National
Okpo Unity Initiative Chairman Commends Progress, Unveils Development Projects
The Chairman of the Okpo Unity Initiative (OUI), Ibrahim Abdul Ganiyu, has praised the progress and unity within the Okpo community, describing it as a symbol of collective strength and hope.
Speaking at a special community gathering, Mr. Ganiyu expressed gratitude to citizens for their unwavering support and commitment.
Reflecting on the initiative’s early challenges, he acknowledged skepticism about its ability to unite clans and communities in the Olamaboro District. However, he lauded the perseverance of committee members and stakeholders, which he said has led to significant achievements.
“We have demonstrated the power of unity and collective action. Despite the challenges, we stand stronger and more united than ever,” he said. Mr. Ganiyu urged citizens to prioritize the district’s collective interests, emphasizing the need for improvements in education, healthcare, electricity, and road infrastructure.
During the event, Mr. Ganiyu announced two major projects aimed at advancing the community’s development: The OUI Town Hall – A center dedicated to preserving the community’s heritage and fostering unity through discussions and
Palm Land Estate – A residential hub designed to promote harmony and modern living within the district.
He called on community members for massive support to bring these projects to fruition.
Expressing appreciation, Mr. Ganiyu thanked community members, the initiative’s committee, and its partners for their dedication and contributions.
He urged all citizens to continue embracing peace and unity, emphasizing the importance of building a better future for Olamaboro District and future generations.
The gathering drew dignitaries from various sectors, including political leaders, traditional rulers, youth representatives, business moguls, and religious figures, all of whom highlighted the importance of the initiative’s efforts.
The event was marked by optimism and a shared vision for a stronger, more cohesive Okpo community.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has condemned the arrest of businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Achimugu was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, who confirmed her arrest said , “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.
‘In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested at the airport.”
Ojukwu criticised the EFCC’s action, describing it as a violation of a court order.
Reacting, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike described the arrest as an affront on the judiciary.
Okwu said it was strange that someone who returned to the country in line with her own averments before the court could be whisked away in such a manner.
He stressed that, “we had thought that the EFCC has stopped such action but this manner of arrest speaks volumes.
“From every record available, Aisha Achimugu filed an affidavit in court to voluntarily report to the EFCC today, Tuesday, then appear in court tomorrow, Wednesday.
“It is then strange that having returned to the country on her own volition, the EFCC had to swoop on her at the airport despite the subsisting court order.
“This confirms our earlier fears that her trial is political and is totally unfortunate.
“We urge the EFCC to respect the sanctity of the rule of law by releasing her.”
Okwu urged the commission to resist the temptation of being used by politicians to fight perceived political enemies.
A total of 92 visually impaired candidates participated in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) at the Kano centre.
Prof. Muhammad Yahuza-Bello, JAMB Coordinator for the Kano centre, made the announcement while monitoring the exercise on Monday.
The examination took place at the School of Continuing Education, Bayero University Kano (BUK), under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) initiative for candidates with special needs.
Yahuza-Bello, a former vice-chancellor of BUK, explained that the 92 candidates were drawn from Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
He added that among the candidates, two had Down syndrome, while two others had autism.
The candidates, both male and female, were provided with specialized gadgets such as typewriters, braille machines, slates, styluses, and paper to facilitate their participation in the exams.
The coordinator also said over 500 candidates with special needs-ranging from visual impairments and albinism to Down syndrome and autism-had registered to take the exam at 11 centres across the country.
He said, unlike regular Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres where candidates interact with screens and keyboards, special needs candidates benefit from adaptive materials to eliminate barriers to education.
Since its introduction in 2017, JEOG has seen positive results, with an increasing number of special needs candidates gaining admission into tertiary institutions.
Yahuza-Bello pointed out that while approximately 25% of regular candidates gain admission, over 33% of special needs candidates are successful in securing placements.
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National
Court Approves Federal Government’s Request to Protect Witness Identities in Nnamdi Kanu Trial
A federal high court in Abuja has authorized the federal government’s request to keep the identities of witnesses in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu confidential.
Kanu, who leads the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been held by the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 on charges of terrorism and treasonable felony.
On Tuesday, prosecution attorney Adegboyega Awomolo informed the court that he had submitted an ex parte application on April 10 to safeguard the identities of the witnesses. He requested that the court provide screens and masks to ensure their anonymity.
“The purpose of this request is to ensure the safety and security of state officers who will serve as witnesses,” he stated.
Kanu Agabi, the defendant’s counsel, did not contest the application.
The trial is underway, with the first witness, a DSS operative, already called to testify.
Kanu was re-arraigned on March 21 before Judge James Omotosho of the federal high court in Abuja.