The American International School Abuja (AISA) yesterday provided additional information and context to clarify the issues around its decision to refund the school fees paid by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Head of School, Greg Hughes, said the school actually turned in the funds in compliance with the commission’s request and denied any wrongdoing.

He also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to upholding institutional integrity and respect for institutions in the country.

Hughes said: “Our compliance to remit these funds underscores our commitment to upholding institutional integrity and our respect for the national institutions of Nigeria.

“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request.”

Citing the subjudice status of the issue as a result of the ongoing case between the EFCC and Bello, the school averred that “we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.”

The statement dated April 26, 2024, read: “Recent media reports have highlighted issues between the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), AISA and a family with children enrolled at the school, stemming from an investigation carried out in 2022.

“As a school, we did accept an advance payment for school fees, and duly documented these fees in our records.

“Upon learning that the school fees we accepted in good faith were, in fact, part of an ongoing case with the EFCC, we turned over these funds in compliance with this federal commission’s request…”

It added: “At no point has the school been accused of any wrongdoing about this case, and we are cooperating fully with the EFCC to address matters currently before the courts.

“As these legal matters are being resolved within the Nigerian judicial system and involve one of our families, we will refrain from making any further comments at this time.

“As an institution, we remain committed to providing excellent service to our school community in line with our core values, vision and mission,” the statement explained.

Prince Bassey Otu, Cross River governor, has initiated a large-scale rice project, spanning 50,000 hectares.

The endeavour is supported by a credit scheme, which sees the state allocating a whooping N150 million monthly, towards agricultural development initiatives.

The ceremony marking the commencement of the project took place in Ndok community, Ogoja local government area of Cross River, weekend.

Otu, at the event, affirmed his administration’s readiness to revolutionise the agricultural sector.

He stressed the need for a direct collaboration with rice farmers to meet the cultivation of the extensive 50,000 hectares.

“We are engaging with groups of farmers as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.

“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations,” the governor remarked.

Continuing, Otu said, “we are committed to working along with every farmer while ensuring the provision of essential resources and I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders based on our long-term commitment to this course.”

On a credit-guarantee scheme established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers, Otu encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity in order to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.

He charged the citizenry to take advantage of the numerous resources in the state to remain proactive while help in turning Cross River into an industrial hub.

Earlier, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo Jnr, informed of government’s strategic approach to agricultural development, explaining the various policies put in place to attract private sector investments, while making agriculture the cornerstone of the state’s economy.

Ebokpo said: “Significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.”

According to the Agric Commissioner, “the initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”

Chairman, Cross River Rice Farmers Association, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, hinting that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.

Anoh also applauded government’s agricultural initiatives as he expressed hope that the result would tremendously benefit the populace and boost the sector.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has urged political leaders to project the beauty of the nation’s cultural diversity.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, spokesperson of the Vice-President, in a statement on Saturday said Shettima made the call during conferment of the Chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Ijebuland on Dr Sulaiman Adegunwa.

According to the statement, the ceremony held in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Shettima emphasised the importance of service to humanity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

He conveyed greetings from President Bola Tinubu, describing the new Asiwaju as “a worthy son of the soil, a leader committed to entrenching peaceful coexistence across the length and breadth of the nation.”

Shettima said ” the event we are all gathered here to witness is not just one that celebrates the intertwining between leadership and culture but indeed the essence of humanity which is service.

” As beautiful as we all look in the various attires we are putting on, so is the beauty in our diversity, so is the beauty of our heritage, so is the beauty of our cultures which bellies in our age-long tradition.”

He called on Adegunwa to see his new role as a call to service and a reminder that “what we owe this country is a sacrifice for love, tolerance and total dedication.”

Recounting Adegunwa’s inspiring story of success, Shettima noted that “the story of Baba is successful yet very motivational; that for every man that strives to succeed there is no way the doors would not be open.

” On our part, we shall continue to partner with well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that for everyone that sacrifices and strives to succeed despite the challenges we face as a nation, we shall leave no stone unturned in giving them all the support.

“I wish Dr Adegunwa a most meritorious and legacy-filled Chieftaincy. May your era bring bountiful peace, love, and progress to this beautiful land. Thank you and God bless,” he added.

In his remarks, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, congratulated Dr Adegunwa, recounting his journey from a small photo studio to investments in banking, real estate, agriculture, and education.

“Today, Baba Dr Adegunwa is installed with the distinguished title of the Asiwaju of Ijebuland.

” I am confident that the new Asiwaju will bring his wealth of experience and personal attributes, courage and philanthropy to discharge his new role admirably to the Ijebu people.”

Also, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayọde Adetọna II, who conferred the Chieftaincy title, commended Dr Adegunwa and his wife for distinguishing themselves in character and their fields of endeavour.

He also applauded their contributions to the community’s economic well-being.

Oba Adetona, who has been on the throne for 64 years, said the palace had observed the Adegunwa with “joy and pride.

According to him, they exhibited uncanny and unblemished sagacity, honesty and integrity and uncommon development in Ijebuland.