News
Edo: private Schools Threaten To Boycott Sept. 11 Resumption
By our Correspondent
Private school owners in Edo under the umbrella of Private Schools on Monday threatened to boycott the Sept. 11 resumption date in the state due to harsh policies.
The coalition during a news conference in Benin, said the step became necessary as all efforts to reach Gov. Godwin Obaseki over their plights proved abortive.
The body comprises Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Association Of Private Schools Owners of Nigeria, (APSON) and the National Association of Proprietors Of Private Schools (NAPPS).
In its address delivered by Dr Lemmy Russel, State Chairman of NAPPS, the association lamented that its members were being overburdened with Corporate Tax by the Federal Inland Revenue as well as Personal Income Tax and annual renewal by the state government.
Besides these, the private school owners said, different officials would come around to collect one fee or the other in the name of government agents.
According to the group, the recent facility check survey by the Directorate of Quality Assurance in the state was impromptu and hasty. The association leaders, it said, could have been carried along as agreed in the previous stakeholders meeting in order to mobilise members.
It described the decision of the government to seal off default schools in the current economic realities as tantamount to increasing the number of out of school children and unemployment in the country already plagued with poverty.
The coalition, however, appealed that no private school be closed; rather there should be a regulatory control with regards to school site, landmass and classroom population.
“We, therefore, appeal for a stakeholders meeting of the three association leaders to have a dialogue in order to address the many plights of private schools in Edo State.
He said, “Scrap the huge Annual Renewal Fee or have one consolidated fee/Tax payable by private schools as against the numerous bills charged. Fund/Loan be made available to private schools at a very low interest rate with a period of at least 5 years to pay back. This will help drive the implementation of disarticulation policies of schools and improve the learning environment in Schools.”
A committee composed of association leaders, Ministry of Education Representatives and other critical stakeholders in education be set up to meet and review the policy checklist and deliberate on its implementations,” said the coalition.In case the appeals had no result, it said members would stage peaceful protests to ensure necessary actions are taken.
The association, however, commended the education reform of the state including the establishment of Directorate of Quality Assurance, disassociating itself from the viral video maligning some officials of the state.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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