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NELFUND: Deputy Speaker, Assures S/East Students Will Be Included In FG’s Loan Soon, Says Governors, NASS Members On Top Of Situation

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NELFUND: Deputy Speaker, Assures S/East Students Will Be Included In FG’s Loan Soon, Says Governors, NASS Members On Top Of Situation

*NELFUND: Deputy Speaker, Assures S/East Students Will Be Included In FG’s Loan Soon, Says Governors, NASS Members On Top Of Situation

 

 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has given assurance that students from the south east geopolitical zone will soon be included in the Federal Government students’ loan.

NELFUND: Deputy Speaker, Assures S/East Students Will Be Included In FG’s Loan Soon, Says Governors, NASS Members On Top Of Situation

It will be recalled that the South East Caucus in the National Assembly has protested the exclusion of the region after the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUN) released the list of the institutions that will benefit from the loan nationwide.

 

In a statement on Monday, Deputy Speaker said that his office has engaged the authorities in charge of the students loans, expressing optimism that in the coming days, the matter would be resolved.

 

The deputy speaker has already engaged the directors in NELFUN with regards to the issue.

 

During the engagement, issues of poor registration of students from the south east against the total number of students in the schools in the region were identified as the reason for non shortlisting of names.

 

Similarly, there were mistakes with the completion of the relevant forms such as non inclusion of Joint Administration and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results.

 

Kalu however said that steps have been taken by the affected institutions within the south east to remedy situation.

 

He added that the governors of the region are also on top of the situation to increase the number of participating students just as the members of the national assembly have been equally been encouraged to reach out to their constituents for immediate compliance.

 

The Deputy Speaker also said that his office has devised some means to increase awareness.

 

According to relevant statistics, Abia State has 3 Institutions: Abia State Polytechnic, Aba; Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike and Abia State University, Uturu.

 

Abia State Polytechnic, Aba has 2,543 students but with no JAMB numbers and therefore, could not get application forms.

 

In Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, there are a total of 21,342 students but only 406 have applied for the loan.

 

In Abia State University, Uturu, a total of 17,928 are eligible for the loan application but none has applied so far.

 

In Enugu State, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a total of 40, 769 are eligible to apply but 781 students have so far applied.

 

Also, in University of Medical And Applied Sciences in Enugu, 610 students are eligible but only 34 applied.

 

Similarly, in the Federal Polytechnic located in Ohodo, Enugu State, only one person applied while 9 were uploaded and eligible for the loan.

 

Also in the Federal College of Education, Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, 2, 491 are uploaded and eligible to apply for the laon but only 11 students applied.

 

In Ebonyi State, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo has a total of 19, 221 that are eligible but only 930 students applied.

 

Similarly, Ebonyi State University has 15, 622 but only 331students applied.

 

In David Umahi Federal University

of Health Sciences, Uburu, 831are equally eligible but only 28 students applied.

 

In Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic

Unwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, 4, 774 are eligible but only 188 applied.

 

In Federal College of Education, Isu

Ebonyi State, 128 were uploaded as eligible but none applied for the loan.

 

In Imo State, Federal University of Technology, Owerri has 27, 371 eligible students but only 1,114 applied.

 

Imo State University of

Agriculture and Environmental

Sciences, Umuagwo has 736 but only

14 students applied.

 

Alvan Ikoku Federal University of

Education, Owerri has 1,109 but only 11 students applied.

 

In Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe

University, a total of 509 students are eligible but only 2 applied so far.

 

The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede has 2, 848 but only 16 students applied.

 

Also, in Imo State Polytechnic, Omuma

1,760 are eligible but none applied for the loan.

 

Benjamin Uwajumogu State

College of Education, Ihitte

Uboma has 97 students uploaded but none applied.

 

In Anambra State, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has a total number of 39, 334 who were uploaded and eligible for application but only 253 applied.

 

In Federal Polytechnic, Oko, 1,577 students were also uploaded and eligible but none applied for the loan.

 

For Federal College of Education

(Technical) Umunze, 2, 778 students are eligible but only 44 applied.

 

In College of Education, Nsugbe, 135 students were uploaded and eligible for the loan application but none applied.

 

Kalu however urged the institutions to encourage their students to apply for the loan.

 

The Deputy Speaker also asked every stakeholder to set up a registration point in their locations to increase the number of students to benefit from the federal government loan scheme.

 

Kalu said: “The various governors are equally on top of this to increase the number of participating students. The members of House of Representatives from the south east as well and senate have been asked to reach out to their respective constituents for immediate compliance.

 

“To increase the awareness, the Deputy Speaker has produced jingles in English and Igbo languages in addition to pigeon English to be played in various radio stations of the region.

 

“These it is believed will increase the number of participants”.

 

He therefore called for patience among the students and the people of the south east, assuring that the needful would be done.

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Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

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Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

The 17th International Security Conference, hosted by the Institute of Security, Nigeria, saw Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd), former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute. The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, was a gathering of top security experts, academics, and stakeholders.

Buratai Inducted as Patron of Institute of Security, Advocates for Collective Efforts to Build a Secure Nigeria

General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, hailed General Buratai as an exemplary leader who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

He further lauded Buratai’s wealth of experience and his invaluable contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled,” Bajowa added.

In his acceptance speech, General Buratai highlighted the critical role of security education and training in ensuring national safety and pledged to support the Institute’s programs.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” Buratai stated.

He called for unity in building a secure Nigeria, adding, “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives.”

The conference also featured other notable speakers. Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, underscored the importance of focusing on domestic development, particularly in agriculture and smallholder peasant farming.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun emphasised grassroots security education as a tool for sustainable development, while Major General Bulama Biu urged policymakers to implement actionable strategies beyond rhetoric.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action, stressing the need for collective efforts to secure Nigeria’s future and foster prosperity for its citizens.

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Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

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Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

 

Rabbi Zvi Kogan, an emissary to Abu Dhabi’s Chabad chapter, has been missing since Thursday, and Israel’s security services reportedly fear he was kidnapped or murdered, it emerged Saturday.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a statement confirming Kogan’s disappearance and said authorities were treating the incident as a suspected act of terrorism.

Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

The PMO added that the Mossad intelligence agency had launched an “extensive” investigation into the incident alongside Emirati authorities.

At the same time, the National Security Council issued a reminder that it has advised for some time not to travel to the United Arab Emirates for non-essential purposes.

Ynet cited security officials as saying there is growing suspicion Kogan was murdered, and the Walla news site reported that Israel has information that he was being followed by Iranian intelligence, citing security sources.

Israeli's Chabad Rabbi Missing In Abu Dhabi, Feared Kidnapped Or Murdered

Kogan is a dual Israeli-Moldovan citizen, and has been part of the Abu Dhabi Chabad chapter since Israel normalized ties with the UAE in late 2020. According to Ynet, Kogan participated in the first ever Holocaust remembrance day ceremony in the Gulf state in 2021, and led the Yizkor prayer during the event.

 

Kogan is the nephew of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was murdered along with his wife in a terror attack at the Nariman Chabad House in Mumbai in 2008, Channel 12 news reported.

Kogan has served as an aide to the Chief Rabbi of the United Arab Emirates, Rabbi Levi Duchman.

The UAE became the most prominent Arab state in 30 years to establish formal ties with Israel under a US-brokered agreement in 2020, dubbed the Abraham Accords. It has maintained the relationship throughout Israel’s more than 13-month war in Gaza.

Israel has been on high alert for Iranian efforts to harm Israelis and Jews around the world through its various agents and proxies, as the countries have exchanged direct military blows for the first time this year.

Iran launched major drone and ballistic missile attacks against Israel in April and October, in response to Israeli strikes on its proxies in Lebanon and Syria. In late October, Israel retaliated with a series of strikes in which dozens of aircraft targeted strategic military sites across Iran as well as air defense batteries.

Iran has vowed to respond but has not yet done so in any major capacity.

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The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story Reviewed by Sunday Dare

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The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story Reviewed by Sunday Dare,

The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story
Reviewed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communications

 

Rarely does a biography manage to weave the strands of history, leadership, and vision into a fine narrative that not only recounts a life but also projects the promise of a nation’s future. The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story accomplishes this and more. It is a book that examines the journey of a leader who has reshaped political discourse and governance in Nigeria while offering a roadmap for the country’s recovery and growth under his stewardship.

The Architect of Renewal: The Bola Ahmed Tinubu Story
Reviewed by Sunday Dare,

Written with precision and intent, the book is a masterclass in blending biographical detail with thematic exploration. It is not a mere recounting of events but a deliberate presentation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a leader whose past achievements lay the groundwork for a transformational future. As I delved into the pages, I found myself reflecting on how the authors skillfully captured Tinubu’s story as both a historical account and an unfolding narrative.

At its core, The Architect of Renewal is a reassurance to Nigerians. The authors, firm believers in Tinubu’s vision, employ a straightforward narrative style to answer a singular question: does Bola Ahmed Tinubu possess the experience, competence, and courage to lead Nigeria through its most challenging times? Their answer is a resounding yes, and they take the reader on a journey through the various aspects of Tinubu’s life and leadership to substantiate this claim.

The book opens with Tinubu’s formative years in activism, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), where he emerged as a champion of democracy. It chronicles his exile, his return, and his transformative tenure as Governor of Lagos State, where he demonstrated exceptional foresight and an unwavering commitment to innovation. The authors highlight his revolutionary economic reforms that increased Lagos State’s internally generated revenue from N600 million to over N5 billion monthly. This achievement, as they point out, was not just a testament to Tinubu’s economic acumen but a preview of what he could achieve on a national scale.

The narrative gains momentum as it goes further into Tinubu’s grassroots mobilization strategies and coalition-building prowess. Chapter Two, for instance, is a standout, illustrating how Tinubu’s ability to connect with the micro-components of society has made him a master of grassroots politics. The authors describe him as a leader with an unparalleled understanding of Nigeria’s socio-political fabric, a man who recognizes the power of the people and leverages it to build enduring coalitions.

Equally compelling is the book’s exploration of Tinubu’s resilience and adaptability. The authors recount his courageous decision-making, from his tenure as Governor of Lagos to his early months as President of Nigeria. They highlight his reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, framing them as necessary, albeit painful steps toward economic stability. Here, the authors remind us of Psalm 30:5: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” a biblical metaphor that encapsulates their optimism about Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s leadership.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance reverence with realism. While it unabashedly celebrates Tinubu’s achievements, it does not shy away from acknowledging the enormity of the challenges he faces as President. The authors recognize the uncertainty of the present but argue that Tinubu’s pedigree, preparation, and persistence make him uniquely qualified to navigate these challenges.

The book also offers a glimpse into Tinubu’s personal qualities, describing him as “a bold, optimistic, and staunch believer in in competence.” The authors present him as a man who is not afraid to make difficult decisions, a leader who plans for the long term and sees beyond immediate frustrations. These attributes, they argue, are what make Tinubu a symbol of hope in a time of despair.

Several chapters stand out for their depth and insight. Chapter Three, which examines Tinubu’s coalition-building strategies, is a detailed account of his ability to unify disparate groups under a shared vision. Chapter Five, on resilience and adaptability, is a testament to Tinubu’s capacity to evolve with the political landscape, transforming obstacles into opportunities.

As the book reviewer, I was particularly struck by the author’s treatment of Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria. They articulate his belief in governance as a tool for economic and social transformation, presenting him as a leader who understands the importance of planning, discipline, and execution. The book argues convincingly that Tinubu’s presidency represents a long-distance race rather than a sprint—a journey that requires patience, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to reform.

Three quotes from the book resonate deeply and encapsulate its message:

1. “He armed himself with quality education, built a sterling career in private and public sectors, rose through the ranks, led major democratic struggles and political battles, and established a rich network of allies and associates across Nigeria and beyond.”

2. “The reforms his government has introduced are not quick fixes; they are deliberate, albeit painful, transformations that underscore responsible and responsive leadership.”

3. “True leadership requires the capacity to take a studious look at available options and choose the path that leads to the enduring good, not necessarily the path of least resistance.”

The Architect of Renewal is more than just a book. For me, it is a call to action, a blueprint for leadership, and a source of reassurance for Nigerians. It reminds us that Tinubu’s presidency is not an accident of history but the culmination of decades of preparation, struggle, and vision. As Nigerians look to the future, this book serves as a reminder that their President is a man who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.

This is history in progress, and it is a story worth reading.

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