2025 - Page 138 of 260 - SocietyGazette.com

FRSC to probe Kano athletes road crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps has launched an investigation into the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 22 athletes from Kano State.

The Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Jigawa, Kaduna, and Katsina States, Assistant Corps Marshal Ahmed Umar, disclosed this on Monday during a condolence visit to the Kano State Government House.

PUNCH Online reports that the tragic incident occurred just a few kilometres to Kano, while the athletes were returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun.

Speaking during the visit, the FRSC boss, Umar described the accident as “a devastating and tragic loss not just to Kano State, but to the entire country,” adding that the athletes had performed excellently at the competition before their untimely death.

“We have launched an in-depth investigation into the cause of this heart-wrenching crash. These young athletes were on national service to promote unity through sports when this terrible tragedy struck,” he said.

He noted that the accident occurred at a spot long regarded as a notorious death trap, and urged both state and federal authorities to take urgent steps to fix and secure such blackspots.

“It is compulsory for the authorities, at whatever cost to take decisive actions to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

“We cannot afford to keep losing lives this way,” he stressed.

Umar also urged FRSC officials in Kano to remain proactive and to regularly advise the state government on danger zones, poor road conditions, and other traffic-related issues across the state.

While commiserating with the government and people of Kano, the FRSC commander reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Kano State Government to enhance road safety and protect lives.

Responding on behalf of the governor, the Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo, thanked the FRSC delegation for their concern and solidarity over what he described as one of the darkest moments in recent memory.

He said, “We sincerely appreciate your coming all the way to commiserate with us over this unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of 22 of our citizens. It is a huge and tragic loss.”

Gwarzo said the government was deeply pained by the incident, particularly because the athletes were returning from representing the state in a national event.

“They were close to home, just a few kilometres away from Kano, when this heartbreaking accident occurred. It’s very devastating,” he added.

He reaffirmed the Kano State Government’s readiness to collaborate with the FRSC in implementing road safety strategies that would help prevent future tragedies.

“This is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. We must work together to protect the lives of our citizens,” he said.

The government, he said, would continue to support families of the victims while also ensuring that necessary steps are taken to avoid a repeat of the tragic incident.

The accident, which has drawn widespread sympathy and sorrow, has once again placed focus on the condition of Nigerian highways, especially along routes notorious for frequent fatal crashes.

WHO, TY Danjuma Foundation sign $2.26m deal to boost health

The World Health Organization in the African Region and TY Danjuma Foundation have signed a landmark $2.26m agreement to strengthen Nigeria’s national health priorities over the next decade.

The partnership, formalized on Monday in Abuja, marks a significant step in leveraging African philanthropy to address the country’s health challenges, according to a statement on WHO’s website.

“The fully flexible funding will support the WHO Country Office in Nigeria’s work plan until December 2034, enabling strategic resource allocation to tackle evolving health needs. The initiative will prioritize expanding access to integrated health services for women, children and vulnerable populations in the states of Taraba in the northeast, Edo in the south, and Enugu in the southeast of Nigeria.

“Established in 2009, the TY Danjuma Foundation is a Nigerian philanthropic organization dedicated to improving health and education. With state offices in Taraba and Edo, the foundation supports local nongovernmental organizations to deliver impactful community programmes,” it stated.

“We are proud to partner with WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities,” said the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of TY Danjuma Foundation, Lieutenant General Theophilus Danjuma. “This agreement reflects our dedication to improving lives and fostering sustainable development in our communities.”

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasized the national significance of the collaboration, stating: “This agreement is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to health equity. We welcome the collaboration with WHO and the TY Danjuma Foundation to deliver sustainable, high-impact health solutions.”

The Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said, _I extend our sincere appreciation to the TY Danjuma Foundation for your generous and visionary support for WHO’s work in Nigeria.

“At a time when the global health sector is grappling with a significant funding crisis, this long-term, flexible support could not be more timely. It strengthens our ability to support national leadership, serve communities and drive impact where it is most needed.”

On his part, the WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo highlighted the wider impact of the initiative.

“This collaboration sets a new standard for health partnerships in Nigeria. The flexible funding and shared vision will drive measurable progress in addressing the needs of our most vulnerable populations.”

The statement added that a visit to Taraba State on June 3rd, 2025, will highlight the partnership’s on-the-ground impact.

The delegation will tour the TY Danjuma Foundation’s Medical Centre and commission the newly constructed Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria Hospital in Takum, donated by the foundation. The visit will assess the quality of care and explore opportunities to enhance community access to health services.

SAN urges unity for national progress

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Olusola Idowu, has urged Nigerians to shun division talks, affirming that the greatness of the country is tied to its unity and togetherness.

Idowu, who is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Iperu Akesan Development Association, also urged political leaders to reflect on whether they are genuinely serving the nation as they pledged when seeking voters’ support.

The lawyer stated this on Saturday during the 60th anniversary of Blessed Bomode Oku Society, a traditional age group of Iperu Remo, and the inauguration of the multimillion naira multipurpose hall built by the group to mark the anniversary.

“The issue of Nigeria remaining as one indivisible entity is not debatable, it is beyond argument… I don’t even see it happening,” he said.

While hailing the group’s commitment to harnessing culture and tradition to enhance the socio-economic development of the Iperu Remo community, Idowu said one salient lesson to learn from the group was its togetherness all the years.

He said, “It is so uncommon to have a group like this which has been together for 60 years.

“The group comprises professionals, people like the immediate-past and the first female Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein.

“We equally have artisans like bricklayers, carpenters, successful traders and the like and they have all been together for 60 years.

“The lesson for us even as a nation and society is to cherish our diversity in unity because there is a lot of positivity in unity. We can achieve a lot, just like this age group.”

He congratulated the association and urged members not to rest on their oars.

Madein, speaking at the event, stressed the need for people to always identify with their roots, adding that it encouraged bonding and opportunities to make an impact.

Madein said the age group comprised people born between 1964 and 1965, adding that members would continue to rally support for one another and champion initiatives that would further aid the socio-economic development of the community.

The President of the group, Mr Tajudeen Sofola, said the group was set up by mothers for the children born between 1964 and 1965, adding that they later took over the running of the age grade having reached adulthood.

Former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Olusola Sonuga, commended the members for committing their resources to a project which stood out in Remo land.

Allow polytechnics to award degrees, NAPS urges Tinubu, NASS

The National Association of Polytechnic Students has called for the legislative upgrade of polytechnics to degree-awarding institutions.

In a statement on Monday signed by its President, Comrade Eshiofune Oghayan, the association said the upgrade will resolve the lingering dichotomy between Higher National Diploma and Bachelor of Science holders.

“We urge Mr. President and the National Assembly to empower polytechnics to award Bachelor of Technology and Bachelor of Science in Technology degrees. This reform will resolve the lingering dichotomy between HND and BSc holders,” the statement said.

The students further proposed a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health awareness campaigns, and improved campus security measures as part of their policy advocacy.

NAPS also outlined its commitment to supporting the administration while also holding government officials accountable for any actions that may undermine the President’s vision for education.

The association proposed several initiatives, including a Student Insurance Scheme, mental health campaigns, and campus security advocacy.

It also declared June 12 as “Adupe Day” to honour President Bola Tinubu’s record investment in education, with a mass march planned across the country.

The students have declared the day “Adupe Day” — a Yoruba word meaning “thank you” — to celebrate what they described as the administration’s unprecedented financial commitment to education.

The association also commended the Tinubu-led administration for allocating N2.52 trillion to the education sector in the 2025 national budget — a 133% increase compared to 2023.

NAPS also highlighted other key achievements, including the approval of N683.4 billion for tertiary education interventions, the disbursement of over N104 billion through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, and the launch of the 3 Million Technical Talent initiative aimed at bridging digital skill gaps.

“In clear contrast to past administrations, which often approached education as a footnote in national development, President Tinubu has demonstrated that education is the foundation, not the filler.

“As the National Association of Polytechnic Students, we say clearly that we will continue to support this administration because it has supported us. We are your allies, not your accomplices.

“We hereby proclaim June 12, 2025, as a day of historic appreciation Nigerian students across all campuses, polytechnics, colleges, and technical institutions will embark on a One Million Student March,” the statement stated.

NAPS stated that the proposed “One Million Student March” is expected to draw participants from polytechnics, technical institutions, and colleges across the country, adding that the event will be a peaceful demonstration of gratitude.

FG needs N880bn yearly for road maintenance — Minister

The Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Goroyo, on Monday, declared that the Nigerian government must spend approximately N880 billion for the maintenance of the federal road network across the country.

This is just as the Managing Director of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Chukwuemeka Abbasi, said that the template for deducting the road user charge from the prices of petrol and diesel has never been implemented by the defunct Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Authority, now the Nigeria Midstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

The two government officials spoke in Abuja at an investigative hearing of the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee investigating the implementation and remittances of the five per cent user charge for road maintenance under the Federal Road Maintenance Agency.

Speaking at the event, Goroyo said, “FERMA requires an estimated ₦880bn annually for optimal road conditions. Budgetary allocations have consistently fallen short—N76.3bn in 2023, N103.3bn in 2024, while N168.9bn was budgeted for 2025.

“Though these figures show gradual increases, they remain far below the necessary threshold for sustainable road maintenance. This persistent funding gap has forced FERMA into a reactive mode of maintenance rather than a preventive approach.

“The consequences of this are glaring — deteriorating road conditions, increased repair costs, and prolonged disruptions for commuters and businesses alike. A proactive strategy, backed by adequate funding, is essential to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient roadways nationwide.

“Thus, the diligent implementation and timely remittance of the 5% user charge are paramount. This dedicated funding stream offers a viable solution to bridge the financial gap, providing consistent resources to address Nigeria’s infrastructure needs without over-reliance on annual budget appropriations.”

He added that inadequate funding has been the major bane of the nation’s road infrastructure, stressing that even though the user charge was supposed to address the gap, the agency and the Ministry have not been able to access it.

On his part, the FERMA boss said, “Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, the Federal Ministry of Works remains steadfast in the Renewed Hope Agenda, an agenda dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure that fosters economic growth, strengthens connectivity, and enhances the daily lives of our citizens.

“Our roads are the lifelines of commerce and social integration, and their maintenance is not merely a policy directive but a national imperative.

“The 5% user charge, as enshrined in the FERMA Act, was designed to serve as a sustainable funding mechanism for road maintenance and rehabilitation. However, for years, FERMA has grappled with severe funding inadequacies, hampering its ability to maintain our vast road network effectively.”

Declaring the event open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, recalled that the House had on 19th March considered a motion at plenary revealing the non-implementation of the remittance of the 5% user charge on petroleum products meant for road maintenance under the FERMA Amendment Act, 2007.

He said, “We owe Nigerians the obligation by sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the status of the 5% user charge to determine the extent of the violation of the law and the amount of money unremitted and those responsible for the non-implementation.”

He stressed that the investigative hearing should also be able to make strong recommendations on how to forestall further abuse of the law and streamline the remittance processes for ease of access to the funds by the relevant government agencies.

The Chairman of the Committee, who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, said the user charge is not an attempt to increase the prices of petroleum products or to amend the law since it has been part of the law since 2007.

He added that the purpose of the investigation is to address the anomalies existing through disobedience to existing laws, adding that the House will ensure that every law passed by the Parliament is complied with both by individuals and agencies of government.

Kogi clears N98.8bn debt in 15 months, says commissioner 2nd Ju

The Kogi State Government has announced that it has liquidated a total debt of N98.8 billion since assuming office 15 months ago.

This was disclosed on Monday by the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Ashiru Idris, during a briefing with journalists following the Executive Council meeting held at the Council Chambers, Government House, Lokoja.

The commissioner explained that the debts settled include liabilities dating back to the administration of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris as well as the N50 billion bailout fund granted to the administration of Idris Wada.

“So far, this administration, under the leadership of Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has cleared a total of N98.8 billion inherited from previous administrations, including the N50 billion salary bailout granted to Captain Idris Wada’s administration,” he stated.

Idris attributed this achievement to a significant increase in internally generated revenue.

“This success was made possible through the proactive efforts of the Chief Servant of our state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who empowered the Kogi State Inland Revenue Generation Agency with the mandate to enhance the state’s revenue generation,” he added.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, highlighted notable infrastructural developments, including the construction of perimeter fencing around the state-owned Confluence State University of Science and Technology, Osara, following a security breach on the campus last year.

The commissioner also announced the establishment of a Climate Change Agency to address the environmental impact of climate change within the state.

US mourns Niger flood victims

The United States Mission in Nigeria has expressed sadness over the floods that struck Niger State last week, leaving at least 151 people dead and displacing more than 3,000 residents.

In a statement released on Monday via its X, the US Mission conveyed condolences to the victims and praised the efforts of emergency responders.

“The US Mission is deeply saddened by the news of last Friday’s devastating floods that have impacted Niger State.

“During this time of immense loss and hardship, our hearts are with all those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, displaced by loss of homes and livelihoods, or struggling to find shelter.

“We are holding in our thoughts you and the federal and state emergency workers who are working to provide relief and alleviate the effects of this disaster,” the statement read.

The disaster has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis.

According to the Niger State Government, the floods destroyed over 260 homes as well as key infrastructure, including township roads and major bridges in Mokwa and Raba.

In response, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday dispatched a high-level delegation to the affected areas to assess the damage and support ongoing relief operations.

State officials have appealed for additional federal and international assistance to help manage the unfolding crisis.

Police arrest stepfather for sexual assault, stop mob in Bauchi

Operatives of the Bauchi State Police Command have successfully averted mob justice against a 37-year-old man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting his 15-year-old stepdaughter.

According to the Command, officers attached to Operation Restore Peace, led by CSP Kim Abert, acted on credible intelligence, intervening in a mob action involving the suspect, Wisdom Benoie.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on Monday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Ahmed Wakil.

Wakil explained, “On May 31, 2025, Wisdom Benoie, male, aged 37, of Yalwan Tsakani, was confronted by a group of local youths who suspected him of secretly molesting his stepdaughter (Joy, not her real name).

“The matter came to light after the victim’s father reported the incident to the ORP unit in the Yalwan Tsakani area of Bauchi.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is married to the victim’s mother (name withheld), making him the teenager’s stepfather.

“It was disclosed that he allegedly sexually assaulted the victim on multiple occasions while her mother was asleep, entering her room and engaging in non-consensual acts.

“The victim, suffering in silence, eventually confided in neighbours, prompting a coordinated intervention that caught the suspect in the act,” Wakil noted.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to the offences.

“The victim has been taken to a medical facility for examination and care.

“The Commissioner of Police, Bauchi State Police Command, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, has ordered the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation, after which the suspect will be charged to court for prosecution,” the statement added.

I didn’t play anti-party politics in 2023 elections – Wike

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has insisted that he never played anti-party politics, despite his support for President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections.

Wike made the clarification during a live media parley on Monday, where he also noted that despite agreements for a Southern candidacy for President, the leadership had supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, causing him to withdraw support.

“In 2023, did I not tell you that I wouldn’t support their presidential candidate? I said, based on equity, justice, and fairness, the presidency should go to the South because you can’t have that and the national chairman at the same time.

“You therefore take one and give us one. Believing that Atiku would win, they said to hell (with it), and I said I was not going to support.

“So why didn’t I leave the party and join the APC? Of all of us then and the PDP governors today, who produced National Assembly 100 percent? Who produced a governor? Ask them in their various states how many senators they have,” he said.

He added, “Bode George supported the Labour Party, and I said I wouldn’t support (Obi). I’m a politician, and I said even if you support this man (Obi), he can’t win the election, so let’s forget about sentiment. “So, George and everybody agreed to support a Southern candidate, we all agreed.

“So what offence did I commit by supporting Tinubu under the APC? If I was playing anti-party, the PDP wouldn’t have won the governorship, NASS seats and Rivers was the only state that gave the PDP that kind of victory.”

Ground rents: I derive joy stepping on big people’s toes — Wike

The Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Monday, said he derives joy from stepping on the toes of big people in the country.

Wike said this while dismissing a possible backlash from a section of the elite regarding his enforcement of rules regarding ground rent payments during a press briefing in Abuja.

He stressed that the elite should go to other countries and see how modern societies are run, but that some of them come back to Nigeria and refuse to follow simple laws.

He said the era of impunity when a section of the elite felt they could trample on laws and nothing would happen was over, declaring that “something will happen”.

Details later…