Nigeria News (Standard)
Ex-NBA Chairman Okoko Urges Federal Government to License Civilian Gun Ownership in Anambra
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Calls for review of firearms law spark fresh debate as security agencies face criticism over checkpoints and response times
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemili Branch, Benjamin Chukwudi Okoko, has called on the Federal Government to allow law-abiding Nigerians to legally own and carry firearms for self-defence, citing the increasing rate of insecurity nationwide. Okoko made this appeal on Thursday in Onitsha, Anambra State, stressing that many residents have become easy targets for armed men due to limited ability to protect themselves.
Okoko argued that government should urgently review the country’s firearms laws and establish a regulated licensing system so responsible citizens can acquire arms for personal protection. ‘Government should liberalise the ownership of arms and ammunition to enable Nigerians procure arms for self-defence against gunmen and bandits,’ Okoko said while addressing journalists in Anambra. He clarified that his proposal was not an invitation to indiscriminate possession of firearms but a measure to empower citizens where security agencies are unable to respond promptly.
The former NBA chairman also criticised the proliferation of security checkpoints across the South-East, alleging that many have become centres of extortion rather than effective crime prevention. He pointed out that personnel from the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and local vigilante groups now operate numerous roadblocks, resulting in delays for motorists and increased transport costs. According to Okoko, these checkpoints waste commuters’ time, increase fuel consumption, and create hardship for businesses and travellers.
In addition, Okoko condemned repeated cargo inspections by customs officers on goods already cleared at seaports. He said such practices discourage business activities and raise the cost of moving goods within Nigeria. His comments come amid renewed public debate over whether relaxing Nigeria’s strict firearms regulations would improve personal safety or worsen insecurity by increasing weapon circulation.
Nigeria currently operates one of Africa’s toughest firearms licensing regimes under the Firearms Act. The law requires government approval before civilians can possess specified categories of weapons. While supporters of civilian gun ownership say it would help communities facing frequent attacks by armed men, opponents warn it could escalate violence if not properly managed. Security agencies have not issued any official response to Okoko’s suggestions as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Oyo Police Deny Arrest of Pastor in Orire Abduction Case, Fault Social Media Claims
Command says no cleric is in custody over kidnapping of students and teachers; warns public against spreading falsehood
Command says no cleric is in custody over kidnapping of students and teachers; warns public against spreading falsehood
The Oyo State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that a pastor was arrested in connection with the recent abduction of students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area. The denial was issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, who described the circulating claims as false and misleading.
According to Ayanlade, no pastor has been taken into custody by the police or any other security agency involved in the ongoing rescue operation. The clarification follows viral social media posts suggesting that a yet-to-be-named cleric was apprehended for allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to those responsible for the kidnapping.
The incident in Orire LGA has heightened security concerns across Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, with parents and stakeholders demanding urgent intervention to secure the release of those abducted. However, police authorities cautioned against spreading unverified information that could hinder ongoing investigations or cause unnecessary panic among residents.
Ayanlade stated, “The reports on social media did not mention any name or address for the alleged pastor. These allegations are unfounded and have no basis in our records. We urge members of the public to disregard such claims and rely on official updates from the command.”
The police reaffirmed their commitment to rescuing the abducted victims and bringing those responsible to justice. The command also warned that peddling misinformation could jeopardise rescue efforts. As at press time, investigations were ongoing, and no official arrests related to religious figures had been made.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-deny-pastors-arrest-over-orire-abduction/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Dr Chidinma Akpa Pheoby Launches CGE Healthcare’s Flagship Facility in Lekki, Lagos
New centre introduces advanced aesthetic medicine and premium aftercare as healthcare professionals, industry leaders attend unveiling
New centre introduces advanced aesthetic medicine and premium aftercare as healthcare professionals, industry leaders attend unveiling
Dr Chidinma Akpa Pheoby, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of CGE Healthcare, has officially launched a state-of-the-art medical facility at 9A Oladimeji Alo, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on Wednesday. The unveiling event drew healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, celebrities, business executives, and family members to witness what the founder described as a new era in patient-centred care and clinical excellence.
Guests at the launch were given an exclusive tour of the facility’s modern treatment suites and recovery spaces, which have been designed to international standards. The event featured complimentary consultations, goodwill messages from attendees, and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting led by Dr Pheoby. According to organisers, the new CGE Healthcare centre is built around principles of body security and premium aftercare for clients seeking aesthetic medical services.
The opening comes at a time when demand for safe and regulated aesthetic medicine is increasing among Nigerians seeking global-standard treatments locally. Industry observers say the facility’s focus on clinical excellence may set a new benchmark in Lagos’ competitive healthcare landscape.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Dr Pheoby emphasised that the centre was established to address gaps in patient experience and safety. “CGE Healthcare was built on one simple belief: everyone deserves to feel safe, confident, and cared for. Every detail of this facility was intentionally designed to deliver excellence, compassion, and a patient experience that inspires trust. This is more than a clinic; it is a new home for confidence,” she said during her address at the event.
With the opening of this flagship location in Lekki Phase 1, stakeholders expect increased access to advanced procedures within Nigeria’s fast-evolving medical sector. As at press time, CGE Healthcare had not announced plans for further expansion but indicated commitment to maintaining high standards of care.
Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/dr-dinma-unveils-premium-healthcare-destination-in-lagos/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Education Ministry Summons Federal University Vice-Chancellor Over Appointment of 24 Aides in Delta State
Move comes days after new vice-chancellor assumed office, raising concerns over university governance and spending
Move comes days after new vice-chancellor assumed office, raising concerns over university governance and spending
The Federal Ministry of Education has summoned the vice-chancellor of a federal university in Delta State for explanation after he reportedly appointed 24 personal aides within days of assuming office. The development, which emerged on Saturday, has drawn attention to the management of public universities and the use of government resources.
According to sources within the education sector, the appointments were made shortly after the vice-chancellor officially resumed his duties at the institution. The ministry intervened following concerns raised by stakeholders about the scale and necessity of such a large number of aides in a single federal university, especially considering ongoing debates about cost management in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
This incident has reignited conversations about transparency and accountability in university administration across Nigeria. Many Nigerians have expressed worries about how public funds are allocated and spent by heads of tertiary institutions, especially at a time when universities are facing funding challenges, staff welfare issues, and infrastructural deficits. The matter is particularly sensitive in Delta State, where several federal institutions have come under scrutiny for similar administrative decisions.
While details of the aides’ roles remain unclear, the education ministry’s move signals a renewed focus on oversight and governance standards for federal universities. Ministry officials have indicated that further action could be taken depending on the outcome of discussions with the vice-chancellor.
The vice-chancellor has not issued a public statement as at press time. The development is expected to prompt a wider review of appointment practices in Nigeria’s higher education system as government seeks to ensure that institutional resources are managed judiciously.
Oyo Police Deny Arrest of Pastor in Orire Abduction Case, Fault Social Media Claims
Dr Chidinma Akpa Pheoby Launches CGE Healthcare’s Flagship Facility in Lekki, Lagos
Education Ministry Summons Federal University Vice-Chancellor Over Appointment of 24 Aides in Delta State
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