The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), has confirmed the death of two students in a ghastly accident involving two trucks and two tricycles along Felele road, Lokoja, Kogi.

,Mr Samuel Oyedeji, the FRSC Sector Commander in Komi, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Friday in Lokoja

Oyedeji said that eight persons were involved in the accident while two students died and four injured while two escaped unhurt.

He said that the injured were rushed to the hospital for medical attention while the corpses of the two passengers, one of whom was a student of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and the other Kogi Polytechnic student.

Oyedeji said that one of the two trucks’ break failed and lost control thereby rammed into the two tricycles.

Oyedeji advised motorists to always ensure that their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on a journey.

An eye witness, who spoke to newsmen on condition of anonymity, said the accident occurred about 10 am.

He said it included a female student of FUL, and another female student of Kogi Poly by name Abu Taiwo Abimbola of the Department of Science Laboratory and Technology.

“A heavily loaded articulated vehicle heading for Abuja axis along Felele, in Lokoja lost control and rammed into a Keke tricycle that was carrying passengers heading to town.

“A female student of the Federal University of Lokoja and another female of Kogi Poly, Lokoja died while other passengers were seriously injured.

“An identification card of the late female student of Komi Poly by name Covenant Omolola Isaac of Department of Geology was recovered from the accident scene.

“The bodies of the two female students were deposited at the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, by some Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission,”.

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Science Laboratory and Technology Student, Kogi Poly chapter, Mr Caleb Kelvin, has issued a press statement over the demise of the female student.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely passing of our cherished member, Abu Taiwo Abimbola, who tragically lost her life earlier today in a road accident along Felele road, Lokoja.

“This devastating loss has left all of us in shock and deep sorrow.

“Abimbola, was more than just a member of our association; she was a beacon of hope and inspiration to everyone around her.

“Her kindness, dedication, and passion for education made her an exceptional part of our community. leaving behind a legacy of love and excellence.

“As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, we extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. We pray for strength and comfort for them during this incredibly difficult time.

“In honor of her memory, the association will be organizing a tribute and memorial service to celebrate her remarkable life.

“Details of the event will be shared in due course, and we encourage everyone to join us in paying our final respects.

“Taiwo Abimbola will forever remain in our hearts. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in perfect peace Amen,” Caleb said. (NAN)

The Minister of Police Affairs, Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam has commended the synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF) in enhancing the capacity of police personnel.

Gaidam gave the commendation on Friday in Abuja during the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a modern and smart Divisional Police Headquarters in Mpape area of Abuja.

The project  include the construction of rank and file quarters for personnel of the force.

Gaidam, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Mr Yusuf Argungu, said it would enhance the security of lives and property in the area.

According to him, with the Police Divisional Headquarters, citizens commuting every day for their daily activities will be protected from the danger of kidnapping, “one chance”, armed robbery and other related crimes.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force to continue to promote synergy with citizens, and other security agencies  to uphold the responsibility of law enforcement and prosecuting offenders.

“The Federal Government is poised to ensure the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-based.

“This is to have a police that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities and committed to implementing the ongoing comprehensive police reform.

“The idea is to revolutionise the policing landscape of the country by fostering inclusivity, community engagement, intelligence-driven operations and technological integration,” he said.

In his remark, the Executive Secretary of  NPTF, Mr Mohammed Sheidu, said the execution of the project was more than just bricks and mortar.

He said the project represents the collective resolve of NPTF and other stakeholders to provide the Police  with modern infrastructure.

According to him, the idea is to enhance the operational capacity of the force and improve the welfare of its personnel.

He said the commitment, guidance and collaboration  was instrumental to the vision of modernising police infrastructure and improving the welfare of its officers

Sheidu said the Divisional Headquarter would feature state of the art facilities, while the rank and quarters  would provide decent and comfortable housing for police personnel.

He said the focus was to foster an environment where police personnel could strive both personally and professionally.

“ I want to emphasise the importance of the initiative to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation at large.

“We are entrusting you with the responsibility to deliver a world class facility that meets the highest standard of quality and excellence.

“We urge you to work efficiently and diligently to ensure timely completion of the project expected to be delivered in four months. (NAN)

The annual Festival of Unity organised by the National Arts Theatre has begun, with stakeholders praising the new management for ensuring continuity of the event.

The 2024 edition has the theme: “Rebranding Boundless Opportunities: Celebrating Unity and Inclusivity”.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Lagos, Mrs Tola Akerele, General Manager and Chief Executive of the National Arts Theatre, said the programme aimed to unite the nation through diverse cultures.

”And we believe this necessitates the continuation of the programme and its theme,” she said.

Akerele emphasised that Nigeria has immense potential to showcase to the world and that the National Theatre remains committed to promoting this.

“Our diverse cultures are what we will use to celebrate ourselves together in unity, and it’s essential for us to do this.

“The new management has rebranded the event to attract more activities, with a focus on exploring boundless opportunities in the culture and entertainment industry.

“We will have more initiatives and programmes to engage stakeholders in the industry, and by next year, we will hit the ground running,” Akerele said.

Report says that the event kicked off with a colourful display of talking drums and energetic dances from various troupes.

Upcoming musicians also had the opportunity to showcase their talents in music, dance, comedy, and drama shows, entertaining the audience.

Mr Jide Ogunlana, immediate past Secretary of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), praised the National Theatre’s initiative, saying it had been all-embracing in the past and would continue to contribute to the development of Nigerian culture.

“The National Theatre’s annual Festival of Unity aims to foster unity among different Nigerian cultures, and stakeholders believe this year’s edition will be a success.

“With its rebranded theme and focus on promoting Nigerian culture, the event is expected to bring people together and showcase the country’s immense potential,” Ogunlana said. (NAN)