News
IBB’s family applauds FG over NCWD renaming after late matriarch
Former military president Ibrahim Babangida’s family has thanked the Federal Government’s decision to rename the National Centre for Women Development (NCWD), Abuja, after their matriarch, late Maryam, who established it.
Alhaji Mohammed Babangida, first son of the deceased former First Lady, relayed the family’s gratitude on Tuesday in Abuja during the official renaming ceremony.
Current First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, performed the ceremony.
Our correspondent reports that the bill for the change of name was passed by the Senate on March 29, 2023, while the House of Representatives passed the same on April 5, 2023.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari later assented to the bill that amended the NCWD Act, Cap. N15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Babangida described his late mother as a visionary woman with a strong passion for the upliftment of women from all strata of life.
He said Maryam also stood for gender equality.
“As a family, we greatly appreciate the renaming of the NCWD after our mother.
“I will like to thank the First Lady for being here and being part of this journey.
“You started this in the Senate and here you are today, unveiling this in honour of our mother. We pray God to give you the strength to take this country to greater heights.
“Out late mother, Dr Maryam Babangida, was a visionary woman with a strong passion for the upliftment of women from all strata of life.
“Her commitment towards the attainment of gender equality knew no bounds. She kept it, she acted it and she worked for it.”
Babangida noted that it was the vision, passion and commitment of his mother that motivated her to construct the edifice.
“We are happy that it has become a hub for gender equality.
“This is a legacy that the family is very proud of and also a legacy which the Nigerian and African women are proud of as well.
“It is an established fact that women play a very vital role in the development of any country; any country that is desirous of any development must factor in women and carry them along,” he said.
“This was the dream of our mother, who worked tirelessly in ensuring that every girl child had a voice, every woman had an opportunity and, in particular, every rural woman had a better life.
“This is the dream of our mother who worked tirelessly with the dogged commitment toward ensuring that every girl-child had a place, every woman had an opportunity and, in particular, every rural woman had a better life.
“There is nothing that is more powerful than a woman who is determined to rise.
“All the women here have distinguished themselves in one way or the other and have risen in their various callings. We hope that all the women will continue to rise for the development of this nation, Nigeria,” Banbangida added.
Earlier in her remark, the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, had lauded the sterling contributions of late Mrs Babangida on the lives of ordinary Nigerians and described her as a matriarch who improved the living standard of rural women.
“The late Maryam was an icon who redefined the scope of women’s participation in national development and, through her pet programme, Better Life for Rural Dwellers, touched ordinary lives, especially in the rural areas.
“I am happy that I was part of the Ninth National Assembly Senate, when the bill for the renaming of the centre was passed and assented into law,’’ she said.
Also speaking, Mrs Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs during whose tenure the bill for renaming the centre after Mrs Babangida was passed, said that she felt fulfilled as Maryam Babangida was being celebrated.
Tallen recalled that she was a pioneer proponent of the Better Life for Rural Women Programme founded by the deceased First Lady, saying she started as a Councilor in her Shendam locality in 1986, “based on a directive from above”.
She expressed appreciation to former President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the bill for renaming the centre before leaving the office.
“We are gathered here to rename this edifice and immortalise that great woman who initiated it to give us a voice.
“May we keep celebrating all those who have left their marks on the sands of time,” she said.
Also, Dr Asabe Vilita-Bashir, Director-General of the centre, said the centre was renamed in recognition of her significant contributions and dedication to women’s development.
“The renaming stands as a symbolic gesture that acknowledges and honours the tremendous efforts and contributions of Maryam Babangida in promoting women’s rights and empowerment in Nigeria, which forms the basis for our continuous advocacy,” she said.
She also reaffirmed the centre’s commitment towards supporting the first lady’s Renewed Hope Initiative which resonates with (NCWD)’s mandate.
Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh has denied his involvement with 42 other Senators who received $10,000 each to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers, saying he was absent from Wednesday’s meeting where the money was allegedly shared.
He reacted to viral allegation that Senators received $10,000 each to support the state of emergency in Rivers in the red Chamber, when the motion comes for ratification.
His denial was contained in a statement on Friday, where he distanced himself from Senators who shared the money, insisting that he was not among the 42 senators who collected $10,000 the previous day in order to pass the state of emergency resolution.
According to him, he came out to clear his name because reports in the media suggested that he was the one that coordinated the meeting along another Senator where each of them was offered $10,000, insisting that he wasn’t in that meeting and never benefitted from the bribe for support.
“I did not receive any money to support the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
Umeh explained that on the evening of Tuesday, he attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fasting) gathering at the Senate Guest House with their Muslim brothers and sisters, where he was asked to say the Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero said the Muslim prayers after the IFTAR.
”I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State.
“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation.”
“We did not discuss the State of Emergency in Rivers State at the IFTAR.”
“There were other Labour Party Senators at the IFTAR.”
Dismissing the allegations as backmail, the senator, assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good Representation, adding that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation.
He vowed that “I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity.”
Twelve persons have been arrested by officers of Kaduna State Police Command in connection with attack on a mosque which killed a worshipper during the Tahajjud prayer at Rigasa, in the Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement by the Command on Friday by the Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said hoodlums’ attack on the mosque led to the death of a worshipper.
The statement noted that, “On 21st March 2025, at about 0200 hours, the police received a distress call from a m
concerned citizen, reporting that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshippers performing Tahajjud prayer at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.
“However, before their arrival, the assailants had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old victim, with a sharp knife. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries hours later and was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.”
In response, the police swiftly apprehended twelve suspects who confessed to having participated in the attack and recovered several weapons from them.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice is served.
rom engaging in these criminal activities, stating that they will face the full weight of the law if caught.
News
Oyo College of Nursing matriculates 147 students as Governor Makinde urge students to uphold ethics
The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, on Friday, held its second matriculation ceremony, with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the special guest of honour.
The event was held at the main auditorium of the College at Eleyele, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu said the future of healthcare in Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with the intake of 147 new students of nursing program.
“This matriculation ceremony, marking the college’s second for the national diploma program, is a significant milestone for these aspiring nurses as they began their journey to become healthcare professionals”, he said.
He congratulated the matriculants, encouraged them to embrace every lesson with an open mind, and shun examination malpractices.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of resilience in the nursing profession, urging them to uphold the college’s high standards of virtue and ethical conduct.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s committment to the education system in Oyo state, especially the nursing education.
He commended the Provost and the college’s staff for their dedication to fostering excellence, noting the significant progress made by them to elevate the college to its new heights.
In her speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi also extended her congratulations to the students, urging them adhere to the college’s rules, and strive to be ambassadors for the institution.
She said, “Let me remind you, our matriculation students, that you are now ambassadors of this great institution. Let excellence be your watchword, and may you go on to make remarkable contributions to the Nursing profession and society at large.”
She encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The Provost said the Oyo state College of Nursing and Midwifery stands as a beacon of academic excellence, committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the world.
She also said, “our curriculum is designed to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding essential for success in the nursing profession.”
Dr. Owolabi praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering supports and commitment to the development of the institution. 
She pointed at the avalanche of approvals and infrastructural advancements granted to the college under Makinde’s administration.
The Director, Nursing Services, Dr. Arinade Oyebode enjoined the students to get acquainted with the ethics of Nursing profession.
She also encouraged them to study hard, while they put God first in their academic activities.
A Professor of Nursing from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Chizoma Ndikom encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The event was filled with excitement and anticipation as a new student, Islamiat Lawal was rewarded by the Commissioner, the Provost, and other guests for her adherence to punctuality.
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