IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering, led by Hon. Inuwa Garba, has called for enhanced collaboration between Nigeria and Taiwan in science, engineering, and technology to drive economic growth and national development.

During a visit by Taiwan’s representative, Andy Yih-Ping Liu, Garba emphasized that Nigeria could benefit from Taiwan’s expertise in technology, innovation, and industrialization. He highlighted strategic partnerships in technology transfer, research, and manufacturing as key to overcoming Nigeria’s developmental challenges.

Garba acknowledged Nigeria’s economic struggles, including inflation and infrastructure deficits, but stressed that science and technology could provide solutions. He also suggested a parliamentary visit to Taiwan to study its technological advancements and explore potential collaborations.

Liu reaffirmed Taiwan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation, particularly in agriculture, energy, and mining. He praised Taiwan’s development despite lacking natural resources and expressed confidence in a mutually beneficial partnership with Nigeria.

Both parties agreed to follow up with further meetings and legislative backing to strengthen the partnership in the coming months. 

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has foiled an attempt by vandals to siphon petroleum products into 408 drums loaded on a wooden boat near the Lagos anchorage.

Seven suspects, allegedly fleeing to Benin Republic, were arrested along with three pumping machines and eight Yamaha 40HP outboard engines. The Western Regional Control Centre of Falcon Eye Alignment had alerted the NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team (QRT) at Tarkwa Bay about the suspicious movement.

In a separate operation, two additional suspects were arrested in the Topo, Badagry axis while allegedly assisting smugglers’ boats. They were caught with a 40HP Yamaha outboard engine, and intercepted phone conversations suggested they had been hired to supply it.

Furthermore, on February 11, 2025, the Navy intercepted 28 bags of Cannabis Sativa, weighing over 756kg, at Long Jetty, Ibeche Beach. The suspects fled upon sighting the QRT.

Handing over the suspects and recovered items to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Commodore Paul Nimmyel warned criminals to stay away from naval operations or face consequences.

He reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to eradicating illegal oil bunkering, smuggling, and drug trafficking, aligning with the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.

NSCDC Representative, Superintendent Amao Kehinde, stated that detectives would prosecute the suspects, while seized items would be moved to the Corps’ exhibit yard in Ijora, Lagos. Meanwhile, NDLEA Acting Marine Commander, DCN Emmanuel Udoh, confirmed that the confiscated Cannabis Sativa would be destroyed after investigations. 

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has announced that full power supply will be restored to Abuja and surrounding areas by February 23, following ongoing repairs by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on a vandalized underground transmission line near Millennium Park.

AEDC, in a statement on its official X handle, assured affected residents that TCN engineers are working round the clock to fix the damage. In the meantime, load management will be implemented to optimize available electricity.

The company also revealed that 188 areas under its franchise in the FCT have faced widespread outages in the past two months due to technical faults. Despite generating N229.39 billion in electricity revenue in 2024, power cuts persisted due to feeder faults, maintenance work, and infrastructure relocations.

AEDC reaffirmed its commitment to resolving these challenges swiftly and urged customers to remain patient. 

The much-anticipated Pi Open Network will officially launch on February 20, 2025, marking a major milestone after six years of development and engagement from millions of users, known as Pioneers.

The announcement was made via the Pi Core Team’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on February 12, confirming that the Open Network will go live at 8 AM UTC on February 20.

What to Expect at Launch

The Open Network launch will introduce external connectivity, enabling the Pi blockchain to integrate with other networks and real-world applications. The firewall will be removed, allowing external nodes to connect to the Mainnet, expanding Pi’s utility beyond its internal ecosystem.

Key expectations include:

✅ Transactions beyond the Pi ecosystem – Pioneers can use Pi for real-world applications.

✅ Public node participation – Anyone can technically add nodes to the Mainnet blockchain.

✅ Prioritized migration – Pioneers with strong contributions will transition first from Testnet to Mainnet.

✅ KYC & KYB requirements – Individuals and businesses must complete Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) verification for participation.

Impact on Pi’s Value

Following the announcement, Pi’s IOU price surged by approximately 70% on CoinMarketCap, reflecting heightened interest in the project.

How Pioneers and Developers Can Contribute

🔹 Pioneers: Continue mining, engage with Pi Apps, and support local commerce by using Pi for transactions.

🔹 Developers: Enhance existing Mainnet apps and create new blockchain solutions for the Pi ecosystem.

🔹 Businesses: Complete KYB verification to enable seamless transactions within the network.

As Pi Network enters this new phase, its community of Pioneers, developers, and businesses is expected to collaborate and innovate, ensuring a sustainable and robust blockchain ecosystem. 

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts questioned AIG Suleiman Abdul over the disappearance of 3,907 assault rifles, including AK-47s, from police formations. The 2019 audit report revealed that as of January 2020, these weapons remained unaccounted for.

Despite intense questioning, AIG Abdul failed to provide satisfactory answers, prompting him to request a closed-door session, which the senators rejected. Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Peter Nwaebonyi insisted on full transparency, criticizing the police for failing to account for the missing firearms.

The AIG could only confirm the recovery of 15 rifles, further frustrating the committee. The Senate ordered the police to return next Monday with a full report, ensuring that the issue would not be overlooked. 

The authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, have commenced an investigation into a scuffle involving a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts of the institution and a student over a filmed social media content. A spokesman of the school, Njelita Louis, said the management of the institution led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, would impose the appropriate sanction on any of the parties found culpable.

In viral videos, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies, Goddy Precious, was seen around the corridors dancing before her phone, capturing a TikTok moment when the lecturer, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, walked past her from behind. The lecturer gently tapped the female student on the shoulder, asking her to give way, but the student was pissed by the lecturer’s action and interruption of her video moment.

In the viral videos, the female student accused the lecturer of hitting her, locked his shirt and dragged him among students. The female student also allegedly bit the lecturer on the wrist and arm during the brawl. While the episode lasted, the lecturer was captured maintaining his composure. The viral videos have generated reactions online, with many netizens taking sides.

In a statement, the institution said, “The management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been made aware of a disturbing incident involving Dr. Chukwudi Okoye, a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts and Film Studies, and Goddy Mbakwe Precious, a third-year student in the Department of History and International Studies. “The incident, which has gained significant attention on social media, is being taken very seriously by the university authorities.

“In line with our core values of discipline, self-reliance, excellence, and adherence to the principles of fair hearing, equity, and justice, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, has ordered a full-scale, transparent, and unbiased investigation into the matter. “We urge all concerned parties and members of the public to remain calm as we diligently pursue the truth. The university is committed to upholding discipline and decorum, and we will ensure that appropriate actions and sanctions are taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“Nnamdi Azikiwe University remains an institution of learning that upholds high moral and ethical standards. There is no place for indiscipline, misconduct, or any form of unacceptable behaviour within our community.”