News

Encomiums As Afejuku Bows Out Of UNIBEN

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

Adibe Emeyinu of Thisday, Suyi Ayodele (Nigerian Tribune), Professor Tony Afejuku, his wife, Mrs Augusta Alero Afejuku, Michael Egbejuke (Guardian) and Tony Osauzo (Sun) joined Afejuku to cut his retirement commemorative cake at the retirement reception organised for him by the Friends of Afejuku (FAJ) at the Banquet Hall, University of Benin, on Sunday.

It was an evening of praises for Prof. Tony Afejuku who pulled out of the services of University of Benin (UNIBEN), after attaining the age of 70 years.

Afejuku, a Professor of English and Literature, who hails from the Itsekiri ethnic nationality of Delta State, taught in the university for 43 years.

A retirement reception put together by the Friends of Afejuku (FAJ) to celebrate the literary icon, who for over two decades tended literary minds in the university.

Speaking at the ceremony that held at the University of Benin Banquet Hall, Benin City, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Mon Nwadiani, described Afejuku as someone who left a legacy of truth and boldness.

Nwadiani noted that it was the first time such ceremony was being held for a retired teacher in the department and faculty, a testimony, he acknowledged, stood the celebrant out amongst others who retired before him.

Nwadiani therefore, advised those still in service to emulate the qualities of Professor Afejuku “who is seen as a friend to all and enemy to none”.

He also poured encomiums on the wife of the retired don, Mrs. Augusta Alero Afejuku for being able to be there for her husband all the time, especially at the home front, and prayed that God would grant Afejuku, good health in his post retirement age.

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Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Edo State, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana, also described Afejuku as “one of those who point the way to progressive change, and match his words with action”; while Professor Felix Ogonna, described him as “a detribalized Nigerian who does not care where you come from but your ability to do what is right”.

Narrating how Professor Afejuku helped him gain employment into the University of Benin, Ogonna noted: “I have been in the faculty for about 25 years and I have never seen the kind of person like him. He is one who acknowledges excellence but also want you to do same. He has a philosophy, ‘No paddy for jungle’, because even as he came be your friend, he will at the same time want you to do what is right at all time without taking sides.”

Others who spoke in glowing terms of the celebrant are Suyi Ayodele of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr. Abigail Eruaga of the Department of English and Literature of University of Benin, and Professor Kola Eke, who described Afejuku in a poem read by Dr Edafe Mukoro, as an intellectual ‘iroko’, a man of many parts, “a radar detector of linguistic infelicities, and a chopper that goes round rudiments of language”.

In his response, the retired professor thanked God for his life from the very beginning to the present. He also gave kudos to his parents of blessed memory, his wife and children for being there for him especially at critical moments.

He also thanked his friends especially those he influenced who decided to converge and honour him, adding “when people say I am detribalized, it is because I have travelled and many of those who helped me in life incidentally are not from my Itsekiri ethnic nationality.”

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

10 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

10 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

11 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.