Royal News

Author: Najeebat Oyerinde

  • Kwara Polytechnic, ITF Launch Skill-Up Artisans Programme

    Kwara Polytechnic, ITF Launch Skill-Up Artisans Programme

     

    In a bid to strengthen the artisan sector, Kwara State Polytechnic, in collaboration with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), has officially launched the Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) programme to train, certify, and empower artisans across various trades to meet international standards.

    The programme, hosted at the Polytechnic’s mini campus, is a Federal Government initiative designed to enhance economic growth through skill development and professional excellence.

    Engr. Dr. Abdul Jimoh Mohammed, Rector of the Polytechnic, credited the programme’s launch to the steadfast support of the State Governor, Mall. AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, a strong advocate of vocational education. He emphasized that the initiative offers more than mere training or certification.

    “This programme is about creating pathways for artisans to thrive in today’s competitive global market,” Dr. Mohammed said, urging participants to take full advantage of the opportunity to enhance their skills, improve employability, and boost service delivery.

    The Director of the Kwara Polytechnic Institute of Skills Acquisition (KISA), Engr. Mrs. Elizabeth Onipede, lauded the Polytechnic’s efforts in realizing the initiative and noted that the programme is set to promote professionalism and quality service within the artisan sector.

    Providing an overview of SUPA, Mr. Abdulrasaq Lawal, ITF Head of Training, Ilorin Area Office, explained that the initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader strategy to strengthen technical skills, foster economic growth, and create employment. He added that the programme emphasizes tech-driven training and international standards, aiming to elevate craftsmanship, professionalism, and service quality across trades.

  • Terry Apala: Most Ladies at Gyms Are Just Vibing

    Terry Apala: Most Ladies at Gyms Are Just Vibing

    Nigerian music sensation Terry Apala has revealed why he would never allow his partner to attend a public gym.

    The Apala Disco hitmaker, in a recent interview on Echo Room hosted by reality star Teddy A, claimed that many women visit gyms not to work out, but to flirt with men and create videos. Terry said he is speaking from firsthand experience.

    “I will not allow my partner to go to the gym. I was a member of iFitness VGC, and I’ve seen what goes on there. It seems many ladies nowadays go to vibe and make videos, not to work out,” he said.

    The singer added that public gyms often serve as a social scene where some women attempt to seduce men, while some men also attend gyms seeking female attention. He recalled his experience at another gym in Megamound Estate, where he witnessed similar behavior.

    “A lot of ladies are just at the gym to have fun. Maybe a few are really there to work out, but most are just enjoying the vibe,” Terry remarked.

  • Kwara Monarch Refutes Kidnap-Proceeds Allegations

    Kwara Monarch Refutes Kidnap-Proceeds Allegations

    The Oba of Babanla in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Adegboyega Yusuf, Arojojoye II, has refuted claims that millions of naira suspected to be linked to kidnapping were found in his bank accounts.

    Addressing reporters at a press conference in Ilorin, the state capital, on Wednesday, the monarch described the reports as “unfounded and cruel.” He also clarified that no similar sums were discovered in the accounts of the Oba of Alabe.

    “I want to state clearly that no millions of naira were traced to my bank accounts by any government agency,” Oba Yusuf said.

    The monarch declined to comment on a related matter concerning his wife, who operates a Point-of-Sale (PoS) business, noting that investigations were still ongoing.

    Babanla and its surrounding communities have recently faced repeated attacks by bandits, leaving residents fearful and residents’ livelihoods under threat. The Oba’s clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny of local leaders and security challenges in the region.

    Oba Yusuf’s statement aims to set the record straight, reassuring his subjects and the general public that the allegations circulating online and in some media outlets are baseless.

  • Qatar Imposes New Visa Rules for Nigerian Travelers

    Qatar Imposes New Visa Rules for Nigerian Travelers

    The Qatari Ministry of Interior has introduced new visa regulations for Nigerian travelers, citing recent cases of overstays as the reason for the policy change.

    Under the updated rules, applicants must book a confirmed return transfer along with hotel reservations before a tourist or transit visa can be processed.

    Eligibility has also been restricted. Only female travelers or families can apply, while male applicants are no longer eligible unless accompanied by their families.

    Additionally, only bookings at 5-star hotels will now qualify for visa processing.

    “The Qatar Ministry of Interior has announced updated visa regulations for Nigerian travellers following recent overstays. A confirmed return transfer must be booked alongside your hotel. Only females or families may apply. Male travellers must be accompanied by family. Only 5-star hotels are accepted,” the notice stated.

    The new requirements took effect immediately and apply to all pending visa applications.

    Qatar has long been a popular destination for Nigerian tourists, with thousands visiting annually, though it is not a primary choice for permanent migration.

    Experts say the new restrictions could significantly limit access for Nigerians planning leisure or short-term trips to the Middle East.

  • Lagos Government Enforces Building Regulations in Oworonshoki

    Lagos Government Enforces Building Regulations in Oworonshoki

    The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) said its recent demolition of shanties and unapproved structures at Oworonshoki followed due process, noting that residents ignored repeated warnings.

    Mr. Gbolahan Oki, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the affected structures had been served demolition notices prior to the exercise.

    He explained that residents were given ample opportunity to obtain planning permits during the state government’s amnesty programme for unapproved buildings, which ran from May to December 2024.

    “Only two or three persons in that community took advantage of the amnesty, and those buildings were not demolished. Others ignored all warnings,” Oki said.

    Before the demolition, LASBCA officials engaged residents through community meetings and sensitisation efforts in collaboration with local and traditional leaders.

    Oki added that many of the demolished buildings were structurally unsound, blocking drainage channels, posing security threats, or showing visible cracks despite being superficially patched with paint.

    “The government cannot allow people to live in houses that are not fit for habitation. Every property in Lagos must now have a certificate of fitness for habitation,” he said.

    He noted that obtaining a planning permit now takes 10 to 15 days once all documents are submitted, with offices decentralised across local government areas to facilitate the process.

    Oki emphasised that the demolitions were not carried out in secret, citing a three-minute video showing marked buildings and community meetings at Oworonshoki presented during the interaction.

    The exercise was aimed at safeguarding lives, improving drainage, and enhancing security, with 18,489 applications submitted and 8,856 planning permits issued during the three-phase amnesty programme.

  • NCAA Moves Against Unruly Passengers on Domestic Flights

    NCAA Moves Against Unruly Passengers on Domestic Flights


    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all pilots not to fly their aircraft if any unruly passenger remains on board.

    The directive was announced on Wednesday by the NCAA Director of Public Relations and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during an ongoing meeting with domestic airlines in Abuja.

    Achimugu said it was unacceptable for disruptive passengers to remain on flights, stressing that pilots may only take off after such issues are resolved or the passenger is removed.

    He explained that unruly behaviour towards pilots or cabin crew poses serious risks in aviation and must be addressed before departure.

    The NCAA spokesperson also cautioned airline staff to remain professional when dealing with passengers, assuring operators that the authority would back them in cases of unruly behaviour.

    Also speaking, Ifueko Abdulmalik, Senior Special Assistant to the NCAA Director-General, warned that airlines would face sanctions for neglecting passengers during delays or cancellations without providing proper care.

    Wednesday’s meeting with domestic carriers focused on several key issues, including unruly passenger behaviour, passenger handling protocols, refund and compensation challenges, use of RFID bag tags, flight monitoring technology, enforcement of in-flight phone switch-off rules, and protection for cabin crew.

    The NCAA said the measures aim to enhance safety and improve the travel experience for passengers.

  • Terror Suspects in Owo Massacre, to Remain in Custody

    Terror Suspects in Owo Massacre, to Remain in Custody

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has refused to grant bail to five men accused of carrying out the 2022 terrorist attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which left more than 40 worshippers dead.

    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling on Wednesday, dismissed the bail application on the grounds that the charges were capital in nature and the defendants posed a risk to the trial process.

    The judge upheld the Department of State Services’ (DSS) argument that the accused persons could intimidate witnesses, interfere with evidence, or flee if released on bail. He also noted that the defendants failed to provide credible sureties.

    “The evidence against the defendants is strong and cannot be glossed over. Granting bail in this case would amount to judicial risk,” Justice Nwite said.

    The court further ruled that the bail application was incompetent, pointing out that the motion did not properly list the names of the five defendants and was supported by a joint affidavit instead of separate affidavits, as required by law.

    The defendants — Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza, Al Qasim Idris, Jamiu Abdulmalik, Abdulhaleem Idris, and Momoh Otuho Abubakar — are alleged to be members of the Al-Shabab terrorist group with a cell in Kogi State.

    According to the charges, they planned and executed the June 5, 2022 attack on the Owo church using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and firearms, resulting in the deaths of over 40 people and injuries to more than 100 others.

    Their counsel, Abdullahi Awwal Ibrahim, had argued that they had assembled reliable sureties and should be granted bail. The application, filed on August 11 and argued on August 19, was opposed by DSS counsel, Dr. Callistus Eze.

    Eze insisted that the gravity of the offences made the accused persons a flight risk and urged the court to keep them in custody.

    Justice Nwite granted an accelerated trial and fixed October 19, 2025, for commencement of proceedings.

  • Nigerian Physician Raises Alarm on Energy Drink Abuse

    Nigerian Physician Raises Alarm on Energy Drink Abuse

    A family physician, Dr. Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya, has cautioned Nigerians about the dangers of excessive energy drink consumption, warning that it poses serious health risks and could be fatal.

    Dr. Olufunmilayo Ogunsanya, popularly known as #OurFavOnlineDoc on X, said most energy drinks are packed with glucose and caffeine, which provide a temporary boost but may trigger severe medical complications.

    “Generally, energy drinks are pumped with glucose and caffeine, among other things. The high glucose gives you energy, and the high caffeine is a stimulant that keeps you alert and energised,” he said in a post.

    The physician noted that high caffeine intake can worsen stomach ulcers, cause abdominal pain, and overstimulate the heart. He listed possible side effects such as irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, chest pain, and even collapse.

    “This could be far worse if you already have unknown heart problems,” he added.

    Ogunsanya further warned against combining energy drinks with alcohol, describing the practice as especially dangerous. “Energy drinks are not ‘harmless fun’. When you take them with alcohol, you are on the fast highway to ending your life,” he said.

    He advised Nigerians to avoid the products entirely or limit intake to no more than one can per day.

  • Yakubu Gowon University Records Highest Staff Promotions

    Yakubu Gowon University Records Highest Staff Promotions

    The Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University, formerly University of Abuja, has approved the promotion of 104 academic staff to professorial rank.

    The decision was reached at the 78th Extraordinary Meeting of Council, held on September 9 and 10, 2025, at the university’s main campus in Abuja. The council was chaired by Senator Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso.

    A statement by the Acting Director of Information and University Relations, Dr. Habib Yakoob, said 58 staff were promoted to the rank of Professor, while 46 were elevated to Associate Professor.

    The promotions cut across disciplines including agriculture, animal science, Islamic studies, clinical sciences, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, radiology, ophthalmology, theatre arts, education, engineering, pharmacology, statistics, applied mathematics, nursing, and allied health sciences.

    Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mathew Adamu, congratulated the newly promoted staff, describing the exercise as the largest in the university’s history.

    “This promotion is a recognition of your hard work, academic excellence, and commitment to the values and growth of the University,” Adamu said. “It is particularly remarkable because the number of staff elevated to professorial rank is the highest ever.”

    He added that the development reflects the council’s commitment to rewarding excellence and strengthening the institution’s human resource base.

    The Vice-Chancellor assured staff of continued improvements in the university’s reward system, noting that stability within the institution would support its aspiration of becoming a world-class university.