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ZLP Launches Grassroots Campaign

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has formally commenced its campaign in the Bwari Area Council with a well-attended rally in Usuma Ward, Kubwa. The flag-off event marked the beginning of what party officials described as a decisive push for community-focused governance and renewed efforts to strengthen security and economic opportunities across the council.

Residents turned out in large numbers as supporters lined major streets to welcome the ZLP campaign team. Party members distributed handbills highlighting the party’s manifesto, while candidates engaged with locals on policy priorities aimed at addressing longstanding developmental gaps in Bwari.

Addressing supporters, the ZLP Councillorship Candidate for Usuma Ward, Hon. Mrs Helen I. Mokwe (JP), reaffirmed her commitment to inclusive representation. She pledged that women and youths would be central to her legislative agenda if elected.

“When I become a councillor, women will feel the impact of governance. They will know they have someone representing them. And the youths will know they have a woman and a mother who will speak on their behalf as far as Usuma Ward is concerned,” Mokwe stated.

In his remarks, the ZLP Chairmanship Candidate for Bwari Area Council, Hon. Solomon Danjuma Garda, identified education, security and rural infrastructure as core pillars of his development plan. He emphasised the importance of improving access to rural communities to ease urban congestion and stimulate economic growth.

“In the rural areas, we will concentrate on rural road development so we can decongest the city. We have vast land in the villages, but people keep patronising the city centre because the roads are not open,” Garda said.

Both candidates reaffirmed their commitment to implementing strategic policies that will enhance security, expand economic activities and improve social infrastructure across Bwari Area Council.

They also appealed for peaceful conduct throughout the electioneering period, stressing that democracy thrives in an atmosphere of calm and mutual respect.

President Tinubu Appoints Imo Governor as Renewed Hope Ambassador

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, as the Renewed Hope Ambassador ahead of the national launch of the Nigerian Government’s Ward Development Programme.

The appointment takes immediate effect.

In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President said Governor Uzodimma will work closely with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and state Governors to drive and promote the Tinubu administration’s programmes at the grassroots level.

In his role as Ambassador, the Imo State Governor double as the Director-General for Party Outreach, Engagement and Mobilisation.

In a message to the Renewed Hope Ambassador, President Tinubu asked Governor Uzodimma “to ensure that Nigerians are aware of and understand the administration’s achievements.’

Grassroots participation

As Renewed Hope Ambassador, Governor Uzodimma’s mandate includes ensuring harmony, inclusiveness, and strategic coordination at all levels of the party, while also mobilising and engaging citizens to deepen grassroots participation in government programmes.

Governor Uzodinma also will work with the APC governors, who will also be Ambassadors of Hope.

President Tinubu expects Governor Uzodimma and his colleagues to promote and disseminate the party’s achievements and milestones since 2023, thereby reinforcing the message of Renewed Hope nationwide.

Reflecting on the reform agenda initiated by the Tinubu administration upon assuming office in May 2023, Mr. Bayo Onanuga noted that “many of the measures are already delivering positive results for the Nigerian economy.”

He highlighted that inflation has eased for the seventh consecutive month, dropping to 16.05 per cent in October.

The Presidential aide also listed exchange rate, affirming its stability.

Mr Onanuga noted Foreign Exchange reserves reached over $46 billion in November, up from $32 billion and a net reserve of $4 billion inherited in 2023.

He also noted a renewed boost in investor confidence in the Nigerian economy, with both Foreign Direct Investment and portfolio inflows on the rise, particularly in the oil and gas sector, which has emerged as a major beneficiary.

The stock market is enjoying an unprecedented boom,” Mr Onanuga stated.

The economy is being diversified, with solid minerals playing a pivotal role.

The government’s liberal educational loan policy has enrolled over 700,000 students. Nigerians do not need to wait longer than one week to get a travel passport.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

South Africa Concludes G20 Presidency with Leaders Declaration

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South Africa’s G20 Presidency concluded with the adoption of a leaders’ declaration, reaffirming member countries’ commitment to multilateralism and global cooperation.

US President Donald Trump did not attend the summit, as widely anticipated. While the US administration had expressed reservations about the adoption of a full G20 Leaders’ Declaration, other member states proceeded with consensus-building efforts.

Most member countries and invited leaders engaged fully in discussions, while Argentina’s President Javier Milei partially aligned with the US stance, sending his foreign minister to represent the country.

The Johannesburg summit provided a ‘platform for countries including India, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and several Gulf states to discuss global priorities, bilateral trade, and multilateral cooperation.’

The consensus declaration highlighted several key areas;

  • Inequality: Recommendations from a panel led by Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz were incorporated, focusing on strategies to address global disparities.
  • Debt Relief: Proposals on debt sustainability and risk management received broad support.
  • Progressive Values: Themes of solidarity, equality, and sustainability were included in line with South Africa’s priorities.
  • Climate and Energy Transition: Agreements between the EU, South Africa, and other partners reinforced commitments to a just energy transition, with development support pledged by Norway, the UK, and other countries.

The official handover of the G20 presidency will take place in a low-key ceremony at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Observers noted that ‘the summit underscored the continued role of middle-power nations in shaping global discussions on economic stability, climate, and development issues.’

 

APA/Oyenike Oyeniyi 

TETFund Reaffirms Commitment to Modernising Nigeria’s Higher Education

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has reaffirmed its commitment to modernising Nigeria’s higher education system, strengthening research capacity and preparing graduates with globally competitive skills.

This was the focus of the 2025 TETFund Board of Trustees Town Hall Meeting held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sunday Echono, stressed the need for a complete transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education curriculum to align with the demands of a rapidly evolving global workforce.

He said; “the country must produce graduates with the right skills to drive economic growth, create jobs, and fully utilise Nigeria’s demographic advantage.”

“Our aim is to produce the right number of high-quality graduates who can support the national economy, harness our natural resources, and expand employment opportunities. We must prepare young Nigerians to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of creating wealth and filling global skills gaps.” Echono said.

He noted that TETFund is intensifying investments in digital learning tools, modern teaching infrastructure and entrepreneurship training.

He also emphasised that Nigeria must shift its focus from shortcuts to wealth and instead embrace productivity, efficiency and innovation in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and manufacturing.

As the current Education Tax regime ends in December, he disclosed that a new development levy framework will begin in January 2026, expressing hope that ongoing advocacy will attract additional funding for the education sector.

“Education must remain the nation’s most important tool for societal transformation,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari said the Lagos Town Hall Meeting, the second in the 2025 series—reflects the Fund’s commitment to accountability and broad stakeholder engagement in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Masari highlighted TETFund’s evolution from a primarily infrastructure-focused agency to one that balances physical development with research, innovation, digitalisation and entrepreneurial skills.

“TETFund is not just about building structures, it is about raising academic quality, strengthening capacity and positioning Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to compete globally, such as the training of thousands of lecturers through TETFund-sponsored Master’s and PhD programmes; the expansion of TETFAIR, which has produced more than 200 innovation prototypes; the strengthening of the Research for Impact (R4i) initiative, benefiting 939 researchers; and the establishment of Multidisciplinary Research Laboratories and Centres of Excellence across all zones, he stated.

Other interventions include, launch of the Nigerian Education Data Initiative (NEDI) for evidence-based policymaking, investment in Innovation and entrepreneurship hubs, upgrading of 18 Colleges of Medicine and the establishment of eight Medical Simulation Centres. a ₦70 billion commitment to sustainable mini-grid energy solutions for campuses and roll-out of the TERAS digital platform to enhance accountability, streamline workflows and strengthen e-learning.

Masari also restated the Fund’s allocation formula, noting that 91% of available funds are channelled directly to beneficiary institutions through direct disbursements and special interventions.

He urged institutions, communities and other stakeholders to adopt a stronger maintenance culture, reiterating that sustainability requires shared responsibility.

Other stakeholders including, Senator Muntari Dandutse, traditional ruler Kayode Afolabi, and other participants emphasised the urgent need for tertiary institutions to embrace innovation and compete with global standards.

Traditional ruler Kayode Afolabi, re-emphasized that education remains the lifeline of national development and called for sustained funding for TETFund.

According to him amidst other stakeholders, Nigeria needs a purposeful leadership approach that prioritises meaningful development through robust support for education, research and enterprise.

They encouraged Nigerians to collaborate with government efforts and contribute actively to national progress.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Minster Orders Tightened Security in Abuja

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has directed that security be strengthened across Abuja, with enhanced surveillance at all borders with neighbouring states and major entry points.

To this end, the Operation Sweep Squad — comprising a joint military task force, the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, has been deployed to various parts of the nation’s capital.

Addressing the team in Abuja Nigeria’s Capital on Tuesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye charged them to create the synergy required to eliminate crimes and criminalises across the FCT.

CP Dantawaye noted that “the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike who directed the operation has also provided enough logistics to ensure its success and guarantee adequate safety and security for residents.”

The CP who was supported by other heads of security agencies also announced that Service Chiefs and the IGP had given approval for the operation designed to address all criminalises, especially as the yuletide approaches.

CP Dantawaye disclosed that the team have been detailed to pay attention to the areas most vulnerable to kidnapping and banditry, ensuring safety for all residents.

The FCT minister, Nyesom Wike has given complete support, especially in terms of logistics for this operation. He has given approval and I am sure that by the time we’ll be leaving here later, I mean today, the funds for fueling, for servicing of the vehicles and even allowances for the men will have dropped into an account that we can assess.

“On the influx of beggars into the city centre, the CP stated that the security agencies are collaborating with relevant departments of FCTA to tackle the menaces of street begging in Abuja,” he said.

CP Dantawaye said that while the legal requirements on the evacuation of street beggars are being perfected, anyone arrested in black spots would be profiled because some criminals often disguise themselves as beggars.

He said, “ We were trying to perfect our legal requirements to that effect before we can delve into that. But naturally, we wouldn’t want to have people loitering around the cities and by way of claiming that they are beggars. Because we know that amongst people that come, some of them that claim that they are beggars are not exactly beggars. Most people come with criminal intent.

“We’re going to profile them and see those we will take off the streets that are criminally minded, even if they claim they are beggars.”

CP Dantawaye added that there is need to look at the legal backing, working closely with Abuja environmental protection bodies to see if there’s a need for us to take them away from the streets or not.

 

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

Senate President Unveils Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025 -2030

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The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has formally unveiled Nigeria’s Counter Terrorism Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030.

The Strategic Plan was put together by the National Counter Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser.

In his Keynote address, Senator Akpabio said the occasion was not merely the launch of another policy document but a defining moment in the nation’s journey.

“It is a moment when Nigeria again reaffirms that our people deserve to live without fear, that our children deserve a future of peace, and that our nation must be secured to prosper,” he said.

The Senate President stated that every generation faced a question that history demanded it must answer.

He said; “For ours, the question is clear: How do we secure our nation, safeguard our people and set Nigeria irreversibly on the path of peace, growth and stability?

“The Strategic Plan 2025 – 2030 answers this question with vision, discipline and ambition. It offers a framework for transforming our institutions, modernising our security architecture, strengthening national resilience and expanding partnerships across government, industry, civil society and the international community.

As President of the Senate, I have seen how insecurity weakens the foundations of development. Investors withdraw, schools close, farmers abandon their fields, and hope retreats from the hearts of our young people. That is why a pragmatic, forward-looking and implementation-driven plan such as this is timely, necessary and welcome.

“While security is a constitutional responsibility shared by all arms of government, the legislature has a unique obligation — to provide the legal, oversight and budgetary backbone upon which security institutions stand and thrive.”

The Senate President said; “The 10th National Assembly has taken this duty seriously. We have enacted far-reaching laws in defence, policing, intelligence coordination, cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.

“We have strengthened agency mandates, promoted inter-agency synergy and championed better welfare for those who risk their lives daily so that Nigeria and Nigerians could be secure in their homes, hopeful in their communities, and proud to raise children in a country where safety is not a privilege, but a guarantee.

“But legislation alone cannot secure our country. We must invest in people, technology, training and strategic partnerships.”

“We must replace short-term firefighting with long-term planning. That is why this Strategic Plan matters — because it translates intent into action and action into measurable results.

“It recognises that security is not the duty of government alone, but a shared responsibility of citizens, communities, traditional institutions, the private sector, and international allies. It stands out because it reflects a Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach,” Akpabio said.

In his message at the occasion, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu who was represented by the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, Major General Adamu Laka said the Strategic Plan that was unveiled is a product of extensive research, inter-agency collaboration and consultations across government Ministries, security institutions, academia, civil societies and international partners.

He said the vision is to establish the National Counter Terrorism Centre as a regional centre of excellence in countering terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim

NAPHDA, Pathfinder International Launches Free HPV Screening In Nasarawa

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The Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), in collaboration with Pathfinder International, has launched a comprehensive free cervical cancer screening programme for women and HPV vaccination for adolescent girls in Kwandere, Lafia.

Speaking during the Inauguration ceremony, the First Lady of Nasarawa State, Salifat Abdullahi Sule made a passionate appeal for women to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their health.

Health is wealth. Let us help ourselves by utilizing this free cervical cancer screening provided by the state government and our partners for the well-being of our children,” Mrs Sule said.

The First Lady emphasised the importance of regular cervical cancer screening and ensuring that young girls receive their HPV vaccinations.

She encouraged women to seek medical attention promptly if they experience any symptoms, highlighting that early detection can save lives.

READ ALSO: UNICEF Launches HPV Awareness Campaign in Osun

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gaza Gwana, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. John Damina, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that vaccines and other necessary medical equipment are readily available at designated treatment centers for the beneficiaries.

He lauded the First Lady for her unwavering dedication to addressing health issues and praised the Executive Secretary of NAPHDA, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, for spearheading the cervical cancer screening initiative.

He extended gratitude to the Kwandere community and their traditional ruler, Sangarin Kwandere, for their support.

In her remarks, State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Fatima Maho expressed delight in the collaboration with the state government to promote awareness and encourage HPV vaccination.

Voice of Nigeria reports that the outreach aims to screen over 100 women in the state, with immediate treatment options available for those who test positive for cervical cancer.

Through this collaborative effort, NAPHDA and Pathfinder International are taking significant steps toward reducing cervical cancer risk and promoting public health in Nasarawa State.

Amina Mohammed Lafia

Nigeria Seeks Stronger Ties with Russia

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Nigeria has pledged to strengthen and deepen its relationship with the Russian Federation, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said in a congratulatory message to Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Russia.

A statement by the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, noted that the “Nigeria–Russia partnership has been marked by enduring cooperation, mutual respect and a shared commitment to sovereignty and mutual benefit.”

“From early collaborations in education, where Russia provided scholarships to generations of Nigerian students in engineering, medicine and the sciences, to joint efforts in infrastructure development and defence, our bilateral ties have delivered tangible benefits to our peoples,” the statement added.

Ambassador Tuggar recalled that following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics was among the first nations to establish formal diplomatic relations with the newly sovereign state.

“That early act of solidarity laid the foundation for a relationship that has matured over six and a half decades through periods of global transformation,” he said.

He further stated, “In recent years, the partnership has expanded to new areas, including energy, security, agriculture, solid minerals development and counter-terrorism. Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have further strengthened mutual understanding and appreciation.”

“The Nigerian government values the consistent support of the Russian Federation in international forums and recognises its role as a key global partner. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, there is immense potential to deepen collaboration in trade and investment, science and technology, and global peace and security.”

Minister Tuggar said the federal government looks with optimism towards a future of even greater cooperation, remaining committed to exploring new frontiers in the partnership and building upon the strong foundation established by predecessors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening this historic bond of friendship and partnership for the prosperity and well-being of both nations.

ECOWAS, Anambra State Launch Aquaculture Training for 200 Youths 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the Taenprowiz Production Partnership Centre, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), select cooperatives, and the Anambra State Government, has launched a major youth empowerment initiative aimed at transforming fish production business across West Africa.

The programme, which is aimed at training 200 young people in Anambra State on the Taenprowiz Fish Production Business System and Technology, was inaugurated during the induction ceremony of the ECOWAS Youth Employability Programme 2.0 held at the COOU ETF Auditorium in Igbariam.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Emeka Iloghalu, Coordinator of the Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology Partnership Centre in Anambra and Managing Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), praised the collaboration between ECOWAS and the state government.

He described the initiative as a strategic intervention that will curb youth restiveness, stimulate job creation and strengthen aquaculture entrepreneurship in the region.

Iloghalu explained that the Taenprowiz Fish Production Business System and Technology introduces an integrated, technology-enabled model designed to improve yields, reduce losses and standardize production processes for small and large-scale fish production. The system incorporates modern aquaculture business science, data-driven management, automated monitoring tools, and locally adaptable techniques to address persistent business challenges, including high mortality rates, inconsistent feeding, and poor water quality.

Capacity building

He added that the model places strong emphasis on capacity-building and sustainability, teaching effective fish production techniques, standardized operating procedures and eco-friendly methods that reduce waste and prevent disease outbreaks. The system further strengthens the aquaculture value chain by offering improved enablement for post-harvest handling, processing and market access strategies. “With its focus on resilience and innovation, the Taenprowiz Fish Production Business System is becoming a transformative blueprint for food security and aquaculture entrepreneurship across emerging markets,” he said.

Read Also: Nigeria Targets Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agriculture

Information Minister Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

The 200 participants have already undergone over two months of preliminary engagement and will receive further hands-on training throughout the programme.

According to Iloghalu, graduates will be positioned to participate in the sector in three distinct ways: as professional employees in the aquaculture industry; as cooperative members trained to operate with proficiency rather than novice experience; and as informed investors capable of evaluating viable fish production ventures. “You have a bright future. With the support of Anambra State and ECOWAS, you will have no limits,” he told the inductees.

He also commended the team led by Prof. Jude Obi and the West African Secretariat of Ecological Organic Agriculture (WASEOA) for coordinating similar training simultaneously in Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Nigeria, underscoring the regional scope of the programme.

Empowering the Youths 

Representing the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, Mr. Kingsley Ezelagba urged participants to remain focused and seize the opportunity to acquire life-changing skills. He highlighted Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting his administration’s record of empowering over 8,000 youths under the “One Youth, Two Skills” scheme.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Toure, represented by Prof. Jude Obi said the initiative forms part of ECOWAS’s broader regional strategy to boost youth employment in agriculture, agro-forestry, and fisheries. He lamented that over 75 percent of young people in the region remain unemployed, and cited the project as a significant step toward reversing this trend. He announced that the ten best trainees out of the 1,280 youths enrolled across six West African countries will receive special awards.

Ensuring food security

In her remarks, COOU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenugha, commended ECOWAS and Taenprowiz for their efforts toward agricultural development and food security. She affirmed the university’s commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger, citing the institution’s Healthy Living Farm as a model for organic farming, sustainability and practical agricultural training.

Also addressing the participants, the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies at COOU, Prof. Onyechi Uzoka, encouraged the youths to embrace innovation, practice their newly acquired skills and utilise mentorship opportunities. He expressed confidence that the programme would help position Anambra State as a leading fish producer in Nigeria and eventually West Africa.

The high point of the ceremony was the formal induction of 200 youths into the Taenprowiz Fish Production Business System by the Coordinator of ECOWAS/WASEOA Nigeria, Mr. Gbadamosi R. Oyewole.

 

 

Olusola Akintonde

Nasarawa State Records 852 Cases of GBV in 2025

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The Nasarawa State Government says it has recorded about 852 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV), in 2025.

Commissioner of Women Affairs and Humanitarian Services, Barrister Hauwa Samuel-Jugbo, stated this during a press conference in commemoration of the 16 Days Activitism against gender based violence in Nasarawa State.

Samuel-Jugbo said that violence against women and girls is unacceptable, preventable, and must end within the society.

“Nasarawa State recorded 852 reported
cases of GBV. This is alarming, and it must stop,” he said.

Strong political will

The Commissioner however acknowledged the commitment and leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, who has consistently demonstrated strong political will in combating gender-based violence under his administration.

Samuel-Jugbo further recognised that technology-facilitated GBV which formed basis for abuse and harmful practices and far-reaching Consequences.

The technology crimes such as: Cyberstalking and online harassment,
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images (“revenge porn”), Online bullying and blackmail, Digital impersonation and identity theft, Sexual exploitation through digital platforms, Defamation and threats circulated via social media or messaging apps.

She said such crimes destroy reputations, weaken mental health, and expose women and girls to deeper emotional and even physical harm.

Samuel-Jugbo said; “While we acknowledge these risks, we must also embrace the immense opportunities the digital space offers—in education, entrepreneurship, innovation, career growth, and leadership.

“We therefore encouraged our women and girls not to be afraid to explore technology, They should acquire digital skills, access information, and utilise online economic opportunities.”

We call on every resident of Nasarawa State not to keep silent, make use of the Toll-Free Emergency Line: 112, report cases directly to the SARC Helpline: 08069388668, use digital platforms responsibly to seek help, share verified information, and support survivors, ” she stated.

 

Lateefah Ibrahim