A 94-year-old Nigerian man, Adedapo Idowu, has registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

Idowu registered for UTME to fulfill his long-standing aspiration of studying Political Science at the University of Ibadan, UI..

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, made this known in its latest bulletin.

Gatekeeper reports that the Board had stated that more than 700,000 candidates have registered for this year’s exams.

The registration, which started on January 31, 2025, has over 11,000 underage applicants.

Expressing his excitement about the smooth registration process, the nonagenarian noted that his fears about pursuing higher education at an old age were dispelled after his seamless registration experience.

“I can now attain my dream at an advanced age. The registration staff gave me a sense of belonging through their warm reception at the registration center.”

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable cement producer and building solutions provider, has successfully concluded a capacity building training for Geoscientist & Mining Engineers at its Training Center in Ewekoro Ogun State. The three-day program, held in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, provided participants with in-depth knowledge, technical exposure, and hands-on learning.

The training brought together 25 participants from various sectors and featured expert-led sessions on mining best practices, safety protocols, raw materials management, community engagement, and sustainability initiatives. Participants were also taken on a tour of the Lafarge Ewekoro Quarry, gaining first-hand experience of mining operations and environmental conservation practices.

In his opening speech, Engr. Philip Anaobi, Plant Manager, welcomed participants and emphasized Lafarge Africa’s dedication to operational excellence and capacity development in Nigeria’s mining sector. He reiterated the company’s vision of equipping industry professionals with the necessary skills to drive sustainable growth.

One of the guest trainers, Prof. Jimoh Ajadi of the Department of Geology, Kwara State University, Malete Nigeria, who facilitated a session on Mining Global Best Practices, provided insights into internationally recognized standards in mining operations, including safety regulations, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements in the sector. He highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the evolving landscape of mining.

In his lecture on Lafarge’s Commitment to Sustainability, Gabriel Pollyn, Head of Sustainability and Sponosorships, highlighted the company’s focus on climate and energy, circular economy, nature conservation, and people-centric initiatives. He emphasized the importance of sustainable resource extraction and Lafarge’s pioneering efforts in developing eco-friendly cement solutions, waste recycling, and carbon footprint reduction.

Speaking on community engagement and stakeholder relations, the Community Relations Manager, Engr. Oluyomi Owolabi, detailed the company’s Community Relations Committee (CRC) model, which fosters inclusive partnerships with 14 host communities. He noted that Lafarge’s investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure has strengthened its long-term relationship with local stakeholders.

While appreciating Lafarge Africa Plc and the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, one of the participants, Emmanuel Okechukwu, said the training is full of hands-on learning experience and was grateful for the opportunity to partake in the training. He noted that the insights gained would significantly contribute to improving operations and fostering sustainability in mining and geoscience practices. He charged all the delegates to ensure that the insights gained are used to drive operational excellence in their respective organizations.

Over the years, Lafarge Africa has championed knowledge-sharing, innovation, and sustainable practices within Nigeria’s mining and construction industry across all its locations pan Nigeria. The programme’s impact is expected to enhance industry standards and contribute to more responsible and efficient mining operations across the country.

Lafarge Africa Plc is renowned for the production of a wide range of cement solutions designed to meet all building and construction needs from small projects like individual home buildings to major construction projects.

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About Lafarge Africa Plc

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading Nigerian building solutions company, is a member of Holcim Limited, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. Listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, Lafarge Africa is actively participating in the urbanization and economic growth of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

Lafarge Africa has the widest footprint in Nigeria with cement operations in the South West (Ewekoro and Sagamu in Ogun State), North East (Ashaka, in Gombe State), South East (Mfamosing, Cross Rivers State) with Ready-Mix operations in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Lafarge Africa has a current installed cement production capacity of 10.5Mtpa.

Lafarge Africa leverages on its innovative expertise to provide value-added products and services solutions in the building and construction industry in Nigeria. Lafarge Africa Plc is renowned for the production of a wide range of cement solutions designed to meet all building and construction needs from small projects like individual home buildings to major construction projects. Additional information is available on the web site at www.lafarge.com.ng

About Holcim

Holcim builds progress for people and the planet. As a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, Holcim is enabling greener cities, smarter infrastructure and improving living standards around the world. With sustainability at the core of its strategy Holcim is becoming a net zero company, with its people and communities at the heart of its success. The company is driving the circular economy as a world leader in recycling to build more with less. Holcim is the company behind some of the world’s most trusted brands in the building sector including ACC, Aggregate Industries, Ambuja Cement, Disensa, Firestone Building Products, Geocycle, Holcim and Lafarge. Holcim is 70,000 people around the world who are passionate about building progress for people and the planet through four business segments: Cement, Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates and Solutions & Products.

Police in Anambra State have confirmed the escape of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnap and eventual murder of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

The remains of the late Azuka were interred over the weekend in his hometown, Onitsha. However, disturbing news of the escape of two of his suspected killers had been circulating, albeit unconfirmed.

In a press statement, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was working to rearrest the fugitives and that operatives involved in the case would face sanctions.

His statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report today, 18th February 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets of the command to ensure their re-arrest. He has also ordered immediate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable in the matter.

“Preliminary findings reveal that, following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities. During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. However, the other two suspects managed to escape.

“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements in the state. Efforts are in top gear to ensure the suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. Any officers found to have been negligent will also face disciplinary action.”

DAILYPOST