BREAKING: UCH Medical Students Protest 100 Days Of Power Outage

  Medical students of the University College Hospital, Ibadan in Oyo State, are currently protesting at the office of the Chief Medical Director of the institution over the non-availability of power and water. As the protest continues, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and CMD, Jesse Otegbayo, are also holding a meeting with stakeholders at the Conference Room of the institution to fashion out a solution to the epileptic power supply. PUNCH Online reports that the UCH has been in darkness since October 2024, making over 100 days as of today (Monday). The students displayed placards with different inscriptions such as, “+100 Days of Darkness: Save UCH; Save ABH Hall; Save Falade Hall; Give Us Light; This Is Not How We Want To Live; Medical School Is Hard Enough- Give Us Light; All We Are Saying, Give Us Light among others. Speaking with PUNCH Online, a former President of the Students Union Government, University of Ibadan, Samson Samuel, and former Speaker of UI, Olamide Omotunde, who are medical students lamented, “We had had series of meetings with the management of UCH, but nothing was done to restore electricity in the halls.” Samuel said, “No light, no water. We shall continue this protest until our demands are met.” Omotunde stated, “We protested on January 26, 2025, to the State and Federal Secretariats, Agodi, Ibadan, with the hope that the management will restore it but up till now, nothing was done. And that’s why we decided after 100 days to protest over non-availability of power.”  

[ICYMI] Civil Servants Face February 17 Verification Deadline

  Federal civil servants have been given a February 17, 2025, deadline for identity verification as the government moves to weed out ghost workers. This was contained in a memo by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and sighted by our correspondent on Saturday. Civil servants are expected to verify their identities on the portal of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System amid the planned stoppage of salaries and other sanctions for ghost workers. Our correspondent gathered that civil servants had been in haste to generate their Taxpayers Identification Number to meet the deadline. Part of the requirement for verification is the TIN alongside the IPPIS number and salary account number. The memo read, “Following the Treasury Circular with Ref. No. TRY/A6&B6/2024-OAGF/CAD/026/Vol. V/910 dated 27th June, 2024 on the above subject matter and subsequent extension dated 16 August, 2024, I am directed to inform you that AGF has approved the extension of the OAF-IPPIS Payroll Validation Portal for an additional one week (10 – 17” February, 2025). “The portal will be deployed and made accessible to those employees that were unable to complete their validation before the end of earlier deadline. Visit OAF website: www.oagf.gov.ng and access the portal. “It is hereby emphasised that all employees concerned are expected to conclude update of their payroll information on or before 12 midnight of Monday, February 17, 2025. Please note that officers who fail to avail themselves of this last opportunity may suffer some consequences which may include suspension from the payroll. “Accounting Officers, Directors/Head of Finance & Account and Internal Audit Units of MDAs and other Arms of Government, are enjoined to give this circular the widest circulation it deserves and ensure compliance.” In 2024, President Bola Tinubu directed that all civil servants drawing salaries from the Federal Government after relocating abroad be made to refund the money. The President also directed that the culprits’ supervisors and department heads be punished for aiding and abetting the fraud while they were in charge.

Snake, Monkey Mustn’t Swallow $1.07bn Health Funds, Atiku Warns FG

  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned the Federal Government that “claims of animals such as snakes, termites, gorillas and monkeys swallowing public funds must never be the fate of the funds budgeted for the critical sector of health in the 2025 budget.” In a statement on Sunday, Atiku urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide transparency on how the intervention fund would be allocated. The former Vice President emphasised the importance of accountability, stressing that every kobo must be properly utilised to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. He said, “In recent years, there have been bizarre claims of animals being held accountable for missing public funds. Some of these fairytale-like claims were never investigated or punished to deter future offenders. “Against the backdrop of dwindling resources that has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of support in certain areas of our healthcare services, it is important that every kobo budgeted for the health sector has to be maximally utilised. “To this end, the Federal Government has to be deliberate about putting mechanisms in place for public audit and accountability in its $1.07bn budgetary appropriation in the health sector.” Atiku criticised the Federal Government for failing to provide a clear framework detailing how over $1bn would be spent in the primary health sector. He noted that while healthcare investment was essential for improving access to quality services, the government has a moral duty to disclose how these funds will be utilised. “We have read that the Federal Government plans to expend a whopping $1.07bn in the primary health sector. This amount is in addition to the N2.48tn earlier proposed for the health sector in the initial budget draft. “Nigerians deserve to know the details of these loans and how the funds will be spent. The budget should be accompanied by a clear policy framework explaining its disbursement,” he added. Punch

Ibadan’s SLA International Airport: A Symbol Of Makinde’s Commitment To Economic Growth |• By Kazeem Awojoodu

  There is no doubt that Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is doing everything pos­sible to expand the economy of the state, as this can be attested to by numerous infrastructural projects put in place to enhance ease of doing business for inter­ested foreign and indigenous investors. One of the projects that Gov­ernor Makinde will be remem­bered for in the history of Oyo State is the upgrade of Ibadan Airport now known as Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to in­ternational airport. This development is anoth­er win for Oyo State under the administration of Engr Seyi Makinde, and it is also histor­ic in the aviation industry of the country. With the Federal government approval, Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of upgrading the Samuel Ladoke Akintola (SLA) airport Ibadan to an international airport is fast becoming a reality. Governor Makinde in Sep­tember 2024 performed the ground breaking ceremony of the first phase for the upgrade of the airport to international status. This project comprises extension of the runway from 2,400 metres to 3,000 meters with a width increase from 45 meters to 60 meters. To express his commitments to the project, and also ensure transparency, Governor Ma­kinde appointed a chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state who was a former commissioner for Finance during the late Governor Abi­ola Ajimobi administration, Mr Bimbo Adekanbi as the Chair­man of the committee for the SLA Airport Upgrade Project. Just last week, Governor Makinde commenced the second phase of the upgrade with a foundation laying ceremony of the new inter­national terminal building. While the first phase would be completed by September this year, the second phase which is expected to span 18 months is in line with Gover­nor Seyi Makinde’s vision of redefining the aviation land­scape for opportunities that would engender growth and connectivity to the world. Speaking shortly after the foundation laying ceremony of the project, Mr. Bimbo Adekan­bi gave an overview of the proj­ect and its viability, affirming that the effort is another giant leap forward and a crucial com­ponent of the airport upgrade plan. Adekanbi noted that the new Terminal Building, which will be constructed by Messrs Craneburg Con­struction Ltd, represented a major transformation and a testament to the unwavering vision and exceptional lead­ership of Governor Makinde. He maintained that the proj­ect is expected to be complet­ed in the first quarter of 2026, that it will ease the flow of passengers, boost the airports cargo handling capacity and position the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport as a top-tier facility in Nigeria. He said, “Today, we embark on a remarkable journey that will redefine the aviation land­scape of this region, opening up new horizons of opportu­nity, growth, connectivity- the commencement of the con­struction of a new terminal building at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. This event represents not only the start of a major transformation but also a testament to the unwav­ering vision and exceptional leadership of our Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde. “His Excellency has cham­pioned the development of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Air­port, not just as an infrastruc­tural upgrade, but as a gateway to unlocking the immense eco­nomic potential of Oyo State and the entire Southwest re­gion. His relentless pursuit of progress, coupled with his pro­found commitment to enhanc­ing our state’s connectivity, is embodied in this grand project. “Governor Makinde’s fore­sight and dedication to ensur­ing a world-class facility for the people of Oyo State stand as an inspiring example of visionary governance. “His tireless work ethic and unwavering focus on sus­tainable development ensure that this airport will become a symbol of progress, pros­perity, and pride for us all. The government had made tre­mendous progress in the first phase of the upgrade project, explaining that the state-of-the-art Terminal Building that will be delivered in the first quarter of 2026 will accommodate up to one million passengers annual­ly, which is a massive increase from the current capacity of 100,000. “This initiative goes be­yond just expanding capacity; it is about creating a modern, efficient, and world-class air­port that enhances the over­all travel experience while driving economic growth, attracting investments, and empowering the people of Oyo State. With Governor Seyi Ma­kinde at the helm, the vision of a fully integrated, globally competitive airport is becom­ing a reality. “Oyo State Government remains steadfast in its dedica­tion to improving infrastruc­ture, fostering economic op­portunities, and ensuring sustainable development for all. Through projects like this, we are not only investing in physical struc­tures but also in the future prosperity and well-being of our citizens. “With Governor Seyi Makinde leading the way, we are confident that the best is yet to come,” Adekanbi said. While conducting jour­nalists and other stake­holders’ round the proj­ect, the Senior Manager, Craneburg Construction, Edmond Maalouf main­tained that the project will be delivered on time, while the Site Engineer, Oliver Makhlouf, explained the success so far recorded on the upgrade of the airport runway. Speaking with journalists on the project, the Director of Engineering of the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), Engr. Adejare Abiola, who rep­resented the chairman of the organisation, lauded Governor Makinde for his efforts towards turning around the fortune of the Ibadan Airport. “We want to appreciate the Executive Governor of the state for what he has been do­ing. He has been supporting us. He has donated project ve­hicles for security patrol. Today again, he has fulfilled another promise and we, as FAAN, are ready to support him and the Airport. “I want to also thank the host community who have been good neighbours to us and, at the same time, appeal to them on the excavation that is on­going around our perimeter fence. By the time the airport is completed, we have to invite the ICAA for certification, and some of the things they are go­ing to look at include the safety and security of the airport. So, please, desist from excavating along our fence,” the FAAN chairman said. When completed, the SLA International Airport will boost economic activities in Oyo State and the entire South West es­pecially in the area of … Read more

Great Ife Movement Condemns Alleged Illegal Installation Of Baales By Ogunsua Of Modakeke In Ife Forest Reserve

Great Ife Movement Condemns Alleged Illegal Installation Of Baales By Ogunsua Of Modakeke In Ife Forest Reserve

  The Great Ife Movement (GIM) has raised the alarm over an alleged illegal attempt by the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, to install Baales (village heads) in Toro, Oyere-Famia axis and the Ife Forest Reserve (F3) all located within Ife North Local Government Area, of Osun State. Speaking at a press conference held at the Oba Okunade Sijuade Memorial Hall, Enuwa, Ile-Ife, over the weekend, the President of GIM, Comrade Femi Oyeyinka warned that this move could provoke unrest in Ifeland if not urgently addressed. The GIM President acknowledged the past efforts of the Osun State Government under the able leadership of Asiwaju of Ede, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Jackson Adeleke, the traditional leaders, and peace committees, particularly the Osun State Boundary Adjustment Commission (OSBAC) under Justice Adekunle Adeigbe (Retd.), in maintaining harmony between Ife and Modakeke. The group also praised the role of the Ife/Modakeke Peace Committee, led by elder statesman Pa Sheik Saka Fawole, in preventing conflicts that could have led to bloodshed. However, Oyeyinka stressed that Ife lands, including Toro, Alapata, Oyere, Onibambu, and Oduranyin, traditionally belong to Ife families and fall under the jurisdiction of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. He noted the reported attempt to install Baales in these areas as an “act of trespass” and an “affront” to the Ooni’s authority. He further alleged that Modakeke leaders have been provoking Ife residents by making territorial claims and leveraging political influence. He called on the Osun State Government, security agencies, and relevant authorities to intervene and prevent any actions that could disrupt the fragile peace in the region. “We appeal to the state government, law enforcement agencies, political leaders, and respected monarchs to swiftly stop this unlawful act before it leads to a crisis,” Oyeyinka stated. The situation remains tense as stakeholders await official responses from the government and traditional authorities.

Alleged N423bn Scam: Northern Christians Give EFCC 72 Hours To Arrest El-Rufai

  ABUJA – As debate continues to heat up around the allegation of misap­propriation of funds by the for­mer Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; another group has come out to charge the anti graft agency to do its job by arresting him. In a statement made avail­able to newsmen on Thursday and signed by Barr. Gideon Jato and Bro. Sunday Adoka, Presi­dent and Secretary respectively of Northern Christians Accord (NCA); the group reiterated that, it was long overdue for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and probe Mallam El-Rufai. The group wondered why it would take the EFCC such a long time without taking action, even when series of petitions have been submitted at the national headquarters, after the Kaduna State House of Assembly indict­ed El-Rufai and some key officials of his government of allegedly embezzling the sum of N423 bil­lion. The Kaduna State Assembly ad-hoc committee probing the financial dealings of the eight years administration of former Governor El-Rufai had in June, 2024, indicted him and some key members of his cabinet for al­leged corruption in the awards of contracts and management of both domestic and foreign loans obtained by his government. In the report submitted to the House by the chairman of the ad-hoc committee, Henry Danjuma, it said that there was evidence of several cases of corruption in the running of the affairs of the Government, Ministries, Depart­ments, and Agencies in Kaduna State from 29th May 2015 to 29th May 2023. After adopting the report, the House recommended, amongst other things, that the Kaduna Internal Revenue Service with­draw the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) Account domi­ciled at Zenith Bank as Security for N20,000,000,000.00 guaranteed in 2023 forthwith and request the bank to refund all monies deduct­ed on account of the purported illegal guarantee together with the accrued interest thereof. The House also recommend­ed that all the Commissioners of Finance and the Accountants General of the State from 29th May, 2015 to 29th May, 2023 be referred to the appropriate Law Enforcement Agencies for thor­ough investigation. Subsequently, a group under the auspices of Kaduna Citizens Watch for Good Governance (KCWGG), in July 2024 took petitions to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Mallam E-Rufai and his men, over an alleged N423 billion fraud. Seven months after the indict­ment by the Parliament and the attendant petitions to the anti graft agencies, no action has been taken to arrest or probe the former Governor. “We perceive this as an affront and total disregard to the rule of law and a great insult to the sen­sibility of the people of Kaduna State, especially the institution of the State House of Assembly. “For the EFCC and ICPC to have closed their eyes and shut their ears against the indict­ments, petitions and cries of Ka­duna people, only means they are in support of corruption in Nigeria and as such, shielding El-Rufai. “It is very glaring that the law in Nigeria is centrifugally posi­tioned to favour some people and witch-hunt others. We remember how the EFCC was battling day and night a few months ago, looking for former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over a petition from a group in the state. “But the same EFCC has bra­zenly become blind, deaf and dumb over the El-Rufai issue, de­spite the indictment by the House of Assembly, and having received a series of petitions from various groups. Whereas, in the case of Kogi State, the Assembly did not indict the former Governor, but EFCC went for him, arrested and arraigned him. But Kadu­na is a special case that cannot be handled, because El-Rufai is untouchable? “The man who was alleged to have stolen N80bn is already standing trial. Why is it taking EFCC and others years to prose­cute a man who was indicted of almost N500bn? “The Northern Christians Accord is giving the EFCC and other agencies responsible for the arrest, prosecution and recovery of the N423bn confirmed by the Assembly to have been allegedly embezzled by El-Rufai, to do the needful and save themselves and the nation of this monumental embarrassment. “Failure to do so, we shall not hesitate to create awareness about the complacency of the agencies, both within Nigeria and to the international commu­nity. We shall also mobilise our members across the 19 northern states, to match the headquarters of EFCC and National Assem­bly”, the group added. Independent NG

Fraud: US To Deport Convicted Nigerian

  The United States Department of Justice has disclosed that a Nigerian, Edwin Okoronkwo, who was sentenced to 75 months imprisonment for defrauding some Americans, will be deported after completing his jail term. Okoronkwo was said to have connived with his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who was also sentenced to 25 months imprisonment for her role in the catfishing scheme that targeted unsuspecting Americans. The conviction was contained in a statement obtained by PUNCH Metro from the US Department of Justice website on Thursday. The statement disclosed that the convicts who were permanent residents of the US, used stolen identities to disguise themselves as a high-ranking member of the US military to defraud their victims. ‘In some instances, they claimed to be high-ranking members of the United States military on overseas missions. Through the “catfishing” schemes, victims from all over the country were tricked into sending money through the United States Postal Service and other commercial carriers such as FedEx and UPS. “Julie Okoronkwo contacted ‘catfishing’ victims over the phone to further convince them of the legitimacy of their need for cash and obtained from her workplace – a hospital – victims’ means of identification, including their social security numbers and Nebraska driver’s licence information.” The statement noted that following their arrest and prosecution, Julie was sentenced to 25 months in prison on January 10, while Edwin was sentenced to 75 months in prison on January 29 by a US District Judge. The judge also ordered Edwin to pay restitution to the tune of $342,535.00 to some of the victims, a supervised release for three years and deportation. “United States Attorney Susan T. Lehr announced that Edwin Okoronkwo, age 36, of Nigeria, was sentenced on January 29, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Okoronkwo to 75 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. “After his release from prison, Okoronkwo will be placed on a three-year term of supervised release and will be deported by immigration authorities. Okoronkwo was also ordered to pay restitution of $342,535.00 to seven victims as a result of his crimes. “Julie Okoronkwo was previously sentenced to imprisonment for 25 months by U.S. District Judge Buescher on January 10, 2025. Judge Buescher stated at Edwin Okoronkwo’s sentencing hearing that the crimes were “truly a tragedy for the victims,” the statement noted. Punch

Minister Of Education Advocates 12-Year Basic Education In Nigeria 

  The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa has proposed a shift to a 12-year basic education model in Nigeria. Alausa made the proposal on Thursday, in Abuja, at the 2025 Extraordinary National Council of Education meeting, which is the highest education policy-making body in Nigeria. Nigeria currently operates the 9-3-4 system, which consists of nine years of basic education, three years of senior secondary education, and four years of tertiary education. However, Alausa pointed out that some of the issues influencing the convening of the extraordinary National Council of Education meeting include the introduction of a 12-year basic education system in Nigeria’s education framework and the approval of a national policy on bullying, among others. “It is important to acknowledge that while the 9-3-4 system of education has its merits, it also has drawbacks, such as the need for students to work to further their education,” Alausa explained. “It is therefore prudent to transition from the 9-3-4 to the 12-4 system of education. By doing so, Nigeria will align with global standards in preparing students for better tertiary education.” “A 12-year basic education model will ensure a continuous, uninterrupted curriculum, promoting better standardisation and fostering quality assurance in the education system,” Alausa said. He argued that a 12-year model will also guarantee that students receive a more comprehensive and continuous learning experience. This, he said, would improve educational outcomes and contribute to a more educated populace that drives Nigeria’s economic development. He also mentioned the planned conversion of federal science and technical colleges into federal technical colleges. The minister emphasised that technical education, which imparts practical and applied skills alongside basic scientific knowledge, is crucial for addressing the current skills gap in the labour market. “The provision of technical education allows a nation’s human and natural resources to be harnessed more effectively. Therefore, technical education contributes significantly to national development, driving cultural and industrial progress,” Alausa noted. He also mentioned that the council was looking at the 16-year policy on admission into tertiary institutions, to be incorporated into the national policy on education. “I am sure many of you have heard about the challenges we face as a nation with talented, bright students being disenfranchised from pursuing tertiary education. In any society, it is crucial to standardise the education of highly functional and exceptionally gifted students. “We are now preventing these students, after finishing secondary education at the age of 16, from attending university until they are 18. This delays their development and harms their futures. These students are capable and brave. If we leave them idle, we risk exacerbating mental health issues,” he said.

Senate Moves Against ‘Japa’ Syndrome

  ABUJA – The Senate Committee on Di­aspora and Non-Governmen­tal Organisations ( NGO) on Wednesday, declared that the mass migration otherwise known as ‘Japa’ by Nigeri­ans to overseas countries on a daily basis, must be reversed . Chairman of the Commit­tee Senator Natasha Akpoti – Uduaghan, made the decla­ration at its maiden meeting held in hearing room 305 of the Senate wing of the Na­tional Assembly. Senator Natasha at the well attended meeting, said reversal of Japa syndrome, will be at the front burner of actions by the commit­tee because the tide must be stemmed. “This committee will do this by collaborating with relevant stakeholders in the area of making Nigerians, particularly youth, to believe more in their country and not the mindset of wanting to rush out of the country . “Patriotism is earned and not enforced or forced , mak­ing us identify a few steps that we can use in building our economy here using our diaspora energy. Advertisement “We’re going to look into countries like India, Paki­stan, even Egypt, in Africa here on how they have grown their capacities and making their countries attractive for a larger percentage of citi­zens to stay . ” The committee will start this process by getting the da­tabase of Nigerians in Dias­pora country by country and also collaborate with various International organizations on areas of focus that can attract many of them back home . ” India is a very good ex­ample of reversing the japa syndrome by being the ICT capacity hub of the world with attendant jobs for its citizens “, she said . Earlier , the immediate past chairman of the com­mittee, Senator Victor Umeh ( APGA Anambra Central) , expressed hope in the ability of Senator Natasha to take the committee to greater heights in the area of tap­ping required resources from Nigerians in Diaspora and at the same time, make the country attractive to those at home the through required collaborations. “I knew that a great suc­cess has come on board for this committee with Senator Natasha on board as Chair­man . “She has what it takes to break into the grounds and then galvanize all efforts to­wards tapping the potentials of Nigeria’s diaspora com­munities.and also collaborate with other stakeholders on reversing the Japa Syndrome “, he said. Independent NG

Abuja Residents Lament As NNPCL Shuts Stations Over Logistics Issues

  Residents of the Federal Capital Territory have been left stranded and grappling with fuel shortages following the sudden closure of several retail outlets owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited within the capital city. It was gathered that the stations closed for some days, were allegedly ordered by the management of the national oil firm and will continue till next week. The closures, attributed to logistical challenges, have led to long queues at remaining stations, with many motorists and commuters facing hours of delays. At multiple stations visited by The PUNCH on Wednesday, such as those in Lugbe, Airport Road, Zone 3, Lifecamp, and Kubwa, motorists were turned away while attendants sat idly. An attendant at an NNPC station in Garki, who preferred to remain anonymous, stated, “We’ve been dry for two days now. There is simply no product to sell. We are awaiting directives from our suppliers.” Another attendant in Kubwa, identified as Peter, said they have been selling previous petrol stocks and haven’t received fresh products due to the challenge. “We finished our old stock yesterday. We only do not have products for today. We are expecting supplies and will definitely have them by tomorrow. But we have gas available for sale today,” he said. A station manager at the NNPC Life Camp station, who confirmed the challenge and the directive by the NNPCL management, said the closure was due to some internal adjustments that affected all stations. The manager, who declined to give his name, stated, “The reason why there has been no fuel in most of our stations in Abuja here in recent weeks is due to some internal adjustments/programmes being done at the management level. “But there’s no cause for alarm as it is being settled, and a few NNPC stations have started getting fuel and selling to customers. Very soon, between now and next week, hopefully, we are supposed to have fuel here as well. The price still stands at 965 naira per litre.” Our correspondent gathered that the impact of this decision was not immediately felt because its mega stations are still in operation, selling old stock to customers. This development caught many residents off-guard as fuel availability in the capital city rapidly diminished. Efforts to reach the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, on the reasons for the closure, were futile as the spokesperson didn’t respond to messages sent to his line. However, a source within the company confirmed that the closure of the stations was due to unanticipated “logistical issues.”. “We have product in all our depots, but we had some logistics challenges.” Residents have expressed frustration over the situation, with long lines forming at the few operational stations. A driver who spoke to our correspondent said the situation has forced motorists to patronise independent marketers who sell at a higher rate. “I am disappointed with how this situation is being handled. Now I have no choice but to patronise independent marketers who sell at a higher rate.” Punch