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Wike Commissions ‘Africa’s Biggest Waterpark’ in March

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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike will in March commission what has been described as “Africa’s biggest Waterpark,” in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

This was made known on Wednesday, when a delegation of the Sunrise Estate Developers, and the Nadeem Group, paid a courtesy call to the Minister’s office, as well as to present an official invite to the commissioning event, slated for March.

In his address, Wike appreciated the developers for investing in Abuja, noting that the Sunrise Waterpark would serve the FCT’s commercial and economic needs, as well as provide employment for the youth.

He further appealed to the Group to ensure the payment of their taxes, adding that the administration relied on the payment of taxes to carry out developmental projects, unlike other Ministries, Departments and Agencies who got allocations from the Federal Government.

“Let me sincerely thank you for what you are doing in Abuja, as your own contribution to the development of the city. It is very glaring to hear that you have built the biggest waterpark, like you said, the biggest in Africa, with the latest technology. That of course, will create a lot of commercial and economic activities that of course will generate employment.

Our own goal is to make sure that we produce a conducive environment for investors to come in. I am happy that the members of your team, your subsidiary companies, have shown interest in other areas like construction. We have also seen that they are involved in most of the jobs that are going on in Abuja. If we see that they are committed and willing to do their best, we are also willing to partner with all those who want to put in their best.

So, we commend you for believing in Abuja, we commend you and we will make sure our relationship grows. But you must also make sure that you have paid your taxes. It is important because without the taxes being paid, we will not be able to construct roads, we will not be able to construct public buildings. So, when I praise you for investing, I will also encourage you to make sure you pay your taxes”, Wike said.

Speaking earlier, the head of the delegation, and Special Adviser to the Chief Executive Officer of Sunrise Estate Developers, Mr. George Tolofari, who stated that the purpose of the visit was to inform him of the commissioning of the Waterpark, congratulated Wike on his appointment as Minister, adding that with the administration’s support, Abuja could become a federal capital city to be proud of.

“The major reason why we are here is because of the Waterpark we are showcasing. We know that you are an investor-friendly Minister, and we know that with your continued support, we will continue to bring our experience to bear so that at the end of the day, Abuja will indeed be that Federal Capital Territory that we are all going to be proud of, that will compete with other capitals worldwide”, Tolofari said.

General News

Navy Arrests 2 Suspects Trafficking Pangolin Scales Worth N25m in A’Ibom 

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The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB), Ibaka, Akwa Ibom, has arrested two suspects trafficking 500 kilos of pangolin scales worth N25 million from Cameroon to Nigeria.

The Commanding Officer, Capt. Aliyu Abdullah, stated this while handing over the suspects and the items to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), in Ibaka on Saturday.

Abdullahi said that the suspects were arrested on routine patrol around Tom Shot Island on Thursday.

“The arrest was made during routine-stop-and-search of boats transiting from Cameroon to Nigeria,” he said.

He stated that Pangolins are a critically endangered species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Abdullahi noted that smuggling of products derived from endangered animals, such as pangolin scales, across International maritime borders constituted a serious violation of both International and domestic legal frameworks.

“They play a vital role in their ecosystem, however, their population has been decimated due to high demand for scales and meat particularly in black markets across Asia and Africa,” Abdullahi said.

The commanding officer said the shipment of scales was believed to be destined to a port in Lagos for smuggling out of Nigeria to markets in Asia.

“It breaches the convention on CITES, which prohibits the commercial trade of endangered species and their derivatives.

“Both Nigeria and Cameroon are signatories to this convention.”

Abdullahi said that the Navy, under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla would continue to tackle all forms of illegal activities within the waterways, thereby improving the National image of Nigeria Internationally.

Receiving the suspects, items and boat, Deputy Superintendent of Customs, Dada Fagbola, said that the suspects would be investigated for necessary prosecution

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Education

ASUU Supports 12 Indigents Students With Scholarships in Bauchi Zone

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has awarded scholarships to 12  academically outstanding but financially disadvantaged indigents students across its Bauchi Zone.

The Bauchi Zone includes: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU) Bauchi.

Others are Gombe State University, Federal University Kashere, University of Jos and Plateau State University Bokkos.

During the presentation held at the ASUU Secretariat, SAZU Bauchi on Saturday, the 12 beneficiaries received cheques worth ₦200,000 each from the national body of the Union.

Prof. Christopher Piwuna, Convener of the ASUU Grant, Research and Publications Committee was represented by Prof.

Lawan Abubakar, the immediate past Zonal Coordinator.

Piwuna explained that the scholarships aimed to support brilliant students who were hindered by financial hardship.

“This initiative was born out of the need to counter the government’s rising imposition of school charges, which continues to burden students and their families,” he said.

Piwuna added that ASUU believed that such financial aid should be a grant, not a loan, noting: “We don’t expect any repayment from the beneficiaries or their parents.”

Prof. Namo Aku, the Zonal Coordinator, said that while the national body supported 12 students, the six universities in the zone collectively sponsored  additional 18 indigenous students.

“ATBU and Gombe State University sponsored five students each, Plateau University and University of Jos sponsored two each, while SAZU and Federal University Kashere sponsored two students apiece,” he said.

Aku emphasized that ASUU’s mission includes supporting the less privileged through collective contributions from lecturers who are passionate about students’ success.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Bappa Salisu, a Pharmacy student at SAZU, expressed gratitude to the Union.

“We are deeply thankful for this opportunity. It motivates us to work harder and live up to the expectations of those who believe in us,” he said

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General News

Samuel Re-Elected COSFAN President

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The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association Nigeria (COSFAN) has elected new leaders, with Dr Ekundayo Samuel re-elected as President for a second term.

Dr Samuel, a lecturer in Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry at the University of Ibadan, was returned unopposed due to his strong performance during his first tenure.

During Saturday’s virtual Quarterly General Meeting, Samuel and the newly elected National Executive Committee members were sworn in by legal practitioner, Titilope Adeyemi.

The new executives will serve for two years, with the option of renewal for eligible members for another two-year term.

Samuel, known for his academic and community work, is expected to steer COSFAN toward achieving its stated goals.

In his inaugural address, he pledged collaboration with the British Council Nigeria and the government to advance mentorship and development programmes.

Samuel, also Executive Director of Dove-Haven Foundation (DHF), promised to empower COSFAN members to impact their fields and communities meaningfully.

He urged all levels of government, institutions, and organisations to engage COSFAN’s experts and professionals for enhanced service delivery nationwide.

Samuel praised COSFAN Patrons – Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye – for their enduring support and encouragement.

Other elected officers include Vice President: Dr Badia Maje-Sayyadi, and Secretary-General; Mr Josiah Owoeye of Tolaram Group, Lagos.

Dr Oluwatosin Igbayiloye, University of Ilorin, was elected Treasurer, while Mr Adewale Adeniyi, Pivot-GIS, Lagos, was named Publicity Secretary.

Regional Coordinators elected include Prof. Rayyan Garba (North-West), Mrs Victoria Shoyombo (North-Central), and Dr Fatimas Baba-Ari (North-East).

Also elected were Prof. Olayinka Nwachukwu (South-East), Prof. Emmanuel Akpabio (South-South), and Dr Adetoun Mustapha (South-West).

Dr Abiola Adimula was elected as the Ex-Officio member of the Executive Committee.

COSFAN is a non-profit association of Nigerians sponsored by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for postgraduate studies or fellowships.

The association has over 3,000 members who have benefited from various Commonwealth-funded academic and professional programmes.

COSFAN’s mission is to apply members’ knowledge to societal development, especially in education and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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