Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has stressed the need for universities in the country to produce graduates equipped with the skills and mindset to tackle the pressing problems of the country head-on.
Oyebanji charged universities to prioritise research efforts aimed at tackling critical challenges confronting the nation as well as producing graduates who are solution providers to drive sustainable development.
The governor spoke on Saturday during the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, where a total of 6,563 students comprising 114 who bagged First Class, 2,762 (second class upper), 2,793 (second class lower), 688 (third class), 163 masters, 36 Ph.D. and seven post graduate diploma graduated.
The university also conferred honorary doctorates on the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (Doctor of Public Law); Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola (Doctor of Accounting); and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi (Doctor of Political Science).
Oyebanji urged universities to revamp their curricula to emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship that could provide solutions to the problems of this country.
The governor hailed FUOYE for its numerous achievements within a short time, saying, “I have watched with keen interest the phenomenal growth of this university from 5,041 students to 51,000 in less than eight years, as well as the quality of scholarship in the institution.
He congratulated the graduands and charged them to take advantage of the training and learning they have acquired to contribute their quota to society, adding, “As a government, we will continue to collaborate with this institution, but I plead with you, sir, the university must put a lot of emphasis on research, we must produce solution providers, people that will help to solve the problem of this country.”
The All Progressives Congress(APC) Northwest Youth wing has assured that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will address the prevailing economic challenges and deal with the deliberate sabotage by the opposition in Nigeria.
In an communique issued after the Annual Meeting of the APC Northwest Youth wing, the Leader, Abdul Hamid Umar Mohammed, the APC youth group stated that opposition parties were allegedly, actively working to undermine the government of Tinubu and the APC.
The communique expressed concern over the use of young individuals to launch protests against the government, and called for vigilance against such tactics.
The APC Northwest Youths called on President Tinubu and the APC leadership to revisit their approach on engaging the youth.
He urged them to return to the drawing board and recognize the contributions of the young people who played a pivotal role in bringing the government to power.
” The call was a clarion plea for a more inclusive and effective strategy in addressing the concerns of the youth.
While acknowledging the hardship faced by the many, the youth leader in the communique, reassured Nigerians that “President Tinubu, in collaboration with state governments, is actively working to bring relief to the nation.”
He therefore appealed for patience and support, acknowledging the “inherited challenges that predated the current administration.”
The youth leader emphasized the need for unity, stating that the “Northwest young people, who contributed significantly to Tinubu’s electoral success, are ready to assist the government in bringing relief to the nation.”
“In the face of adversity, the APC Northwest Youth stand firm, unwavering in their support for President Tinubu, while calling for a strategic recalibration in engaging the youth who are integral to the party’s foundation.
“The message is clear: economic challenges may persist, but the youth firmly believe that Tinubu will navigate the nation through these turbulent times,” the communique added.
The Lands Commission has stated that plot No. 379 at East Legon in the Greater Accra region is owned by no other person than businessman, Magnus A.L. De Souza.
The Commission said this in an open court when one of its officers, Jacqueline Osarfo Dikoh, a Senior Lands Administration Officer, was subpoenaed to testify in a suit against Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of McDan Group, Daniel McKorley and another.
Mrs. Dikoh, representing the Executive Secretary of the Lands Commission at the Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Rita Abena Abrokwa Doko, stated categorically that plot No. 379, located at East Legon, has since November 8, 1995 belonged to Mr. De Souza.
According to her evidence-in-chief, led by Thompson Bruce, Counsel for Mr. De Souza, the land was originally acquired by the state for Airport expansion. However, it was leased to Prof. David Kpapko Acquaye in March 25, 1977 and the latter also assigned it to Mr. De Souza on November 8, 1995.
Law Courts Complex, Accra
She added that Mr. De Souza is the only one on the records of the Lands Commission who has been paying ground rent as well.
This statement was followed by a question from Mr Bruce to the Witness: “So far as Land Commission is concerned, who’s the owner of this land?” and the response was “Mr Magnus A.L. De Souza.”
Mr. De Souza (plaintiff) has sued Daniel McKorley, also known as McDan and Joseph Nii Mensah Ashong (defendants) for land encroachment.
The defendants have been accused of also deploying land guards on the land in question to secure them develop it.
Last year, the court fined the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of McDan Group GH¢6,000 for his failure to appear in court.
Cross-examination
Present file on the plot of land at East Legon.
Subpoena Witness by Jacqueline Osarfo Dikoh.
Q: Where do you work?
A: Lands Commission
Q: What is your position?
A: Senior Lands Administration Officer at Lands Commission.
Q: You’re here representing the Executive Secretary of Lands Commission on a subpoena that was served on him to bring the file on plot number 379 situate at East Legon is that correct?
A: Yes my lady.
Q: Have you brought the file?
A: Yes my lady.
Q: Where’s it?
A: It’s here
Counsel: We would like to tender the file.
Court: The file is voluminous, indicate the ones you will need.
Q: On this file is there a Magnus A.L De Souza on this file?
A: Yes my lady, there is.
Q: What is the relationship of Magnus to this file?
A: On 25th March, 1977, government granted a lease to Prof. David Kpapko Acquaye.
Q: Is there a copy of this lease on the file?
A: Yes my lady.
Counsel, we would want to tender the lease.
A: And by an assignment dated November 8, 1995 Prof David assigned his interests to Magnus A.L. De Souza.
Q; Is there a copy of this assignment?
A: Yes my lady.
Q: Can you tell the court how government acquired this land?
A: The land in question is state land, acquired under certificate of title dated 7th September, 1944 for Airport extension.
Q: Do you have anything to prove this?
A: Yes. There’s record information but that’s not in the files.
Counsel: We would like to tender that record information. All of them. 21st July, 2017.
Q: Can you locate the certificate of title and bring it to the court?
A: I’d have to check with our records unit.
Q: The assignment from Prof Acquaye to De Souza, is it supported by anything from the government in 1995?
A: Yes please. There’s a consent certificate on file dated 23rd October, 2019. However, there was a consent certificate, which was issued in 1997.
Q: Do you have the two consents?
A: Yes.
Q: Why are there two consents?
A: Because the first one that was issued had an error in the name of De Souza.
Counsel: We would like to tender the two consents.
Q: After the assignment to De Souza, is there anything he’s been doing with Lands Commission?
A: After the assignment, the most recent thing is caveat for us not to process any transaction on the land.
Q: Who issued that?
A: Mr De Souza.
Q: What about ground rents. Do you keep records?
A: Yes please, we keep records.
Q: Can you tell the court, from the records, who has been paying ground rent?
A: De Souza.
Q: Do you have on record a letter written by lawyers from De Souza seeking the genuineness of any document on the land?
A: Yes we do.
Counsel: We want to tender it.
Q: You answered that letter and you have it on the file?
A: Yes please.
Counsel: We would like to tender that.
Q: So far as Lands Commission is concerned, who is the owner of this land?
A: Mr Magnus A.L. De Souza.
Q: Can you bring the certificate of title, if I give you time?
A: I would have to confirm we have the physical document.
Q: Apart from physical document, what else would you have?
A: We would have the soft copy of the acquisition plan.
Court: Lease dated 25th March 1977, assignment dated 8th November, record information dated 21st July, another 17th February 2022, consent certificate dated 23rd October 2019, another consent certificate issued 1997; letter from plaintiff’s lawyer to Lands Commission and your reply to that letter.
8 documents listed to confirm Certificate of Title and acquisition plan.
Juspong Group officials presenting a cheque to one of the facilities
The Jospong Group of Companies has presented separate amounts totalling almost GH¢500,000 to three renal facilities in Accra.
The money is to support the treatment of kidney patients of Korle Bu Renal Unit, University of Ghana Dialysis Centre and the Renal Unit of the Bank Hospital who, for some reasons, are unable to afford dialysis treatments.
Making the presentations at the respective hospitals, the Chief Corporate Communication Officer-Jospong Group, Madam Sophia Kudjordji said the gesture aligns with the company’s mission of improving the lives of people.
“We believe that it’s not just about creating jobs, but also ensuring that people are healthy to contribute their quota to the development of the nation,” she emphasised.
Juspong officials touring one of the health facilities
She mentioned that the company is also planning on replicating the gesture at some of the regional hospitals to support the treatment of dialysis in the regions.
Madam Kudjodji prayed that government should consider placing dialysis treatment on the National Insurance Scheme in order to reduce the cost burden on patients.
The donation was in fulfilment of the company’s promise made during its 2023 Thanksgiving Service to support dialysis patients with an amount of GHc 500,000.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Korle Bu Renal Unit, the CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospitals, Dr. Opoku Ware Ampomah, urged parliament to expedite action on approving the proposed fees for dialysis treatment.
The CEO noted that the hospital is still under-recovering, as it continues to charge the old fees of GHc365 instead of GHc780.
“We are currently under recovering to the tune of GHc400 per dialysis and we need to find it before it comes back to haunt us,” Dr. Ampomah said.
Dr. Ampomah noted that as they wait for the approval of the new fees, the facility is also counting on the benevolence of individuals and corporate Ghana to bear some of the cost.
On her part, the Director of Operations at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), Mrs. Lucy Brimpong Ofori-Ayeh, applauded Jospong Group for coming to the aid of dialysis patients.
She noted that there are a lot of patients who because of their “economic conditions are unable to pay for their treatments, so this is welcome and it will greatly reduce mortality.”
The Deputy Director of Nursing Services (DDNS), Rita Momo Sika-Nartey, explaining the gravity of the challenge noted due to the financial challenges, most patients only undergo a session or two instead of the recommended number of three.
“If a patient is undergoing just one session of dialysis then its better they don’t do it at all, because they’re always sick and can’t even afford their drugs,” she lamented.
The Director -Nursing & Midwifery Services-UGMC, Judith Naa Klokor Asiamah, noted that the hospital needs about 16 dialysis machines to run optimally. The centre currently has only four dialysis machines.
She, therefore, appealed to the general public to support the centre with dialysis machines so that they can assist the ever increasing number of patients.
It is estimated that13% to 17% of Ghana’s population have some form of renal function impairment. This equates to between 4 million and 5.2 million citizens. Researchers suggest that, from this segment of the population, between 15,000 and 19,500 should be on dialysis.
The data available suggests that approximately 2,000 people are currently on dialysis,
implying that between 13,000 and 17,500 people are without treatment.
These people will often seek alternative forms of treatment and access renal care only when the situation becomes acute. This has an impact on their quality of life and life expectancy.
Renowned Nigerian singer, Timaya, recently opened up about his harrowing struggle with drug addiction, shedding light on a period that nearly derailed his life and career.
In a heartfelt revelation, the Afro-dancehall artist shared the profound impact of his journey, serving as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to resilience.
In a candid interview with The Beat FM, Timaya recounted the dark days when drug addiction threatened to consume him, revealing the toll it took on his mental and physical well-being. The artist, whose real name is Inetimi Timaya Odon, admitted that the allure of substance abuse temporarily clouded his judgment, leading him down a perilous path.
The “Bum Bum” crooner disclosed that the turning point came when he recognized the destructive nature of his habits and realized the toll they were taking on his life and career.
Timaya emphasized the importance of self-awareness in overcoming addiction, acknowledging that it required a profound commitment to change.
“Everybody was home (during COVID) and there are those young guys in my house who are always so happy. I was like ‘Bro, how are you guys happier than me? I am the boss, I got money. What are you guys on?’ And they told me that they got molly (a popular recreational drug).”
“When I took it, I did not understand myself. I was so happy that I dashed all the money in my pocket,” Timaya said.
The artist revealed that he relied on the substance to experience a sense of happiness.
“How you go just want dey happy? You are supposed to, first of all, be happy naturally. But when you now need substance to make you happy, it replaces the natural happiness. So you have to be buying happiness,” he said
The artist expressed gratitude for the support he received from loved ones during his journey to sobriety, emphasizing the importance of a robust support system in overcoming addiction.
Beyond the personal impact, Timaya’s revelation sheds light on the pervasive issue of substance abuse within the entertainment industry. The pressures and demands of fame can sometimes push artists to seek solace in harmful habits, making Timaya’s openness about his struggles all the more significant.
Gospel musician, Diana Antwi Hamilton has called out the government of Ghana to do something about the outrageous taxes event organizers pay for their shows.
Speaking on Accra-based United Television which was monitored by Ghbase.com, the musician has said that the taxes event organizers pay for their shows is very outrageous.
Diana Hamilton claims she has had the opportunity to host shows in Ghana and the United Kingdom and when she is to compare the two, the latter is better in terms of taxes.
The musician bemoaned that those who take the taxes come to the venue of the program and the only thing that they put into consideration during the show is to check the number of people that entered and based on that, give the event organizer the percentage to pay.
According to her, there have been many instances where people go to the show without paying a pesewa because they go with complimentary cards.
She added that others who also go to the shows are team members of the event organizers and close associates, hence, pay nothing.
She has therefore called out the government of Ghana and those in charge of taxes to “walk the talk” and ensure the right things are being done.
“When I host events in Ghana, all they do is turn up at the gate and begin to count the number of people that are entering the hall, and they tax you with or without taking into consideration complimentary tickets. As long as they have entered based on the band on their wrist, they count and tell you the percentage you have to pay.
So I’ve had the privilege to organize shows in Ghana and the UK and I am hoping that we look into this to see how best we can bring a solution to this,” she said.
Ghanaian Dancehall sensation, Shatta Wale, has showered accolades on his manager, Sammy Flex, acknowledging him as the best manager he has had throughout his career.
During an interview on Onua Showbiz, Shatta Wale expressed his admiration for Sammy Flex, commending him for an outstanding job.
Shatta Wale spoke for the first time since the release of his ‘KONEKT’ album earlier this month. The artist, who has faced challenges in past managerial relationships, remained without a manager for an extended period until the decision to welcome Sammy Flex into his team.
Shatta Wale emphasized Sammy Flex’s ability to lend a listening ear and fulfill the artist’s specific demands.
The artist highlighted that, unlike his previous managers, Sammy Flex aligns his efforts with Shatta Wale’s desires, making the working relationship a seamless and harmonious one.
Shatta Wale went on to assert that Sammy Flex understands him better than any of his past managers, signifying a level of rapport and synergy that has contributed to the success of their professional collaboration.
“What I want to say about Sammy Flex is that he is the Moses for Shatta Movement. What Sammy Flex is doing is just listening and I love that…What I would like to commend him for is that he’s been patient in following what is going on. All the managers that I have worked with, if I say I want Gari then they will give me chicken,”
He shared an anecdote of a trip to London with Sammy Flex for a project, highlighting how the manager diligently woke up each morning to jog for a few minutes, ensuring constant check-ins.
Shatta Wale expressed that the collaborative journey with Sammy Flex has been an exhilarating and positive experience.
“A manager that comes into your life and likes to dictate to you an established artiste that is where I have problem with most people that come into my life. I will say Kudos to him…I like people who want to follow,” he added.
Partners have declined sex in order to watch TV, use social media or play video games
Adults in France, like in many western countries, are having sex less frequently – with the decline particularly noticeable in young people, a new survey shows. While the reasons are complex, the data indicates that generational shifts, new technologies and greater acceptance of different desires all play a part.
Among “sexually initiated” 18-69 year olds – people who have had sex at least once in their lives – nearly a quarter said they hadn’t slept with anyone in the past 12 months: 22 percent among men and 26 percent among women.
The results are from a survey commissioned by sex toy maker Lelo and published this week by French polling institute Ifop.
That’s 15 percent more than in 2006, when a larger study found that only 11 percent of women and 7 percent of men said they hadn’t been sexually active during the previous year.
The figure is up across all age groups, but especially among young adults between 18 and 24 – 28 percent of whom reported being sexually inactive in the latest survey, compared to just 5 percent in 2006.
In total, Ifop calculates that 41 percent of adults in France are not having sex at all.
At least five people, including four Emirati troops and a Bahraini military officer, have been killed in an attack in Somalia.
Al-Qaeda-linked armed group Al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attack on a training mission at a military base in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities said on Sunday.
The attack on Saturday targeted troops at the General Gordon military base. Details, including the number of casualties, remain scarce. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud offered his condolences to the UAE.
The UAE’s Ministry of Defence initially announced the death of three of its troops and a Bahraini soldier in a “terrorist act,” adding only that two others were wounded.
It added that one of the injured had died on arrival in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.
Anwar Gargash, a senior Emirati diplomat, offered condolences to those killed and a quick recovery for those wounded.
Bahrain, an island nation in the Gulf off the coast of Saudi Arabia, did not immediately acknowledge the attack.
Voters in Finland are choosing between two experienced politicians
Finns are headed to the polls to choose between two experienced politicians in a presidential election run-off.
More than four million people are eligible to vote on Sunday for a new head of state, whose main task will be to steer foreign and security policy, which has taken on new significance after the Nordic country joined NATO in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The vote pitches conservative former prime minister Alexander Stubb, 55, against 65-year-old Pekka Haavisto, a former foreign minister from the Green League.
Both largely agree on Finland’s foreign policy and security priorities. These include maintaining a hard line toward Russia – with which the country shares a 1,340km (832-mile) border – strengthening security ties with Washington, and support for Ukraine.
The run-off follows January 28’s first round, in which none of the candidates won more than the requisite 50 percent of votes for victory.
