
University mourns as Professor falls ill during meeting dies on way to Hospital
University mourns as Professor falls ill during meeting dies on way to Hospital
The management of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile–Ife, Osun, has announced the death of Jimoh Famakinwa, a Professor in the Department of Philosophy.
This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, on Thursday in Ile-Ife.
The statement stated that Famakinwa, during a departmental meeting on Wednesday, was noticed breathing “abnormally” by his colleagues and was immediately rushed to the university’s Health and Medical Centre.
According to it, upon prompt medical examination by the team of doctors on duty, he was referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), in Ile–Ife, where he was pronounced dead.
“The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, feeling sad about the unfortunate incident, led other members of his management team to the widow and children on a condolence visit.
“The team expressed shock and disbelief that such a brilliant scholar could die so suddenly in the line of duty.
“Bamire urged the family to take solace in the fact that Prof. Famakinwa lived a fulfilled life of positive impact on the those who were fortunate to come across him.
“The vice-chancellor prayed that God should grant the immediate family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts and the entire University Community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement read.
The statement said Famakinwa’s remains have been deposited at the morgue of OAUTHC. (NAN)
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)
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Military officers invaded our premises destroyed properties over power disconnection – Electricity Distribution Company

Military officers invaded our premises destroyed properties over power disconnection – Electricity Distribution Company
Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has confirmed that its headquarters in Lagos was invaded by personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Thursday morning.
Mr Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications for Ikeja Electric, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that the incident followed the disconnection of electricity to a NAF facility due to unpaid bills and operational concerns.
Okotie explained that the disruption took place in the early hours of Thursday when uniformed Air Force officers forcefully entered the premises of the utility company, demanding immediate reconnection to the power grid.
He said that when their demands were not met, the officers resorted to damaging property and causing chaos within the Ikeja Electric office, prompting concerns over the safety and security of the premises.
Okotie clarified that the disconnection was not solely due to financial issues but was also prompted by other operational concerns.
He emphasised that there were significant safety concerns regarding the safety of Ikeja Electric personnel, particularly due to the high level of hostility towards staff members within the Air Force base.
“The disconnection was not just about non-payment. There are operational factors at play, including serious safety concerns for our staff.
“We have faced incidents of harassment, making it increasingly difficult for our staff to work in such conditions,”Okotie explained.
NAN recalls that on March 3, NAF had raised alarms about a prolonged blackout at its Ikeja base, which had been without stable electricity for 12 days in spite of consistent payments to Ikeja Electric.
NAF had warned that the prolonged blackout was exposing sensitive military equipment, including bombs and rockets, to dangerously high temperatures, raising fears of a potential explosion.
“These bombs are not meant to be exposed to extreme heat. The longer this blackout continues, the higher the risk of an explosion,” NAF stated, making reference to the 2002 Ikeja Cantonment bomb blast. (NAN)
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BREAKING: Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months

BREAKING: Senate suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been suspended by the Nigerian Senate for six months. This development is coming amid the sexual harassment allegation she levied against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions recommended her suspension on Thursday, March 6, 2024.
During the period of the suspension, the committee stated that her salary and security details will be withdrawn.
The committee also recommended that Senator Natasha should not be seen anywhere around the National Assembly during her suspension period.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension stems from a controversy surrounding her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The dispute began when Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, formally accused Akpabio of misconduct, submitting a petition before the Senate.