Be disciplined, serve humanity, Kwara gov urges corps members

 Kwara Governor Swears In 2,300 NYSC Members, Urges Discipline and Community Service

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has officially sworn in 2,300 Batch ‘C’ Stream II members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Yikpata Orientation Camp in Edu Local Government Area. The group consists of 1,200 females and 1,100 males.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ndanusa Usman, the governor welcomed the corps members to the state, encouraging them to actively participate in camp programs designed to enhance their skills and personal development.

Call for Discipline and Skill Development

AbdulRazaq urged the corps members to embrace discipline and engage in various camp activities, including physical training, paramilitary drills, and leadership development programs.

He advised them to make the service year memorable and rewarding, assuring them that the state government would provide an enabling environment for their success.

“I can assure you that the government will continue to create an environment that promotes the well-being and security of Corps members deployed to Kwara State for national service,” he stated in a press release issued by Press Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Oluwafemi Adeoye.

The governor also emphasized the importance of service to humanity and humility, urging the corps members to be worthy ambassadors of their families and uphold the values of the NYSC motto.

NYSC Oath of Allegiance Administered

The Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, represented by Justice Amina Ishiaq, administered the NYSC Oath of Allegiance to the corps members.

State Support for NYSC and Corps Members

The Chairman of the Kwara State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development, Ndanusa Usman, represented by Mrs. Adenike Ajide, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support for the NYSC scheme in Kwara. He urged the corps members to embrace selfless service and make significant contributions to their host communities.

Ndanusa also praised the camp officials for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the safety and well-being of corps members.

NYSC State Coordinator Encourages Full Participation

In his remarks, NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Joshua, thanked the governor for his continuous support and commended the corps members for their enthusiasm in fulfilling their mandatory service year. He assured them that various activities had been arranged for their education and entertainment while urging strict compliance with all camp rules and regulations.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several key officials, including:

• Representative of the NYSC Director-General, Comrade Habeeb Haruna

• Representative of the Commissioner of Police, CSP Jimoh Muhammed Tunde

• Representative of the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, SC Babalola Sunday Stephen

• Other senior government and security officials

The event reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the NYSC scheme and the welfare of corps members, encouraging them to contribute to the development of Kwara State during their service year.

Hamas to release four Israeli hostages in truce swap

 Hamas to Release Four Israeli Women Soldiers Under Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas is set to release four Israeli women soldiers who have been held hostage since the October 7, 2023 attack. The release, scheduled for Saturday, is part of a truce deal in the ongoing Gaza war, which will also see a second group of Palestinian prisoners freed.

The Israeli government confirmed on Friday that it had received a list of hostages due for release, though the exact number of Palestinian detainees to be freed remains unspecified.

According to the Israeli Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the women set for release are Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag. Albag turned 19 while in captivity, while the others are all now 20 years old.

Ceasefire Agreement and International Mediation

The exchange is part of a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect last Sunday and aims to lay the groundwork for a potential permanent end to the conflict.

The agreement was brokered by Qatar and the United States and was announced just days before the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who later claimed credit for securing the deal after months of failed negotiations.

Hamas’ Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, through spokesperson Abu Obeida, confirmed via Telegram on Friday that the group had decided to release the four women soldiers as part of the prisoner exchange deal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receiving the names of the hostages through mediators.

Prisoner Release and Logistics

Palestinian sources told AFP that the prisoner exchange could begin before noon (1000 GMT), although neither Hamas nor Israel has officially announced the exact timing.

According to Israel’s prison service, some of the Palestinian prisoners will be transferred to Gaza, while others will return to the occupied West Bank.

For families of hostages, the release brings hope after 15 months of uncertainty. Vicky Cohen, the mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, expressed her fears, saying:

“The worry and fear that the deal will not be fully implemented is eating away at all of us.”

Meanwhile, in Gaza, displaced families longing to return home face a grim reality—many find only rubble where their houses once stood.

“Even if we wanted to return, there is no place to set up tents because of the destruction,” said Theqra Qasem, a displaced resident.

Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan

The ceasefire agreement is expected to be implemented in three phases:

1. Phase One (42 days) – 33 hostages believed to be alive will be exchanged for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

• Three hostages—Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher—have already been released.

• 90 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and minors, have been freed in return.

2. Phase Two – Negotiations for a more permanent ceasefire.

3. Phase Three – The reconstruction of Gaza and the return of dead hostages’ bodies to Israel.

Casualties and Impact of the Conflict

During Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, the group took 251 hostages. Israeli intelligence confirms that 91 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 who have been declared dead.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to official Israeli sources cited by AFP.

Israel’s retaliatory strikes have led to the deaths of at least 47,283 people in Gaza, with the majority being civilians, according to figures from Hamas-run health authorities—data the United Nations considers reliable.

Return of Displaced Palestinians to Northern Gaza

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau in Qatar, told AFP that Palestinians displaced to southern Gaza will begin returning to northern Gaza following Saturday’s releases.

However, despite the hundreds of trucks delivering humanitarian aid since the ceasefire began, the situation in northern Gaza remains dire.

Aid workers report that hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals are living in makeshift shelters, schools, and even cemeteries, struggling with hunger, cold, and a lack of basic necessities.

What’s Next?

As the ceasefire deal progresses, both Israel and Hamas face significant challenges in implementing the next phases of the agreement. While families of hostages and displaced Palestinians hold onto hope, uncertainty remains regarding long-term peace negotiations and future military operations in Gaza.

EFCC battles internal scandals as operatives loot recovered assets

 EFCC Under Scrutiny Amidst Theft of Recovered Assets by Operatives

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is facing heightened criticism following revelations that some of its operatives have been involved in the theft of recovered exhibits, including cash and gold bars.

Investigations indicate that multiple officers have been dismissed, while others remain under scrutiny for misappropriating seized assets. Reports suggest that at least 27 EFCC personnel were dismissed in 2024 due to misconduct and fraudulent activities.

Escalating Scandals and Internal Investigations

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had earlier disclosed in a January 6, 2025 statement that the commission was probing a $400,000 theft allegation involving an unnamed official and a sectional head. Just two days later, 10 officers from the Lagos Zonal Command were detained over missing operational items, including gold bars valued at over ₦1 billion and an additional $350,000 to $400,000 in cash.

As public attention on these cases continued to grow, another scandal emerged from the Kaduna Zonal Office on January 24, 2025. An EFCC officer identified as Polycarp allegedly stole over $30,000 and other valuable exhibits. However, the agency has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

Why EFCC Operatives Are Stealing Exhibits

A credible security source described the situation as “highly disappointing,” attributing the thefts to economic hardship and poor oversight.

“When valuable exhibits such as foreign currency and gold bars are stored with little oversight, it creates temptation. Mechanisms should have been in place to prevent this,” the source said.

He further suggested that such high-value items should be stored in bank vaults rather than EFCC offices and recommended a multi-layered security system requiring multiple officials to access the exhibit room.

Another senior EFCC official admitted that the cases were damaging the agency’s reputation, revealing that some of the accused officers admitted that the temptation was “too much to resist.”

The Legal and Institutional Fallout

Legal experts and anti-corruption activists have called for harsh penalties against guilty operatives.

A security analyst, Mr. Yemi Adeyemi, stated:

“No EFCC officer has the right to tamper with exhibits. The leadership must take swift action to restore credibility.”

Similarly, criminologist Jackson Lekan-Ojo emphasized the need for prosecution and dismissal of any officer found guilty.

Meanwhile, public outrage over EFCC’s controversial night raids has intensified following the killing of Assistant Superintendent Aminu Salisu during a midnight operation in Anambra on January 17, 2025. The commission had previously banned late-night sting operations, yet officers continued the practice.

EFCC’s Response and Internal Reforms

Following these revelations, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyode, has ordered a full audit of the agency’s recovered assets and exhibit rooms across its zonal offices. Sources confirmed that the chairman has also restricted access to sensitive areas and introduced heightened surveillance measures.

In response to the allegations, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale defended the ongoing internal cleansing, stating:

“These investigations stem from our commitment to accountability. The leadership is determined to remove bad eggs and restore integrity to the system.”

He dismissed claims that poor staff welfare was driving the misconduct, insisting that “poverty or financial hardship is never an excuse for corruption.”

Calls for Urgent Reforms

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has urged a complete overhaul of the EFCC to prevent further damage to public trust.

“The commission must conduct thorough internal purges, ensure proper accountability, and prosecute corrupt officers,” CACOL stated.

Similarly, intelligence expert Abuh Adam called for continuous background checks on EFCC personnel to identify potential bad actors before they gain access to sensitive assets.

Conclusion

The wave of corruption scandals within the EFCC has raised serious concerns about its credibility and operational integrity. As Nigeria’s premier anti-corruption agency, the EFCC must now navigate a crucial moment of internal reform to restore public confidence and reinforce its commitment to fighting graft.

With mounting public pressure, legal scrutiny, and international attention, the commission’s response in the coming months will determine whether it can recover from this reputational crisis.

Oyo gov loses elder brother

 Governor Seyi Makinde Mourns the Passing of His Elder Brother, Sunday Makinde

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has lost his elder brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, who passed away at the age of 65.

In a statement issued on Friday in Ibadan, the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed the news, citing an announcement made by Olumuyiwa Makinde, the Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland and Head of the Aigbofa Family of Oja’ba, Ibadan.

The statement conveyed deep sorrow over Sunday Makinde’s passing, noting that he died in his Ibadan residence at 3:20 AM on Friday, January 24, 2025.

“With a heavy heart, I announce the passage of my older brother, Engr. Sunday Makinde, to eternal glory today, Friday, January 24, 2025,” Olumuyiwa Makinde stated.

The late Sunday Makinde is survived by his siblings, including Governor Seyi Makinde, as well as children and grandchildren.

The news of his passing has led to an outpouring of condolences and tributes, with many acknowledging his contributions to the Makinde family and the Ibadan community.

May his soul rest in peace.

Tinubu mourns ex-FCT minister, Jeremiah Useni

 President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Lieutenant-General Jeremiah Useni (retd.), a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who died on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message to Useni’s family, friends, military colleagues, and political associates, Tinubu acknowledged the elder statesman’s contributions to the nation, particularly during his tenure as Governor of old Bendel State, Minister of Transport, and Quarter-Master General of the Nigerian Army.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed the President’s message in a statement on Friday, titled:

“President Tinubu Mourns the Passing of Former Minister of FCT, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni.”

A Life of Service and Dedication

President Tinubu praised Useni for his dedication, courage, and commitment throughout his military and political career, emphasizing his role in mentoring young officers and prioritizing national interests above personal gain.

The statement further highlighted Useni’s political impact, noting that he served as Deputy National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and later as Senator representing Plateau South Senatorial District under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

The President prayed for eternal rest for the late general’s soul and comfort for his grieving family.

Tributes from Plateau State

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State also paid tribute to the late military officer, describing his passing as a significant loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces, Plateau State, and the nation as a whole.

In a statement issued from Jos, Governor Mutfwang acknowledged Useni’s legacy of exemplary leadership, which left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s security and political landscape.

“On behalf of my family, the government, and the peace-loving people of Plateau State, I extend my deepest sympathies to the President, the Nigerian Armed Forces, his immediate family, and all those mourning the loss of this distinguished elder statesman,” he stated.

A Legacy of Service

Following his retirement from the military, Useni transitioned into politics, where he continued serving the nation. Apart from his role as Deputy Chairman of the ANPP, he later represented Plateau South in the Senate, advocating for the interests of his constituents.

Both President Tinubu and Governor Mutfwang honored his contributions, recognizing his unwavering dedication to national service.

The nation mourns the loss of a distinguished statesman, remembering his commitment to duty, leadership, and patriotism.