IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community in Ile-Ife, Osun State, is mourning the loss of Professor Jimoh Olanipekun, who passed away after collapsing during a departmental meeting.

According to a statement by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olarewaju, the professor was observed breathing abnormally during a meeting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. He was immediately rushed to the University Health and Medical Centre for urgent medical attention.

Following an initial examination, doctors referred him to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), where he was later pronounced dead.

OAU Vice Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Bamire, led a condolence visit to the late professor’s family, expressing deep shock over the sudden loss of such a distinguished academic. He encouraged the bereaved family to find solace in the professor’s impactful life and contributions to the university.

Bamire also prayed for strength for the deceased’s family, the Department of Philosophy, the Faculty of Arts, and the entire university community to bear the tragic loss. 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has responded to her six-month suspension from the Senate, insisting that the decision against her will not hold.

Her suspension follows allegations of sexual harassment she made against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions had recommended her suspension, along with the withdrawal of her salary and security details for the duration. The recommendations were put to a voice vote, and the Senate unanimously approved her suspension.

However, while the votes were being cast, Senator Natasha declared, "This injustice will not be sustained," before her microphone was switched off.

The controversy surrounding her escalated after she refused to move to her assigned seat, citing Senate Standing Order 10, which protects members' privileges. This led to her referral to the Ethics Committee for disciplinary review.

Before the committee’s report was finalized, Senator Natasha publicly accused Akpabio of sexual harassment during a live television interview, claiming he was retaliating against her for rejecting his advances.

Earlier on Thursday, March 6, 2025, she resubmitted her petition to the Senate after the initial submission was rejected due to procedural issues.

Meanwhile, Senate President Akpabio has denied the allegations, stating that he has never harassed any woman. 

NAFDAC has reopened the Onitsha Drug Market and adjoining markets nearly a month after their closure due to the sale of counterfeit drugs. The decision follows a meeting with Anambra State officials and market union leaders, with business set to resume on Friday.

NAFDAC’s South-East Zonal Director, Martins Iluyomade, revealed that over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs were seized, with more stock hidden in warehouses. He linked the circulation of narcotics to rising insecurity and condemned traders for selling banned and improperly stored medicines.

While markets will reopen, 4,000 shops will remain sealed until owners account for questionable drugs. Iluyomade warned that NAFDAC would not hesitate to shut the market again if illicit drug activities continue. Market leaders have pledged to support efforts to eliminate fake drug sales. 

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has acquired a high-performance Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) scanner to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and security of its examination processes.

NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, stated that the Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, unveiled the new scanner at the ICT Department in Minna on Thursday.

The Scantron Insight 1500c, known for its speed and precision, can scan over 15,000 OMR sheets per hour and 250 per minute, significantly improving data processing for candidates worldwide.

The N500 million investment reflects NECO’s commitment to leveraging technology for faster and more reliable exam results. The Director of ICT, Mr. Goddy Usioboh, emphasized that the acquisition aligns with NECO’s vision of maintaining high examination standards.

A technical adviser from Scantron Company, USA, Tom Harry, trained ICT staff on the scanner’s operations and praised their dedication during the training session. 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned the actions taken against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, labeling them as treasonable felony under Nigerian law.

In a statement on Thursday in Abuja, Gimba Hassan, Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), CISLAC, asserted that these actions violate the Criminal Code Act of the 1999 Constitution.

He pointed to incidents such as the use of violence against the governor, the burning of the State House of Assembly, withdrawal of his security, and the deployment of thugs during local government elections, arguing that these acts were meant to intimidate and overpower Fubara, fitting the definition of treason under Section 37 and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the Criminal Code.

Hassan also criticized the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Rivers State House of Assembly for the governor to present the budget, stating that it lacked legal backing. Citing El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, he noted that a minimum of seven days’ notice is required for a valid legislative summons.

He further lamented that the Supreme Court ruling has stalled governance in Rivers State, and the State Assembly's decision to go on a 12-week recess is worsening the crisis.

Emphasizing that power belongs to the people, Hassan urged Rivers leaders to set aside their differences and focus on governance, stressing the need to end the suffering of the citizens.

"It is time for all parties to come together, resolve their disputes, and move the state forward," he advised. 

The much-anticipated ECOWAS African Traditional Wrestling Tournament is set to officially begin today at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, drawing 55 athletes from 11 countries in a fierce contest for top honors. Each participating nation has fielded five wrestlers and four technical officials, ensuring a competitive atmosphere as the West African subregion turns its focus to Nigeria for the next two days.

The tournament's opening ceremony, scheduled for 12 noon, is expected to be a vibrant display of culture and sportsmanship, celebrating Nigeria’s rich heritage. Among the dignitaries attending are the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, along with other top officials. In a historic first, this year’s edition will feature female wrestlers, marking a significant step forward in the development of African traditional wrestling. The inclusion of women in the competition highlights the growing recognition of gender equality in the sport.

The event also coincides with the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, adding to its significance. The National Sports Commission has assured that this edition will be one of the best-organized in the tournament’s history, promising an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike. As the competition begins, wrestling enthusiasts can expect intense matchups, cultural showcases, and a celebration of Africa’s deep-rooted sporting traditions.