Category: News

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Nigerian Man Sentenced to 11 Years in US for $1.3 Million COVID-19 Scam

Nigerian Man Sentenced to 11 Years in US for $1.3 Million COVID-19 Scam

A 43-year-old Nigerian man, Abiola Quadri, has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison in the United States for orchestrating a massive $1.3 million COVID-19 scam. Quadri was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 135 months in prison by a U.S. court. He was also ordered to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.

According to authorities, Quadri used stolen identities to claim COVID-19 unemployment and disability benefits. He submitted hundreds of fraudulent benefit applications and withdrew stolen funds from multiple ATMs across California. Quadri wired at least $500,000 abroad to fund a luxury resort project in Nigeria, which included a nightclub, shopping mall, and 120-room hotel.

Quadri was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport in September 2024 while attempting to flee to Nigeria. Authorities found 17 counterfeit checks worth over $3.3 million on his phone, as well as text messages negotiating fake transactions. Quadri also ran a business in California under the name Rock of Peace, which was allegedly used to provide daycare services to developmentally disabled children.

The investigation revealed that Quadri had misused food-aid debit cards and had links to shell businesses under various aliases. He had also admitted to obtaining U.S. permanent residency through a sham marriage.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and California’s Employment Development Department. Quadri’s conviction and sentencing bring an end to a complex and extensive COVID-19 benefits scam that exploited vulnerable individuals and drained public resources.

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No more Private Schools, Hospital for Civil Servants – Reps proposes New Bill

No more Private Schools, Hospital for Civil Servants – Reps proposes New Bill

A new bill proposed by Hon. Amobi Ogah, a lawmaker representing Isuikwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, seeks to ban public and civil servants from sending their children to private schools or using private hospitals. The bill aims to restore accountability and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s public institutions by compelling government officials to invest in and use the same public systems they manage.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

  • Public Education: Civil servants would be required to send their children to public schools, rather than private schools.
  • Public Healthcare: Government officials would be expected to utilize public hospitals instead of private healthcare services or foreign medical treatment.

Rationale Behind the Bill:

  • Promote Equality: By using public institutions, government officials would experience the same challenges faced by ordinary citizens, potentially driving improvements.
  • Address Decay in Public Institutions: The consistent preference for private services has worsened the state of public institutions, creating inequality.
  • Significant Foreign Expenditure: Nigeria spent over $29 billion on medical trips abroad during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, and $218.87 million on foreign education in 2023.

Potential Impact:

  • Improved Public Institutions: By investing in public schools and hospitals, the government may be able to improve the quality of services, benefiting the majority of citizens.
  • Reducing Inequality: This bill could help bridge the gap between the quality of services available to government officials and ordinary citizens.

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Implementation: Ensuring compliance and effective implementation would be crucial to the bill’s success.
  • Quality of Public Services: Significant investment and reform would be necessary to improve public schools and hospitals to a standard acceptable to civil servants.

Ogah has launched a social media campaign with hashtags #PromoteOurSchoolsAndHealthcareServices and #PrivateInstitutionsAndHealthcareServicesProhibitionBill2025 to garner support for the bill.

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YOUTH USEFULNESS AND USELESSNESS IN SOCIETY BUILDING

By Com. Sulaiman Abdulfatah O., PGF National President.

PRESIDENT’S SPEECH DELIVERED TODAY 27/12/2014

YOUTH USEFULNESS AND USELESSNESS IN SOCIETY BUILDING

The Chairman, Special guests of honor, the Royal Fathers, the Patrons and Matrons, members of the forum,Gentlemen of the press, Ladies and Gentlemen.

Permit me to emphasis first on the meaning of the word youth using the definitions in the Oxford

 dictionary:

 Here we have 3 meanings; one is denotative and others, connotative. Firstly, youth is the time of life when a person is young, especially the time when a child becomes a young adult. That’s youth is the intermediary between childhood and adulthood in life. Perhaps, one only savours this chance in life but once. And the Yoruba has a catchphrase to show the significance or dynamism of this period of life, so they call it “Igba Sango ode” – that is the period when somebody is more active and powerful in life. Yes, the emperor, Alaafin Sango who is the eponym of this age was a youth and became epitome of power in human history to the extent of that he was  deified as god-of-thunder. There is more information about him in Yorupedia.

Again, youth is the quality or state of being young. And what is young? Young means “not fully developed or experienced. In this case, a youth needs the valuable supports of the experienced or fully developed people in the society to realize his dream in life.

Perhaps, adulthood is a period or page that a youth needs to enter later through the guidance from the experienced elders/leaders. And from the Yoruba experience, “ewe a ma soro bi ewe”- that youth is characterized with inexperience of the life cult. This is where culture needs to be transmitted from the older and morally experienced generation of elders to the young generation to assimilate for the continuity of our humane cultural heritage.   

Therefore a youth needs to grow and be fully developed by the elders/leaders of today for the same would become the leaders/elders of tomorrow.

And finally, a youth is a young man as long as he is a man but young he has some sacrifice and service to render to his immediate society and humanity at large.

So youth is a period, in summary, when a child becomes a young man with is unusual craze for everything life has to offer in fortune.

Note that youth is young and initially imagines most of the fantasies of life as realities. It is common in a youth dream that to become rich is to hit a jack-port or stumble on a port-folio full of money like the one the lazy Baba Sala found in one of his dramas that later landed him into a police custody. Therefore, youth hates looking at the other side of life to survive; but ironically, life offers man some literarily incompatible pairs like”no struggle no success” “no endurance no achievement” “no pains no gains, no humility no adoration, no sacrifice, no benefit, no bitterness no sweetness just to mention but a few.

At this juncture, the society needs to decide on how to guild and guard this important gift of human creation to enhance growth and development.

To make the youth useful, the society must prepare to educate, orientate and empower them for the general wellbeing of the society in turn.

Any attempt to ignore the best ways of preparing the youth through standard education and empowerment programs, the society will be like a fowl messing up a pot of soup but ironically never realizes it is preparing itself for a cook to garnish soup. Therefore, if the society fails to make youth useful, the youth being active and dynamic will surely become useless and become a threat to the wellbeing of the general public. You know, idle hand is the devil’s workshop.

And if the youth should be ignored, the future is already dead and interned before the arrival of the messiah; the useful youth among the grotesque ones.

Therefore our campaign is to make the useful youth more useful and salvage the useless youth to rehabilitate them to effectively build a strong and progressive society or nation.

However, so far so good, in this campaign we have been able to achieve the following and we would be happy to count on your support for continuity of the service to the youth community and society at large.

1.         Vocational training and retraining of youth

2.         Youth Sports promotion

3.         Youth empowerment programs

4.         Free computer training and coaching

5.         Youth sensitization and orientation programs

6.         Scholarship

7.         Production of leadership/personalities magazine and award

8.         Arrangement of free meal during Ramadan fasting and other festivals

9.         Organization of sermons and free distribution of religion Books i.e Alquran and Dalaylu

10.       Distribution of education materials e.g. exercise books, chalks, pen and dusters to some basic Schools

11.       Production of Packaged Gari to boost food production in the country.                                      

Thanks, God bless you. God bless KwaraState

 and God bless Nigeria

.

PGF! PROGRESS! BUILD THE YOUTH! BUILD THE NATION!

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How Nigerians Contribute to Politicians’ Misuse of Public Funds

The Enabling Environment: How Nigerians Unintentionally Support Politicians’ Corruption

By Comr. Sulaiman Abdulfatai

Nigeria’s political landscape has long been plagued by corruption, with politicians often accused of looting public funds with impunity. While politicians bear the primary responsibility for these actions, it’s essential to examine the role Nigerians play in enabling this behavior.

Electoral Apathy and Lack of Accountability

Many Nigerians often prioritize personal interests over national concerns, failing to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. This apathy creates an environment where politicians feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices without fear of consequences.

Vote Buying and Patronage

The widespread practice of vote buying and patronage in Nigerian politics perpetuates corruption. By accepting bribes or promises of personal gain in exchange for votes, citizens inadvertently contribute to the corrupt system.

Tolerance for Corruption

Some Nigerians tolerate or even celebrate politicians’ corrupt activities if they benefit personally or perceive benefits for their community. This tolerance sends a signal that corrupt behavior is acceptable, further entrenching the problem.

Demanding Unnecessary Financial Support

Additionally, some Nigerians demand unnecessary financial support from politicians, expecting handouts or gifts in exchange for loyalty or support. This expectation can lead politicians to prioritize personal gain over public service, further fueling corruption.

Fabricated Stories for Financial Gain

Some individuals fabricate stories or lies to extract money from politicians or those who work for them. This behavior not only diverts resources meant for public good but also contributes to the corrupt system.

Lack of Civic Engagement

Limited civic engagement and lack of participation in public discourse allow corrupt politicians to operate with relative impunity. When citizens don’t engage in meaningful discussions about governance and accountability, politicians may feel less inclined to act with integrity.

Cultural and Social Pressures

In some cases, cultural and social pressures can lead Nigerians to prioritize loyalty to politicians or parties over accountability and good governance. This can create a culture where corruption is normalized and whistleblowers are ostracized.

Breaking the Cycle

To break this cycle, Nigerians must demand better governance and hold politicians accountable for their actions. This requires:

  1. Increased civic engagement: Citizens must participate in public discourse and demand transparency and accountability.
  2. Electoral reform: Electoral processes must be reformed to prevent vote buying and ensure credible elections.
  3. Whistleblower protection: Mechanisms must be put in place to protect whistleblowers and encourage reporting of corrupt activities.
  4. Cultural shift: Nigerians must prioritize accountability and good governance over personal or community interests.
  5. Smart vote strategy: Even if a politician is trying to buy your vote, collect his money and vote for the right candidate.

By working together, Nigerians can create an environment where politicians are incentivized to act with integrity and serve the public interest.

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Nigerian Railway Corporation Commences Train Services in Jos Starting Monday, 14th July 2025

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

Nigerian Railway Corporation Commences Train Services in Jos Starting Monday, 14th July 2025

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) is pleased to announce the commencement of daily passenger train services on the Jos–Bukuru corridor starting Monday, July 14th, 2025.

Trains will operate four daily trips between Bukuru and Jos Terminus, with stops at Old Airport and Dogon Karfe stations.

The full schedule is as follows:

First Trip – Morning (Bukuru to Jos)

Departure from Bukuru: 06:50 AM

Stops:

Old Airport – Arrives 07:08 AM, Departs 07:10 AM

Dogon Karfe – Arrives 07:16 AM, Departs 07:18 AM

Terminus (Jos) – Arrives 07:26 AM

Second Trip – Mid-Morning (Jos to Bukuru)
Departure from Jos Terminus: 09:20 AM

Stops:

Dogon Karfe – Arrives 09:28 AM, Departs 09:30 AM

Old Airport – Arrives 09:36 AM, Departs 09:38 AM

Bukuru – Arrives 09:56 AM

Third Trip – Late Morning (Bukuru to Jos)
Departure from Bukuru: 10:36 AM

Stops:

Old Airport – Arrives 10:54 AM, Departs 10:56 AM

Dogon Karfe – Arrives 11:02 AM, Departs 11:04 AM

Terminus (Jos) – Arrives 11:10 AM

Fourth Trip – Evening (Jos to Bukuru)
Departure from Jos Terminus: 04:20 PM

Stops:

Dogon Karfe – Arrives 04:28 PM, Departs 04:30 PM

Old Airport – Arrives 04:36 PM, Departs 04:38 PM

Bukuru – Arrives 04:56 PM

Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the station at least 10 minutes before departure.

For inquiries and further information, please contact the Nigerian Railway Corporation or visit your nearest station.

We look forward to serving you with safe, reliable, and efficient rail services.

Nigerian Railway Corporation – Moving Plateau Forward.

Announcer,
Information Officer
For:
Hoorable Commissioner, Plateau State
Ministry of Transport.

@highlight

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BIG NEWS!The 2nd Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is here!Registration Portal Opens:

BIG NEWS!
The 2nd Phase of the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) is here!
Registration Portal Opens:
Monday, 28th July 2025
Closes: Monday, 11th August 2025.

Are you unemployed, underemployed, or seeking skills for self-reliance?
Now is your chance to benefit from free vocational, digital, agricultural, and entrepreneurial training – all under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
✅ Empower your future
✅ Learn a skill
✅ Get connected to job opportunities
Visit the official portal to register!

NDERegistration

RenewedHopeEmploymentInitiative

JobCreation

NDE

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Kwara govt recertifies 12 transport operators, committed to clean, safe motor parks.

Kwara govt recertifies 12 transport operators, committed to clean, safe motor parks.

Kwara State Government has renewed certificates of operation for 12 private motor parks within the metropolis after satisfying basic requirements in transportation system and environmental protection standards.

The parks are the Ilorin Emirate Transport Service; KASMAG Line; Success Express Transport Service; RASYAU Travel & Tours Ltd; Fayos Motors Transport Service; Okin Motors & Sons Nig. Ltd; Alubarika Decency Motors; Femali (FM) Nig. Ltd; Bekki & Sons Motors; Young Legacy Line; Royal Ryders Super Express; and Laraku Motors.

Presenting the certificates in Ilorin, Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the recertification exercise was to enforce environmental standards and enhance the safety of general public especially the passengers.

The Commissioner, while describing motor parks as important and life-saving mechanisms, said the gesture will give the commuters an opportunity to board certified motors within the identified parks for a better service delivery.

“By certifying these motor parks, we are equipping our community with the tools necessary to ply our roads safely. Today, as we certify you as recognized motor parks, let it be a reminder of our collective duty to protect one another. Let us work together to ensure that everyone understands the importance of taking safety measures while plying our roads,” he said.

“Our roads are a source of livelihood, but they also pose risks that must be addressed.”

Sabi hailed Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his administration’s commitment to the protection of the lives of the citizens.

He also commended the Governor’s commitment to creating a better livelihood for citizens through the recently launched CNG buses, saying the initiative was meant to cushion the effect of economic hardship in the state.

The event was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Muyideen Aliyu; Senior Special Assistant on Transportation, Hon. Ibrahim Orire; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Alhaji Salau Kabiru Abdullahi; Technical Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Alhaji Musbau Abubakar; representative of the Commissioner of Police, DCP Ladi Suleiman; and representative of the State Commandant for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), AC Salman Surajudeen.

Others were Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Engr. Ayuba Isiaka; former Director of Transport in the Ministry, Engr Durotoye Joshua; representative of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC); Chairman, Association of Independent Transporters (AIT) and CEO KASMAG Line, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Omoola; Chairman Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Alhaji Abdulganiyu Ademola Akintola; and Chairman, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Kwara state branch, Alhaji Saliu Gidado.

Salau, for his part, said officials of the Ministry had inspected facilities in all garages in the city and were satisfied with what they found in the selected ones, adding it is a continuous exercise.

Director of Transport, Engr Micheal Bamidele, said 12 out of 49 existing private motor parks in the state met the regulatory requirements for recertification, adding that the process sought to achieve a safe and clean working environment.

CEO KASMAG Line, Omoola, who spoke on behalf of other recipients, thanked the government for the recertification exercise and pledged their continued support towards improving the safety of people.

Alabere Ahmed Babatunde
Press Secretary,
Ministry of Transportation, Ilorin.

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Surprise Move: Muhammed Babangida Declines Appointment as Bank of Agriculture Chairman”

“Surprise Move: Muhammed Babangida Declines Appointment as Bank of Agriculture Chairman”

Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military leader Ibrahim Babangida, has rejected his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In a letter dated July 21, 2025, Babangida cited “personal and professional convergence” that wouldn’t allow him to give the assignment the level of focus and commitment it demands.

Key Points:

  • Reason for Rejection: Babangida stated that his decision was not made lightly and stems from personal and professional considerations that currently prevent him from dedicating the necessary time and effort to the role.
  • Appreciation and Support: Despite declining the appointment, Babangida expressed gratitude for being considered and reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration, pledging to contribute to national development in other capacities where his expertise may be valuable.
  • Reaction: Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, shared the letter on Instagram, commending Babangida’s decision with the comment, “Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift”.
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Weather Alert: NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms and Rains Across Nigeria

Weather Alert: NiMet Predicts Thunderstorms and Rains Across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a weather forecast predicting widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country from Monday, July 21 to Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Monday’s Forecast:

  • Early morning thunderstorms and rain expected in Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Kaduna States.
  • Cloudy skies anticipated in the central region, with thunderstorms and light rain likely in Niger State.
  • Afternoon showers expected in Plateau, Nasarawa, FCT, Kogi, Benue, and parts of Niger.
  • Light rainfall anticipated in Imo, Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States in the south.

Tuesday’s Forecast:

  • Sunny conditions with cloud patches expected in the northern region in the morning.
  • Moderate thunderstorms forecast in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States by evening.
  • Morning rains expected over Plateau, Benue, and Nasarawa in the central states.
  • Moderate rains expected in Ondo, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Edo, Rivers, and Bayelsa in the south.

Wednesday’s Forecast:

  • Sunny skies with cloud patches expected over the north.
  • Morning rains forecast in Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Taraba.
  • Afternoon storms expected in Yobe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Borno, and Kebbi.
  • Moderate to heavy rains forecast across FCT, Plateau, Niger, and Kwara in the central belt.
  • Significant rainfall expected in southern states like Ebonyi, Abia, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom.

Safety Precautions:

NiMet advises the public to take necessary safety precautions, including:

  • Avoiding driving in heavy rain.
  • Disconnecting electrical appliances during storms.
  • Securing loose items that could be blown away by strong winds.
  • Staying away from tall trees.
  • Airline operators are advised to obtain up-to-date weather forecasts for flight planning.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through NiMet’s official platforms.