Headlines

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed seven executive directors to lead the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). 

This decision was made public through a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

The newly appointed executive directors bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles.

Key Appointments Include:

– Ayo Adewuyi: has been reappointed as Executive Director of News.

– Bar. Ibrahim Aliyu: A seasoned legal practitioner, takes on the role of Executive Director, Special Duties.

– Malam Muhammed Fatuhu Mustapha: He will oversee Administration and Training as Executive Director.

– Mrs Apinke Effiong: an expert in financial marketing, who becomes Executive Director of Finance.

– Mrs Tari Taylaur: a talented audio/visual creator, producer, and showrunner, appointed as Executive Director, Programme.

– Mr Sadique Musa Omeiza: who will lead Engineering as Executive Director.

– Mrs Oluwakemi Fashina: A seasoned integrated marketing communications professional and chartered marketer, takes the reins as Executive Director, Marketing.

These appointments aim to enhance the NTA’s operational efficiency and programming quality.

A recent review of the public payments portal, Govspend, has revealed a shocking expenditure by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Justice, where a total of N403 million was spent on renovating toilets in a single day under the leadership of Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.

On June 27, 2024, the Ministry paid N158 million for renovations at its headquarters.

On the same day, an additional N245 million was allocated to Optional Concepts Limited for further toilet renovations, bringing the total to N403 million.

The revelation comes amid growing scrutiny of the fiscal discipline of the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu.

Recent reports revealed that the State House spent N9.2 billion on motor vehicles between March and May 2024. Specifically, N1.904 billion was recorded in March, while N7.3 billion was spent in May.

Additionally, SaharaReporters revealed that the Tinubu administration spent N366 million on tyres within three days, further raising concerns about seemingly frivolous expenses.

Earlier, the government was reported to have spent N1.5 billion on foreign exchange for travels and rehabilitation of presidential buildings.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised concerns over the alarming exodus of 30 trained PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University.

This brain drain is attributed to the university’s deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions.

According to ASUU Bauchi Zone’s Zonal Coordinator, Namo Timothy, the university’s lack of an employee exit policy has forced many top scholars to seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Furthermore, SAZU does not have pension or death benefit schemes in place, unlike the structured public service regulation in the country.

“The absence of these benefits makes our members feel insecure about their future,” Timothy emphasized.

He also criticized the university’s administration for failing to pay over N650 million in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners.

Despite generating substantial revenue from postgraduate programs, the university has not compensated staff for their contributions, Timothy added.

Other pressing issues include steep increases in student fees and a lack of commitment to staff training and development.

The union accused the university administration of neglecting staff welfare, despite recent fee hikes exceeding 100% for regular undergraduate programs.

This neglect has created an unfavorable work environment, driving talented academics away from the institution.

The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, will swear in 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria on Monday at the main courtroom of the Court.

This is part of programmes lined up to usher in the 2024/2025 legal year of the supreme Court.

A statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Festus Akande on Fridat said that the CJN will deliver a state-of-the Judiciary address, with a view to highlighting the performance of the Supreme Court in particular, and the Nigerian Judiciary in general, in the 2023/2024 legal year.

In the same vein, other leading stakeholders in the Justice Sector will present speeches bordering on the state of the justice sector of the country. 

These include: Hon. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chairman of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), and President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), amongst others.

The Supreme Court commenced its annual vacation on 22nd July, 2024.

Though the court started sitting on 23rd September, 2024, the new legal year ceremony is now being formally held in accordance with its tradition.

All the programmes outlined to mark the formal commencement of the new legal year will start at 10:00 am in the main courtroom of the Supreme Court, the statement added.