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Scam alert: Registrar not on social media – JAMB

Ijeoma OPARA
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Scam alert: Registrar not on social media – JAMB

THE Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned members of the public that its registrar Is-haq Oloyede is not active on social media platforms.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Board’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocol Fabian Benjamin, on Friday, January 27.

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The statement noted that the disclaimer was pertinent to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being defrauded, as a LinkedIn user had created an account impersonating the Registrar.

“The attention of the Board has been drawn to a LinkedIn account purported to be the account of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, and sending friend requests to members of the public. This is a ploy initiated with the sole aim of defrauding gullible members of the public.

“The Board wishes to state that Prof. Is-haq Oloyede does not own or operate any social media account and neither has he asked anybody to open or manage one on his behalf,” the statement said.

JAMB advised members of the public to ignore requests and avoid interactions from such accounts as Oloyede had no intentions of getting active on social media.

The statement added: “This disclaimer became necessary in view of some unscrupulous elements, who have purportedly opened a LinkedIn account on his behalf to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public with their bogus claims of the erudite professor helping to network business enterprises, managing careers, providing jobs, running a research firm or connecting people with business contacts of firms or industry through the account.

“The Board urges the general public to be wary of these criminal elements so as not to fall victims to the scammers.”

Earth Journalism Network offers Ocean Media Initiative Story Grants

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Earth Journalism Network offers Ocean Media Initiative Story Grants

EARTH Journalism Network (EJN), with support from the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, is accepting proposals for its Ocean Media Initiative Story Grants 2023, which focuses on covering marine pollution.

The initiative aims to increase the quality and quantity of ocean pollution-related stories in the media, and build the capacity of journalists to improve their coverage of ocean-related topics.

Story ideas must focus on marine pollution – its sources, impacts on ecosystems and marine species. Attention will also be focused on ongoing efforts to curb and regulate sources of marine pollution.

Journalists worldwide, preferably from coastal countries, can apply for reporting grants up to US$1,200.

Up to eight story grants will be awarded to selected journalists. In addition to funding, journalists will receive support from experienced mentors through the story production process.

The organiser says, “By 2050, it is expected there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans. Every year, over 1 million marine species (including mammals, fish, sharks, turtles, and seabirds) are killed due to plastic debris in the ocean.

“The ocean, already under stress from climate change, is the ultimate sink for many pollutants besides plastics (and increasingly, microplastics), including sewage, radioactive waste, industrial and agricultural chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, and oil spills.”

The deadline for submission of applications is February 13, 2023. Interested applicants can apply here.

Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma offers 2023 Ochberg Fellowship

Blessing OTOIBHI
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Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma offers 2023 Ochberg Fellowship

THE Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma is accepting applications for its 2023 Ochberg Fellowship.

A project of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 12 to 14 journalists will be selected as Dart Center Ochberg Fellows.

The next program will be held from July 21, 2023, to July 27, 2023, at Columbia University in New York.

Fellows will attend background briefings by prominent interdisciplinary experts in the trauma and mental health fields, conversations with journalist colleagues on issues of ethics, craft and other aspects of professional practice, and a host of other opportunities for intellectual engagement and peer learning.

Mid-career journalists who want to deepen their knowledge of trauma and improve coverage of violence, conflict and tragedy can apply for a fellowship.

The fellowship covers travel to and accommodations in New York, meals and other expenses directly related to participation.

The organiser says, “Reporting responsibly and credibly on traumatic events on street crime and family violence, natural disasters and accidents, war and genocide, pandemic and social upheaval is a major challenge.”

The deadline for submission of the application is March 1, 2023. Interested applicants can apply here.

National Association of Science Writers offers Peggy Girshman Idea Grants

Blessing OTOIBHI
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National Association of Science Writers offers Peggy Girshman Idea Grants

THE National Association of Science Writers (NASW) is accepting applications and proposals for the Peggy Girshman Idea Grants.

The grants support projects and programs that will help science writers in their professional lives and/or benefit the field of science writing.

The NASW Grants Committee is interested in projects led by and/or that serve underrepresented audiences and groups. The best proposals will outline plans for diversity, equity, and inclusion in project development, execution, and outreach.

The committee would like to see projects that will have a wide impact on the field and applicants who carefully consider how funded work will be sustained beyond the award period.

Journalists and freelance writers can apply for a US$15,000 grant.

International applicants are welcome, but proposals must demonstrate a clear benefit to U.S.-based science writers.

The deadline for the submission of the application is February 1, 2023. Interested applicants can apply here.

NIMR DG canvasses amendment of Medical Research Act

Theophilus ADEDOKUN
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NIMR DG canvasses amendment of Medical Research Act

THE Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Babatunde Salako, has called on the Federal Government to amend the NIMR Act to improve healthcare delivery in the country.

Speaking at a dialogue session with a delegation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) on Wednesday, January 25, Salako stated that medical research will improve the health sector significantly.

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Noting that health research is poorly funded in the country, he stressed the need to establish direct funding for the program through a committed Medical Research Council.

“The impact of the Medical Research Council will be felt in the better health indices, number of direct grants to Nigeria, number of locally funded projects and use of policy briefs from research evidence/innovations, as well as homegrown solutions to challenges in drugs, vaccine development and the health system.

“The best thing that can happen to Nigeria is to have its Medical Research Council, which is specifically to fund all health research in the country from universities to research institutes and other institutions,” he said.

Salako noted that most successful countries have functional research and development programs funded by health research funding agencies.

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According to him, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is restricted to tertiary research and is specifically for universities and not the health sector.

The NIMR boss stressed that almost 90 per cent of medical research in Nigeria is funded by donors.

Salako added the creation of a Nigeria Medical Research Council, with allocated federal funding, will strengthen, coordinate and improve healthcare research in the country.

Adeleke rejects tribunal judgment, heads to appeal court

Vincent Ufuoma
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Adeleke rejects tribunal judgment, heads to appeal court

OSUN State governor, Ademola Adeleke, has rejected the judgment of the state governorship election petition tribunal that ordered his removal from office.

The ICIR had reported that Adeleke was sacked in a split judgment delivered by the tribunal in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Friday, January 27.

The tribunal ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue the same to the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor Gboyega Oyetola.

The majority judgment which was read by the chairman of the tribunal, Justice Tertse Kume, said Oyetola scored the majority lawful votes of 314,931 against Adeleke’s 219,666.

Reacting to the development, Adeleke in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, described the judgment as “a miscarriage of justice”.

He faulted the resolution of the over-voting question in favour of Oyetola, calling it “an unfair interpretation against the will of majority of voters”.

While urging his supporters to remain calm, Adeleke vowed to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal, insisting he remained the rightful winner of the July 16 election.

“I call on our people to remain calm. We will appeal the judgement and we are sure justice will be done. Let our people be reassured that we will do everything possible to retain this widely acclaimed mandate,” he said.

FG blames ‘Japa syndrome’ for delay in processing Nigerian passports

Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU
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FG blames ‘Japa syndrome’ for delay in processing Nigerian passports

THE Nigerian Government has explained why the average passport processing time of three and six weeks for renewals and first-time applicants, respectively, may be exceeded.

The Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, who spoke to journalists after a high level meeting in Abuja on Thursday, January 26, said the increasing emigration of Nigerians from the nation in quest of better opportunities abroad, a phenomenon now known as “Japa syndrome,” was driving up demand for passports.

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Aregbesola added that the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) issued 1.9 million passport booklets in 2022 alone, nearly double the one million issued in the corresponding period of 2021.

“This is about 80 per cent increase and it is unprecedented,” the minister stated.

He said the Ministry of Interior was working closely with the NIS to constantly reform the passport administration process in order to deliver improved services to Nigerians at all times.

Also speaking during the media briefing, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Shuaib Belgore, said last year, 159 Nigerians renounced their citizenship, noting that the figure was higher than the 15 years preceding 2022.

“In the last two years, the minister issued a total of 70 deportation orders for the deportation of different nationals from Nigeria due to one infraction or the other. The majority of those deported were from the Democratic Republic of Korea, Egypt, Sri Lanka and a host of others,” he disclosed.

Top government officials who attended the meeting include: the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service Haliru Nababa, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service Idris Isah Jere, the Comptroller-General of the Federal Fire Service Abdulganiyu Jaji and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

INEC to conduct mock accreditation on February 4

Ijeoma OPARA
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INEC to conduct mock accreditation on February 4

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will hold mock accreditation exercises in 436 polling units across the country on Wednesday, February 4.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Commission Mahmood Yakubu during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Friday, January 27.

Yakubu noted that the exercise was part of efforts to ensure the effectiveness of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines which the Commission had taken delivery of ahead of the elections.

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“The mock accreditation will hold on Saturday, 4th February 2023, in 436 polling units nationwide. Twelve polling units have been designated in each State of the Federation and four in the Federal Capital Territory on the equality of the country’s 109 Senatorial Districts for the exercise.

“A comprehensive list of the polling units, including their names and PU Code numbers, as well as their distribution by State, Senatorial District, Local Government and Registration Area (Ward) will be uploaded to the Commission’s website shortly,” Yakubu said.

He urged registered voters in the selected polling units to participate in the mock accreditation process, adding that journalists and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) could observe the exercise.

The INEC chairman assured that final preparations were being concluded ahead of the forthcoming elections, including movement of materials and consultation of stakeholders.

Noting that training of election officials would soon begin, Yakubu assured that the Commission was committed to resolving issues around collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“The Commission is aware that there are a few issues to be addressed. One of them is the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards. The commission is encouraged by the determination of registered voters nationwide to collect their PVCs and the actual level of collection so far.

“This meeting with RECs will consider reports from other states of the Federation, and the commission will not hesitate to consider additional measures to ensure that all citizens have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the general elections. We wish to assure Nigerians that the commission will always be responsive to the needs of the electorate,” he said.

Osun: Tribunal sacks Adeleke as governor, declares Oyetola winner

Vincent Ufuoma
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Osun: Tribunal sacks Adeleke as governor, declares Oyetola winner

THE Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has sacked Ademola Adeleke as the duly elected governor of the state.

The tribunal gave the judgment in Osogbo, the state capital, on Friday, January 27.

In a split decision of two to one, the tribunal ordered that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Adeleke and issue the same to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola.

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The majority judgment which was read by the Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Tertse Kume, said Oyetola scored the majority lawful votes of 314,931 against Adeleke’s 219,666.

Earlier, the tribunal ruled that Adeleke was eligible to contest the election in a certificate forgery petition pressed against him by Oyetola.

Meanwhile, a minority decision by one of the judges is being read as at the time of filing this report.

More details later…

Ogun, Ondo Catholic bishops call on Nigerians to shun votes selling

Vincent Ufuoma
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Ogun, Ondo Catholic bishops call on Nigerians to shun votes selling

THE heads of the Catholic Church in Ondo and Ogun states have called on Nigerians to resist the temptation to trade their votes for peanuts in the forthcoming general elections.

The bishops who made the call at the 25th anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, on Thursday, January 26, also tasked Nigerians to shun every form of election violence.

Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Peter Olukayode, expressed optimism and hope that Nigeria will come out better after the elections.

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“We pray that Nigeria will be better, we pray that all of us electing the right person to the right position, Nigeria will be better,” he said.

“We should go and perform our civic duties and vote rightly according to our consciences for good leaders who will lead Nigeria better and give us what we desire according to the mind and the will of God.”

On his part, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Jude Arogundade, called on Nigerians to reject candidates who according to him are “known criminals” that have been implicated by national and international agencies.

Arogundade urged Nigerians to vote for decent and credible leaders and save the country from imminent collapse.

He lamented that the impact of one hundred years of Christianity in the society had been eroded by bad governance, ethnic and tribal war and a new wave of paganism.

“Are we not the same Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa and indeed Nigerians that are calling on God for intervention and redemption from corrupt politicians that will also vote for known criminals that have been implicated by national and international watchdog bodies?

“All of us Christians and non-Christians alike are searching for decent and credible leaders who will reorganise our country to be the best that God has created it to be.

“Then vote for one and save the Church from the trauma of having to deal with the emotional outcome of leaders who continue to ravage our commonwealth for personal gains.”

He urged Nigerians not to stand by and watch “this great nation destroy itself under mediocre leadership that drifts from one crisis to the next, eroding our national will and purpose”.

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