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SEN. SHUAIB SALISU TO DELIVER 2024 REUNION LECTURE OF UNIFEMGA IN ILE IFE

SEN. SHUAIB SALISU TO DELIVER 2024 REUNION LECTURE OF UNIFEMGA IN ILE IFE
By: Mohammed Buari
The stage is set for a transformative discourse as Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (SAS), representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, is slated to deliver the keynote address at the 2024 annual national reunion conference of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA).
The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, will take place at the prestigious Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
In a statement by Alhaji Mohammed Buari, Chairman of the Planning Committee, and Alhaji Shamsudeen Adenopo, Public Relations Officer, stated that Salisu will speak on “Changing Nigeria’s consumption-based economy to a service and production-based economy,’’.
The statement added that the three-day conference, running from Friday, May 17, to Sunday, May 19, 2024, promises a rich array of activities aimed at fostering intellectual discourse, networking, and community engagement.
Buari said that the event will be graced by the Imperial Majesty, who is the Royal Father of the day, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.
The Chairman of the occasion is Dr Ahmed Tunde Popoola, Managing Director of CRC Credit Bureau Limited, while Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, the Host Vice-Chancellor, will ensure a seamless event.
Others expected at the reunion include Prof. Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN), three Vice-Chancellors of University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Prof. Musa Aibinu of Summit University Offa and Prof. Akeem Lasisi of Federal University of Health Sciences (FUHSI), Ila Orangun, among others.
The conference will kick off with a networking dinner on Friday, May 17, to be hosted by Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, BOT Chairman of UNIFEMGA, and Pro-Chancellor of Summit University Offa after a courtesy call on the vice chancellor of the Institution and Special Jumat Service.
Other slated event include the “UNIFEMGA INVESTORS’ FORUM,” modelled after the popular TV show “Dragons’ Den,” offering entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their businesses to potential investors.
The reunion activities will also include the commissioning of UNIFEMGA National Secretariat, a welcome reception for all delegates, the presentation of scholarship grants, keep-fit exercises, and novelty matches.
Reflecting on the significance of this reunion, Alhaji Abdulfattah Olanlege, UNIFEMGA National President, noted its alignment with the conclusion of his tenure, expressing optimism for the incoming Executive.
With over 300 delegates, including those from the Diaspora, already registered, the 2024 National reunion conference promises to be a gathering of minds committed to progress and unity.
SEN. SHUAIB SALISU TO DELIVER 2024 REUNION LECTURE OF UNIFEMGA IN ILE IFE
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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