Army General assumes office as NYSC new Director-General
Army General assumes office as NYSC new Director-General
Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, on Thursday in Abuja, assumed office as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), promising to improve the welfare of staff and corps members.
Nafiu, while taking over from his predecessor, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, stated that the core of his mandate was to provide transparent and effective leadership for the advancement of the scheme.
He also emphasised advancing the job-matching programme for graduates, enabling more corps members to enter the private sector during their service year.
“It will also be aimed at incentivising employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year.
“Under my leadership, the well-being of corps members will always be a top priority.
“We will work hard to ensure that their service is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives,” he said.
“My team and I shall work tirelessly to enhance camp feeding and hygiene.”
He acknowledged that the establishment of the NYSC scheme in 1973 was a well-thought-out strategy that had greatly contributed to the socio-cultural integration of the country.
“The scheme has fostered mutual understanding and trust among the people, regardless of origin.”
He also lauded the scheme’s significant contribution to promoting national unity through community development engagements by corps members.
“The corps members are the only qualified educators, health providers, legal advisors, and many other professionals that some of our communities have ever known.
“They are a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a symbol of hard work for future generations in many rural areas,” he said.
Nafiu sought the understanding and support of the staff to drive the programmes he intended to introduce to boost the common welfare and career development of the scheme.
He urged staff to be good role models for corps members, stressing the importance of rethinking strategies to fulfil the purpose of the scheme.
Nafiu also assured them that his leadership philosophy would focus on repositioning the NYSC to meet the demands of contemporary society and tackle future challenges.
The outgoing director-general, Ahmed, said Nafiu’s appointment was a testament to his career and unwavering dedication to national service.
He expressed optimism that Nafiu’s leadership would bring a transformative era of progress and innovation to the scheme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nafiu holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria.
He also has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
Nafiu, an alumnus of three Army War Colleges, has served in various capacities in Nigeria and international peacekeeping missions.
Prior to his appointment as NYSC director-general, he served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.(NAN)
While reacting to the raging issue in Abuja on Thursday, Mrs Tinubu said that the senate, being the apex legislative chamber in the country, should not be a place where such things should happen.
“I know what is going on in the Senate; you will say why am I not taking a position; I believe that the senate is doing what is needful.
‘This is because the senate is a mature chamber and it should be treated with respect.
“It is also an honour for anyone who happens to be there; I was there for 12 years,” she said.
Meanwhile, the senate has suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan over what it called ‘total violation of the Senate Standing Rules 2023, as amended’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this was sequel to the presentation of the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, led by Sen. Neda Imaseun, during the plenary. (NAN)
News
Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
Dr Ibrahim Wada, a medical expert, has suggested that advancements in modern medicine could extend human lifespan by up to 250 years within the next 40 years.
Wada, Founder of Nisa Medical Group, made this assertion while delivering the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Thursday.
Speaking as the guest lecturer on the topic ‘The Longevity of Man,’ Wada stated that such feat could be realised as scientists continued to make rapid progress in medical technology and genetic engineering.
He highlighted the breakthroughs in genetic science that have enabled researchers to create artificial eggs and sperm from human saliva, which could then be used to grow babies in artificial wombs.
“This technology has already produced live rats. It is only a matter of time before humans benefit from similar advancements,” he disclosed.
Wada, an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Abubakar Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi, further emphasised the potential of stem cells, artificial organs, and genetic reprogramming in prolonging human life.
According to him, science has now reached a stage where human genetic codes can be understood and manipulated to enhance longevity.
“Recreating stem cells from a person’s genes and reintroducing them into the body can regenerate dead cells and significantly extend lifespan.
“In another 30 to 40 years, it will be normal for individuals to expect to live for 200 or even 250 years.
“This will happen because humanity has now entered the age of computer reprogramming,” he added.
Wada lamented the fact that such advanced medical technologies are not yet available in Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of regular medical check-ups, healthy eating, regular exercise, and adequate rest in achieving longevity.
“Rest is essential for brain function. So, when it is time to rest, you must allow the brain to rest – no compromise,” Wada advised.
Reflecting on the legacy of Prof. Briggs, UNIPORT’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described Briggs as a visionary leader, philanthropist, and academic giant.
He questioned whether longevity was merely a measure of biological persistence or encompasses something more profound.
“This is because it is not the breath we take, but the fire we ignite,” Georgewill remarked.
Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, Chair Occupant of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, noted that Briggs made immense contributions to the medical and teaching professions.
She stated that the late medical icon had a multifaceted career as a doctor, teacher, researcher, mentor, and philanthropist.
In response, the late icon’s son, Nima Briggs, expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of his father’s contributions in the country.
“It is humbling to see my father’s legacy live on, with events still being organised to honour his memory,” Briggs concluded. (NAN)
News
Two Pakistani National arrested by Police for alleged kidnapping
Two Pakistani National arrested by Police for alleged kidnapping
Operatives of the police command in Lagos State have arrested two Pakistanis for allegedly kidnaping a fellow Pakistani in the Ikeja area of the state.
The command Spokesman, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said, in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, that the arrest of the “vicious and notorious Pakistanis” was a huge success.
According to Hundeyin, a distress call was received by the police at the Ikeja Division on Wednesday about the kidnap of a 48-year-old Pakistani within the area.
“An anti-crime patrol from the division was swiftly deployed, leading to the rescue of the victim and arrest of two of the captors, aged 19 and 28 years, while five other Pakistanis escaped,” he said.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was lured to Lagos State from Kano.
“The two suspects and five others (allegedly)lured the victim to Lagos from his base in Kano under the pretext that they have a job for him as a chef.
“The suspects booked the victim’s flight to Lagos and lodged him in a hotel on Feb. 28.
“The next day, the seven suspects visited the victim, overpowered him, tied his hands and legs and sent a message to his boss in Kano to pay the sum of N50 million as ransom for his release or else he would be killed.
“The boss paid N1 million three days later to buy time and thereafter alerted the police, ” Hundeyin said.
The police spokesperson said that an operational vehicle, a grey coloured Toyota Camry salon car was recovered from the suspects.
“Also recovered was $2000 cash, three Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, green card, driver’s licence and National Identity Number (NIN) slip.
Hundeyin said that concerted efforts were on to arrest the fleeing suspects and arraign them in court.
According to him, the rescued victim is in good condition and has established contact with his family.
Hundeyin quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, as commending officers and men of Ikeja Division for a job well done.
Hundeyin said that the CP assured residents and visitors to the state of the command total commitment to their safety and security at all times.
Hundeyin said that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, had directed all police commands to stamp out kidnapping and other violent crimes throughout the country.(NAN)