Voice of Nigeria Broadcasting Service

Adamawa Empowers Vulnerable Citizens Through PAWECA Initiative

Business and Tech

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March 12, 2026

Adamawa Empowers Vulnerable Citizens Through PAWECA Initiative

The Adamawa State Government says it has spent over ₦12 billion within the last two years to empower vulnerable citizens across the state through the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency (PAWECA) initiative.

The Director-General of PAWECA, Dr. Michael Zira, disclosed this when members of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Adamawa State chapter, paid him a courtesy visit in Yola, the state capital.

Zira explained that the programme, which is one of the flagship social intervention policies of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, was designed to uplift the poor, support small businesses and stimulate grassroots economic development across the state.

According to him, the empowerment programme cuts across all segments of society, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or religion.

“It doesn’t matter whether you belong to APC, PDP or any other political party. PAWECA is for everyone in Adamawa State,” he said.

The Director-General noted that the intervention has already reached thousands of beneficiaries across the 21 local government areas through various schemes including cash grants, business support programmes, and skills acquisition training.

Empowerment Initiatives

PAWECA, established by the Adamawa State Government in 2020, focuses on empowering youths, women and other vulnerable groups by supporting micro and small businesses, as well as providing vocational training opportunities to reduce poverty and unemployment.

One of the agency’s major initiatives is the Fintiri Business Wallet programme, which provides financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs such as traders, tailors, mechanics and food vendors to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

Under the scheme, beneficiaries receive grants — often about ₦50,000 each — to boost their businesses, while other programmes focus on training residents in skills such as ICT, tailoring, agriculture and other vocational trades.

Zira explained that the agency also coordinates activities in the state’s technical skills acquisition centres, where thousands of youths are trained annually and supported with starter packs to become self-reliant.

He added that the programmes are designed not only to provide immediate relief to vulnerable households but also to build sustainable sources of income and reduce dependency.

The PAWECA boss further commended the role of women journalists in promoting awareness about government programmes and urged the media to continue enlightening the public on opportunities available under the empowerment schemes.

Responding, the leadership of NAWOJ Adamawa chapter commended the state government for prioritising poverty alleviation and women empowerment, noting that such initiatives have the potential to improve livelihoods and stimulate economic activities in communities across the state.

The association pledged continued collaboration with the agency in disseminating accurate information about its programmes and ensuring that eligible citizens benefit from the interventions.

Women Filmakers Take Spotlight At Nollywood in Hollywood 2026

Entertainment/Tourism

Felicia Koko

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March 12, 2026

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Women Filmakers Take Spotlight At Nollywood in Hollywood 2026

Women filmmakers dominated the spotlight at the 2026 edition of the Nollywood in Hollywood film showcase at the annual event which held at Los Angeles, United States.

In a statement on Thursday, the organisers said the annual showcase, founded in 2018 by Nigerian-American filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan, aimed to strengthen cultural exchange and create opportunities for collaboration between Nollywood and the international film community.

Operations Director of the showcase, Maceo Willis, said the 2026 edition, held in partnership with the American Cinematheque, the USC School of Cinematic Arts and O2A Media, spotlighted three films directed by women as part of activities marking Women’s History Month.

According to Willis, the focus reflected the growing influence of women in shaping contemporary Nollywood storytelling and expanding the industry’s reach to global audiences. He however noted that the 2026 edition felt like a rebirth.

“Despite visa challenges affecting some filmmakers, we were able to stage one of the best editions of the showcase.

“As we move forward, we’re launching initiatives that will benefit the diaspora filmmaking community while continuing to bridge the gap between Nollywood and Hollywood,” he said.

The event opened on March 6 at the Aero Theatre in Los Angeles with the red-carpet premiere of Stitches, directed by British-Ghanaian filmmaker Shirley Frimpong-Manso.

Nigerian actress Dakore Egbuson-Akande, who starred in the film, said her return to the showcase years after attending its first edition, was deeply meaningful.

“This is awesome. This is a dream coming true in real time.

“I attended the very first Nollywood in Hollywood in 2018 with my film Isoken. Now in 2026, I’m back with Stitches, and it feels incredible,” she said.

Also, screenings of ‘When Nigeria Happens,’ directed by Ema Edosio-Deelen and ‘To Adaego With Love,’ directed by Nwamaka Chikezie, drew enthusiastic audiences, and explored realities of filmmaking in Nigeria.

Beyond the screenings, the event highlighted the role of diaspora-led initiatives in projecting Nigerian cinema to global audiences.

The festival attracted guests from across the film and cultural community, including Los Angeles City Council member Curren D. Price Jr.; Founder of the Pan African Film and Arts Festival, Ayuko Babu; and the festival’s General Manager and Director of Programming, Asantewa Olatunji.

Also present was Richard Omordia, Nigerian-American President of Black Panther Strong, a co-sponsor of the event.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Price emphasised the importance of storytelling in connecting cultures.

“This event is about communication and cultural connection.

“On behalf of the four million residents of Los Angeles, I want to say thank you for opening doors for the diaspora and celebrating storytelling through film,” he said.

NAN

Oyo Electoral Commission Urges Participation in Forthcoming LG Polls

Politics

Bilkisu Halilu Pai

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March 12, 2026

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Oyo Electoral Commission Urges Participation in Forthcoming LG Polls

The Oyo State Government has called for effective collaboration with critical stakeholders to ensure improved participation of residents in the forthcoming Local Government Council election in the state.

The Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC), Dr Babatunde Afees Adeniyi, made the call while hosting the new executives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Oyo State Branch, at the OYSIEC Headquarters in Ibadan, the State capital.

Adeniyi described political parties as principal stakeholders in a democratic setting, urging them to continue to accord OYSIEC the support and cooperation they had demonstrated in the past.

He noted: “Today’s engagement with the IPAC executives elected on February 18, 2026, is aimed at sustaining the cordial relationship that we have established with the group and to ensure that the election we are going to conduct in Oyo State is peaceful and credible.

“A number of observations have been raised during our discussions, and these will be addressed accordingly.

“We call for the support of critical stakeholders, particularly political parties and security agencies. We are using this opportunity to assure them that everything possible will be done to ensure that the election we are going to conduct will be credible and acceptable. We therefore urge them to cooperate with us, pray for us, and work with us.”

APC Adopts Consensus Option to Produce Ward, LG Executives

In his remarks, the new IPAC Chairman in Oyo State, Mr. Kabiru Akinade, stated that the visit was to formally introduce the newly elected IPAC executives to the Commission and strengthen collaboration with the leadership of OYSIEC ahead of future electoral activities.

He disclosed that the forthcoming Local Government Council election in the state will provide an opportunity for political parties to assess their strengths and weaknesses as the 2027 General Elections approach.

Akinade also commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for sustaining the conduct of local government council elections in the state since 2021, urging political parties to mobilise their members and supporters to participate actively in the forthcoming election.

He further assured that IPAC will work with all political parties to ensure a peaceful, credible, and successful Local Government poll across Oyo State.

Lawmaker Seeks Urgent Safety Measures on Sagamu–Benin Expressway

Nigeria

Foluke Ibitomi

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March 12, 2026

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Lawmaker Seeks Urgent Safety Measures on Sagamu–Benin Expressway

A member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, has called on the Federal Government to urgently introduce safety measures, including the construction of pedestrian bridges, along sections of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway to prevent possible fatalities as rehabilitation work on the road progresses.

Princess Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents Sagamu/Ikenne/Remo Federal Constituency in Ogun State, made the call while speaking with journalists after moving a motion of urgent public importance on the floor of the House.

She explained that the rapid expansion of Sagamu had made the busy highway increasingly dangerous for residents who must cross the road daily to access homes, markets, and transport services.

According to her, the road, which was constructed about four decades ago, was originally designed when the town existed mainly on one side of the highway.

‎“The road was constructed about 40 years ago when the town was largely on one side. Today, the town has expanded to both sides of the expressway, and residents must cross the road for businesses, markets and other daily activities,” She said.
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‎The lawmaker noted that the expressway cuts through the town in three major locations, with the junction popularly known as the Total junction posing the most serious danger.

Princess Ayoola-Elegbeji warned that the ongoing rehabilitation of the highway would make it smoother and encourage higher vehicular speed, which could increase the risk of accidents if safety infrastructure was not introduced.

While commending Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the ongoing road rehabilitation under the Renewed Hope agenda, Princess Ayoola-Elegbeji urged the government to integrate safety measures before the project is completed.‎

‎“We are very grateful for the rehabilitation of the Sagamu–Benin Expressway. It is a fantastic project and my constituency is at the beginning of that corridor. But because the road will be smoother and faster, there will be more high-speed traffic,” she said.‎

‎“At the Total junction there is a double intersection into the town, with no traffic control and no pedestrian crossing. People cross the road to get transport, while vehicles from the town must turn across the expressway.‎

‎“I am imploring the Federal Government to look into these junctions while construction is still ongoing and implement appropriate safety measures before the project is completed”.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass who chaired the plenary, referred the motion to the Committee of Works for further legislative action, with the Committee to report back in four weeks time.

Rivers State Govt Urges Glaucoma Screening to Protect Sight

Health

Chidimma Anikwenze

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March 12, 2026

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Rivers State Govt Urges Glaucoma Screening to Protect Sight

The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has called on citizens and residents of the state to prioritise their eye health by undergoing regular glaucoma screening to prevent avoidable loss of sight.

Governor Fubara made the call in a goodwill message on Thursday to commemorate World Glaucoma Day at the Government House in Port Harcourt Nigeria.

In his message, the governor described glaucoma as a major global health concern and one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

“I encourage everyone, especially those over 40 years of age or with a family history of vision impairment, to visit any of our numerous healthcare facilities and get their eyes checked,” the governor said.

He assured residents that his administration remains committed to strengthening the state’s healthcare sector and supporting initiatives to improve eye care services.

“My administration is committed to improving healthcare in Rivers State. We will continue supporting initiatives that promote eye health and reduce preventable blindness,” he added.

Governor Fubara also urged residents to work collectively towards reducing the burden of glaucoma in the state.

“Let’s unite for a glaucoma-free Rivers State. Protect your sight; it is priceless. Happy World Glaucoma Day,” he stated.

Read more: Nigeria Strengthens Diagnostic Capacity for Better Healthcare

World Glaucoma Day is observed annually on 12 March to raise awareness about glaucoma and encourage people to undergo regular eye examinations. The day highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent vision loss.

Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” because it progresses slowly without noticeable symptoms until significant vision damage has already occurred.

The disease affects more than 75 million people globally, with nearly 50 per cent of those living with the condition unaware that they have it.

Health experts note that glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which is essential for vision, and the damage is often associated with increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.

Medical professionals recommend regular eye examinations, particularly for individuals above the age of 40, those with a family history of glaucoma, and people living with conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

As part of ongoing efforts to improve public health awareness, stakeholders continue to stress that early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain the most effective ways to slow the progression of glaucoma and protect vision.

EFCC Seeks CBN, Immigration Support on Dollarization, Illegal Mining

Business and Tech

Oluwasola Akintonde

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March 12, 2026

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EFCC Seeks CBN, Immigration Support on Dollarization, Illegal Mining

The Ilorin Zonal Director of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Victoria Ugo-Ali, has paid courtesy visits to the Branch Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Ilorin Branch, Monga Muhammed, and the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Kwara State Command, Hossein Ayuba Muhammed.

The visits were part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration in tackling the dollarization of the Nigerian economy and the illegal excavation of the country’s mineral resources by both local and foreign nationals.

Speaking during her visit to the CBN branch in Ilorin, Kwara State, Ugo-Ali said the visit was aimed at reinforcing the Commission’s strategic partnership with key institutions whose mandates intersect with the EFCC’s anti-corruption and economic crime enforcement responsibilities.

She emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the EFCC and the apex bank in addressing the growing trend of dollarization in the Nigerian economy.

According to her, “the Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, is determined to curb the increasing preference for foreign currencies in domestic transactions” describing the practice as a “serious threat to the stability of the nation’s financial system.”

Ugo-Ali further noted that “many economic and financial crimes are perpetrated through financial institutions,” stressing the importance of timely intelligence and reports on suspicious transactions.

She called on the apex bank to continue to provide the Commission with relevant financial intelligence that would aid investigations and help curb money laundering and other financial crimes.

She also reiterated that the growing preference for foreign currencies in local transactions undermines the value of the naira and weakens public confidence in the national currency.

In his response, the CBN Branch Controller, Muhammed commended the Zonal Director and the management team of the EFCC for the visit. He promised to sustain and deepen the already cordial relationship between the two organisations.

He described the engagement as the first of its kind and expressed optimism that it would further strengthen the cooperation between both institutions.

“At our end here, we will continue to partner with you because we carry out complementary functions. While your duty is to tackle economic and financial crimes, our responsibility primarily as the apex bank is to stabilise the economy and regulate financial institutions. We will not fail in that regard,” he said.

Naira Abuse

The CBN Branch Controller further disclosed that the apex bank had put several measures in place to address naira abuse and the dollarization of the economy.

According to him, the CBN has the capacity to track currency in circulation and would not hesitate to apply appropriate sanctions against individuals or organisations found trading illegally in the nation’s currency.

At the Kwara State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Ugo-Ali highlighted the critical role of the NIS in combating illegal mining activities, particularly those involving foreign nationals who exploit the country’s mineral resources in violation of Nigerian laws.

She stressed that effective border control, monitoring of foreign nationals, and intelligence sharing are essential in addressing the growing menace of illegal mining and the financial crimes associated with it.

The NIS Comptroller, Muhammed, pledged the Command’s full support for the EFCC and assured that the Service would continue to collaborate with the Commission in tracking and profiling suspicious foreign nationals involved in illegal economic activities.

Reps Probe Sugar Import Data, Revenue Discrepancies

Business and Tech

Oluwasola Akintonde

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March 12, 2026

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Reps Probe Sugar Import Data, Revenue Discrepancies

The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has raised concerns over discrepancies in the reported volume of sugar imported into Nigeria and the revenue accruing to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. James Faleke, expressed the concerns during the committee’s ongoing Revenue Monitoring Exercise covering the 2023–2025 fiscal years, when the Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Mr. Kamar Bakrin, appeared before lawmakers to provide details on sugar importation and revenue generation in the sector.

During the session, Mr. Faleke questioned the accuracy of the council’s data on sugar imports, noting that the figures presented by the agency might not accurately reflect the actual volume of sugar entering the country.

Responding, Mr. Bakrin explained that the NSDC does not directly collect revenue from sugar imports.

According to him, the Nigeria Customs Service is responsible for collecting the sugar levy at the ports and remitting the funds into the appropriate government accounts.

He further clarified that the council’s role in the importation process is largely regulatory and advisory.

Bakrin said companies seeking to import raw sugar must obtain import licences, which are issued following recommendations by the council based on the performance and compliance level of operators and processors in the sector.

The recommendations, he said, are transmitted through the supervising ministry to the President for final approval.

According to Mr. Bakrin, about two million metric tonnes of raw sugar importation were approved within the period under review.

He noted that the NSDC funds its operations primarily through a portion of the sugar levy collected by the Nigeria Customs Service.

The funds, he noted, are released periodically by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, based on appropriations approved by the National Assembly.

He also explained that the council typically writes to the Office of the Accountant General on a quarterly basis to request releases to fund its projects and programmes aimed at developing Nigeria’s sugar sector.

However, Mr. Faleke maintained that the council must establish a more reliable mechanism for verifying the actual volume of sugar imported into the country.

He stressed that relying solely on figures supplied by the Nigeria Customs Service may lead to discrepancies and could ultimately affect the accuracy of government revenue records.

The lawmaker warned that the data currently available to the council appears to underestimate the true quantity of sugar entering the Nigerian market, raising concerns about potential revenue leakages.

The chairman therefore urged the NSDC to strengthen its monitoring and reconciliation framework with relevant agencies, particularly the Nigeria Customs Service, to ensure accurate data management and greater transparency within the sector.

He emphasised that proper tracking of imports was critical for effective revenue generation and accountability.

Meanwhile, the committee also directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to provide detailed information on Nigeria’s oil assets and equity participation in oil wells across the country.

Mr. Faleke specifically instructed the organisation’s Financial Controller, Tajudeen Karim, to submit a comprehensive breakdown of all oil wells in which Nigeria has equity participation.

The committee requested a detailed list indicating the ownership structure of the wells, including those operating under Joint Venture (JV) arrangements, Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), and wholly owned assets.

According to Mr. Faleke, the information should also include production volumes from each well and the corresponding share accruing to Nigeria under the applicable agreements.

“They do that under certain laws or agreements which they sign with you. In some cases we have percentage shareholding 60/40, 50/50 and there are wells that are 100 per cent owned. You have to identify them separately,” Faleke said.

He stressed that once the committee receives the full list of oil wells and their shareholding structures, the NNPCL would be required to present production data alongside Nigeria’s equity share in line with the contractual agreements governing each asset.

Mr. Faleke further directed that all the requested information must be properly reflected in supporting documents submitted to the committee to enable effective verification.

The committee stated that the ongoing exercise forms part of the National Assembly’s oversight responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability, and proper remittance of revenues by government agencies into the Federation Account.

Middle East Crisis: ASEAN Ministers to Meet

World

Omowumi Samuel

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March 12, 2026

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Middle East Crisis: ASEAN Ministers to Meet

The widening conflict in the Middle East is expected to dominate discussions at Friday’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN economic ministers’ retreat, with foreign ministers also holding a virtual meeting on the same day to tackle a deepening crisis that has upended global markets.

The Philippines, this year’s ASEAN chair, is ‌hosting the meetings as officials weigh impacts and responses to surging oil prices as well as disruptions to shipping, logistics, and trade flows across the region’s export-reliant economies.

“The concern is a given,” Philippine trade undersecretary, Allan Gepty told reporters, saying the region could not ignore the effects of the crisis on inflation and jobs.

Joint U.S. and Israeli strikes ⁠on Iran launched almost two weeks ago have so far killed around 2,000 people and have thrown global energy markets and transport into chaos.

The conflict has effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint that funnels about a fifth of the world’s oil and LNG to Asia, sending crude surging to above $100 a barrel.

The crisis has forced ASEAN foreign ministers to call a special virtual meeting to assess the implications for Southeast Asia, where several economies rely heavily on crude and LNG shipments from the Gulf.

The Philippines sources much of its oil needs from the Middle East and Qatar’s ‌LNG ⁠halt has also tightened supplies.

Several ASEAN countries have already taken concrete steps to cope with the impact of the Middle East crisis.

The Philippines has shortened the government work week to conserve fuel, and its president has asked Congress for authority to suspend excise taxes on fuel to help stabilise costs.

On Thursday, Vietnam cut its ⁠retail fuel prices overnight following the easing in global crude oil prices from earlier highs, but the government warned that prices would remain volatile, with more supply disruptions anticipated.

Earlier this month, Thailand also halted energy exports to ⁠all countries other than Laos and Myanmar.

“It is important that our actions and responses to the ongoing conflicts must be synchronised,” Gepty said.

ASEAN foreign ministers have said that the escalation in ⁠conflict was particularly regrettable, and urged an immediate cessation of hostilities, calling on all sides to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and resolve differences through dialogue in line with international law.

ASEAN ministers usually refers to the foreign ministers of the member countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

These ministers meet regularly to discuss regional and global issues such as security, trade, and crises like conflicts in the Middle East.

ASEAN has 10 member countries, and each country sends its foreign affairs minister (or equivalent) to these meetings.

Reuters

NLNG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Media Landscape for Journalist

Oluwasola Akintonde

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March 12, 2026

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NLNG Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthen Media Landscape for Journalist

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, has restated its commitment to strengthening the media landscape as it opened the Change Your Story (CYS) capacity-building workshop for journalists in Lagos.

Delivering the opening remarks, the manager corporate communications and public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku welcomed participants and reaffirmed NLNG’s dedication to advancing professional journalism through continuous training and knowledge sharing.

She explained that the programme, which began in 2014, has steadily grown into one of the country’s most respected media training initiatives.

According to her, the latest workshop represents the second edition of the programme for the year and the sixteenth overall since its launch.

“Over the years, more than 400 journalists across Nigeria have benefited from this digital skills enhancement programme,” she noted, saying that every edition continues to deliver unique learning experiences for participants.

She further emphasised that journalism plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of complex issues.

“Journalists do far more than simply report events. They interpret issues and help the public understand decisions that affect their lives, particularly in a world where audiences are constantly navigating social and economic challenges.”

According to Palmer-Ikuku, the training aims to provide journalists with modern tools, professional insights, and digital solutions that will enable them to report more effectively and accurately.

Furthermore, Palmer-Ikuku encouraged participants to take full advantage of the three-day workshop, which will feature sessions on multimedia storytelling, digital verification, professional safety, and leadership.

“Our goal is to equip you with the latest knowledge and tools that will make your work easier, sharper, and more impactful,” she added.

Broader Vision

Earlier, the founder and director of The Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, highlighted the broader vision behind the programme.

He stressed that the training initiative remains firmly rooted in a clear mission: to cultivate and mentor a new generation of first-rate journalists in Nigeria.

Obe urged participants to remain open-minded and to focus on how their work can create meaningful impact.

Many of the journalists, he noted, expressed a strong desire to produce stories that inspire positive change.

“This programme,” he assured them, “will help you achieve that goal.”

Providing further context for the workshop, international media trainer, Dan Mason introduced three guiding principles that shape the Change Your Story programme.

These pillars, he explained, are Recalibrate, Create, and Connect.

First, he encouraged participants to recalibrate by reflecting on their professional direction and identifying new opportunities for growth.

“In journalism, standing still is not an option. If you are not moving forward, you are effectively moving backward,” he stated.

Again, Mazon urged journalists to create, noting that the workshop would explore modern storytelling techniques and digital tools that can significantly enhance newsroom productivity.

He said the training sessions would cover areas such as artificial intelligence, mobile-first video reporting, and multimedia content production.

Finally, he highlighted the importance of connection, encouraging participants to learn not only from facilitators but also from each other.

“You will gain as much insight from your colleagues as you will from the trainers,” Mason added.

FCT 2026 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading

Nigeria

Mosunmola Ore

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March 12, 2026

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FCT 2026 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading, the N2.2 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This followed the presentation of the general principles of the Appropriation Bill by Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti).

Senator Bamidele said the bill sought to authorise the issuance of the N2.2trillion to finance the operations and developmental programs of the FCT for the 2026 fiscal year.

READ ALSO: 2026 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading in Senate

He said the FCT occupies a unique position, within the constitutional and administrative architecture of the nation as seat of government and symbol of Nigeria’s unity, hence required sustained investment in infrastructure administration and social services.

This, he said was to effectively serve residents, businesses and the numerous government institutions.

The senate leader said the bill provides the legal framework for the utilisation of funds accruing to the federal capital territory administration through its statutory revenue sources.

Senator Bamidele said the funds would be appropriated to ensure effective functioning of FCT and continued development of the capital city in line with the vision of making Abuja a modern efficient globally competitive city.

He said the bill authorises the withdrawal of N2.2 trillion from the FCT statutory revenue fund to finance both recurrent and capital expenditure for the 2026 fiscal year.

The senate leader said the bill sought to provide funding for for infrastructure development expansion of public utilities transportation networks health facilities educational institutions and other critical projects aimed at improving the quality of life of residents .

He said without undermining legislative oversight to enhance transparency, the bill required the submission of monthly and quarterly reports on budget implementation.

This, he said would enable the National Assembly to effectively monitor performance and ensure value for money in the execution of projects and programs.

He said the budget was expected to consolidate ongoing development initiatives across the territory while also addressing emerging needs arising from rapid population growth urban expansion and increasing demands on public infrastructure .

“These investments are essential not only for the residents of the federal capital territory but also for the millions of Nigerians and international visitors,” Bamidele said.

He urged the lawmakers to give the bill expeditions, consideration.

The Lawmakers who spoke, commended the strong emphasis of the Appropriation Bill on capital component.

The senators noted that out of the N2.2 trillion budget, about N1.6 trillion was earmarked for capital projects, describing the allocation as a significant commitment to infrastructure development across the territory.

Deputy President of Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin (APC-Kano) commended the budget proposal given the allocation of N1.6 trillion for capital component for projects development in the FCT.

President of Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his commitment to the development of Abuja, while also acknowledging support of President Bola Tinubu.

Senator Akpabio thereafter referred the bill to the Senate Committee on the Federal Capital Territory and Area Councils for further legislative input and to revert back to plenary in one week.

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