Akintunde Sawyerr Scheme disburses N156m to 1,264 students in two varsities The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has dismissed allegations of misappropriation of funds in the agency, saying there is no evidence to support such claims. In an interview with ARISE NEWS yesterday, Sawyerr said NELFUND required capital to provide loans to students and linked the establishment of the scheme to the Federal Government’s decision to redirect funds towards welfare programmes. “There is no evidence of financial misappropriation by NELFUND. The reality is that for people…
Read MoreGGAA defends Adedeji’s inclusion in Presidential campaign team, says opposition signalling defeat
Photo Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) By Beatrice Abiodun The Good Governance Agenda in Africa (GGAA) has described the opposition’s sustained criticism of Zacch Adedeji’s inclusion in the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council as a misplaced priority that reveals early signs of electoral weakness. The group noted that the appointment of the Nigeria Revenue Service Chairman as Deputy Director of Fundraising reflects a rational use of proven administrative expertise rather than any breach of public service ethics. In a statement signed by its convener Dr. Randy Atu on…
Read MoreRetailers pleads with Tinubu, NAFDAC to stop sachet alcohol ban enforcement
Protesters By Mandy Park For many petty traders in Lagos, the ban on sachet and small-sized plastic-bottled alcoholic beverages has become more than a regulatory policy – it has become a threat to their livelihoods and ability to feed their families. Members of the Lagos State chapter of Concerned Drink Sellers and Traders Across Nigeria are appealing to the Federal Government and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to suspend the enforcement of the ban on alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets and plastic bottles below 200ml. The traders,…
Read MoreECOWAS president, Diop, seeks tolerance, respect among member states
General Birame Diop By Mandy Park The new President, Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission), General Birame Diop, has called for respect and tolerance among members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as he takes over leadership from Dr Aliou Omar Toure. Speaking yesterday at the official handover ceremony in Abuja, Diop emphasised that for the commission to be effectively positioned, leaders must bear a responsibility that is tolerant and patient considering the distinct cultural backgrounds of members. He also decried that the…
Read MoreHURIWA commends DSS boss Ajayi over professionalism, intelligence-led reforms
MENU HURIWA By Mandy Park Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for what it describes as an encouraging shift towards more professional, accountable and human rights-compliant intelligence operations. In a statement in Abuja, HURIWA welcomed “the reported review of old DSS watchlists, including restrictions dating back decades, noting that outdated intelligence records should not continue to unjustifiably affect the liberty, dignity and freedom of movement of citizens.” In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Comrade…
Read MoreGunmen kill One, abduct APC Chairman in Kano attack
By :Mandy Park Fresh deadly banditory attack in Kano have disrupted communal activities in Rogo local government area of the state, leaving one Alumajir Killed. The suspected kidnappers also abducted Alh. Abdullahi Beli, Chairman of All Progressives Congress APC in Rogo local government area during the attack Monday evening. Eyewitness revealed that the APC Chairman was abducted in his house during an overnight invasion at his Beli village near Zarewa town. The onslaught of the criminals which triggered pandemonium in the village led to sporadic shooting and killing of a…
Read MoreGovernor Otu’s Northern Tour: Deepening Cultural Heritage and Tourism Across Cross River
Photo: Governor Otu By Nate Otaba As Governor Bassey Edet Otu rounds off his three days working visit to the Northern Senatorial District of Cross River State, it is important to highlight one of the significant themes of the tour: the renewed commitment of his administration to the promotion of culture, tourism and the preservation of the state’s rich cultural heritage. Under Governor Otu’s leadership, the Carnival Calabar has continued to expand, with the introduction of the Central Senatorial Carnival and Northern Senatorial Carnival, making the iconic festival more inclusive,…
Read MoreYou Are Doing Well, Don’t Be Distracted’ – FUOYE VC Told
By Sunday Saanu Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Joshua Olalekan Ogunwole has been commended for his leadership styles, with a charge to keep up the good work and refuse to be distracted by various spurious petitions and allegations designed to confuse him by those who hate progress. A prominent Nigerian businessman and the founder of Yem-Kem International, Dr. Akintunde Isola Ayeni gave this charge while hosting FUOYE Management team in his office at Oye-Ekiti. Dr. Ayeni, a distinguished indigene of Oye-Ekiti and a prominent stakeholder in the community…
Read MoreNigeria Has All It Needs to Prosper, Requires Competent Leadership — Obi
Photo: Mr Peter Obi By Mandy Park Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required to become a prosperous nation, but requires competent, honest and purposeful leadership to harness its enormous potential. Obi made the assertion while participating as a guest and panellist alongside other presidential candidates and representatives at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The 2026 NBA conference, themed “Beyond Limits,” was held from August 21…
Read MoreFUOYE Staff Jubilate as Ogunwole Pays Outstanding Salary Arrears
Photo: Prof Ogunwole By Toye Fisher There was jubilation at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State, as members of staff who had been owed several months of salary arrears received alerts confirming the payment of their outstanding entitlements. The affected workers, who were employed by the university between 2019 and 2021, were reportedly owed between four and 18 months’ salaries, leaving many of them in prolonged financial uncertainty. The payment, which has brought considerable relief to the beneficiaries, was attributed to the intervention of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joshua Ogunwole,…
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