The  National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has unveiled the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) National Awareness Campaign in Kano and Bauchi States.

The initiative is expected to advance key elements of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), particularly the pillars on fostering digital literacy and cultivating talents, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, building strategic partnerships and strengthening digital trust.

In Kano, the campaign commenced at the Zoo Road takeoff point, through Tarauni market, and ended at Farm Center GSM market which attracted significant public interest.

The Bauchi rally began at Pali Suite in the New GRA, proceeded to Government House Street, the Emir’s Palace, Wunti Market, Muda Lawal Market, GSM Village, Central Market, and concluded at Kano Road.

Participants carried banners, engaged vendors and shoppers, and demonstrated how mobile applications can improve daily life and business operations.

With lively participation from NYSC corps members, creative influencers, entertainers and market communities, the campaign blended awareness with engagement, making digital literacy more accessible and relatable to everyday people

This nationwide outreach continues to drive Nigeria toward achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027 in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces NITDA’s commitment to building a digitally empowered, innovative and inclusive nation.

Lateefah Ibrahim

The Kano State Government in North West Nigeria has issued an Executive Order prohibiting the establishment and operation of any parallel Sharia Police known as Hisbah organisation in the state, declaring the so-called “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” illegal.

Hisbah is an Islamic concept and institution for enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong essentially promoting public morality and accountability, often functioning as a religious/community police in some Muslim-majority areas.

In Kano state, Hisbah was established to carry out such functions. And of recent some certain individuals have planned to recruit a parallel organisation.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf signed the order citing constitutional powers vested in him under Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution and provisions of the Kano State Hisbah Board Law, which Recognizes only the Hisbah Board as the sole authority for Hisbah-related activities in the state.

The Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Waiya read the executive Order on behalf of Governor Yusuf.

According to the Executive Order titled Kano State Government (Prohibition of the Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi) Order 2025, the government expressed concern over reports that certain individuals and groups were recruiting and mobilising people into an unauthorised Hisbah outfit operating outside the law.

The governor described the move as an unlawful act capable of disturbing public peace and undermining the statutory responsibilities of the Kano State Hisbah Board.

The order explicitly bans any person or group from recruiting, assembling, training or deploying individuals to operate a parallel Hisbah body. It also forbids the establishment or promotion of any organisation under the name “Independent Hisbah Fisabilillahi” or any similar title.

Governor Yusuf reaffirmed that Kano State Hisbah Board remains the only legally recognised Hisbah institution in the state, warning that impersonation of its authority, uniform, symbols or activities is strictly prohibited.

The Executive Order urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to investigate the organisers and sponsors of the illegal group, halt all its activities, and take necessary measures to prevent any breach of peace.

Governor Yusuf also urged members of the public to desist from participating in or supporting the banned group which he said constitutes a violation of state laws.

Individuals already recruited into the outfit were advised to withdraw immediately and report to the nearest security formation, Hisbah office or local government authority.

The order further outlines penalties for violators, including prosecution for unlawful assembly, impersonation of lawful authorities, and establishment of an unauthorised enforcement group.

Governor Yusuf said, the Executive Order takes immediate effect and is to be gazetted by the state government.

The Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP) has trained 100 beneficiaries in Nasarawa State with practical skills aimed at improving food production, promoting environmental sustainability and creating income-generating opportunities.

The three-day intensive training on climate-smart agriculture was held in Agwan Doka 2 community, Karu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Speaking during the training, the Programmes Manager at GIFSEP, Joseph Ibrahim, said the initiative was implemented under the Waste to Wealth project, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme.

Ibrahim explained that the programme focuses on sack farming, compost production and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming as sustainable approaches to agriculture and waste management.

He said the training forms part of the Waste to Wealth: Harnessing Biowaste Value for Enhancing Climate-Smart Agriculture and Sustainable Livelihoods project.

“The programme trained 100 beneficiaries and is aimed at improving local food production, promoting environmental sustainability, and strengthening income-generating skills.

“Over the three days, participants were trained in sack farming, compost production and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) farming, three climate-smart agricultural methods that help households grow food in small spaces, recycle organic waste and produce affordable, high-quality livestock feed.

“The programme equipped many women and young people with practical skills to convert household waste into food and income, contributing to improved food security and sustainable living,” Ibrahim said.

Changing Farming Reality 

Some of the participants expressed gratitude for the training and the skills acquired.

One of the beneficiaries, Azenda Aondover, said the training changed his perception of farming.

“I used to think that farmers needed a large piece of land to farm, but the training has opened my eyes to growing more food using sacks in my compound.

“This newfound knowledge has given me the confidence to start my own sack farming project, even with the limited space I have in my backyard,” he said.

Aondover added that the practical sessions were very informative, covering topics such as the selection of appropriate planting media, stacking techniques for maximum space utilisation, and the cultivation of high-yield crops such as vegetables and tubers.

“The focus was on ensuring that even those with limited space could achieve bountiful harvests right in their backyards. I was particularly impressed with the emphasis on using locally available materials to create a sustainable farming system.

“The training also covered compost production, which was a new concept to me. I learned how to transform organic kitchen waste, animal waste and garden waste into nutrient-rich organic fertiliser,” he added.

Another beneficiary, Halima Egbonu, also expressed appreciation for the training.

“This training has given me the skills to grow my own food and earn a living from it.

“The hands-on approach to learning made it easy to understand and apply the techniques. I am excited to start producing my own compost and using it to improve the fertility of my sack farm,” she said.

The Waste to Wealth project aims to enhance climate-smart agriculture and promote sustainable livelihoods in the community, with the training described as a significant step towards achieving these objectives.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, has reiterated the Nigerian Air Force’s renewed focus on air power readiness, personnel welfare, and smarter operational strategies during his maiden operational visit to the Tactical Air Command and Collocated Units in Makurdi.

The visit forms part of his ongoing engagement with frontline units across the country to assess operational conditions, strengthen command presence, and reinforce expectations for enhanced mission delivery.

Addressing officers, airmen, airwomen, and civilian staff during a durbar, Air Marshal Aneke emphasised that his newly unveiled Command Philosophy, “to enhance and sustain a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive air power effects in synergy with surface forces for the realisation of national security objectives”, sets a renewed strategic direction for the Service.

He explained that while the philosophy may appear concise, it encapsulates the mindset required to confront the nation’s evolving security landscape.

“Your contributions to Operation WHIRL STROKE and our other operational theatres continue to demonstrate that Tactical Air Command is indispensable to our mission. Your courage, professionalism, and dedication inspire confidence across the country.”

While commending personnel for their invaluable efforts, the CAS cautioned that the current security environment demands heightened vigilance and readiness.

He urged commanders to intensify operations against banditry within the Area of Responsibility while sustaining essential support to ongoing operations nationwide.

“This is not the time to slow down,” he stated. “To retain the initiative in today’s complex security space, we must ensure the highest levels of aircraft serviceability, weapons readiness, and personnel proficiency. The Nigerian people see your sacrifices, and they depend on us to remain effective and mission-ready.”

The CAS also reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, noting that operational excellence is inseparable from a motivated and well-supported force.

He reiterated his policy of “Welfare for Enhanced Warfare,” assuring personnel that Headquarters NAF will continue to prioritise prompt payment of allowances, improved living and working conditions, and robust administrative and medical systems.

He stressed the importance of open communication, stating: “I want to hear your concerns directly because your welfare impacts our fighting power. While we cannot address every challenge at once, I assure you that we will apply a structured and prioritised approach to resolving the most pressing issues.”

Speaking on operational directives, Air Marshal Aneke highlighted the NAF’s shift toward intelligence-driven, technology-supported operations, underpinned by a strengthened safety culture.

He noted that enhanced operational efficiency would be achieved through innovation and the effective use of newly acquired platforms.

“The Federal Government has shown great confidence in us through unprecedented investments in modern aircraft, armaments, and training programmes,” he said.

“It is our duty to justify that trust by delivering measurable results with discipline, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence across all levels of the Service.”

In closing, the CAS reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring a safe, supportive, and efficient environment for all personnel, noting that welfare, career development, and operational effectiveness will remain central to his leadership.

He urged officers and airmen to remain loyal, vigilant, and dedicated to the Service’s core ideals.

Responding, the Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Obeya, thanked the CAS for his clear guidance and pledged TAC’s full alignment with his vision, assuring that TAC personnel remain motivated and committed to delivering decisive air power across all theatres.

The CAS commended their dedication, adding that “Together, we will build a force that is agile, innovative, and capable of delivering air power effects wherever the nation requires.”

Nigeria’s Minister for Youth Development, Comrade Olawande Ayodele, has reaffirmed his commitment to promoting integrity-driven leadership and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.

The Minister who was represented by the Director General of the Committee of Youth on Mobilisation and Sensitisation (CYMS), Chief Obinna Nwaka, delivered the message at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Integrity Group held at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.

He emphasised that integrity remains a cornerstone for national transformation, urging young Nigerians to play active roles in leadership and community-building.

The Minister encouraged attendees to participate in key Ministry programmes such as the National Initiative for Youth Advancement (NiYA), the Community Engagement and Youth Empowerment Initiative (CEYEI), the Youth Development and Participation Agenda for Transformation (YDPAT), and the Youth Help Desk.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Empowerment

The event also featured goodwill remarks from former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo who commended the Integrity Group for its enduring impact over the past three decades.

The ceremony was also attended by,  Mr. Omonoba Mohammed, Engr. Gift Ogar, and Mazi Obinna Achionye of the Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Youth Council.

A CYMS delegation comprising Ms. Faith Ann, Ngozi Kekewaru, Ogechi Akaedu, Mr. Lukmon Animashaun, and Blessing Daniels was also in attendance.

The anniversary celebration underscored the Integrity Group’s 30 years of service and provided a platform to inspire Nigerian youths toward principled leadership, civic engagement, and strengthened participation in national development.

President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to the late Ambassador, James Sokoya, describing him as a distinguished career diplomat, patriot, and statesman whose life and service left an enduring mark on Nigeria’s diplomatic history.

In a tribute written by the President on the demise of the Diplomat, the President mourned the passing of Ambassador Sokoya at the age of 94, while celebrating his remarkable life, legacy, and invaluable contributions to nation-building.

President Tinubu said Ambassador Sokoya served Nigeria with uncommon dedication, dignity, and integrity, noting that his diplomatic career was guided by intellect, professionalism, and belief in dialogue as a tool for building trust and bridging divides on the global stage.

President Tinubu also recalled Ambassador Sokoya’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s entry into the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the establishment of the Nigerian Embassy in Vienna, Austria.

The President described the late envoy as a man of profound character, humble, principled, and compassionate, and as a man who mentored younger diplomats and exemplified the finest values of public service.

Sokoya served as Deputy High Commissioner in London and later as Nigeria’s first resident High Commissioner to Jamaica, with concurrent accreditation to Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.

Born in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, the late diplomat began his public service career in the Old Western Region before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, first as an educator in primary and secondary schools and teacher training colleges across Abeokuta, Ibadan, and Ijebu-Ode.

He later studied Geography at the University of Ibadan before serving in several ministries of the Western Nigerian government, including the Premier’s Office.

In 1962, Ambassador Sokoya joined the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he went on to hold several strategic positions at home and abroad.

His postings included Head of the Asia Department; Chief of Protocol under former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; service at Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York; and diplomatic assignments in Mali and Algeria.

On behalf of Nigerians, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Ambassador Sokoya’s years of devoted service, honouring his memory and the ideals he championed.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the diplomat’s family, friends, and associates, praying that his legacy would continue to inspire a more peaceful, just, and united Nigeria.