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MHCDI Spelling Bee Boosts Confidence, Literacy in FCT

MHCDI Spelling Bee Boosts Confidence, Literacy in FCT

The 2025 Inter-School Spelling Bee Competition, hosted by My Hero Community Development Initiative (MHCDI), has ended in Abuja, sparking renewed advocacy for enhanced investment in educational programs that foster literacy, self-confidence, and resilience among public school students.

At the grand finale, Haiya Rahmatu Nusa K, Director of the Junior Secondary Schools Department at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), praised MHCDI for creating a vital platform that motivates and nurtures academic excellence in young learners.

She noted that the competition, which unfolded in two phases and featured 270 students from nine junior secondary schools in the FCT, promoted “academic excellence, resilience, and love for learning” among participants.

Rahmatu described the scholarships and prizes awarded to the winners as a priceless investment in the future of the students.

“The award of one-year scholarships to the best three students from each school, as well as an additional scholarship year to the overall winner, reflects the generosity and vision of the sponsors,” she said.

Government Secondary School (GSS) Garki emerged overall champion, winning N300,000 and a tablet, while GSS Wuse Zone 3 clinched second place with N200,000 and a tablet. The third position went to another participating school, with the winner receiving N150,000 and a tablet.

She urged all participants to see themselves as winners, regardless of who took the top prizes. “By participating, you have challenged yourselves, gained new knowledge, and set a standard that others will aspire to,” she told the students.

In her remarks, the Programme Director of MHCDI, Damilola Fagbohun, said the initiative was more than just a spelling competition but a celebration of knowledge, courage, and determination.

She explained that the project began with in-school spelling sessions earlier in the year, where students discovered their strengths and built the confidence to compete at the inter-school level.

“The competition is not just about words; it’s about building confidence, nurturing literacy, promoting healthy competition, and proving that our public school students are just as intelligent and deserving of opportunities as any other student anywhere in the world,” Fagbohun stated.

She praised the support of teachers, parents, and partners, noting that their encouragement fuels the aspirations of young learners. “By virtue of being here today, every student is already a champion. You inspire us, you make us proud, and you remind us that the future of Nigeria is bright,” she added.

The competition ended with scholarships, cash prizes, and tablets awarded to outstanding performers, while participating schools were celebrated for their courage and determination.

The initiative was supported by partners including LaserCards, Kairos Hof, Kairos Hof Energy, and the Bank of Industry.

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The 2025 Inter-School Spelling Bee Competition, hosted by My Hero Community Development Initiative (MHCDI), has ended in Abuja, sparking renewed advocacy for enhanced investment in educational programs that foster literacy,

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Gov Lawal Unveils New 18-seater Buses for Zamfara Transport Company

Gov Lawal Unveils New 18-seater Buses for Zamfara Transport Company

Governor Dauda Lawal has unveiled 50 new buses for the Zamfara State transport company describing the development as fulfillment of a promise and a legacy, demonstrating government’s commitment to greatness and excellence.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said Lawal spoke on Thursday during the ceremony in Gusau.
A statement further disclosed that the commercial buses are modern, air-conditioned vehicles designed for comfort and safety.
The statement added that the buses are equipped with cushioned interiors, fitted with seatbelts, and featured reliable suspension for rough roads, as well as GPS tracking devices that enable real-time monitoring of their locations and performance.
In his remarks at the programme, Governor Lawal reiterated that the event marked a new chapter in Zamfara State’s journey, defined by a determination to leave behind the habits of waste and mismanagement and to embrace a new spirit of discipline, accountability and progress.
He said: “Many have asked why it took time between the arrival of these buses and their proper deployment to commence operation? In the past, governments might have rushed to inaugurate them immediately, content with the ceremonies of ribbon-cutting without addressing the deeper structures that ensure sustainability.
“But my administration is different. We do not rush where caution is required. We are not satisfied with mere symbolism when the substance of governance is at stake. That delay was deliberate.
“We chose to first put in place proper frameworks of accountability, monitoring, and management so that what you see here will last and will not descend into the fate that befell vehicles procured in years gone by.
“The history of public transport in Zamfara State is full of examples of neglect. Vehicles procured with public funds often ended up being diverted for private use, parked in the compounds of a select few, reduced to rubble by reckless driving, or abandoned because no maintenance plan had been implemented.
“What was meant for the masses became the toy of a few. We resolved that, under our watch, such misuse will never be tolerated again. These buses will remain on the roads, serving the people who paid for them with their trust, their taxes, and their hope.”
The Governor stressed that his administration goes beyond procuring machines, saying the government invested in people.
“In recent months, Zamfara State Transport Company staff, including management, drivers, mechanics, ticketing officers and admin workers, underwent a comprehensive capacity-building programme. It focused on technical skills, ethics, service and modern transport management methods.
“When transportation is broken, society is broken. By strengthening transportation, we strengthen the entire web of life in our state.
“Our Zamfara, in Northwest Nigeria, links to Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Abuja, Bauchi, and Gombe, serving as vital routes for commerce, education, healthcare, and social ties. Placing buses here improves local mobility and connects residents to the wider nation. Traders access broader markets, students attend institutions efficiently, families stay connected, and civil servants travel for work smoothly.
“As we commission these buses, I call upon the people of Zamfara to embrace them, to patronize them, to protect them. Public property must not be vandalized, abused, or neglected. A bus scratched, a seat torn, a window broken is not only a loss to the government but a loss to us all. Let us cultivate a new ethic of collective ownership. Just as these buses are public, so must our sense of responsibility be public,” the Governor said.

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Governor Dauda Lawal has unveiled 50 new buses for the Zamfara State transport company describing the development as fulfillment of a promise and a legacy, demonstrating government’s commitment to greatness

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HURIWA, Retired Justice Omolaye-Ajileye Praise DSS DG for N20m Compensation to Wrongfully Arrested Individuals

HURIWA, Retired Justice Omolaye-Ajileye Praise DSS DG for N20m Compensation to Wrongfully Arrested Individuals

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Professor Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, a jurist and visiting professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have applauded the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for awarding N20 million in compensation to Mrs. Chineze Ozoadibe and five others who were wrongfully arrested.
HURIWA highlighted this compensation as a positive demonstration of the DSS’ commitment to justice. The organization also pointed to recent legal successes under the DSS leadership, including victories in cases involving Professor Pat Utomi’s attempt to establish a shadow cabinet and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore. These, HURIWA stated, reflect the DG’s strong belief in the rule of law.
Similarly, retired Justice Omolaye-Ajileye commended Mr. Ajayi for exhibiting exemplary leadership, accountability, and respect for human rights. He noted that these actions underscore the DSS’s dedication to transparency and upholding the rule of law.
“The award of N20 million in total compensation to these wrongfully detained individuals showcases Mr. Ajayi’s total dedication to rectifying mistakes, building public trust, and upholding justice,” said the retired judge.

“This action sets a positive precedent for other security agencies to follow and underscores the DSS’s commitment to
protecting the rights of Nigerian citizens,” the jurist noted.

According to HURIWA, “the decision to challenge Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a shadow cabinet in court, rather than resorting to unlawful arrest or detention, is a significant step towards entrenching democratic principles.”

In a statement by its national coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that the “DSS’ recourse to judicial interpretation marks a refreshing departure from the long-standing culture of arbitrary clampdowns on dissenting voices.

“By seeking judicial interpretation, the DSS has shown that law enforcement can safeguard internal security while still respecting constitutional freedom,” observed the NGO, adding, “this approach aligns with global best practices in democratic governance.”

On the new DSS culture of compensating persons wrongfully arrested, HURIWA noted, “These actions, the fourth that has become public knowledge, demonstrate that the DSS, under Mr. Ajayi, recognizes that mistakes are inevitable in security operations.

“However, what defines professionalism is the courage to admit errors and offer redress. We urge the DSS to codify these reforms into official practice directions so that the principles of compensation, accountability, and respect for due process become entrenched in the Service’s operations,” observed the NGO.

“The DSS has set a standard that others must follow; one where internal security is pursued without trampling on fundamental rights. If sustained, this new culture will enhance professionalism, boost public confidence, and consolidate Nigeria’s democratic values,” the group said.

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and Professor Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, a jurist and visiting professor at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), have applauded the Director-General of

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Gateway International Airport, Best Investment of Gov. Abiodun’s Administration,Say Ogun Elders

Gateway International Airport, Best Investment of Gov. Abiodun’s Administration,Say Ogun Elders

The Gateway State International Airport, Ilishan Remo, has been described as the best investment bequeathed to the state by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration.

The Chairman of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, stated this on Thursday when he led other members of the council on an inspection tour of the airport.

Chief Okuboyejo, who expressed delight with the state-of-the-art facilities at the airport, noted that it could be compared to the best anywhere across the globe.

He said: “It is an excellent airport. I have traveled the whole length of the world, and in all these places, I am proud to say that what I have seen here today measures up and is much better than a number of other airports.

“It is the best long-term investment. As it grows over the years, its developmental progress becomes so magnificent that you cannot imagine.

“Some of us know what Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos used to be many years ago and what it is now. This airport has been planned for the next 20-30 years in terms of growth and development.”

The elder statesman, while describing the airport as the best legacy of Dapo Abiodun’s administration, expressed optimism that its objectives would be met. He also suggested that plans should be made to get the approval of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to enable the airport to operate international flights, as this would generate income and make it self-financing.

The Elders Council Chairman lauded Governor Abiodun for following the path of great men who build renowned airports across the world, adding that apart from engendering development, the edifice would stand as a reminder of his good works for generations to come.

“Those who build renowned airports in the world are still remembered up till now, and Governor Abiodun will not be an exception. We, his advisers, the elderly, are happy that our own son is putting this up in our own time,” Chief Okuboyejo concluded.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, said the airport was designed to serve as an anchor project for the various industrial activities taking place in different parts of the state, particularly the axis that falls under the Remo Economic Cluster.

He noted that the airport, in years to come, would be bigger, busier, and experience more activities as other infrastructure begins to spring up.

While assuring that the airport boasts up-to-date facilities, the Commissioner reiterated that the passenger terminal, cargo warehouses, independent power plant, fire station, control tower, among others, are ready on the ground for the airport to begin commercial flights.

The Airport Manager, Captain Dapo Olumide, while conducting the elders around the facility, said officers from relevant aviation regulatory bodies are already at the airport, while finishing touches are being done to ensure seamless flight operations.

He disclosed that the first commercial flight is expected to commence next week Tuesday, as passengers from Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, and other parts of the state have started booking.

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The Gateway State International Airport, Ilishan Remo, has been described as the best investment bequeathed to the state by the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration. The Chairman of the Governor’s Elders

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How to Choose Best Travel Insurance Plan for Senior Citizens in India

How to Choose Best Travel Insurance Plan for Senior Citizens in India

Akin Johnson 

Travelling can be an enjoyable experience for senior citizens, be it for leisure, visiting family or medical purposes. Nevertheless, old age is usually accompanied by increased risks of health problems, accidents or sudden travel inconveniences. This is the reason why it is important to select the best travel insurance policy. Since there are several insurers in India that provide plans tailored to elderly travellers, one should know what to seek before settling on one.

Why do senior citizens need travel insurance?

The elderly people are more likely to have medical emergencies in a foreign country, where the cost of healthcare is very high. Moreover, the threats of cancellations of trips, lost luggage or missed flights are higher. Comprehensive travel insurance for senior citizens ensures that the travellers and their families are at ease and financially secure. It also provides support services like emergency evacuation, help with lost documents and 24/7 helplines, which are important for elderly travellers.

Key factors to consider when choosing a travel insurance plan

Seniors should carefully consider these factors to select the best plan for themselves and their families.

1. Age eligibility and entry limits

Most insurers impose maximum ages of entry for travel insurance policies. Often, these limits are between 70 and 85 years. There are also providers that have lifetime renewability options, which come in handy for frequent travellers. The age requirements may differ greatly between insurers, so it is always worth checking them before shortlisting a plan.

2. Coverage for pre-existing medical conditions

The pre-existing conditions coverage is one of the most important features of travel insurance for senior citizens. Most of the standard policies do not cover them, but some insurers provide partial cover, or cover them after a waiting period or at a higher premium. Transparency is key. Therefore, reveal all medical history in advance to prevent claims rejection in the future.

3. Adequate medical coverage and hospitalisation

Healthcare costs abroad, especially in regions like the USA or Europe, can be extremely high. For seniors, having a higher sum insured is strongly recommended. The best travel insurance policy should cover hospitalisation, critical illness treatment, outpatient care and emergency medical evacuation. Some plans also include repatriation benefits, ensuring the insured can be brought back home safely in case of severe illness or unfortunate events.

4. Trip-related benefits

Beyond medical cover, senior citizens should look for policies that provide trip-related benefits. These may include reimbursement for trip cancellations or interruptions, coverage for delayed flights, compensation for baggage loss and assistance with misplaced passports. Such benefits make travel less stressful and safeguard against financial losses.

5. Policy exclusions to watch out for

Every insurance policy has exclusions, and it is necessary to look at them. The typical exclusions are non-disclosure of medical conditions, treatment of terminal illnesses, high-risk activities or injuries due to negligence. Certain nations might also have limitations or special conditions. Hence, it is important to read the fine print before deciding on a plan.

6. Assistance services abroad

A good travel insurance plan must provide effective assistance services. Try finding features like cashless hospitalisation at network hospitals all over the world, multilingual support and 24×7 emergency helplines. Such services are priceless to elderly people, particularly when they are in a foreign healthcare system or when they are faced with unforeseen problems such as lost travel documents.

7. Premiums vs benefits

Although affordability is a factor, the cheapest policy can leave seniors with inadequate insurance. Rather, seek a compromise between price and total coverage. Compare premiums against coverage using online comparison tools. The best travel insurance policy for senior citizens would be a little expensive but would offer them the much-needed financial security in case of an emergency.

8. Insurer’s reputation and claim settlement ratio 

The name of an insurer counts. Check the claim settlement ratio, which indicates the percentage of claims paid out. The quality of service of the company can also be established by reading customer reviews. The selection of a reputable insurer with a properly established presence in the international market will ensure a simplified procedure for claims. It will also give you the opportunity to count on their help in the most problematic situations.

Conclusion

You must be aware of the age limits, health cover, exclusions and other provisions to choose the appropriate travel insurance for senior citizens. The elderly ought to seek policies that have comprehensive healthcare cover, clear terms for pre-existing conditions and good emergency care in foreign countries. Select a reliable insurer and maintain the balance between high-quality benefits and reasonable premiums to make your trip safe and stress-free. In general, the best travel insurance policy is one which will provide elderly citizens with peace of mind to enjoy their travels without worrying about the unexpected risks.

* Mr. Johnson, an Information Scientist/Communication expert with decades of work experience in media, ICT, writes from Lagos 

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Akin Johnson  Travelling can be an enjoyable experience for senior citizens, be it for leisure, visiting family or medical purposes. Nevertheless, old age is usually accompanied by increased risks of