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.

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The event was held at the main auditorium of the College at Eleyele, Ibadan.

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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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Reprieve came the way of Senator of Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has been restrained from receiving petition to recall Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th Senate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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This followed an interim injunction granted on Thursday by the Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja, capital of Kogi State on Thursday.

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The Court also restricted INEC staff, agents, privies or assigns from accepting or acting on any petition containing fictitious signatures of purported members of Kogi Central Senatorial District and conducting any referendum upon such pending the determination of the Motion on Notice to the same effect.

Court’s interim order paper made available to journalists in Lokoja on Friday, indicated that the order was granted following an Ex-parte application for interim injunction supported by an Affidavit of Extreme Urgency together with other court processes sworn to by Anebe Jacob Ogirima for himself and four others who are registered voters and constituents of Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi state.

Counsel to Senator Natasha, Smart Nwachimere, Esq of West-Idahosa, SAN & Co. moved the application in Court.
The case has been adjourned to May 6, 2025, for a report of service and further mention.

Reacting to the development, a pressure group, Action Collective, praised the judiciary for granting the order.
The group’s coordinator, Dr. Onimisi Ibrahim, said in his reaction that, “the order will further expose impunity of some sponsored individuals behind the failed plot to recall Senator Natasha.”

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A popular businesswoman with strong interest in oil and gas, Aisha Achimugu has denied being investigated or arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, describing rumours milling around as baseless.

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Her media aide, David Abakpa refuted the claim on Friday, saying his principal Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FELAK Concept Group, is not under investigation by the EFCC.

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Abakpa described the rumour of arrest as unfounded and misleading, insisting that Dr. Achimugu who is a businesswoman has no issues with the EFCC or any other anti-graft agency, demanding that elements behind the falsehood should provide evidence.

According to Abakpa, the EFCC is a professional agency that does not act on social media speculations before conducting its investigations.

He criticized what he described as a “sponsored media campaign” aimed at tarnishing Dr. Achimugu’s reputation, asserting that such claims hold no merit.

“It is unfortunate that certain unverified online platforms are being used to spread falsehoods against a patriotic Nigerian and global icon, Dr. Aisha Achimugu, who has been earning international recognition for Nigeria,” the statement read.

He further pointed out that the EFCC does not disclose arrest plans prematurely, making it suspicious that anonymous sources allegedly linked to the agency would leak such information to an online media outlet.

Abakpa also noted that no one under an EFCC watchlist could leave the country without being intercepted at the airport, rendering the claim that Dr. Achimugu fled to evade arrest baseless.

“The media campaign against her is empty and has already failed. Falsehood can never prevail over truth. The sponsors of this fake news lack the coordination to tarnish the image of an award-winning entrepreneur,” he added.

Highlighting her national recognition, Abakpa emphasized that Dr. Achimugu’s OFR (Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic) honor is a testament to her contributions to Nigeria’s economy through legitimate business ventures.

“Dr. Aisha Achimugu is a hardworking businesswoman who constantly travels across the globe for business engagements. The claim that she left the country to escape arrest is laughable,” he concluded.

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