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Why We Introduced Staff Loan Scheme In Tertiary Institutions — Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu has announced the introduction of a Staff Loan Scheme aimed at improving the welfare of staff at tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

This initiative is designed to provide accessible financial support to both academic and non-academic employees throughout the tertiary education system.

The President made this announcement during the 45th convocation of Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria on Saturday.

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He was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.

President Tinubu stated that the scheme aims to alleviate personal and professional financial pressures, enabling staff to focus on delivering quality teaching, conducting research, and engaging in community service.

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“To operationalise this initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education has concluded arrangements with the Bank of Industry (BOI) to provide zero-interest loans to all eligible staff of tertiary institutions nationwide, with the Ministry bearing the full cost of the interest as part of its staff welfare support.

He noted that, “As I speak to you now, some of the beneficiaries have started collecting their monies since last year. For the current year, a total sum of ₦40 billion has been earmarked for disbursement, with individual loan amounts ranging from ₦1 million to ₦10 million.

“The loans will be repayable over a period of five years, including a one-year moratorium, to ensure affordability and sustainability for beneficiaries. I commend the University Management for addressing its rising electricity costs through effective energy conservation, resulting in lower expenses.

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“I urge the Management to pursue with vigour its commitment to develop a comprehensive Energy Policy that translates long-standing theoretical solutions into practical steps to deliver tangible results in sustainable power management for the University.

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“A well-formulated and implemented policy will help the University address power challenges and serve as a benchmark for other institutions.

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“I recall that in my address at the 44th Convocation ceremony of this University, I stated that the Federal Government was making deliberate efforts to address electricity supply issues for universities to enable them to function optimally.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), to provide 24-hour electricity supply to all Federal tertiary institutions.

“This project will significantly improve the learning environment, boost productivity, support advanced research, and foster entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to national economic growth. Phases I–III of the projects have already supplied over 100 megawatts of clean energy to 24 Federal Universities and their teaching hospitals.

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According to him, “Ahmadu Bello University and other institutions are part of Phase IV of the project, which will commence soon. I again congratulate the graduates and encourage you to utilise your knowledge effectively and to seek further self-improvement.

“The training and pre-graduation awareness talks on life after school that the University has given you will go a long way in helping you cope with post-graduation realities, with a focus on creating jobs rather than just job-seeking.

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“I am pleased to note that the University is fulfilling this goal of training job creators rather than just job seekers through the Students Enterprise Competition, organised by its International Centre of Excellence for Rural Finance and Entrepreneurship (ICERFE) recently.”

 

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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