The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has issued a warning about a fraudulent website, labari.com.ng, that is using NELFUND’s name and logo to deceive individuals by falsely claiming to offer foreign visa sponsorship. Nasir Ayitogo, Head of Public Relations for NELFUND, clarified that the organization’s mandate is solely to provide educational loans to Nigerian students pursuing studies within Nigeria. NELFUND does not engage in visa sponsorship or related services. The organization has reported the scam to authorities and advises the public to use only official NELFUND channels for accurate information

The Federal Government of Nigeria has given the green light to significant infrastructure initiatives, including the first phase of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway and the construction of 63 dams. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced these developments during a Sectorial Retreat in Abuja. The highway project will span nine states, enhancing national connectivity, while the dams aim to boost agricultural productivity and power generation. Idris highlighted the government’s commitment to transparency and effective communication as essential to fostering public trust.

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sharply rebutted claims made by former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, labeling the accusations as unfounded and misleading. Dogara had criticized Mohammed, accusing him of mismanagement, undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and engaging in electoral malpractice.

In a statement signed by Nasiru Hanga, Governor Mohammed’s administration was defended as committed to the development and progress of Bauchi State. The statement highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social welfare, asserting that the state has seen significant improvements under Mohammed’s leadership.

Hanga refuted Dogara’s claims that the state was in a state of destitution and squalor, emphasizing that Bauchi has experienced economic growth and improved living standards. He also denied allegations that Mohammed rigged his re-election with the assistance of President Tinubu, suggesting that such claims were a desperate attempt to damage the governor’s reputation.

The statement urged Dogara to stop making baseless accusations and personal attacks, implying that his criticisms were driven by political miscalculations and a desire to regain political relevance. Hanga reaffirmed Governor Mohammed’s commitment to serving Bauchi State with integrity and dedication.

A tragic accident on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway at the Ojoo-Iwo Road axis has resulted in the death of 16 individuals and injuries to 17 others. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, involving four vehicles including a Mack truck, a Nissan commercial bus, a Nissan Micra taxi, and a private Honda Accord SUV.

According to Mayowa Odewo, spokesperson for the FRSC Oyo State Sector Command, the crash was caused by brake failure on the Mack truck marked AKM 548 ZY. The other vehicles involved were MUB 20 LG (Nissan commercial bus), BDJ 520 YC (Nissan Micra taxi), and KRD 707 ER (Honda Accord SUV).

Among the 35 people involved, two were uninjured, while the remaining 17 were taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The accident’s severity was exacerbated by the lack of use of seat belts and other safety devices.

The vehicles have been moved to Irepodun Police Station, and the bodies of the deceased have been handed over to the police. The FRSC spokesperson called for increased caution on the roads to prevent such tragedies in the future.

President Bola Tinubu has officially signed into law a bill that increases the salaries and benefits for judicial officeholders in Nigeria. This development was announced by Sen. Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.

Lado emphasized that this action highlights President Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, aligning with his recent decision to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of ₦70,000. The new law is designed to update the compensation and benefits of judicial officers to better reflect current economic realities.

Lado described the signing of the bill as a significant achievement, showcasing the administration’s dedication to enhancing the lives of workers in crucial roles. He commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Abass Tajudeen, as well as the members of the National Assembly, for their role in advancing this legislation.

The President’s administration aims to ensure that all workers, especially those in critical positions like the judiciary, receive fair compensation for their contributions. Lado also urged judicial officers to maintain their commitment to delivering justice efficiently, reflecting the administration’s focus on both rewarding and motivating public servants.

Justice Sylvanus Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has extended the order limiting participants in the Abuja hunger protests to the MKO Abiola Stadium, also known as the National Stadium. This decision follows an application from Dr. Ogwu Onoja SAN, representing the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The extension was granted after none of the 12 defendants appeared in court or had legal representation. The defendants include prominent figures such as Omoyele Sowore and several heads of security agencies.

The FCT Minister’s lawyer informed the court about a statement by Damilare Adenola, which suggested that the protests might extend beyond the initially planned 10 days. Dr. Onoja argued that the extension of the order was necessary to prevent disruption and ensure public peace.

Justice Oriji granted the request, maintaining the previous order and scheduling the next hearing for August 22. The court emphasized the need to balance the protesters’ rights with the need to maintain public order, restricting the protest to the stadium to prevent any potential disruption to other citizens and public property.

The court also ordered that the defendants be served with a hearing notice before the next adjournment, and the notice of the ruling be published in newspapers.

Dr. Emmanuel Ahmadu, a Nigerian who famously sat for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) 17 times, will spearhead the “Resilience Rise” Mental Health Awareness Tour across Northeast Ohio. The tour is set to address mental health challenges among students and is a collaboration with Triumphators LLC and other local educational and mental health stakeholders.

In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ahmadu shared that the initiative aims to combat the rising trend of mental health issues among students, including depression and suicide. The tour will engage high schools and colleges in the region, providing tools and inspiration to help students overcome personal adversities and excel academically and personally.

Ahmadu’s journey from a turbulent childhood, including attending 16 primary schools and 14 secondary schools, to achieving a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Benin, reflects his resilience. His story is intended to inspire students and promote mental resilience through the tour.

With mental health statistics indicating high levels of persistent sadness and suicide among Ohio students, the tour seeks to provide essential support and resources. Ahmadu’s collaboration with Triumphators LLC, led by Coach Tonya Maxwell, aligns with efforts to empower individuals who have experienced trauma and support their development into community leaders.

The “Resilience Rise” tour is expected to expand across Ohio and the U.S., amplifying its impact on student mental health. Ahmadu’s recent honors include an honorary Doctorate Degree in International Affairs from Global Seminary University and recognition as a Global Mental Health Advocate by Marquis Who’s Who 2024. His efforts are seen as a significant contribution to global mental health advocacy.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) serves as a critical measure of student performance in West Africa. The following data, provided by Statisense, presents the pass rates for Nigerian students from 2014 to 2024, highlighting trends and changes influenced by educational policies and external factors.

1. 2014: A Low Start (31.28%)
   • The success rate was relatively low at 31.28%, reflecting significant challenges in that year.
2. 2015: Slight Improvement (38.68%)
   • A modest improvement to 38.68%, indicating gradual progress.
3. 2016: Significant Leap (52.97%)
   • A notable increase to 52.97%, surpassing the 50% mark for the first time.
4. 2017: Momentum Continues (59.22%)
   • Continued upward trend with a pass rate of 59.22%, showing sustained academic advancement.
5. 2018: A Setback (48.15%)
   • A decline to 48.15%, highlighting inconsistencies in success rates.
6. 2019: Back on Track (64.18%)
   • A strong rebound with a pass rate of 64.18%, restoring confidence in the system.
7. 2020: Slight Growth (65.24%)
   • Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the pass rate increased slightly to 65.24%.
8. 2021: Record-Breaking (81.70%)
   • A landmark year with a record-high success rate of 81.70%.
9. 2022: Strong but Slight Decline (76.36%)
   • A slight decrease to 76.36%, yet still reflecting strong performance.
10. 2023-2024: Stabilization and Drop (79.81%, 72.12%)
    • The pass rate stabilized at 79.81% in 2023 before dropping to 72.12% in 2024.

This data underscores the fluctuating nature of educational success rates and highlights the impact of both internal and external factors on student performance.

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has presented 11 new cars to judges as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of judicial officers. This gesture, made at Muhammad Buhari Square in Lokoja, aims to support the effective functioning of the judiciary.

Ododo, represented by Head of Service Elijah Evimemi, emphasized that the gift of vehicles underscores his administration’s dedication to the judiciary. This follows a previous distribution of 14 vehicles to judges in July. The governor promised that more vehicles would be provided soon to ensure all judges and magistrates in the state receive one.

Chief Judge Justice Josiah Mejabi thanked the governor for honoring his promise, noting that the vehicles would aid in the judicial officers’ duties. Mejabi praised Ododo for his people-oriented policies and expressed hope that, after addressing health sector needs, the governor would also focus on renovating court facilities to enhance their functionality.

Residents of Kaduna have expressed frustration over a sharp increase in transport fares over the past two days. The surge in fares follows recent hunger protests and coincides with a significant rise in fuel prices, which now stand at ₦950 per litre.

Abdulmumin Shuaibu, a civil servant, reported that his usual fare from Sabon Tasha to the city center has jumped from ₦300 to ₦400. He noted that the situation worsens during evening rush hours, with many people struggling to find available transportation due to a shortage of buses.

Aisha Sulaiman experienced a similar increase, paying ₦800 for her commute to work, up from ₦600. Yohannah Isiah faced additional challenges as fuel stations in his area were closed, forcing him to buy fuel from the black market at ₦1,250 per litre. Commercial tricycle rider Shafi’u Ibrahim also saw his fuel costs rise from ₦800 to ₦950 per litre compared to the previous week.

The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC) has raised concerns over the increasing cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Anambra State. During a stakeholders’ forum in Awka, GPSDC Executive Secretary Eucharia Anekwe criticized the insufficient funds allocated for TB interventions despite a ₦50 million budgetary provision for 2022 and 2023.

Anekwe stressed that improved domestic funding is essential to combat the growing TB burden. Many Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Anambra lack the necessary GeneXpert machines for rapid TB diagnostics, and those that do have them are not adequately equipped.

The forum aimed to discuss ways to enhance domestic funding for TB programs. Anekwe appealed to the state government to increase budget allocations and ensure timely release of funds.

Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person for the Anambra State TB Control Programme, reported a rise in TB cases from 2,300 in 2018 to 13,125 in 2022 and 2023 combined. She noted a decrease in case detection in early 2024 and highlighted the impact of funding cuts from partners.

Arthur Iwuanya, Director of Planning in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasized the need for relevant data to support increased funding. Oge Ozoemena, Programme Manager at GPSDC, called for TB to be treated as a public health emergency and urged the state government to recognize the need for increased funding.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved new hazard and shift allowances for the staff of the Oyo State Fire Service Agency. The announcement was made by the state Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, during a meeting with the agency’s management in Ibadan.

Oni stated that the new allowances were in response to the agency’s management requests and are intended to boost the morale and commitment of the fire service staff. Additionally, the state will purchase new firefighting trucks and equipment to enhance the agency’s operational efficiency.

The agency’s General Manager, Akinyemi Akinyinka, thanked the governor for the new allowances, noting that they would significantly improve staff morale and performance. Oni also encouraged the staff to stay dedicated and contribute positively to the state’s development.

In a notable effort to integrate youth into national security initiatives, UNESCO and the Nigerian Police have come together to highlight the critical role young people play in safeguarding the nation. The event, marking International Youth Day, featured a summit with over 400 delegates including government officials, security agencies, and youth representatives.

Key Highlights:

1. Youth as Change Agents:
   • Prince Abdulsalami Adesgun Ladigbolu, President of the UNESCO REF, stressed the essential role of youth in national security. He argued that discouraging youth would undermine the nation’s future prosperity.
   • Ladigbolu emphasized that Nigerian youth, given their familiarity with technology and social media, are well-positioned to provide innovative solutions and fresh perspectives on security challenges.
2. Role of Technology:
   • The summit acknowledged that young people’s technological adeptness enables them to serve as crucial informants and contributors in identifying and addressing potential threats.
3. Call for Unity and Engagement:
   • Ladigbolu urged the youth to focus on unity and capacity building, stressing the importance of listening and collaborating to transform Nigeria.
   • The message was clear: youth involvement is not just beneficial but crucial for national security, and their engagement can lead to significant positive changes.
4. Police Chief’s Support:
   • Nigerian Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun echoed the sentiments, reinforcing the need for steadfast commitment to youth engagement in security matters. He expressed confidence that the combined efforts of youth, supported by partners, would make a substantial impact.

The summit aimed to celebrate and harness the energy and creativity of Nigerian youth, positioning them as pivotal contributors to national security. The collaboration between UNESCO and the Nigerian Police underscores a broader commitment to integrating young people into critical national roles.

President Bola Tinubu is set to preside over the National Council of State meeting at Presidential Villa.

The meeting which just kicked off now is Tinubu’s first Council of State meeting he is hosting since assuming office as President.

Those expected to attend the meeting are all living former presidents and past heads of state.

As of the time of filing this brief report, past presidents sighted are former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari while Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon joined virtually.

Sources within the presidency revealed that top on the agenda is the issue of the fallouts of the #EndBadGovernance protests which took place from August 1 and later fizzled out although it was planned to be a 10-day straight demonstration.

Beyond the recent protests, serving ministers of the Tinubu administration are also billed to make presentations to the Council.

While the ministers are not members, they have been specifically invited by the president to make the presentations.

Other cabinet members expected to sit in include the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the NSA, and the Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, among others.

Apart from the lead presentations by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, other presentations expected today include on Food Security by the Agriculture & Food Security Minister, State of the Economy by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy,
Road Construction by the Minister for Works and a presentation on Solid Minerals by the Minister in Charge of the Ministry.

The Council of State consists of the following persons: President, who is the Chairman Vice-President, who is the Deputy Chairman, All former Presidents of the Federation and all former Heads of the Government of the Federation, All former Chief Justices of Nigeria President of the Senate Speaker of the House of Representatives, All the Governors of the states of the Federation, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.