The family of the Registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Godswill Obioma, has said the examination body’s boss died Monday afternoon after a brief illness.

This was contained in a message the son of the late professor of educational measurement and evaluation, Godswill Obioma the 2nd, shared with the management of NECO on Tuesday morning.

This was also confirmed by Mr Obioma’s personal assistant, Obinna Otumdi.

Mr Otumdi spoke exclusively with PremiumTimes via telephone on Tuesday morning.

The personal assistant, however, said he was not in the best position to speak on the death of his late boss.

He said; “I am sure the family will address the public soon. My boss was ill, briefly, before nature took its course.”

He was said to have died at 66.

The family’s message

According to the message by the son, which was sent on Tuesday morning to NECO’s Director of Human Resources Management, Mustapha Abdul, Mr Obioma died on Monday afternoon.

The short message,“Dear Sir, this is to formally inform you that my father, Prof. Godswill Obioma, the registrar/chief executive officer of NECO passed to eternal glory yesterday 31/5/2021 after a brief illness.

“We request that you kindly notify the board, management and the entire staff of the Council of this development.

“We shall keep you duly informed.”

The message, which was signed by the young Obioma, said it was sent on behalf of the family.

How Mr Obioma died –Sources

Sources at the examination body and relations of the late Mr Obioma told our reporter that the deceased travelled from Abuja to Minna on Monday morning.

“But when he reached the city gate in Minna, he told his entourage that he would not be able to go to the office and went home with his security aides. The others, including his personal assistant, Otumdi, left for the office,” one of the sources, who does not want to be mentioned, told PremiumTimes.

This newspaper learnt that by 3 p.m., the NECO registrar called his personal assistant to say he was too tired and that he would not be able to be in the office.

“But by around 4 p.m., the police officials who were downstairs in his house called the PA to complain that their boss was yet to return downstairs. But the PA told them he already spoke to him and that he was fine. But around 5 p.m. when the PA returned home and went upstairs, he saw a lifeless body,” the source added.

This newspaper gathered that the PA called in the security details immediately and they rushed Mr Obioma to an unnamed hospital in Minna where he was pronounced dead. His body was also said to have been moved to the National Hospital in Abuja on Monday evening, where he was again confirmed dead.

His battle

The late NECO boss had been facing a tough time at the examination body, following allegations of mismanagement and corrupt practices.

Mr Obioma, a former executive secretary of the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), was the resident electoral commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission in Ebonyi State before he was appointed NECO registrar in May 2020.

His appointment followed the removal of the former registrar of the examination body, Charles Nwakwe, over corruption allegations and poor management.

However, he too was soon accused of corruption and other illegalities by staff and board of the agency.

He was queried over various allegations including compromising “the sanctity and integrity of the examinations” being conducted by the body, especially the release of keys to the examination body’s vault where sensitive materials were kept, to his PA, Mr Otumdi.

Mr Otumdi’s parents were said to own a private school in Nasarawa State, and so was accused of compromising the examination papers’ security.

According to the report of the investigative panel set up by the examination body, which was obtained exclusively by this newspaper, Mr Obioma was also said to have attempted to release the sum of N1.8 billion to some contractors who the board had said should not be paid.

Some of the allegations read in part; “On Thursday, 18th June 2020, you approached the Director, Finance and Account (DFA), with a document purported to have been given to you by the Hon. Minister of State for Education (HMSE), a government official, directing him to pay the duo of BIZZDESK and FRONTEDGE the sum of one billion, eight hundred thousand naira (N1,800,000,000.00) being money claimed by the duo for service rendered; whereas you were aware that the Council is in court with these companies for refund of three billion naira (N3,000,000,000.00) for services not rendered between 2010 – 2018.

“The DFA further claimed that you said that the companies would, in return, appreciate your gesture with the sum of nine hundred million naira only (N9,000,000,000.00) upon payment to be shared between the Hon. Minister of State for Education (HMSE), yourself, DFA and his staff. The DFA flatly refused, and promptly notified the Board Chairman. This act is tantamount to fraudulent practices, bribery, corruption and sabotage under Section 4, No. 030402 (j, k & t) of the PSR.”

The board of the examination body had recommended his removal to the education minister, Adamu Adamu. The recommendation was subsequently forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for approval.The news of his death has been shrouded with alot of controversies as some quarters peddled unfounded rumour of him being killed by unknown gunmen as ethnic retaliation to the killing of Adamawa politician Ahmed Gulak in Imo state.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-06-02

A senior member of staff of Tai Solarin University of Education, Mrs I.B Abimbola, was kidnapped on Thursday night in Ijebu-Ode.

She is a deputy director in the Information and Communication Technology of the institution.

She was reported to have been abducted at about 7.00 pm while her abductors’ were yet to contact her family.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the incident.

Oyeyemi, a deputy superintendent of Police said operatives of the Command have been deployed in search of Mrs Abimbola.

“We got information that a University staff was kidnapped on Thursday night in Ijebu-Ode. The Command operatives have been sent out to search and rescue the victim unhurt. We are on top of the situation,” he added.
tribuneonlineng.com

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-22

A technician and a yet-to-be identified persons have been confirmed dead in a gas explosion that rocked Conference Hotel, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The hotel, located at Okemosan, is owned by former Governor, Gbenga Daniel.

Three others were said to have sustained injuries in the explosion and are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

Confirming the incident, the Hotel Facility Manager, Engr Tunde Osinubi, said the explosion occurred as a result of fake gas cylinder used while servicing a revolving door at the hotel.

“A routine maintenance of the Automatic revolving Door at the entrance of the Hotel Reception which involved the use of oxyacetylene gas to weld the door hinges was being carried out.

“The Oxyacetylene gas cylinder suddenly exploded, killing the technician and one other person yet to be identified,” Osinubi said in a statement.

He suspected that “the gas cylinder purchased at the open market may be fake and unable to withstand gas pressure.”

The management of the hotel has sympathized with families and friends of the deceased, warning the general public to be beware of fake gas cylinders in the market.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-18

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

He replaces Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, who died in an air crash last Friday.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the military spokesperson, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu.

In April 2020, he was named theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the military’s campaign in the North-East, recently renamed Operation Hadin Kai. 

“President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Major General Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff.

“Prior to his appointment Major-General Yahaya was the General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army and the incumbent Theatre Commander of the Counter terrorism Counter Insurgency military outfit in the North East code-named Operation HADIN KAI,” the statement added.

His appointment came barely six days after the former Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, and 10 officers lost their lives in a plane crash in Abuja.

It was the third air disaster this year for the military, which is fighting a decade-long insurgency in the North-East, kidnap gangs in the North-West and separatist agitations South-West and South-East.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-27

The Nigerian Army has announced the burial plan for Ibrahim Attahiru, the late chief of army staff (COAS), and six other senior officers.

According to NAN, Mohammed Yerima, the army spokesman, said the burial has been slated for Saturday in Abuja.

He said the event will commence at the National Mosque and National Christian Centre, Abuja at 10am.

Yerima said the interment of the late COAS and six other senior officers will take place at the National Military Cemetery, Abuja at 1pm.

The chief of army staff and 10 other officers died in an aircraft crash in Kaduna on Friday.

Attahiru was said to have been on his way to Kaduna to attend the passing-out parade of army recruits scheduled for Saturday.

In a statement by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari expressed sadness over the incident and described it as a “mortal blow” to the country.he Nigerian Air force said it is investigating the cause of the accident.

The incident came weeks after a NAF aircraft crashed after losing contact with radar in Borno state.

The jet was on a mission to provide support for troops on the ground fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

Earlier in February, another NAF aircraft crashed in Abuja after reporting engine failure en route Minna killing all seven personnel on board.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-22

Widow of the late son of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Dare, Temilade, poured out her heart yesterday.

She said that her husband did not die, but only slept.

Mrs. Adeboye spoke during an “Evening of worship and tribute” service held in honour of her late husband at RCCG House of Favour, Redemption Camp, Kilometre 64 – 48, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State.

Dare passed on last Tuesday in Eket, Akwa Ibom State. He was 42.

The service was attended by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; his wife, Pastor Dolapo; former Ogun and Ondo states governors Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; wife of former Imo State Governor Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) President Bishop Wale Oke, among others.

The Pastor-in-Charge of Lagos Region 35 (LP35), Pastor Bisi Akande, presided over the service.

Speaking during the service, Mrs. Adeboye said: “I do not mourn him at all. I weep because he left me. He slept, he did not die. My husband said, ‘if I die today, I know I am fulfilled. I’ve done what the Lord has asked me to do’.

“Pastor Dare, my husband, was a wonderful person. He was amazing in every sense of the way. I do not mourn him at all. I weep because he left me. He slept, he did not die and I know, I am sure, because on the resurrection morning, he will rise again and we will see him in glory. I am sure because he was saved. I am sure because he believed in Christ. His salvation was sure, it was certain.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-11

A new alliance order that will accelerate the integration of physical and socio-economic developments of both Lagos and Ogun states was sealed on Monday, with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of the Lagos-Ogun Joint Development Commission by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The MoU Signing event, held at the Presidential Lodge in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, marked a new beginning in the bilateral relationships between the neighbouring States, which also share socio-cultural backgrounds. They agreed to work on seven key areas of mutual interests, which are expected to boost security, commerce, urbanization, infrastructure and also solve boundary disputes.

Members of the Executive Councils of both States witnessed the historic event, which was also attended by Federal and State legislators, private sector players, political leaders, youth groups, and traditional rulers led by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo.

The creation of the joint commission was the culmination of an informal discussion between the two Governors on maximizing socio-economic benefits for citizens of their States based on comparative advantages and shared interests.

Sanwo-Olu described the two States as Siamese twins connected by geography, commerce, and cultural affinities, saying the synergy was to explore common development issues to stimulate growth.

The MoU, Lagos Governor said, would enable the two States to mutually tackle issues prevalent in key economic sectors, including transportation, the environment, housing, health, infrastructure, and security.

He said: “The Memorandum of Understanding being signed today is a game-changer that will transform the urban agglomeration that exists between Lagos and Ogun States. We are driven by the desire to stimulate socio-economic growth, bridge development gaps, and ensure that Lagos’ megacity status is complemented by pervasive infrastructural development even in boundary towns.

“It has become obvious that the best way to accelerate socio-economic development in both States is by embracing a more collaborative approach for growth, development, and urban sustainability. Regardless of the challenges, we are determined to build more livable and stable cities. Our goal is to build sustainable urban cities, where the residents of both States will have a sense of belonging, embrace participatory governance, and recognize their role in achieving solid urban economies.”

The joint commission, Sanwo-Olu pointed out, is a sustainable development agenda under which Lagos and Ogun will combine resources to meet the socio-economic needs of the people and prepare for the future.

He listed areas of partnership to include infrastructural development in boundary cities, revenue and taxation remittances, trade and investment, resolution of boundary disputes; security intelligence sharing, environmental and physical planning, emergency and disaster management, inland waterways management, traffic management, and food security.

After signing the MoU, the Governor said the next step was to establish a joint committee that would implement the terms of the agreement and formally send Bills to the Houses of Assembly in both States to generate statutory support for the establishment of the economic integration commission.

He said: “The common goal is to provide good governance and make life more meaningful for the electorate, and that is our driving force. We must never forget that, as Nigerians, we are all interconnected in one way or the other, and the fastest way to accelerate socio-economic growth and create an equitable society is by uniting to combat our challenges.”

Governor Abiodun, on his part, said the MoU was the resolve and deliberate methodical efforts of two “forward-thinking” States, stressing that the initiative would be a success as it was the first time Lagos and Ogun would have a formal, structured framework of bilateral engagement that would be backed by legislation.

The Governor said the MoU took cognizance of the development envisioned by the Prof. Akin Mabogunje Committee on Redeployment of Lagos Megacity Region Plan submitted to the Federal Government in 2006.

He said the development imperatives needed to be streamlined for the two States to be focused on sustaining common goals and future growth.

Abiodun said: “The MoU we are signing is a culmination of various efforts by State and non-state actors who have seen beyond the geographical delineation of our States. We are cognizant of the fact that Ogun State is the only neighbour that Lagos has and that we are a natural overflow of Lagos. There is no way development in Lagos would not have a spiral effect in Ogun or vice versa.

“Ogun and Lagos States are like two rivers flowing onto each other. It is very difficult to identify which of the rivers is actually flowing onto the other. Institutions, such as the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Customs Service, and others have already recognized the Siamese relationship between our two States and have always grouped Lagos and Ogun as one zone under their respective High Commands.”

Chief Economic Adviser to the Ogun State Government and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Ogunbadejo, described the event as “a collaboration of giants”, noting that the partnership would lead to transformative progress of both States and prosperity of their citizens.

Lagos Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, said the letters of the agreement were to create an economic hub that will be second to none in the federation.

Oba Gbadebo commended the two Governors for the initiative, describing the event as “a new beginning” for the two States in exploring their shared prosperity. The monarch said Lagos and Ogun would now jointly address issues of mutual interest, especially in transportation.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-25

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Nigeria from Paris,

France.Buhari departed Abuja for a summit in France on Sunday.

A statement on the Twitter handle of the Government of Nigeria on Thursday, confirmed, “President @MBuhari arrived Abuja after an official trip to Paris, France.”

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-20

The Federal Government has re-introduced a nationwide 12am to 4am curfew as part of efforts to curtail further spread of COVID-19.

The National Incident Manager, Mukhtar Mohammed, disclosed this at a press briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 in Abuja.

Mohammed said the curfew would take effect from midnight on Monday, May 10.

He said gatherings of religious groups and weddings among others have been reduced to 50 percent attendance, while official engagements, meetings, and conferences should continue to hold virtually.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2021-05-10