The Director-General of the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Imuwahen Ajoonu, has reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to cultivate a public service that is both efficient and accountable.
Ajoonu, at JOOPSA’s ‘Open House’ event in Benin on Saturday, emphasised the academy’s mission to empower civil servants with essential skills to address complex governance challenges.
JOOPSA, founded by Gov. Godwin Obaseki-led administration, aimed to foster professionalism and excellence in public service, becoming a hub for those committed to advance governance in Nigeria.
According to Ajoonu, the academy seeks to empower civil servants with essential skills to address today’s complex governance challenges effectively.
“JOOPSA’s vision is to cultivate a responsive, efficient, and accountable public service.
“JOOPSA boasts modern classrooms with smart technology.
“The academy has a well-stocked library on policy and governance and trainees can learn coding, computer skills, and innovation techniques.”
Ajoonu also unveiled upcoming training programmes aimed at strengthening public administration across Nigeria.
Prof. Ibrahim Shaibu from the University of Benin presented a paper on strategic leadership, urging participants to embrace critical thinking and lifelong learning.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event concluded with an award ceremony honoring staff, civil and public servants, faculty, volunteers, and partners for their contributions. .
The Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) on Thursday held a transformative capacity building workshop for Edo women to acquire skills for alternative source of livelihoods.
The one-day event, aimed at empowering women impacted by deforestation and industrial plantation expansion, provided rural women with critical training on alternative sources of income.
The workshop had its theme tagged ‘Promoting Solidarity Economy, Building Resilience.
Attracting 30 women from 15 communities across six Edo local government areas, the training covered snail farming, mushroom cultivation, and soap making.
Mrs Rita Uwaka, the Interim Administrator of ERA/FoEN, emphasised that the workshop’s goal was to foster resilience among women facing deforestation’s harsh realities.
Uwaka highlighted how the initiative would equipp them with environmental knowledge, rights awareness, and practical skills for economic independence.
She lamented the devastating impact of deforestation on Niger Delta communities, stressing the importance of training women, who often bear the brunt of these ecological shifts.
“Women here are uniquely affected, facing displacement, violence, and economic instability.
“Our forests once sustained us, but now, with resources dwindling, we must find alternative means to support our families and preserve our culture.
“Women in these communities are particularly vulnerable, facing violence, disruptions to their livelihoods, health hazards, displacement, and increased gender inequalities.
“This workshop addresses these challenges by providing a supportive learning, healing, and empowerment environment, ” she said.
She noted that ERA/FoEN was committed to building a solid economy where rural women have resources and a support network.
She, however, promised the women a modest grants to help them launch their businesses, foster a collaborative economy for impacted communities.
Highlighting the emotional support aspect of the workshop, Uwaka added that the initiative was more than training.
“It’s a healing space to build resilience and solidarity among women affected by land grabs and deforestation,” she added.
She emphasised ERA/FoEN’s dedication to women’s rights and environmental preservation.
According to her, Women’s rights are human rights. Forests are irreplaceable, profits cannot outweigh people. We are hurting, our forests must be saved to avert climate disaster.
The women took turn to recount their ordeals in their various communities saying that their farmlands have been taken away by investors.
Mrs Deborah Omoruyi from Oran community in Ovia South West local government area of the state, shared personal stories, describing the hardships faced after multinationals seized their farmland.
“We now pay as much as N70,000 yearly to rent farmland in other communities and if we’re late on payments, we risk eviction, ” Omoruyi said.
Also speaking, Mrs Osaremen Jimoh, from Odiguetue community, Ovia North East echoed these sentiments, stating that the loss of farmland due to deforestation threatened her community’s main livelihood.
The women expressed gratitude to ERA/FoEN for providing them with skills to secure an alternative livelihood and reclaimed economic stability.
A Registered Public Health Nurse, Mrs Habibat Basiru-Shittu, at the Kulende Primary Healthcare Centre in Zango, Ilorin has diaclosed that the centre is out of stock of some Family Planning commodities due to upsurge in demand.
Shittu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview that the high demand has resulted to out-of-stock of some FP commodities in some PHCs.
She attributed the high demand of family planning method of child spacing to economic situation in the country.
According to her, other factors includes increased sensitization and awareness campaign on FP in the state.
Shittu disclosed that over 1000 people have been recorded since the beginning of 2024.
She explained further that in September alone about 151 people came to access FP at the Centre.
The Registered Nurse who is also a Midwife explained that some men bring their wives and some parents bring their teenage daughters to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
She added that due to massive awareness, even Fulani herders bring their wives and demand for FP commodities for child spacing.
“Although our commodities are subsidized and affordable, there are some days that they are administered free of charge.
“Our men also come for condoms, and they allow their wives to access FP, however there has never heen a record of any man who request for vasectomy,” he said.
Also speaking with NAN, Mrs Lateefa Abdulfatai, one.of the patient who came to access FP, explained that she has three children and she spaced everyone of them.
She said that the subcutaneous injections is quite popular with women.
On her part, Mrs Fatima Abdulwahab, a petty business owner and patient also expressed satisfaction with the method she is using.
She added that she has not recorded any side effect, and pledged to continue to use FP to space her children.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in the universities, University of Ilorin chapter on Tuesday joined the nationwide strike called by the national body.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that federal universities across the country have shut down, in compliance with the indefinite strike called by JAC.
The JAC comprises the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
Speaking to newsmen at the entrance of the University of Ilorin, Mr. Suberu Ibrahim, the NASU chairman, UNILORIN Branch, said the strike action will be total and indefinite.
According to him, the action is as a result of the non payment of the four months withheld salaries of its members.
Suberu explained that the unions are demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.
“You will recall that in the last few months, we have been agitating for the payment of our withheld salaries, and when we went to Abuja National protest, President Ahmed Tinubu, in his magnanimity directed that the money should be paid to us.
“Unfortunately, the Minister for Finance refused to pay us,” he alleged.
Also speaking, Mr Falowo Naheem, the Chairman SSANU, Unilorin Chapter expressed displeasure with the treatment, the non-teaching staffs are getting from the Federal Government.
According to him, the government is yet to fulfill the 2022 agreement, which resulted in strike action.
Naheem stated that the “unions were only taking strike action as the last resort because members were pushed to the wall.
“The situation in Nigeria does not warrant for any government which is insensitive to hold people’s salary. This is a country werw you cannot afford transportation, food, hospital bills,” he lamented.
On his part, the National Financial Secretary of SSANU, Mr Akanbi Jimoh, stated that the national body will not relent in fighting for the welfare of members.
By Yetunde Fatungase The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria on Monday inducted 22 graduating students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, into its council as certified practitioners.
The News Agency of Nigeri(NAN) reports that the 22 graduates are the first set of nursing graduates produced by the institution.
The 22 graduates were inducted following their academic success and diligent performance in moral values, making them qualified for the profession.
In his remarks, the Registrar of the council, Dr Ndagi Al-Hassan, urged the new nurses to uphold the core values of the profession, including compassion, integrity and professionalism.
Al-Hassan, who was represented by Mr Timbuak Yamai from the Office of the Registrar, emphasised the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to technological advancements in healthcare.
Al-Hassan said, “The field of nursing is constantly evolving with the advancement of new technology and new approaches.
“You should continue to build your critical and clinical thinking, upon which you build the foundation of your nursing career in your pursuit of excellence.
“Remember that nursing is going to be a collaborative endeavour; work in harmony with fellow healthcare professionals and recognise the value of teamwork.
“Expand your knowledge and use the growth of yourselves and the experience of colleagues so that you can grow into a season professionals that the community can be proud of,” he said.
Also, speaking on the theme of the event, “From Novice to Expert: Nursing Dynamic in the Era of Digital Technology“, delivered by Prof. Prisca Adejumo, she encouraged the inductees to be digitally savvy and to leverage technology to enhance their practice.
She maintained that no one wants to respect a nurse who does all in the paper, but not technologically competent.
Adejumo admonishing them to get exposed to various clinical settings which would give them leverage among their counterparts.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, commended the achievements of the first graduating nursing students of the school.
She also commended them for their hard work and dedication, noting that they had set a high standard for future nursing students.
The professor noted that they had laid a good legacy by showcasing the school at national and international conferences.
One of the inductees Amusan Chuwkudumebi, who came out with First Class, expressed his commitment to providing quality patient care and contributing positively to the healthcare industry.
Another inductee, Adele Temitope, said he aspires to be a well-grounded nurse in theory and practice.
According to him, his plan is to represent the nation on the global stage.
Chrisland University produced six First-Class students from its School of Nursing.
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said there was an urgent need to reform Nigeria education system to nurture democracy.
Fagbemi made the call on Friday while delivering the 39th Convocation Lecture of the University of Ilorin titled: “Nurturing Democratic Values and Education for the Future of Nigeria”.
He underscored the need to reform the nation’s educational system in such a way that it nurtures democracy and society.
According to him, Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled in such a way to “imbue in us the democratic values ofq tolerance, respect for others and for the Rule of Law”.
The AGF also said that Nigeria’s educational system must be overhauled to re-orientate the citizens to understand that democracy is synonymous with engagement, transparency and collaboration.
He submitted that it was not just a theoretical concept devoid of challenges and conflicts.
The minister observed that education reform should involve focusing on transforming the way Nigerian people think through education.
“Success should be measured by our broad-mindedness and openness to all aspects of life – nature, society, history, truth, and most importantly, to our fellow humans who work with us towards a common goal.
“It is doubtful whether our current educational system can adequately address these tasks,” he said.
Fagbemi said that democracy is a dynamic struggle and not static, adding that, it behoves Nigerians to eschew violence in all its ramifications.
“The future of Nigeria requires strong democratic values nurtured through an inclusive, just and equitable educational system. Education and Democracy are mutually reinforcing.
“The task of overhauling the colonial-era curriculum to promote justice, equality, and freedom and create a more just and united society must begin at once.
“In short, the integration of democratic values in our educational system will not only enhance academic excellence and development.
“It will also build transparent and accountable leaders, consolidate national unity, thus making our country, Nigeria, more equitable, just and progressive”, he said.
While exhorting the graduands, the Minister charge them to impact positively and not negatively on the society.
He said: “I implore you to use your knowledge and skills, for the good of the society, take initiative, think creatively, advance the social good and eschew evil and all appearances of evil.
“You must be champions of democracy and advocates of a strong, peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria.
“Convocation itself marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It is also a time of looking back and reflecting on the road ahead; when the graduates consider how they can use their newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.
He added that the graduands should serve with conscience and love for humanity, adding that the has education they had acquired has equipped them to understand the complexities of the society.
“There are no definitive black-and-white answers. Always remember that your education is not just a personal accomplishment but a tool for societal influence,” he said.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who said that education plays pivotal role in democratic setting.
In his address was entitled: “”No education, No Nation”, Egbewole stated that citizens should be educated to be able to ask right question from their leaders.
He explained that education promotes values of integrity and accountability.
The VC pointed out that the graduands were already grounded in learning and chatacter and should make use of thier knowledge for the benefit of the society.
Ilorin, Oct. 4, 2024 (NAN) Prof Mahmud Adebayo, of the Department Private and Property Law of the University of Ilorin has advocated inclusion of women’s right in the nation’s constitution, as part of the third generation of rights.
Adebayo made the submission on Friday in Ilorin during his paper presentation at the 265th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “On the Reproductive Authonomy of My Right or Not My Choice”.
The don who teaches in the Faculty of Law of the University of Ilorin said the right includes capacity to reproduce and access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of regulation of fertility.
“There is also the right of access to health care for safe pregnancy and child birth. To experience a pleasurable sexuality, which is an important means of communication and love between couple.
“Sexual right include liberty and freedom in the responsible exercise of sexuality. Sexual rights are important because they ensure respect within a relationship,” he said.
According to him, gender equality cannot be obtained without sexual rights and that without respect for sexual rights as human rights, women and girls are at the risk of genital mutilation.
He observed that the reproductive health rights encircled certain human rights that are already recognised by national laws and international human rights documents and consensus instruments and covenants.
“Health rights consist of the recognition of the basic rights of all couple to decide freely and responsibly; the number, spacing and timing of their children and to have information and means to do so and the highest standard of reproductive health.
“It also includes the right to make decisions concerning reproduction free from discrimination, coercion and violence and the rights of women to have control over her body and decide freely on matters related to their sexuality,” he said.
Adebayo asserts that a manifestation of these rights suggests protection from violence against women.
He postulated that these rights will prevent violence against women, trafficking in women and children; sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation and early girl child marriage.
“More concerned efforts should be made in educating men and women about the advantages of allowing women exercise, not only their economic rights, but also reproductive rights.
“This will improve the quality of life of women and their family and by implications the whole nation,” he said.
Friends of Dennis Idahosa, the running mate to the APC governorship candidate, and Ovia Youths on Thursday engaged in a novelty match to mobilise support ahead of the Saturday election in Edo.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match was decided at the public field of Igobazuwa in tbe Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state.
Idahosa’s friends popularly known as “Friends of Denco” defeated the Ovia youths by a lone in the highly entertaining match, played amidst funfair and mild downpour. The encounter witnessed a large turn out of the youth in the area.
Idahosa, who is representing Ovia constituency at the House of Representatives expressed gratitude to the organisers and the participants for the solidarity support.
“I’m thrilled by this show of love and support from my friends and constituents. “This novelty match demonstrates our unity and commitment to the APC’s vision for Edo,” said Idahosa, who was represented by Eghosa Omomo.
NAN reports that the event featured presentation of a trophy to the victorious side as well as laurel to valuable players of the match.
Edo State Action Alliance, AA, Governorship candidate, Comrade Osaro Uwaifo says the Party has not endorsed any Governorship candidate for this Saturday Edo State Governorship election.
Comrade Uwaifo who is also the Edo State Chairman of the Action Alliance stated this in an interview with Newsmen in Benin City, the Edo State Capital while reacting to reports of the party’s endorsement of the APC Governorship Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo by one Mr Tom Iseghohi- Okojie.
Comrade Uwaifo noted that from the current economic situation thats characterises hardship which Nigerians are experiencing, his party will never endorse APC.
The Edo Action Alliance Governorship Candidate who provided Documents including the Certified True Copy of INEC monitoring report as exhibits to Newsmen, said Mr Iseghohi- Okojie remained an imposter trying to use the party apparatus for selfish interest.
He noted that the appeal court sitting in Abuja few weeks ago has laid the matter to rest by declaring him , Comrade Osaro Uwaifo as the Edo State Action Alliance Governorship Candidate in this Saturday Governorship election in the State.
While calling on security agencies to call Mr Iseghohi-Okogie to order, Comrade Uwaifo appealed to Edo electorates to note that Action Alliance as a party has not endorsed any other Governorship Candidate as it’s flagg bearer in the State for Saturday Governorship election.
In a bid to promote unity and showcase the positive impact of sports on youths and society, a novelty football match has been organised between Friends of DENCO and the vibrant Youths of Ovia federal Constituency.
DENCO, Dennis Idahosa is the House of Representatives member for Ovia constituency and Deputy Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Party (APC) for Sept 21 election in Edo state.
The match, scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 18 at 4 pm at the public field in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West of the promised to be an energetic and fun-filled event.
The match, which will be streamed live on various social media platforms, aims to bring together youths from across Ovia local government area, cutting across the South West and North East regions.
Renowned sports broadcaster, Adeleke Ayoola, will provide live commentary, while Ex-Super Eagles legend, Edema Fuludu, will serve as the match commissioner.
According to organisers, the match was designed to promote unity, community spirit, and showcase the positive impacts of sports on youths and society.
It also seeks to create an atmosphere where sports can serve as a bridge between government and the people.
The event promises to be an exciting display of football skills, teamwork, and camaraderie, with the vibrant youths of Ovia federal Constituency coming together to celebrate the power of sports.
Kakaki 