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63rd Independence Anniversary: Obaseki Applauds Nigerians’ Resilience, Urges Prayers For Nation’s Unity

Published

2 years ago

September 30, 2023

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the resilience and indefatigable spirit of Nigerians, who in the face of the current economic realities of the country, have continued to keep alive as they struggle to earn a living daily.

The governor, in a statement in celebration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, urged Nigerians to continue to pray and work in unity to overcome the country’s present economic challenges.

He said, “My dear good people of Edo State, I am delighted to celebrate the 63rd Independence anniversary of our dear country, Nigeria, with you. Today is a day of reflection; a moment to pause and ponder on our collective journey as a people and nation, celebrate our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and reaffirm our commitment towards ensuring a more united, progressive and prosperous Nigeria.

“Ours is a story of courage, resilience, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of a people. Our founding fathers, driven by a vision of unity and shared prosperity, fought tirelessly to lay the foundation of our dear nation, liberating us from the shackles of colonialism and instituting our long march to nationhood and greatness.”

Obaseki further noted, “Despite the successes so far recorded in these past 63 years, we yet grapple with multiple challenges occasioned by economic, security, political and ethnic pressures. However, our enduring faith and belief in the unity and progress of our country have endured, keeping us together as one nation.

“I must commend the dogged and indefatigable spirit of our people, who in the face of many daunting difficulties continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current economic realities.

“As a government, we are not unaware of the dire economic difficulties that our people currently face, which has inflicted hardship and suffering on the people, especially the poor and vulnerable.”

According to Obaseki, his administration is implementing measures to caution the impact of the removal of subsidy, noting, “We are taking critical steps as a subnational, initiating and implementing nuanced policies and programmes to respond to the recent fuel subsidy removal policy by the Federal Government and as much as possible, cushion its impact on our people in Edo State.

“We have introduced free transport service for passengers on all routes operated by the state-owned Edo City Transport Service Limited (ECTS), among many support programmes that the Edo State Government have put in place to reduce the challenge, sufferings and exorbitant cost of living faced by Edo people as a result of the subsidy removal and economic headwinds.

“We are glad with the impact of this initiative which covers 13 intra-city routes and several intercity city routes daily, covering towns and villages within the State’s three senatorial districts. Over 307, 908 residents have benefited from the scheme in the first two weeks of the palliative programme, while over 1, 527, 000 residents are projected to benefit in the initial two months of the free transport initiative.”

He added, “We have launched 24-hour free Wi-Fi service in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other public places in the State to provide unlimited internet access to workers and other residents to enable them work effectively and efficiently from selected public spaces.

“This is in addition to other far-reaching reforms and initiatives to engender economic growth and improve the quality of life of our people, ensuring they are empowered to confront the challenges that lie ahead.”

He then charged, “As we celebrate our 63rd Independence today, I call on all Edo people and Nigerians to stand united, regardless of our political, tribal, ideological, and religious differences and work together towards building a more prosperous and progressive Edo State and Nigeria.

“We must also continue to pray for the unity, peace and progress of our dear nation. Together, we can overcome our present socio-economic challenges and place our country on the path of sustainable economic growth and development, ensuring that the labour of our heroes’ past is truly not in vain.”

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

40 minutes ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The 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.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.

News

Recruitment: Customs Announces Exam Date For Shortlisted Applicants

Published

1 hour ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced that the main online recruitment examination for shortlisted candidates in the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres will be conducted on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

The service said the online test marks a major step in its ongoing nationwide recruitment process aimed at strengthening manpower in the middle and lower ranks of the organisation.

The exercise, according to the statement, will be held entirely online to ensure fairness, transparency and equal access for applicants across the country.

Candidates have been grouped into three batches A, B and C and are required to log in with their National Identification Number (NIN) through the official portal https://updates.customs.gov.ng, https://updates.customs.gov.ng) to check their batch, date and time of examination.

The NCS emphasised that compliance with the allocated schedule is compulsory, warning that failure to adhere could result in automatic disqualification.

Applicants have been strongly advised against the use of calculators, mobile phones or any other electronic devices during the examination.

The service further cautioned against multiple log-ins or switching between browser windows, stressing that such actions could disrupt or terminate participation in the test.

Only candidates shortlisted under the Inspectorate and Customs Assistant cadres are eligible to participate at this stage, while those in the Superintendent cadre will be notified separately for their own phase of the process.

NCS noted that the exam represents part of the NCS’s ongoing effort to modernise its recruitment and ensure that only qualified candidates proceed to the next stage of selection.

The use of online testing, they said, allows for improved efficiency and reduces human interference in the marking and assessment process.

The NCS reiterated its commitment to integrity, transparency, and merit-based recruitment, urging all applicants to follow the laid-down procedures strictly.

It also encouraged candidates to maintain vigilance against online scammers or fake recruitment agents posing as customs officials, warning that all genuine updates would be published only through official NCS channels and its verified social media pages.