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Nigerian Senate Prioritises Road Projects in Kogi

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Nigerian Senate Prioritises Road Projects in Kogi

The Nigerian Senate says it will include the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku road in Kogi East under the renewed hope infrastructure fund projects of President Bola Tinubu.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Senator Isah Jibrin (APC- Kogi East) at plenary on Wednesday.

Senator Jubrin said the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku road was a federal road that links communities in Lokoja, Federal Capital Territory, South East and South-South geopolitical zones.

According to him, the Federal Executive Council at its meeting held on, 26 Jan 2022, approved the award of the contract for the reconstruction of the road.

“The then Federal Ministry of Works and Housing awarded the contract to Tech Engineering Company Nigeria Limited on Feb 32022.

“But the contract was recently revoked due to delays in execution by the contractor and has not yet been re-awarded,” Senator Jibrin said.

He said federal government’s innovative approach to infrastructure development through special fundings, such as Sukuk bonds, was a credible alternative funding mechanism for the road project.

Collaborating, Chief Whip of Senate Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), suggested the inclusion of the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku road in the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund projects of President Bola Tinubu.

The Senate thereafter urged the Federal Ministry of Works to consider the use of a special purpose fund for the completion of the Anyigba-Dekina-Shintaku road.

It also urged the ministry to provide toll gates at both ends of the road upon completion to generate revenues.

This, senate noted would help defray the cost of the construction of the road and provide sufficient funds for its maintenance.

 

 

Nigerian Senate Passes National Identity Management Commission Bill

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Nigerian Senate Passes National Identity Management Commission Bill

The Nigerian Senate has passed the National Identity Management Commission Repeal and Enactment Bill 2025.

Senate Majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti), presented the motion for rescission, re-committal and passage of the bill at plenary on Wednesday.

He said that “the National Assembly observed some fundamental issues that required fresh legislative action on the bill after its initial passage.”

He said that the technical committee of the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Directorate of Legal Services met and worked on the bill.

According to him, the Senate, relying on its order 1b and 52b of its standing orders, resolved to rescind its decision on the bill as passed and re-committed it to the Senate for consideration.

After a clause-by-clause consideration of the bill at the Committee of the Whole, the bill was passed.

President of Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, thanked lawmakers and other critical stakeholders for their inputs on the bill.

He expressed his belief that President Bola Tinubu would sign the bill into law when it is transmitted.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Pope Leo Urges Italy to Support Migrants

Hauwa Mustapha
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Pope Leo Urges Italy to Support Migrants

Pope Leo XIV has commended Italy for its efforts in combating human trafficking but urged the country to remain open to welcoming and integrating migrants.

The Holy Father made the appeal on Tuesday during his meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome, a traditional ceremony observed by every new pontiff.

Escorted by the presidential horse honour guard into the palace courtyard, Pope Leo expressed gratitude to Italy for its warm reception of pilgrims during the 2025 Holy Year, which has attracted millions of additional visitors to the Eternal City.

Wearing his formal red cape and brocaded stole, he thanked Italy for its “generous assistance” to migrants.

The pope said the Country should maintain “its attitude of openness and solidarity.”

“At the same time, I wish to emphasise the importance of constructive integration of newcomers into the values and traditions of Italian society, so that the mutual gift realised in this encounter of peoples may truly enrich and benefit all,” he said.

The Pope’s remarks come amid Italy’s central role in Europe’s ongoing debate on migration. The country’s proximity to North Africa has made it a major landing point for smuggling operations departing from Libya and Tunisia.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government has made curbing illegal migration a priority, by returning migrants to their countries of origin or to detention facilities in Albania, and prosecuting suspected traffickers.

Like his predecessor, Pope Francis, Leo XIV has positioned himself as a strong advocate for migrants’ rights.

In his first encyclical, he reaffirmed that “migrants and refugees do not only represent a problem to be solved, but are brothers and sisters to be welcomed, respected, and loved.”

 

 

Africa.news/ Hauwa Mustapha

EmpowerHer Initiative Hosts Workshop for Young Women

Lantana Nasir
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EmpowerHer Initiative Hosts Workshop for Young Women

To mark the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child, the EmpowerHer Initiative, a project of One Impact Social Development Network, convened 30 young women from communities across Abuja for a transformative one-day workshop.

Held under the theme “Empowering Her Voice, Her Future”, the workshop aimed at building confidence, leadership capacity, and life-readiness.

It brought together final-year secondary school students, undergraduates, and recent graduates aged 17 to 21 for an intensive in-person experience that blended skills-building with mentorship and self-discovery.

In her opening address, Founder and Executive Director of One Impact, Enenede Idusuyi, urged participants to be confident in themselves and chase their dreams.

“This day is not just about raising awareness it’s about raising you,  You are enough. You are powerful. And your dreams are valid whether you want to become a doctor, a tech queen, a leader, a creator, or something the world hasn’t even imagined yet.”

Drawing from her own story of overcoming self-doubt and silencing, Idusuyi inspired the young women with a call to action and words of affirmation.

“Speak up. Stand tall. Be proud of who you are. Because when girls stand together, they become unstoppable.

 “I am strong. I am enough. I am confident. My voice matters. I was born to shine,” she charged.

She emphasised that the EmpowerHer initiative does not end with the event, as each participant was connected to a mentor and added to a peer support network, creating opportunities for ongoing guidance and accountability.

“One Impact is committed to walking this journey with our girls, this is about building a generation of confident, capable women who will lead not just in their communities, but across Nigeria.”

Workshop Objectives and Focus

The EmpowerHer Workshop was designed to address persistent gaps in personal development and career readiness among young women, particularly those navigating societal and economic challenges.

According to the organisers, young women in Abuja often face a lack of mentorship, limited access to soft skills training, and cultural pressures that affect their confidence and future planning.

To counter this, the workshop focused on six core areas:

• Self-Awareness & Identity Building

• Mental Health & Emotional Intelligence

• Public Speaking & Personal Branding

• Leadership and Goal Setting

• Career Readiness & Financial Literacy

• Vision Board Creation & Mentorship Circles

Certified coaches, gender advocates, and career professionals facilitated the sessions, equipping participants with tools to craft action plans, articulate their goals, and build strong peer support networks.

By the end of the day, participants left with sharpened communication skills, increased self-awareness, and practical know-how including CV writing, digital literacy, and basic financial planning.

About the Organisers

One Impact Social Development Network is a non-profit organisation working across Nigeria to advance gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion through education, advocacy, and community-based programming.

 

Wole Soyinka, Tourists to Attend 2025 Diaspora Festival

Oluchi Okwuego
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Wole Soyinka, Tourists to Attend 2025 Diaspora Festival

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, alongside Tourists and Culture enthusiasts from across the World, is expected to attend the 2025 Diaspora Festival in Badagry, Lagos State.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday ahead of the festival, Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr. Babatunde Hunpe, said the event would hold from October 16 to 18.

Hunpe, who spoke on behalf of other Chairmen in the Badagry area, said that “the three councils had resolved to jointly organise this year’s edition in collaboration with the Africa Renaissance Foundation and the African Door of Return Experience.”

He explained that the decision was taken to further promote tourism, cultural heritage, and unity among people of African descent worldwide.

READ ALSO: Lagos to increase fish production, host Seafood festival

Hunpe said that “the three Councils had decided to take over the celebration of the 2025 festival in collaboration with Africa Renaissance Foundation and the African Door of Return Experience.”

He said that during the three-day cultural extravaganza, visitors would witness a spectacular display of African heritage through drumming, dance, cultural parades, boat regattas and historical re-enactments.

The Chairman said that the event would also feature lectures, tributes and exhibitions that chronicle the resilience and contributions of Africans across generations.

Hunpe said the heart of the celebration would be the Door of Return Ceremony, a spiritually charged and emotional highlight where descendants of enslaved Africans symbolically retrace their steps home.

According to the Chairman, this reenactment has over the years become a beacon of hope, pride and reconnection for Africans in the diaspora, showcasing Badagry as a central hub of Pan-African consciousness.

Also speaking, Mr Bonu Solomon, the Lawmaker representing Badagry Constituency 1 in Lagos State House of Assembly, said that Soyinka would lead the delegation down to Badagry.

Solomon who is the Chairman, House Committee on Tourism and Culture, said that they would be waiting to receive the delegation in Badagry.

“People from Cuba, Brazil and other European countries will be coming with Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to Badagry.”

“Tourists are already coming down, we have students from Ajegunle coming down here and they are tourists.

“What we need to do is just to uphold tourism to serve Badagry to the whole world.

“And with the zeal of the three chairman, that we have seen today, Badagry is going to be greater in the near future. Unity is what we want,” he said.

 

 

NAN/Oluchi

Sokoto Commissioner Rallies LGs for Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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Sokoto Commissioner Rallies LGs for Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development, Dr. Ibrahim Dade Adare, has directed the 23 Local Government Chairmen to provide all necessary support for the ongoing measles-rubella vaccination campaign.

Dr. Adare gave the directive in his office while addressing journalists on recent developments and clarifying speculations surrounding the campaign in Sokoto State.

He urged the chairmen, traditional leaders, and other relevant stakeholders to participate fully to ensure the successful implementation of the exercise across the state.

Read Also: Persons with Disabilities Set to Participate in Anambra Polls

” I want to encourage all the twenty-three local governments’ chairmen to participate fully and all the necessary requirements to ensure no eligible child is left out.

” There are various emerging diseases, and there are simplest and easiest way to arrest them through proper vaccination of our children. It is the reason behind this measles-rubella vaccination campaign, therefore supporting it to secure the future of our children,” Dr Adare noted.

He reiterated his ministry’s commitment to continue to partner with the Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders to provide all the necessary requirements and intervention towards smooth conduct of the exercise.

” The ministry for local government and the ministry of health have a series of meetings in an attempt to support the exercise.

” Recently, we supported them with deep freezers which are necessary for the storage of the vaccines and other related medicines.

” We would continue to do our best in any aspect that requires support to ensure they carry out their responsibilities effectively for the benefits of our children for sustainable health in our dear state,” Dr Adare said.

He further noted that the campaign aims to reach every eligible child and adolescent across 23 local government areas in the state.

He reiterated the state government commitment to ensuring that no child or eligible girl is left behind, urging parents and caregivers who are yet to present their children for vaccination to do so before the campaign concludes.

Dr Adare emphasized that the vaccine remains one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from deadly but preventable diseases, calling on communities to continue supporting the effort toward a disease-free Sokoto.

The Commissioner commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu, open door policy, which would go a long way in assisting partners and other relevant stakeholders to contribute their quota to the development of sokoto state.

 

FCTA Increases Funding for Health Facilities

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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FCTA Increases Funding for Health Facilities

Authority of the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, says it has increased funding for the renovation of health care centres across the territory.

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolape Fasawe made this known in Abuja at the matriculation of students of the FCT School of Nursing, Gwagwalada.

Dr Fasawe explained that the move was to improve health care delivery, stressing that most of the call rooms in FCT hospitals were currently under renovation while the administration had commenced the payment of uniform allowance for nurses.

Fasawe represented by the Director Nursing Services, Health and Management Board, Mrs Grace Musa said the Secretariat was working with stakeholders to ensure that four bills pass third reading at the National Assembly to boost the renovation of health infrastructure in the territory.

The Pioneer Provost FCT School of Nursing, Dr. Deborah Yusuf, who stressed the need for more infrastructural development in the school to enhance learning and research, urged the students to work hard to achieve academic excellence.

Read Also: FCT Minister Seeks Stronger Partnerships to Tackle Cancer

The lawmaker representing Bwari/AMAC Federal Constituency, Mr. Joshua Obika promised to support stakeholders in boosting the development of education and health care services in the territory.

He gave an assurance that the FCT bill of Nursing would pass second reading before next year.

Earlier, the Director of Nursing Services, Health Services and Environmental Secretariat, Mrs Ijeoma Jimi-Bada also urged the students to always imbibe the virtues of compassion, diligence and sacrifice which were the core values of the nursing profession.

She assured the students that the school would always encourage them to attain their goals.

The Registrar National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifes, NANNW, Dr Alhasan Ndagi warned that the council had established measures to detect exam malpractice and any student found wanting would be dealt with.

Dr. Ndagi is represented by the Head of Department, Mr. Aliyu Adam Planning Research and Statistics expressed optimism that the students had the potential to excel and charged them to play a vital role in shaping the nation’s health sector by developing critical thinking skills, cultivate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, embrace diversity and adhere to the ethics of the profession.

President Tinubu Mourns Kenya’s Former Prime Minister

Lantana Nasir
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President Tinubu Mourns Kenya’s Former Prime Minister

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has mourned the passing of former Prime Minister of Kenya, Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as a towering figure in African politics.

Extending his condolences to the government and people of Kenya, President Tinubu paid tribute to Odinga’s unwavering commitment to democracy, national unity, and electoral reforms, noting that his leadership and belief in the power of the people left an indelible mark on Kenya and Africa at large.

The Nigerian leader praised the former Prime Minister as a statesman of international repute and a freedom fighter who embodied the true spirit of Pan-Africanism, standing consistently for inclusive governance and regional cooperation.

In a message of solidarity to President William Ruto and the people of Kenya, President Tinubu said Odinga whose courage, resilience, and lifelong pursuit of justice will continue to inspire generations across the continent.

 “His legacy will endure in the institutions he helped to shape and the democratic ideals he championed. We mourn with Kenya in this moment of national grief and stand with you as you lead your nation through this painful chapter.”

President Tinubu prayed that the memory of Raila Odinga will continue to guide Kenya towards peace, unity, and progress.

 

NAHCON Chairman Engages Saudi Officials on 2026 Hajj Plans

Lantana Nasir
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NAHCON Chairman Engages Saudi Officials on 2026 Hajj Plans

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has briefed the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Nigeria’s preparations and progress ahead of the 2026 Hajj.

The update was given during a virtual meeting aimed at sustaining consultations with Saudi authorities to ensure seamless coordination for the forthcoming pilgrimage. The session was held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Professor Usman outlined key milestones in Nigeria’s preparations, including the successful securing of initial camp booking slots and related services in full alignment with the Saudi Hajj calendar.

He also presented to the Ministry the list of approved airlines that comply with Saudi aviation protocols, paving the way for slot allocations and flight schedule harmonisation.

“On Tour Operators NAHCON is in the advanced stage of screening and will retain the same grouping of companies into ten, exactly as in the previous year. The Commission will soon provide the names of Lead companies and confirm that the Tour Operators companies will maintain the same camp zones as allocated in 2025,” Professor Usman explained.

Professor Usman reiterated the commission’s dedication to ensuring a well-organised and spiritually fulfilling Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims, in full alignment with the expectations of the Saudi authorities.

In his response, the Saudi Ministry’s representative, Youssef Jamal Altharthi, commended NAHCON’s proactive efforts. 

He emphasised the importance of submitting pilgrims’ data early to facilitate efficient planning.

He further urged NAHCON to ensure compliance with health guidelines and advocate for early visa processing to enable the timely issuance of Nusuk cards. 

He highlighted a new policy requiring pilgrims to receive their Nusuk cards upon arrival at the airport, rather than at hotels or during departure to Makkah, to streamline operations.

Alleged Christian Genocide: Senate Sets Up Adhoc Committee

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Alleged Christian Genocide: Senate Sets Up Adhoc Committee

Lekan Sowande, Abuja.

The Nigerian Senate has constituted a 12-member ad-hoc committee to advise it on how to respond to growing international concerns over alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The decision was reached during a closed door session on Tuesday, where lawmakers deliberated on recent claims by the United States Government suggesting possible acts of genocide targeting Christians in some parts of the country.

The Senate’s move follows increasing diplomatic scrutiny and the potential implications of such allegations on Nigeria’s international reputation and interfaith relations.

Members of the committee include: Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, Senator Abdul Ningi, Senator Titus Zam.

Others include Senator Tony Nwoye, Senator Tahir Munguno and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong.

The committee has been tasked with developing a comprehensive position paper for presentation to both the Executive and the Senate.

The team is expected to come up with a document that would shape Nigeria’s legislative stance on the matter and guide its engagement in ongoing international discussions.

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who made the declaration, noted that the position paper must be backed with verifiable facts and statistics.

Read Also: Nigeria Refutes Claims of Genocide Against Christians

Earlier, the upper chamber resolved to engage with the United States Congress to address and counter what it described as misleading narratives portraying the country’s security challenges as a Christian genocide.

The decision followed a motion raised by Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South ) last week, which sparked a broader debate among lawmakers on the international perception of Nigeria’s internal security issues.

In an ensuing debate, lawmakers expressed concern that such narratives, though often arising from genuine concern, are grossly misinforming international partners and damaging Nigeria’s global image and economy.

Senator Akpabio mooted the idea that an adhoc committee be set up, to visit the United States and directly engage with American lawmakers to clarify the situation.

He noted the need for private discussions, suggesting a closed door session and a smaller delegation to undertake the engagement.

“There are misconceptions that need to be corrected. We are dealing with a complex terrorist threat and it’s important that our counterparts in the US understand that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims.”

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