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EFCC, NOUN to Review MOU for Enhanced Collaboration

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),  and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have reached an agreement to re-strategise and come up with a more mutually-beneficial Memorandum of Understanding ((MoU), to strengthen the fight against economic and financial crimes as well as other acts of corruption.

This development came recently in Abuja when the Vice Chancellor of the NOUN, Prof Olufemi Peters led a delegation of his management team to the headquarters of the EFCC on a courtesy visit.

Prof Peters explained that the NOUN had a long-standing relationship with the EFCC and the visit was meant to bolster the existing relationship between the two agencies.

He stated further that since the signing of the MOU in 2021, the two agencies have been able to build synergy on cyber security and forensic studies.

In his words, “Since our initial agreement, the synergy between our institutions has strengthened and our collective efforts have significantly contributed to building capacity in the areas of recognising and combating cyber threats in Nigeria.

“Our two institutions, having become aware of complementary features inherent in the execution of our mandates, signed an MOU to build synergy on cyber security and forensic studies. Since our initial agreement, the synergy between our institutions has strengthened and our collective efforts have significantly contributed to building capacity in recognising and combating cyber threats in Nigeria.”

He recalled the joint International workshop organised by ACTEL in collaboration with the International Information Development Agency, the African Centre of Excellence in Mathematics Computer Sciences and Applications and the EFCC.

In addition, he noted the Digital Footprint organized by NOUN in June 2023 which featured five of EFCC staff in active participation.

“We are proud to note for the records that an EFCC staff member, Mr. Kennedy Ketebu was among the first four students to bag a PhD degree in Artificial Intelligence from our University.

“This staff also benefitted from a Digital Science Support Fund that enabled him to showcase his research work at the World Bank’s office in Washington, USA, in October 2022.

“Our partnership is indeed yielding results. Over the past two years, we have witnessed other notable achievements such as joint seminars, workshops, supervision of Masters and PhD programmes in artificial intelligence, cyber security and management information systems”, he said.

He pressed for enhanced collaboration and renewal of the MoU with the EFCC to allow for internship opportunities, technology-based services,  research, capacity building, supervision and facilitations and  public awareness campaigns.

“As was before, we hope that the MOU will be managed through collaborative efforts and activities and projects will be jointly developed and implemented.

“I’m confident that renewal of the MOU will further solidify our partnership and lead to even greater achievements. Together, we will continue to make significant strides in enhancing cyber security, preventing financial crimes and contributing to the overall development of our great country”, he pointed out.

He appreciated the dedication and commitment of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede since he assumed office and charged him to continue to do the good work he was doing.

Responding, Olukoyede appreciated the visit of the delegation and thanked them for the extension of the hand of fellowship and comradeship to the EFCC.

He assured that the Commission was ever ready to continue the relationship between the two agencies.

ALSO READ: BREAKING: EFCC, Partners Mark 2024 African Union Anti-corruption Day With Walk Against Corruption

He harped on the need for public awareness to the ills of corruption and “the best way to create public awareness is through educational services which NOUN is providing”.  He commended NOUN management for the distance learning opportunities Nigerians are getting through the institution.

The EFCC boss also charged the institution to develop a curriculum on anti-corruption studies to build in their students requisite skills and knowledge against corrupt practices.

He assured the VC and his team that the EFCC would review and  renew the MoU with the institution for stronger and more fruitful collaboration.

“We are ready to collaborate with you and strengthen the relationship. We are not just going to renew the MOU,  we are going to review it to allow for fresh inputs to be put into it”, he said.

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Outrage as Police Officer Who Threatened Nigerians Over Recording Breaks Silence

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A Nigerian police officer identified as Newton Isokpehi has sparked widespread reactions online after publicly apologising for threatening Nigerians who film police officers while on duty.

The officer came under heavy criticism after a viral video showed him warning that he would “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone recording him during official duty.

Following the backlash, Isokpehi released a video on Thursday pleading with Nigerians and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu for forgiveness, saying his earlier comments were made out of anger and frustration.

SEE ALSO: Six Arrested as Police Expose Inside Network Behind Oyo School Abduction

“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening,” he said.

Speaking in Pidgin English, the officer clarified that he was not against citizens filming police officers, noting that Nigerians have the right to record security personnel while carrying out their duties.

“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty,” he stated.

Isokpehi, who disclosed that he hails from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has spent over 12 years serving in the Mobile Police unit.

The officer also displayed several scars and gunshot wounds on his body, claiming they were sustained during dangerous operations while serving the country.

“Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation. We have suffered in this work,” he said emotionally.

Attempting to walk back his earlier remarks, Isokpehi insisted he never intended to harm civilians.

“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he added.

He further appealed directly to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, admitting that the controversy had escalated beyond what he expected.
“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far,” he pleaded.

The apology has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the officer’s initial comments while others expressed sympathy over the harsh conditions faced by security personnel.

 

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Cubana Chief Priest Explains Why He Dumped Peter Obi for Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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Nigerian socialite and businessman, Cubana Chief Priest, has explained why he shifted his political support from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the 2023 general elections.

Speaking during a livestream session with popular streamer Peller, the celebrity businessman said his decision was motivated by a desire to avoid repeated political disappointment.

SEE ALSO: Plateau 2027: “I’m Not in the Race to Fill Numbers” — Bida Declares War on Mutfwang

He stated that he no longer wanted to back a candidate who might lose, saying he made the switch after the last election experience.
“Because I don’t want to lose again because they say first fool no be fool na the second fool be proper fool,” he said.

Cubana Chief Priest also claimed that President Tinubu remains cautious about him due to his past political alignment with Peter Obi and his ethnic background.

According to him, the President does not fully trust him because of his previous support for the opposition during the 2023 polls.

“President Bola Tinubu no really trust me as an Igbo man that I am. He look me with one eye because he believes that this one that worked for Peter Obi, before at the last election,” he added.

He further dismissed the chances of Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential election, describing him as “not serious” and insisting that only “serious people” would emerge victorious.

The comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with critics accusing him of political opportunism, while others argue that his position reflects the realities of Nigeria’s winner-takes-all political system.

Cubana Chief Priest was a vocal supporter of Peter Obi and the Labour Party during the 2023 elections but later aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He currently serves as the Imo State Coordinator of the Pro-Tinubu City Boys Movement and has become more active within APC circles.

He had also obtained an APC House of Representatives nomination form but later withdrew from the primary election on the day of the exercise.

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Yobe Hospital Makes Medical History With First-Ever Lower Jaw Surgery

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The Yobe State Specialist Hospital has recorded a major medical breakthrough after successfully performing its first-ever lower jaw surgery, a development described as the first of its kind in North-Eastern Nigeria.

The complex procedure, known as a segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction, was carried out on a 40-year-old female patient suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma, a tumour affecting the jawbone.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Usman Abba Giedam, said the surgery marked a significant milestone in the state’s healthcare sector.

SEE MORE: Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency

According to him, the operation involved the removal of a diseased section of the patient’s lower jaw and a sophisticated reconstruction using reconstruction plates and an iliac crest bone graft.

The surgery was led by Dr. Muhammad Ayuba Fusami with support from Dr. Peter Umejiego.

Giedam revealed that the patient is currently recovering well and responding positively to treatment following the successful operation.

He noted that the achievement reflects the growing capacity of the hospital to handle highly specialized medical procedures that previously required referrals outside the state.

The CMD also credited the administration of Mai Mala Buni for investing in healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment, and skilled manpower development across the state.

He added that the hospital remains committed to advancing specialized healthcare services and improving access to quality medical care for residents of Yobe State and the North-East region.

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