All Posts in "Dan Poster"

ICYMI: Innovation minister Nnaji resigns amid allegations

Uche NnajiThe Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in General News 0
SSANU, NASU mobilise for Thursday protest

SSANU and NASUThe Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions have declared a one-day protest for Thursday over the Federal Government’s failure to meet their demands.

Acting under the Joint Action Committee, both unions have directed all their branches to hold joint emergency meetings on Wednesday to mobilise members for protest activities.

These will include marches on campuses, placard displays, and press briefings.

The decision followed a comprehensive review of government actions at JAC’s meeting on October 6, after several ultimatums had expired without resolution.

Among the contentious issues are the alleged inequitable disbursement of the N50bn earned allowances; delays in renegotiating the 2009 FGN/NASU/SSANU agreements; non-payment of two months’ outstanding salaries; arrears of 25 and 35 per cent salary increments; and non-remittance of third-party deductions for May and June 2022.

JAC had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government on September 15, later extending it by another 14 days — which expired on Monday, October 6.

In a circular dated October 6 and titled “Commencement of Protest Actions”, signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions directed full participation by all members.

The memo read in part, “Following the inauguration of the Joint Consultative Committee by the Honourable Minister of Education to look into the demands of JAC of NASU & SSANU, the committee met twice — on Friday, 19th September 2025, and Monday, 6th October 2025 — with little progress, as our demands remain unresolved despite the extension of the ultimatum.

“In light of this development, the National JAC hereby directs branch leadership in universities and inter-university centres nationwide to convene a joint congress on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, to mobilise for a massive and effective one-day protest on Thursday, 9th October 2025.”

It added that all members in both federal and state-owned universities “are expected to strictly comply with this directive,” stressing that unity and adherence were essential for success.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, recently accused the government of insincerity, warning that the unions could declare an indefinite strike if their demands remain unmet.

“Ours will not be the ‘mother of all strikes’; it will be the grandfather of all strikes,” Ibrahim said. “When SSANU or NASU strikes, you know what it means. We must take our destinies in our hands.”

He lamented the poor welfare of non-academic staff in universities, describing them as “the worst hit financially, economically, and psychologically.”

Like the Academic Staff Union of Universities, both SSANU and NASU have been at loggerheads with the Federal Government over staff welfare and funding issues.

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in General News 0
NLC pressures government to raise spending on education

NLCNigeria’s top labour union has urged the government to boost education spending and improve teacher welfare, warning that neglect of the profession threatens the country’s future.

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, said teachers remain underpaid and undervalued despite their central role in nation building. Speaking at World Teachers’ Day celebrations in Abuja, he described the profession as the queen of all professions but said it continues to suffer from poor pay, inadequate working conditions and lack of respect.

“The paradox is stark: while society heaps praises on teachers, they remain the most neglected and starved profession. Teachers are praised to heaven but starved on earth,” Ajaero said in a statement.

He urged the Federal Government to meet the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation benchmark, which recommends that at least six per cent of a country’s Gross Domestic Product and 20 per cent of public expenditure be allocated to education.

According to him, Nigeria’s current investment falls far below this level, creating shortages in qualified teachers and worsening student–teacher ratios.

The labour leader also criticised the widespread exploitation of teachers in private schools, many of whom, he said, are denied basic rights, social protection, and fair wages.

He demanded that the Minister of Labour and Employment, along with the Minister of Education, take decisive action to ensure that private school teachers are allowed to form and join unions, in line with the Nigerian Constitution and International Labour Organisation conventions 87 and 98.

Ajaero further warned that without decisive investment in teachers’ welfare, Nigeria risked worsening brain drain in the education sector, with teachers leaving the profession for better opportunities abroad or in other industries.

“You cannot give what you do not have. Teachers who are not adequately trained, motivated, and supported cannot be expected to deliver quality education. If we continue on this path, the future of our children and indeed the country is at stake,” he cautioned.

The NLC President stressed the need for a national framework to train unqualified teachers, strengthen professional development, and address the high pupil-to-teacher ratio which, in many schools, is far above global standards.

World Teachers’ Day 2025 was marked under the global theme ‘The Teachers We Need for the Education We Want: The Global Imperative to Reverse Teacher Shortages’, which said was  particularly relevant for Nigeria, where teacher shortages are acute and alarming.

He urged the government at all levels to demonstrate political will by prioritising teachers’ welfare as a fundamental step towards transforming the education sector.

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in Business 0
Air Peace denies slashing fares by 30%

Air Peace Nigeria LimitedAir Peace Limited has issued a strong disclaimer regarding a circulating social media post advertising a supposed “30% off Africa flights” promotion.

The airline, in a statement by its spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, stated that it is not running any such promotion, describing the advert as “fraudulent and not affiliated with Air Peace in any way.”

The publicist appealed to the public to disregard the misleading post and avoid engaging with its promoters, who are allegedly attempting to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

The airline said, “Our attention has been drawn to a sponsored post circulating on social media, advertising a purported ‘30% off Africa flights’ promotion and requesting members of the public to sign up to access this offer.

“We wish to categorically state that Air Peace Limited is not running any 30 per cent discount promotion. The said advertisement is fraudulent and not affiliated with Air Peace in any way. We therefore urge the public to disregard such posts and refrain from engaging with the promoters, as they are only attempting to defraud unsuspecting individuals.”

The airline also raised concerns about reports of customers trying to book tickets through the domain airpeace.com. Air Peace clarified that its only official website is www.flyairpeace.com and that it has no association with airpeace.com or any other unauthorised sites promoting false offers.

The statement added that, “For your safety and to avoid falling victim to scams, passengers are advised to use only the following official contact channels: Call Centre: +234 201 343 8133; Email: callcenter@flyairpeace.com; Website: www.flyairpeace.com

“Air Peace will not be responsible for any transactions or ticket purchases made through unauthorised websites, contact numbers, or social media pages.”

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in Business 0
Access Bank awards ‘salary 4 life’ prize, shares N6.62bn

Diamond-Access-Bank-mergerAccess Bank Plc has rewarded more than 30,947 customers with prizes worth over N6.62bn through its DiamondXtra reward scheme, as part of activities marking 17 years of the customer loyalty programme.

At the Diamond Xtra Season 17 Regional Draw held at the weekend in Lagos, a businessman, Edwin Oraka, emerged winner of the star prize tagged ‘Salary 4 Life’, which entitles him to N200,000 monthly for 15 years.

Speaking at the event, the Regional Manager, Mainland 3, Access Bank, Chika Ochuwa, said the Diamondxtra Reward Scheme reflects the bank’s continued commitment to rewarding loyalty and promoting financial inclusion.

“This initiative has grown stronger with each passing year, achieving remarkable milestones through the trust of our customers and the dedication of our exceptional team,” Ochuwa said.

He disclosed that the 17th season would see the bank share N228.7m among 12,073 participants through various reward categories, including the ‘Salary 4 Life’ prize, loyalty rewards, monthly and regional draws, complimentary digital marketing training, and special cluster draws.

Ochuwa added that despite challenges in the banking industry, the DiamondXtra scheme continues to stand out as one of the most consistent and trusted customer reward programmes in Nigeria.

He explained that the draw process was monitored by regulatory bodies such as the Lagos State Lottery Regulatory Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to ensure transparency and fairness.

Expressing his excitement, Oraka, who runs a real estate business, described the win as life-changing. “I am incredibly happy and thankful for this unexpected opportunity. My loyalty to Access Bank has been steadfast, and I believe in the bank’s long-term value as an asset,” he said.

Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator for the South-West Zonal Office of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Olubunmi Otti, commended the initiative, noting that the Commission collaborates with the bank to ensure that all promotional commitments are fulfilled in line with consumer protection standards.

Launched in July 2008, the DiamondXtra reward scheme was designed to encourage savings culture and reward loyal customers across the country.

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in Business 0
Non-interest capital market hits N1.6tn, says SEC

AgamaThe Securities and Exchange Commission has said Nigeria’s non-interest capital market has grown to over N1.6tn, reflecting investor confidence and participation in finance.

The Director-General of the SEC, Emomotimi Agama, disclosed this on Monday at a joint press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 7th African International Conference on Islamic Finance, scheduled to be held in Lagos on November 4 and 5, 2025.’

The conference, jointly organised by the SEC, Metropolitan Law Firm, and Metropolitan Skills Ltd., is themed ‘Africa Emerging: A Prosperous and Inclusive Outlook.’ It aims to promote ethical financing as a tool for building a resilient and inclusive African economy.

Agama said the non-interest capital market had recorded remarkable momentum, with Sukuk dominating the sector, noting that the most recent Sukuk issuance was oversubscribed by over 700 per cent, demonstrating strong investor appetite for non-interest products and confidence in the regulatory environment.

“The non-interest capital market has attained a valuation of N1.6tn. The overwhelming subscription to our Sukuk issuances demonstrates strong investor confidence and an expanding demand for ethical financial instruments,” he said.

He added that the enactment of the Investments and Securities Act 2025 had strengthened the legal foundation for non-interest financial products, empowering the SEC to register non-interest collective investment schemes and broaden investment options for Nigerians.

According to him, the upcoming African International Conference on Islamic Finance will feature high-level discussions on unlocking capital for infrastructure, green and ethical investments, agricultural financing, and the role of fintech in advancing Islamic finance across the continent.

Agama said the conference was strategically positioned to coincide with the conclusion of the Revised Nigerian Capital Market Masterplan (2021–2025), adding that it would help chart the next phase of sustainable financial development in Africa.

Also speaking, the Managing Partner of Metropolitan Law Firm and Chairman of the AICIF 2025 Planning Committee, Ummahani Amin, said the event had become one of the most important gatherings for policymakers, regulators, and investors advancing ethical and sustainable finance in Africa.

She added that the partnership with the SEC underscored a shared vision to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem, deepen investor confidence, and support innovation that aligns with integrity and shared prosperity.

Dan Poster by — October 8, 2025 in Business 0
PDP suspends secretary over alleged anti-party activities

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kaduna State has suspended its State Secretary, Sa’idu Adamu, over alleged gross misconduct and anti-party activities.

This was contained in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Maria Dogo, on Monday in Kaduna.

According to the statement, the State Working Committee of the party took the decision and it was ratified by the State Executive Committee during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Kaduna.

The statement said that the action aligns with the provisions of Articles 58(1)(h) and 57(3) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).

It added that Adamu’s suspension, which takes immediate effect, will last for one month pending the outcome of investigations and subsequent decisions of the party.

The PDP also barred him from participating in any party activity at all levels during the suspension.

“The PDP wishes to assure its members and the general public that the party remains resolutely committed to upholding internal discipline, fairness, and justice under the able leadership of the State Chairman, Edward Masha.

“The ongoing efforts of the State Working Committee are aimed at strengthening the party’s structures and ensuring accountability across all ranks,” the statement said.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Politics 0
No aspirant will be denied fair chance – Fintiri tells PDP members

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State has assured members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the upcoming 2025 national convention will be open, fair, and transparent.

Fintiri, who chairs the PDP National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), gave the assurance during the inaugural meeting of the Protocol Sub-committee chaired by Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State in Abuja on Monday.

He said the party was committed to internal democracy and would provide a level playing field for all qualified aspirants.

“No aspirant will be denied the opportunity to test their popularity and acceptability among members,” Fintiri said.

The governor noted that arrangements were being finalised for the list of delegates, adding that the process would be credible and transparent.

He urged party stakeholders to remain united and avoid internal conflicts that could affect the PDP’s image.

“The success of this convention depends on our collective commitment and teamwork,” he added.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in Politics 0
Alleged certificate forgery: Nnaji should be suspended, probed – Lawyer

Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, has urged the Nigeria police to probe the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.

Effiong made this call on Monday, while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.

He stated that the inconsistencies in the minister’s academic records and the conflicting statements from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and the minister himself required urgent attention.

The lawyer expressed shock that such alleged irregularities escaped scrutiny during Nnaji’s screening before appointment.

“How did all these things escape the scrutiny of the Nigerian State Security Service?

“As I speak to you, the State Security Service has maintained a conspiratorial silence. It is a conspiracy,” he added.

The human rights activist described the allegations as “grave” and urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend Nnaji pending investigation.

“This minister must be immediately suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“He has to surrender himself to the police for investigation for forgery; otherwise, they will be telling Nigerians that we are running a government of certificate forgers and criminality,” he added.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in General News 0
Gbajabiamila organises free health check for Lagos community

Femi GbajabiamilaThe Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Monday, facilitated free medical outreach at Agboyi Ori Omi, a remote riverine community in the Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the outreach was organised in collaboration with the Lagos State Health District 2 and the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps.

Some of the services provided include oral health checks and treatment, blood pressure checks, screening for TB, eye screening, blood sugar checks, HIV testing and counselling, and treatment of minor ailments.

The beneficiaries also got free glasses and free medication.
Gbajabiamila, who was represented by a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency I, Desmond Elliot, said health remained a priority to the people, including those at the grassroots.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration was taking health matters very seriously.
Urging the people of the island to take advantage of  the gesture, holding in three different communities in the state, Gbajabiamila urged the people to pay keen attention to their health

“The tests are done here, we are here for on-the-spot treatment when a diagnosis is being made. I think it is very laudable and it is in partnership with Lagos State Government.

“We want people to take advantage of this opportunity” Elliot said.
He said that the government would not relent in its commitment to continue to improve the standard and quality of healthcare across the country.
Also speaking, Lukmon Lawal, Special Adviser on Budget and Finance to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, applauded Gbajabiamila for his commitment to improving access to healthcare across the country.

Lawal said Gbajabiamila, over time, had demonstrated love for the ordinary people and had impacted lives through health care, education and empowerment.

“Bringing healthcare to one of the most forgotten communities in Lagos is commendable. Without improvement in healthcare, household income and education will suffer. So anytime, any day, we are winning with qualitative healthcare.

“Today, in their thousands, the Agboyi communities are enjoying medical outreach.
“Tomorrow, we will be at Primary Health Centre Ketu, and for Wednesday and Thursday, we will be at Ikorodu for two days.

“So, we are sending the message of Renewed Hope to all nooks and crannies of Lagos and, by extension, Nigeria,” Lawal said.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health District 2,  Dayo Lajide, commended Gbajabiamila’s gesture.
“This island is a bit hard to reach, and our people really do need these services,” Lajide said, noting that the impact of the programme was remarkable.

“It is a big deal for us because we have over 41,000 people living on this island,” she said.
She said that the state government was working to upgrade the Primary Healthcare Centre on the island.

In her remark, the Chairman, Agboyi-Keyi LCDA,  Adetola Abubakar, applauded President  Tinubu for providing leadership for ordinary Nigerians.

Describing Gbajabiamila’s health intervention as special and apt, Abubakar thanked him for touching lives.
“Every aspect of our national life is being taken care of. The

Chief of Staff, like the President, has the welfare of the citizens at heart, bringing this very important health care project to us.”
She also appreciated the management of the Lagos State Health District 2 for helping to provide people with comprehensive and quality health services, especially at the grassroots.

Dan Poster by — October 7, 2025 in General News 0