Lafia, Nasarawa State – A devastating fire swept through the New Modern Market in Lafia late Thursday night, destroying more than 30 shops and goods worth millions of Naira. The blaze, which started around 9:30 pm on December 5, raged until the early hours of Friday, December 6, 2024, leaving traders counting heavy losses.

Firefighters from the Nasarawa State Fire Service rushed to the scene upon receiving a distress call but faced challenges containing the inferno.
Piles of refuse dumped indiscriminately around the market obstructed their efforts, while the intense heat from the flames further hindered operations.

Builder Ombogus-Joshua, the Director of the Nasarawa State Fire Service, confirmed the incident, stating that his team is investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage.

A trader whose shop was destroyed, Musa Abdullahi lamented the significant losses. “Forty new sewing machines delivered just that morning were all burnt, along with three shops owned by my father. Most of the affected shops were tailoring businesses with fabrics and accessories fully stocked for the festive season,” he said.

According to Abdullahi, the fire also destroyed shops selling shoes and clothes, leaving traders without their merchandise during a critical sales period.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but traders and market stakeholders are urging authorities to improve safety measures and enforce stricter waste management policies to prevent future disasters.

The Nasarawa State Fire Service has promised to release a comprehensive report once investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, traders and residents are calling for immediate support from the government to help affected business owners recover from the tragedy.

This fire is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining market infrastructure and implementing fire prevention strategies to safeguard livelihoods.

By Abel Daniel, Lafia

The proprietor of Phoenix University Agwada in Nasarawa State, Senator Abdullahi Adamu,
has pledged to provide automatic employment for any first-class graduate from the institution.
He made promise at the university’s first matriculation ceremony held at its permanent site in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area, where 260 students were officially admitted.

In his inaugural speech, Senator Adamu expressed his joy at the university’s progress, emphasizing the transformative power of education.
“Education is an asset that cannot be taken away from the beneficiaries,” he stated.
Adamu, who has long been committed to advancing education, challenged the pioneer students to aim for at least a second-class upper degree, a standard he said will bring pride to their families.

He assured the students that they would receive quality education, guided by the best academic minds in the country, and benefit from international collaborations and digital platforms that would expose them to global opportunities.

Adamu also urged the students to uphold the university’s motto, “work and worship,” stressing that success should always be accompanied by faith and dedication to God.

The senator took the opportunity to commend Governor Abdullahi Sule for providing scholarships to some indigent students from the state, enabling them to pursue their education at the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andullahi Bala also addressed the students, advising them to take their studies seriously and follow the rules outlined in the Students’ Handbook. He emphasized the importance of balancing academic life with personal well-being, and urged students to respect their rights and responsibilities.
He further encouraged them to speak out if they encounter any situations that threaten their safety or health.

The university’s promise of offering automatic employment to first-class graduates has sparked excitement setting a high standard for academic excellence among its students.

From Abel Abogonye, Lafia

Phoenix University, the first indigenous private university in Nasarawa State, will officially matriculate its first 260 students on Monday, November 25, 2024. This milestone comes after the university began academic activities on October 7, 2024.

The Vice Chancellor of Phoenix University, Professor Abdullahi Bala, made the announcement at a press conference held at the university’s Senate Building in Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area.

He shared that the students, who have been admitted into various courses across the faculties of Computing Science, Applied Science, Agriculture, Social Sciences, and Management, represent the beginning of a new educational journey in the state.

Professor Bala highlighted the achievements of the university since its inception, including the relocation from its liaison office in Keffi to the permanent Agwada campus, the inauguration of principal officers, and the commencement of lectures. He also emphasized that the university is committed to offering a solid foundation for academic excellence.
He emphasized that the university has established a solid foundation with the inauguration of key university officers, the commencement of lectures, and the formation of the Board of Trustees (BOT) and the Governing Council.
As part of its strategic development, the university has appointed prominent figures.
Notable figures appointed to the university’s BOT include Dr. Abdullahi Adamu CON, Turakin Keffi, as Chairman, alongside members such as Professor Isa Ibrahim Ali Pantami, Dr. Faisal Shu’aib, and Professor Sa’adu Hassan Liman.
The Governing Council is chaired by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

Professor Bala also announced that the investiture of Dr. Muhammadu Ndimi, a renowned businessman and philanthropist, as the pioneer Chancellor of the university will take place alongside the matriculation.
Dr. Ndimi will also receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa during the event.

The Vice Chancellor commended the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, for his support, including awarding scholarships to 92 indigenes and contributing to infrastructural development such as the completion of a sports complex and the reconstruction of the 24km Kokona Junction to Agwada road.

Phoenix University aims to offer high-quality education in a secure and conducive environment, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, green initiatives, and a focus on affordability.
Professor Bala urged the people of Nasarawa State to consider securing admission at the university, emphasizing its strategic location and commitment to quality education.