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TCI tasks Akwa Ibom Govt on sustainable family planning

The Challenged Initiative, TCI, a non-profit organisation that focuses on Family planning as well as Adolescent Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, AYSRH, interventions for the urban poor, has charged the Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders to ensure that family planning services are sustained in the state. The call followed the transitioning of TCI
TCI tasks Akwa Ibom Govt on sustainable family planning

The Challenged Initiative, TCI, a non-profit organisation that focuses on Family planning as well as Adolescent Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health, AYSRH, interventions for the urban poor, has charged the Akwa Ibom State government and other stakeholders to ensure that family planning services are sustained in the state.

The call followed the transitioning of TCI which had provided technical support to Akwa Ibom health agencies on favorable reproductive health outcomes for over three years.

The Country Director of TCI, Dr. Taiwo Johnson who gave the charge at the transition meeting in Uyo, themed ‘Transitioning Akwa Ibom State to Self-Reliance in Family Planning’, expressed hope that the foundation TCI had laid on family planning would be consolidated by the state for accessible and sustainable commodities.

She stated that sustainability and self reliance implies less donor funding and more government funding, expressing commitment to support the state to adapt to the SDG goal with a different approach.

He says, “As we celebrate today, let’s move forward with dedication and optimism towards self reliance which means more government funding, less donor funding. Together, we can achieve this. With the expertise in this room, Akwa Ibom State will emerge stronger and more resilient

“We are supporting the state to adapt to the SDG goal with a different approach. A new TCI is coming up stronger next year with a different focus. I will be at the backend monitoring data to see that Akwa Ibom State stays on course.”

Chairman, Ibom Life Saving Advocacy Organization, Dr. Mmandu Ekpeyong thanked TCI for the work they have done in the last three years and the Akwa Ibom State government for the enabling environment given to TCI.

While harping on the need for the inauguration of local government action on family planning for sustainability, Ekpenyong encouraged the state to contribute to the family planning national basket fund and give attention to the provision of consumables needed to administer family planning commodities.

On her part, Akwa Ibom State Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs Enobong Eshiet, while applauding TCI for making impact in Akwa Ibom, called for advocacy to reinforce the commitment of stakeholders, including government entities, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities for investment in family planning.

“There should be prompt fund release to procure family planning commodities and consumables to reduce the challenge of stock out,” she said.

In the same vein, at a media review meeting of the Akwa Ibom State Media Advocacy Group on Family Planning, the Media Officer of Development Communications Network, DevComs, Mr Mayowa Adeniran urged journalists to explore strategies for sustainability, stressing that beyond family planning, the platform could also be leveraged to promote other health programmes as the state transits into self-reliance.

‎The State Programme Manager of TCI, Dr. Obasesam Edet, while commending media partners on their role in publicizing the activities of the organization and by extension the importance of family planning in the society, promised that TCI would remain available to provide technical support when needed.

The Desk Officer of the Media Advocacy Group, Mrs Grace Usen in her remarks highlighted the contributions of the group in promoting family planning uptake and debunking of myths and misconceptions in the state.

She added, “Sustaining the group through partnerships and innovative strategies would ensure that awareness and service uptake continue to grow, ultimately improving health outcomes in the state.”

TCI tasks Akwa Ibom Govt on sustainable family planning

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Reps Minority Caucus convenes over move to oust leader, Chinda

Members of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives are set to meet in Abuja on Monday to discuss the ongoing legal action filed by their leader, Kingsley Chinda, aimed at halting an alleged plot to remove him from office. The meeting notice, circulated on Sunday, was jointly signed by Agbedi Frederick of the
Reps Minority Caucus convenes over move to oust leader, Chinda

Members of the Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives are set to meet in Abuja on Monday to discuss the ongoing legal action filed by their leader, Kingsley Chinda, aimed at halting an alleged plot to remove him from office.

The meeting notice, circulated on Sunday, was jointly signed by Agbedi Frederick of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Afam Ogene representing the Labour Party, Muktar Umar-Zakari of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, and Peter Uzokwe of the Young Progressives Party, YPP.

In the writ of summons filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 25, 2025, Chinda claimed that moves were being made to unseat him as Minority Leader due to his closeness to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wikem

He argued that such an attempt would be unconstitutional and infringe on his right to freedom of association.

He therefore urged the court to restrain the defendants from carrying out the alleged plan.

Named as first to twelfth defendants in the suit are the National Assembly, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House, the Clerk of the House, the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Social Democratic Party, SDP, African Democratic Congress, ADC, and YPP.

Sources allege that some opposition lawmakers have resolved to remove Chinda, accusing his leadership of contributing to perceptions that the 10th Assembly has become a “rubber stamp” for the executive.

Chinda’s critics within the Minority Caucus claim he has grown too close to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, thereby weakening the opposition’s role in holding the government accountable on issues such as economic hardship, insecurity and corruption.

They also accused him of failing to convene a single Minority Caucus meeting since the inauguration of the 10th House more than two years ago, and of granting media interviews that conflict with the PDP’s official stance.

The lawmakers are reportedly determined to effect his removal when the House reconvenes from recess on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Reps Minority Caucus convenes over move to oust leader, Chinda

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Teachers, cornerstone of national development – Ogun Govt

The Ogun State Government has described teachers as the cornerstone of every nation’s development and foundation, enablers of all other professions. Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this during the 2025 World Teachers Day Celebration, with theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborating Profession’, held at the Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta. Abiodun noted that the year’s theme challenges
Teachers, cornerstone of national development – Ogun Govt

The Ogun State Government has described teachers as the cornerstone of every nation’s development and foundation, enablers of all other professions.

Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this during the 2025 World Teachers Day Celebration, with theme, ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborating Profession’, held at the Cultural Center, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Abiodun noted that the year’s theme challenges everyone to reimagine the teaching space as one built on teamwork, mentorship, shared learning and mutual support, adding that it reminds everyone that teaching is not a solitary endeavour but a collective mission that depends on collaboration between teachers, parents, communities, and the government.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, asserted that education extends beyond the classroom and helps to shape value, vision and vitality of entire generations, hence the reason his administration continues to make significant investment in the education sector under the ‘Building Our Future Together Agenda’.

He appreciated all the teachers in the state, reminding them that the prosperity of the state rests on their shoulders, and promised continuous support through tools, amenities and conducive environment needed to thrive.

Earlier in his welcome address, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the Abiodun administration recognizes teachers as builders of a strong nation, assuring them of the administration’s commitment to prioritise their welfare.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Abiodun Sanyaolu and his counterpart in the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, Olalekan Ifede, congratulated all teachers in the state, urging them to continue to work as a team, share strategies and resources, connect globally through training and technology and partner with parents, communities and government.

Meanwhile, the State Chairman Nigerian Union of Teachers, NUT, Comrade Sewakanu Oladipupo and his colleague in the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, Comrade Felix Agbesanwa, in their separate remarks, appreciated the state government and called for special incentives such as provisions for teachers who lost their lives while in service, Education Trust Funds to cater for out of school children and E-lesson note’s for teachers in line with evolving trends in the sector.

Teachers, cornerstone of national development – Ogun Govt

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Court hears motion for judicial review of Ministerial Committee Report on River Park Estate Oct 6

Justice Mohammed Zubairu of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Jikwoyi-Kurudu, will on Monday, October 6, 2025, hear an application for judicial review of the proceedings, report and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee set up by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the issues affecting River Park Estate.
Court hears motion for judicial review of Ministerial Committee Report on River Park Estate Oct 6

Justice Mohammed Zubairu of High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Jikwoyi-Kurudu, will on Monday, October 6, 2025, hear an application for judicial review of the proceedings, report and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee set up by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the issues affecting River Park Estate.

Justice Zubairu had on September 17, 2025, fixed October 6, 2025, for hearing of the motion marked M/11417/2025, after hearing a motion ex-parte filed and moved by Anthony Malik, SAN, with Homa Ihunwo and Edward Ajaba, on behalf of the applicants – Paulo Homes Nigeria Ltd and Houses For Africa Nigeria Ltd.

Respondents in the motion are the Minister of the FCT and the Federal Capital Development Authority.

Upon hearing of the motion ex-parte dated and filed 11th September, 2025, Justice Zubairu had granted the application for judicial review by way of certiorari.

“I have carefully read before now both the affidavit in support of the instant application and the further affidavit of the Applicants. I also read through the entire application together with the written submission of the learned counsel.

“I must state that what I have found from all of these is a substantial compliance with the law. The instant application has complied with the rules of this court and ought to be granted and has accordingly been granted as prayed” Justice Zubairu stated.

According to an enroll order of the court sighted by newsmen on Sunday, duly certified by Justice Zubairu, dated September 17, 2025, the court held that “Sequel to the provisions of Order 43 Rule 3(6)(a) of the Rules of this Court 2025, the leave just granted shall operate as a stay of proceedings and further action relating to the matter”.

Attached to the applicants’ motion was an 8-paragraph affidavit sworn by Zainab Suleiman, which had sought “An order granting leave to the Applicants to apply for judicial review by way of certiorari to set aside and /or quash the proceedings, report and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the issues affecting River Park Estate, Lugbe Abuja – Plot 4, Cadastral Zone E30 Lugbe Abuja, set up and constituted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Pursuant to the above and for the purpose of effecting the order thereof, the applicants had prayed for an order of the court compelling the respondents to produce in court the proceedings, report and recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the issues affecting River Park Estate, which was submitted to the Minister of the FCT on 2nd September, 2025.

In the alternative, the applicants had sought an order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, either by themselves or through their officers, privies, assigns or any other person(s) taking instructions from them and howsoever called or described, from implementing. enforcing or otherwise giving effect to the report or recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the issues affecting Riverpark Estate, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Also, Paulo Homes Nigeria Ltd and Houses For Africa Nigeria Ltd, has prayed for an order of interim injunction restraining the Respondents, either by themselves or through their officers, privies, assigns or any other person(s) taking instructions from them and howsoever called or described, from enforcing, implementing or otherwise give effect to the report or recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on the issues affecting River Park Estate, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Court hears motion for judicial review of Ministerial Committee Report on River Park Estate Oct 6

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Lagos Trade Fair demolition: 2,753 lgbo property demolished since 2019 – Ohanaeze alleges

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has alleged that over 2753 Igbo property have been demolished in Lagos since 2019. The organization made the assertion while reacting to the recent Lagos Trade Fair Complex demolition. Ohanaeze said it is imperative to address these insidious actions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government under the stewardship
Lagos Trade Fair demolition: 2,753 lgbo property demolished since 2019 – Ohanaeze alleges

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has alleged that over 2753 Igbo property have been demolished in Lagos since 2019.

The organization made the assertion while reacting to the recent Lagos Trade Fair Complex demolition.

Ohanaeze said it is imperative to address these insidious actions perpetrated by the Lagos State Government under the stewardship of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

The pan lgbo group therefore demanded an immediate cessation of all demolition activities specifically targeted at Igbo investments within Lagos State, saying that such measures are not merely administrative actions but perceived as a calculated political vendetta designed to systematically dismantle the economic contributions of the Igbo residents in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday by the factional Deputy- President-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Chinemeze Ohia, factional national spokesperson, Ohanaeze condemned the recent demolitions of shops and structures at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.

The statement read: “The recent demolitions blatantly contravene the protections afforded to individuals by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, particularly Section 40, alongside the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, the UN Convention on Human Rights, and the foundational provisions of the 1978 Land Use Act, which unequivocally requires lawful revocation of Rights of Occupancy, advance notice, and just compensation for affected property owners.

“Independent investigations commissioned by Ohanaeze Ndigbo have revealed alarming violations of the Urban and Regional Development Law of Lagos State. Notably, there was a conspicuous absence of environmental impact assessments or consultations with stakeholders prior to these demolitions.

“Insights obtained from interviews with Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, underscore that the Trade Fair Complex is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, thus inherently questioning the legality of state-led demolition actions.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo resolutely calls on Governor Sanwo-Olu to halt these assaults on Igbo properties and investments in Lagos State. We remind the Governor that he was overwhelmingly supported by the Igbo community during his 2019 electoral campaign.

“Since his administration’s commencement, our records reveal that over 2,753 properties—houses, shops, and their valuable contents—have been callously demolished without due recourse to the owners, representing colossal losses amounting to approximately 23 trillion Naira in investments. It is incumbent upon us to confront these issues forthrightly, irrespective of any political sensitivities.

“Our assessments evince a concerning pattern; it appears that the Lagos State Government may be engaging in acts of political retribution against Ndigbo in Lagos, particularly in the wake of the electoral dynamics observed in the aftermath of the 2023 elections.

“The prevailing inflation rate of 23.9% only exacerbates the economic harm inflicted upon Igbo traders, and indications suggest that further demolitions will occur as a means to diminish the Igbo presence prior to the 2027 elections.

“In a passionate plea, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene directly in this matter. The President must order an immediate cessation of further demolitions and compel the Lagos State Government to deliver adequate compensation to those affected. Additionally, we advocate for the reopening of the Calabar Seaport, which has languished in disuse for 59 years, and call for the establishment of a new Southeast Seaport at the Azumiri Blue River, in Ukwa East LGA Of Abia State,located a mere 34 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean.

“Furthermore, it is imperative that we alert the Igbo community residing in Lagos State to the troubling prospects ahead. Information at our disposal indicates that additional demolitions targeting Igbo properties may occur as early as 2026.

“It is high time for Igbo business owners to evaluate the sustainability of their investments in Lagos and consider reestablishing their enterprises in the Old Eastern Region, particularly the Southeast. The ‘Think Home’ philosophy (Akụ Ruo Ulo) is increasingly seen as the most viable strategy in response to the ongoing demolitions.”

Lagos Trade Fair demolition: 2,753 lgbo property demolished since 2019 – Ohanaeze alleges

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‘Stop blaming leaders, take responsibility’ — Borno CAN tells Nigerians

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Borno State chapter, has urged Nigerians to make the right choices and take responsibility for the nation’s progress instead of blaming leaders for its challenges. Borno CAN Chairman, Bishop John Bogna Bakeni, made the call in Maiduguri on Saturday, stressing that national renewal requires both accountable leadership and responsible
‘Stop blaming leaders, take responsibility’ — Borno CAN tells Nigerians

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Borno State chapter, has urged Nigerians to make the right choices and take responsibility for the nation’s progress instead of blaming leaders for its challenges.

Borno CAN Chairman, Bishop John Bogna Bakeni, made the call in Maiduguri on Saturday, stressing that national renewal requires both accountable leadership and responsible citizenship.

He said the transformation of Nigeria’s economic and political systems depends on deliberate moral choices and collective action by citizens.

“As I said in my message on the pulpit, Nigerians must make the right choices. We must hold our leaders accountable at all levels, but we must also take responsibility,” Bishop Bakeni stated.

He added that it is not enough to desire a better country without consciously choosing good over evil and making efforts to build it.

Bakeni noted that problems such as kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, and corruption stem from the failure of families to instill discipline and values in their children.

“We cannot continue to blame the government alone. Parents must monitor their children and instill discipline and honesty in them. Evil thrives when families abandon their moral duties,” he warned.

‘Stop blaming leaders, take responsibility’ — Borno CAN tells Nigerians