Personality in Focus
NIS Promotes Service PRO, Okpu, 4525 Others
The Comptroller General of Immigration Isah Jere Idris has announced the promotion of the Service Public Relations Officer, Amos Okpu, to the rank of Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, and 4525 other Personnel of the Service who participated in the 2021 Promotion, Upgrading and Advancement exercise. The promotion is contained in a letter from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board vide CDCFIB/S.33/VOLIII/54 and dated 18th August, 2022.
According to a statement obtained by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), The Comptroller General made the announcement on Friday, at the Service Headquarters while decorating some of his Personal Aides who were among the Personnel promoted.
The breakdown of the promotion is as follows:
i. a total of 145 Assistant Comptrollers of Immigration got promoted to the rank of Deputy Comptroller of Immigration;
ii. 99 Chief Superintendents of Immigration were promoted to the rank of Assistant Comptroller of Immigration;
iii. 307 Superintendents of Immigration were moved to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Immigration;
iv. while 338 Deputy Superintendents of Immigration got promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Immigration;
v. another 589 Assistant Superintendents of Immigration (I) are now Deputy Superintendents;
vi. 794 Assistant Superintendents of Immigration (II) got promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (I) while;
vii. 21 Inspectors of Immigration were promoted to Assistant Superintendents of Immigration (II).
Furthermore, whereas 1254 Personnel got advancement to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (II), a total of 979 junior Personnel who acquired higher qualifications and demonstrated high skills and competences have also been upgraded to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Immigration (II).
Speaking at the decoration ceremony of his personal aides, the Comptroller General commended the Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who also doubles as the chairman of the Board for his huge commitment to staff motivation. He charged the newly promoted Officers to justify their elevations through enhanced dedication and uncommon loyalty to authorities. He assured government that the Service under his watch shall continue to make useful contributions to the peace and progress of the country.
Other Officers decorated with their new ranks are the outgoing Protocol Officer to the Comptroller General MY Dutse and his successor MA Ajimobi who are now Deputy Comptrollers. Others include Mercy Gadzama, Facility Manager of the NIS Technology Building, now a Chief Superintendent, Security Detail to the CGI AO Olukoya, also promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent as well as Tanko Godiya and Nguar Loice Titus of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) both now Assistant Superintendents of Immigration (II).
The family of Bolaji Olarewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji has confirmed the passing of the singer following a brief illness.
According to a statement signed by the Family on Saturday, Bolaji died on Easter Saturday.
The statement said, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bolaji Olarewaju, affectionately known as “Big B,” a cherished father, husband, brother, and an esteemed figure in both the church community, an ordained Pastor in the RCCG and a giant in the music industry and our community. Bolaji left us on Easter Saturday, 19th April 2025, after a brief illness.
“His departure leaves a void in our hearts that can not be filled.
“Bolaji’s life was a testament to his passion for music, his unwavering faith, and his dedication to uplifting those around him. His legacy is not only in the melodies he created but in the lives he touched and the unquantifiable joy he spread.
“We take solace in knowing that his absence with us is his presence with the Lord, and the indelible mark he left on all who had the privilege of knowing him will not be erased.
“As we navigate through this time of loss, we kindly request privacy to mourn as a family. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers.
“Details regarding the obsequies will be shared in due course as we come together to celebrate Bolaji’s remarkable life and legacy.
“Thank you for respecting our wishes during this incredibly difficult time. With gratitude, The Family of Bolaji Olarewaju.”
Pascal Dozie, a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader has died. He was 86.
According to sources close to the deceased, Dozie died a battle with old age-related illness.
Dozie, was a man of many parts, best known for founding Diamond Bank and serving as chairman of Pan-Atlantic University.
He was born on April 9, 1939, in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Dozie’s educational background includes a degree in Economics from the London School of Economics and a master’s in Administrative Science from City University in London.
Dozie also founded theAfrican Development Consulting Group, which worked with notable clients like Nestle and Pfizer. He served as MTN Group chairman but later resigned and was succeeded by Ernest Ndukwe.
Dozie received the prestigious National Award of the Order of the Niger (OON) for his contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry.
Dozie is survived by his wife Chinyere Dozie, and five children among other relatives.
A former governor of Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, is dead.
According to a statement by his family on Sunday, he died a few days before his 90th birthday.
The statement titled ‘Victor Olunloyo goes home’ was signed by Oladapo Ogunwusi on behalf of the family.
It read, “With a heavy heart but gratitude to the Almighty, we announce the passing into glory of Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo, former governor of Oyo State, mathematician and engineer and renowned technocrat, a few days before his 90th birthday.
“The Balogun of Oyo and Otun Bobasewa of Ife, Dr. Olunloyo was first Rector, Ibadan polytechnic and first Rector, Kwara State Polytechnic among other notable appointments.
“His long record of service to the nation and humanity is a source of pride to his family and associates even as we come to grip with this devastating event.
“The Olunloyo family will appreciate the understanding of the press and the public as they commence efforts to give him a befitting burial.
“Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God.”
About a year ago in April 2024, the rumour of the death of the elder statesman was reported by some news platforms.
But speaking with The PUNCH correspondent who visited his Molete residence in Ibadan, the state capital, he debunked the rumour, saying he was hale and hearty.
“I’m still here, not yet gone,” he declared then.
He also expressed worry over the rumour and asked who would live forever, stressing, “Those breaking death news and the person presumed dead will all die one day.
“I’ve been lucky. My father died at 42, while my mother died at 102. I’m 89. I’ve crossed the expected life age.”
The elder statesman also illustrated how the rumour of his death hit several news platforms on June 7, 2022.
He noted that the rumour mongers claimed that he died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
A few days later, the family issued a statement, declaring that he was not dead but suffering from old age ailment and asked Nigerians to pray for him to survive the health complications.
