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Obizue Takes Over As New Controller Of Corrections In Enugu

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Mr. Valins Obizue has officially assumed duty as the new Controller of Corrections for Enugu State, taking over from Mrs. Prisca Oku, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Controller General (ACG) and deployed as the new Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Zone M, Enugu.

Speaking during the handover ceremony held on Thursday in Enugu, Obizue called on officers and personnel of the command to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold professionalism in the discharge of their responsibilities.

“I have worked with many of you in different capacities and locations. I know your discipline and commitment to duty,” Obizue said.

“Together, we will work in unity to sustain and improve the achievements of this command, making it a model across the country.”

He also pledged to uphold the high standards and legacies left behind by his predecessors, emphasizing collaboration and accountability as key pillars of his leadership.

In her remarks, outgoing Controller Mrs. Prisca Oku reflected on her brief but impactful tenure, which lasted four months.

She noted that significant strides had been made in enhancing the welfare and healthcare of inmates under her watch.

“One of our key achievements was securing the attention of the state government towards enrolling inmates into the Enugu State Universal Healthcare Coverage,” Oku said.

“I encourage all personnel to extend their support to the new Controller as they did for me, and to continue striving to maintain the command’s high performance.”

The handover ceremony featured the signing of official documents, the symbolic presentation of the command’s flag and an inspection of departments and offices at the command headquarters.

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Nigerian Pidgin Now A Global Language, Says NOUN Professor

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A Professor of Linguistics at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Christine Iyetunde Ofulue, has declared Nigerian Pidgin (Naija) a growing global language, citing its increasing use and widespread influence across borders.

Delivering NOUN’s 35th inaugural lecture in Abuja, titled “Reclaiming Marginalised Voices: Intersections of Diversity and Educational Spaces”, Professor Ofulue highlighted the rise of Nigerian Pidgin as a powerful communication tool and cultural symbol.

According to her, the language is now spoken by an estimated 100 to 120 million people, making it the 14th most spoken language in the world.

She noted that among 76 documented global pidgins and creoles, Nigerian Pidgin stands out for both its reach and impact.

Ofulue explained that what began as a colonial-era trade language has evolved into a national lingua franca, uniting diverse groups across Nigeria and serving as a medium for everyday conversation, artistic expression, and social cohesion.

“Nigerian Pidgin is a testament to our resilience. It reflects how ordinary Nigerians connect, share stories, and create identity beyond official structures,” she said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s unique linguistic landscape, she described it as Africa’s most linguistically diverse nation, with about 540 languages spanning three major language families, Afro-Asiatic, Nilo-Saharan, and Niger-Congo, spoken by over 223 million people.

“In Nigeria, multilingualism isn’t rare, it’s a way of life,” she added. “People switch seamlessly between local, regional, and national languages.”

However, Ofulue raised concerns over the marginalisation of minority languages, noting that many face extinction due to policy neglect, lack of intergenerational transmission, and the dominance of English in formal domains.

She emphasized that despite its popularity, Nigerian Pidgin remains largely excluded from official and educational platforms, calling for deliberate efforts to promote its inclusion and that of other underrepresented languages.

Some Nigerian Pidgin words already recognized by the Oxford English Dictionary include eba, japa, abi, suya, danfo, okada, Yahoo boy, and area boy.

On reclaiming marginalised voices, Ofulue recommended curriculum reforms, inclusive teaching methods, and technological innovations that embrace indigenous languages as valuable assets rather than outdated traditions.

She also advocated for the digitisation of indigenous knowledge, creation of technical glossaries, and development of multimedia content in native languages to enhance learning and representation in digital spaces.

In his closing remarks, NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olufemi Peters, praised Ofulue’s lecture, humorously switching to pidgin himself to applaud her insights, a move that earned him enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

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ASUU Slams FG Over Approval Of New Private Universities Despite Moratorium

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Education Minister,

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticised the Federal Government for approving the establishment of new private universities, despite its recently announced seven-year moratorium on creating new tertiary institutions.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday and signed by ASUU President, Dr. Christopher Piwuna, the union described the move as contradictory and questioned the logic behind licensing more private universities when access to university education is no longer a major issue in Nigeria.

“ASUU watched in awe as the government announced a moratorium on new tertiary institutions, only to turn around and approve nine new private universities,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the constitutional right of private individuals to establish universities, ASUU insisted that the process must be strictly regulated to ensure quality.

The union accused successive administrations of using university licences as tools of political patronage, warning that the unchecked growth of tertiary institutions poses a threat to educational standards.

“We now have a total of 339 universities—72 federal, 108 state, and 159 private institutions, averaging about nine universities per state, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education,” ASUU noted.

The union called the situation a “scandalous proliferation” of universities and argued that both public and private sectors should be subject to the moratorium if the goal is to strengthen existing institutions.

“Past and present administrations should be ashamed of this reckless expansion, which continues to pull Nigerian universities down in global rankings,” ASUU stated.

The union also pointed fingers at university administrators and regulatory agencies for their role in poor staffing and inadequate planning across the tertiary education sector.

ASUU warned that expanding the number of institutions without adequate manpower would dilute academic quality, devalue degrees, and harm the country’s reputation in global education rankings.

ASUU further recalled its decade-long opposition to what it called “mushroom universities” and expressed disappointment that its warnings have been largely ignored.

“It’s no surprise that the Education Minister revealed that over 30 universities currently have zero admission subscriptions. These institutions are unsustainable and wasteful,” the union stated.

ASUU welcomed the moratorium in principle but emphasized that it must be genuinely enforced across both public and private universities to be effective.

The Federal Executive Council had, on August 13, approved the suspension of new federal tertiary institutions for a seven-year period, citing underutilization of existing schools.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said some federal universities are operating far below capacity, revealing that one northern university had 1,200 staff for fewer than 800 students, calling it a “waste of government resources.”

Meanwhile, ASUU reiterated its longstanding demands, which include the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, payment of revitalisation funds, clearing of outstanding salary arrears, and resolution of promotion backlogs affecting lecturers in public universities.

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Dual Mandate For Colleges Of Education Will Strengthen Teacher Training – FG

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Education Minister

The Federal Government has announced that the recently granted dual mandate to Colleges of Education will enhance the quality and scope of teacher education in Nigeria.

Speaking at the National Education Summit in Abuja on Thursday, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, described the reform as a “historic milestone” for Nigeria’s educational system.

The new policy, backed by the Federal Colleges of Education (Establishment) Act No. 43 of 2023, allows Colleges of Education to offer both Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes simultaneously.

“For the first time, our Colleges of Education are legally empowered to run NCE and degree programmes concurrently. This gives them full legislative and operational authority to expand academic offerings while staying true to their core mission of training professional teachers,” Ahmad said.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, also praised the reform, stating that it would revitalize teacher education and broaden access for aspiring educators.

“Previously, colleges had to partner with universities to award degrees. Now, with legal backing, they can offer degree programmes independently using their own academic resources and staff,” he noted.

Prof. Okwelle emphasized that the dual mandate will lead to the graduation of teachers with both NCE and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degrees, improve the teacher supply pipeline, and help retain skilled educators within the system.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Colleges of Education, Hon. Adamu Tanko, assured stakeholders that degrees awarded by Colleges of Education will hold the same value and recognition as those awarded by traditional universities.

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INEC Presents Certificates Of Return To Winners Of Bye-Elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday officially presented Certificates of Return to newly elected senators and House of Representatives members who emerged victorious in the August 16 by-elections.

The presentation took place at INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, where National Commissioners handed certificates to the winners.

Among the new senators is Emmanuel Nwachukwu of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was elected to represent Anambra South Senatorial District, and Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who won the Edo Central Senatorial District.

Five newly elected members of the House of Representatives also received their certificates:

Barrister Omosede Igbinedion (APC) – Ovie North East and Ovie South West Federal Constituency, Edo State

Mukhtar Rabi’u Garki (APC) – Babura/Garki Federal Constituency, Jigawa State

Fidelix Bagudu (APC) – Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State

Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji (APC) – Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State

Fola Oyekunle (PDP) – Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Oyo State.

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Confusion As PDP Leaders Reject Zoning

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A major rift has emerged within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as key leaders from Southern Nigeria have distanced themselves from a zoning summit currently taking place in Lagos.

The summit, convened by the party’s Zoning Committee at the Legend Hotel in Ikeja, is intended to discuss power-sharing arrangements within the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) ahead of the party’s upcoming convention scheduled for November 15 and 16, and to prepare for the 2027 general elections.

However, in a joint statement released on Thursday, several state party chairmen, National Assembly members and other prominent southern PDP stakeholders rejected the legitimacy of the summit, describing it as unrepresentative and exclusionary.

“Any resolutions or outcomes from that meeting are not binding on us and do not reflect the collective will of the PDP across Southern Nigeria,” the group said.

“Decisions made in secrecy and exclusion cannot represent consensus.”

The statement was signed by the PDP Chairmen of Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States; Austin Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, Venatius Ikem, Aniekan Akpan, and Aaron Chukwuemeka.

Others included the National Vice Chairman (South-East), Hon. Chidiebere Egwu Goodluck, and House Minority Leader, Hon. O.K. Chinda.

Also among the signatories were Senators Igwe Nwagu, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo and Mike Ama Nnachi, along with former National Secretary Rt. Hon. Onwe S. Onwe, Deputy National Legal Adviser Barr. Okechukwu Osuoha and ex-Ebonyi State Legal Adviser Barr. Mudi Erhenede.

They described the summit titled the “PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit” as flawed from the start, noting that several state chairmen, national officers, and prominent PDP leaders, especially from the South-East and South-South, were not invited.

“It is deeply disturbing that such a meeting took place without informing key state party chairmen and other vital stakeholders,” the statement said.

“Even the National Secretary and Deputy National Legal Adviser were left out, along with several former governors and high-ranking party members.”

The group accused the organizers of acting to promote the personal ambitions of a few individuals rather than the party’s collective interest.

They also noted that the official PDP Zoning Committee has not yet submitted its report to the National Executive Committee (NEC), making any early conclusions from this summit both premature and inappropriate.

They called on the PDP’s National Working Committee, NEC, and all party stakeholders to disregard any outcomes of the Lagos summit, labeling the gathering as “illegal” and “divisive.”

“This process undermines our party’s core principles of inclusiveness and consensus-building,” the group warned.

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I’ll Support Anyone Who Backs President Tinubu, Says Wike

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared his unwavering support for individuals and political leaders who align with and support President Bola Tinubu.

Wike made the statement on Thursday during the flag-off of Lot 2 of the Karu Water Supply Project in Abuja.

While commending key figures such as former FCT Senator Philip Aduda and Chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, Wike emphasized that the Tinubu administration would prioritize support for leaders who deliver results and maintain strong ties with the federal government.

“Support those who have the capacity to bring development. Support those that government will listen to,” Wike said.

Citing Aduda’s request, Wike promised the construction of a 2km road in Karu, stating that the project would be executed promptly due to Aduda’s influence and advocacy.

“There is a road you said is about 2km. Consider it done,” Wike said. “Aduda has the government’s ear, and that’s why we’re taking action immediately.”

He praised Maikalangu for effectively utilizing his access to government to attract infrastructure projects to the area, listing completed and ongoing works including Saburi Road, Kabusa-Takushere Road, Deidei Road, and others.

“Since Maikalangu became chairman of AMAC, he has brought government presence to the people. Anything he asks for, we will do,” Wike added.

He also made a clear political statement regarding loyalty to the presidency:

“I don’t know the party he (Maikalangu) belongs to, but I know he supports Tinubu. Anybody who supports Tinubu, I will support him.”

Wike criticized past administrations for neglecting essential needs, especially clean water in Karu, contrasting them with the current government’s fulfillment of its promise to provide potable water to the community.

“We’ve had governments that stayed here for five, even eight years. Did they give you water? But this government promised and has delivered,” he said.

“You must remember those who remember you. We’ve come to fulfil our promise, you now have clean and potable water.”

Philip Aduda, a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), served as Senator for the FCT from 2011 to 2023, while Maikalangu, originally elected under the PDP, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2024 and is currently seeking re-election in the February 2026 Area Council polls.

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JUST IN: SDP Senator Dumps Party, Heads To APC

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Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, has formally resigned from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform under which he was elected to represent Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the 2023 elections.

Wadada’s next political move is already in motion, as sources confirm he is preparing to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), with plans to contest the 2027 governorship election in Nasarawa State.

In a resignation letter addressed to the SDP Chairman of his Tudun Kofa Ward in Keffi Local Government Area, Wadada cited persistent internal crises within the party as the reason for his exit.

“This decision has not been taken lightly,” he wrote.

“But I feel compelled to do so due to the lingering internal crisis that has plagued our party. These conflicts have resulted in serious divisions and litigation within the SDP.”

He expressed gratitude for the platform the party provided and the relationships he built during his time with the SDP, but said the time had come to “move on and explore new avenues.”

Wadada, a founding member of the APC, parted ways with the party in 2022 after what he described as unjust denial of a senatorial ticket, prompting him to contest under the SDP.

In the 2023 election, he defeated APC’s Arc Shehu Tukur with 96,488 votes, while PDP’s Musa Galadima came third with 46,820 votes.

Having maintained close political ties with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wadada recently visited the Presidential Villa to discuss his planned return to the APC.

His move is widely seen as a strategic step ahead of the 2027 elections, where he is expected to run to succeed incumbent Governor Abdullahi Sule.

Wadada previously served two terms in the House of Representatives and has remained a prominent figure in Nasarawa politics.

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US Court Overturns $464m Civil Fraud Fine Against Trump

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A New York appellate court has thrown out the $464 million civil fraud penalty imposed on former U.S. President Donald Trump, ruling that the amount was excessive and violated the Eighth Amendment of the U.S Constitution, which prohibits excessive fines.

The fine had originally been handed down by Judge Arthur Engoron in February 2024, after finding that Trump, alongside his sons Donald Jr. and Eric Trump, had fraudulently inflated the value of assets to secure favorable loans and insurance deals.

In addition to the financial penalty, the original ruling included a three-year ban on Trump from operating any businesses in New York, a decision he had described as a “corporate death sentence.”

On Thursday, the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court upheld the fraud ruling itself but said the magnitude of the penalty imposed was disproportionate.

“The court agrees with the finding of fraud,” the ruling stated, “but the imposed penalty violates constitutional protections against excessive fines.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the original suit, may still appeal the new ruling to the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court.

Trump had consistently pushed back against the charges, labeling the case a politically motivated witch hunt aimed at undermining his 2024 presidential campaign. The financial penalties were already accruing interest as he pursued appeals.

Reacting to the ruling, Donald Trump Jr. celebrated the outcome on X (formerly Twitter), calling it a “massive win.”

“New York Appeals Court has just THROWN OUT President Trump’s $500+ Million civil fraud penalty! It was always a witch hunt… and even a left-leaning NY appeals court agrees! NO MORE LAWFARE!”

During the trial proceedings, which were conducted without a jury in accordance with New York state law, Trump alleged the case was being driven by the Biden administration in an effort to damage him politically.

Since the case was civil, not criminal, Trump was never at risk of jail time.

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TICAD9: Africa Should Have Two Permanent Seats On UN Security Council – President Tinubu

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At the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, President Bola Tinubu made a strong appeal for reforms within the United Nations Security Council to grant Africa permanent representation.

Speaking at the plenary session focused on peace and stability, Tinubu insisted that Africa deserves two permanent seats on the council, complete with all the privileges, including the veto power.

He further emphasized the need for additional non-permanent seats for the continent, aligning with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

“Nigeria firmly believes that Africa’s call for equitable and just representation at the UN Security Council is both reasonable and long overdue,” Tinubu stated.

“Africa should have two permanent seats with full privileges and additional non-permanent seats to reflect its growing influence.”

The President also took time to commend the Nigerian armed forces for their recent successes in combating insurgency and criminal activities, describing these achievements as pivotal for the country’s development and stability.

However, Tinubu warned that military victories alone are insufficient for lasting peace. Addressing root causes such as poverty, inequality, and exclusion is essential.

He highlighted innovative peace-building efforts, including recent mediation linked with economic investments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as promising models.

“Nigeria’s courageous armed forces can win battles, but true justice for their sacrifice comes when governments tackle not just terrorism but also its underlying causes,” Tinubu noted.

He called on African nations and international partners to foster market-driven collaborations rather than relying on traditional aid, urging a shift towards sustainable economic partnerships that transcend outdated approaches.

The conference also saw Japanese Prime Minister pledging $5.5 billion in support for African development, underscoring the global commitment to the continent’s progress.

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