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Insecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 

Insecurity: Abbas Advocates Strengthening of Community Policing 

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Speaker of the  House Of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,  has called for the  strengthening of community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to the realities of local communities.

Abbas made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at the public hearing on a bill for an Act to establish the private intelligence and investigation council (2024) 

He said the event marked another vital step in the collective effort to strengthen the nation’s security architecture and institutionalised standards that would promote professionalism and accountability in the private intelligence and investigation sector. 

Abbas noted that the bill before the committee seeks to develop a regulatory framework for overseeing private intelligence and investigation firms, ensuring that they operate ethically, responsibly, and within established professional standards.

He added that the Bill also aimed at implementing uniform practices that would raise service quality and promote best industry standards. 

The Speaker stressed that the bill also provides for continuous training and capacity development to enable professionals in the sector to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

He noted that it also encourages stronger cooperation between private and public security institutions, ensuring that both sectors complement each other in advancing the overall safety and stability of Nigeria.

Abbas stated: “Security reforms remain a top national priority, and the time has come for the debate on multi-level policing to move from theory to decisive legislative action. Creating state police through a constitutional amendment remains a viable option that deserves serious consideration.

“However, beyond constitutional reform, there is also an urgent need to strengthen community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to make it more effective and responsive to the realities of local communities.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ahmad Satomi, said the proposed bill seeks to establish a regulatory framework that ensures the professionalism, ethical conduct and accountability of private intelligence and investigation entities. 

He explained that the council proposed in the bill, if established, aimed at standardising industry practices, provide accreditation and certification, promote continuous training and development, and foster collaboration between private and public security sectors.

Satomi said it was therefore expected that through this legislative effort, the integrity and effectiveness of private intelligence and investigation services in contributing to national security and public safety will be greatly enhanced.

According to him, “Our country faces complex security challenges, from insurgency to cybercrime. Strengthening our security architecture requires innovative approaches, including effective regulation of private security services.

“Though the efforts of security agencies in tackling these criminality are highly commendable, it is also clearly evident that all hands need to be on deck for Nigeria to sustainably curtail and win the war. Security, it is said, is every one’s business. “

Satomi added that the bill aligned with the National Assembly’s efforts to address security concerns and promote legislative measures that improve national security

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja  The Speaker of the  House Of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas,  has called for the  strengthening of community policing as provided in the Police Act, 2020, to

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2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud Exercise

2025 UTME: JAMB Screens 176 Underage Candidates, As Lawmakers Laud Exercise

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday screened 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The screening, designed to ensure that only outstanding and well-prepared candidates below the age of 16 are considered for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session, was conducted by experts put together by the exam body.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the Abuja Centre for the screening of under-16 candidates, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exercise, which was also held simultaneously in Owerri and Lagos.

On the screening procedure, Adedoja explained that candidates first sat for a written examination before proceeding to face-to-face interviews.

“They did the first paper which took like 20 minutes and after that the papers were marked and they proceeded to the second session and after that the third one and we will have a face-to-face interaction with them,” he said.

The former Minister of Sports noted that 22 candidates participated in the Abuja centre, while 176 candidates took part nationwide.

Also speaking after monitoring the exercise, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Mohammed Muntari Dandutse, commended JAMB for providing a platform for talented underage candidates to demonstrate their abilities.

Dandutse also reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s education policies aimed at national development, while commending JAMB for its consistency and transparency.

On his part, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies, Hon. Oboku Oforji, who also monitored the exercise in Abuja, lauded the students for their outstanding performance, noting that it reflects Nigeria’s competitiveness in education across Africa.

In Nigeria, the official age for university admission is 18, though the National Policy allows entry from age 16.

A total of 41,027 candidates applied under the category of exceptionally brilliant underage candidates for the 2025 UTME, but only 599 scored 80 per cent and above. 

Some were later disqualified for not meeting the same benchmark in their O-Level or Post-UTME results, leaving only 176 confirmed for final assessment.

The screening panel comprised representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education, National Universities Commission (NUC), vice-chancellors and the Gifted School, among others.

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Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Wednesday screened 176 exceptional underage candidates who scored high marks in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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Nigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says Obasanjo

Nigeria Needs to Mobilise Investments, Says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria needs to mobilise private sector investments to fast-track sustainable economic advancement.

He said this in Bauchi on Wednesday at the inauguration of the International Conference Centre (ICC), constructed by Bala Mohammed’s administration.

The centre was named after the first Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello.

Obasanjo highlighted that both local and international investments must be mobilised to accelerate national economic growth.

“With what we have; we can show the world that we are part and parcel of the world. What others have and pride themselves about, is not more than what we have.

“Some people don’t even have half of what we have. We have a world packed centre which can be developed and be made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria.

“The people that will be coming here, will be able to stay in the hotels, interact, have discussions and conferences in this ICC, and make Bauchi a centre of attraction and tourism for Nigeria.

“Not only are we commissioning this, we are starting with a conference to talk about investment, and what do we need in Nigeria today? We need to mobilise investments from local and from the international,” he said.

Obasanjo also promised to showcase Bauchi to the world with a view to attract investments to the state.

Mohammed said the ICC was initiated to attract local and international businesses to invest in the state.

Also, Reuben Okoya, the contractor handling the project, said the centre was designed to accommodate 3,000 people, adding that 10 separate events could take place simultaneously at the centre.

The event was attended by Vice -President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; deputy governors of Oyo and Plateau, Bayo Lawal and Josephine Piyo, among others. (NAN) 

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria needs to mobilise private sector investments to fast-track sustainable economic advancement. He said this in Bauchi on Wednesday at the inauguration of the

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Repairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS 

Repairs: Lagos Diverts Traffic for Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS 

The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of  repair works on the Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

Osiyemi said the repair would take place between 11.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily, commencing on Sunday, October 12 and ending on Sunday, November 23 — a duration of six weeks.

“To minimise traffic disruptions, only one lane will be closed at a time, while the remaining lanes will be open to motorists,” he said.

Osiyemi assured motorists that traffic management personnel would be deployed in the affected area to reduce inconvenience and manage vehicular movement during the repair works.

He urged motorists to comply with the directives of traffic officers on the ground to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Motorists are implored to be patient,” he said. (NAN)

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The Lagos State Government has issued a traffic advisory ahead of  repair works on the Adeniji Adele Interchange Junction to CMS. The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi,

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States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FG

States Must Deepen Commitment to Achieve SURWASH Targets, Says FG

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged state governments to show greater commitment to implementing the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (SURWASH) programme.

He said this would help accelerate access to safe water and improved sanitation across the country.

Utsev made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open the Fourth Federal Steering Committee Meeting of the World Bank assisted SURWASH programme.

He said the meeting was convened to review progress in the seven implementing states of Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, and Plateau and to consider their revised work plans for approval.

The minister expressed concern over delays in the submission of state work plans, saying it was one of the major factors affecting the pace of implementation.

”We must all show stronger ownership and commitment at both the federal and state levels if we are to achieve the desired impact of this programme.

”The first phase of the SURWASH restructuring completed earlier this year has improved disbursements to states through the achievement of key results under the Disbursement Linked Indicators.

”We are now in the second phase of restructuring, which aims to strengthen programme institutions, improve accountability, and onboard new states into the SURWASH initiative,” he said.

Utsev said the Federal Government was working with the World Bank to onboard 10 additional states, bringing the total number of participating states to 17.

He stated that other states would be included in subsequent cycles to ensure nationwide coverage.

”Our vision is for all 36 states and the FCT to eventually benefit from SURWASH interventions, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for universal access to water and sanitation,” he added.

Earlier, the National Programme Coordinator of SURWASH, Mr Abdulhamid Gwaram, said the meeting was crucial to finalising and harmonising work plans from the implementing states for federal approval.

Gwaram assessed the performance of the programme as “very good and modest,” noting that while institutional strengthening had recorded significant success, service delivery was still improving under the performance-based funding model.

”In Result Area One, which focuses on strengthening institutions, we are doing very well.

”However, in service delivery, we are modest because the Programme-for-Results (P4R) model is new to Nigeria. We have faced challenges but are now consolidating and seeing faster progress,” he said.

He added that some states initially misunderstood the funding structure but had since embraced the performance-based approach.

”States now understand that SURWASH is not a repayment programme but one that rewards performance, the better you do, the more support you get.

”We appreciate their growing commitment and urge them to continue working diligently to ensure the programme’s success,” he added.

The SURWASH programme, supported by the World Bank, seeks to increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, strengthen sector institutions, and promote sustainable management of water resources in participating states. (NAN)

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The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has urged state governments to show greater commitment to implementing the Sustainable Urban and Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene

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INEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCT

INEC Extends Ward-level CVR Exercise In FCT

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the ward-level Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Director, Voter Education and Publicity Department, Victoria Eta-Messi, in a statement issued Wednesday, said the exercise has been extended by four days.

She said the decision was taken at the commission’s third quarterly meeting with resident electoral commissioners (RECs) held on Tuesday.

Messi noted: “Following the review, the commission approved a four-day extension of the ongoing Ward-level CVR exercise in the FCT.  Consequently, the exercise which was earlier scheduled to end today, Wednesday, 8th October 2025, will now continue until Sunday, 12th October 2025.

“As of 7th October 2025, a total of 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded in the FCT, comprising 38,528 online pre-registrations and 16,818 completed physical registrations. 

“This impressive turnout underscores the growing civic awareness among residents and the effectiveness of devolving the exercise to the grassroots.”

Eta-Messi said as earlier announced, the online pre-registration option in the FCT remained suspended to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration in person at the designated centres. 

This measure, she added, ensured the validity of their records in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The commission appealed to all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to take advantage of the extension. 

It reiterated that registered voters, who wish to transfer their registration to the FCT, or within the FCT, are also encouraged to do so within this period. 

The commission reminded the citizens that multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law.

It said the list and addresses of all registration centres remained available on the commission’s website and official social media platforms.

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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja  The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the ward-level Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Director, Voter

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FG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending Demands

FG Appeals to ASUU To Shelve Planned Strike, Vows to Address Pending Demands

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

As a result of the threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has assured the union of its commitment to addressing all outstanding demands raised by the lecturers.

It said unlike in the past where separate committees handled negotiations for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, the government has now adopted a unified approach to ensure efficiency and coherence in the process.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the plea in Abuja on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the progress of ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the university-based unions.

Alausa disclosed that the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Federal Government Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee has been reconstituted and inaugurated to fast-track talks with both academic and non-academic unions in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

According to him, “We are finalising the components of the condition of service that ASUU has proposed. Our counterpart committee is also working to conclude its response and hopefully by the end of today or tomorrow, the Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Committee will present the Federal Government’s counter-offer to ASUU.”

He explained that President Bola Tinubu has given clear directives that all efforts must be made to avoid another disruption in the nation’s tertiary institutions.

“The president has mandated us to do everything humanly possible to avoid strike. People at the highest level of government have been working several hours behind the scenes to come up with a robust but affordable response to the union’s demands. These issues have dragged on for over 10 to 15 years, but this administration is determined to resolve them once and for all,” he said.

“In the past, we had three different committees working; one for universities; one for polytechnics, and one for colleges of education,” he explained. “But that was not an efficient way to negotiate. Now, we have one expanded negotiating committee that engages all tertiary institutions and all unions, both academic and non-academic, to ensure a holistic understanding of their needs.”

According to Alausa, about 80 per cent of the union’s requests are similar across the tertiary subsectors, while the remaining 20 per cent relate to peculiar career and institutional needs.

“We have seen all the requests, and we understand their peculiarities. The new committee has started work already and will continue to engage the unions expeditiously to reach a mutually beneficial agreement,” he said.

The minister also urged ASUU and other unions to embrace dialogue as a first option rather than resorting to industrial action.

“We know you have been patient, but please don’t use strike as your first resort. These are issues that have lingered for decades. President Tinubu has shown genuine political will and benevolence towards education. We will resolve this matter comprehensively, respectfully, and in a way the government can afford.”

Alausa highlighted several steps already taken by the government to demonstrate its commitment, including the release of N50 billion for earned academic allowances and the provision of N150 billion in the 2025 budget for the revitalisation of tertiary institutions.

“The president has kept his promises. We have addressed promotional arrears, and the issues of wage awards and allowances have been resolved. By next year, all arrears will be fully cleared, including the 2025 wage award. The government is sincere and committed,” he added.

He assured the union that discussions on the new conditions of service would soon be concluded, noting that this was the final component of the ongoing negotiation process.

“We have resolved most of the concerns raised by the unions, and we are now at the final stage — the conditions of service. We are pleading for patience. The government is truthful and genuinely interested in resolving this crisis once and for all,” he said.

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Kuni Tyessi in Abuja As a result of the threat of industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), the Federal Government has assured the union of its

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Detty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower Businesses

Detty December: AWARI Secures Funds to Empower Businesses

Nigeria’s lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has made a case for the need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa following the impressive revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December season. The Lagos State government had disclosed that it generated $71.6 million in revenue from tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors during the 2024 Detty December.

According to the state government, hotels contri-buted over $44 million, while short-let apartments accounted for $13 million of the total earnings.

Ahead of the 2025 festive period, AWARI said  it has secured a new round of bridge funding aimed at empowering lifestyle businesses and deepening innovation in the sector.

The organisation said the  funding round, which surpassed the company’s previous pre-seed raise, was led by the Lagos Angel Network (LAN), and supported by a network of strategic investors.

Founded by entrepreneur Tannaz Bahnam, AWARI connects users with local lifestyle businesses such as restaurants, spas, gyms, shops and events, while providing business owners with tools for visibility, bookings, loyalty management and data-driven growth.

Speaking on the new funding, Bahnam said the investment would help the company deepen its impact and strengthen its role in supporting urban living and SME growth.

“AWARI was built to transform the way people experience their cities while helping lifestyle SMEs grow sustainably,” she said.

“With the support of the LAN and other visionary investors, we are doubling down on developing tools to strengthen communities, empower businesses, and improve everyday urban life. And with Detty December quickly approaching, now is the ideal time for businesses to join AWARI and gain visibility during Nigeria’s peak lifestyle season.”

According to the company, the new funding would be used to scale its event ticketing platform and loyalty programme, drive business engagement and user downloads ahead of Detty December, and enhance its technology and content operations as it prepares to expand into Ghana, Morocco, and Qatar within the next year.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of the LAN, Yemi Keri, described the company’s growth as a positive sign for Africa’s digital and SME ecosystem.

Keri said: “We are excited to support AWARI as it shapes the future of urban discovery in Africa. AWARI is creating real value for SMEs by helping them increase visibility, attract new customers, and thrive in competitive urban markets.”

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Nigeria’s lifestyle discovery platform, AWARI, has made a case for the need to support lifestyle businesses across Africa following the impressive revenue generated from the 2024 Detty December season. The