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Enugu Reaffirms Commitment to Adolescent Physical, Mental Well-being

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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Enugu Reaffirms Commitment to Adolescent Physical, Mental Well-being

The Enugu State Government says it is committed to promoting the physical and mental well-being of adolescents and youths through targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships.

Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, stated this during the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week held in Enugu, themed “Thriving Inside and Out.”

He said; “Governor Peter Mbah’s administration was implementing policies aimed at improving adolescent health and education, including the construction of Smart Green Schools in all 260 political wards to ensure access to quality and inclusive learning.”

Professor Ugwu noted that the government’s school feeding programme ensures that children receive at least one balanced meal daily to promote physical and mental development.

He commended MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices for partnering with the state in adolescent health education and reproductive health awareness campaigns.

The Commissioner also highlighted initiatives by the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, focusing on menstrual hygiene and reproductive health for girls across communities and schools.

He urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support government efforts in raising a healthier and more productive young population.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Uche Chukwu Okenwa, said; “the government was addressing issues affecting adolescents such as depression, drug abuse, peer pressure, and violence through school and community-based programmes.”

Regional Manager of MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices, Mr. Elvis Umeh, represented by Mr. China Agha, reaffirmed the organisation’s partnership with the state in delivering mental health education and behavioural change campaigns in schools.

 

NAN

M23 Rebels in DR Congo Surrender After Ceasefire Agreement

Oyenike Oyeniyi
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M23 Rebels in DR Congo Surrender After Ceasefire Agreement

Several fighters from the M23 rebel group have surrendered to government forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following renewed peace efforts aimed at ending decades of conflict in the country’s eastern region.

Reports say “those who laid down their arms included civilians, soldiers, and police officers who had been kidnapped and forcibly recruited when the cities of Goma and Bukavu were captured by M23 earlier this year.”

The surrender took place across North Kivu, Kalehe, and South Kivu provinces, and among the group were two senior officers.

An army commander has urged other rebels to emulate the gesture and join the peace process.

Last week, the DRC government and M23 agreed to establish an oversight body to monitor a potential permanent ceasefire, following mediation talks in Doha, Qatar. The agreement builds on a July declaration of principles designed to restore state authority in eastern Congo.

The Rwanda-backed M23 movement remains one of more than 100 armed groups operating in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.

The ongoing conflict has displaced more than seven million people, creating what the United Nations describes as “one of the world’s most complex and prolonged humanitarian crises.”

 

 

 

Afrian News/ Oyenike Oyeniyi

Osun Governor Pledges Hitch-Free PDP Convention

Dominica Ijeoma Nwabufo
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Osun Governor Pledges Hitch-Free PDP Convention

By Chika Eze, Abuja

The Governor of Osun State and Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Planning Committee, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence that the party’s forthcoming National Convention will be well-coordinated, peaceful, and successful.

Addressing journalists in Abuja shortly after the inaugural meeting of the Accommodation Sub-Committee of the convention, Governor Adeleke stated that the party had established a robust organizational framework to ensure a seamless event.

According to him, all issues relating to accommodation logistics for delegates and party officials have been comprehensively addressed to avoid last-minute challenges.

“We have concluded our inaugural meeting, and everything that needed to be sorted out has been addressed. The PDP believes in proper organisation, doing things the right way, and in accordance with the rule of law.

“We have successfully organised many conventions in the past, and this one will be even more successful. By the special grace of God, the PDP will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he stated.

Governor Adeleke, who also chairs the Accommodation Committee, emphasised that the sub-committee is working closely with other committees to ensure that delegates from across the country are adequately catered for.

“We are making sure that all our delegates and officials are properly accommodated. We are leaving no stone unturned to make this convention a model for others to follow. The PDP has always set the pace in terms of planning and execution, and this convention will not be different,” he added.

On internal party matters, Adeleke reiterated that the PDP remains united and capable of resolving its challenges without external interference.

He described recent efforts by some individuals to exaggerate internal issues as unnecessary, stressing that the party treats disagreements as family affairs.

“I can assure you that we are meeting and resolving our issues internally. It is a family affair. We don’t want anyone outside to add sugar, pepper, or salt to the matter. The PDP is a family, and we know how to manage our affairs,” he said.

Kano Govt Pledges to Reclaim Lost Artefacts, Safeguard Cultural Heritage

Oluchi Okwuego
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Kano Govt Pledges to Reclaim Lost Artefacts, Safeguard Cultural Heritage

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and preserving the city’s rich historical and cultural heritage, much of which has faded over the years due to urban expansion and neglect.

Speaking at a dinner organized by the World Heritage Volunteers Initiative, Governor Abba Yusuf hailed the programme as a laudable effort capable of “catapulting our history and heritage into the next stage.”

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ibrahim, the governor commended the organisers for their dedication and pledged the government’s full support for their initiatives.

The Governor lamented the loss of many of Kano’s priceless artefacts and historical landmarks, describing the situation as “a sad story” that must be addressed urgently.

“For the sake of commerce and development, we have lost several important cultural sites, including the old Kano city halls. It is an unfortunate tragedy,” Yusuf said.

He, however, stated that the state government had pledged to recover and restore what remains of these heritage assets, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate Kano’s historical legacy.

“We will not only recover what has been lost but also ensure that everything left of our heritage is preserved.”

“As a people with a deeply rooted cultural tradition, we must elevate our heritage to where it truly belongs,” Yusuf said.

READ ALSO: Nigeria Approves Kano Health Projects to Curb Medical Tourism

Earlier, the Director-General of the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), Mrs Malame Mangdza reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Africa’s cultural sites and monuments as Kano hosts the 2025 Heritage Campaign.

She said the campaign celebrates Kano’s rich heritage and promotes its global recognition as a cultural and tourism hub.

Kano was chosen for its remarkable history and enduring legacy as an ancient city of global significance.

“Our collective effort aims to strengthen the state’s recognition as a cultural and tourism destination of global repute,” Mangdza said.

She added that the programme sought to engage local communities, traditional institutions, government agencies, and experts in documenting the cultural and historical narratives of Kano City and its associated monuments.

“Our ultimate goal is to support and complement ongoing efforts to elevate heritage preservation across the continent,” she explained.

 

 

NAN/Oluchi

House Leadership To Mediate In Trade Union, Dangote Issue 

Aisha John-Mark
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0
House Leadership To Mediate In Trade Union, Dangote Issue 

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee with the council of leadership of the House as members and the Speaker as head of the committee to seek an amicable resolution to the crisis between Dangote Refinery and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on “The need to Protect Strategic Private Investments from Adversarial Unionism”, moved by Mr Alhassan Doguwa and Mr Abdussamad Dasuki.

Leading the debate on the motion, Mr Doguwa said that the House notes the recent face-off between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery, located within the Lekki Free Trade Zone, which culminated in a strike action that disrupted operations at the $20 billion refinery, the largest single-train refinery in the world.

“Also notes that the industrial action led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over a period of three days.

Further notes that the disruption worsened the fuel supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, thereby causing severe hardship for ordinary Nigerians;

“Aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

“Further aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone, and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act, which clearly states:

“Employment in the Free Zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.”

“Concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors.” The motion said.

He noted that the House is worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.

The bill was deliberated on by members before being passed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary.

 

NDLEA Launches Digital Platform for Drug Testing and Clearance

Aisha John-Mark
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0
NDLEA Launches Digital Platform for Drug Testing and Clearance

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a groundbreaking digital platform designed to streamline its drug integrity testing and visa clearance processes.

This process marks a major technological leap in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Unveiled in Abuja, the new Drug Integrity Test and Visa E-Administration System (DITViCAS) integrates automation, verification, and digital certification to enhance efficiency and transparency.

Speaking at the launch, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the initiative as “a paradigm shift in our fight against the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking—a moment where enforcement meets efficiency and commitment merges with cutting-edge technology.”

Represented by the agency’s secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa emphasised that the system reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aligning enforcement with innovation to reduce both drug supply and demand.

He noted that the digitisation will eliminate long-standing manual bottlenecks such as paperwork, delays, and human interference in visa clearance and drug testing. “With the flag-off of the Online Visa Clearance Portal today, we are bringing an end to those bottlenecks,” he said.

The new platform allows applicants—from students and prospective couples to corporate employees and travellers—to book drug integrity tests and visa clearances online at www.drugandvisa.ndlea.gov.ng, with results generated within days. Accredited private medical centres will also participate, ensuring flexibility and accessibility nationwide.

According to Haruna, the platform includes e-certification and verification tools that prevent certificate falsification and enhance reliability across all NDLEA formations and partner agencies.

Beyond enforcement, NDLEA officials stressed that the initiative promotes prevention, rehabilitation, and national security. Marwa noted, “This digital portal is an early-warning system designed to help individuals who may be experimenting with substances. It’s a non-judgemental pathway fostering healthier communities, safer workplaces, and a more secure national labour force.”

He added that technology will play a central role in NDLEA’s broader goal to build a “proactive, compassionate, and data-driven” national strategy against drug abuse.

 

 

Nigerian Senate Advances Bill to Establish New Social Fund

Aisha John-Mark
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0
Nigerian Senate Advances Bill to Establish New Social Fund

The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill to repeal the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the Employees’ Compensation Acts and to enact the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund Act 2025.

This followed the presentation of the general principles of the bill at plenary on Tuesday by the sponsor of the bill, Senator Fasuyi Cyril (APC-Ekiti).

The bill seeks to consolidate both acts to make provisions for compensation for any death, injury, disease or disability arising out of or in the course of work in the public and private workplaces.

Senator Fasuyi, presenting the general principles of the bill, would consolidate the provisions of both acts into a single comprehensive legislation and establish the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund.

According to him, the purpose of the consolidation is to harmonise existing laws on social insurance, employees’ compensation and ultimately eliminate duplication of functions.

He said the bill would create a unified legal framework for the management of social security in Nigeria.

“The bill will ensure effective protection of employees in both formal and informal sectors against workplace injuries, disabilities, unemployment, retirement and other contingencies that may threaten their livelihood.

“The objectives of the bill are to harmonise existing laws by consolidating the provisions of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund Act and the Employees Compensation Act into one unified legal framework.

 “And establish the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund as a central institution for management, administration and disbursement of social security funds in Nigeria”.

He said the bill would expand social protection coverage, ensuring that workers in both formal and informal sectors benefit from schemes while addressing employment injuries, disabilities, unemployment, retirement and health cost contingencies.

Senator Fasuyi said the bill guaranteed sustainable financing through the pulling of contributions from employers, employees, government and other approved sources for the effective management of social security.

He also said the bill has the objective to ensure accountability and transparency by streamlining the governance structure and eliminating duplication of functions in the administration of social security.

Senator Fasuyi said the bill aligned with international best practices in labour protection and social insurance and was consistent with International Labour Organisation standards and global social security norms.

Supporting the bill, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) said the bill sought to solve the confusion on the management and administration of social security matters.

He said the bill was consistent with the government’s commitment to reduce overhead and avoid internal conflict of jurisdiction by the management of the social insurance trust fund.

Other lawmakers who supported the second reading of the bill were Senator Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Senator Dicket Plank (APC-Plateau) and Senator Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra).

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, after the second reading of the bill, referred it to the Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity for further legislative input and to revert in four weeks.

 

Sokoto State Commits To Advanced Medical Service Delivery

Ejiofor Ezeifeoma
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0
Sokoto State Commits To Advanced Medical Service Delivery

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has expressed the government’s readiness to collaborate with Northwest University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, to produce high-quality healthcare service delivery in the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu made this statement when he commissioned the university’s teaching hospital along Chafe Road, Sokoto State.

Governor Aliyu said the partnership aims to leverage the university’s academic expertise and the state’s resources to develop a robust healthcare system.

According to the governor, the partnership will also involve training and scientific research to improve the health sector in the state, noting that the administration has prioritised education as a cornerstone of societal progress, with significant investments in educational infrastructure and teacher training programmes.

Read Also: Niger State, UNICEF, WHO Partner to Improve Adolescent Health

He noted that under his administration, Sokoto State has seen significant improvements in healthcare development, with the state government allocating a substantial portion of its budget to healthcare in the 2025 budget.

Also speaking, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the founder of Northwest University Sokoto and the former governor of Sokoto State, revealed that the idea of establishing the university was conceived in 2014 during his tenure as governor.

He expressed his delight in seeing the university grow and develop, noting that it was his vision to provide quality education to the people of Sokoto State.

Senator Wamakko congratulated the university’s management and students on this milestone achievement and urged them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them.

Senator Wamakko also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for transforming the state in all sectors within two years and urged him not to relent.

“Your Excellency, I must commend you for the remarkable progress you’ve made in transforming Sokoto State in all sectors within just two years,” Senator Wamakko said. “We urge you to continue working towards the development and progress of our great state,” he said.

He assured that the teaching hospital would cater to the needs of the average Nigerian and help reduce the number of patients travelling abroad for specialised procedures such as kidney transplants and other complex surgeries.

Senator Wamakko also announced that the university would begin admitting medical students in the next academic session and plans to establish a postgraduate school soon.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Northwest University, Sokoto, Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, commended Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko’s foresight, describing him as a great lover of education development.

According to him, the university has made significant progress since its establishment, with approval to offer several health-related courses, including Medicine and Surgery, Physiotherapy, Nursing Science, Public Health, and Medical Laboratory Science.

Professor Mukhtar Umar Bunza, represented by the Chief Medical Advisory Committee Chairman of the hospital, Dr Lawal Bello, described the establishment of the university as a great milestone achievement.

Dr Lawal Bello noted that the university’s establishment was a testament to the state government’s commitment to providing quality education to its citizens.

The partnership between the university and the state government has the potential to enhance healthcare education, research, and service delivery in Sokoto State, ultimately contributing to the well-being of its citizens through various medical services such as clinical, laboratory, and emergency care.

The Governor and his entourage were conducted on a tour of the facility by the management of the hospital, where they visited various departments, including the emergency ward, laboratory, and pharmacy.

APC Holds Constitution Review Hearing in Calabar

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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APC Holds Constitution Review Hearing in Calabar

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has held a successful constitution amendment public hearing for the South-South zone in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, southern Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen its internal democracy and enhance inclusivity.

The event, convened under the auspices of the APC Constitution Review Committee, chaired by the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, drew participants from across the south-south states, including Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, and Rivers.

In his address, the party’s National Vice Chairman for the South-South zone, Victor Giadom, underscored the importance of the APC constitution as the foundation of unity, stability and growth within the party.

“This amendment process is not just a legal procedure but a democratic exercise that invites the voices of all members. It should reflect our collective will, uphold inclusivity and ensure that our constitution mirrors the diversity of our great country.”

The representative of the Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, commended the initiative, noting that the APC’s decision to review its constitution demonstrates commitment to adapting to present realities.

Ayambem said, “The constitution is the only safeguard of our liberties. This hearing proves that the APC remains open to all and is determined to build a stronger, sustainable structure for the next fifty years.”

During the session, various stakeholders, such as the former National Vice Chairman, South-South, Hilliard Etta, presented memoranda to the committee for harmonisation at the national level.

National Caucus Expansion

However, a significant group within the party, the Forum of APC State Chairmen, represented by their Bayelsa State counterpart, Dennis Otiotio, proposed the inclusion of state chairmen in the national caucus to enable states without APC governors effective participation.

In the same vein, a member of the persons with disabilities community, Dr Juliana Diwa, submitted a mandatory 5 per cent inclusion quota in all party structures and elective offices to enhance equity and participation.

The Cross River Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, commended the deliberations and assured the state government’s support for the review process initiated under the directive of the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

During a chat with reporters, the Cross River APC Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, expressed delight over the successful hosting of the hearing, describing it as “a day of fulfilment” for the state.

Eba praised President Tinubu’s directive to make the party more inclusive, noting that the amendment would “create room for women, youth and experienced leaders, who have served the party faithfully.”

The APC state chairman also made a passionate appeal for greater federal appointments for the people of Cross River, lamenting the state’s under-representation in federal positions despite its strong contributions to the party.

“With what we have done here, the APC has proven that it is a listening party ready to adapt to the demands of time. We only ask that Mr President remembers Cross River State in the spirit of fairness and reward,” he appealed.

The public hearing in Calabar, Cross River State, is the first of the zonal sessions for the committee, which is expected to gather inputs nationwide toward the development of an updated and more inclusive party constitution.

FRSC Launches 2025 Safety Campaign in Benue

Aisha John-Mark
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0
FRSC Launches 2025 Safety Campaign in Benue

The Federal Road Safety Corps has flagged off the 2025 Ember Months Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign in Benue State.

The Enlightenment and Sensitisation Campaign is an annual tradition aimed at promoting safety on Nigerian roads.

The Sector Commander, FRSC in Benue State, North Central Nigeria, Steve Ayodele, who flagged off the campaign in Makurdi, the state capital, said the exercise was part of the measures adopted by the Corps to intensify advocacy and public awareness during this period due to increased travel and higher traffic volume.

He thanked the media for their unwavering commitment to advancing road safety enlightenment.

“Your platforms have played a crucial role in amplifying our voices and increasing road safety awareness in Nigeria.”

Dwelling on the theme for this year’s campaign, “Take Responsibility for Your Safety: Stop Distracted Driving”, Ayodele emphasises that human factors, particularly driver behaviour, were the major causes of road crashes in the country.

He said, to address these issues, the FRSC has outlined actionable measures for the 2025 campaign, including deploying personnel on highways, conducting vehicle checks, organising awareness, as well as raising activities nationwide.

“These efforts aim to reduce road crashes and casualties during the ember months.

“The upcoming international conference on road crash victims is another step towards addressing road safety challenges in Africa.“

He expressed delight with the support of the Benue State Government and other stakeholders in the road safety efforts and urged synergy to create safer roads and a better future for the nation.

“Let us all commit to changing our road traffic behaviour for the well-being of all, so that together, we can make a difference in ensuring safer roads and fuller lives for everyone in our beloved nation.“

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