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CJN, EMINENT NIGERIANS GATHER AS BURIAL RITES OF JUSTICE GALUMJE’S WIFE, ZEPORAH, BEGIN IN ABUJA  ..We promised each other till death do us part, husband

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  By Ebinum Samuel   The Chief Justice of the Federation, Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun led eminent Nigerians to the service of songs for late Mrs. Zeporah Galmuje, wife of Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Police Service Commission. The ceremony held yesterday, Saturday, 14th June, 2025 at the Christian Reformed Church, Nigeria in Apo, Abuja.   Justice Kekere-Ekun was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, Prince Akin and several Justices of the Supreme Court, including, Justice Festus Ogbunyia, Helen Ogunwumiju and Stephen Jonah Adah.   The Police Service Commission delegation to the Service of Songs was led by Justice Christy Lara Dabup rtd, Honourable Commissioner and Colleague of Justice Galumje in the Commission.   Giving his testimony at the Service, Justice Galumje told the fully packed church audience that he wedded his late wife on the 30th of July 1977 and that they promised themselves that only death can separate them. He thanked God that they were able to keep to the covenant and only separated on the 4th of June this year when she was called to higher glory.   Justice Galumje said he tested his wife severally to see if he will incure her anger, but noted that each time she kept quiet, adding that her story to all women is to keep quiet whenever “your husband is angry”. We lived a peaceful life, he noted.   The retired Supreme Court Justice thanked the congregation for their prayers and encouragement .   Justice Galumje said God has been good to him, “from a remote village in Taraba to where I am now, it can only be God.”   He expressed sincere thanks to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who he said not only called to commiserate with him on the death of his wife but sent his Vice who visited him at his residence.   Rev. Dr. Mark Ato Yohanna of the Christian Reformed Church gave the exhortation at the Service while Rev Daniel Eska-Uten Yohanna, Chairman of the Church prayed for the family.   The first reading at the Service was presented by Bar. Emocha Paul Galumje, son of the deceased while the second scripture reading was taken by Emoseh Paul Galumje, daughter.   According to Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesman, the remains of Mrs Zeporah Paul Galumje departs Abuja on Thursday, 19th June, 2025 for Jalingo, Taraba state for a wake keep at No 2 Justice Paul Galumje Street, Jalingo. There will be a Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International on Friday, June 20th. The same day, she will lie in state at her husbands residence in Jalingo and leave for Didan village also in Taraba State on Saturday June 21st for funeral service and Interment.   Other dignitaries who attended the Service of Songs in Abuja yesterday included, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, Elder Obada Ando, Elder Seth Ika’a, Elder Usman Kaigama; Lawal N. Akirikwen SAN, Lawal Rabana, SAN, D.D Dodo, SAN, Emman Bala and Willy Ashigye.   Others were AIG H. Karma rtd, Justice Josephine Tuturu, Hon. Sam Ada, Mr. and Mrs. Davies Dada, Hon. Danjuma Shidi and Mr. Kifas Danladi among others.   Mrs. Zeporah Paul Galumje born in 1958 died on 4th June 2025.

Nigerian university teaching hospital performs second kidney transplant

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In a major medical milestone, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has successfully carried out its second living-donor kidney transplant—15 years after the first one was performed.

 

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, during a press briefing held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

 

According to Professor Ahidjo, the successful transplant marks a significant leap forward for the hospital and the broader healthcare system in northern Nigeria. He emphasized that this achievement reflects years of investment in training, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing specialized medical care in the region.

This is not the first time UMTH is doing the transplant. The first time UMTH conducted a kidney transplant was in August 2010 and now the hospital has come back with full force to resume the exercise,” he said.

 

Mr Ahidjo also announced that already 20 patients were admitted awaiting surgery on the same kidney transplant.

 

He appealed to donors to contribute funds to support the have-not patients who needed the surgery so dearly.

 

The CMD said that though, the hospital provided free services being a federal government facility, adding that the patient’s dialysis had been subsidised by the government by reducing everything to N12,000 which was less than eight dollars compared with 1,000 dollars charged for same dialysis elsewhere.

Mr Ahidjo said that the target was to make transplant one of the cheapest in West Africa, saying their facility was the largest in the country with a capacity to accommodate up to 85 patients at once.

 

“UMTH has four fully equipped theatre rooms. All for kidney transplant which were fully equipped with modern equipment,” the CMD said.

 

He, however, commended TETFUND for its support to the hospital in terms of equipment and other infrastructure.

 

Mr Ahidjo also commended Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for donating N50 million to the hospital to carry out research on causes of kidney related diseases in the North-East.

The CMD said that some of the research findings revealed that diabetics, hypertension and dehydration were linked with the kidney-related diseases in the region.

 

“The causes of kidney issues for now are diabetics, hypertension and exact causes are not yet known but many samples were taken to laboratories and the result is awaited,” Mr Ahidjo said.

 

 

 

(NAN)

THE ROAD TO “FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF BOLA TINUBU”

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By Tunde Olusunle

 

I’ve just watched a four-minute video clip of Alex Otti, the Abia State Governor, commissioning a humongous haul of 14 road projects in one day in Aba, the major commercial hub in the state. My interest was not in the ceremonial cutting of tapes and ribbons at every turn during the exercise. More than that, I was swayed by the bonding, the connectivity of Otti with regular folks, his kinsmen and women. As Otti walked the streets of the famous *Enyimba City,* his people, evidently overwhelmed by the good works of their leader, wanted to touch him, to hug him, to take photographs with him. Whenever his excited constituents tried to get close to him just to touch him, they were, expectedly restrained by the protective wall around Otti. On each such occasion, Otti overruled his aides, allowing such people reach and embrace him. There was this particular point in the video clip under review, where a woman trader wanted to gift Otti a pack of bottled water, most probably in her appreciation of Otti’s endeavours.

 

The security perimeter around Otti tried to kick the pack aside and block her from accessing the Governor. He read the situation, slowed down and even asked that the allowed near him and indeed be photographed with him. He equally directed that her gift of water be thankfully received and taken to his car. The 14 roads which Otti opened up for public use on that occasion are part of a bigger plan for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 55 roads across Abia State. Otti is an *Aba boy* like the cerebral doyen of the national parliament, Enyinnaya Abaribe, whose book titled *Made in Aba* released in 2021, underscores how deeply the lionised city impacted his makeup. Otti knows how much a good network of roads can make life better and business easier for his distinctively industrious people. A functional Aba will accelerate productivity in the city and mitigate unemployment in a commercial nexus which prides itself a rival to Onitsha and Nnewi both in Anambra State. Both towns are renowned for commerce and manufacturing.

 

Not one of the 14 roads which Governor Otti recently commissioned, nor any of the 44 others which are at various stages of completion, has been renamed after him. Some of them indeed still bear their colonial designations, a constant reminder of our history and antecedents. In Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), there was pomp and pageantry, Wednesday June 10, 2025, as President Bola Tinubu “commissioned” the International Conference Centre, (ICC), built and activated by the administration of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, 34 years back, in 1991. Nigeria was bestowed, at very short notice, the hosting rights of the Summit of the Organisation of African Unity, (OAU), as it was then referred to. Abuja spontaneously became a massive construction site within the period under consideration.

 

As the ICC was being readied, so were accommodation facilities built across various districts in Abuja, to house delegates to the OAU Summit. Till date, several residential complexes, mostly blocks of flats across Abuja are known by the name *OAU Quarters,* even though many residents of the various mini- OAU housing estates barely know the etymology of their present abodes. Babangida “stepped aside” in August 1993. Ernest Shonekan; Sani Abacha; Abdulsalami Abubakar; Olusegun Obasanjo; Umaru Yar’Adua; Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari have all come after him as Head of Interim National Government, (ING); military Heads of State and civilian Presidents. None of them christened the ICC or any other national asset for that matter, after himself. A standard, stately edifice, the ICC has remained the *Numero Uno* events destination in Abuja over the years. It has serially hosted world class dignitaries and functions across time and space. As serving President of the United States, the charismatic Bill Clinton was hosted to a state banquet at ICC in 2000. In similar fashion, Queen Elizabeth II of England topped the bill at the 2003 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, (CHOGM), hosted by President Olusegun Obasanjo. A record 51 out of 54 Heads of State of member countries of the Commonwealth attended the four-day event. Such is how treasured, how valued this national monument is.

 

That Tuesday June 10, 2025, an excitable Nyesom Wike, Tinubu’s Minister of FCTA, renamed the International Conference Centre, (ICC), the *Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre.* The edifice which Babangida built from the preliminary stages of earthworks for *N240 million* in 1991, was whitewashed for re-inauguration at a whooping *N39 Billion, in 2024.* Typically, there was no competitive bidding. It was a direct award to a concern preferred by the FCT Minister. The ICC, by the way is the eighth monument, known to me, thus far christened after Tinubu within his first two years in office. Before it were the: *Tinubu International Airport, Minna, Niger State; Tinubu Polytechnic, Gwarimpa, Abuja and Tinubu National Assembly Library, Abuja. There are also the Tinubu Immigrations Technology Building, Airport Road, Abuja; the Tinubu Barracks, Asokoro, Abuja; the Tinubu Way, (formerly Southern Parkway), Abuja, and also the Bola Tinubu Centre for Islamic Affairs, Kaduna, built by the Department of State Services, (DSS).*

 

President Tinubu seems to be lapping up blandishment, magnification and laudation as they coalesce towards his eventual deification. This is a path potentially laden with veritable landmines. We are never bound to accept and adopt every souvenir or memorabilia thrust at us. We can always ask our doctors questions about medications prescribed for us. Let’s indulge Wike that he probably doesn’t know the history of ICC. President Tinubu does. He was Senator in 1992 and functioned alongside his colleagues, from the very same ICC, in Abuja, in the absence of a purpose-built parliamentary complex. I would, if I were Tinubu, have thanked Wike for his thoughtful gesture. I would have reminisced over Nigeria’s political evolution and reminded him that Babangida in his time, it was, who conceived and erected the mega-structure which sits regally at the bosom of Abuja today. I would have enlightened Wike that just a few months ago, Babangida stepped forward to take responsibility for the annulment of the *June 12, 1993* presidential election which produced Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, (MKO), as President.

 

I would have drawn Wike’s attention to the fact that Babangida will be 84 on Sunday August 17, 2025. It would not be out of place to honour him with the ribbons and flowers of the ICC which was indeed his baby. Like or loathe him, Babangida has several positives against his eight year regime, from August 27, 1985 to August 26, 1993. He ensured the physical, effective relocation of Nigeria’s seat of government from Lagos to Abuja, in 1991. This was 15 years after Abuja was so proclaimed by General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, in February 1976, just days before his assassination. He built the eyeful, sprawling State House, Abuja, a tourist monument in its own right. To enhance better governance and developmental coverage of the country, Babangida’s government created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states in 1987, taking the number of states in the country from 19 to 21. On the sixth anniversary of his administration August 27, 1991, Babangida established an additional nine states, including Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Osun and Yobe, which brought the number of states in Nigeria to 30.

 

Babangida established the Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), to instil discipline on our highways and curb carnage, and built the ambitious *Third Mainland Bridge* in Lagos, to ease traffic in the water-constrained state. He continued Nigeria’s anti-apartheid campaign against White domination in South Africa, despite being a military leader. Under him, Nigeria had very strong foreign affairs profile in the eyes of the international community under his leadership. The Technical Aid Corps Scheme, (TACS), under which auspices Nigeria sent teachers and professionals to needy African and Caribbean countries, was initiated under Babangida. Nigeria intervened in troubled West African countries from possible dismemberment arising from civil strife, under Babangida’s watch. Nigeria initiated, led and substantially funded a multinational military peacekeeping corps under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS), under him. We can go on.

 

Interactions between the State House and various states, ministries, departments and agencies, (MDAs) ahead of every programme to be attended by the President, must be painstaking, detailed and explicit. Pleasant “ambushes,” detours away from agreed runs of events, and surprises of any kind are totally intolerable. This is the way it was in our time between 1999 and 2007. You cannot come to a high profile public event, especially the types Wike loves to telecast real-time on the network services of various television stations, to embarrass the President with such proclamations, in the name of springing surprises. Except of course if President Tinubu himself is sucked into such ego-massaging and vainglorious labelling. Except if the President is indifferent to order and conformity, consisting with extant rules and regulations. Or indeed, the ultimate verdict of history.

 

President Tinubu will do well to be very circumspect about the manner he consents to every other national treasure or government facility being named or renamed after him. He needs to rein in his officials so they can guide him aright. They shouldn’t just be *follow follow* officials, to appropriate a phrase from the immutable lyrics of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. They shouldn’t be content with just floating around as members of the President’s ring of “principal officers,” without adding desired value. Once it becomes the vogue that state governments and government departments catch the bug, it will become a ridiculously unending practice, inimical to the person and office of the President. For context, a famous rubbish dump on the *Aba- Port Harcourt* expressway was named after a former Governor of the state who craved adulation at every opportunity. At the rate things are unravelling courtrooms; prison blocks; rehabilitation centres for substance indulgents; psychiatric hospitals, and similar institutions may hereafter don *Tinubu-esque* appellations. Let’s hope President Tinubu wouldn’t wake up one day only to discover that he has become the *President of the Federal Republic of Bola Tinubu!*

 

Not even *Field Marshal Idi Amin Dada of Uganda* pulled off such a stunt.

 

 

 

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

Bitter Lessons from the Mokwa flood tragedy

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By Ayo Oyoze Baje

 

Quote:

 

“We cannot replace everything you have lost, but we are here to support you in every way we can.”

 

-Governor Umar Muhammed Bago of Niger state ( while commiserating with families of the victims of the flood disaster )

 

‘Just before the floods’ happens to be the title of the opinion essay of yours truly, first published in May 2013 and updated virtually every year, as a warning to all the stakeholders, on the crying need to take proactive measures to forstall further casualites brought about by the recurring, flushing floods.

 

 

The said article was informed by one of the worst flooding disasters in Nigeria which occured back in 2012. It affected 30 states, especially Benue and Kogi , according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The floods reportedly killed 363 persons, displaced over 2.1 million people, and affected an estimated total of seven million people. NEMA placed the damage and losses caused by the floods at N2.5 trillion. Devastating, was it not? Yes, it was!

 

 

Yet, the fear – fuelling fury of the recent flood, which took place in Mokwa, Niger State beginning with the early rains on May 28, 2025 has come up as a worse – case scenario. In fact, the devastating effects that wasted as many as between 200 to 700 lives, including entire family members flushed into the turbulent River Niger are telling on us. It should therefore, be a wake-up call on all of us, to do the needful when it matters most.

 

 

So harrowing was the enormity of the tragedy that according to media reports,

one Farida Auwalu lost seven children. Another bereaved family head, by the name Mohammed Tanko said he lost at least 15 people from his household. In addition, over 3,000 people were displaced, more than 265 houses got destroyed, and 503 households were affected. Also, some important infrastructure, including three bridges, were washed away, cutting off traffic between the northern and southern parts of the country. Yet, the flood was predicted by NiMET. months before it happened. The inability to prevent the raging tide of the flood underscores where the problem lies.

 

 

Agreed, that the devastating dynamics of climate change has become a global challenge due to global warming, but that does not mean that we should fold our arms when we are supposed to act. Not at all! For the records, ReliefWeb reported major flood disasters in Peru and Ecuador in January, Botswana in February, Tanzania, Bolivia, Iraq, Argentina in March, and the DR Congo in April. Before then, flood incidents also took place in Pakistan, Afghanistan, through Indonesia to Baden-Wurttemberg, and Bavaria in Germany where lives were lost in May 2024. Also, floods have overrun parts of Kenya, Algeria, and Haiti. On May 28, melting glaciers wiped out Blatten, a Swiss village of 300 residents, off the world map. Before then, geologists warned in 2024 that the ice was melting due to heat, which forced the Swiss authorities to evacuate Blatten.

 

 

It is therefore, time to rise above the raging waves of the furious floods with a collective action. That is specifically so in tackling the root causes of the seasonal floods, traced to global warming.

 

 

With specific regards to the latest flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger state, it is traced to a combination of factors such as the impact of environmental and infrastructural neglect. That is in addition to poor disaster preparedness which is exacerbated by climate change.

 

 

Worthy of note is that Mokwa is an important central market acting as a transit hub connecting northern food producers with southern traders. Unfortunately, the flood has left serious damage not only by the destruction of infrastructure and commerce, but increased the number of citizens who are displaced, suffering from preventable hunger and are vulnerable to attacks by insurgents as well as debilitating diseases.

 

 

As for intervention from the

the Niger state government the governor, Bago applauded for his people-orientef policies has awarded a 7 billion contract for the construction of the Mokwa- Raba Road and four bridges. The project reportely aims to improve transportation and enhance connectivity, particularly for communities recently devastated by the life-wasting flood. He announced this during a visit to Tiffin Madza Primary School, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge. He used that opportunity to reaffirm the state’s commitment to rebuilding affected communities and restoring hope to displaced families.

 

 

Furthermore, the governor announced a 1 billion naira donation to fast-track the resettlement of the displaced citizens by the disaster.

 

Noteworthy, is that the state government has directed the Ministry of Lands to issue a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) to the Federal Government to facilitate the resettlement process.It will be used for the construction of permanent housing, including essential infrastructure such as health facilities, schools, and proper drainage systems with culverts to reduce the deleterious effects future flooding. As reported, the Niger flooding incident occurred five months after Governor Mohammed Bago announced that the state had secured a $10 million World Bank facility with the noble objective to arrest gully erosion in some parts of Mokwa. Unfortunately, the harm has been done.

 

 

Much as these interventions are timely and commendable, prevention remains safer and cheaper than cure. So, what is the best way forward? That is the million naira question.

 

 

According to experts, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions in Nigeria are inimical to stable environment. They are indeed, responsible for climate change. This has led to heavier rainfall concentrated in shorter periods, making available drainage and flood management systems inadequate and obsolete.

Many parts of Nigeria, including Mokwa, suffer from inadequate drainage infrastructure. Existing drainage channels are often clogged with huge mass of waste, preventing proper water runoff. Population explosion and rapid, unregulated urban expansion have led to construction of buildings in flood-prone areas, reducing the land’s natural ability to absorb water.

 

 

What all these factors bring to the front burner is the increasing need for the application of modern technology to stem the tides of the rising floods and also sustained public enlightenment on the part of the people. They should understand and actively engage in tree planting, proper waste disposal, clearing of blocked gutters and canals. This is because it has been discovered that the clearing of vegetation for agriculture and development are responsible for diminishing the land’s capacity to retain rainfall, increasing surface runoff and the risk of floods.

 

 

There should also be a proper management of dams as some residents suspect that a burst or discharge from one of the three major dams there in Niger State may have exacerbated the flooding.

 

 

On a general note, lasting lessons have to be learnt from previous flood disasters that took place between August and September 2024 in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states. The BAY states, as they are fondly called were devastated by flooding disasters, which plunged thousands of residents into humanitarian crises.

 

 

Going forward, state governors should be prudent in the use of the Ecological Funds, listen to and apply the warnings as given by NiMET and be proactive in the discharge of their policies on environmental protection.

Indian National, Dangote Workers Docked For Allegedly Diverting Over N4bn Diesel

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    An India citizen, Tukur Shamsudden was among 13 individuals arraigned by the operatives of the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, for alleged conspiracy and diverting Automated Gasoline Oil, popularly called diesel value over N4 billion, belonging to Dangote Industries Limited. Others arraigned alongside the Indian man, before the court presided over by Justice Deinde Dipeolu were: Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi: Chigozie Chrisogonus Osukwu; Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma; Umeh Johnpaul Ugochukwu; Akamadu Emmanuella, a woman; Zango Mohammed Umar; Emmanuel Oku; Shaibu Michael; Lucky Otoide; Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu; Ephraim Kanakapudi and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel. The defendants, who includes staff of Dangote Industries Limited, and some officials of transport companies contracted for transporting Diesel from Dangote Deport to Ibese and Obajana Plants, were arraigned of a 16 count-charge of conspiracy, unlawful diversion of petroleum product (AGO) and receiving proceed of fraudulent division. Those listed as staff of Dangote Petroleum Industries Limited among the defendants are: Akamadu Emmanuella (f); Emmanuel Oku; Zango Mohammed Umar; Lucky Otoide Simon and Ephraim Kanakapudi. While others were said to be staff of Arigen Integrated Limited; Obat Limited; Amaiden Energy Limited; Regal Gate Limited; Alkham Limited; Prestige Limited and Opetrus Global Limited. The prosecuting police officer, Barrister M. Y. Bello, informed the court that all the defendants committed the offences between January, 2022 and December 2023. The prosecutor particularly informed the court that the India man, Tukur Shamsudden, while acting as representative of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Limited and Prestige Limited, the firms contracted by Dangote Industries Limited, allegedly diverted 1, 530, 893 billion liters of AGO valued N1, 530, 893 billion. He also told the court that Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel, on or before December 20, 2023, while acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, a firm contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farm with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did fraudulently diverted 2, 455, 229 billion liters of AGO valued N2, 455, 229 billion. He further told the court that the defendants’ act contravened sections 21(a), 18(2) (d) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act. He also told the court that their acts contravened sections 383 (2)(a); 10 of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 and 516of the same Act. All the defendants denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges. Meanwhile, some of the defendants have been admitted to bail on various terms, when they were earlier arraigned before the court. But at the resuming hearing of the matter today, the prosecutor informed the court of another amended charge against the defendants. He told the court that the amended charge was sequel to arrest of the Indian man and the duo of Ephraim Kanakapudi and Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel. Hence, all the defendants were arraigned on the amended charge However, the judge has fixed July 22 and 23, 2025, for the commencement of trial of all defendants. Count one of the charge reads: that you Ikechukwu Kingsley Obi ‘M’, Chigozie Chrisogo Osukwu ‘M’, Ukaegbu Rex Chukwuma ‘M’, Umeh Johnp Ugochukwu ‘M’, Akamadu Emmanuella ‘F’, Zango Mohammed Umar ‘M’, Emmanuel Oku ‘M’, Shaibu Michael ‘M’, Lucky Otoide ‘M’, Mmaduabuchi Okezuonu, Ephraim Kanakapudi ‘M? Tukur Shamsudden ‘‘M’ Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel ‘M’ and Others at Large sometimes in 2022, did conspire amongst yourself to commit felony to wit: Fraudulently receiving money from Dangote Transporters contracted to haul Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Dangote Deport to Ibese and Obajana Plants, which you ought to know formed part of proceeds of crime thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21(a) of Money Laundering ( Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act. Another count reads: “That you Tukur Shamsudden ‘M’ on or before 20th December 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while in employment or acting as representative of Regal Gate Ltd, Alkham Ltd and Prestige Ltd, Companies contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farms with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did Fraudulently diverted 1, 530, 893 liters of AGO valued N1, 530, 893, 000. 00 (One Billion Five Hundred and Thirty Million Eight Hundred and Ninety Three Thousand Naira) property of Dangote Industries Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 of the same Act. Another count reads; “That you Omojowo Adeleke Emmanuel ‘M’ on or before 20th December 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court while acting as Managing Director and representative of Opetrus Global Ltd, Company contracted by Dangote Industries Limited to trans-load Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO) from Depots to Dangote tank farm with intent to permanently deprive the owner, did Fraudulently diverted 2,455,229 liters of AGO valued N2, 455, 229, 000.00 (Two Billion Four Hundred and Fifty Five Million Two Hundred and Twenty Nine Thousand Naira) property of Dangote Industries Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (2)(a) of the Criminal Code Act Cap. C38 and punishable under Section 390 of the same Act.”

Remi Tinubu bags Igbo chieftaincy title

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The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has been conferred with the prestigious chieftaincy title of ‘Ugosimba 1 of Enugu’ by the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council.

 

The title, which means jewel/eagle from another kingdom, was conferred on her on Tuesday, during her two-day working visit to the state.

 

According to the Chairman of the Council, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, the title recognised her love for Enugu, humanitarian service, and commitment to national development.

 

“You served three terms in the Senate and were honoured with the Commander of the Order of Niger.

 

“But beyond politics, we admire your compassion for the less privileged, your support for nurses and midwives, and your work in uplifting humanity,” Asadu said.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Tinubu expressed deep gratitude, describing Enugu as a peaceful state where she had felt “inner peace” since her arrival.

 

She said the title was not just a personal honour but one for her husband, President Bola Tinubu, and their entire family.

This is a special honour that I will cherish forever. I love your state—it is calm and welcoming.

 

“As you have honoured me today, Enugu State will be remembered for good,” she said.

PSC Chairman Leads Commission’s Management Team On Condolence TO Justice Galumje Over Death Of Wife, Prays For Peaceful Repose Of Her Soul

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By Ebinum Samuel

 

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd mni, has led a delegation of the Commission’s management team on condolence visit to Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission who lost his wife, Mrs. Zeporah.The Commission Chairman’s delegation included Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission and Heads of Departments and Units.

 

DIG Argungu prayed that God who knows everything should receive the soul of the departed and give the husband and children including her extended family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

 

He urged the retired Justice to be strong and believe that the wife has gone to be with the Lord, stressing that the Commission will continue to remember the family in prayers.

Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, also speaking at the condolence visit prayed for an eternal repose of the soul of the departed. He consoled the family on the loss but noted that God knows the best.

 

Justice Galmuje who received the Commission’s delegation said he is humbled by the visit and the calibre of the delegation so soon after the call to glory of his dear wife.

 

He thanked the Chairman and Members of the delegation and noted that they have decided to accept the fate that has befallen the family.

SUNDAY KARIMI’S RENEWED FOCUS ON EDUCATION

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By Tunde Olusunle

It is the period of “midterm” assessment by Nigeria’s politicians and public officers inaugurated into four-year offices as stipulated by the Nigerian constitution as enunciated in 1999. The first quarter of every quadrennial, every four years that is, is usually the regular electoral season when presidential, gubernatorial, national and state elections, are all held. A midterm review in our electoral circumstances therefore relates to elections held within the stipulated season in 2023. In the course of the continuing evolution of Nigeria’s 26-year old Fourth Republic, judicial adjudication in contentious gubernatorial polls in select states, have precipitated “off cycle” elections in eight states. These are: Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo Ekiti, Imo, Kogi, Ondo and Osun states. The trend is more noticed in Nigeria’s South where seven states are involved.

Thursday May 29, 2025, Nigerians were awakened by the broadcast of President Bola Tinubu. He highlighted the achievements of his administration within the “first half” of his four-year mandate, 2023 – 2025. Governors of 28 states who were equally elected during the window of the scheduled cycle of national polls in 2023, have also been tendering their spreadsheets before their electors. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives have not been left behind in stewardship accountability. The probing eyes of their people, whose ears have been apprised of the volume of resources made available to them by the state, has triggered renewed expectations in service delivery, across the land. They therefore want to hear from the mouths of their ambassadors in the bicameral national parliament.

I’ve regularly interrogated the endeavours of federal legislators, including some from Kogi State. Indeed, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Austin Akobundu, both from Abia State, feature amongst my subjects, same way as Leke Abejide and Dickson Tarkighir, Members Representing Yagba and Makurdi/Guma federal constituencies in Kogi and Benue states. I am from Kogi, the “confluence state” where Nigeria’s two largest rivers, the Niger and Benue are conjoined. I therefore have residual knowledge of the state. Developments across the state, my senatorial district and my federal constituency, expectedly are of prime importance to me. I should note here, that my post – National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) working life began as a schoolteacher in a primordial rural community, *Ponyan,* in my local government area, Yagba East, within my present day federal constituency. In the course of my career in journalism, I was recalled on a number of occasions, to avail my state, Kogi State, of my experiences.

I was privileged to serve in the administrations of Prince Abubakar Audu, (of evergreen memory); Colonel Paul Omeruo and Colonel Bzigu Afakirya, (who, sadly, is no longer with us). I toured Kogi State, severally and serially, around and about with my various Principals. Every new chief executive desired speedy acquaintance with his people to filter their challenges and needs. This was usually with a view to providing speedy, spontaneous succour and remediation, which could be provided or executed within the limits of available resources at the time. State budgets those good old were not like today’s dizzying 10-digit billions, nay the scarier trillions. We travelled, with Audu, Omeruo and Afakirya, majorly by road. We equally crossed the River Niger with pontoons in instances, notably between Lokoja the state capital and Shintaku in Bassa local government area in Kogi East. We toured all the 21 local government areas in the state again and again and again. You will be correct to say that I know the state like the “lines on the palms of my hands,” deriving from the age old Yoruba proverb.

Saturday June 7, 2025, the Senator representing Kogi West District, Sunday Karimi, took his turn at the lectern, in the spirit of representational report. The venue was the Kogi State Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, (NUJ), which hosted him in Lokoja. Karimi had with him generous quantities of a 20-page commemorative newspaper, *The Crusader,* with the cover page lead headline: *Sunday Steve Karimi: A Two-Year Harvest of Achievements.* The tabloid, copies of which were freely distributed to his audience, captured his multisectoral endeavours in words and visuals, as verifiable testament to impactful performance. He received applause from his listeners some of whom were either direct beneficiaries of his initiatives, or who could attest to the genuineness of his claims.

Karimi in recent months has sought to advance the argument for the establishment of a federal university in the Okun-speaking area of his catchment. Advocacy for the upgrading of the *College of Agriculture Kabba,* affiliated to the Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria, to the status of a university, has been on the front burner of parliamentary discourse over time and season. Successive federal parliamentarians from Okunland have repeatedly foregrounded the quest and
Karimi has since joined in the push. To be sure, Member Representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency between 2011 and 2023, Tajudeen Yusuf, once ensured the passage of the Bill by the “Green Chambers.” Other Okun-blooded representatives, notably Salman Idris, successor to Yusuf; Leke Abejide, second-term representative of Yagba federal constituency, and Biodun Faleke, representing the Ikeja, (in Lagos State) federal constituency, are also on the case. More recently, they collaborated to ensure the passage of the same Bill by the House of Representatives, in 2024.

Karimi’s immediate predecessor in the Senate, Smart Adeyemi, a three-term Senator, advanced the Bill to the third reading, during his sojourn in the ninth assembly. Dino Melaye before him, progressed the same document to the phase of its second reading. The Bill has also profited from the enthusiasm of Okun elements in the bureaucracy of the National Assembly. Whenever it is eventually birthed, it could well be designated a *Federal University of Agriculture,* just like those in Abeokuta, Akure, Makurdi, Ishiagu, Umuahia, and so on. Such calibration of the envisioned university, will fast-track Nigeria’s food sufficiency and food security desires, given the sheer expanse of arable land in Kogi State. At the same time, Karimi believes that Egbe, his hometown, where the old *Sudan Interior Misson, (SIM)* built a hospital which once served as a referral facility, can be stepped up into a *Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences.* Given the unquenchable thirst of Karimi’s constituents and people from adjoining states for university education, both universities will be well served by applicants and students.

In a gesture which shocked his listeners at his media interface, Karimi spoke of his plans to further ameliorate the blood pressures of parents struggling to meet up with the school fees of their children and wards. Recalling bursary scheme which he initiated in 2024, Karimi said the programme will be sustained this year, and would indeed be extended to the other senatorial zones. According to him, “Last year, I made N100m available for the 85 electoral wards in Kogi West, which provided bursaries of N100,000 each to 1000 recipients.” Continuing, Karimi said: “We are expanding the scope henceforth. We will be making available N139m to Kogi West this year, in response to the applause and appreciation which greeted the experimental disbursement. We have 96 wards across the nine local government areas in Kogi East and my office will be making available the sum of N100m to be disbursed evenly at N100,000 per student. There are 57 wards in Kogi Central and my office will be availing that zone N61m, to be appropriated along the lines of our existing template. He summed up that the expansion of his direct philanthropy by way of bursary awards to students in tertiary institutions this year would cost N300m.

Karimi equally wants to help temper the challenges encountered by Nigerian youths, in finding centres where to participate in the recently instituted *Computer Based Tests, (CBT),* by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB). He believes the present arrangement which prescribes CBT centres for his people in other senatorial zones or neighbouring states is not good enough. He is active in the renovation of the archival library of his alma mater, *Titcombe College,* Egbe for this purpose and has procured 275 laptops. Alumni of the iconic institution include literary giants like Emeritus Olu Obafemi, and the much younger sadly departed Pius Adesanmi who was Obafemi’s student at the University of Ilorin. He is equally providing a 30Kva solar powered inverter; securing the library; internet connectivity and installation of a 45Kva diesel-powered generator, to activate the centre. Karimi is equally upgrading the water system of Titcombe College to make for improved learning conditions for youths in his district. He tells you that his intervention in giving a face-lift to his old school, will cost him close to N200m.

Beyond these figures, however, is the conscientiousness of Sunday Karimi in helping to build the educational capacities of his people as the key to unlocking a promising future. He has intentionally differed from the style of some of his colleagues, in his chosen approach to empowering his folks. The social media regularly features politicians in parts of the country who prefer to sit on the balconies of their country homes, flipping currency notes to people in their premises who scrounge and scramble to pick up the monies. Such crass display of vainglorious opulence, such weaponisation of poverty. The automobile garages of many such parliamentarians and public officers overflow with current, exotic, expensive vehicles they may never ride in several years, maybe a lifetime. Yet, the roads to their communities look like prototypes out of Somalia or South Sudan.

*Tunde Olusunle, PhD, Fellow of the Association of Nigerian Authors, (FANA), is an Adjunct Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Abuja*

Dangote Says Refinery Tinubu’s Brainchild, As President Applauds Dangote, Umahi For Believing In Nigeria

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The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on Thursday described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex as President Bola Tinubu’s brainchild.

 

Dangote gave the credit during the President’s visit to the complex in Lagos State.

 

“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Your Excellency on your visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex and to commission this concrete road and other roads you graciously approved.

 

“I must emphasise that the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex is in many ways your brainchild.

 

“The Lekki Free Trade Zone, the site of this industrial complex, was established during your tenure as Governor of Lagos, and I think, Your Excellency, today, you are witnessing tangible fruits of that vision,” Dangote said.

 

He described Tinubu as a visionary leader.

 

“I can tell you for a fact that what you have seen today is nothing. We have just started.”

 

According to him, one of the Tinubu administration’s most transformative initiatives is the Naira for Crude Policy.

 

He said that the policy stood out as a clear testament to the administration’s commitment to economic recovery and national sovereignty.

 

This bold policy has enabled us to reduce product prices consistently and guarantee availability for the overall benefit of Nigerians.

 

“ It has also helped significantly in stabilising the prices of petrol, diesel, jet fuel, LPG, and polypropylene to their lowest levels ever.

 

“The effect of this development is the stabilisation of our currency, a critical element in the development of economic policy and budgeting by businesses,” Dangote said.

 

He also lauded the administration’s recently introduced Nigeria First Policy, which aimed to drastically reduce reliance on foreign goods and services, prioritising local patronage in investment decisions, business operations, and consumption habits.

 

“This aligns with our group’s corporate vision of producing what we consume to promote self-sufficiency in meeting the basic needs of our people.

 

“Importation means import of poverty and export of jobs.

 

“We all have to align with this policy of Nigeria First,” Dangote advised.

In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as phenomenal.

 

He thanked the owner, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, for establishing the refinery, saying that it demonstrated his belief in Nigeria.

 

Tinubu remarked while inaugurating the Lekki Deep Sea Port Access Route in Lagos State, and some other significant projects across the country.

 

“I have inspected it. It is a great, phenomenal, massive investment.

 

“ I thank you, Aliko, for believing in us, in your country.

 

“God bless Lagos, God bless Nigeria,” he said.

 

Tinubu also praised the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, for his commitment to Nigeria’s infrastructure development.

 

According to the President, infrastructure is the backbone of any industrialisation, economic development, and job creation of any nation.

 

He advised Umahi not to be discouraged by critics.

 

“My role is to affirm our commitment as an administration to deliver infrastructure across the country.

 

“We get misconceptions out there.

 

“I am very proud and honoured to have you in our team.

 

“On my way here, I witnessed the significant progress at Section Two of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, with over 10km of the 55km stretch already done.

 

“The Trans-Saharan Trade Route, another visionary project, is advancing already. It will reconnect Calabar to Abuja via Ebonyi, Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa,” he said.

 

Tinubu said he had directed accelerated design on one of the legacy projects – the Akure- Jos- Bauchi-Gombe corridor – to enable procurement to start soon.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo: Icon of ‘Renewed Hope’ leadership

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  Quote: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams If there is one notable game-changer standing tall above his peers, whose remarkable achievements within a short span of two years in office remain testament to the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda, he is none other than the Minister of Interior,Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This goes beyond sheer sentiments or gainful glorification. Yes, he might be on the quiet side of life, but given the fact that one’s stance is backed by empirical evidences, both on ground and in the public sphere, his sterling achievements need to be highlighted, as inspiration for fellow citizens, especially the younger generation to glean from. That is as he exemplifies a bright beacon to show the way forward, for other leaders in the country’s dark tunnel of the search for the long elusive good governance. Name them: Standing out amongst the notable ones are the display of the humanity in him with the promotion of record 32,361 personnel, the implementation of transparent recruitment, and of course, ensuring timely decorations of deserving officers into their new ranks. What more, the transparent and streamlined recruitment process has been introduced. All these were done, because he is well aware that a motivated workforce remains the catalyst to driving the vision of the ministry forward. Still on the human angle to leadership he remains an advocate for equitable compensation for workers in the ministry. A good example of this is that of aligning the workers’ salaries with of the Nigeria Police Force ( NPF ). So also is that of the functional pension board which has enhanced both their morale and productivity. Going into the specifics, the ease with which Nigerians obtain their passports is linked to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Data Centre in addition to the Command and Control Centre. That is at the NIS headquarters. The new facilities are rightly designed with the salutatory aim to enhance the new visa and passport application processes.Interestingly, he has fulfilled his pledge to revolutionize passport processing, within a two-week timeline, in addition to the introduction of home and office delivery of passports. This commenced in February, 2024. He has also kept to his vision by implementing personal uploads of passport photographs. This also eases the streamlining the application process, thereby increasing both convenience and accessibility for the applicants. Not left out are the improved border management systems. With regards to the correctional centres the interior minister has initiated their rehabilitation making them conducive for human habitation. In so doing it has bolstered Nigeria’s security infrastructure across the country.The decongestion of the correctional facilities through the clearance of fines and compensations worth N585 million for 4,068 inmates is exemplary. That is another display of the human aspect to the criminal justice reform. As Eleanor Roosevelt aptly stated: “A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves.” – Taking the leadership narrative to the statutory functions of government to protect the lives of the citizens is the introduction of the Safe School Initiative. This, along with the improved emergency and fire response strengthened with the new fire engines and rapid intervention vehicles are equally commendable. And with the successful completion of a Dell 1.4 Petabyte (PB) Tier 4 Data Centre and Command at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) headquarters, there is little doubt that Tunji-Ojo certainly knows his onions. Rising to the increasing challenge of vandalism, especially in mining areas and to enhance revenue in the sector, Tunji-Ojo launched the Mining Marshal program at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters. This laudable initiative is complemented by the deployment of 10,000 Agro Rangers across the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT). The noble aim of course, is to protect our fertile farmlands and ensure safety for the farmers. Lest we forget, another of his milestone achievements at the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), was the clearance of an overwhelming backlog of 204,332 passports within a record-breaking three-week period! Praiseworthy is it not? Of course, it is. By that fantastic feat he has saved Nigeria not only from a national crisis but an international embarrassment. One other aspect of improvement on service delivery is on international relations. For instance, over the past two years the Minister of Interior has exhibited his patriotic rebranding in terms of reciprocating in visa processes to foreigners as he has done for Nigerians. With all these noteworthy achievements he has demonstrated that leadership by being prepared for it, with a pragmatic vision, along with people who believe in it and make the needed sacrifice for the common good. with the fear of God and love of the people is a possibility here in Nigeria. As a game changer he has switched the narrative of correctional centres from that of punishment to that of sober reflection to evolve the humanity in all of us. It was in recognition of Tunji-Ojo’s inspiring achievements that he was awarded the “Public Service Person Of The Year 2023” by Leadership newspapers. That should serve as a lesson to others, in whatever leadership positions they find themselves to be guided by the doctrine of leaving behind worthy legacies. ” What will I be remembered for after my tenure in the service of my fatherland is done”? Back then according to the media organization “he was found worthy for finding his way into the hearts of millions of citizens for whom obtaining or renewing the Nigerian passport had become a nightmare; for his bold, extensive and exceptional reforms tackling the perennial passport.” So as Warren Bennis rightly stated: ” Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” as Tunji-Ojo has done. He should therefore, keep going forward in the service of the nation.