The Akwa Ibom State Government has officially declared two medical doctors wanted for abandoning their posts after benefiting from state-funded training for eight years.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Health, Ekem John, during a press briefing in Uyo.

The doctors in question, Uduakabasi Ita, a Consultant Radiologist, and Mfonobong Bassey, a Consultant Haematologist, were employed by the state Ministry of Health but reportedly left their duties without completing the mandatory service period required to repay the cost of their training.

Commissioner John emphasized that “Medical personnel trained by the state are required to serve a stipulated period to offset the cost of their education before seeking employment elsewhere. Failure to comply will result in sanctions.”

He further revealed that their salaries have been suspended and that the government will pursue them wherever they relocate, coordinating with the Medical and Dental Councils of those countries to ensure their licenses are halted.

John urged the doctors to report immediately to the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health, warning that once the Medical and Dental Council initiates action, the government will not be held responsible.

He also called on their families to encourage them to return to service without delay.

Looking ahead, the commissioner reaffirmed that all medical officers trained by the state must complete their obligated years of service before resigning.

He warned that those who refuse must refund the full cost of their training to the government.

John praised Governor Umo Eno for declaring a health sector emergency, stating that Akwa Ibom is committed to developing a top-tier healthcare system under the ARISE Agenda.

Panic erupted on Broad Street, Lagos Island, Tuesday afternoon when smoke from a fire in the basement of a six-storey building forced a hurried evacuation.

The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reported that the blaze started in the inverter room located in the basement of Afriland Tower.

Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide said the emergency call came in at 1:38 PM, prompting fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu stations to quickly respond.

Thanks to their swift action, the fire was contained before it could spread beyond the smoke-filled floors.

“Evacuation is ongoing, and the situation is now under control,” Olajide confirmed in an official statement.

Videos from the scene showed terrified occupants jumping from the building, while onlookers rushed with ladders and foam to assist.

Some trapped workers broke windows to breathe fresh air, while people below extended their hands, trying to catch those fleeing.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes with screams ringing out as thick smoke rapidly filled the upper floors of the building.

Photos revealed large plumes of smoke billowing from windows, some of which had been forced open to let in air.

Many occupants were seen clinging to window ledges to escape the spreading smoke.

Though the fire was eventually brought under control, the smoke had already engulfed multiple floors of the tower.

Social media was flooded Tuesday with unverified claims that the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, had been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

However, contrary to the speculation, Asogwa was actively on the ground, carrying out his official duties in Nsukka.

In a clear show of leadership and focus, the council chairman led the groundbreaking ceremony for a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Lodge, located at the LGA headquarters.

The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of Corps members serving in the area.

Engr. Asogwa also conducted inspection tours of major infrastructure projects currently underway, including the Nsukka International Market and the Aku Road Market, both initiated by the Enugu State Government in collaboration with the local council.

Speaking during the events, Asogwa reiterated that the projects align with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu into a hub for commerce, investment, tourism, and high-quality living.

“The governor is committed to repositioning Enugu as a cosmopolitan state. These projects reflect that commitment and will bring long-term benefits to our people,” Asogwa stated.

He highlighted that the NYSC Lodge will help solve accommodation challenges for Corps members posted to Nsukka, thereby improving their safety and overall experience.

Governor Mbah had earlier, in August, flagged off the construction of the 5,000-shop Nsukka International Market, which aims to relocate traders displaced by the demolition of the Ogige Market and make way for the new Nsukka Transport Terminal.

The market forms a critical part of the administration’s plan to expand Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion.

Expressing satisfaction with the quality of work on-site, Asogwa encouraged the contractors to speed up construction efforts while maintaining the highest standards.

“Once completed, these markets will not only serve Nsukka but will catalyze economic growth across the entire Enugu North zone,” he said.

In a major push to decongest Nigerian ports and streamline cargo operations, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has officially launched an automated “Overtime E-Clearance System.”

The digital platform is designed to fast-track the clearance of overtime cargo, reduce corruption and eliminate the bottlenecks caused by physical paperwork and manual procedures.

Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, introduced the system during a formal unveiling at Apapa Port, Lagos, stating that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and legal compliance across the sector.

“This system allows consignees to submit and monitor overtime cargo clearance requests online, eliminating the need for repeated physical visits,” Adeniyi said.

Key Features of the System:

End-to-end digital application process for overtime cargo clearance.

Real-time tracking of applications by stakeholders.

Builds on a policy that extended cargo dwell time from 30 to 120 days, giving importers more time before goods are classified as “overtime.”

Adeniyi encouraged stakeholders to participate in the pilot phase by testing the platform and providing feedback, emphasizing the importance of collaborative improvement ahead of a full nationwide rollout.

Despite the digital shift, the Customs chief warned against misuse of the system, referencing a 15-year-old cargo abandonment case still under investigation.

“Deliberately abandoning goods to avoid paying duties is a serious offense. The system is not a loophole, it will be monitored, and violators will face stiff penalties,” he cautioned.

As part of the implementation plan, customs will hold sensitisation workshops with terminal operators, shipping firms and logistics stakeholders throughout the week, while feedback and legal issues raised during the pilot phase will be addressed before full deployment.

Assistant Comptroller General Mohammed Babandede, who oversees Customs operations in Zone A, hailed the development as a milestone.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to transparency, automation, and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria,” he said.