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Oyebanji commissions N800m students hostel at college of nursing sciences

Nursing education received another remarkable boost in Ekiti State under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s infrastructure upgrade with the commissioning of 600 beds students’ hostel built by a foremost entrepreneur, Arch. Dipo Ajayi through Public/Private Partnership at the College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti.

Commissioning the N800 million hostel project at the school premises on Tuesday, Governor Oyebanji reiterated his commitment to aggressive infrastructure drive in the state’s education institutions with a view to repositioning and delivering effective and efficient higher education in the state.

Governor Oyebanji said his administration’s commitment to scale up access to education has made his administration commit more investment to Education and Technology in line with the agenda Three of his administration, adding that his remains focused on providing physical infrastructure that will enhance conducive environment for both teaching and learning in all state owned institutions.

The Governor also commended Arch. Dipo Ajayi, who is President of Architects Registration Council of Nigeria ( ARCON), for his unwavering commitment towards the development of the state by giving back to the state despite all the challenges he faced before he was able to deliver the project.

“The CMD is aware that we went through a lot of challenges that at a point no investor would have staked his resources on this project. The processes made it impossible for you to commence this project on time and by the time we resolved the issues, the cost of construction had skyrocketed, but you said this is Ekiti, and that you are going to do it. Yes, financially, it may not be profitable, but Ekiti people value you, God bless you.

“What is happening today speaks to the strength of unity, when a people are united in an aligned vision and for the progress of their state, there will be development. You have done this sir, we still expect to see your footprints in all other higher institutions in Ekiti state. It won’t take long, once you are ready, in one month, we will conclude everything, we want to see you in EKSU, we want to see you in BOUESTI, because this is what you do all over the country.”

While assuring that waiting time for embarking on projects have been drastically reduced, Governor Oyebanji charged the students to take ownership of the project, make good use of the facilities provided and shun any form of vandalism that may render the Government’s effort useless.

The Governor commended traditional rulers in the state for their unflinching support for his administration in the last two years and promised to do more towards the development of the state in the next two years. “As your servant in government, I renew my commitment to you that as long as God lives, I will serve you with all the fiber in me and Ekiti during this time will be known for peace, progress and development. The Governor said.

In his remarks, Arch. Ajayi who is also the chairman of Bver Hostels and Suites, stressed the need for cooperation and unity among all stakeholders in the state in order to achieve the desired development.

The investor, who revealed that the 600 bed hostel was started six months ago, said a whopping sum of N800 million was expended on the project owing to high cost of materials. He also urged the Governor to ensure removal of all forms of bottlenecks inhibiting investors from contributing their quota to the development of the state.

This he said will encourage investors to flood the state with their various development projects.

Arch. Ajayi, who commended the unwavering support of the people, also affirmed that the visionary leadership and progressive policies of the Governor have significantly enhanced not only the educational landscape but also the overall wellbeing of the people through investment in quality healthcare, improved infrastructure and impactful initiatives all making noticeable difference in the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, in his address, described the Governor as a master builder who is building men and institutions.

He revealed that the government had set a year deadline for the completion of a multipurpose 80 bed wing of the teaching hospital and has approved a 700 capacity lecture theater for the Colkege of Nursing Sciences.

Dr Filani expressed appreciation to the investor for his vested interest aimed at lifting the status of the institution by providing highly conducive for the students.

Students of the institution demonstrated their joy by singing in praise of the Governor for the upgrade of their school and for various efforts at upgrading the school facilities.

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Four arrested as police uncover N500m Canadian-Australian visa scam

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a visa scam that defrauded over 100 Nigerians of approximately ₦500 million.

The suspects, identified as Blessing Wefsutu (27), Chineye Christian (36), Archibong Udeme Ifereke (23), and Maurine Peter (25), were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). All four are reportedly staff members of an educational consultancy firm located in the Ago Okota area of Lagos, where the fraudulent activities were allegedly carried out.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the suspects deceived their victims with false promises of securing work visas to Canada and Australia.

The case, initially lodged at the Ago Okota Division, was later transferred to the SCID for deeper investigation. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained ₦500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims,” Hundeyin stated.

Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to exercise caution when dealing with travel and recruitment agencies. “Residents must exercise due diligence to avoid falling victim to such scams. The Command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements,” Jimoh said.

Further investigations uncovered that the syndicate includes other accomplices who are currently on the run. The police have assured the public that efforts are underway to locate and arrest all individuals involved.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody as the investigation continues.

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Nigerian Air Force to acquire 49 new aircraft by 2026

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has announced plans for a major expansion of the Nigerian Air Force’s aerial fleet, with the acquisition of 49 state-of-the-art aircraft scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.Nearby concert tickets

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Aircraft Engineering Conference held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar said the incoming aircraft will include three CASA 295 transport planes, 10 AW-109 Trekker Type B helicopters, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters, and 24 M-346 fighter jets.

“These aircraft are all high-tech platforms that require very sophisticated maintenance activities to operate effectively,” the Air Marshal stated during his address at the event themed, Enhancing Aircraft Serviceability in the NAF through Strong Maintenance Culture and Strategic Partnerships.

He underscored the need for NAF personnel to adopt advanced, innovative, and data-driven maintenance practices, stressing that the expansion in operational capability must be backed by robust engineering and logistics support systems.Nigerian fashion

“In the last two years, NAF has reached new heights in operational capability. But this progress must be matched by robust support systems to ensure sustained air power delivery in pursuit of national security goals,” Abubakar said.

He added that significant investments have already been made in logistics infrastructure, spare parts, and ground support tools to ensure that all operable aircraft are fully serviceable by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Chief of Aircraft Engineering, Air Vice Marshal A.I. Amodu, also spoke at the event, describing aircraft engineering as “the backbone that supports the NAF’s mission and objectives.”

He said the rapidly evolving security landscape demanded a proactive and responsive approach to aircraft maintenance, and emphasized the importance of the annual conference as a platform for exchanging ideas, refining strategies, and promoting a culture of engineering excellence.

In addition to the planned acquisitions, the NAF has taken delivery of 15 new aircraft in the last two years. These include six T-129 ATAK helicopters, two AW-109 Trekker Type A helicopters, three Beechcraft King Air surveillance aircraft, and four Diamond 62 reconnaissance planes.

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Bandits abduct ward councillor and others in Katsina

Armed bandits have abducted several people, including a ward councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security analyst Bakatsine, who disclosed this on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 said the attack occurred on Monday night in Daudawa community.

According to the conflict journalist, the gunmen kidnapped Buhari Aliyu Daudawa, who serves as the councillor representing Daudawa ward, along with several other residents.

“Yesterday night, bandits invaded Daudawa in Faskari LGA, Katsina State. They abducted several people including the ward Councillor, Hon. Buhari Aliyu Daudawa during the invasion,” Bakatsine wrote.

The exact number of abducted victims is still unknown at the time of filing this report.