News Agency of Nigeria
Service delivery: FCTA announces criteria for staff awards, recognitions
Metro

Service delivery: FCTA announces criteria for staff awards, recognitions

 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory administration (FCTA), has announced the criteria for the 4th edition of its staff awards and recognitions.

Dr Jumai Ahmadu, Acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, who disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday, explained that the initiative was in line with the ongoing reforms in the civil service.

According to her, the exrcise is part of the ongoing reforms to improve the quality of service delivery.

Ahmadu identified the criteria to include, punctuality and outstanding contribution to the overall performance of the Secretariats, Departments and Agencies (SDAs).

Other criteria, she said, were resourcefulness in overcoming challenges to meet assigned objectives, and the ability to work with superiors and subordinates alike, in a disciplined, honest, and professional manner.

She added that the workers would also be recognised for exhibiting leadership qualities and honouring responsibilities.

Ahmadu said that the workers had testified to the enormous impact of the initiative on service delivery since its inception.

The acting director commended members of the award committee for living up to their responsibilities in the past, particularly by operating in accordance with the set standards and rules.

She expressed confidence that the committee would maintain the standard in the forthcoming edition slated for Jan. 26.  

Some of the workers of the FCTA who spoke to journalists on the issue, described the initiative as one of the best steps taken by the government in recent times.

A senior staff of the FCT Fire Service, Mr Adebayo Amiola, particularly said that the initiative has put workers on their toes and stimulate them toward optimal performance.

”The award is not just a well thought out reward system, but also a motivating factor that must be sustained,” he said.

Amiola said that the initiative was promoting healthy competition for excellence among workers in various SDAs in the FCTA. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Minister seeks private sector partnership on transport databank
Metro

Minister seeks private sector partnership on transport databank

 

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali, has called for a collaboration between the private sector and the Federal Government in the establishment of a transport databank  in Nigeria.

Alkali made the call on Tuesday, in his keynote address at the one-day stakeholders’ engagement forum on “Smart National Transport Databank (NTD)”, organised by Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The forum had the theme “The Strategic Importance of a Smart National Transport Databank in Socio – Economic Development of Nigeria.”

According to the minister, the objective of the engagement is to guide the way towards an effective and efficient transport data collection and management system in the country.

“NITT has decided to invite all the relevant stakeholders to come together to brainstorm on the strategic importance of developing a viable and sustainable smart transport data bank for the socio- economic development of Nigeria.

“Similarly, this will sensitise stakeholders on the need and importance of transport data for national planning, improved policy formulation and synergy in the transport sector, as well as facilitating economic growth and development.

“I am very optimistic that this event will come out with resolutions that will impact positively on the development of the Nigerian transportation sector in line with the `Renewed Hope Agenda` of President Bola Tinubu’s administration,” he said.

The minister said the decision for the establishment of NTD was approved by the National Council on Transportation at its meeting held in Makurdi, Benue, in 2012.

He added that the institute was mandated by the council to liaise with relevant stakeholders to establish the databank to be housed in NITT and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

In his welcome address, NITT’s Director-General, Dr Bayero Farah, said that the institute, over the years, had taken a series of measures towards achieving the vision of having a functional NTD.

“These efforts include- the hosting of several workshops in Ibadan 2013, Kaduna in 2014 and the inauguration and hosting of a technical workshop tagged ‘’Towards Development of a NTD Bank’’ which was held in Abuja in 2021.

“Also, in 2022 the institute initiated construction of an Intelligence Transport Centre in Zaria that will house the NTD Facilities, and other advanced Technologies for Research and Development in Transport Technology and Innovations in the country.

“Hence, this forum is, therefore, aimed at securing the buy-in of stakeholders in the sector, such that implementation of this project would enjoy your full support and commitment in the overall interest of the Nigerian Transport system,’’ he said.

He added that the event was also to further sensitise participants on emerging best practices around the world and the need for Nigeria to embrace international global trends.

Farah said Nigeria ought to incline to the best practices in application of digital technology solutions in data analytics including- Artificial Intelligence, sensing technology and use of RFID- to capture data real time in all modes of transport Nigeria. (NAN)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa and Chijioke Okoronkwo

Halima/Edu-Gate: A litmus test for Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance – NSPF
Metro

Halima/Edu-Gate: A litmus test for Tinubu’s anti-corruption stance – NSPF

 

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The National Social Protection Forum (NSPF), says Nigerians will use the outcome of investigations into the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s social investment funds to assess President Bola Tinubu administration’s  stance on corruption.

Dr Taiwo Benson, National Coordinator of NSPF, a Non-Governmental Organisation focusing on advancement of social protection, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja,

Benson urged the federal government to be thorough in the investigation of the alleged mismanagement of social investment funds by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu and the National Coordinator, National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Halima Shehu.

While commending the President for the prompt action to suspend the top officials involved in the alleged fraud, the NSPF coordinator urged the investigative authorities to administer an unbiased process in unraveling the truth.

“We appeal to the federal government to unravel the truth regarding the implementation of the National Social Investment Programme and make far reaching recommendations accordingly.

“No public servant, no matter how highly placed, should be spared from facing the full wrath of the law if the outcome of the investigation indicts him or her“ Benson said

According to him, the President’s action, so far, had renewed the hopes of many Nigerians in his ability to fight corruption.

He noted that suspending the minister and the chief executive of the NSIPA will allow for a fair and transparent investigation.

Benson however appealed to the President to review his directive suspending some of the social investment programmes including, N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer, Government Enterprise and Empowerment, and Home-Grown School Feeding.

He urged that the government should strengthen mechanisms for smooth implementation of the programmes.

According to him, this could be done through the involvement of Civil Society Organisations as third-party monitors for transparency, accountability, and efficiency.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had launched an investigation into the alleged fraud by the minister and NSIPA coordinator.

Edu was alleged to have transferred the sum of N585 million grants meant for vulnerable groups in four states – Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun – to a private account of one Onyilo Bridget domiciled in United Bank for Africa.

On her part, Shehu, the embattled Coordinator of NSIPA was suspended in connection with alleged N44 billion money laundering.  (NAN)

Edited by Franca Ofili, Rotimi Ijikanmi

Inadequate equipment, operational vehicles hampering war against banditry, kidnappings – Wike
Defence/Security , Metro

Inadequate equipment, operational vehicles hampering war against banditry, kidnappings – Wike

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Monday, said that inadequate equipment and operational vehicles were hampering ongoing war against banditry and kidnappings in FCT.

Wike, who said this during a media chat with journalists in Abuja, also blamed the recent surge in kidnappings in some border communities of the FCT to lack of equipment to track criminals.

He, however, assured residents that the security challenges would soon be addressed following the approval for emergency procurement by President Bola Tinubu.

He said that the approval was for the procurement of digital tracking tools and operational vehicles to help halt kidnappers in their tracks.

“So many facilities were not provided and vehicles for the security agencies are not there.

“You cannot believe that equipment to track criminals are not there and when anything happens, security agencies go back to the Office of the National Security Adviser or to the Force Headquarters.

“That is not the way it is supposed to be,” minister said.

According to him, security agencies need special equipment to be able to reduce the level of crime, particularly those that will help them to track specific locations of phone users.

He said that the FCT Administration had been able to identify what each of the security agencies needed and would be provided through the emergency procurement.

“Again, before we came on board, the police had said that they had requested procurement of a certain number of motorcycles where vehicles cannot get to – the remote areas. Some of these areas are mountainous.

“Unfortunately, the motorcycles were not provided, but we have been able to do that now,” he said.

Wike, who said security was not only about equipment, added that the personnel needed motivation.

According to him, this needs to be worked out to ensure success of security operations.

He added that the FCTA would also establish a Joint Task Force with a full command and control structure and well equipped to respond in security emergencies.

“The next thing is to set up a joint security outfit here, where they have their own structure and equipment so that if anything happens, the task force will know it is its function and move in.

“Yes, it will cost us some funds and it will take us some time, but what is important is that we have identified that this is a lacuna that we have to cover’’, the minister said.  (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

Wike warns against politicisation of insecurity in FCT
Defence/Security , Metro

Wike warns against politicisation of insecurity in FCT

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has warned against politicisation of insecurity in Abuja.

Wike, who gave the warning during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, added that politicians were cashing out on the current security challenges to cause panic among FCT residents.

He expressed concern that instead of commending the efforts of security agencies in addressing insecurity, some residents have continued to create panic by dishing out false alarms.

The minister, who commended security agencies for the efforts so far, said that the media chat present an opportunity to update Nigerians as regard the issues of security in FCT.

He stressed that the security agencies should be commended for the successes being recorded so far, rather than the political propaganda that security in FCT has collapsed to cause panic.

“After the first kidnapping incident in Bwari, President Tinubu summoned the service chiefs and my humble self and within a few days you have seen what they have achieved.

“But nobody is talking about that. Nobody has come to commend them. All you here security has collapsed,” he complained.

Wike also condemned claims by some activists that the demolition of shanties was responsible for insecurity in FCT, adding that twisting government efforts for political gains is not the way to go.

He, therefore, called on residents to give the government the needed support and desist from generalising security issues as if it was a daily occurrence.

According to him, nobody is happy that kidnapping is rearing its ugly head in FCT.

“Nigerians forget easily and that is why we have always said let’s not play politics with the issue of security.

“Remember, some time ago, in the last administration, we were told that bandits came to Kuje prison and wrecked havoc. Nobody said there was no Minister of FCT. There was a minister.

“Nobody talks about FCT being the capital. Remember, there was an administration where terrorists came and burnt the United Nations building here. It was in FCT.

“Remember, there was an attack to burn the police headquarters. There was a minister.

“All over the world, we have heard where armed men went to school in cities and shot at will, killing 15 to 16 people in the United States, in Britain, as developed as they are.

“That does not mean that the security in those cities has collapsed.”

He called on politicians to desist from using security situation to create panic, painting a picture that appears like the people in FCT can no longer walk freely in the streets or they will be kidnapped.

The minister urged residents to learn to appreciate government efforts and support the security agencies with intelligence information to assist in addressing the challenge. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Insecurity: Wike asks CP to establish additional police divisions in Gwagwalada
Defence/Security , Metro

Insecurity: Wike asks CP to establish additional police divisions in Gwagwalada

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has asked the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, to establish two additional Police Divisions in Gwagwalada Area Council of the territory.

Wike gave the directive during a security town hall with relevant stakeholders on Friday in Gwagwalada, to find lasting solutions to security challenges affecting the federal capital.

The order was in response to the request by the Council’s Chairman, Mr Abubakar Giri, who pleaded for the additional divisions to improve security, particularly in border communities.

Giri said that the area council currently has only two police divisions, one each in Zuba and Gwagwalada.

He also complained of abandoned buildings that have constituted security threats in the area, as most of the buildings have become safe haven for criminals.

Wike, who acknowledged the challenges, assured residents of the area of President Bola Tinubu’ resolve to address the security challenges in the FCT.

He said that the two police divisions would be established immediately considering the security exigency.

The minister also said that he had secured President Tinubu’s approval to procure and distribute operational vehicles and communications gadgets to the police and other security agencies in the FCT.

Wike asked the council chairman to write to him unfailingly on Monday, indicating the number and locations of all uncompleted buildings constituting security threats in the area.

He assured the residents that he would approve the demolition of the uncompleted buildings or alternatively transfer ownership of the buildings to the communities to complete and put them to good use.

He also promised to construct a befitting health facility and implement other development projects in the area as requested by the residents.

“I am here on the directive of President Tinubu to meet and discuss with you the prevailing security challenges and find lasting solutions together.

“I was in Bwari Area Council on Wednesday and today I am here at Gwagwalada on the same issue. Next week I will visit another area council until we cover all the six area councils.

“Security is one of the priorities of the currency government, so, be rest assured that you are not alone, and we will do all that we can to end security challenges in the territory,” he said.

Earlier, the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Mohammed Magaji, urged the minister to assist the police with more operational vehicles to enhance security operations in the area.

Magaji said Gwagwalada Police Division has only one operational vehicle, which is also terribly bad.

The traditional leader also called for the construction of an additional General Hospital in the area to provide quality health service to residents.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike had on Wednesday, began a tour of the six Area Councils of the FCT to meet with community leaders and relevant stakeholders over security concerns.

The visit, which began with Bwari Area Council, was in response to the recent spike in the abductions and killings of residents by bandits, especially in Kuje and Bwari area councils.

Wike had told stakeholders in Bwari that the FCT Administration would provide the needed logistics and equipment to support security agencies to flush out criminals terrorising the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Sen. Adeola organises cyber security training for traditional rulers in Ogun
General News , Metro

Sen. Adeola organises cyber security training for traditional rulers in Ogun

Photo: From Left: Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and Olota of Ota, Oba Obalanlege Adeyemi at the training session

 

By Abiodun Lawal

Sen. Solomon Adeola (APC-Ogun West) on Thursday organised a cyber security training for traditional rulers in the senatorial district to fight insecurity in the state.

 

Speaking at the training session in Ilaro, Yewa South Local Government Area of the state, Adeola noted that there was need to equip the traditional rulers with necessary tools to fight insecurity in their terrain.

 

Adeola, Senate Committee Chairman on Appropriation, represented by Alhaji Ali Ajibode, added that the training would go a long way in assisting the traditional rulers to tackle all sorts of nefarious activities in their different communities.

 

“All hands must be on deck to tackle any form of insecurity within our environment.

 

”There is need to equip the traditional rulers with necessary tools to fight insecurity in their terrain and all sorts of nefarious activities in their different communities. That is the essence of the training,” Adeola said.

 

In his remarks, one of the resource persons, a security expert, Mr Adekunle Ilori, noted that it was important for the traditional rulers to deploy technology to tackle insecurity in their domains and not leave it wholly to government.

 

Ilori urged them to embrace and install Close Circuit Television (CCTV), wireless surveillance cameras and drones in homes, strategic community entry points as well as exit gateways to keep track of the movement of strange people in their areas.

 

He added that going digital to combat the security challenges in the axis was achievable, advising the traditional rulers to leverage their well placed sons, daughters and goodwill to establish a security trust fund for the zone.

 

The security expert explained that they could draw resources from such Funds to acquire the digital security gadgets to secure their domains.

 

In their separate responses while speaking to newsmen, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; Olota of Ota, Oba Obalanlege Adeyemi and the Eselu of Iselu, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, lauded the initiative and the facilitator for the knowledge gained.

 

They assured that they would incorporate the security measures to safeguard their environment.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highlight of the training was the distribution of laptops to all the traditional rulers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

FCTA earmarks N1.7 bn for establishment of smart secondary school  
Education , Metro

FCTA earmarks N1.7 bn for establishment of smart secondary school  

 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has earmarked N1.7 billion in the 2024 budget, for the establishment of a pilot Smart Secondary School in the FCT.

The FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, disclosed in Abuja on Thursday, at an event organised to celebrate accomplishments of public school students in FCT, in academics and sports.

Wike, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary, Education Secretariat, FCTA, Dr Danlami Hayyo, said that the move was to align with global trends in digital teaching and learning.

He explained that the smart school, which would be located in Karshi, a community under Abuja Municipal Area Council, would be equipped with boarding and digital facilities for e-teaching and learning.

He explained that the N1.7 billion was part of the N13.1 billion approved for the renovation, rehabilitation, and the construction of new schools in the FCT in 2024.

The minister said that the project, if successful, would be expanded to other schools within the territory to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Wike, who expressed optimism that the project might be completed within the year, identified some of the facilities that would be installed in the school to include computers and inter service.

Other facilities, according to the minister, will include smart board and other digital devices for e-teaching and learning.

“When you are talking about digital teaching and learning, definitely you have to do away with papers, pencils, pens and the rest of them.

“The establishment of a smart school in Karshi, will mark the beginning of smart schools in the territory from where we will learn and expand,” he said.

On the students’ academic excellence, the minister described the celebration as a testament to the talent and the hard work embedded in public schools in the FCT.

According to him, the accomplishment of the students not only reflects their personal dedication, but also the commitment of their teachers and the support of their families.

“As we recognise their achievements today, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing quality education that will empower our youths for a brighter future.

“The prowess displayed by our students showcases the importance of a balanced and holistic education.

“Sport instills the values of discipline, teamwork and perseverance, shaping individuals who are not only academically sound, but also mentally and physically resilient,” he said.

He commended the students for excelling in their respective fields, saying, “your success is not only a reflection of your hard work, but also a source of inspiration for others to follow.

“We celebrate not only academic and sports achievements, but also the collective dedication to fostering an environment that nurtures well-molded individuals.

“We will continue to provide an environment that nurtures talents, promotes excellence and prepares our students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Earlier, the Director, Secondary School Management Board, Dr Mohammed Ladan, said that the public school students performed exceptionally well in both national, regional and international competitions.

Ladan said that the Education Secretariat decided to recognise and celebrate the students to encourage them to do better.

He also commended the teachers for their commitment to delivering quality teaching to improve learning outcomes.

He, however, complained that most of the teachers were under the payroll of Parents Teachers Association and urged the minister to consider giving them full employment.

While identifying some of the successes of the students, Mrs Funmi Jemisenia of the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovations, said that the public junior and senior secondary schools performed remarkably in quiz competitions in 2023.

Jemisenia said that the schools took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions in numerous national and international quiz competitions in the outgone year.

Similarly, Mr Adamu Ojah, Director Department of School Sport, said that students won different prizes and awards from different national and international schools’ sports competitions. (NAN)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

No project has stopped under Tinubu’s watch- Wike
Metro

No project has stopped under Tinubu’s watch- Wike

 

By Philip Yatai

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, on Thursday, expressed excitement that no project initiated by the FCT Administration had stopped under President Bola Tinubu’s watch.

Wike, who stated this after an inspection tour of some of the projects in Abuja, said that most of the projects would be completed and commissioned by Tinubu in May.

The News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) reports that Wike, on assumption into office in August 2023 as the FCT Minister, resuscitated some abandoned projects, particularly roads and other public facilities.

Some of the projects include the rehabilitation of Abuja Rail Mass Transit System, construction of Nigeria Cultural Centre and Millennium Tower, rehabilitation of Federal Secretariat, completion of the Vice President’s Residence and resurfacing of existing roads.

Others are the completion of road B6, B12 and Circle Road in Abuja Central Area, full scope development of Northern N-20 Expressway in Jahi District, from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway.

Also penciled for completion is the expansion of Outer Southern Expressway from Villa Roundabout to Osex/Ring Road I Junction, including four interchanges and provision of access road to Kabusa Garden Estate.

Wike also promised to complete the construction of Southern Parkway from Christian Centre to Ring Road I, and the rehabilitation of National Christian Centre and National Mosque.

“Since President Tinubu came on board, no work has stopped in all the sites. There are so many of these sites, but it will be difficult to take them all at the same time.

“We believe that in May, and before December, some of the projects will be handed over to the members of the public.

“The inspection is part of our routine inspection of ongoing projects, particularly those we have promised the public that God willing, by May this year, the projects will have been completed.

“What we did today was to go round to see for ourselves whether the contractors are meeting up with expectations,” Wike said.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress of the road construction and resurfacing so far, particularly at Guzape Lot II, which he said was going on very fast.

He said that the contractor, Gilmor Construction Company, “is doing all it can to meet up the date line, and we believe they are going to accomplish it.

“Except for one setback, where a lawmaker is stopping the contractor from further construction of one of the roads.

“We are not going to take it lightly. This is not a private project: it is a public project handled by the FCT Administration.

“If there is any complaint, we think that whoever has a problem should complain to us and not go and use police to stop a legitimate company, carrying out construction work for the use of the public.

“These projects were approved by the Federal Executive Council,” he said.

The minister directed the contractor to go ahead with the road construction, adding that the project was part of those to be commissioned by President Tinubu in May.

Wike, who also inspected the B6 and B12 road, Independence Avenue, in the Central Area, being handled by Julius Berger, also expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.

“The representative of the company said that in May, they will hand it over. We are very happy,” he said.

Wike, however, complained that the security barriers erected by the Central Bank of Nigeria have constituted an obstruction to the ongoing road project in the area.

The minister, who said the obstruction would not be accepted, said: “One thing with institutions is that, when they apply for land and we give them, they go beyond what was given to them to cause obstruction.

“I have always said, anything for the public, we will not take for granted. So, we want the central bank to allow us to use what belongs to us for the interest of the public.

“By and large, we are very very happy with what we have seen,” Wike said.

In a related development, the minister expressed dissatisfaction with some of the contractors handling some of the road resurfacing projects in parts of the city.

Wike, in a meeting with some of the contractors, after the inspection tour, said unofficial visits to some of the project sites revealed some inactivity in those sites.

He asked the contractors to show him where they were working, adding that nobody collected mobilisation and would not show seriousness.

“I have also said before and will continue to say it; we will not award contracts when we don’t have money. Any contract that is awarded since I came on board, know that there is cash backing.

“I am not talking before; I am talking about since the inception of President Tinubu’s government. There is no need for awarding contracts when there is no cash.

“So, having mobilised you, I was thinking by now, we would have seen a lot of equipment on sites.

He asked the contractors to tell him the sections each of their companies were handling, “where they are working, and what stage they are at, and I am tired of memo.

“No, I don’t want a memo again, what I want is seeing physical presence, I am tired of memo,” Wike repeated.

The minister, who said he was not happy with the resurfacing contracts awarded in December 2023, asked the contractors to indicate if they are not ready to deliver as agreed. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Adeboye tasks new redeemer’s varsity vice-chancellor on integrity
Metro , Education

Adeboye tasks new redeemer’s varsity vice-chancellor on integrity

Photo: The new Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Shadrach Akindele (middle) with other management staff of the institution during the inauguration

 

 

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has urged the new Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Redeemers University (RUN), Ede, Prof. Shadrach Akindele, to embrace integrity in running the institution.

Adeboye gave the charge during the inauguration of Akindele as the fourth substantive vice-chancellor of the university, on Wednesday, in Ede, Osun State.

The general overseer, represented by Pastor Kayode Pitan, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the university, said that the integrity of the institution must be maintained at all times.

“The integrity of the university should be maintained in all its dealings so that RUN can remain an institution where many will be willing to work because of the importance attached to conducive environment and staff welfare.

“It should also be a place where every student will love to be and it is my prayer that the university will record success in the next few years”, he said.

He congratulated the new VC, and urged him to ensure that the university continued to ride on the path of excellence it was known for.

“It is noteworthy that all the past administrations had contributed to the growth and development of the university in their own capacities.

“I, therefore, use this opportunity to encourage the vice-chancellor to ensure that the university continues to ride on the path of excellence it is known for.

“RUN is God’s own university and the new administration must be ready to make sacrifices in order to ensure that it remains the pride of the past and the future generations.

“I, therefore, pray that the tenure of the new VC will witness peace, unity and progress in all ramifications” he said.

In his remarks, Akindele urged the staff of the institution to support him in moving the university forward.

” I accepted this role with a clear understanding that it is a call to service and I am here to improve, motivate and committed to promoting an environment where innovative idea will thrive.

“And being mindful that this is a private university, therefore, we cannot afford to be casual or lazy in the way we do things.

“We will do our jobs to the best of our abilities,” he said.

Akindele urged the staff of the institution not to entertain any fear or anxiety due to the change in leadership, saying, ” I am here to do God’s will”.

The new VC urged the staff of the university to give their best to the students so that they could compete globally with their counterparts in any part of the world.

Akindele said that he would expand the revenue base of the university to meet its demands and also for the university to maintain its uniqueness as a Christian university.

“Our students must be Christ-like so that they can become positive change agents in the society”, he said.

He thanked Adeboye and his wife for their support for the growth and development of the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akindele, a full-time pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and a Professor of Forestry, will serve for a single term of five years. (NAN)

Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Oluwole Sogunle

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