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The Enugu State Internal Revenue Service (ESIRS) has reiterated its dedication to reaching the state’s goal of generating N509 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 2025. Emmanuel Nnamani, the Executive Chairman of ESIRS, made this announcement during a Holy Mass marking the start of the new work year at the ESIRS headquarters on Thursday. He praised the state’s residents for their excellent tax compliance in 2024 and disclosed the ambitious revenue target of N509 billion for the upcoming year. Nnamani recognized the challenge of this goal but expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to achieve it. “While this may appear overwhelming, we have proven our capacity to surpass expectations. Our strategies for reaching this target include improved collection of land use charges, stamp duties, taxes on rental income, and recovering unpaid local government taxes,” he explained. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to rapid and efficient project execution, emphasizing that the N509 billion target serves not just as a number but as a driving force for transformative projects that will benefit all residents of Enugu State. “Our commitment remains strong.” “With your ongoing support, we will enhance development and prosperity in our state,” he pledged. The chairman emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation between the government and the public to reach even greater achievements in 2025. Nnamani also highlighted the necessity of tax audits, indicating that businesses that had failed to pay their taxes would be examined to ensure they comply. He stated that the organization was dedicated to making sure that every eligible entity contributes its fair share to the development of Enugu State.

The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has awarded new ranks to 38 officers in the state. The promoted officers include one Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ochoma ThankGod, seven Chief Superintendents of Police, two Superintendents of Police, and 28 Deputy Superintendents of Police. During the ceremony at the Command’s headquarters in Lokoja, Onuoha urged the newly promoted officers to embody the core values of service, discipline, sacrifice, professionalism, and selflessness in their work. He praised their commitment and hard work that led to their promotions and emphasized that the new ranks come with greater responsibilities. He reminded them that the police are servants of the public and should ensure justice is upheld without corruption, noting that higher ranks in the police force present greater challenges, contrary to the belief that they become easier. The collaboration of families and communities is essential for handling these responsibilities. “Community support and cooperation are vital for sustaining peace in any setting.” “Security is a collective responsibility, not solely the obligation of security agencies,” he remarked. On behalf of the recently promoted Officers, ACP Ochoma ThankGod conveyed sincere appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu, Rtd, for believing in their qualifications for the promotion.

The hearing regarding the lawsuit contesting the February 22 local government elections in Osun State has been postponed to January 17, 2025. An Osun State High Court in Ile-Ife rescheduled the hearing to consider pending motions and a settlement report. Reports indicate that the suit was initiated by the Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) and 19 of its candidates who were disqualified by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC). The candidates are suing OSSIEC, state governor Ademola Adeleke, and the State Attorney General. They are seeking legal action to prevent the elections, citing irregularities and their exclusion from the local government election. Muhideen Adeoye, the attorney for the plaintiffs, disclosed that they are pursuing two main requests: to invalidate the amended election notice published by OSSIEC on July 18, 2024, and to allow the disqualified candidates to participate if the election goes ahead. During a hearing led by Justice Adedapo Adeniji, the All Peoples Party’s lawyer, Moruf Adediran, requested to be included in the lawsuit. In response, the State Attorney General’s lawyer, Deji Atoyebi, asked for additional time to reply to the request. Meanwhile, OSSIEC’s representative, Musibau Adetunbi, suggested settling the matter outside of court. He proposed that the plaintiffs withdraw their challenges regarding the revised election notice and the lack of an Election Petition Tribunal, while OSSIEC could re-evaluate its refusal of the candidates’ nominations. Adeoye also recognized the urgency of the situation and agreed to discuss the proposed settlement with his clients, stating that they would convey their decision at the next court session. Following this, Justice Adeniji postponed the case to January 17, 2025, to hear the outstanding applications or any settlement report.

Kwara United’s technical adviser, Tunde Sanni, has announced that the team will be strengthened with quality players for the second half of the season. Sanni emphasized the importance of having a strong squad for a successful campaign. “We will be adding about two to four players to enhance the team and provide good substitutes,” he said. In the first half of the season, Sanni’s team achieved six wins, five draws, and seven losses out of 18 matches. Currently, Kwara United is in 12th place on the NPFL table with 23 points. The Harmony Boys are set to face Enyimba in a rescheduled Matchday 16 game on Wednesday, January 15.

Kwara United’s technical adviser, Tunde Sanni, has announced plans to strengthen the team with quality players before the second half of the season. Sanni emphasized the need for a strong squad to ensure a successful campaign, mentioning that two to four players will join the team to enhance depth and provide solid substitutes. In the first half of the season, Sanni’s team achieved six wins, five draws, and suffered seven losses in 18 matches. Currently, Kwara United is in 12th place on the NPFL table with 23 points. The Harmony Boys are set to face Enyimba in a rescheduled Matchday 16 game on Wednesday, January 15.

At least 167 medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State, have protested their failure to be inducted into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) six months after graduation. According to DAILY POST, the graduates held a peaceful demonstration on Thursday, expressing their frustration over spending more than 10 years in medical school. They noted that since graduating on August 15, 2024, they have not yet been inducted into the MDCN. Precious Omohegbele, a representative for the students, stated that they graduated on August 15, 2024, after 10 years of study, but still await induction. Omohegbele urged Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to intervene and help resolve the situation so that the university’s 2015 medical cohort can be inducted, stressing that induction is essential for them to begin their housemanship. She stated, “We are the 2015 set of medical students from AAU, and we are now medical graduates.” We completed our graduation on August 15, 2024, and have been at home for five months without undergoing induction. At this point, we should be halfway through our house training. “There could be issues affecting our onboarding, but we can’t continue to wait since we’ve already invested 10 years in medical school (2015-2025).” She made a direct appeal to Governor Okpebholo for assistance, stating, “It would be unjust for 167 of us to stay at home after 10 years of training.” “We’re not aging in reverse as time goes by.” In the meantime, Governor Okpebholo made a quick stop while traveling from Irrua to speak to the protesting medical students at the gate of the institution in Ekpoma. He promised them that his administration would investigate the reasons for the delay in welcoming the 2015 group of medical students, who graduated months ago. “I understand your concerns, and I empathize with the difficulties you are currently facing.” I am conscious of the accreditation issue and other related concerns. I will invite the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution to talk about and examine the situation to find a quick resolution.

A minimum of 167 medical graduates from Ambrose Alli University, AAU, in Ekpoma, Edo State, have protested their lack of induction into the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) six months after graduating. According to DAILY POST, the students held a peaceful protest on Thursday, expressing their frustration after spending over a decade in medical school. They noted that since their graduation on August 15, they have not yet been inducted into the MDCN. Precious Omohegbele, a representative of the students, mentioned that she and her classmates graduated on August 15, 2024, after 10 years of study, but have still not received induction. Omohegbele urged Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, to intervene and resolve the issue so that the 2015 medical graduating class from the university can be inducted, stressing that induction is essential for them to begin their housemanship. She stated, “We are the 2015 set of medical students from AAU, and we are now medical graduates.” We completed our graduation on August 15, 2024, and have been at home for five months without undergoing induction. At this point, we should be halfway through our house training. “There could be issues affecting our onboarding, but we can’t continue to wait since we’ve already invested 10 years in medical school (2015-2025).” She directly urged Governor Okpebholo for help, stating, “It would be unjust for 167 of us to stay at home after a decade of training.” “We’re not aging in reverse as time goes by.” In the meantime, Governor Okpebholo made a quick stop while traveling from Irrua to speak to the protesting medical students at the gate of the institution in Ekpoma. He promised them that his administration would investigate the reasons for the delay in inducting the 2015 group of medical students, months after their graduation. “I have listened to you, and I empathize with the difficulties you are facing at the moment.” I know about the accreditation issue and other related concerns. “I will ask the acting Vice Chancellor of the institution to meet and address the matter in order to find a quick resolution.”

Bendel Insurance captain Efe Enabulele has acknowledged that the team needs to make considerable improvements before the second half of the season begins. The Benin Arsenals returned to training on Wednesday following the New Year break. Currently, Bendel Insurance is in 15th place on the league table with 21 points from 19 matches. Enabulele expressed his satisfaction with the players’ performance since returning. “I am very pleased with how the players showed up after the short break,” Enabulele told Bendel Insurance Media. “We are all eager to be back on the field because we have a lot of work ahead and areas to address.” Bendel Insurance will play against Enyimba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium when the second half begins on Saturday, January 25.

Bendel Insurance captain Efe Enabulele has acknowledged that the team requires substantial improvement before the second half of the season starts. The Benin Arsenals resumed training on Wednesday following the New Year break. Currently, Bendel Insurance sits in 15th place on the league table with 21 points from 19 matches. Enabulele expressed satisfaction with the players’ response upon returning. “I am very pleased with how the players showed up after the short break,” Enabulele told Bendel Insurance Media. “We are all excited to be back on the field because there is still much work to do and areas to address.” Bendel Insurance will compete against Enyimba at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium when the second half begins on Saturday, January 25.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has given a fitness update on Victor Boniface ahead of the upcoming Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund. Boniface has been out of action since he injured his thigh while on international duty last November. The 24-year-old was said to have returned to light training before Christmas but experienced a setback in his recovery. Alonso emphasized the need for patience and support for the striker, stating, “We were hoping he would be back in training on January 2.” “That’s unfortunate,” he said to the media on Thursday. “We need to be patient for him to return to his peak condition and to better understand the injury.” The priority now is to provide him with our support.