NAPS Presidential Aspirant Lauds Tinubu’s ₦3.5 Trillion Education Budget, Advocates for Polytechnic Investment

Comrade Oyewumi Festus, the leading Presidential Aspirant for the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), has praised President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the substantial increase in the education sector allocation in the 2025 budget. The budget, tagged the “Restoration Budget,” was presented to the 10th National Assembly on Wednesday, December 8, 2024, and earmarked ₦3.5 trillion for education.

Comrade Festus described the allocation as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to advancing education in Nigeria, which he called a significant step toward securing the nation’s future.

Speaking at Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja during his campaign tour on Friday, December 20, 2024, Festus urged the Federal Ministry of Education to channel a considerable portion of the allocation toward polytechnic education. He emphasized that polytechnics are the backbone of Nigeria’s technological development, highlighting their critical role in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and skilled manpower needed for economic growth.

“Nigeria’s polytechnics have long been the cornerstone of the nation’s technological progress. A strong investment in technical and vocational education will drive sustainable development and innovation,” Festus stated.

During the visit, Comrade Festus commended the Kogi State Government and the management of Kogi State Polytechnic for their strides in infrastructure development, prioritizing staff and student welfare, and ensuring campus security. He also extended his gratitude to Governor Ododo for reappointing Professor Usman Ogbo as the institution’s Rector for a second term.

As part of his address, Festus appealed for increased support for the Students Union Government (SUG) and the broader student community, emphasizing the need for effective representation that transcends campus boundaries.

The NAPS aspirant was warmly welcomed by the SUG President, Miss Oluwadamilola Enimokanyi, who acknowledged his advocacy and commitment to the advancement of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

“US-Based Nigerian and Accomplice Sentenced to 40 Years for $9M Dark Web Drug Scheme”

Mastermind Behind Multimillion-Dollar Drug Operation Jailed
A United States-based Nigerian, Oluwole Adegboruwa, 54, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, 49, have been sentenced to a combined 40 years in prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation. The duo used the dark web to distribute over 300,000 oxycodone pills across multiple states, amassing $9 million in profits.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah, Adegboruwa orchestrated the illegal enterprise, directing associates on procuring, packaging, and distributing the drugs to buyers who placed orders via dark web marketplaces. Payments were received in cryptocurrency, which was later converted into local currency.

The operation ran from October 2016 to May 2019 before law enforcement dismantled it. Adegboruwa was arrested and sentenced to 30 years in November 2024, while Isong received a 10-year sentence in October 2024.

In addition to his prison term, Adegboruwa was ordered to forfeit $20 million, one of the largest financial penalties ever imposed by the District of Utah. The court also mandated a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration.

During the trial, evidence revealed that Adegboruwa was the operation’s mastermind, overseeing every aspect of the syndicate’s activities. He confessed to controlling the drug sales and managing cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal proceeds.

Prosecutors described the operation as a “continuing criminal enterprise,” with Adegboruwa employing a team to procure pharmacy-grade oxycodone pills, package them, and ship orders to customers across the U.S.

Jonathan Pullen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division, praised the verdict, highlighting the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks, even those operating in the clandestine world of the dark web.
“Adegboruwa’s criminal enterprise was complex, sophisticated, and generated millions in profits concealed in cryptocurrency. This sentencing sends a clear message: drug traffickers have no safe haven, not even in the dark web’s hidden corners,” Pullen said.

The sentencing serves as a grim warning to those exploiting technology for illicit activities, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering and prosecuting such crimes.

“Ibadan Funfair Stampede: 35 Children Dead, Tinubu Orders Probe Amid National Mourning”

Sadly, a children’s funfair in Ibadan turned into a catastrophe on Wednesday, claiming the lives of 35 children and leaving six others critically injured in a devastating stampede. The event, held at Islamic High School, Basorun, was organized by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, a former queen of the Ooni of Ife, and Oriyomi Hamzat, an Ibadan-based broadcaster.

Despite provisions made for 5,000 attendees, over 7,500 participants flooded the venue, leading to overcrowding. The event spiraled out of control when the gates were opened to the surging crowd, causing a deadly rush that trampled many, including children. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes as parents and organizers scrambled to save lives amidst the chaos.

The Oyo State Police Command has detained seven individuals, including Silekunola and the school principal, Fasasi Abdulahi, as investigations into the tragedy unfold. The case has been escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department’s Homicide Section for a thorough inquiry.

President Bola Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of safety protocols for public events. He has ordered a full investigation and urged the Oyo State Government to ensure such incidents never occur again.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and other leaders have also extended their condolences. The Ooni’s palace highlighted Silekunola’s history of philanthropy but called for stricter adherence to safety measures in future initiatives.

Parents who brought their children to the event shared gut-wrenching accounts of the stampede. “For almost five minutes, I couldn’t find my daughter. People were trampling over us,” one parent recounted. Survivors and grieving families are left grappling with the shock and trauma of the incident.

As the nation mourns, there is a growing demand for stricter enforcement of safety standards at public gatherings. This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of crowd control and preparedness in safeguarding lives.

In the aftermath, the focus shifts to ensuring justice for the victims and implementing reforms to prevent similar tragedies. As Prophetess Silekunola and other organizers face scrutiny, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for better planning and safety in large-scale events, particularly those involving children.