The Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Adekunle Oyelude has endorsed the 2024 Pen Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, Chapel, holding later days in September.

Oba Oyelude made the endorsement in his palace today, Sunday, September 1, 2024, while receiving the NUJ, OSBC Chapel’s executives, who were on a courtesy visit.

The traditional ruler showered his royal blessings on the team and NUJ family at large; pledging to be physically present at the grand finale of the weeklong event, scheduled to hold at the OSBC Conglomerate’s headquarters, Ile Awiye, Oke Baale, Osogbo on the 26th of September.

Earlier, the chairman, NUJ OSBC Chapel, Comrade Lateef Agboola, told the Olowu that the visit was imperative because of the strategic role of the Oba as the Life Patron of the union, and the need to seek royal blessings.

READ ALSO: NUJ OSBC Chapel Fixes Dates For 2024 Pen Week, Inaugurates Organizing Committee

He explained to the monarch that the pen week would be ushered in with Sunday Service on 22nd of this month, to be followed by the opening event alongside free medical check-up for the staff on Monday 23rd, while the grand finale, tagged Ancestors Day.

He added that the Ancestors Day which would feature awards presentation on Thursday, 26th, would be rounded off with Thanksgiving Jumat Service the following day.

Comrade Agboola was flanked by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Olawumi Olaniyi; the Financial Secretary, Comrade Sijuwade Adesina and the Assistant Secretary, Comrade Oladapo Oyetunji.

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo 

A university don, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade, has said that deployment of Foreign Intelligence in Nigeria security architecture is germane to acquiring skills and technology needed for self-reliant security systems and enduring economic prosperity.

Olufunmilade, a Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, stated this while delivering the 25th Inaugural Lecture of Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State, Thursday, titled: Foreign Intelligence: The Means to Advancing Nigeria’s Security and Prosperity.

According to him, in order to make foreign intelligence functional means of advancing national security and economic prosperity, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders must take some concrete measures.

Olufunmilade noted that in making foreign intelligence functional and achieving the desired results, the Federal Government should ensure
“it puts round pegs in round holes in Nigerian embassies and diplomatic missions where it seeks to conduct intelligence activities in line with the focus of this lecture.”

L-R: Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adebayo Adewole; Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Prof. Olufemi Olufunmilade; Mrs. Olufunmilade and others at the Inaugural Lecture on Thursday.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Gets Bill Proposing Return To Regional Govt Friday

He continued: “In this regard, to advance Nigeria’s security interest and needs, the defence attaches, who are normally drawn from the military and usually made to undergo a relevant course at the Defence Intelligence College before they are posted abroad, should be strictly drawn from the Intelligence Corps of the three arms of the military.Not from non-intelligence corps.”

On economic prosperity, the university don said “to advance economic prosperity, Nigeria will
need to put economic/commercial attaches with requisite
economic and commercial skills in-charge of the economic and commercial desks of its foreign missions.”

“It should consider seconding staff of Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and allied agencies who possess skills at attracting critically needed investments, technology, and expertise to the Nigerian economy. The bottom-line for all personnel is intelligence skills required for optimal performance on their beats.”

READ ALSO: African Leaders Converge On Benin, Discuss Pathways To Functional Education On The Continent

He, therefore, recommended that Nigerians should “report activities inimical to the peace and security of Nigeria to the security agencies,” adding: “That will be human intelligence collection in practice and it is a patriotic act.”

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, described the Inaugural Lecture as an avenue to sharing discoveries, ideas and insights with the public and the larger academic community.

He added that it’s also an avenue for professors to showcase to members of the public what the research they have carried out on issues over the years and taught for years.

Eight states owing the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, for various services rendered, will not have their candidates’ 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, WASSCE results, released.

This was stated at a press briefing on Monday at Press Briefing Hall, WAEC national office, Yaba, where the body lamented that the inability to pay for services rendered was posing a great challenge in the activities of the examination body.

READ ALSO: WAEC Arrests Over 20 Exam Officials For Malpractice

Responding to a statement on the number of States owing WAEC, the National Office of the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Mr. Patrick Areghan noted that: About eight States are owing WAEC. We won’t mention them all as some are going to pay.

“However, Zamfara and Niger states are the highest debtors. Again Zamfara did not present any candidate for this year’s WASSCE.” Areghan noted.