News
Certificate Racketeering Saga: NYSC’s ICT System Is Foolproof -Official
The Director of Press and Public Relations, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Eddy Megwa, says the scheme’s integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system is foolproof.
Megwa was reacting to the report of an investigation into certificate racketeering titled “How Daily Nigerian Reporter Bagged Cotonou Varsity Degree in six Weeks, participated in NYSC Scheme.”
According to the report, there is a booming certificate racketeering syndicate in Benin Republic and Togo
which specialises in selling university degrees to willing buyers from Nigeria.
The report also detailed how to access the NYSC platform and register for mobilisation for the one-year national service.
Responding, Megwa said that the investigator, who had served in 2018, could only register on the NYSC platform
using a phone number and email that had not been used before on the platform.
He added that “the system put in place by the scheme, though still evolving, is foolproof.
“Our system is foolproof, unless you want to go through criminal way, and of course, once you are caught, you go for it.
“The investigator inputted the email and the phone number he used in serving before and the system flagged it, which means there is a check in place.
“He owned up in his report that NYSC is foolproof and that he (the investigator) had to go beyond the ordinary to get through the point he went through.
“So, as it is, our system is evolving and we are putting things in place; we are up and doing and doing our best.
“The young man (investigator) confessed that in all the procedures he went through until the last beat, NYSC was the most difficult and we are making it even more difficult for any infiltrator to get into our system.”
Megwa added that ICT is evolving the world over, and organisations have continued to improve on the established ICT base to ensure that hackers do not get in.
On the issue of fake certificate being presented for mobilisation, he said “it is not the responsibility of the scheme to verify certificates, as it is not supposed to doubt the integrity of an institution’s senate.”
He, however, said that for foreign graduates, the scheme carries out tests for them before they are allowed to serve.
He added that “we have been carrying out checks on foreign universities before now, even with our local universities; we have been doing that.
“NYSC does not doubt the integrity of the senate of an institution; our business is to certify students worthy in character and in learning and once a list is given to us,
we mobilise.”
He cited an instance of how a former director-general of the scheme interacted with a youth corps member and discovered that the member had not attended any higher institution.
Megwa said that the system had been sanitised and officers in affected institutions that were doing the racketeering were expelled from the schools.
He, however, said that the scheme subjects prospective youth corps members from foreign universities to test “because of the things happening, as some graduates cannot write a single sentence in English.”
In a related development, to strengthen online registration process for the scheme, beginning from 2024, eligible prospective youth corps members will be required to register for mobilisation with the National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The decision was part of deliberations during collaborative meeting by the NYSC and the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC).
During the meeting, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, said that the collaboration would strengthen the online registration process.
Also, the Director-General of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, pledged the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the scheme.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol
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