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Ogun reaffirms free education for public primary schools

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing free, qualitative and standardised education for pupils in public primary schools. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stated this on Wednesday during a sensitisation exercise on the enrolment of pupils into public primary schools in the Ogun East senatorial district. Arigbabu
Ogun reaffirms free education for public primary schools

The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to providing free, qualitative and standardised education for pupils in public primary schools.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, stated this on Wednesday during a sensitisation exercise on the enrolment of pupils into public primary schools in the Ogun East senatorial district.

Arigbabu explained that the move aims to tackle the menace of out-of-school children by informing parents and guardians about the state government’s free education programme.

Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Oluwatosin Oloko, and other officials, the commissioner commended the governor for his dedication not only to education but also to other sectors, such as health, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure.

Noting that the necessary procedures have been put in place for a seamless enrolment process, he urged parents to take advantage of the free registration and enrol their school-age children in public primary schools of their choice from 9 am daily within the stipulated registration period.

“We are sensitising parents to register their school age children into public primary schools free of charge. We also have nursery sessions for age three, with qualified teachers and a conducive atmosphere,” Arigbabu said.

In their responses, the Iyaloja of Oba Sikiru Adetona Market, Oke-Aje, Mrs Wuraola Kuforiji; the Iyaloja of Olabisi Onabanjo Market, Ita-Osu, Mrs Oloruntedo Ogunba; the Iyaloja of Sabo, Sagamu, Mrs Idowu Haruna; and the Iyaloja of Awolowo Market, Sagamu, Mrs Esther Osilesi, applauded the commissioner and his team for their passion in ensuring that school-age children have access to quality education.

Ogun reaffirms free education for public primary schools

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BREAKING: Gov Alia assigns portfolios to newly inaugurated Benue commissioners

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has assigned portfolios to the newly inaugurated commissioners in Benue State, marking a major step in strengthening the state’s executive council. Dr Paul Ejeh Ogwuche will oversee the Ministry of Health and Human Services, while Dr Ortese Yanmar takes charge of the Ministry of Co-operatives and Rural Development. Dr Benjamin Ashaver
BREAKING: Gov Alia assigns portfolios to newly inaugurated Benue commissioners

Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has assigned portfolios to the newly inaugurated commissioners in Benue State, marking a major step in strengthening the state’s executive council.

Dr Paul Ejeh Ogwuche will oversee the Ministry of Health and Human Services, while Dr Ortese Yanmar takes charge of the Ministry of Co-operatives and Rural Development. Dr Benjamin Ashaver has been appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Management, and Dr Fredrick Ikyaan will head the Ministry of Lands.

The Ministry of Finance will be led by Hon. Michael Oglegba, while Tiza Isaac Imojime will take charge of Youth Creativity and Development. Hon. Alumo Orpin has been assigned to Industry, Trade and Investment, and Hon. Ugwu Odoh will oversee Water Resources. Hon. Kunde Aondowase is now Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, while Hon. Kwaghgba Amande has been given the portfolio of ICT and Digital Economy.

In addition, Hon. Joseph Ter Jir has been appointed Commissioner for Transportation, Power and Energy; Hon. James Dwem will oversee Science and Technology; and Dr Ornguga Yangien has been named Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice. Hon. Theresa Odachi Ikwue is the new Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, while Dr Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa will head Education and Knowledge Management.

Dr Peter Oboh Egbodo has been appointed Commissioner for Information, while Hon. Dennis Iyaighgba will lead the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

BREAKING: Gov Alia assigns portfolios to newly inaugurated Benue commissioners

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Flood preparedness crucial to averting disasters in Nigeria – NOA

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has emphasised the need for flood preparedness and disaster management to avert the devastating consequences of flooding in Nigeria. Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Niger State, Onilu noted that many states across the country have suffered severe effects of flooding over the
Flood preparedness crucial to averting disasters in Nigeria – NOA

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, has emphasised the need for flood preparedness and disaster management to avert the devastating consequences of flooding in Nigeria.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Niger State, Onilu noted that many states across the country have suffered severe effects of flooding over the years, citing recent examples in Niger, Kogi, Rivers, Anambra, and Bayelsa, among others, and stressing the need for collective efforts to mitigate its impact.

Represented by the Deputy Director of Media and Communication, Princess Egbe Akenzua, the NOA DG attributed the flooding ravaging communities to poor drainage systems and careless waste disposal. He urged the public to adhere to early warning advisories issued by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, which he noted have a 90 per cent accuracy rate.

Onilu also highlighted the federal government’s efforts in flood mitigation, which include a presidential directive to release N3 billion per state for drainage clearance and relocation in 2024.

In addition, he disclosed that other key areas of focus for the agency include national security awareness, values reorientation, sensitisation on Nigerian identity and national symbols, as well as campaigns against extreme graduation practices that do not align with Nigerian values.

The NOA DG further revealed that the agency plans to reach millions of Nigerians through various campaigns and engagements across the 36 states, FCT, and 774 local government areas in the third quarter.

Some stakeholders who spoke at the event commended the NOA Niger Directorate for organising the town hall meeting. They observed that challenges such as insecurity and flooding require collective efforts to build a safe and prosperous nation.

They also stressed the importance of adhering to early warning signs from NiMet, especially for people living in flood-prone areas, to avert incessant flooding that has ravaged communities in Niger State and other parts of the country.

Earlier, the Niger State Director of NOA, Mallam Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo, said the meeting was organised to enable members of the public to speak their minds and ask questions. He explained that their inputs would be forwarded to the federal government for clarification, to promote better understanding of its initiatives and foster a sense of national unity and patriotism.

The stakeholders’ meeting was attended by heads of various organisations, including the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Civil Defence, Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, youth group leaders, and students, among others.

Flood preparedness crucial to averting disasters in Nigeria – NOA

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Nigeria Air: I never spent N100bn, only N3bn was released – Ex-Minister Sirika

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has denied spending N100 billion on the failed Nigeria Air project while in office. Sirika said that contrary to “lies” about misappropriating funds for the project, only about N3 billion out of the total N5 billion budgeted was released. Nigeria Air was initiated under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s
Nigeria Air: I never spent N100bn, only N3bn was released – Ex-Minister Sirika

Former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika has denied spending N100 billion on the failed Nigeria Air project while in office.

Sirika said that contrary to “lies” about misappropriating funds for the project, only about N3 billion out of the total N5 billion budgeted was released.

Nigeria Air was initiated under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to serve as a national carrier for the country.

Since leaving office, Sirika has faced persistent criticism, with claims that he embezzled billions meant to execute the project. He is also currently facing legal proceedings for alleged corruption and abuse of office.

Dismissing the allegations, the former minister insisted that Buhari’s administration followed due process in its attempt to execute the project.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Sirika said: “It is a public-private partnership which was regulated by the Infrastructure Concessioning Regulatory Commission, ICRC, which gave certificates and participated actively in the process.

“It is a lie that I spent N100 billion, and it was lost in the process. The total budget for the national carrier was N5 billion, the total amount released was N3 billion, and I left the ministry with over N1 billion.”

Nigeria Air: I never spent N100bn, only N3bn was released – Ex-Minister Sirika

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NEF urges Tinubu to declare state of emergency in North

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in the northern region, warning that the worsening insecurity threatens Nigeria’s stability and could push communities into lawlessness. In a statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the elders said violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings have crippled
NEF urges Tinubu to declare state of emergency in North

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked President Bola Tinubu to urgently declare a state of emergency in the northern region, warning that the worsening insecurity threatens Nigeria’s stability and could push communities into lawlessness.

In a statement signed by NEF spokesperson, Prof. Abubakar Jiddere, the elders said violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings have crippled social and economic life in the region. They cautioned that failure to act quickly would jeopardise national cohesion, democratic sustainability, and regional peace.

The forum recalled the August 19 attack on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau Village, where gunmen killed 27 worshippers during morning prayers, leaving many injured and hundreds displaced.

They also highlighted the killing of 35 kidnap victims in Zamfara despite ransom payments, and separate assaults in Kaduna’s Kauru and Kudan LGAs that left eight people dead and eight others wounded.

Jiddere said: “Declaring a State of Emergency in Northern Nigeria, acknowledging the extraordinary scale of the crisis.

“Deploying adequately trained, armed, and equipped security forces with clear rules of engagement to protect civilian populations and secure international border regions.

“Provide adequate compensation, rehabilitation, and humanitarian assistance to victims including displaced persons, in line with international humanitarian standards.”

He added that Nigeria must also work with neighbouring countries under ECOWAS and AU agreements to check cross-border banditry, while seeking technical and humanitarian support from partners like the UN.

The elders faulted the current security system, describing it as weak, overstretched, and in some cases complicit by inaction. This, they said, has left citizens “vulnerable and helpless while eroding public trust in government institutions.”

Quoting international law, Jiddere reminded authorities that: “Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), states that the inherent right to life shall be protected by law, and no one shall arbitrarily be deprived of life.”

He warned that the ongoing atrocities in the North amount to serious breaches of these obligations and, given their scale, could qualify as crimes against humanity.

The NEF promised to keep monitoring the situation while engaging with both local and international stakeholders to push for urgent relief for northern communities.

NEF urges Tinubu to declare state of emergency in North

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Nigeria records N20.59trn revenue in 8 months, strongest fiscal performance in years

The Presidency on Wednesday announced that Nigeria recorded its strongest fiscal performance in recent history, mobilising N20.59 trillion in revenues between January and August 2025. According to the figures, the collections represent a 40.5 per cent increase compared with N14.6 trillion in the same period of 2024, with non-oil sources contributing N15.69 trillion — three-quarters
Nigeria records N20.59trn revenue in 8 months, strongest fiscal performance in years

The Presidency on Wednesday announced that Nigeria recorded its strongest fiscal performance in recent history, mobilising N20.59 trillion in revenues between January and August 2025.

According to the figures, the collections represent a 40.5 per cent increase compared with N14.6 trillion in the same period of 2024, with non-oil sources contributing N15.69 trillion — three-quarters of the total.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

Onanuga said President Bola Tinubu, while receiving a delegation of the Buhari Organisation led by Senator Tanko Al-Makura on Tuesday, attributed the performance to reforms aimed at strengthening compliance, digitising tax administration, and reducing government borrowing.

Tinubu noted that the Federal Government has not borrowed from local banks since the start of the year.

Onanuga explained that the President said increased revenues have translated into record disbursements to subnational governments.

According to him, for the first time, monthly allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee to states and local governments exceeded N2 trillion in July 2025.

Despite the gains, he added that Tinubu admitted revenues remain insufficient to fully meet government ambitions in education, health, and infrastructure, but assured that efforts are ongoing to bridge the gaps.

Onanuga described the development as a major shift away from decades of oil dependence.

“Nigeria’s fiscal foundations are being reshaped. For the first time in decades, oil is no longer the dominant driver of government revenue. The combination of reforms, compliance, and digitisation powers a more resilient economy,” Onanuga said.

The Presidency further noted that the Nigeria Customs Service collected N3.68 trillion in the first half of 2025, exceeding its target by N390 billion and achieving 56 per cent of its annual goal.

It added that while inflation and exchange rate revaluation contributed to the rise, the growth was largely reform-driven. Final validation of the revenue figures will be published by the Budget Office at the end of the year.

Nigeria records N20.59trn revenue in 8 months, strongest fiscal performance in years