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Vice President Kashim Shettima was conferred with the traditional title of Odoziani 1 of Aniocha, meaning “the one who restores the glory of the land,” during a condolence visit to the family home of Chairman of Heirs Holdings and UBA Group, Tony Elumelu, on Saturday.

The title was bestowed on Shettima in recognition of his service, leadership, and contributions to society, as well as his support for the progress and development of the Aniocha community.

The honour came on the same day the VP led the Federal Government delegation to the funeral ceremony of the late Sir Israel Chinwuba Ogbue, Elumelu’s father-in-law, held at Onicha-Olona community in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Pa Ogbue, who passed away on February 18, 2026, was eulogised by Shettima as a man of rare grace and legacy.

Conveying the condolences of President Bola Tinubu to the bereaved family, Shettima said: “On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I extend our condolences and our respect to the family, the people of Onicha-Olona, and the government and people of Delta State. We honour the life he lived and the example he set.”

Shettima described the burial as a celebration of a life well spent. He noted that the late patriarch’s values lived on in his children.

“At a moment like this, we can list achievements, we can recount titles, but what matters most is the life behind them. Pa Ogbue lived a life of meaning. He served, he guided, and he left things better than he met them,” Shettima said.

“And so, while we feel the weight of his passing, we must also recognise that this is a celebration. A celebration of a long life, well lived. A celebration of a legacy that will continue through generations.”

Shettima acknowledged Pa Ogbue’s role in the early journey of United Bank for Africa (UBA), saying his wisdom helped guide the bank at critical moments.

“He brought stability when it was needed and ensured that growth never lost its moral compass. This was a man who believed in balance. In a world that often chases excess, he chose moderation. He taught that ambition must be guided, that success must not come at the cost of one’s peace, and that a life of contentment is a life well lived,” Shettima added.

The ceremony attracted dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria.

The VP was accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa; Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu; House of Representatives member Usman Zannah; Bakari Kotoko; and businessman AYM Shafa, among others.

Shettima Bags Chieftaincy Title During Condolence Visit To Elumelu’s Family is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Kebbi State Government is set to establish a permanent site for the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Kebbi State Centre in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. Governor Nasir Idris announced this during the 15th Convocation of NOUN, which was held simultaneously across the country this Saturday. Represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, […]

The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) has called for strong regulatory safeguards as Nigeria moves toward integrating digital assets into its financial system, warning that innovation in the capital market must be carefully balanced with risk discipline and governance.

NGX Group Chairman, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, said the future development of Nigeria’s capital market depends on ensuring that emerging asset classes, including digital assets, are introduced within a clear and well-regulated framework that protects investors and preserves financial stability.

Speaking at the 2026 Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers’ Conference in Lagos, Kwairanga stressed that while digital assets are reshaping global financial systems, their adoption must not encourage excessive risk-taking or weaken market safeguards.

He said: “We remain actively engaged with stakeholders to ensure that innovation, including emerging asset classes, is integrated responsibly within a well-regulated framework.”

Kwairanga noted that digital assets are increasingly playing a role in expanding capital formation opportunities and improving financial inclusion, particularly through faster, more efficient financial transactions and broader investor access to markets. However, he warned that without strong oversight, the risks associated with volatility and systemic exposure could undermine these benefits.

The NGX chairman emphasized that regulatory clarity and ethical conduct among market participants are essential to building a resilient financial ecosystem capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

His remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s digital asset landscape is facing heightened calls for clearer regulatory direction. Earlier this year, fintech operators urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to define permissible cryptocurrency-related activities for licensed financial institutions, citing uncertainty as a major barrier to innovation and institutional participation.

According to insights from the CBN Fintech Report, digital assets have significant potential to enhance cross-border payments, deepen financial inclusion, and unlock new market opportunities. However, regulatory ambiguity continues to slow broader adoption and investment across the sector.

Kwairanga highlighted NGX Group’s ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s capital market infrastructure as part of its broader transformation agenda. He pointed to NGX Invest, a digital platform that has replaced traditional paper-based public offerings with a fully digitised process, improving efficiency, transparency, and investor participation in primary market transactions.

He described investment advisers and portfolio managers as “custodians of capital,” noting that their role is central to maintaining trust, discipline, and integrity within the financial system.

Kwairanga further called for stronger collaboration among regulators, market operators, and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s financial system evolves in a way that is both innovative and resilient, particularly as digital assets become more integrated into global financial markets.

Nigeria’s Financial System Needs Strong Safeguards For Digital Assets – NGX is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

 

A northern Islamic cleric who placed a N1million bounty on a pastor accused of insulting the holy Prophet has restated his resolve, insisting he will not withdraw the offer under any circumstance.

It has earlier reported that the cleric, in a viral video, called for the beheading of the pastor over alleged blasphemy, a statement that sparked widespread concern over incitement.

The report noted that the video circulated widely on social media, drawing attention and raising fears over the potential escalation of religious tensions, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Reaffirming his position, the cleric said, “I still stand by the contract I have that whoever can behead the pastor who insulted the prophet of God will  get one million naira. I swear to Almighty God I will fulfill my plea. No going back l, and as the pastor is a very useless man.”

He further maintained his pledge, stating, “Secondly, whoever fulfills that requirement (beheading the pastor), I swear to Allah I’ll give him that money (one million naira), no retreat…”

The cleric’s remarks have continued to draw attention, with calls for restraint and adherence to lawful processes in handling matters relating to religious allegations.

It has earlier been reported how a yet-to-be-identified northern Islamic cleric publicly placed a ₦1 million bounty on the head of an unnamed person, said to be a Christian cleric, openly calling for the victim to be beheaded, in a disturbing development captured in a viral video circulating online.

The shocking footage, shows the cleric brandishing bundles of cash while inciting members of the public to carry out the act, promising financial rewards for whoever executes the gruesome directive.

The exact circumstances surrounding the threat, including the identity of the intended victim and what led to the declaration, remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

In the short video clip, the cleric is seen holding wads of cash, urging anyone willing to carry out the killing to do so, while also offering to increase the amount if deemed insufficient.

“I swear to God, I promise ₦1 million to whoever beheads this man,” the cleric said. “If the person who wants to cut off his head feels the money is too small, let them go ahead and do it, I will increase the money.”

In a separate reaction captured in the same video also a visibly disturbed woman criticised the silence of security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), over the cleric’s threats.

Addressing a growing culture of impunity, the woman called on authorities to take immediate action before the situation escalates.

“Dearly beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, this is an Islamic cleric, a Muslim preacher, a mallam, preaching inside a mosque,” she said. “He is placing a ₦1 million bounty on the head of a Christian brother, asking anybody to kill him, cut off his head, and bring it to him.”

She continued, “He even said if ₦1 million is too small for the person who will carry out the killing, they should inform him, and he will increase it, just bring the head.”

Drawing a biblical parallel, she added, “Just the same way they asked for the head of John the Baptist, he is now asking for the head of this Christian brother. I don’t know what caused the issue between them, but he is always spewing hateful statements about Christians.”

The woman further criticised what she described as misplaced priorities, lamenting that while vulnerable children known as Almajiris roam the streets in poverty, the cleric appeared willing to spend large sums encouraging violence.

“Families are dying of hunger on the streets. He has not used ₦1 million to rehabilitate them. But he can bring out ₦1 million and say anyone who kills this Christian brother will get the money,” she said.

She also questioned the apparent inaction of security agencies.

“The DSS has not come to arrest him. They have not picked him up. Yet they will tell Christians to remain silent in the name of peace,” she said.

Condemning the apparent silence on the issue, she added, “Silence is not golden. Silence is cowardice. If you say you want peace, then act like it.”

The cleric in his latest video has increased the bounty to N2m

The Cisco 350-401 ENCOR exam is one of the most important certifications for networking professionals aiming to advance their careers in enterprise networking. To prepare effectively, many candidates use platforms like ExamSnap, which provide structured study materials and practice resources to strengthen understanding of core concepts and improve exam readiness. This certification is part of the CCNP Enterprise track and validates your knowledge in core networking technologies including dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation. As organizations continue to rely heavily on robust networking systems, the demand for certified professionals is consistently rising. Preparing for this exam requires not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience with Cisco technologies.

Why Choose the Cisco 350-401 Certification

The Cisco 350-401 certification opens doors to numerous career opportunities in network engineering, system administration, and IT infrastructure management. It is recognized globally and proves that you possess advanced skills in managing enterprise networks. With this certification, professionals can expect better salary packages, promotions, and increased job stability. Moreover, it enhances your credibility in the competitive IT industry.

Exam Structure and Key Topics

The 350-401 ENCOR exam covers a wide range of topics that are essential for enterprise networking.

These include:

Architecture: Understanding enterprise network design and wireless architecture.
Virtualization: Knowledge of virtual networking devices and services.
Infrastructure: Routing, switching, and wireless technologies.
Network Assurance: Monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Security: Implementing secure network solutions.
Automation: Using tools like Python and APIs for network automation.
Each section requires a deep understanding of concepts along with practical implementation skills.

Best Study Strategies for Success

To successfully pass the Cisco 350-401 exam, candidates must follow a structured study plan. Start by reviewing the official Cisco syllabus and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate time for each topic and ensure consistent study sessions. Hands-on labs are extremely important, as they allow you to practice real-world scenarios. Use simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3 to gain practical experience. Additionally, joining online forums and study groups can help you stay motivated and clarify doubts.

Importance of Practice Exams

Practice exams play a crucial role in exam preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern, improve time management, and identify weak areas. By attempting multiple mock tests, you can gain confidence and reduce exam anxiety. Reliable platforms provide updated questions that closely resemble the actual exam, making your preparation more effective.

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Common Challenges Faced by Candidates

Many candidates struggle with the vast syllabus and technical depth of the exam. Topics like automation and security can be particularly challenging for beginners. Time management during preparation is another common issue. To overcome these challenges, focus on understanding concepts rather than memorizing answers. Break down complex topics into smaller sections and revise regularly.

Benefits of Certification in the Real World

Achieving the Cisco 350-401 certification equips you with practical skills that are directly applicable in real-world environments. You will be able to design, manage, and troubleshoot enterprise networks efficiently. This certification also prepares you for advanced roles such as network architect or senior network engineer.

Tips for Exam Day

On the day of the exam, ensure that you are well-rested and confident. Read each question carefully and manage your time effectively. Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions. Instead, move forward and return to them later if time permits. Staying calm and focused is key to success.

FAQs

What is the passing score for the Cisco 350-401 exam?
The passing score typically varies but is usually around 825 out of 1000.

How long is the exam?
The exam duration is approximately 120 minutes.

Is hands-on experience necessary?
Yes, practical experience is highly recommended for better understanding and success.

How many questions are in the exam?
The exam usually contains 90-110 questions.

Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes, Cisco allows retakes after a waiting period.

Conclusion

The Cisco 350-401 ENCOR certification is a powerful credential that can significantly elevate your career in networking. It demonstrates your ability to handle complex enterprise networking tasks and positions you as a skilled professional in the IT industry. Preparing for this exam requires dedication, consistency, and a strategic approach. By focusing on the core topics and gaining hands-on experience, you can build a strong foundation that will help you not only pass the exam but also excel in real-world scenarios.
A well-structured study plan is essential for success. Start by understanding the exam objectives and allocating sufficient time for each topic. Practice regularly using labs and simulations to reinforce your knowledge. Utilize reliable resources and practice tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement. Consistent revision and self-assessment are key to retaining information and building confidence.

Another important aspect is staying updated with the latest networking trends and technologies. The IT industry is constantly evolving, and professionals must adapt to new tools and methodologies. By earning the Cisco 350-401 certification, you demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Time management plays a crucial role in both preparation and the actual exam. Avoid last-minute cramming and instead focus on steady, consistent learning. Break down complex topics into manageable sections and review them regularly. This approach will help you retain information more effectively and reduce stress.

Motivation and persistence are equally important. The journey to certification can be challenging, but staying focused on your goals will help you overcome obstacles. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who can guide you along the way. Celebrate small achievements to keep yourself motivated.
In conclusion, the Cisco 350-401 certification is not just an exam but a stepping stone to a successful career in networking. With the right preparation, resources, and mindset, you can achieve this certification and unlock new opportunities in the IT industry. Stay dedicated, practice consistently, and believe in your abilities to succeed.

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Contempt proceedings have been initiated against Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and the current Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Unaogu Ngozichukwu Nneka, over their alleged refusal to comply with a court order reinstating Prof. Monday Igwe as Medical Director.

Court documents show that a Form 48 notice(a statutory warning under Nigerian law) has been served on both officials for failing to obey a December 11, 2025 judgment of the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/130/2024).

Justice E.D. Subilim had declared Prof. Igwe’s termination null and void, nullified Dr. Unaogu’s appointment, and ordered Prof. Igwe’s immediate reinstatement to complete his remaining three years and five months in office.

The court also ordered payment of salary arrears and awarded Prof. Igwe ₦3 million in damages.

Prof. Igwe was first appointed Medical Director in April 2019 for a four-year tenure and had his appointment renewed for a second term after what court documents described as satisfactory performance.

In September 2023, he was suspended following a conflict with Mr. Afam Ndu, the Acting Principal of the hospital’s School of Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing. Prof. Igwe had issued disciplinary queries against Ndu for alleged insubordination and refusal to comply with lawful instructions.

A seven-member ministerial committee investigated the allegations against Prof. Igwe and cleared him of all serious charges, recommending his reinstatement.

However, the court found that the Minister misled President Bola Tinubu with a “twisted report,” resulting in presidential approval for Prof. Igwe’s termination in violation of the Public Service Rules and Approved Disciplinary Procedure for Chief Executives of Federal Government parastatals.

The Form 48 notice warns both Dr. Salako and Dr. Unaogu that continued disobedience of the court order could result in committal for contempt of court and imprisonment.

According to the notice, as of April 14, 2026, “Dr. Unaogu Ngozichukwu Nneka has continued to perform functions of the office of Medical Director while Prof. Monday Igwe has not been reinstated to office in utter disregard to the subsisting orders of this Honourable Court which execution has not been stayed.”

The Certificate of Judgment/Ruling issued by the National Industrial Court confirms that the court found Prof. Igwe’s termination breached established procedures.

It also declared Dr. Unaogu’s appointment, made while the suit was still pending and in which she was a party, to be a nullity and an act of overreach.

This is not Dr. Unaogu’s first encounter with contempt proceedings. In 2025, she was committed to prison by an Enugu State High Court presided over by Justice E.M. Egumgbe for defying a court order in a separate case involving the same Mr. Afam Ndu.

The court had granted a perpetual injunction restraining hospital management from scrutinizing Ndu’s credentials, but Dr. Unaogu, then acting as Medical Director, allegedly constituted a senior staff committee to further investigate the matter in defiance of the order.

In a statement, public affairs analyst Comrade Honesty Ogbu accused the Minister and hospital leadership of “flagrantly refusing” to implement the court ruling months after it was delivered, despite there being no stay of execution.

“It is unsettling that individuals and institutions that should be subject to the law now appear more powerful than the law itself,” Ogbu said, calling on President Tinubu and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure those found guilty of contempt face legal consequences.

Court documents dated April 2026 indicate that enforcement processes are ongoing, with the matter remaining active before the National Industrial Court.

As of the time of this report, neither the Federal Ministry of Health nor the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, has issued an official response to the contempt allegations.

Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti has explained why his family didn’t sell their father, the late Afrobeat pioneer, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s catalogue despite numerous offers.

In a recent interview with Channels TV, the Grammy-nominated singer disclosed that the major reason was to preserve the Afrobeat legend’s legacy.

He emphasised that his elder sister, Yeni Kuti, particularly opposed the selling of Fela’s catalogue, stressing that she is extremely protective of the Afrobeat pioneer’s legacy.

He, however, noted that the family licensed Fela’s music to a foreign company for a period of time.

“We never sold Fela’s catalogue. It is under Fela’s estate controlled by the family. But we licensed the music.

“So, we control it. I don’t know how many years we have left but when it is done, we will take it over and licensed it again,” Kuti explained.

“My elder sister, Yeni Kuti, strongly opposed selling Fela’s catalogue. She is like the caretaker. And we give her the honour as the eldest among us. It doesn’t mean that the rest of us don’t have say, of course.

“But she is very protective of Fela’s legacy so she insisted we don’t sell it. I saw her view immediately and we all agreed. If we had sold it, no royalty would be coming to the family,” he added.

The music incon said he hopes that their children would follow the standard and protect Fela’s legacy in the future.

My elder sister opposed selling Fela’s catalogue – Femi Kuti

Troops of operation enduring peace of the Nigerian Army have arrested nine suspected members of the Berom militia over alleged involvement in targeted killings in Riyom LGA of Plateau.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the suspects were apprehended at about 01:35 am on Saturday after troops deployed at Ganawuri responded to reports of suspicious movement towards the Danwal area.

Rotimi Amaechi, former minister of transportation, on Saturday hosted Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and other opposition leaders at his Abuja residence.

Victor Umeh, senator representing Anambra central, Achike Udenwa, former governor of Anambra; and Victor Oganku were also at the meeting

No official statement was issued after the meeting though observers believe it has to do with the 2027 election 

A total of 5,196 students, comprising 2,795 for the National Diploma (ND) and 2,401 for the Higher National Diploma (HND), were matriculated during the 2026 matriculation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. The disclosure was made on Saturday by the Registrar of the Polytechnic, Alhaji Kasimu Salihu, during the matriculation ceremony held at the Gwallameji […]