals, exploiting in large quantities.

The commissioner listed some of the mineral deposits in the state to include: brine (salt), granite, lead ore (galena), sand, limestone, barites, marble stones, gypsum, among others.

He expressed worry over the state of human rights abuses in the sector such as land and water pollution, which usually manifested in land grabbing, environmental degradation among others.

“We are worried the activities of mining companies have polluted the environment, taken away sources of livelihood from indigenous people and adversely affected their health,” Mr Onyia added.

On success so far in the sector, the commissioner said, under the present administration, “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda of Nwifuru, the Ministry has achieved remarkable progress, such as the acquisition of strategic mineral licenses.

“We have resolved over 100 disputes between mining companies and host communities-restoring trust, ensuring peace, and securing operational stability across critical mining zones.

“We have strengthened monitoring and enforcement to curb illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards,” the Commissioner added.

Donald Nnadi, chief executive officer (CEO), Dolf Global Resources said, there was a need to avoid indiscriminate mining in the state and adhere strictly to CDA.

“It is good that we work in accordance with the state government to protect the human and environmental right of the host communities.

“Mining activities can pose environmental and health challenges. The people suffer danger of lead poisoning as a result of effluent leak into the environment.

“This causes serious health complications which can damage various organs and systems in the body, including the brain and nervous system, the blood and cardiovascular system, as well as the kidneys,” he added.

Sylvia Ogbuinya, president, women in mining in the state, hailed the organisers of the conference and urged its members to obey mining rules, in order to protect the environment.

Some Kano State pilgrims in Madina, on Saturday, praised Gov. Abba Yusuf for arranging decent accommodation for them near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.

Mohammad Shamsuddeen, a pilgrim from Gwale Local Government Area (LGA) told journalists in Madina that the governor’s efforts made a significant difference.

He said this was particularly evident in healthcare, with stationary and mobile clinics providing medical care for the pilgrims.

He said that the pilgrims would observe all the Hajj rituals without any form of stress.

“We’re pleased with the state government’s arrangement for decent accommodation very close to the Prophet’s Mosque,” he said.

Ado Isa from Gwale LGA lauded the state government for providing decent meals for the pilgrims, saying: “I’m pleased the state government is identifying with us, enabling us to observe the Hajj rituals without stress.”

He said that the state government had provided decent accommodation with excellent facilities and well-trained scholars to guide the pilgrims.

Bashir Disu praised Mr Yusuf, saying he had made a significant difference by ensuring a stress-free and peaceful Hajj experience.

He prayed for the governor’s success and the continued prosperity for his administration.

The Kano pilgrims’ satisfaction with the accommodation arrangements highlights the importance of logistics support for pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage.

“The provision of proper accommodation and other facilities can significantly enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims.

“This allows them to focus on their religious duties without undue stress or discomfort,” said Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim.

The state’s provision of decent accommodation for the pilgrims demonstrates its commitment to supporting its citizens during this significant religious event.

Pilgrims from Kano State were spotted praying at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.

The Prophet’s Mosque is considered the second holiest place in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca with millions of Muslims visiting it every year to pray and pay their respects.

Praying in that mosque is believed to be highly rewarding, with some Islamic scholars stating that one prayer here is equivalent to 1,000 prayers elsewhere, except for the Sacred Mosque in Mecca.

540 pilgrims, who arrived in six flights, were in perfect health conditions and were also spotted visiting other historical sites in Madina.

The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with UNICEF has mobilised spouses of the 23 LGA chairmen and health educators to boost Primary Health Care service uptake.

This is in a bid to close gaps in demand generation and improve PHC services uptake which is pivotal in reduction of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in Kaduna State.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a two-day meeting on Friday in Kaduna, the UNICEF Health Specialist, Kaduna Field Office, dr Idris Baba, said that the training aimed to equip the participants with knowledge and skills to boost primary healthcare services in their respective local governments.

Mr Baba, who doubles as the Gender Focal Person, UNICEF, explained that the idea to work with the spouses of LGA chairmen was to take advantage of their position as mothers and wives who have influence over some resources and people.

He said the meeting was to pave the way on how the chairmen’s spouses would mobilise women and children to access primary health care services and ensure that children remain in school.

He stated, “One of the enablers we are looking at beyond the health sector is to ensure that children remain in school having the understanding that a child of an educated mother stands a better chance of surviving than the child of a non-educated mother. So, looking at beyond health, we are also looking at the enabling environment, including education, nutrition and other services around the local government services to ensure that we take advantage of their presence here to mobilise women for such kind of services.’’

According to him, the participants were motivated and better informed, adding that they have had prior misunderstanding of what gender was and how gender affects services.

Mr Baba, therefore, said that now that they had a better understanding of gender, the participants gave their commitment to return to the local government and become gender champions.

“They can now advocate gender mainstreaming into education, health, agriculture and social services. The idea is for them to ensure they don’t leave anybody behind,” he said.

In a remark, Acting Director, Family and Community Health Services, Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Board, Habiba Aliyu, said prior to the meeting, many of the LG chairmen spouses believed that PHCs only offered immunisation and antenatal services.

She, however, said through the presentations at the meeting, the spouses had realised that PHCs provided more than 13 essential services ranging from nutrition, maternal and child health, disease prevention, family planning and beyond all, delivered in an integrated manner.

Mr Aliyu urged the women to take ownership and sustain the momentum of the initiatives by educating and mobilising other women in their communities to drive awareness and encourage the uptake of available PHC services.

Earlier, the Education Officer at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Isah Yushau, said that “behind every successful man is a strong woman.”

He, therefore, said the influence of spouses of local government chairmen could significantly help in creating demand for health services and reducing inequities in healthcare delivery.

He explained that the meeting’s objective was to present the current health performance status of each local government area, helping participants understand where they stand, particularly in maternal and child health indicators.

Mr Yushau added that it was to foster partnerships between local healthcare workers and political leaders, especially the spouses of LG chairmen, so they could identify areas where their influence could bring about change and improve poor health indices.

He said, “The spouses of the LG chairman have proximity to leadership which places them in a unique position to advocate better maternal and child health services.”

He urged the spouses not to underestimate their influence, stressing that they hold the power to drive real change in their communities.

“As spouses of political leaders, you are uniquely positioned to support the government’s goal of improving healthcare and reducing disparities. If the local government chairmen succeed in their mandate, it is often with your support and if they fail, the blame can extend beyond them to those closer to them including you,” he said.

The Project Coordinator of Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN), Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, said the meeting leveraged to train the LG chairmen spouses on primary healthcare under one roof.

Ms Muhammad-Idris, who doubled as a facilitator, said the participants were trained in various healthcare services such as immunisation, nutrition, family planning, child welfare and care for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children under five.

She said, “It also focuses on gender mainstreaming in activities to ensure inclusive service delivery.’’

She stated that the goal was to empower them to be role models and advocates for healthcare issues, particularly for vulnerable populations, and to support their spouses in delivering effective healthcare services.

By doing so, she said the LG chairmen spouses could positively influence their communities and promote healthy behaviours.

Some of the participants, spouse of Soba LGA chairman, Halima Balarabe and that of Jaba LGA, Deborah John, stated their commitment to support healthcare initiatives and advocate vulnerable populations in their respective local governments, leveraging their positions for positive change.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Ulama Team has organised a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian leaders for Allah to assist them to curb insecurity and transform the country.

Chairman, Council of Imams and AIfas, Etiosa, Lagos State, Sheikh Afini Yusuf AbduIbari, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Madina on Friday.

Mr AbduIbari said that the purpose of the prayer was to pray for the nation and its leaders, particularly the President, for the good work that he had been doing.

He stated, “The President has hit the ground since he assumed the office, and he has not shown any sign of tiredness today. So, we need to continue to pray for him, and that is the purpose we are here. We also prayed to Almighty Allah to help us against insecurity in the nation. We pray for all his team and the political officers.’’

According to him, the team comprises the ulamas chosen for pilgrims’ enlightenment from the South-West by NAHCON.

“We are chosen as ulamas from various parts of the South-West. We are here from Lagos, Osun and Oyo states. All of us are here. So, we gather to pray as ulamas,” he said.

Mr AbduIbari, a member of the council of Imams in Lagos State, also commended the NAHCON’s airlift operation, especially the feat recorded by its Madina office in areas of pilgrims’ reception, hotel, accommodation and feeding.

He said that the airlift operation had moved a step forward with better coordination.

“By now, we know the pilgrims that came to Medina and those who have gone back to Mecca. They are almost 40,000 already. That tells you that the operation is smooth,” he said.

Speaking on the responsibilities of the ulamas, Mr AbduIbari said that the ulama had been enlightening pilgrims on the rudiments and purpose of the pilgrimage.

He stated, “That has been carried out deeply in Medina here, and when we get to Makkah, we will continue to enlighten the pilgrims. Specifically, the pilgrims have been made to know that they have been called upon to perform pilgrimage by Almighty Allah. It means that they are fortunate. If you are not being called, you will not be here. So, we have sensitised them, we have let them know what they are supposed to do. Today, I can tell you that the visitations that we are supposed to do here to the Prophet Mosque, we are in the Prophet Mosque now where we are holding the prayer. All the important holy places have been visited. So, we have carried out our duty.’’

Also speaking, Sheikh Ridwan Mustapha Sunusi, said that the ulama organised the special prayer to complement the government’s efforts toward transforming the country.

Mr Sunusi said, “We see that the government is trying all its efforts. So, what remains for us is just the prayer so that Nigeria will be good.”

He urged pilgrims to abide by the law and regulation of the Saudi Arabia authorities.

He further advised them to obey the law and regulation of Islam, and the law and regulation of Nigeria.(NAN)

A professor of cardiovascular medicine, Adeseye Akintunde, has called for early diagnosis and robust national policy reforms to combat rising cardiovascular diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Mr Akintunde made this appeal on Friday during the 64th inaugural lecture at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

In his lecture, titled ‘The Heart and its Venomous Whispers of Disorders,’ the professor stated that cardiovascular diseases were the leading global cause of death, requiring collaborative healthcare efforts.

He highlighted the growing toll of heart conditions in sub-Saharan Africa, linking urbanisation, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles to rising cases of hypertension, stroke, and heart failure.

Mr Akintunde stressed the need for public awareness, lifestyle changes, and the mantra “know your numbers” to curb cardiovascular diseases in rapidly developing African nations.

He advised Nigerians to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight regularly to avoid emergencies and promote healthier living.

Highlights of the event included free screenings for blood pressure and sugar, attended by academics, students, and members of the university community.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Human Development Council at the Government House.

He stressed that human capital remains the true wealth of any nation and a core priority of his administration.

The council is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, and includes state executive council members and heads of ministries, departments and agencies.

Also represented are the legislature, local governments, traditional rulers, church leaders, and civil society organisations.

Mr Mbah explained the council aligns with his government’s emphasis on human development and social investment.

He urged the members to take the task seriously and work towards tangible outcomes.

Mr Mbah stated, “One of our top priorities is eradicating poverty and reducing the poverty headcount to zero.’’

He added that the government’s philosophy prioritises human capital over natural resources.

The governor stated, “Our last two budgets allocated over 50 per cent to social services.’’

In his response, Mr Ossai assured the governor of members’ commitment to the council’s goals.

He emphasised that government initiatives — from schools to roads — are people-focused.

He added, “All our projects aim to improve lives, and the council will help us track and measure progress.’’

The Provost of Peaceland College of Nursing Sciences, Enugu State, Dr Helen Onyia, has urged new students to resist temptation from worldly desires and focus on their studies.

She advised them to work hard, stay focused, seek help when needed, and uphold the values that led them to pursue nursing.

Ms Onyia gave this advice during the college’s first matriculation and capping held on Friday at the institution in Enugu.

One hundred and one students were matriculated, marking the first cohort of the institution.

She warned that the more students desire what lies beyond their reach, the more they risk being distracted from their goals.

She reminded the students that their commitment was not only to education but to a future in nursing, a noble and disciplined profession.

“I don’t intend to discourage curious students or parents, but to emphasise that life is sacred and requires responsibility,” Ms Onyia said.

She added that nursing had grown more flexible and rewarding due to the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery.

“Nurses now serve in expanded roles – as clinical specialists, practitioners, consultants and even independent prescribers,” she noted.

She said that the college’s goal was to train competent nurses to deliver quality care and lead in advancing healthcare.

Ms Onyia stressed that with the global shortage of nurses, numerous opportunities existed for those ready to work diligently.

The provost stated that the college offers a two-year National Diploma and a two-year Higher National Diploma in Nursing.

She noted that the programme aligned with national reforms in nursing education currently underway in Nigeria.

The school also follows the approved curricula of the National Board for Technical Education and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.

“Becoming a professional nurse symbolises what is possible when core principles and ethics are truly applied,” Ms Onyia added.

She described the college’s establishment as timely and urged students to build on love, dedication, and self-confidence.

A high national diploma student, Constance Okonkwo, thanked God and the college for the opportunity to be part of the ceremony.

She said, “I’m truly happy. Nursing is tough, but with our dedicated lecturers, I believe we’ll succeed.’’

She praised the institution’s progress and promised to give her best over the four-year programme to become a registered nurse.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action.

ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday.

He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.

According to Mr Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017.

He listed withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Mr Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction.

Despite promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled.

He also highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as the Kogi State University and the Lagos State University.

He added that victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale.

On university autonomy, he said political interference compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples.

Mr Piwuna warned that universities were becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable.

He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it was vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity.

He proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare to address the challenges facing university education in Nigeria.

“Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Mr Piwuna said.

He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle.

He stated, “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights.’’

The naira which has seen steady appreciation against the dollar all week closed stronger on Friday, trading at ₦1,580.44 in the official forex market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website show that the naira gained ₦4.51k against the dollar on Friday.

This marks a 0.28 per cent appreciation from Thursday’s closing rate of ₦1,584.95 in the official foreign exchange window.

The local currency maintained consistent strength throughout the week, recording gains daily.

On Monday, May 19, it traded at ₦1,598.68; on Tuesday, at ₦1,590.45; and on Wednesday, at ₦1,584.49. These gains suggest increased investor confidence and improved forex supply, contributing to the naira’s performance.

Meanwhile, the CBN, at its 300th Monetary Policy Committee meeting held Monday and Tuesday, retained the interest rate at 27.5 per cent.

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Apple with an import tariff of 25 per cent on iPhones sold but not manufactured in the United States.

“I have long ago informed (chief executive) Tim Cook of Apple this,” he wrote on his Truth Social platform on Friday. “I expect their iPhones that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else.”

“If that is not the case, a tariff of at least 25 per cent must be paid by Apple to the U.S.,” he added.

Mr Trump has long demanded that Apple build the iPhone, its most important product in the U.S.

Experts argue that this would require huge investments and make smartphones drastically more expensive.

Under Mr Cook’s leadership, Apple has built up supply chains in Asia over the last few decades with large factories, mainly in China.

The company has also stepped up production in India and Vietnam in recent years, partly in response to supply bottlenecks following the coronavirus lockdowns in China.

The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 40-year-old man, Musa Ademola, before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly tampering with and stealing his employer’s bags of sugar and diesel valued at N44 million.

Mr Ademola, a driver with no fixed address, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sp. Josephine Ikhayere told the court that the offences were committed between April 18 and 20 at GPC Energy and Logistics Ltd, Ikeja, Lagos.

Ms Ikhayere said the defendant and another, still at large, dishonestly tampered with 600 bags of 50 kg sugar valued at N44,093,023.

She stated that the 50kg bags were weighed and loaded in with a truck G800, but at the point of delivery and offloading, they weighed 49kg each, adding that the property belonged to GPC Energy and Logistics.

Ms Ikhayere also claimed that the defendant stole 450 litres of diesel valued at N540,000, property of the same company.

She said the offences contravened sections 287(7) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The magistrate, L.A Owolabi granted him N700,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Owolabi adjourned the case until June 9 for mention.

The police have warned Nigerians not to provoke officers on duty, advising civilians to accord them respect amid widespread complaints of rights violations against the force.

Specifically, the FCT command spokeswoman, Josephine Adeh, slammed Nigerians in a statement on Thursday for not appreciating police officers.

“Globally, while law enforcement agencies also face scrutiny, there is a clear structure for accountability and a strong culture of respect for officers performing their lawful duties,” the police officer stated. That balance is essential.”

“We ask for the same here: do not provoke officers while they are discharging their responsibilities,” Ms Adeh demanded.

The FCT spokeswoman added, “It is very sad to observe the lack of appreciation and recognition often shown to members of the Nigeria Police Force, despite the immense risks we take daily in the line of duty.

“More often than not, public engagements —especially on social media—focus mainly on criticism, with little to no acknowledgement of the countless positive experiences or commendable acts carried out by officers across the country.”

The officer admitted that the police have challenges dealing with bad eggs in the force.

“Let me be clear: we acknowledge that, like in every institution, there are individuals who fall short of expected standards. However, it is unfair and unhelpful to judge the entire police force based on the misconduct of a few.

“The dedication, courage, and sacrifices of the many committed officers deserve to be seen and respected,” Ms Adeh explained.

The FCT command spokeswoman urged Nigerians to continue reporting misconduct or unprofessional behaviour by officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force has a dedicated Complaints Response Unit, and all grievances can be directed to 08107314192. Be assured that such reports will be handled with the seriousness they deserve.

“Let us build a more respectful and constructive relationship between the police and the public. Accountability is vital—but so is fairness,” the statement said.

The Judicial Service Commission in Kano has taken disciplinary action against magistrates and registrars for misconduct.
The sanction was announced in a statement by Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, the JSC spokesperson.

The decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 82nd meeting held on Wednesday.

In line with its mandate to ensure discipline and integrity, the JSC adopted the recommendations of the investigation panel set up by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee, said the statement.

The JSC resolved to apply a series of disciplinary measures and administrative decisions.

“Court registrar Salisu Sule was demoted by one grade level after the JPCC found overwhelming evidence of misconduct in four separate complaints bordering on insults, intimidation, and abuse of office.

“The two reinstated magistrates are chief magistrate Mustapha Sa’ad-Datti and chief magistrate Rabi Abdulkadir,” said the statement.

An investigation by the JSC revealed that Mr Sule consistently used the name of the judiciary to harass and intimidate the public in the course of his duties.

“The JSC had issued a warning letter to him dated December 19, 2024, and has now resolved to impose this stiffer sanction, demoting him by one grade level with immediate effect,” the statement explained.

It added that after careful review, the JSC resolved that Messrs Sa’ad-Datti and Abdulkadir should resume sitting and continue their judicial duties.

“They are, however, admonished to uphold the highest standards of integrity, diligence, and professionalism in the discharge of their judicial functions,” stated the JSC.

Ahmad Aliyu Danmaraya, a principal registrar attached to the Kano High Court Headquarters, was directed to proceed on compulsory retirement with immediate effect for acts of gross misconduct.

“The JPCC found Danmaraya guilty of forging an affidavit, affixing the high court stamp and seal, and inscribing a fake receipt number, knowing fully well that he is not a commissioner for oaths,” said the statement.

JPCC also recalled Alkali Mustapha Kiru of the Sharia Court for a period of one year after the JSC found that he delivered a ruling to close a case due to the plaintiff’s failure to produce a witness in court.

“After closing the case, he issued a writ of possession in respect of the disputed farmland, which clearly violates the principles of fair hearing. Kiru imprisoned the petitioner off-record for three weeks for challenging the issuance of the writ of possession to the defendant,” the statement disclosed.

The statement said the JSC issued a warning to Alkali Nasiru Ahmad after the JPCC found him to be negligent in handling a case. It also cited his non-adherence to the practice and procedures in criminal matters, which could lead to a miscarriage of justice for the warning.

The JSC also issued a warning letter to senior magistrate Sakina Aminu regarding two cases for assigning a police prosecutor in her proceedings.

“Aminu is cautioned against acting contrary to the express directives of the chief judge or any superior officer to whom she reports,” said the statement. “She is further advised to maintain a cordial working relationship with state counsel posted to her court and to fully comply with the chief judge’s circular prohibiting the engagement of police prosecutors in handling cases before her court.”

The JSC reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability and professionalism within the judiciary and zero tolerance for misconduct.