President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated retired Major-General David Medayese Jemibewon on his 85th birthday, commending his decades of service to Nigeria.

In a statement by the Presidency on Sunday, President Tinubu joined the family and friends of the retired general to celebrate the special occasion.

He saluted the courage, discipline, and patriotism of Jemibewon, who served the nation in many capacities as a military officer.

After retiring from the army, General Jemibewon returned to school to study law and later practised as a lawyer.

He also served as Military Governor of the Western State from August 1975 to March 1976, as General Officer Commanding First Infantry Division, and later as Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army.

Jemibewon further served as Minister of Police Affairs from 1999 to 2000 and is credited with undertaking specific reforms in the force.

President Tinubu prayed “that God Almighty will keep the General in good health and grant him many more years.”

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Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has identified inadequate funding as a major challenge affecting Nigerian universities, especially in the area of medical education.

He said this while receiving the National President of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Prince Mosediq Adeniji-Kazeem, during a courtesy visit to the Ahmadu Bello House in Ilorin, Kwara State capital.

Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration has been offering strategic support to tertiary institutions in the state to enhance health professional training and improve infrastructure. He noted that his government is focused on strengthening university-based medical training in Kwara.

“In Kwara State, we have about eight private universities. We are deliberately supporting them by upgrading their access to teaching hospitals,” he said. “When we came in, there was only one medical school, the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Now, we have transformed the General Hospital in Ilorin into the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital.”

He added that the state government has designated other public health facilities as teaching hospitals, including Sobi Specialist Hospital for Al-Hikmah University, General Hospital Omu-Aran for Thomas Adewumi University, and is in talks with another university seeking to take over the General Hospital in Offa.

“These steps are deliberate and targeted at expanding opportunities for medical education in Kwara. The biggest challenge for many universities remains funding, and that is why we are stepping in to ease the burden where possible,” AbdulRazaq stated.

He praised the Ansar-ud-Deen Society for its role in promoting education and religious harmony in Nigeria and pledged continued collaboration, especially in tertiary education. He said the state would consider the society’s request for an intra-campus road at Summit University, Offa.

Earlier, Prince Adeniji-Kazeem thanked the Governor for supporting education and healthcare development, especially his donation of a building for the Faculty of Health Sciences at Summit University.

“The university has been growing in leaps and bounds, and your support has been pivotal in that progress,” he said.

He commended AbdulRazaq for redefining public service through transparency and integrity, describing him as a model for political leadership in Nigeria.

“Some people often say politicians play tricks and games, but you have proven that people of integrity can make a difference in politics. We need more individuals like you to restore trust in public service,” the legal luminary said.

Prince Adeniji-Kazeem also highlighted Ansar-ud-Deen’s long-standing contributions to education in Nigeria, describing its mission as a complement to government efforts.

The delegation included the society’s Deputy President, Ibrahim Adebayo Yusuf; National Missioner, Sheikh Abdulrahman Ahmad; National Secretary, Rahmon Salaudeen; and veteran labour leader, Najim Usman Yasin.

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have intercepted 16 containers loaded with illicit pharmaceutical products valued at over ₦20.5 billion in Rivers State, at the Port Harcourt II Area Command, Onne, in what officials described as a major breakthrough against smuggling.

The two agencies have also set up a committee to implement the 2024 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening regulatory collaboration.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the seizure during a press briefing held at the Command’s headquarters in Onne, Rivers State, Southern Nigeria.

He attributed the successful operation to intelligence-driven enforcement and the renewed synergy among national security and regulatory bodies.

“Our anti-smuggling operations align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy on border security, public health, and national safety. We remain committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s borders are not exploited by criminal elements,” the CGC stated.

Comptroller Adeniyi explained that the smugglers attempted to disguise the illicit drugs as regular imports such as tomato paste, ceiling fans, and plumbing materials, employing what he described as “sophisticated concealment tactics.”

Items seized from the 16 containers include 1.3 million bottles of Codeine syrup (100ml each), 9.3 million tablets of Really Extra Diclofenac, 12.6 million tablets of Royal Tramadol (225mg), and other unregistered and dangerous pharmaceuticals, including Trodol, Hyergra, Bisoveu, and Bassuka.

“This seizure sends a clear message to criminal networks: the Nigeria Customs Service, in partnership with our enforcement counterparts, maintains zero tolerance for smuggling. We will bring the full weight of the law to bear on all perpetrators,” Adeniyi warned.

The intercepted containers were officially handed over to Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC, for regulatory action in accordance with due process.

In her remarks, Professor Adeyeye commended the vigilance of the Customs Service and its partner agencies, stressing the public health threat posed by the illicit consignment.

“Frankly, it was shocking. These products could destroy lives: Codeine, Tramadol, and counterfeit painkillers. The fact that some were hidden in tomato paste shows clear criminal intent. This isn’t business; this is murder for profit,” she said.

She confirmed that all seized items would undergo comprehensive regulatory procedures, including laboratory testing, documentation, and destruction.

“We are WHO-certified, with international-standard laboratories and well-trained personnel. These products will never make it into the Nigerian market,” she affirmed.

Professor Adeyeye warned importers of falsified medicines, branding them “merchants of death” and reiterating that Nigeria would not serve as a dumping ground for substandard or unapproved pharmaceutical products.

In his welcome address, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PH II Onne Command, Comptroller Muhammed Babandede, described the event as brief but historic. He highlighted the critical role of institutional collaboration in achieving the seizure, particularly the contributions of the NDLEA, NAFDAC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“The seizure involved eleven 40-foot containers of illicit medicines, four micro containers of bottled water, and one container of salt. This success reflects the strength of our collaboration, which aligns with the Service’s policy of unity through cooperation, consolidation, and innovation,” Babandede stated.

The Onne interception comes shortly after a separate major seizure at Apapa Port last week, where 25 containers of substandard medical devices were impounded.

Reaffirming their joint commitment, all agencies pledged to enhance intelligence-sharing, surveillance, and enforcement operations in line with national security objectives and global best practices.

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The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council has called on all journalists in Abuja to participate in the 2025 Press Week symbolic “Walk for Press Freedom.”

Chairman of Council, Grace Ike, described the walk as the highlight of the 2025 Press Week, themed “Journalism in a Changing World: Media, Press Freedom, Democracy & Society.”

The walk, scheduled for Monday, 21st July 2025, at 0600GMT in Abuja, will advocate press freedom and highlight the vital role of journalists in Nigeria’s democracy.

It will also demonstrate solidarity, raise awareness on challenges facing the media, and engage colleagues, stakeholders, and supporters of the free press.

Ike urged all NUJ FCT members to turn out in large numbers, saying it was important to “Amplify the collective voice of journalists and affirm our commitment to upholding press freedom in Nigeria.”

Explaining the significance of press freedom, she stated that “Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of democracy,”adding that “Without a free press, truth is silenced,” and stressed that “Free press is non-negotiable.”

Ike further said, “Press freedom protects our right to know,” noting that “Journalists speak for the voiceless — support their freedom,” while warning that “Censorship kills democracy — defend press freedom.”

She also declared that “A free press holds power accountable,” emphasising that “Press freedom is essential for justice and transparency,” and stating that “Information is power — keep press free.”

Reaffirming her position, Ike maintained that “When the press is free, society thrives,” and urged everyone to “Stand up for truth, stand up for press freedom.”

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The Dr. Chioma Awuzie Foundation (DCAF) has awarded scholarships and initiated a charity programme benefiting 137 economically disadvantaged students from six tertiary institutions across Anambra State, in a move the Foundation says reaffirms its commitment to education and empowerment.

The institutions included in this year’s initiative are the Federal Polytechnic, Oko; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe; Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam; and Anambra State Polytechnic, Mgbakwu.

During the presentation ceremony held at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko Auditorium, DCAF founder Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie marked her 52nd birthday by honouring 19 outstanding students with one-time academic scholarships and providing support through the Foundation’s charity programme for an additional 118 students.

“These young men and women have shown exceptional courage and a commitment to their studies despite facing significant personal and financial challenges,” said Dr. Awuzie. She emphasised that the scholarships represent more than mere financial aid — they serve as lifelines enabling talented yet underserved Nigerian students to pursue their dreams.

In addition to scholarships, the Foundation provided gift items and empowerment tools aimed at supporting women and youth, alongside feeding hundreds of guests and community members during the celebration.

Dr. Awuzie detailed five key areas in which DCAF intervenes: educational access, charity and community outreach, women and youth empowerment, healthcare and medical outreach, and maternal support and childbirth palliatives. She stated, “With today’s awards, our total number of beneficiaries has surpassed 100 students from six public tertiary institutions in Anambra State.”

DCAF has established itself as a vital resource for indigent students, struggling mothers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and entire communities. Dr. Awuzie described this year’s event as a comprehensive initiative that included feeding hundreds, distributing food and gifts to widows and the underprivileged, and providing support to pregnant women and elderly citizens.

“While these gestures may seem simple, for the recipients, they signify that someone cares,” she remarked.

Awuzie also underscored the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to economic empowerment, which has recently included providing cassava processing machines, startup grants to women, and donating commercial vehicles to aid unemployed youth.

“These practical supports enable recipients to establish small businesses and achieve financial independence,” she added.

Following a successful free medical outreach that assisted over 500 residents of Awada-Obosi, the Foundation intends to extend similar services to other rural and peri-urban communities.

Dr. Awuzie highlighted the importance of childbirth palliatives provided to expectant mothers, ensuring safer deliveries in host communities. “These efforts reflect our belief that true impact occurs when we empower both the mind and body, nurturing intellect while restoring dignity,” she explained.

Acknowledging the immense responsibility of the Foundation, Dr. Awuzie called for collaboration from industry leaders, development partners, government bodies, and the community to ensure the ongoing sustainability of their initiatives.

“With your partnership, we can scale our mission, reach more students, and work towards a Nigeria where no one is left behind due to poverty,” she concluded.

Professor Moses Chendo, Dean of Post Graduate Studies at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University and event chair, commended Dr. Awuzie for her impactful contributions. “Her generosity and passion have made notable differences in many lives, turning ambitious goals into realities and providing access to education for families in need,” he said.

Beneficiary John Chioma Okoro, an Accountancy student at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, expressed gratitude for the Foundation’s timely support. “This scholarship has come to our aid when we needed it the most,” he remarked.

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