News

Ekweremadu’s UK Trial: Ex-minister Condemns Nigerian Govt, Senate’s Attitude

Published

3 years ago

September 19, 2022

Former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Buhari Bala, has chided the Nigerian government and the Senate over their attitude regarding the trial of Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

The former Deputy Senate President, from Enugu State, is being prosecuted in the United Kingdom.

The lawmaker’s 25-year-old daughter, Sonia, was in 2019 diagnosed with a rare kidney disease. She recently made a public appeal for a donor.

Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, were arrested after a Nigerian boy, David Ukpo, alleged that he was taken to the UK for organ harvesting.

In a statement on Monday, Bala noted that it was disgusting that both the government and informed citizens have not exerted their best in solidarity with the Senator.

The former official said he expected more from the Federal and Enugu governments because Ekweremadu was only trying to save the life of his daughter.

“It says a lot in our reward system to allow somebody who has served this country diligently, at various levels both in the state and the federal government, to be so humiliated without reasonable interest and cause of action from the public and government.”

Bala charged the federal government to exert more pressure on the British government in respect to Ekweremadu’s matter since the incident “is of the head and not of the heart”.

He said the fact that Ekweremadu informed the British High Commission in Abuja of his intentions shows that he was not dubious but pushed by desperation “which any reasonable and responsible parent would do”.

“If we allow Senator Ekweremadu to go down like this in a foreign land, it would send a very dangerous signal about the value we place on patriotism in our country, because prior to this incident the Senator was outstandingly patriotic.”

Bala further urged the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to bear more influence on their counterparts in the UK.

“The Foreign Affairs Ministry should do likewise at the diplomatic level at the earliest possible time. Ekweremadu is a serving ranking Senator, holder of one of the highest national honors, CFR, and holder of a diplomatic passport”, the statement added.

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

10 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

12 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

12 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.