The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged Divisional Training Officers of the Nigerian Army to ensure that training remains sound, realistic and progressive, stressing that training is the bedrock of operational success.

The charge was delivered during the opening ceremony of the week-long Division Training Officers Training Week, organised by Army Headquarters Department of Training at the 3 Division Auditorium, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.

According to a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, the workshop, themed “Enhancing Operational Readiness: Adaptive Training Strategies for Evolving Threat,” was designed to enable Divisional Training Officers to review lessons learnt, share best practices and prepare effectively for the training year ahead.

“As Divisional Training Officers, you play a critical role in shaping the competence, mindset and resilience of our officers and soldiers. Leadership on the battlefield is directly linked to the quality of training you design, supervise and enforce,” Lieutenant General Shaibu said.

Operational procedures

The Chief of Army Staff stressed that realistic training directly influences operational outcomes and must foster inquisitive mindsets that allow personnel to learn, unlearn and relearn tactical and operational procedures in line with evolving threats.

He further emphasised that effective training cannot be achieved without motivated and well-cared-for personnel, charging Divisional Training Officers to prioritise troop welfare and encourage healthy competition by recognising outstanding performance during training.

Lieutenant General Shaibu also commended Divisional Training Officers for their efforts in post-depot training initiatives, including Exercise Shining Star, describing them as critical to building confidence, discipline and combat effectiveness among young soldiers.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation ENDURING PEACE, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, expressed delight at hosting the training week and underscored its importance to the Army’s operational readiness.

“Participants should approach this programme with a professional and reflective mindset, engage actively in discussions and internalise insights that will enhance their instructional and supervisory competencies,” Major General Oyinlola said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for his consistent emphasis on training as a cornerstone of military professionalism.

Major General Okoro further advised that all divisional training activities must be realistic, mission-oriented and aligned with the realities of the operating environment.

The Cross River Basin Development Authority (CRBDA) has aligned its 2026 operational roadmap with the Nigerian Government’s irrigation expansion and food security policy, prioritising large-scale, commercially viable projects across its mandate areas.

The Managing Director of the Authority, Dr. Glory Oho, made the disclosure at the agency’s first formal general staff meeting for 2026, held in Calabar, Cross River State, where management, staff, and stakeholders reviewed progress recorded so far.

Dr. Oho said the policy direction was aimed at repositioning River Basin Authorities as key drivers of agricultural productivity, rural employment and sustainable water resources management.

Oho said, “despite budgetary constraints and economic pressures, management is determined not to fold its arms.”

She identified the Boki-Ikom Irrigation Project as a strategic intervention capable of opening up over 2,000 hectares of arable land, attracting private and foreign investment as well as boosting agro-industrial value chains.

“In 2026, the Authority intends to double its irrigation drive across our catchment areas. Our major focus will be the Boki-Ikom Irrigation Project, designed to cover over 2,000 hectares of land,” Oho stated.

Agricultural diversification

Oho said the Authority was also pursuing project diversification through the establishment of an ultra-modern poultry farm at the Abak Irrigation Project in Akwa Ibom State, designed to serve as a demonstration and capacity-building centre for local farmers.

“Feasibility studies have been completed, and we expect the project to be fully operational before the end of next month,” Oho said.

In addition, she announced the revival of the Uruan-Ituk Mbang Irrigation Project, which had suffered prolonged delays due to land litigation, noting that the resolution of community disputes reflects a governance approach built on dialogue and stakeholder engagement.

On institutional reforms, Oho said staff promotion, welfare and logistics support were being treated as policy instruments to enhance productivity and accountability within the Authority.

Vision and teamwork

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Wabilly Nyiam, commended the management for providing purposeful leadership and addressing long-standing welfare and administrative challenges within the Authority.

Nyiam said the Board was encouraged by the policy focus on staff motivation, institutional discipline and mandate delivery, stressing that public institutions grow through vision, teamwork and accountability.

He said, “institutions do not grow by chance; they grow by vision, discipline and teamwork. The modest gains recorded so far are evidence of what can be achieved when management and staff work together.”

He assured staff that the Board would continue to provide the necessary policy direction and oversight to ensure professionalism, transparency and responsiveness to national development goals.

The event featured departmental briefings on achievements and objectives for 2026, a choral competition and cultural dances by pupils of the Cross River Basin Secondary School, Calabar.

Climax of the meeting was the presentation of excellence awards to outstanding staff including the Director of Information and Special Duties, Dr. Jackson John.

The Federal Government has described the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival as a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s national unity, shared heritage, and growing global cultural recognition, while reaffirming its strategic importance as a driver of tourism-led economic growth.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this at the Official Open Day of the 61st Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival, in Abuja.

The Minister was represented by the Director of Public Relations, Dr. Suleiman Haruna who explained that the Argungu Festival stands as one of Nigeria’s oldest and most enduring cultural celebrations, bringing people together in peace and shared identity since its inception in 1934.

He said the festival apart from showcasing the nation’s rich traditions through fishing, canoe racing, music, dance, and other cultural expressions, the festival has been inscripted on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Nigeria’s Cultural Presence

He said this underscores its global significance and reinforces Nigeria’s cultural presence on the international stage.

The Minister further stressed that cultural festivals are not only platforms for cultural expression but also important economic enablers.

He noted that Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute ₦9.55 trillion (about $14.8 billion) to the economy, accounting for 3.9 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and supporting over 2.7 million jobs, with domestic tourism playing a major role.

“Festivals such as Argungu stimulate economic activities by boosting hospitality, transportation, local commerce, and creative industries, while creating opportunities for fishermen, farmers, artisans, performers, and traders within host communities,” he said.

The Information Minister added that Nigeria recorded approximately three million domestic trips in 2023 and over 1.2 million international arrivals, reflecting growing interest in the country’s culture, heritage, and leisure offerings.

Commending the Kebbi State Government for its vision and commitment in organising the 61st edition of the festival, the Minister called on stakeholders across government, the private sector, and international partners to support initiatives that strengthen cultural tourism and deliver sustainable economic benefits to Nigerians.

Attract Visitors

Idris, expressed optimism that the Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival would continue to thrive, foster unity, attract visitors, and contribute meaningfully to community development and national prosperity.

He further reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting positive national narratives, deepening domestic tourism, and positioning Nigeria’s cultural heritage as a vital pillar of economic diversification and national cohesion.

Lateefah Ibrahim

The Oyo State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

There are indications also that Governor Seyi Makinde will grant state pardon to deserving inmates in the spirit of celebrating five decades of the creation of the state.

While addressing journalists at the Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, to make public the line-up of events, the Chairman, Oyo @ 50 Anniversary Committee, and former member of the House of Representatives, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the events will showcase the best of Oyo while also celebrating five decades of resilience, togetherness and peace.

Akinade-Fijabi said that the Golden Jubilee programme, including activities such as religious services, cultural exhibitions, award and dinner night and a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future”, was structured to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement and cultural celebration, in line with the future-driven vision of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The Chairman of the Committee noted that the festivities will begin on January 26th, with Governor Seyi Makinde’s address at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, through to February 3rd, with a dinner night to honour distinguished citizens and contributors to the state’s development.

Other activities include health outreach in the 33 LGAs, film show in the six geo-political zones, carnival, symposium and lectures, religious services, sports, and empowerment programme for women.

Fielding questions from reporters, the Chairman said the event which will be all year long will see many projects being completed to commemorate the celebration, assuring that even non indigenes who are residents and have contributed to the progress of the state over the years will be recognised.

Historical Achievement

He revealed that awards of recognition will be given to people from across various fields of human endeavours, saying a Hall of Fame will soon be opened inside the State Secretariat to showcase the historical achievements and contributions to the state since it was created.

Noting that invitation for the event has been extended to citizens, friends and various people rom across the globe, Akinade-Fijabi stressed that the celebration is not a political party affair and as such people from various political divide will be in attendance to celebrate the state.

Oyo State was created on the 3rd of February, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan serving as its administrative capital.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has praised the Kano State Police Command for its sustained efforts in curbing thuggery and other criminal activities across the state and prompt arrests of suspects linked to the killing of a housewife and her six children.

The Governor gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Police Command Headquarters in Bompai, where he met with the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori.

He expressed satisfaction with the recent security improvements and reassured the police leadership of his administration’s full support in eliminating crime across Kano.

Governor Yusuf said he was particularly impressed by the speed at which the suspects in the tragic incident were apprehended.

According to him, he had earlier advised the police to effect arrests within 12 hours, but the command exceeded expectations by apprehending the suspects within six hours.

He said that the police also ensured he was directly linked with the suspects as well as the husband and father of the victims.

The governor disclosed that he later briefed president Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the professionalism displayed by the Kano State Police Command, noting that the President expressed happiness with the development.

Maintain the tempo

He urged CP Bakori and his team to maintain the tempo and deepen their crime-fighting efforts.

Governor Yusuf explained that the visit was his first official engagement with the police command since assuming office in 2023, describing it as a deliberate move to strengthen collaboration between the Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police.

He recalled that insecurity, particularly thuggery, banditry, and kidnapping, was one of the major challenges facing his administration at inception, but stressed that such crimes have now reduced significantly.

He revealed that cases of thuggery have dropped by about 70 percent under the current police leadership, emphasising that Kano, as the most populous state in the country, must remain peaceful for residents and visitors alike.

Collective security efforts

The governor also cautioned against allowing political differences to undermine collective security efforts.

“I am here to publicly acknowledge your sacrifices and give you moral support,” Governor Yusuf said. “Despite limited manpower and equipment, you have recorded notable successes.

My government will continue to support the police, and concrete improvements in that support will soon be evident.”

Responding, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori thanked the governor for the visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of his commitment to the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the progress recorded in crime control was largely due to the cooperation, encouragement, and guidance received from the state government.

The police commissioner said that community policing has been central to security gains in Kano, noting that residents regularly provide credible intelligence.

He described the governor’s visit as a morale booster for officers and men of the command, and reaffirmed the police’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across the state.

Lateefah Ibrahim

The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has strengthened the capacity of 32 Nigerian journalists with essential knowledge in digital journalism to promote national development, public accountability and responsible storytelling.

The three day training programme was organised under the NLNG Change Your Story Capacity Workshop, #Changeyourstory2026 held in Abuja.

Addressing Participants at the closing ceremony, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, said the Change Your Story initiative reflects NLNG’s deliberate investment in people-centred development that goes beyond physical infrastructure.

“For us at NLNG, that commitment is very intentional. Over the years, we have learned that development is not just about infrastructure, it is also about people,” she said.

Highlighting NLNG’s broader support for the media sector, including the NLNG Prize for Energy Reporting at the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Horsfall emphasised the indispensable role of the media in shaping public understanding, building trust and holding institutions accountable, particularly in complex sectors such as energy.

“When it comes to shaping understanding, building trust, and holding institutions accountable, the media plays a role that simply cannot be replaced,” she stated.

According to her, transparency and openness are core values at NLNG and depend significantly on the existence of a strong, professional and ethical media ecosystem.

“As we close this workshop, I urge you to take what you have learned here back with you. Use it in your everyday work. Ask sharper questions. Double-check facts with confidence. Tell stories that go beyond the headlines,” Horsfall advised the participants.

In her opening remarks, the Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, NLNG, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, described the workshop as a demonstration of NLNG’s respect for quality journalism and its commitment to sustaining media capacity.

“NLNG’s goal with this workshop is to equip you with the latest knowledge, tools, and insights that make your work easier, sharper, and more impactful, leveraging your professional ethics, personal accuracy, and digital solutions,” she said.

She explained that the programme provided participants with the opportunity “to explore real-world issues that are shaping modern journalism, such as Innovative storytelling with multimedia tools”.

While noting that the Abuja convergence marked the 16th edition of the initiative since its commencement, Palmer-Ikuku said that over 180 journalists across Nigeria have benefited from the programme, which focuses “on digital skills enhancement, innovative storytelling, combating misinformation, safety, professionalism and leadership.”

“As journalists, you do more than report facts. You interpret issues, and help the public make sense of decisions that affect their lives,” she noted.

In an interview with Voice of Nigeria, the Lead Trainer, Dan Mason, advised participants to embrace continuous learning and practical application of digital tools.

“Keep an open mind, keep learning and just do it. Dive in and do it,” he said.

Responding to concerns about artificial intelligence leading to job losses, Mason explained that AI would change, rather than eliminate, journalism roles.

“It is going to lead to job changes all over the world,” explaining that when used ethically, AI could enhance efficiency and productivity in journalism.

“What people will trust are real people… We have become more important than ever,” Mason concluded.

The workshop, facilitated by the Journalism Clinic led by Taiwo Obe and digital communication specialist Dan Mason, brought together journalists from diverse media institutions to hone their skills in artificial intelligence, digital storytelling, data visualisation, online fact-checking, audience engagement and effective management of digital presence.

Participants drawn from diverse media organisations expressed appreciation to NLNG for equipping them with transformative tools for professional excellence, which they said would help build audience trust and improve journalistic standards.

Lateefah Ibrahim

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Ibrahim-Sulaiman, has called on women and organisations working in the gender and development space to adopt a unified and collaborative approach in addressing issues affecting women across Nigeria.

In a statement by her Special Adviser, Media & Publicity, Mr Jonathan Eze, on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister made the call during a courtesy visit by Gender and Development Action (GADA), a non-governmental organisation focused on advocacy for vulnerable populations.

The GADA delegation included Iyom Josephine Anenih, former Minister of Women Affairs; Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Director of GADA; Ms. Kpeta Toyo, Partnership Associate, GADA; and Mrs. Juliet Arbor of the National Senior Citizens Centre.

Marginalised Group

During the meeting, GADA briefed the Minister on its ongoing initiative to develop a national policy guideline on gender-based violence targeted at selected marginalised groups, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The organisation highlighted that several categories of women remain largely overlooked in existing frameworks.

According to the delegation, the proposed guideline seeks to address the specific vulnerabilities of elderly persons who are often subjected to neglect and abuse; migrants facing exploitation and harassment; internally displaced women and girls in camps who are exposed to sexual exploitation.

Stigma/Dependency

It also involves persons living with disabilities who experience heightened risks due to stigma and dependency; and child mothers, many of whom are victims of sexual and gender-based violence and trapped in cycles of abuse and poverty.

“We cannot continue to overlook those who are most at risk and deserving of targeted protection measures. This policy is aimed at ensuring inclusivity and accountability,” the GADA team stated.

Responding, the Minister welcomed the proposal, describing it as timely and aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to renewing hope for all women, including children and the elderly.

Humanitarian Framework

She emphasised that marginalised groups require a comprehensive National Action Plan for protection rather than a purely humanitarian framework.

“This initiative complements our ongoing national strategies, including plans that recognise the elderly as mentors within society. We are determined to ensure that no group is left behind in the fight against gender-based violence,” the Minister said.

She further stressed that meaningful progress can only be achieved when women speak with one voice, noting that her ministry has deliberately worked with women leaders across political party lines to demonstrate inclusive leadership.

The Minister concluded by urging GADA to work closely with ministry officials to develop a robust policy framework that will outline preventive measures tailored to each vulnerable group, establish survivor-centred response mechanisms, and strengthen accountability structures for perpetrators.

Lateefah Ibrahim

The Minister of Works, Engineer David Umahi, has commissioned emergency special intervention projects aimed at addressing the effects of flooding in Kebbi State.

The minister was represented at the event by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.

Mitigate Flood Damage

He said the projects were awarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024 as part of efforts to mitigate flood damage and improve infrastructure in affected communities.

Yakasai said the intervention projects would significantly reduce the hardship faced by local communities, noting that the president remains committed to implementing people-oriented projects under the Renewed Hope Initiative.

He also inspected the ongoing construction of the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway in Kebbi State.

According to him, the North West zone has the highest allocation of road kilometers under the project, with Kebbi State accounting for 258 kilometers.

He expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work by the contractors.

Flagship Infrastructure

The Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Ishia Vandu, described the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway as one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the current administration.

Vandu explained that work carried out so far includes earthworks, soil stabilisation, side clearance, and the installation of solar streetlights.

The emergency intervention projects commissioned include road embankments along the Argungu-Kangiwa, Kalgo-Jega, and other flood-prone routes in the state.

Lateefah Ibrahim