NIGERIA NEWS
Nobody Is Thinking of Leaving Nigeria — Elder Statesman Tanko Yakasai — Akelicious
Elder statesman Tanko Yakasai says Nigerians across all regions remain strongly committed to the unity of the country, insisting that no group is currently considering secession.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Yakasai said the idea of breaking up Nigeria has long been abandoned by those who once championed it.
He noted that while opinions may differ on national issues, there is a shared resolve to maintain Nigeria as one indivisible nation. According to him, the country has moved past the era when separatist agitations threatened its stability.
“Some will think this way and others will think otherwise,” he said. “But by and large, what I’m happy about is that all the people in Nigeria today are committed to Nigeria as a single country. There’s no part of Nigeria or section of the Nigerian people who are now thinking of dividing the country or breaking away.”
Yakasai added that groups which once attempted to leave have since reconsidered and embraced unity. “An attempt was made. Those who made the attempt later realized it was a f++lish idea and they already gave it up. They reconciled themselves with the reality of the situation,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerians now coexist peacefully, regardless of past divisions. “Since then we’ve been living together, both those who wanted Nigeria to remain one and those who wanted to leave Nigeria, as brothers and sisters. Nobody is thinking of leaving Nigeria.”
His remarks come amid ongoing national debates on restructuring, governance, and inclusion, but Yakasai maintained that these issues have not shaken Nigerians’ commitment to the country’s unity.
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NIGERIA NEWS
Periwinkle Empire partners DEL Energy to provide uninterrupted power services to residents
Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate in Lekki Phase 1 has entered a new era of uninterrupted luxury living following the inauguration of a cutting-edge power system delivered through a groundbreaking partnership between Periwinkle Empire and Decentralised Energy Limited (DEL).
The collaboration, launched amid excitement from residents and stakeholders, represents a major push to redefine comfort, security, and sustainability in one of Lagos’ most coveted residential communities.
Tunde Olatunji, Managing Director of Periwinkle Condos Limited, a subsidiary of Periwinkle Empire announced the project during the unveiling ceremony, held within the estate which also brought together senior officials of both organisations as well as leaders of the Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate Residents’ Association.
Their presence showed the importance of the project, which replaces dependency on diesel generators and the unstable national grid with a fully embedded, gas-powered electricity system designed to run around the clock.
Periwinkle Empire described the development as a transformative investment in the estate’s lifestyle and long-term sustainability.
Dr Chiedu A. Nweke, Chairman and CEO of Periwinkle Empire, said the partnership with DEL brings a longstanding promise to life. “Our promise has always been to deliver not just homes, but a perfected lifestyle. Our residents’ comfort and security are non-negotiable,” he said.
“This partnership with Del Energy moves us from promise to tangible, 24/7 reality. It is the critical first pillar in our plan to make Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate the smartest and most sustainable community in Lagos.”
DEL’s engineering solution revolves around gas-fired power plants built directly into the estate’s infrastructure.
The system is configured to deliver uninterrupted electricity and significantly reduce reliance on diesel, cutting both operational costs and emissions.
A representative of the energy firm said they designed the system to integrate seamlessly into daily life.
“We are proud to bring our technical expertise to such a forward-thinking development. Our system is built for resilience, ensuring residents experience luxury without interruption,” the representative said.
“We are here to power their lives, quietly and reliably, every minute of every day.”
According to the company, the gas-powered system not only assures stable electricity but also helps clients keep energy expenses low while meeting sustainability goals.
DEL said this shift from diesel to cleaner gas-fired power marks a major advancement in responsible energy use for residential estates.
Residents have also expressed confidence in the new infrastructure. A representative of the Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate Residents’ Association noted that the system would significantly elevate everyday living.
“We are confident that this new uninterrupted power supply system will enhance the living experience at Periwinkle Lifestyle Estate, and we welcome this new era of reliability and peace of mind,” the representative said.
Beyond comfort, the partnership aims to strengthen the estate’s advanced security architecture.
With guaranteed electricity, systems such as perimeter lighting, CCTV surveillance, smart gates, and emergency response infrastructure are expected to operate at optimal levels around the clock.
Periwinkle Empire said the initiative aligns with its broader plan to deploy innovative technologies, improve estate-wide efficiency, and cultivate a smart, sustainable community.
The organisation said the project is the first in a series of comprehensive upgrades designed to position the estate as the model for luxury living in Lagos.
Periwinkle Empire is widely known for developing lifestyle-focused communities that combine architectural sophistication with modern residential needs.
DEL Energy, on its part, is a leading provider of integrated and sustainable power systems for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.
NIGERIA NEWS
We Set A Trap To Catch A Frog, But Caught An Elephant
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has welcomed the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking in the State while inaugurating the Igwuruta-Airport Road, constructed by Fubara, Keyamo stated that the ruling party set a trap to catch a frog but caught an elephant instead.
The minister hailed President Bola Tinubu’s strategic leadership that had made the APC attractive to the South-South.
While welcoming the governor to the party, he described it as a big family and the largest in Africa.
Keyamo stated that he was present to witness the presentation of the APC membership card to the governor.
He said, “I won’t conclude without warmly welcoming the latest catch in APC. We set a trap to catch a frog, but we caught an elephant in the person of Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
“As a true son of the South-south, may I say that we want to thank Mr President. I cannot leave here without thanking Mr President for all he has done for the people of Rivers State and the people of South-south.
“It has never been this good for the South-south. We started from zero in 2015, now we are six over six in the South-south for the ruling party. Traditionally, Rivers State has never been in opposition, so what we have from 2015 to this time was even an aberration.
“From time to time, Rivers State has always aligned with the centre for the progress and good of the people of Rivers State. I want to thank Mr President for the bold reforms he has made that have attracted many people to the ruling party.”
Keyamo said with the flag off and inauguration of roads, Governor Fubara had solved one of the biggest headaches in the aviation industry.
He said, “It has always been first our headache that the road leading to the Port Harcourt Airport once branch off the highway, that road has been in a deplorable condition and we had always wanted to give that road a facelift so that those who arrived Port Harcourt which is one of our oldest International Airports will have a good view of the city and a good impression when they are driving into the city.
“But it looks like Rivers State has more money than us. We have been pleading with the governor to help us pave the road. When we leave here, the world will see that you have done it for us. That is the first problem you solved for us.”
© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]
NIGERIA NEWS
Court delivers judgement in Abba Kyari, brothers’ non-declaration of assets trial
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Friday, fixed 26 February 2026 for judgement in the non-declaration of assets case filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) against Abba Kyari, a suspended deputy commissioner of police.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NDLEA is prosecuting Mr Kyari, a former head of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT), alongside his two younger brothers – Mohammed Kyari and Ali Kyari.
Mr Kyari also faces cocaine dealing trial alongside some police officers in a separate ongoing proceeding before another judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Trial judge James Omotosho fixed the date for judgement in the non-declaration of assets after counsel for the parties presented their final arguments in the case.
NDLEA, the prosecuting agency, was represented by Sunday Joseph; Mr Kyari was represented by Onyechi Ikpeazu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and the two other Kyari brothers by Monjok Agom.
Undeclared assets charges
In the 23 counts filed against the defendants, NDLEA, the anti-narcotics agency alleged that Mr Kyari and his two younger brothers failed to make full disclosure of their assets.
It said it uncovered 14 assets, including shopping malls, residential estate, polo playground, lands and farmland belonging to Mr Kyari.
NDLEA also accused the police officer of failing to disclose his ownership of the property in different locations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The NDLEA alleged that over N207 million and Є17, 598 were also discovered in Mr Kyari’s various accounts in Guarantee Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Sterling Bank.
The defendants, the prosecution alleged, disguised Mr Kyari’s “ownership of properties and conversion of monies.”
The NDLEA said the offences are punishable under Section 35 (3) (a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, and Section 15 (3) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
The NDLEA called 10 witnesses to prove it’s case and tendered at least 20 exhibits.
Mr Kyari, however, chose to make a no-case submission after the prosecution closed its case. He argued, through his lawyer, that the prosecution failed to provide evidence showing indeed that he was the owner of the said property.
But the trial judge, Mr Omotosho, on 28 October, dismissed the no-case submission and ruled that the defendants had a case to answer.
He ruled that the prosecution was able to establish a prima facie case against the defendants, hence, the need for them to open their defence to clarify some of the issues.
Defence
Mr Kyari subsequently opened his defence on 4 November, insisting that he declared his assets and that of his wife in line with the law.
Besides, he denied ownership of some of the assets linked to him by the NDLEA.
He clarified that some of the property listed by the prosecution belonged to his late father, who had about 30 children.
He also refuted the allegations that he owned the polo playground in Borno State, saying he was surprised that the large expanse of land would be linked to him.
NAN reports that Mr Kyari, on 26 November, closed his defence after he concluded his evidence led by his lawyer and was cross-examined by the prosecution.
However Mr Kyari’s two brothers (Mohammed and Ali), through their lawyer, Monjok Agom, told the court that they would not be calling any witness.
The defendants opted to rest their case on the prosecution’s case.
Cocaine trial ongoing
NAN reports that the case is different from the cocaine dealing trial he is undergoing alongside some police officers before another Federal High Court judge Emeka Nwite in Abuja.
However, both cases were instituted by the NDLEA in 2022.
The assets declaration case is an offshoot of the NDLEA’s investigation into the cocaine dealing involving Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were arrested at Enugu airport.
NDLEA alleged that the police officers tampered with seized narcotics and attempted to bribe its officials to cover up the deal. The case is before Judge Nwite.
While investigating the trafficking case, the NDLEA said it uncovered several assets and funds allegedly linked to Mr Kyari and his associates that were not declared in his official records.
In April this year, Judge Nwite dismissed the no-case submission filed by Mr Kyari and his co-defendants in the main drug-trafficking case and ordered them to open their defence.
The court already, in June 2022, convicted and sentenced two of their co-defendants who pleaded guilty to the drugs charges.
(NAN)
NIGERIA NEWS
US-based lady Rethinks Following Joshua Selman’s Prayers, Criticises Preacher: “Deficient Character”
- A US-based lady has gone viral online after sharing her hot take about popular Nigerian apostle, Joshua Selman
- In a tweet shared via her official account, she criticised the apostle and mentioned why she believes he is not fit to lead
- Her post is coming amid the trending speculations regarding the preacher and a female member of his church, Sandra Areh
A lady based in the United States has voiced out a strong reservation about the reputation of well-known Nigerian preacher, Apostle Joshua Selman.
Her reaction surfaced as comments continued to heighten around the minister’s relationship with a female member of his congregation.
US-based lady criticises Apostle Joshua Selman.
Photo credit: Boyzie95/X.
Source: Twitter
Lady strongly reconsiders following Joshua Selman
In a post shared via her official X account, the lady identified as @boyzie95 expressed deep concern about the speculations she heard about the apostle.
She noted that the rumours had forced her to reevaluate her perception of the preacher and his prayers.

Read also
“Attached to single pastor?” Lady challenges Apostle Selman to prove he is not dating Sandra Areh
According to her, if the claims about the apostle’s long period of ‘stringing’ a lady were true, it reflected negatively on his sense of responsibility.
She believed that a spiritual leader ought to demonstrate clarity and integrity in personal dealings, especially when such interactions were visible to members of the public who looked to them for guidance.
She also implied that such behaviour, in her view, undermined the qualities expected from someone entrusted with ministerial authority.
In her words:
“This alone makes me strongly reconsider even following along to Joshua Selmans prayers tbh. If he has been stringing this woman along for years then he is terribly deficient in character and not fit to lead the body.”
US-based lady expresses her opinion about Apostle Joshua Selman and a certain woman.
Photo credit: Joshua Selman.
Source: Twitter
Reactions as lady criticises Apostle Joshua Selman
Nigerians had different things to say about the situation.
Eben said:
“Exactly what I was telling his members here online giving the “Did he tell you he’s dating” gimmick. How long does he plan to string her along. we obviously see that this is not a random relationship. Aren’t they the ones calling her, Selwoman? Why are they all cruel to her.”
Read also
“I’m so concerned”: Nigerian man speaks on Lady Sandra’s marital future and Apostle Selman
Jenist said:
“If he wasn’t valuable, she’d have moved on a long time ago. We all know what we are doing.”
Lagos Convo said:
“I’m sorry I’m late to the party, you mean this is the same girl? All these years? If she is the one, then this is not right o. Let’s call a spade a spade. Courting for these years? But this is not what they teach. Hmmm.”
Brizzy added:
“Wait o! What if these two were already married secretly and don’t want the public to know? Just what if? Cos there’s no where they say tht your marriage or wedding must be public or you just let everyone know. Just what if?”
See the post below:
Lady wishes to marry Joshua Selman
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lady who once wished to marry a popular cleric begged God for forgiveness.
She shared on social media about Apostle Joshua Selman and what she saw that changed her mind.
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
“Prove you’re not dating Sandra Areh”
A Nigerian lady has publicly challenged Apostle Joshua Selman to clear the air on rumours linking him to Sandra Areh.
Her comments followed the viral buzz generated by a recent video of the cleric attending Sandra’s birthday celebration.
Lady Questions Selman Over Relationship Rumours
The lady, identified as Adepoju Blessing Ayomide, took to her Facebook page to address the long-standing speculation around Apostle Selman and Sandra Areh.
She said the pastor owes the public clarity on whether he is romantically involved with her or not.
Viral Video Sparks New Conversations
The video of the Apostle joining Sandra to mark her birthday drew widespread attention, with many social media users reading meaning into their closeness.
Ayomide said the reactions were expected, considering that neither of them had spoken directly about the rumours that have trailed them for years.
“Speak Out Publicly”- Lady Tells Selman
In her post, Ayomide insisted that Selman should openly deny the relationship if nothing romantic exists between them. According to her, silence is what fuels the public assumption.
She wrote: “If Apostle Selman is not in a relationship with that Sandra lady, I think the honourable thing to do is to say it publicly so that other suitors can freely approach her. It is also possible the lady is enjoying the false ‘Selwoman’ tag.”
Claims Of A “15-Year Attachment”
Ayomide argued that the long stretch of silence over “15 years” has created a belief that the two might be more than friends.
She said the public has a right to know the truth so that Sandra can freely move on with her life if there is no relationship.
“Because how can you be attached to a single pastor for over 15 years, giving people the illusion that you’re both in a relationship, yet the pastor has refused to take the next step, and you still couldn’t detach yourself? Wo, make nobody come and disturb us later when the pastor finally introduces the official Selwoman,” she added.
See below;

NIGERIA NEWS
Google.org supports CyberSafe Foundation In 3-year Cybersecurity Resilience Project tagged Resilio Africa
- CyberSafeFoundation, with support from Google.org is launching Resilio Africa, a three-year project to strengthen cybersecurity resilience for 200 critical community institutions across Sub-Saharan Africa
- The initiative will provide free technical tools assessments, threat intelligence and training to protect over two million people and secure more than 15 million public records in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa
- Resilio Africa aims to close the cybersecurity gap by offering 10,000 hours of pro bono consulting customized playbooks, and capacity-building programs for executives IT teams and staff
The program will strengthen 200 Critical Community Institutions, protect over 2 million people, and secure more than 15 million public records across Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
CyberSafe Foundation, with funding support from Google.org will launch Resilio Africa, a 3-year cybersecurity resilience project that aims at reducing the growing risks of cyberattack in institutions and communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project will strengthen the cyber resilience of 200 Critical Community Institutions (CCIs) in the region through provision of free technical tools, assessments, threat intelligence and incident response frameworks.

With this intervention, Resilio Africa aims to protect over 2 million people and secure more than 15 million public records in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, marking one of the most ambitious community-building efforts in Africa’s cybersecurity ecosystem.
“At Google.org, we believe that access to secure digital systems is a cornerstone of inclusive growth,” said Haviva Kohl, Senior Program Manager, Google.org. “Our support for CyberSafe Foundation’s CCI cybersecurity efforts reflect our shared commitment to empowering communities and protecting the institutions that serve them. Resilio Africa will help ensure that essential community organizations can operate safely and confidently in an increasingly digital world.”
Identifying the challenges across sub-Saharan Africa, a brief by CyberSafe Foundation noted that critical community infrastructure in the region is increasingly targeted by cyberattacks, with inadequate resources available to tackle them.

“These institutions collect, process, and store vast amounts of sensitive personal data, yet most lack the corresponding cybersecurity maturity. Many operate on outdated systems, with limited cybersecurity capacity, low awareness of digital threats, and zero security budgets. According to INTERPOL, Africa experienced a 23% increase in ransomware attacks in 2023, with public and nonprofit institutions among the most impacted.”
Further citing data from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)’s Global Cybersecurity Index, the statement said that more than 60% of African countries fall into the “low commitment” category regarding national cybersecurity readiness. This contributes to limited institutional cybersecurity capacity, low awareness of digital threats, and little to no dedicated security budgets.
“As services become more digitized, this creates a dangerous gap that cybercriminals are actively exploiting through ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and DDoS disruptions, compromising public services, exposing sensitive data, and eroding public trust,” it said.
“In Kenya alone, over 114 CCI-targeted cyberattacks were recorded in the first eight months of 2024, followed by a 201% increase in cyber incidents by Q1 2025. In Nigeria, key government and healthcare systems still operate over unencrypted communication protocols. Institutions in Ghana and South Africa face similar threats but often lack the capacity to respond effectively. This widespread vulnerability exposes millions of citizens to both digital and physical harm.
Despite emerging national strategies, policy formulations and growing political will in the region, most CCIs are under-resourced and under-protected. Without immediate, scalable, and context-specific interventions, the region risks a surge in cyber incidents that could significantly disrupt essential community services.
Resilio Africa will strengthen cyber resilience of 200 CCIs through technical tools, assessments, customized playbooks and incident response frameworks; provide over 10,000 hours of pro bono cyber consulting to support CCI teams, build human capacity by delivering tiered training for executives, IT teams, and general staff with over 4500 employees and decision-makers trained; protect over two million people; and secure more than 15 million public records in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.
“Africa’s digital transformation cannot succeed if our communities remain vulnerable,” said Confidence Staveley, Founder and Executive Director of CyberSafe Foundation. “With Google.org’s support, we are scaling a proven model of capacity-building that will help critical institutions become resilient, safeguard the people they serve, and preserve trust in digital public systems.”
Application to the initiative is open and CCIs eligible to participate are to complete an online interest form guided by instructions on the website, www.resilio.cybersafefoundation.org.
About Google.org
Google.org is the philanthropic arm of Google, founded in October 2005, which uses a combination of funding, innovation, and technical expertise to support underserved communities and help solve humanity’s biggest challenges.
Google.org’s general strategy involves funding the use of technology, data, and user centered design to drive significant social impact. The organization operates with an engineering mindset, applying a data-driven, innovative approach to global problems. It provides grants and access to Google’s products and platforms to accelerate the work of nonprofit partners.
About CyberSafe Foundation
CyberSafe Foundation is a leading purpose-driven organization working to democratize cybersecurity and AI education by empowering underserved communities with transformative cybersecurity and AI skills and fuelling local innovation.
Through hands-on training, strategic partnerships, and community engagement, we are building a safer, more equitable future, ensuring that no one is left behind in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Since 2019, its’ programs such as the CyberGirls Fellowship, SDCDC-19, have reached over 30 million people, trained 70,0000+ individuals and supported 4,000+ SMEs to strengthen their cybersecurity posture
Contact: CyberSafe Foundation: connect@cybersafefoundation.org
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NIGERIA NEWS
Supreme Court reaffirms Maryam Sanda’s death sentence
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed the death sentence against Maryam Sanda, daughter-in-law of a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, for culpable homicide.
In a 4-1 split decision, a five-member panel of justices upheld the earlier ruling ordering her execution by hanging.
The apex court dismissed her appeal, ruling that her arguments to overturn the conviction lacked merit.
Apex Court Confirms Guilt
Justice Moore Adumein, delivering the lead judgment, stated that the prosecution had proven Maryam Sanda’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court also ruled that the Court of Appeal’s earlier decision, which upheld the trial court’s sentence, was correct and unassailable.
The Supreme Court further emphasised that it was inappropriate for President Bola Tinubu, as head of the executive, to exercise his pardon powers on a culpable homicide case while an appeal was pending.
Background of the Case
Maryam Sanda was sentenced to death by an Abuja High Court on January 27, 2020, for stabbing her husband, Bilyamin Bello, to death at their Abuja residence in 2017. She spent nearly seven years at Suleja Prison.
Despite the death sentence reaffirmation, President Tinubu exercised executive clemency to reduce her sentence to 12 years.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), explained the pardon was granted on “compassionate grounds and in the best interest of the children.”
Fagbemi also noted that Sanda’s “good conduct, remorsefulness, and reformed lifestyle” contributed to her clemency.
NIGERIA NEWS
Bayelsa Govt Announces Dep Gov Ewhrujakpo’s Death, Declares 3-Day Mourning – THISDAYLIVE
- Flags to be flown at half mast
- Ewhrujakpo chose loyalty, steadfastness over personal gain, says Dickson
Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Government has announced with deep regret and profound shock the sudden passing of the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,
The Deputy Governor died on Thursday at 60 after he slumped and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Yenagoa, the state capital.
He was said to have slumped at around 1:30pm on Wednesday in his office, prompting an emergency response.
Eyewitnesses described him as being in a serious condition when he was taken to the hospital’s emergency unit.
There were initial reports that he was stabilised at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Though no official statement was released regarding the cause of his health issue, sources said it may be related to a cardiac emergency.
As the tension caused by the sad occurrence continue to attract sympathizers to the hospital, security operatives cordoned off the hospital.
Confirming the demise of the man popularly referred to as the ‘workaholic deputy governor’ the Commissioner of Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the deputy governor was active and carried out official duties earlier in the day.
She said, “He collapsed while proceeding to a scheduled meeting within his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was later confirmed dead.
“His demise is not just painful, it is a great loss to the government, people of Bayelsa State and the nation. Senator Ewhrudjakpo was an accomplished public servant who served the State with distinction as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District and Deputy Governor since 2020.
“Governor Douye Diri, on behalf of the Government and people of Bayelsa State, expresses heartfelt condolences to his wife, Barr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Ewhrudjakpo, their children, the Ewhrudjakpo family, Ofoni Federated Community, , Senator Henry Seriake Dickson and all citizens of the State.”
She announced that the State Governor, has declared a State Mourning for 3 working days in honour of the late Deputy Governor beginning from today, Friday, December 12, 2025, while all flags are to fly at half-mast.
The Governor further prays for God’s comfort and strength for the family and the entire State.
A statement by former Governor and senator representing the Bayelsa West constituency, Sen. Seriake Dickson, said
December 11, will remain one of his saddest days.
He said, “I have been saddened and heartbroken since his death was confirmed. We have lost a most selfless, dedicated, honest and loyal public servant and politician. I have personally lost a dependable, loyal and principled mentee who was committed to the causes we pursue in public service — service to God and humanity, and to ourselves the least.
“Dr. Ewhrudjakpor was clearly the best among my political mentees. A rare combination of competence, intellect, loyalty and selflessness.
“He proved himself, especially at difficult times, as a politician of principle and conviction I had mentored him to be over the years. He exemplified the act of living a simple life with profound impact. Ewhrudjakpor was irreplaceable — formidable in intellect and learned, emotionally stable, mature and principled.
“Since our paths crossed in the ’90s, I took him under my wings when he was a union activist and I, a legal practitioner. He drew inspiration from our interactions to pursue further education and was inspired to study Law after his first degree — which he took all the way to a Doctorate, even as a very busy man. When I became Attorney General, he was my P.A. When I was elected to the House of Representatives, he was my Senior Legislative Aide. When I became Governor, he served as Commissioner for Works for almost eight years, dedicating all his time and energy to executing landmark infrastructural achievements across the state, even during the crippling recession.
He was steadfast, even to the point of almost losing his office. When he was made, unfortunately, to choose between his office and his loyalty, respect and gratitude to me, he chose the latter, and went through a lot for the principled choices he made during the almost six years he served dutifully without complaining.
“There is no one who did not feel the impact of his service—the open-door policy and life of service, exactly as I taught them, and without betrayal to me or anyone. He listened to wise counsel and advice, which I was always available to give.
“No one is more affected by this sudden loss than I am, apart from his immediate family. It will be difficult to fill the void he has left in my heart, in the hearts of Bayelsans, of Nigerians, and of all humanity that encountered him. He followed strictly the creed I teach all my mentees: service to man is service to God, with to ourselves the least.
“While we are devastated by this sudden and untimely loss, we must remain proud of his record of honest, dedicated, selfless, loyal and principled service to God and humanity to the very end. He will be sorely missed. In fact, I do not believe I can find any replacement for Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor.”
He further stated that the family will announce, in consultation with the government, the funeral arrangements.
NIGERIA NEWS
Naira appreciates to N1,477/$ in parallel market
By Elizabeth Adegbesan
The Naira today appreciated to N1,477 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,480 per dollar on Thursday.
But the naira depreciated to N1,455.5 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).
Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the exchange rate for the naira rose slightly to N1,455.5 per dollar from N1,455.25 per dollar the previous day, indicating 25 kobo. depreciation for the naira.
As a result, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N21.5 per dollar from N24.75 per dollar on Thursday.
Vanguard News
The post Naira appreciates to N1,477/$ in parallel market appeared first on Vanguard News.
NIGERIA NEWS
MAAUN congratulates Prof Bayero on appointment as Northwest varsity’s first female VC – Tribune Online
The MAAUN Group of Universities has congratulated Prof. Amina Salihi Bayero on her appointment as the first female Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Kano.
Her appointment was approved by the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, following the recommendation of the University’s Governing Council after what was described as a rigorous and transparent selection process.
The message of felicitation was conveyed in a statement personally signed by the Founder of the MAAUN Group, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo, and released to journalists on Thursday in Kano.
Prof. Gwarzo, who also serves as President of the Association of Africa Private Universities (AAPU), described Prof. Bayero’s emergence as “well-deserved,” citing her impressive academic credentials and vast experience.
“As a distinguished scholar of Analytical Chemistry and the first female PhD holder in Chemistry from Bayero University, Kano, I have no doubt that Prof. Salihi Bayero will deliver on her mandate,” he said.
He expressed confidence that her extensive service in various academic and administrative roles would enable her to drive meaningful transformation and growth at Northwest University.
Prof. Gwarzo also commended the university’s Governing Council for recognizing her achievements and Governor Yusuf for approving the historic appointment.
He prayed for God’s guidance and wisdom for the new Vice Chancellor as she assumes leadership of the institution.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
