Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC wishes to inform the general public that personnel of the Commission have not started carrying guns or any other fire arms whether on patrol or any other official duty.

This information has become very pertinent following the image of an operative who was captured on camera carrying fire arms in a position that suggests he was on official duty.

The viral report should be disregarded in totality as it’s just but an old and recirculated image of an overzealous staff who posed with a rifle belonging to a sister agency’s staff in admiration and ignorance in 2018. The said staff has since been punished according to existing maintainance of discipline of the Corps

The Acting Corps Marshal, Dauda Ali Biu while reacting to the image that is been recirculated has stated that officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps does not currently carry arms and advise members of the public should disregard the image been recirculated.

The public is by this publication called to desist from believing such fake image as the Corps continues in commiting itself to making the roads safer for all to use.

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

It was an evening of glitz and glamor for the Oyelades on Saturday 3rd, September 2022 as the family converged at the Provincial Headquarters, Desire of Nations of the Redeemed Christian Church of God to celebrate 10 Years of God’s faithfulness and the Launch of Two Inspiring Books by Pastor (Mrs) Halima Oyelade and daughter, Miss Stephanie Oyelade.

Undoubtedly, the evening best indicate God’s unflinching faithfulness and support as men of tiber and calibre from the Church, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Family Members, Friends and Relatives Graced the Occasion.

The outpouring of testimonies, eulogies and praises best describe the fact that the Oyelades is indeed a God sent family and one that everyone is glad to reckon with.

The Continental Overseer and Assistant General Overseer (Education and Training) Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi described Halima Oyelade as a true christian woman.

In his words, “Halima has shown to us what it takes to be a Christian woman, including her children, I have no doubt within me that one of the reasons that God has sent her to the world is to reveal to us that God is faithful no matter what one is passing through”.

Without mincing words, gestures, laughter and smiles from attendees shows that if time permits they also have tonnes of testimonies to speak of concerning the Oyelades.

Halima Oyelade’s book titled Blessed Beyond Reproach was written out of desire to basically help people that has gone through challenging and difficult times.

Halima said people loose many which takes them through a dark moment in life but Infer that the book is not just for people that has gone through difficult times but had suffered reproach.

“So I just want to give people hope and tell them not to let other people or situation define them, if I could walk through it, they too can walk through it”

Halima advised other widows to look up to God, as God is an unfailing companion, she noted that trusting and walking in faith will ensure victory rather than being a pity party or begging for survival.

Beaming with smile and life, Halima Oyelade assured of a better and bigger next 10 years, In her words, she said “You cannot walk with God and retrogress, the next 10 years will be a celebration of something bigger and better because God told me that I will forget my yesterday”.

Miss Stephanie’s joy too knew no bounds as she attributed her inspiration to writing her book “Good, God Grief” to a way of encouraging people that are going through difficulty that God is good regardless of what they are passing through.

Stephanie who also took an inspiring spoken words that got the congratulation emotional stated that her story exemplify how she was able to pull through.

In her words, she said “For going through a lot, it’s right to cry and be emotional, but I want them to draw strength from God and remember that he understands your pain and you will find comfort in his hands”.

Highlights of the event included a formal launch of the books, thanksgiving and photo sections of everyone trying to have a photo shoot with the Oyelades.

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The Continental Overseer and Assistant General Overseer (Education and Training)of the Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG, Pastor Ezekiel Odeyemi has described A/P Halima Oyelade has an example of a true Christian woman.

Odeyemi while speaking over the weekend at Oyelades Book Launch and Evening of Thanksgiving stated that despite the demise of her husband she stood faithfully with God and God showed up for her.

“Halima has shown to us what it takes to be a Christian woman, including her children, I have no doubt within me that one of the reasons that God has sent her to the world is to reveal to us that God is faithful no matter what one is passing through”.

Explaining, Odeyemi “In our society, I have learnt my own little experience that anytime something negative happens to you there are those who wants to scorn you, but putting your faith in Christ that God is alive is important”.

He added that it is only when problem surfaces that is when we know how strong out faith is, “this family has been able to show to us that you can overcome when Jesus is on your side”.

Odeyemi advised that the most important lesson learnt from the Oyelades is that it does not matter what one is confronted with, one should make sure to always be on God’s side and he will never disappoint such faithful one.

In the same vein, Pastor in Charge, Rccg, Throne Room, Pastor Laniyi Benjamins described late Oyelade as a good organizer, hard working and highly dedicated to God’s work.

“This man taught me how to be organized, how to manage my time and money, he taught me commitment, he taught me that freedom comes with responsibility and also how to play basketball and where the kits can be gotten”.

Laniyi, appreciating halima noted that she made late Oyelade a happy man during his lifetime and after life.

“So I want to thank you Aunty Halima for making my brother a very happy person in his lifetime, you brought joy into his life, and particularly after his demise. God Bless his soul forever”.

Popular gospel singer Dunsin Oyekan has survived a ghastly motor accident.

The singer got involved in the accident on Saturday morning, September 4th while making his way to Ibadan from Lagos.

According to reports, there was no loss of life, only a slight injury from a crew member.

Tim Godfrey shares the news of his accident on his Instagram page.

The singer who also survived death appreciated God for the life of his friend.

He wrote,

“The devil has failed! What the enemy meant for evil, God has turned it around for the good of Min.Dunsin. This is a prophetic sound for this season. The Lord knows the plans and devices of the enemy; so he gave us this declaration ahead of time. Let us thank God for the life of Minister Dunsin. Truly, what the enemy meant for evil, God has turned it around for his good”.

Dunsin Oyekan involves in accident
Kemi Filani news reported days back that Tim Godfrey had shared a testimony of how God delivered him from paralysis.

The newly married singer took to his Instagram page to share a photo of himself on a hospital bed.

Tim revealed how he was admitted to the hospital after severe back pains and hellish pains in the arms.

The singer was shocked when he went for an MRI and discovered that his bones were 20 years older than his age.

He also learned that his spinal cord disc had shifted, and all these other complicated things were happening to him simultaneously.

This weighed the singer down, and he cried as more evil reports came in.

He, however, summoned courage, went home and took his pains to God.

After some treatments and intensive prayers, Tim Godfrey was healed.

Tim expressed gratitude to God for the gift of healing as he imagined the enemy planned to make him paralyzed.

Also, foremost Nigerian gospel artist Nathaniel Bassey and some of his team members narrowly escaped a fire outbreak a few months back.

The multi-talented musician who is the anchor of a popular daily social media prayer and worship session tagged Halleluyah Challenge shared the testimony of their encounter via his Instagram page.

Nathaniel Bassey posted a photo of burnt Power Generator set, revealing how it gut fire mysteriously despite the fact that it was purchased.

He wrote: “OUR TESTIMONY OF DELIVERANCE ! 😂😂😂😂…. This devil is such a loser and what the yorubas call AGBAYA! He planned to roast us but God is always ahead.Shortly after we ended and doing our post HC prayers, this NEW GEN SET, barely 5 days ! EXPLODED ! Every time we have a high power service like this, He fights so hard. But keeps losing and won’t learn.We win ALWAYS – Tomorrow we MOVE !”

Nathaniel Bassey’s Halleluyah Challenge had grown so viral with people from all over the world logging onto his Instagram and Facebook Live broadcast at midnight to experience the unprecedented worship movement.

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

What initially began as a child’s play has now become a scourge that has gone beyond the control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The City is one of the most developed and most beautiful cities in Nigeria. Abuja is Nigeria’s seat of power and it is believed that in Abuja, life is good.

The City Houses the State House, National Assembly, Federal High Court, Embassies to mention but a few.

Also, the importance of the city lays credence to establishment major 7 star hotels, private establishments including tertiary institutions both public and private.

The City is bordered by the states of Niger to the west and northwest, Kaduna to the northeast, Nassarawa to the east and south, and Kogi to the southwest

For many, the city would have been adjudged to be the best not just in Nigeria but in Africa, according to the master plan of the administration, however the city just like many others also battles with cases of insecurity such as armed robbery, one – chancers, pick-pockets and worse of all, Scavengers popularly known as “Baban Bola”.

The influx of these scavengers would best be described as nightmare which suddenly turns reality in the city, they are usually seen in numbers carrying sack with rubbies from dustbins, construction sites and dump sites.

Initially, their activities are seen among villages in the city, but they have suddenly moved to choicest places in the city such as Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, and Gwarinpa and they carry out their activities undisturbed.

In 2018, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) proscribed illegal refuse collection from residential and other areas, limiting the group to only the approved dump sites in both the city and the Area Councils.

Meanwhile, Residents of the city had share of illegal activities of the scavengers as they gradually turned into thieves breaking into people’s houses with dangerous equipment and worse still serving as informants to other dangerous criminal elements to perpetrate crime.

Worried by this unwholesome activities, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, in 2022 ordered a massive clampdown on them following public outcry over the fast rising menace of vandalism and theft of private and public property, including critical national infrastructure by miscreants, who hide under the guise of metal waste scavengers.

While the FCTA intensifies efforts to clampdown on them, it seems the “Baban Bola” has come to stay, many of them live in shanties and would disappear in thin air after committing crimes as no one identifies them.

Even when few arrest were made, many of them are still at large and still roam about freely unhindered.

There is no gainsaying that with the activities of the “Baban Bola” and their large numbers in the city, it is clear that they have come to stay and the FCTA has lost total control on them, at least for now.

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Ahmed Halilu as the Managing Director of Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company, NSPMC Plc.

Halilu is said to be an elder brother to the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, and had headed the company in an acting capacity following the resignation of Abbas Masanawa on May 16.

Reports say that the president approved the appointment following the recommendation of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, who serves as the NSPMC board chairman.

Halilu participated in the Senior Executive Course 39, 2017 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos, culminating in the award of Member of the National Institute, mni.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture B. (Agric), Masters in Business Administration, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy, all from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.

It also noted that he has over 23 years of experience in the banking industry, having worked with African International Bank Limited, AIB, and Zenith Bank Plc, and is a member of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM

There are indications that despite the insistence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, to continue its lingering strike, the Federal Government is set to reopen universities.

According to sources in the Federal Ministry of Education, the academic staff are not the only set of workers in the university system and since non-academic staff are ready to go back to work, the universities should no longer be shut.

“Moreover, there are some lecturers who are also ready to work, such people should not be shut out.

“Only few days ago, a group addressed the press in Abuja, saying they are not part of the ASUU trouble. Their group is also working to be registered too.

“Non-teaching staff have also called off their strike and the university environment is not only for or about academic staff.

“Why should those who are ready to work be denied the opportunity to work? He asked.

This is just as a meeting of pro-chancellors and vice-chancellors of federal universities have been slated for next Tuesday at the National Universities Commission, NUC, Complex, Abuja.

They are to meet with the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

The letter inviting them marked NUC/ES/138/VOL. 64/125 was signed by the Deputy Executive Secretary, Administration, Chris Maiyaki, on behalf of the Executive Secretary.

The letter was titled “Industrial actions by university-based unions: Invitation to a special interactive meeting with the Honourable Minister of Education.”

It read in part: “As the pro-chancellors and the chairmen of councils and the vice-chancellors are quite aware, the industrial action by university-based unions has led to the closure of the institutions since February 14, 2022.

“You are also aware that the non-teaching unions have suspended their industrial actions with effect from 24th August, 2022, while a final decision is being awaited from the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

It has become necessary for the Governing Councils and the managements of the universities to be briefed on the decisions and actions taken by the Federal Government so far, to allow for a well-coordinated review of the situation, including building consensus around succeeding actions.”

It was gathered that at the meeting, the government would order the schools to be reopened and allow workers ready to work come back to their duty posts.

Recall that ASUU, on Monday, insisted on continuing its strike after holding a National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

A group of lecturers, on the platform of the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, led by Dr. Niyi Sunmonu, have dissociated themselves from the strike and said they are willing to resume work.

This is as the managements of some state universities are also taking steps to ensure the reopening of the institutions.

No fewer than 6,068 medical doctors moved to the United Kingdom since the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), started in 2015, The PUNCH reports.

According to data obtained from the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, the total number of Nigeria-trained doctors who migrated to the UK as of August 30, 2022 stood at 10,096.

Nigerian doctors who got medical qualifications in schools outside the country are not included in the data.

The data revealed that 233 Nigerian doctors passed the examination to practise in the UK in 2015.

The number increased to 279 in 2016, while the figure was 475 in 2017.

In 2018, the figure rose to 852 while it further increased to 1,347 in 2019.

In 2020, the figure was 833 despite the fact that the GMC closed operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The figure for 2021 was put at 932.

So far in 2022, the data revealed that 1,107 Nigerian-trained doctors have been licensed to practise.

Presently, Nigeria has the third highest number of foreign doctors working in the UK after India and Pakistan.

In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, the Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Alfa Yusuf, described brain drain as a menace bedevilling the health sector.

Yusuf expressed fear that it may get to a stage where Nigeria will have to be scouting for doctors in the country.

He said, “The only way to solve this is for the government to come up with a policy to address brain drain: good remuneration, hazard allowance paid as and when due and introduction of tax rebate, especially to health care workers.

“They should also give packages that entice our doctors to other countries. They should look at packages that will make our doctors stay in the country and not go elsewhere.”

The President of the Nigeria Medical Association, Uche Ojinma, had, in an earlier interview with The PUNCH, noted that the brain drain being witnessed in the country would worsen the health sector.

The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie, had claimed that Nigeria has enough doctors.

Osagie, however, could not be reached for comments as calls and messages sent to him via his known telephone number were unanswered.