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Youth Group Rejects Call To Rename UNILORIN After Sheikh Alimi

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A socio-cultural organisation, under the aegis of the Kwara South Consultative Forum, has opposed the call by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, for the renaming of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) after Sheikh Alimi of the Alimi Dynasty in Ilorin Emirate.

 

It is recalled that the monarch had made the call at the 50th anniversary celebration of Unilorin recently.

 

The group said that the call is indifferent to the diversity and divergent history of other ethnic groups in the state.

 

The Forum also called on the state government to rename the Government House after the late General David Bamigboye, being the pioneer military governor of the state, instead of renaming it Ahmadu Bello House

 

In a statement by its Secretary General, Engineer Adebayo Simon Daramola, while alluding to a call for the renaming of UNILORIN after Sheikh Alimi, the people said that: “The entire state of Kwara is the catchment area of the University of Ilorin. We are just not homogeneous enough in Kwara state for that idea to ever be mooted.

 

“Neither do we want to go into needless arguments with members of other ethnic groups in other senatorial districts because of mutual respect between us and other such organisations towards the development of the State, Kwara.

 

“The fact that the University is located in Ilorin does not confer ownership on the city. The privilege of being the host does not confer ownership on the city, while the privilege of being the host community should not be confused to mean exclusive ownership either.

 

“It should be noted that the significance of the history of the head of the Alimi dynasty bears no relevance to the people of Ekiti, Ibolo and Igbomina descent of Kwara South and even of the other Senatorial District (Kwara North).

 

“It will, therefore, be uncalled for to contemplate imposition of a name that does not have a ‘state-wide spread’ on our collective inheritance.

 

“As of today in Kwara South, there are six private Universities, Viz: Landmark University, Omu-Aran; Thomas Adewumi University, Oko; Abubakar Abdulrazak Toyin University, Gamo; Summit University, Ira Road, Offa; Offa University, Offa; Lens University, Offa/Ilemona Ira Road, as well as Lens Polytechnic, Ira Road, Offa.

 

“So, we are advising you to take a cue from Kwara South by establishing a private university in the name of Sheikh Alimi if you are so concerned and desirous about naming a university in the name of the Alimi dynasty”.

 

On the naming of the State Government House, the Forum noted that “of recent, the Government House was renamed Ahmadu Bello House without consultation with other ethnic communities in Kwara State, especially, the Yoruba ethnic group in Kwara South.

 

“If at all the Government House would be named after anybody, after due consultations, it should have been named after the pioneer Military Governor of the State, Brigadier General David Lasisi Bamigboye (Rtd), of blessed memory, as David Lasisi Bamigboye House.

 

“It is still not too late to right the wrong by renaming the Kwara State Government House as David Lasisi Bamigboye House, considering the fact that Bamigboye was the pioneer Military Governor of the State who had served the state diligently and left worthy legacies, including the Government House.

 

“Justice, equity and fairness make this our demand salient and incontrovertible. We, therefore, appeal to our amiable Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to passionately look into this matter by reversing this glaring injustice done to a man who gave his all to give Kwara State a solid foundation.

 

“We wish to emphasise and advise that equity, justice and fairness should be our watchwords in Kwara State, a state with the sobriquet, ‘State of Harmony’.

 

“We should not do anything by our actions or inactions, and conduct that can tamper with our resolve to perpetually live together in peace and harmony”.

 

 

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COAS Shaibu Hits Jos To Restore Peace, Public Confidence

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, visited Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to lead a high-powered security assessment following recent security breaches.

The visit was aimed at strengthening public confidence and reinforcing ongoing efforts to stabilize affected communities.

Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to restore calm and entrench lasting peace across the state.

According to the statement, upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, in a clear demonstration of strong civil-military cooperation and a shared commitment to addressing emerging security challenges.

The statement said the COAS received a comprehensive operational briefing from the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who highlighted ongoing operations and proactive measures being implemented in synergy with other security agencies to contain threats, protect lives and property, and stabilise affected communities.

“As part of his engagements, Lieutenant General Shaibu also interacted with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding all law-abiding citizens.

He urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and supportive of security agencies by complying with the curfew and cooperating fully with ongoing operations and investigations, while going about their lawful activities.

The chairman of Jos North Local Government Area, Hon. Dachung Bagos, commended the COAS for the timely visit, noting that the presence of the nation’s top military leadership would boost public confidence and reinforce trust in ongoing security efforts.

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President Tinubu Appoints New PTDF Executive, Reappoints TCN Head

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the new Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and renewed the tenure of Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz as the Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, these appointments are effective immediately.

Aliyu is said to replace Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

In a statement by one of the President’s Spokespersons, Bayo Onanuga, on Thursday, April 02, Tinubu also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

These appointments are said to take effect immediately.

The statement reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has appointed Professor Shu’aibu Shehu Aliyu as the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF). He replaces Ahmed Galadima Aminu, who recently resigned to participate in the 2027 governorship election in Adamawa State.

“President Tinubu has also renewed Engineer Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz’s appointment as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for a second and final term.

“Both appointments take immediate effect.

“Professor Aliyu, the new PTDF helmsman, is a distinguished academic and seasoned administrator with extensive experience in research, education, and institutional leadership. His appointment underscores the President’s commitment to strengthening key institutions in the petroleum sector and advancing capacity development for Nigeria’s energy industry.

“The President expects him to leverage his wealth of experience to reposition the PTDF for greater impact in human capital development, innovation, and strategic support for the oil and gas sector in line with national priorities.

“President Tinubu renewed Engineer Abdulaziz’s appointment following a comprehensive assessment of his performance and leadership of the nation’s transmission network.

“Under his stewardship, TCN has recorded notable improvements in grid stability, transmission capacity expansion, and system modernisation, reinforcing its critical role in Nigeria’s electricity value chain.

“Engr. Abdulaziz brings over three decades of experience in the power sector and has also strengthened regional electricity integration through his leadership in the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

“President Tinubu urges both appointees to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and a strong sense of national service, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

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United Nigeria Airlines Staff Suspended After Viral Amputee Abuse Video

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The Management of United Nigeria Airline on Wednesday says it has suspended a female staff member for alleged unprofessional treatment of Ms. Doris Akonanya, an amputee passenger.

The airline, in a statement signed by Chibuike Uloka, its Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday, also said it had commenced investigation into the incident which happened on March 30.

Akonanya, an amputee, had lamented through a viral video that she received subhuman treatment while trying to catch a flight from Abuja to Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

She said she arrived at the airport early and bought her ticket but was denied the assurance that she needed by a particular staff member who was supposed to process her boarding.

The passenger exonerated the Airline for the dehumanising treatment but demanded that the female staff member involved should be called to order.

The airline, however, condemned the incident and expressed unreserved apology to the lady and members of her family for the ugly incident.

The company said the action did not reflect the ethics, values and vision of the company, noting that the safety, dignity, and well-being of all passengers remained their priority.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to confirm receipt of an incident report involving a passenger with reduced mobility, Ms. Doris Akonanya, during the check-in process for Flight UN0526 from Abuja to Yenagoa on March 30.

“The report includes allegations of unprofessional conduct by a particular staff regarding her condition.

“The staff member involved has been suspended and a full investigation commenced,

“We are engaging all relevant parties to establish the facts and will take appropriate action in line with our policies of zero tolerance to any form of misconduct.

“We are particular about passengers with reduced mobility who require additional care and support,” he said.

The airline said it had been in direct contact with the passenger and her family, to whom it had extended apologies, and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

It said it operated a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct, discrimination, or abuse, and is firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible travel for all.

“We will continue to strengthen our training, processes, and oversight to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

(NAN)

 

 

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