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• October 1, 2025
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‘Find Sommie’s killers’ — Family urges FG

The family of slain ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently unravel and prosecute the killers of their daughter. This was the emotional appeal made on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Senior Management of the ARISE Media Group to the Maduagwu family residence
‘Find Sommie’s killers’ — Family urges FG

The family of slain ARISE News anchor and reporter, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently unravel and prosecute the killers of their daughter.

This was the emotional appeal made on Tuesday during a condolence visit by Senior Management of the ARISE Media Group to the Maduagwu family residence in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State.

Somtochukwu, fondly called Sommie, was murdered in the early hours of Monday, September 29, 2025, during an armed robbery at her home in the Katampe area of Abuja. The 29-year-old was a lawyer-turned-journalist whose rising career was tragically cut short, triggering widespread grief and outrage across Nigeria’s media and civil society spaces.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Engineer Obi Maduagwu, elder brother to Sommie’s father, described the killing as “senseless, cruel, and deeply painful.” He said the family appreciated ARISE News for standing with them but demanded accountability from authorities.

“We appreciate the solidarity shown by ARISE News, but we also demand justice. Those who did this must be found and brought to face the full weight of the law,” he said.

Leading the ARISE delegation was Mr. Bayo Awosemo, Deputy Managing Director, who was accompanied by Mr. Sumner Sambo, Director of News, and Mr. Chris Isiguzo, Director of Corporate Services and former National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). They conveyed the condolences of the ARISE Media Group and praised Sommie’s remarkable work ethic, strong values, and dedication to journalism.

Isiguzo, who is also President of the Congress of African Journalists, shared an emotional recollection of his last moment with the deceased:

“We were together in the office on Saturday and Sunday. In fact, before she went on air to present her programme, we exchanged pleasantries as always. Who could have imagined that hours later, we’d be talking about her in the past tense?

‘We are heartbroken, but we cannot question God. Her voice may be silent, but ¹ legacy will endure.”

Sommie’s mother was visibly inconsolable during the visit, while her father, Engineer Ifeanyi Maduagwu, was too distraught to speak. The family’s home in Port Harcourt was filled with sympathisers, friends, relatives, neighbours, and media colleagues; many of whom described her as brilliant, humble, and deeply principled, a rare gem in her generation.

Born on December 26, 1995, Sommie studied law in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, later transitioning into journalism where she found her true calling. She joined ARISE News as a reporter, producer, and anchor, known for her thoughtful interviews and coverage of legal issues, gender equity, and social justice.

Meanwhile the Director of Newsat Arise News, Sumner Sambo, assured the bereaved family that ARISE News will pursue justice to its logical conclusion, stating firmly:

“No stone will be left unturned in unmasking those responsible for this heinous crime.”

Sommie’s death has re-ignited calls for stronger protection for journalists and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s security architecture.

‘Find Sommie’s killers’ — Family urges FG

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• October 1, 2025
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Kwara urges vigilance, limited movement as onslaught on kidnappers’ hideouts continues

As the onslaught on kidnappers’ hideouts by security forces intensifies, the Kwara State government has urged residents, particularly those in and around Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun LGAs, to remain vigilant and restrict outdoor activities as much as possible in the interim. The advisory follows heightened operations by combined security forces in border
Kwara urges vigilance, limited movement as onslaught on kidnappers’ hideouts continues

As the onslaught on kidnappers’ hideouts by security forces intensifies, the Kwara State government has urged residents, particularly those in and around Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Oke Ero, and Irepodun LGAs, to remain vigilant and restrict outdoor activities as much as possible in the interim.

The advisory follows heightened operations by combined security forces in border towns in Kogi and Kwara, where kidnappers are believed to have taken refuge.

“We urge people to be very vigilant and limit their movements to only very necessary routines. That is to avoid being caught unawares as the kidnappers are fleeing their hideouts.

“We do not want law-abiding citizens to be affected,” said the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, in a statement released in Ilorin on Wednesday.

She added that the government regrets any temporary inconvenience the limited movement may cause in the affected areas.

The statement commended security forces for their renewed efforts to root out the criminals and urged them to continue until the perpetrators are completely neutralised and flushed out of the forests.

Kwara urges vigilance, limited movement as onslaught on kidnappers’ hideouts continues

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• October 1, 2025
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Fubara relieves commissioners affected by Supreme Court judgement

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has relieved all commissioners and public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment on their appointments with immediate effect. The governor made the announcement during a valedictory session with his cabinet, held on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary. In
Fubara relieves commissioners affected by Supreme Court judgement

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has relieved all commissioners and public officers affected by the recent Supreme Court judgment on their appointments with immediate effect. The governor made the announcement during a valedictory session with his cabinet, held on Wednesday at Government House, Port Harcourt, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara expressed gratitude to members of his cabinet for their dedication and contributions to the development of Rivers State over the past two years.

Highlighting the significance of Nigeria’s independence, the governor urged citizens to work with President Bola Tinubu in building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous nation with a brighter future for all.

Governor Fubara also reaffirmed his commitment to serve Rivers State with renewed vigour, appreciated the support of the people, and wished Nigerians a happy 65th independence anniversary.

Fubara relieves commissioners affected by Supreme Court judgement

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• October 1, 2025
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Niger Govt laments decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding from 42% to 35.5%

The Niger State Government has expressed concern over the decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding, EIB, rates in the state from 42 percent in 2018 to 35.5 percent in 2023. The decline was revealed in a report by the National Demographic Health Survey, NDHS. The State Nutrition Officer, Hajia Asmau Abubakar commented on the report during
Niger Govt laments decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding from 42% to 35.5%

The Niger State Government has expressed concern over the decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding, EIB, rates in the state from 42 percent in 2018 to 35.5 percent in 2023.

The decline was revealed in a report by the National Demographic Health Survey, NDHS.

The State Nutrition Officer, Hajia Asmau Abubakar commented on the report during a 5-Day Desk Review and Domestication of Social and Behaviour Change, SBC, Strategy for Nutrition in Niger State, organized by the State Ministry of Primary Health Care in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in Minna.

She emphasized the importance of breastfeeding, ideally for at least 24 months after birth while stressing the need for mothers to initiate their newborns early to breast milk – especially the colostrum which some tag as bad breast milk.

“While only one out of three babies are given breast milk in the first hour after birth, only a poorly 29% are exclusively breastfed,” she said.

Hajiya Abubakar also revealed that for under-5 children, the state has 43.9 percent stunting cases, 23.7 percent underweight as well as 5.8 percent wasting.

The Chief of UNICEF, Kaduna Officer, Dr. Gerida Birukila stated that Nigeria contributes significantly to the burden of malnutrition and accounts for over 40 percent of the burden of stunting alongside India and Pakistan.

Birukila who was represented by Chinwe Ezeife, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, explained that progress have been made, but the burden of malnutrition represents a nationwide public health challenge.

Also, the Director, Nutrition, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Ladidi Bako-Aiyegbusi, represented by Acting Head of Advocacy, Mrs Adenike Bayode, tasked the stakeholders to mainstream SBC in Nutrition programming in order to change the narrative.

Niger Govt laments decline in Early Initiated Breastfeeding from 42% to 35.5%

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• October 1, 2025
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Nigeria at 65: FCTA launches two key health programmes for mothers, families

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled two new health initiatives to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary – the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits and the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project. The programmes were launched at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud. Dr. Mahmoud explained that
Nigeria at 65: FCTA launches two key health programmes for mothers, families

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled two new health initiatives to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary – the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits and the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project.

The programmes were launched at Asokoro District Hospital in Abuja by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud.

Dr. Mahmoud explained that the initiatives aim to protect mothers and newborns during childbirth while also tackling household air pollution.

According to her, the projects represent “a holistic vision of health” that balances immediate healthcare needs with long-term environmental safety.

She said the Mother–Baby Kits include essential medical supplies that will help women deliver safely and support the care of newborns.

“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care. These kits reflect our deep commitment to maternal and child health and to ensuring that every mother and baby are given the best start possible,” Mahmoud said.

On the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, she described it as “a bold, forward-looking initiative” to reduce indoor air pollution.

The project will replace firewood, charcoal, and kerosene with clean Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers in vulnerable households. Mahmoud stressed that this would help fight respiratory diseases caused by smoke inhalation, calling indoor pollution “one of the silent but deadly health risks in homes.”

The minister added that these programmes are part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which has also strengthened the FCTA’s health sector through better working conditions, training, hospital renovations, and the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

She called on Nigerians to use the independence anniversary to “recommit themselves to building an FCT where every home is healthier, every birth is safer, and every breath is cleaner.”

Also speaking, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, highlighted the country’s high rates of maternal and infant deaths. She said:

“One major reason for these preventable deaths is the lack of access to clean, safe, and essential supplies during delivery. The Renewed Hope Mother-Baby Kit initiative is designed to bridge that gap. Each kit contains basic but critical items needed to ensure a hygienic and safe delivery both for the mother and the child.”

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment under FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to invest in health programmes that directly impact rural communities.

At the event, pregnant women received free Mother–Baby Kits and cooking gas.

Some of the dignitaries present included Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi, Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs; Dr. Baba-Gana Adams, Permanent Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat; Abubakar Ahmadu, acting Director-General of the FCT Hospital Management Board; and Hajiya Rakiyya Wamako, acting Executive Secretary of Primary Health Care Development.

Nigeria at 65: FCTA launches two key health programmes for mothers, families

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• October 1, 2025
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Adamawa: Gov Fintiri inaugurates committee over delayed pension payments

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has expressed displeasure over delayed payment of long standing arrears of gratuities and pension to retired civil servants in the state spanning years. The governor lamented that many of the retirees have unnecessarily endured years of delay in receiving their entitlements despite serving the state and people diligently. However,
Adamawa: Gov Fintiri inaugurates committee over delayed pension payments

Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has expressed displeasure over delayed payment of long standing arrears of gratuities and pension to retired civil servants in the state spanning years.

The governor lamented that many of the retirees have unnecessarily endured years of delay in receiving their entitlements despite serving the state and people diligently.

However, to address the the situation, Fintiri has reconstituted the state Pension Committee with a mandate to ensure fairness, transparency and prompt settlement of arrears owed the retired civil servants in the state.

The governor inaugurated the committee through Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Auwal Tukur at the state secretariat complex in Yola.

Tukur while speaking at the inauguration, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden of retirees many of whom he said have endured years of delay in receiving their entitlements.

He announced that as part of the renewed efforts, Governor Fintiri has approved the release of N8 billion for the settlement of pension liabilities, N5 billion for the settlement of state pension arrears and N3 billion for local government retirees.

The governor directed that the funds must be distributed fairly across all the 21 local governments councils of the state.

The SSG stressed that the payments would follow strictly on a first retired, first served basis to prevent favoritism and to ensure transparency and fairness.

He commended the committee’s previous performance and expressed confidence that, under the leadership of the chairman, Engineer Benson Jelani, it would continue to carry out its duties diligently and transparently.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee, Engineer Benson Jelani, expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the trust and confidence reposed in them.

Jelani assured that the committee would carry out its responsibilities diligently, with utmost integrity and commitment, pledging to discharge their duties without fear or favor.

Adamawa: Gov Fintiri inaugurates committee over delayed pension payments