Fresh controversy has erupted at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as pressure continues to mount on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, to leave office following allegations of tampering with the academic records of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

The renewed call for his resignation resurfaced after concerns grew over the handling of documents linked to Nnaji’s years as a student at the institution.

Former Minister Nnaji had earlier accused the Vice-Chancellor of altering his university records at a time when there were widespread claims that he had presented a falsified UNN degree certificate.

This was despite an earlier confirmation by the university’s registrar stating that Nnaji’s academic documents were original and valid.

A coalition under the banner of the Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF), Enugu State, addressed journalists and revealed that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had already set up an investigative panel to look into the allegations surrounding the alleged certificate tampering.

According to the group, the Federal Ministry of Education wants to establish what happened, how the documents were handled, and why the university’s earlier official position had suddenly changed.

Attempts by reporters to obtain a direct response from Prof. Ortuanya or the university’s Public Relations Office were unsuccessful, as neither the VC nor the communications unit agreed to comment on the matter.

The JCSF, however, insists that the Vice-Chancellor cannot remain in office while the investigation continues. The group argues that Ortuanya should step down in the same way Nnaji resigned to allow for a fair and open inquiry.

Moreover, they warned that allowing the VC to remain in his position could compromise the work of the investigative panel set up by the Education Ministry.

Speaking at the briefing, the group’s coordinator, Vincent Ani, said the pressure on Ortuanya intensified after he allegedly released Nnaji’s academic details on his own authority and asserted that the former minister never graduated from the university.

According to Ani, this act directly contradicted the registrar, who is the official custodian of student records. He added that by taking over the registrar’s statutory duty, Ortuanya raised serious questions about motive, neutrality, and due process within the institution.

Ani stated: “This action bypassed the Registrar, the statutory custodian of academic records. This action has raised immediate concerns about the motive behind the action of the Vice Chancellor, who suddenly performed a statutory responsibility of the registrar.
This singular action from the Vice Chancellor, Prof Simon Ortuanya, is a strong sign of institutional malaise and a politically motivated bias with an undertone geared towards maligning the person of Chief Uche Nnaji.”

The group welcomed the decision of the Education Minister to constitute a panel but insisted that standard practice requires the suspension of any official under investigation to prevent interference, intimidation of staff, or alteration of evidence.

They said: “This will prevent interference, intimidation, destruction of evidence, or manipulation of records by the persons being investigated. The Joint Civil Society Front (JCSF), Enugu State, hereby demands that Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya be suspended while the panel conducts its assignment.”

According to the group, the heart of the issue goes beyond Nnaji and directly affects the reputation of UNN. They noted that the university had maintained a clear position in 2023 affirming that Nnaji graduated, only to reverse that same position in 2025.

The sudden disappearance or alteration of documents, they said, sends a disturbing message about the institution’s internal controls.

They warned that this type of inconsistency is capable of damaging the university’s credibility for years if not handled decisively. The JCSF further stressed that Nnaji’s resignation as minister was not an admission of wrongdoing, but a gesture aimed at ensuring transparency. They now expect the same from the Vice-Chancellor.

They added: “We therefore expect that Prof Simon Ortuanya should do the same willingly, like Uche Nnaji or be suspended by the Federal Ministry of Education so that the investigative panel should do their job smoothly without let or hindrance.”

Recall, we earlier reported that the resignation of former Minister Uche Geoffrey Nnaji was directly linked to the same certificate scandal at University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

The Ex-Minister stepped down in early October 2025 after revelations that UNN and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) disowned the academic and service certificates he submitted when he was appointed minister.

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Chiemelie Ezeobi

As the world marks the United Nations Anti-Corruption Day, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International (TI), has warned that corruption remains one of the most destructive forces fuelling insecurity across Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director and Head of TI-Nigeria, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation expressed concern that despite huge investments in defence and internal security, corruption within the system continues to weaken national safety and leave citizens exposed to persistent violence.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria said Nigeria’s prolonged battles with terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, militancy, communal clashes and organised crime have been worsened by entrenched corruption that “undermines every layer of the security architecture.” 

It warned that corruption affects defence procurement, personnel recruitment, welfare administration, intelligence sharing and operational command in ways that directly fuel insecurity.

The organisation noted that “security funds continue to disappear through inflated contracts, questionable procurement deals, misallocation of resources and outright diversion of money meant for operations and equipment.” It said welfare-related corruption has left frontline personnel demoralised, while families of deceased officers often receive no entitlements, further eroding trust within the ranks.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also decried recruitment corruption, saying it has “placed unqualified individuals in sensitive positions and pushed competent officers aside.” It cautioned that the misuse of security priority, where a few individuals enjoy excessive protection while citizens remain vulnerable, reflects systemic inequality. The group also condemned nepotism and the manipulation of laws to unlawfully extend tenure in security institutions, describing it as dangerous to national stability.

The organisation raised concerns about weak National Assembly oversight and the persistent failure of government institutions to enforce accountability. It lamented poor intelligence sharing among security agencies, saying such gaps are routinely exploited by criminal networks.

It added that illegal payments collected by police officers at roadblocks to remit “returns” to superiors show how corruption has permeated routine law enforcement.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria criticised what it described as “the collapse of administrative justice,” noting that impunity persists for security failures and corruption-related misconduct. The group also faulted the widespread violation of the presidential directive withdrawing police personnel from VIPs, saying the order “has been largely disregarded.”

According to the organisation, “insecurity has now become a lucrative enterprise for certain actors in government who facilitate ransom payments and negotiations with terrorists.” It warned that these short-term arrangements undermine long-term stability and feed the criminal economy.

On the proliferation of small arms, CISLAC/TI-Nigeria said Nigeria now accounts for roughly 70 percent of illicit weapons circulating in West Africa. It further warned that concerns about terrorism financing contributed to Nigeria’s ranking as 8th among the top 10 countries most affected by terrorism in the 2024 Global Terrorism Index. The trend, it said, underscores the need for urgent reforms to prevent further national destabilisation.

The organisation called for sweeping reforms and urged the Federal Government, National Assembly, security agencies and anti-corruption bodies to prioritise transparency in defence and security spending. It emphasised the need for full disclosure of procurement processes and audited expenditure in line with global standards.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria also pushed for stronger legislative oversight and an independent defence procurement audit mechanism to eliminate contract inflation, ghost projects and misused funds.

The group urged government to implement strict disciplinary measures for officers involved in bribery, extortion, collusion with criminals or operational compromise. It also called for improved welfare, insurance cover and adequate equipment for frontline personnel to rebuild morale.

It added that enhanced intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and whistle-blower protection are essential to closing gaps exploited by criminal organisations.

CISLAC/TI-Nigeria stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome insecurity without first tackling corruption within the security sector, saying “no volume of military spending or sophisticated equipment will deliver results if diverted funds, weak oversight and entrenched impunity continue to undermine the system.”

The organisation said the safety of Nigerians must not be compromised by corruption, political interests or institutional negligence. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with government, parliament, security agencies and citizens to strengthen accountability and rebuild public trust.

“Nigeria deserves a secure, just and prosperous future,” the organisation stated. “Such a future can only be achieved by confronting and eliminating corruption at the heart of the country’s security framework.”

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By Henry Umoru & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA —The Senate yesterday raised alarm over what some senators described as selective implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s order on withdrawal of police orderlies from Very Important Persons, VIPs, to complement efforts to tackle the high level insecurity in the country.

The senators complained that while their orderlies had been withdrawn, several VIPs still enjoyed the services of police orderlies.

Their complaint came on a day President Tinubu ordered total compliance with his earlier directive withdrawing all policemen attached to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, across the country.

The President also directed the Minister of Interior, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to ensure immediate replacement of police officers on special security duties not to leave people exposed.

Angered over the selective the enforcement, even when the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, vowed to arrest any officer found with a VIP in violation of the directive, the senators are demanding that it be done across board in the spirit of fairness and equity.

While alleging that sons and daughters of political office-holders still have police orderlies and enjoy security cover, the senators sought exemption from the enforcement to avoid being used as scapegoats .
The complaints expressed about the implementation in Senate yesterday came on the strength of a motion raised by Senator Abdul Ningi.

Senator Ningi, who moved the motion through a point of order, informed the Senate that the only police orderly he had was withdrawn in the early hours of yesterday, while some other VIPs in the country are still enjoying the privilege.

Ningi, who demanded that enforcement should be done across board in the spirit of fairness and equity, said: “It should be done across the board. Let’s see what happens from the office of the President, to the Vice President, to the Senate President, to the Speaker of the House, to the ministers.

“I saw two convoys of ministers and they were carrying lots of security personnel. Mr. President, I have also seen business concerns, Chinese and other business concerns with their complements of orderlies.
“Mr. President, I have also seen daughters and sons of political office-holders having orderlies and having security covers.

“Mr. President, I have seen singers having orderlies and complementary protection. I cannot ever imagine that a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who has been here for a very long time will have his only one orderly withdrawn.

“I can take care of myself but let it be done across the board. Let me not see governors, ministers, and business tycoons, being escorted by security personnel.

NASS shouldn’t be used as scapegoats

“This matter should be addressed with all seriousness it deserved. I, therefore, call on the President of the Senate to ask the Chairman of Committee on Police Affairs to investigate why the directive is seemingly being implemented selectively. The National Assembly should not be used as a scapegoat.”

In his brief remarks , the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau JibrIn who presided over the session, said the issue raised by Ningi was extensively deliberated upon by the leadership of the Senate on Tuesday.

He specifically informed the senator and other affected senators that efforts were being made to convince the Presidency to exempt members of the National Assembly from orderly withdrawal implementation.

Jibrin said: “I want to assure you that the issue raised to protect you is taken seriously, and that at the leadership side yesterday (Tuesday), we agreed that the course of action should be undertaken in order to restore your police orderly to you, because it’s in line with international practice.

“I’m sure we have a listening President. He will listen to us, and by the grace of God, he will save us from that order, which was given in good faith.”

Tinubu orders comprehensive enforcement of police withdrawal from VIPs

Meanwhile, President Tinubu yesterday ordered total compliance with his earlier directive withdrawing all policemen attached to Very Important Personalities, VIPs, across the country.

The President also directed the Minister of Interior, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, to ensure immediate replacement of police officers, who are on special security duties in order not to leave people exposed.

Tinubu, who gave the directives in his remarks before commencement of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting at the Council Chambers, Presidential Villa, Abuja, said in the wake of kidnapping and terrorism, the country needs to utilise all the forces to protect the citizens.

Recall that amid worsening security situation in the country, with the recent kidnappings of students in Kebbi and Niger states, the President had directed that police officers with VIPs should be withdrawn and also approved recruitment of additional 20,000 police officers.

Speaking at the council chambers, the President also told the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, to liaise with state governments, through the National Economic Council, NEC, on grazing reserves that could be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches and livestock settlements.

Tinubu said he was serious with his orders on the withdrawal of police from VIPs and that it must effective, adding that anyone who needs the services of police should take permission from the IGP who, in turn, should take permission from him.

He said: “I told the IGP and I hope the Minister of Police Affairs is here, if you have any problem of security because of the nature of assignment, please contact the IGP and get my clearance.

“The Minister of Interior should liaise with IGP and Civil Defence structure to replace those police officers who are on special security duties, so that you don’t leave people exposed.

“NSA and DSS to provide further information and form themselves the committee and review the structure.
“It should be effected. We face challenges of kidnapping and terrorism; we need all the forces we can utilise.

“I know some of our people are exposed and I understand that we have to make exceptional provision for them and the Civil Defence are equally armed and I want NSA to ensure our forest guards are armed too, so take it very seriously.

“On livestock reform, I think the vice president should get NEC, first of all, to see which village or grazing reserves that can be salvaged or rehabilitated into ranches, livestock settlements.

“We must eliminate the possibility of conflicts and turn livestock reform into economically viable development. The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it.

“Let’s exercise the constitutional requirement which states that land belong to states. Whichever one they can salvage, convert to livestock village, let us stop this conflict area and turn it to economic opportunities and prosperity.”

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• Transport union members decry move

To mitigate the effect of petrol subsidy removal on the transport sector, the Ogun State Government said it has concluded plans with the Federal Government to replace existing parks and garages in the state with modern terminals for easy movement of goods and services across the 20 council areas.
 
Commissioner for Transport, Gbenga Dairo, in a chat at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s plan to pick the state for the construction of modern terminals to change the face of transportation structure in the state.
 
Dairo stated that the modern terminals would feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a petrol and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, warehouses, parking spaces, administrative offices, passengers’ amenities, security as well as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) features, among others, to meet the modern-day transportation system and generate employment opportunities, especially for operators in the existing parks and garages.
 
He mentioned Kuto and Panseke as part of the parks and garages that would be turned to modern terminals, stressing that the state government’s plan to move the existing parks and garages to a new site would attract investors and businesses as well as improved transportation system in the state for residents to enjoy.
 
The commissioner said: “Our focus is to consolidate terminals in major cities, especially in Abeokuta, and we are working together with the Federal Government to build a new multinational and multi-dimensional modern terminal in Abeokuta. I hope all the various parks and garages that are congested in the state capital, Abeokuta, will be relocated to a new site for a better transportation system. Part of the parks and garages where the terminal will be situated is Kuta, Panseke and others.”
 
Meanwhile, Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Kuto Branch, Abeokuta, Oluyinka Oluseye, called on the state government to demolish houses within the Kuto Parks and Garages to enlarge the place and accommodate the proposed modern terminals.
 
Oluseye appealed to the state government to also create a small portion from the extension for market women and transport union to operate from the existing parks and garages beside the modern one, stressing that moving the parks and garages to a new site would affect the union’s transport business.
 
He said: “It is a welcome development from the government angle to create modern terminals, but trying to move the existing park and garage in Kuto to another site would be difficult and would affect our transport operations and the business of the market women.

“What I think the government should do is break down structures to enlarge the Kuto Park and Garage for the construction of the modern terminals and create a small place for us and the market where women do businesses.”
 
Also, a leader of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at anonymity, appealed to the state government to create a small portion of land for the union to operate their transport business instead relocating them to a new site.
 
The source said although the union could not oppose any government policy on transportation system, it urged the government to consider the plight of stakeholders, including members of the union, shops and small business owners at the park and garages would undergo in the course of relocating to the new site.
 
He lamented that the union would lose a number of passengers who board inter-state buses at Panseke Park and Garage, should the government relocate the part, adding that even small business owners would lose their customers and would take time for them to get new ones at the relocated site.
 
“When you look at Panseke Park and Garage, you will see that  the space is not enough for the state government to use for the proposed modern terminal. Even the Shop Complex is not big enough. But you know if the government wants to do something, we can’t stop. We can only beg them as a transport union to give us small space to operate because relocation of the park and garage will be stressful and cause a setback to our transport business. Not only members of the union will be affected, even those who have shops at the complex and those who display their wares around the park and garage,” he added.

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The Federal Government has raised serious concern over the growing link between kidnapping and terrorist financing across the country.

Officials say kidnapping, which many once viewed as a random criminal act, has now grown into a major financial engine for violent groups operating in Nigeria.

This warning was issued on Wednesday in Abuja during a Stakeholders Workshop organised for the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell.

The National Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, explained that kidnapping has now become one of the most reliable revenue channels for criminal and extremist groups.

He stated that ransom payments have empowered these networks to purchase arms, strengthen their logistics, and sustain coordinated attacks across several regions.

According to him, “As we are all aware, Nigeria continues to grapple with a broad spectrum of security challenges driven by terrorism, banditry, separatist violence, and farmer-herder clashes. A common trend across these threats is the pervasive use of kidnapping.”

Maj. Gen. Laka noted that what used to be a crime of opportunity has now transformed into a sophisticated and lucrative enterprise.

He added that this shift has allowed criminal groups to deepen their influence in rural and semi-urban areas, with some gaining enough resources to challenge state authority.

“What was once an opportunistic crime has become a persistent and destabilising enterprise, enabling these groups to procure logistics, perpetuate terror, and, in some cases, exert territorial control,” he said.

Laka explained that concerns over worsening kidnapping cases prompted Nigeria and the United Kingdom to jointly establish the Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell housed at the NCTC.

The centre, inaugurated by the National Security Adviser on 19 December 2024, was created to improve intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and rapid response across security agencies.

He highlighted that since it began operations, the Cell has brought together the Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement units to track syndicates, disrupt planned abductions, and rescue victims.

He said analysts working within the Cell have successfully produced intelligence that led to arrests, dismantling of kidnap networks, and recovery of hostages in multiple states.

To improve its reach, the NCTC also conducted a nationwide expansion programme in July 2025, involving Anti-Kidnap Commanders of the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services from all 36 states and the FCT.

However, despite the recorded gains, Laka stressed that the current security environment requires wider collaboration.

He said the anti-kidnap framework can only be fully effective when supported by media organisations, telecom operators, and social media platforms.

Laka urged participants at the workshop to develop practical solutions that can boost rescues, weaken kidnapping rings, and enhance early-warning systems for communities.

He also emphasised the need for constant synergy with the Fusion Cell to support ongoing operations across the country.

Also speaking, the Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission, Gill Lever, commended the progress recorded by the centre.

She said the UK government is impressed with the impact of the Fusion Cell and remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and kidnapping.

Head of the UK’s National Crime Agency, Chris Gibson, also stressed the need for strong cooperation among all agencies.

He advised Nigerians to continue backing the government’s counter-kidnap initiatives, reminding citizens that “anti-kidnapping is a responsibility of every citizen.”

Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security threats, with criminal groups increasingly relying on ransom payments to sustain their operations.

The government is banking on stronger intelligence fusion, international partnerships, and a multi-layered response system to curb the menace.

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‎Kechi Okwuchi, a survivor of the Sosoliso plane crash, took to social media to mark the 20th anniversary of the tragic incident.

It would be recalled that the Sosoliso plane crash occurred on December 10, 2005, claiming 107 lives out of the 109 passengers on board.

‎Kechi Okwuchi Marks 20th Anniversary Of Plane Crash

‎In a video posted to her X account, (formerly Twitter), Kechi Okwuchi paid tribute to the passengers who passed away from the crash

According to her, she was 16 when the tragic incident happened and earlier hoped the 20‑year anniversary would be marked in Nigeria, which turned out to be a reality.

‎Recalling the crash, she shared that she held her close friend as the plane was about to crash.

According to her, the aftermath of the tragic incident was rough at first, and it took a prolonged period of time to recover from injuries sustained during the crash.

“20 years have passed, and some of my memories are not only painful or negative anymore. I have had a lost of amazing experiences because I was able to have a second chance at life that most people on that place were not able to” She stated.

Recall that Kechi Okwuchi graduated first‑class in Economics from the University of St. Thomas (Houston) in 2015 and later earned an MBA with distinction.

Notably, she gained widespread recognition after auditioning for the 12th edition of America’s Got Talent show.

Watch video below…

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Stories by Agnes Ekebuike

Citing UNESCO’s report on Transforming Learning and Skills Development, which explains that delivering education well is not only a fundamental human right, it is also a critical ingredient of building solid foundations for the future, Microsoft has reiterated the need for quality education for African children.

Explaining how technology can enhance learning, Microsoft narrated how a group of entrepreneurs started Afrilearn International Limited in 2020, after witnessing how young Africans were held back by a lack of access to quality education.

According to Microsoft, their goal was simple, but ambitious: to democratise access to quality education across Africa using a mobile-first solution. 

“The company started with ClassNotes.ng, which quickly became the #1 education platform in Nigeria, empowering students with curriculum-based class notes. By July 2022, Afrilearn had reached 1 million learners across Nigeria and Africa, a major step in delivering quality education to undeserved communities,” Microsoft said in a statement.

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By Chioma Obinna

The Youth Coalition for Education in Nigeria, YOCEN, has honoured the Principal Manager of Marketing and the Head of Hospital and Institutional Business at Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Judith Ngozi Udeh with the 2025 Transformative Leadership Awar: “Amazon of the Societal Development in Nigeria”.
The award, which recognises her outstanding contributions to nation-building, healthcare education, and youth mentorship was presented at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, during the YOCEN Leadership Conference & Impact Award of Commendation.
The Head of Mission and Secretary-General of YOCEN, Engr. Yakubu Nurudeen Yahaya, described the accolade as a celebration of individuals whose dedication to societal development serves as a model for young Nigerians.
“Pharm. Udeh’s advocacy for empathy among healthcare professionals, innovative teaching methods, and community-driven initiatives exemplifies the transformative leadership we seek to inspire. Her work demonstrates how professional excellence can be a powerful vehicle for societal impact,” he said.
The conference also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of Dr. Stanley Jacob, President of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR), on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in vocational education.
The keynote stressed that Nigeria must integrate emerging technologies into the educational system to prepare its youth for a rapidly evolving global workforce. “Every day that passes without meaningful AI and digital literacy integration is a lost opportunity for our youth to compete and innovate,” the keynote noted.
Responding, Udeh expressed deep appreciation to YOCEN for valuing her contributions to education, mentorship, and nation-building. She encouraged the organization and its volunteers to remain steadfast, noting that while every planting season comes with challenges, the harvest justifies the effort.
She emphasized that today’s initiatives in mentorship, education, and technological advocacy will ultimately produce a generation of Nigerians who are globally competitive, innovative, and transformative.
Udeh called on government and policymakers to prioritize the integration of ICT and AI into the national curriculum, stressing that while Nigerian youths are hardworking, the emerging era demands smart work enhanced by digital literacy and AI proficiency.
She pledged to collaborate with YOCEN to amplify this message, advocating for AI not as a threat but as a tool to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience, creativity, and capacity for nation-building.
The award also acknowledges her long-standing work in advancing access to essential medicines, healthcare education, scholarships, community development, and advocacy for sustainable national development. YOCEN described her achievements as a benchmark for leadership that bridges professional excellence with social responsibility.
The conference brought together educators, youth leaders, industry professionals, and policymakers, highlighting the collective mission of fostering quality education, technological literacy, and youth empowerment across Nigeria. Pharm. Udeh’s recognition underscores the enduring impact of leadership that inspires, equips, and transforms the next generation to build a smarter, more prosperous Nigeria.

The post From medicines to mentorship: Pharm. Udeh bags YOCEN 2025 Transformative Leadership Award appeared first on Vanguard News.

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The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF) has commended the wife of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oluremi Tinubu, on her various Renewed Hope Agenda projects across the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

This was contained in a statement signed by the National President, Arewa Youth Forum, Ahmed Mohammed Zagi, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.

“The AYF, a non-partisan youth organisation dedicated to promoting the socio-economic development of Northern Nigeria, has been closely following the activities of Her Excellency and is extremely impressed by her commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups.

“It is on record that Her Excellency’s Renewed Hope Agenda has initiated several remarkable projects, including, empowerment of women and girls. Through various initiatives, Her Excellency has demonstrated her commitment to empowering women and girls, promoting their education, and providing them with economic opportunities.

“For example, her organisation has established vocational training centres for women in Kano and Kaduna states, where they can acquire skills in areas such as tailoring, catering, and hairdressing.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda has also focused on youth development, providing training, mentorship, and economic opportunities for young people across the country.

“For instance, her organisation has launched a youth entrepreneurship program in Lagos and Abuja, which provides young people with seed funding and mentorship to start their own businesses.

“Healthcare and social welfare: Her Excellency’s initiatives have also addressed healthcare and social welfare issues, providing support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly, people living with disabilities, and orphans.

“For example, her organisation has established a free medical outreach program in Borno and Yobe states, which provides medical care to people affected by the insurgency,” the statement said.

The AYF added that it is particularly impressed by Her Excellency’s focus on Northern Nigeria, where her initiatives have made a significant impact.

“Her commitment to empowering women and youth in the region is commendable, and her efforts to address healthcare and social welfare issues are laudable.

“For example, her organisation has established a program to provide education and economic opportunities to out-of-school girls in Northern Nigeria, which has already benefited over 1,000 girls in the region,” it printed out.

The AYF therefore, commended Her Excellency for her tireless efforts to promote the socio-economic development of Nigeria, particularly Northern Nigeria, while using the opportunity to congratulate her for the several Honours bestowed on her recently.

“We appreciate her commitment to empowering women, youth, and vulnerable groups, and we believe that her initiatives will have a lasting impact on the lives of many Nigerians.

“The AYF is willing to support and collaborate with Her Excellency on her Renewed Hope Agenda projects, particularly in Northern Nigeria. We believe that our shared goals and objectives will enable us to make a more significant impact in the lives of young people and vulnerable groups in the region,” it assured.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

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…As Construction gulps N49. 7b

The Ekiti Cargo airport, on Wednesday, December 10, begins commercial flights, New Telegraph reports.

This comes as the maiden commercial flight anchored by the United Nigeria Airlines’ UN 0622, landed at Ado-Ekiti from Abuja at exactly 11:00 a.m.

The flight was received by the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, former governor Segun Oni, members of the State Executive Council and other dignitaries.

The aircraft’s passenger list included prominent Ekiti leaders, such as the Permanent Secretary of the Aviation Ministry, Yakub Adam, former Governors Adeniyi Adebayo, Ayodele Fayose and Kayode Fayemi, as well as the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.

A second flight, UN 0623, departed for Lagos at 12:13 p.m., marking the full commencement of scheduled services.

In his remarks, Gov Biodun Oyebanji disclosed that the state had invested N49.7 billion in the construction and development of the cargo airport, describing it “as one of Ekiti’s most significant infrastructure undertakings.”

He noted that “between May 2019 and October 2022, under then, Gov Kayode Fayemi, about N14 billion was spent on compensation, site preparation, runway construction, terminal building, access roads, perimeter fencing and other foundational works.”

Gov Oyebanji emphasised that” the success of the project was made possible by the collective efforts of past leaders” who, he said, “shared a genuine commitment to the progress of Ekiti State.” He also acknowledged the role of Afe Babalola, whose financial contributions helped accelerate the airport’s completion and readiness for full operations.

The governor expressed confidence that the new airport would position the state as a key player in agro-logistics, aviation and regional commerce, opening up vast opportunities for investment and development across Ekiti and beyond.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, also described the Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport as “a shining symbol of Nigeria’s aviation development,” noting that “its take-off into commercial operations marks a new chapter for the industry.”

Keyamo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Yakubu Adam, said the commencement of flights at the facility is a historic milestone for Ekiti and the nation at large.

He added that the airport reflects “the beauty and promise of Ekiti,” as well as the Federal Government’s renewed hope agenda under President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, “the project demonstrates the administration’s commitment to job creation and sustainable economic growth, especially for states seeking to diversify their economies through aviation and agro-logistics.”

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who led the federal delegation of lawmakers from the state to the event, lauded Gov Oyebanji for uniting past governors toward the common goal of Ekiti’s development, adding that “the airport would catalyse new opportunities across the state and strengthen its economic prospects.”

Founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola, also commended Oyebanji for his perseverance in ensuring the airport’s operational readiness.

Babalola, who was represented by the ABUAD Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, reaffirmed his commitment to the state and advocated for “the establishment of a railway line from Osogbo to Ado-Ekiti and onward to Onitsha to enhance safer and more affordable transportation of goods and passengers.”

Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, appreciated the state government for creating a conducive environment for airlines to operate.

He assured residents of “the airline’s unwavering commitment to safety” and announced that “more routes would soon be added to broaden connectivity.”

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