Lydia Beshel - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

NUC upgrades universities medical-related programmes

229 total views today

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it has upgraded some medical-related programmes in Nigerian universities from Bachelor’s degree to doctoral status.

This is disclosed in a statement signed by the commission’s Acting Director of Public Affairs, Mrs Franca Chukwuonwo, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

Chukwuonwo said the decision was driven by the need to incorporate more clinical and practical sessions, improve foundational course coverage, enhance clinical skills, and address all specialty areas comprehensively.

She noted that the upgrade aligned with global best practices for training professionals in these fields.

“This quest to upgrade the status of some medical-related programmes from Bachelor’s Degree to Doctorate was borne out of the desire to incorporate more clinical/ practical sessions.

“It is to provide sufficient coverage of foundation courses, improve on clinical skills and cover all specialty areas.

“The trend seeks to also align with global best practices applicable in the training of professionals in these medical related programmes.

“Furthermore, the certificates obtained from the Nigerian University System (NUS) can be at par with those obtained in similar programmes from other climes” she said.

She added that it would also ensure the requisite harmonisation, mutuality and global competitiveness of Nigerian graduates in terms of certificates evaluation, employability and further studies in the relevant disciplines.

She listed the programmes upgraded as: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D), Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT), and Doctor of Optometry.

She added that the duration of the programmes was increased from five to six years to accommodate the additional courses and clinical incorporated into the curriculum.

“The general public and all stakeholders are hereby informed that the Doctor of Medical Laboratory Science (DMLS) programme does not exist in the NUC’s BMAS or CCMAS.

“And thus has not been captured as upgraded programmes. Consequently, DMLS programme is not approved in any university in the country,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

Armed Forces Remembrance: Shettima, Akpabio, others honour fallen heroes

196 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje/Salisu Sani-Idris

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs and diplomatic corps to honour the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

The event, which involved the laying of wreaths at the National Arcade in Abuja, was the climax of activities for the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

First to lay the wreath was the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.

The wreath was also laid by Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, his Federal Capital Territory counterpart, Nyesome Wike, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa; Chiefs of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Other dignitaries, who also performed the wreath-laying ceremony, are members of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion and widows of late officers and soldiers represented by the Interim President, Military Widows Association (MIWA), Olubunmi Ese-Okiti.

There was also the firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes which has its origin in the old custom of halting fighting in the warfront to remove the dead from the battlefield.

The Vice President, thereafter, signed the anniversary register and released the ceremonial pigeons as a symbol of national peace and freedom.

The celebration started with a series of activities including the Jumma’at prayer on Jan. 10 at the National Mosque and the Interdenominational Christian service on Jan. 12.

This year’s celebration also featured other activities, such as social and award evening for soldiers, ratings and airmen and Regimental Dinner and Award night for officers organised by the Defence Headquarters, among other activities.

The defence Headquarters also held a lecture and art exhibition as well as display of some locally produced military wares on Tuesday in Abuja.

The event, formerly known as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, but now changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to create an avenue to also celebrate and honour the serving personnel of the armed forces.

It is celebrated globally to recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by citizens for the cause of peace.

In Nigeria, Jan. 15 is set aside annually to honour the fallen heroes, who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace missions and various internal security operations.

The event is also used to honour veterans still alive and as a medium for soliciting financial, moral and material support for the families of the fallen heroes.

Edited by Remi Koleoso and Yakubu Uba

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Thu, 2025

Judiciary

Alleged fraud: Court admits oil magnate, Akintoye, to N500m bail

432 total views today

By Taiye Agbaje

A Federal High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, admitted Mr Akindele Akintoye, Founder and Chairman of Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited, to a N500 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling held that though he was not unmindful of the serious nature of the offence preferred against the defendant, but he was minded to grant the bail in the interest of justice.

Justice Nwite, who ordered that the two sureties shall depose to affidavit of means, directed that the sureties must have landed property within the jurisdiction of the court and the documents deposited with the deputy registrar of the court.

He ordered that all his international passports be deposited with the registrar and shall not travel without the permission of the court.

He also ordered that Akintoye and the sureties shall deposit two recent passport photographs each and the residence of the sureties verified by the court registrar.

The judge, who ordered that both the prosecution and defence counsel shall supervise and interview the proposed sureties before Akintoye is released on bail, adjourned the matter until March 4 for trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nwite had, on Dec. 31, 2024, fixed today for ruling after Esedo and Martha Babatunde, who appeared for the EFCC, argued their case for and against the bail application.

Esedo, while moving the application, had posed a question whether the defendant was entitled to bail.

The lawyer argued that issues of bail is a matter of discretion which is exercised judicially and judiciously by the court.

He said Akintoye is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty, adding that he had met all the requirements for granting bail.

Esedo assured that if granted bail, the defendant would not jump bail and was ready to stand his trial.

Besides, he said that the anti-graft agency had already concluded its investigation, having held him for 55 days.

Babatunde, who vehemently opposed the bail plea, argued that Sections 158 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) did not impose on the court to grant bail.

The lawyer, who argued that a bail is not granted as a matter of must, said it is the duty of the applicant to place sufficient evidence before the court.

She argued that the evidence against Akintoye was weighty as it bordered on serious national economic sabotage and financial crime which is currently ravaging the country.

She said if admitted to bail, Akintoye would not attend trial, describing him as a flight risk.

NAN reports that Akintoye, in the four-count charge, was alleged to have diverted a sum of $26,,060, 406.00 US dollars meant to build a refinery in Brass, Bayelsa.

Akintoye, Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited and Duport Midstream Company Limited, where he is also the Managing Director and CEO, were sued as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively, by the anti-graft agency.

The EFCC, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/641/V/2024 dated and filed on Dec. 19 by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, alleged that Akintoye and Platform Capital Investment Partners Limited had between December, 2020 and February, 2021, indirectly retained 16 million dollars.

The amount, the EFCC said, was part of the funds dishonestly converted from the money paid by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Capacity Development Intervention Company Ltd to Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited as investment.

The said a sum of $16, 006, 000 is alleged to constitute proceed of unlawful activity.

The offence, EFCC said, is contrary to Section 15 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 (as amended) by (Act No. 1 of 20!2) and punishable under Section [5(3) of the same Act, among other counts.(NAN)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Thu, 2025

Foreign

Allegation of plot with Nigeria to destabilise Niger `groundless` – France

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By Maureen Okon

France on Wednesday described as “groundless” the allegation by Niger that Nigeria had offered space in its territory to France in order to destabilise the former French colony.

Mr Bertrand de Seissan, Political Counsellor to the Embassy of France in Nigeria expressed this thought in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

“This allegation is groundless. This has never been discussed, nor even suggested by either France or Nigeria,” the political counsellor said.

It will be recalled that Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Nigerien military Leader had alleged plot to destabilise the country by using neighbouring Benin and Nigeria as a base for attacks.

Tchiani, who spoke in Hausa in an interview, alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to destabilise his country.

He said France made a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to establish a military base in Nigeria.

“They (France) met and negotiated with Boko Haram/Bakurawa (a possible variation of the pronunciation of Lakurawa, a new terrorist group in Nigeria),” Tchiani said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

NAF engineers revive aircraft grounded for 23 years

242 total views today

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says its aircraft engineers and technicians have, in a phenomenal display of ingenuity, reactivated a Dornier DO-228 aircraft which had been grounded for 23 years.

The NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, described the development as a remarkable feat.

Akinboyewa said that the achievement underscored NAF’s growing capacity for indigenous maintenance to bolster its operational readiness, whilst contributing to Nigeria’s inherent aviation capabilities.

He said that the aircraft, originally designated “5N-MPS” and operated by the now defunct Ministry of Mines, Power and Steel, had been grounded at the DANA facility in Kaduna since 2001.

“However, sequel to a presidential directive for ministries, departments and agencies to transfer such grounded platforms to the NAF for evaluation and possible reactivation, the NAF initiated this project.

“The NAF took on the challenge of reactivating this aircraft, a Dash 201 Series with only 1,081 flight hours since new, considering the task a unique opportunity to restore a valuable national asset.

“The reactivation process, for the grounded aircraft – re-designated “NAF-039” – was conducted between June and September 2024, involving meticulous planning and painstaking execution by a crack team of five engineering officers and 40 technicians from the NAF 431 Engineering Group (Engr Gp), Kaduna,” he said.

According to him, the accomplishment, which requires the application of advanced engineering techniques and adherence to stringent aviation standards, attests to NAF’s growing technical expertise and resolute determination.

Akinboyewa said that the success of the project carried significant strategic implications, bearing in mind that beyond enhancing the NAF’s fleet, it symbolises the service’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in aviation maintenance for operational effectiveness.

According to him, it also serves as a morale booster for the NAF engineers and technicians, showcasing their ability to undertake complex projects which otherwise would have been outsourced to foreign entities.

The Chief of the Air Staff, (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, lauded the 431 Engr Group for their dedication, emphasizing the broader import of the achievement.

Abubakar said that the project was a reflection of NAF’s resolve to optimise resources, strengthen its fleet and uphold national security through operational excellence.

He said that the successful reactivation of NAF 039 was not just an operational gain, but a statement of NAF’s capabilities and commitment to self-reliance.

The CAS said that the accomplishment built upon NAF’s earlier successes, such as the conduct of the first in-country 4,800-hour inspection on another DO-228 aircraft in January 2024.

He said that the milestones highlighted NAF’s growing capacity for advanced in-house aircraft maintenance and served as a foundation for future projects aimed at achieving technical autonomy.

“The reactivation of NAF-039 after 23 years is more than an engineering achievement; it showcases the NAF’s ingenuity, resilience and commitment to operational excellence.

“It also reaffirms the Air Force’s vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, while highlighting its dedication to resource optimisation and self-reliance.

“The newly-reactivated aircraft will bolster the NAF’s tactical airlift capabilities by joining the fleet of DO 228 aircraft, a platform still actively used worldwide.

“This achievement solidifies the NAF’s position as a formidable player in Africa’s aviation sector, with the potential to lead in indigenous maintenance and technical innovation,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Sports

NFF appoints Chelle as Super Eagles’ new Head Coach

350 total views today

By Victor Okoye

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the appointment of Éric Sékou Chelle as the new Head Coach of the country’s senior men national football team, the Super Eagles.

Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, disclosed in a statement that the Federation’s Executive Committee endorsed the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for Chelle’s appointment.

“At its meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee had recommended the appointment of the former Coach of the senior men national team of Mali as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

“This recommendation was on Tuesday endorsed by the NFF Executive Committee,” he said.

Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali and coached clubs such as GS Consolat, FC Martigues, Boulogne and MC Oran, has been Head Coach of the Aiglons since 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Côte d’Ivoire in February 2024, Mali came very close to the semi-finals.

They lost 2-1 after extra time to hosts and eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire, who also beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final.

This was after they had led by a lone goal until the final minute of regulation time.

The 47-year-old Chelle featured for Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais in France during his playing career.

Olajire added that Chelle’s appointment was with immediate effect, as he has the responsibility of guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

NAN reports that the next round of matches —- Match Days 5 and 6 —— are in March, with Nigeria needing wins to return to contention for a qualification ticket.(NAN)

(Edited by Yinusa Ishola and Olawale Alabi)

Lydia Beshel
Jan, Wed, 2025

Defence/Security

Police raise alarm over rising missing persons cases in Ogun

234 total views today

By Abiodun Lawal

The Police Command in Ogun has raised concerns over a significant increase in reports of missing persons in the state.

CSP Omolola Odutola, the Command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta.

She explained that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups.

Odutola noted that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.

The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.

She added that, as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.

“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.

“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.

“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when traveling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.

Odutola further emphasised that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru