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Ododo Signs Law Establishing CUSTECH Teaching Hospital

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From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has signed a bill converting the state-of-the-art Reference Hospital, Okene into the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Teaching Hospital.

This was announced in Lokoja on Tuesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, during a press briefing.

The move aligns with the National Universities Commission’s approval of a full-time Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, among other medical courses, at CUSTECH.

According to Fanwo, the step ensures the program begins on a solid foundation.

“This achievement is the result of months of coordinated engagement between the university, the State Ministry of Health, and the State Ministry of Education.

We commend the State House of Assembly for passing the bill, which has now been signed into law by Governor Ododo,” Fanwo said.

He emphasized the administration’s prioritization of healthcare, noting that the former Reference Hospital—now the CUSTECH Teaching Hospital—is equipped with world-class medical facilities, some of which are debuting for the first time in Africa.

“With this development, CUSTECH will have cutting-edge medical technology to train outstanding healthcare professionals for Kogi State and beyond,” he added.

Fanwo further highlighted the administration’s commitment to healthcare and education, describing the signing as a significant milestone in the state’s progress. He also expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their collective effort in creating this historic achievement.

With the bill now law, CUSTECH is poised to effectively commence its MBBS program.

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Niger’s Allegations Against Nigeria Baseless – FG

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Nigeria has rejected allegations made in a viral video by the military leader of Niger Republic, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the claims exist solely in the realm of imagination.

He said Nigeria had never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France or any other country to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilise Niger following undemocratic change in leadership of that country.

The minister said President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of ECOWAS, had demonstrated exemplary leadership.

He said the president had kept the doors of the sub-regional body open to re-engaging Niger Republic in spite of the political situation in that country.

” Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger.

” Nigeria’s armed forces, in collaboration with partners in the Multinational Joint Task Force, are succeeding in curbing terrorism within the region.

” It is, therefore, absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire with any foreign power to undermine the peace and security of a neighbouring country.

” Neither the Nigerian government nor any of its officials has ever been involved in arming or supporting any terror group to attack Niger Republic.

” Furthermore, no part of Nigeria has been ceded to any foreign power for subversive operations in Niger Republic,” he said

The minister reiterated government’s full support for senior government officials for their untiring commitment to fostering peace and security between Nigeria and Niger.

” Indeed, Nigeria has a long-standing tradition of safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

” Unlike some nations, Nigeria has never permitted foreign powers to establish military bases on its soil.

” This demonstrates our commitment to national independence and regional leadership.

” The accusation that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s pipelines and agriculture is both unfounded and counterproductive.

” Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects, such as the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway Project.

” It is illogical to suggest that Nigeria would undermine initiatives it has actively promoted.

” The claims about the alleged establishment of a so-called Lakurawa terrorist headquarters in Sokoto State, purportedly orchestrated by Nigeria in collaboration with France, are baseless,” he said.

He said Nigeria had been a regional leader in combating terrorism, dedicating significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.

The minister added: ” Recently, the Nigerian military launched Operation Forest Sanity III, specifically addressing the Lakurawa threat, code named Operation Chase Lakurawa Out.

” How can a government actively fighting the Lakurawa menace now be accused of harbouring the same group within its borders? ”

Idris said that the accusations lacked credible evidence and seemed to be part of a broader attempt to deflect attention from Niger’s internal challenges.

” The public is urged to disregard these false allegations.

” Those making such claims, particularly the military leader in Niger Republic, must provide credible evidence to substantiate them.

” Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in the Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail,” he said.

The minister insisted that Tchiani’s allegations were not only unfounded but also a dangerous attempt to divert attention from his administration’s shortcomings.

” Nigeria remains committed to fostering regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to address terrorism and other transnational challenges.

” We urge Niger to focus on constructive dialogue and collaboration rather than peddling baseless accusations,” Idris said. (NAN)

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No Nigerian Border will be Used to Attack any Country – CDS

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says Nigeria will not allow its borders to be used as a base to attack any foreign country.

Musa made the declaration in Sokoto on Thursday while addressing troops of “Operation Fansan Yamma” during a Christmas luncheon.

He also emphasised that no foreign military base would be permitted on Nigerian soil.

“We have the capacity and capability to handle our security challenges.


“What we can do is collaborate with other nations through training—sending our personnel abroad for training and welcoming theirs as well,” Musa stated.

He assured neighboring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Togo, of Nigeria’s commitment to mutual security.

“Any criminal element using Nigerian soil to attack our neighbors is an enemy of Nigeria, and we will take decisive action.

“We are one with our neighbors and will ensure that such threats are neutralised,” he said.

Musa appealed to Nigerians to recognise that addressing the nation’s security challenges is a collective effort that should not be left for the military alone.

He warned against individuals or groups exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments to deceive communities.

“Many come pretending to be allies but later reveal their true motives.
“This was the case with the Lakurawa, who initially seemed friendly but are now a significant threat,” Musa said.

The CDS stressed that the military is committed to eradicating all criminal elements in the country.

“Any community harboring these criminals must either drive them out or prepare to face the consequences of our operations.

“We respect human rights but will take firm action against those aiding or abetting threats to national security,” he warned.

Musa praised President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support to the Armed Forces and his confidence in their leadership.

He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu and the people of Sokoto State for their continued support to military operations in the region.

“We reaffirm our loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our commitment to defending our fatherland,” he said.
Musa further lauded the troops for their bravery, resilience, and professionalism, urging them to remain vigilant and focused.

“You exemplify the finest traditions of the Armed Forces. Stay united and continue to make us proud.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Maj. Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, described the event as an opportunity to not only to celebrate Christmas but also reflect on the troops’ sacrifices, achievements, and shared commitment. (NAN)

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Pope Francis Opens Symbolic Holy Door in Rome Prison

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 Marking the Holy Year of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis opened a Holy Door at a prison in Rome on Thursday, offering a message of hope and forgiveness to inmates.

“Do not lose hope, that is the message I want to give you,” the 88-year-old pontiff told the prisoners during the ceremony.

The opening of a Holy Door in a prison is a symbolic gesture.

The pope is known for advocating for the forgiveness of convicted criminals and their reintegration into society.

Arriving in a wheelchair, Francis paused for a moment of silence before rising with the help of a walking stick.

He approached the prison gate, knocked several times and helpers raised it from the inside.

The pontiff then crossed the threshold of the massive doorway, symbolising the passage into grace and reconciliation.

In spite of the appearing fatigued in recent public appearances, the pope seemed at ease during the prison visit, speaking informally and without prepared remarks to inmates and staff. After the service, he engaged personally with several attendees.

The event followed his opening of the Holy Year 2025 on Christmas Eve by ceremonially unsealing the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica.

The Catholic Church celebrates a jubilee every 25 years, during which believers who pass through the Holy Doors after penance and communion are granted indulgences or remission of sins.

This marks the first time in the Church’s history that a Holy Door had been opened in a prison, according to the news portal Vatican News.(dpa/NAN)

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