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Mbah Inaugurates Social Homes Board, Grants Clemency to 11 Prisons Inmates

Mbah Inaugurates Social Homes Board, Grants Clemency to 11 Prisons Inmates

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his government’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable in the state.

The Board, which has the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, as the Chairman, and Prof. Christian Anieke, a Reverend Father, as the co-Chairman, equally has Rev. Canon Chibuike Okolo as the Vice Chairman, while the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs, and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih represents the Ministry.

Other members of the Board are Rev. Sr. Mary Gloria Iloka, Rev. Sr. Veritas Onyemelukwe, Pastor Elias Anyigbo, Mrs. Anna Igbokwe, and Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, while Barr. Uzoama Okeji is the Executive Secretary of the Board.

Inaugurating the Board at the Government House, Enugu, Governor Mbah said, “Recall that even when we expressed a huge growth projection, we immediately added that we were going to also eradicate poverty, which means that we are always interested in our common humanity. We know that as a people, we are only as good as our weakest link.

“So, we cannot leave the vulnerable in our society out or behind. What we have pledged is an inclusive prosperity, inclusive economic growth and that growth and prosperity should be measured on how we treat those very vulnerable ones in our society. That is why I am so excited that we have the sort of resources, a pool of people with great reputation, experience, and work ethics to serve on this Board.”

The governor assured that the government would make available to them all that is needed to turn the state’s social protection homes around.

“We are committed to making sure that we provide you with all the tools and funds you require to ensure that our people in these social homes live in comfort and dignity,” emphasised.

Also speaking, the wife of the governor, enjoined members of the new Board to hit the ground running, ensuring transparency in the discharge of the Board’s responsibilities.

“I urge you all to be diligent, fair and transparent in discharging your duties. Discharge those duties in compliance with the law and take good care of our children,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Governor Mbah has also granted clemency to eleven inmates of Correctional Centres in Enugu State, a step towards decongesting the correctional facilities and giving the beneficiaries another opportunity to live a better life as members of the society.

The beneficiaries of the clemency as conveyed to the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, are Ugochukwu Oma, Onah Nnamdi, Chiadikobi Onu, Emmanuel Sambo, Emeka Nyia, and Ngene Oluebube.

Others are Francis Chinecherem, Eze Chigozie, Anthony Tombari, Francis Chibuzor, and Uzoma Nnaoche.

The Governor’s decision was in exercise of his Prerogative of Mercy powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and in consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

The decision was also in concordance with reports of proven reform in character, ability to reintegrate with the society having possessed or learnt some productive skills, and following recommendations by the Correctional Services and the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, chaired by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy also draws membership from the Nigerian Correctional Service, Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organisation (CAPIO), and the Catholic Institute for Development, Justice and Peace (CIDJAP), among other reputable justice sector institutions.

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Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has inaugurated the Management Board for the Protection of State-owned Social Homes, reaffirming his government’s commitment to caring for the vulnerable in the

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Bauchi Charts Digital Path as Gov Launches Landmark Cybersecurity Training for Youths

Bauchi Charts Digital Path as Gov Launches Landmark Cybersecurity Training for Youths

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

Bauchi State has taken a major leap towards digital transformation as Governor Bala Mohammed unveiled a pioneering cybersecurity training initiative aimed at equipping the state’s youth with globally competitive digital skills.

The programme, part of the Canada-led Cyber Nations Initiative, marks a significant milestone in Bauchi’s journey towards becoming a digitally resilient state.

The initiative aims to train and deploy 100,000 professionals across Africa, the Caribbean and Canada, preparing them for critical roles in the global cybersecurity workforce.

In a statement commending the development, the Executive Programme Coordinator at OZ Consulting Firm, Hajiya Abi Abubakar Suleiman, lauded Governor Mohammed’s visionary leadership and strategic commitment to digital innovation.

She described the cybersecurity training as “a transformative opportunity that will position Bauchi’s young population for success in the rapidly evolving tech economy”.

The Director General of the Bureau for ICT and Digital Economy, Hayatudeen Babamaji, announced the successful selection of the first cohort of trainees.

He praised the governor’s proactive policies and international outreach.

Babamaji noted that the partnership with Canada’s Protexxa Inc.—a globally renowned cybersecurity firm—was a direct result of the governor’s recent bilateral mission to Canada.

The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Alhaji Usman Shehu, echoed similar sentiments.

In a press release, he highlighted that the programme follows months of strategic engagements designed to attract global partners to Bauchi’s digital sector.

“We are proud to see Bauchi State emerge as a key player in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem,” he stated.

Successful candidates from the inaugural cohort have already been contacted via email and are expected to commence training in July 2025.

The programme is open to qualified graduates, professionals seeking career transitions and passionate individuals with foundational digital literacy.

Participants will receive training for critical roles such as cybersecurity analysts, vulnerability assessors, incident responders and cyber literacy coordinators—further deepening the state’s talent pool in the global tech space.

“This initiative is not only a testament to Governor Mohammed’s foresight but also a bold statement about Bauchi’s readiness to embrace the digital future,” the OZ Consulting Firm added. “It sets the pace for other northern states and underscores the importance of visionary leadership in driving technological progress.”

The firm called on civil society organizations, industry stakeholders and development partners to support the state’s digital roadmap. They also encouraged young people across Bauchi to take full advantage of this transformative opportunity.

“From being largely absent in national discussions on digital innovation, Bauchi is now emerging as a beacon of progress and a hub of technological advancement,” the statement concluded.

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Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Bauchi State has taken a major leap towards digital transformation as Governor Bala Mohammed unveiled a pioneering cybersecurity training initiative aimed at equipping the state’s youth

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Tinubu: We’ll Reshape Our Economic Diplomacy To Build A Progressive W’Africa

Tinubu: We’ll Reshape Our Economic Diplomacy To Build A Progressive W’Africa

* Affirms end in sight to sub-region’s story of missed opportunity

*  As Shettima extols Muazu’s leadership qualities at 70th birthday dinner

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has expressed the commitment of ECOWAS leaders to work towards reshaping economic diplomacy in West Africa and build a sub-region that works for all.

According to him, the foundation is being laid through the trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor (the planned 1,028-kilometre highway that will connect five West African countries), among others.

The president stated this at the weekend during a dinner organised for delegates attending the West African Economic Summit held at the State House, Abuja.

President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made reference to the trend in other regions of the world, saying the West African sub-region’s economic story, which has been one of missed opportunity, will end soon. 

“While Asia operates 60% within its borders and Europe 70%, Africa remains at a mere 15%. West Africa is sadly even less. Through mechanisms such as the trade liberalisation scheme, the West African power pool, and the Abidjan to Lagos corridor (The Abidjan-Lagos corridor is a planned 1,028-kilometre highway that will connect five West African countries) we have laid the foundation, but now, we must build,” he added. 

The president noted that the inaugural West African Economic Summit is a declaration of intent and an initiative of his government to reshape economic diplomacy across West Africa, bringing together leaders across the region and visionary voices to deliberate on its future. 

His words: “The summit, anchored by the deal room and a formal declaration, among others, represents a shift from aspiration to action and from talk to task. We are convinced today, more than ever, that the destiny of our region does not lie in the hands of government alone but in our ability to bring the private sector to the centre of our planning.”

President Tinubu emphasized the role of political leadership across Africa, noting that they are not here to complain but to facilitate.

“That is the spirit in which we are gathered here tonight, to remind ourselves that in this region, commerce shall not be shortened by Customs delays or innovation strangled by policy incoherence. We are truly a West Africa that works for all,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Omar Touray, applauded President Tinubu’s leadership of the sub-regional body, acknowledging the commitment of the government of Nigeria to the peace and progress of West Africa.

He also thanked Nigeria for its support to ECOWAS and its various organs and institutions, noting that it underscores the country’s commitment to building a sub-region that works for all irrespective of socio-political background and ethnic affiliations. 

On her part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, said the meeting of leaders and stakeholders in the business and economic sector represents a renewed commitment to a more prosperous West African sub-region by dismantling the impediments to its progress and development.

She outlined ongoing efforts by leaders collaborating with other stakeholders and partners to harness the potentials and the energy of youths in the region to prepare them for the task of advancing the interest of the people and its development aspirations.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Shettima on Saturday evening represented President Tinubu at a dinner in honour of former Bauchi State Governor, Alhaji Adamu Muazu at 70. 

Speaking at the birthday dinner held in Abuja, the vice-president extolled the qualities of Alhaji Muazu, describing him as “a statesman of the highest order who has shown restraint where many would have taken offence, extended a hand where others would have formed a fist”.

“In your years of stewardship, you turned challenges into blueprints and dreams into enduring legacies for the people of Bauchi State. You remain the grand architect; you proved that governance is not about the noise we make but about the lives we touch. 

“Also, we will always remember you as a statesman who chose country over chaos and peace over provocation. We do not merely celebrate your age, we celebrate a lifetime of consequence,” the VP added. 

Earlier in separate remarks, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon applauded the impact of Muazu’s leadership in Bauchi State and his stewardship in other positions of authority, urging the coming generation of leaders to emulate his virtues of patience, service and sacrifice.

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* Affirms end in sight to sub-region’s story of missed opportunity *  As Shettima extols Muazu’s leadership qualities at 70th birthday dinner Deji Elumoye in Abuja  President Bola Tinubu has

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NUJ at 70: Yahaya Bello Bags Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment

NUJ at 70: Yahaya Bello Bags Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

The award was bestowed on him on Saturday, at the 70th anniversary of the Union and book presentation held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, in Abuja.

A former President of the NUJ, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, Senator Smart Adeyemi, received the prestigious award on behalf of the former governor.

The honour, according to the President of the Nigeria Union Journalists, who signed former Governor Bello’s letter of nomination, alongside his Deputy, Mrs. Abimbola Oyetunde, was in recognition of the former Governor’s outstanding contributions to the welfare of journalists, especially in Kogi State, under his watch.

“We also acknowledge your immense contributions to journalism through the GYB Annual Workshop For Correspondents and Editors,” the letter said.

According to the NUJ, former Governor Bello’s yearly event encouraged and trained no fewer than 200 media professionals per edition, across Nigeria, on developmental journalism and how to sharpen their writing skills.

Seasoned media chiefs and professors of journalism were also on ground as members of the jury in the essay competitions that followed the workshops, with cash and other prizes won each year.

While receiving the award, Bello thanked the national body of the NUJ for the recognition and promised to continue to support Journalists’ welfare.

Speaking through Senator Smart Adeyemi, the former Governor also scored the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu high on current economic policies, which he said were already yielding visible results.

He specifically said Kogi State, under the watch of Governor Usman Ododo, would deliver presidential victory to Tinubu in 2027, 100 per cent, noting that there was no space for opposition in the state.

The colourful anniversary and awards night had in attendance many dignitaries across all sectors.

Some of those who graced the occasion included he Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, who represented President Bola Tinubu; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Minister of Youth and Sport and Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to the President, Mr. Sunday Dare.

Others were Governors of Kano, Gombe, Ondo, Oyo, Bauchi, Imo, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states, among others, some of whom were represented by their deputies.

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The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has bagged a Lifetime Achievement Award on Media Empowerment by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. The

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Ogun 2027: Group Pledges to Buy Guber Nomination Form for Sen Adeola

Ogun 2027: Group Pledges to Buy Guber Nomination Form for Sen Adeola

A prominent bipartisan political group, the Ogun West for Governor Political Action Group (OW-GPAG), has passionately appealed to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) to heed the growing calls from constituents and declare his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State Governorship Election.

In a statement signed by its Coordinator, Jide Amusan, the group praised Senator Adeola’s “sterling performance” over the past two years, stating that he has earned the overwhelming trust and support of the people of Ogun West Senatorial District.

“The people of Ogun West Senatorial District are immensely appreciative of Senator Adeola Yayi’s developmental strides in the zone in the past two years. The only way we can express our gratitude is by continuing to rally behind him and urging him to contest the 2027 governorship election in Ogun State,” the statement read.

The Group described Senator Adeola as the most credible and qualified candidate to lead the state, noting his “intimidating credentials, proven capacity, political experience, and governance competence.”

“Ogun West has long suffered political marginalization. Senator Adeola Yayi remains the beacon of hope and the unifying force capable of delivering the long-sought governorship position to our zone,” the statement added.

The group also expressed readiness to mobilize resources and purchase Senator Adeola’s nomination form at the appropriate time, emphasizing that their move is driven not by the Senator’s personal ambition but by the desperate yearning of the people of Ogun West for competent and transformative leadership.

“Sen. Adeola-Yayi may be modest and not overly ambitious, but we, the people of Ogun West, are more than desperate for quality leadership. Ogun State deserves the very best, and his outstanding performance as a senator is evidence of his readiness to lead the state to greater heights,” the group said.

OW-GPAG cautioned against divisive politics, urging other potential aspirants from the zone to prioritize the collective interest of Ogun West over personal ambitions.

“We plead with politicians from our zone who are still nursing governorship ambitions to align with the bigger picture. Supporting Senator Olamilekan Adeola Yayi is a win-win for the collective interest of Ogun West in particular and the entire State in general. Let us unite behind a formidable and proven candidate,” the statement concluded.

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A prominent bipartisan political group, the Ogun West for Governor Political Action Group (OW-GPAG), has passionately appealed to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (YAYI) to heed the growing calls from constituents

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Patricia Ofili Sworn in as Abuja SWAN Chair, Pledges to Lead With Integrity

Patricia Ofili Sworn in as Abuja SWAN Chair, Pledges to Lead With Integrity

The new Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Mrs Patricia Chinwe Ofili has made a strong pledge to lead with inclusivity, purpose, and integrity.

Speaking during her investiture ceremony held in Abuja, Ofili described her emergence as both a personal milestone and a call to serve.

“Today’s oath is more than a ceremonial act. It is a commitment to uphold the principles of our esteemed profession with integrity and professionalism,” she said.

Unveiling her leadership theme, “Rebuild Trust Through Action,” Ofili promised a tenure marked by transparency, unity, and innovation.

She said her administration would prioritize inclusiveness, professional excellence, and programs with measurable community impact.

Top on her agenda is the launch of a financial literacy program for women entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

The initiative, she said, will equip women with skills to grow sustainable businesses, secure funding, and make informed financial decisions.

Ofili also announced an expansion of the “Catch Them Young” mentorship initiative aimed at introducing girls to the accounting profession early through outreach, career talks, and one-on-one mentoring.

Other key programs include rehabilitation support for incarcerated women, healthcare assistance for vulnerable women and children, and welfare initiatives for orphans and the elderly—underscoring her commitment to social impact.

“I will not walk this path alone. Together, let’s make history, drive change, and establish lasting legacies,” she said.

The high-profile event featured prominent guests including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, who served as Special Guest of Honour.

He praised Ofili’s leadership vision and underscored the importance of women’s roles in national development.

The event’s chairman, Chief Tunde Afolabi, MFR, was represented by Professor Dapo Afolabi, CFR, former Head of Service of the Federation, who lauded the chapter’s strides in combining professionalism with service.

Other dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, Hajia Zainab Abubakar Ibrahim, Deputy National Woman Leader (North), and Justices Gabriel Kolawole and Kayode Adeniyi.

The oath of office was administered by Hon. Justice Kolawole, while SWAN National Chairperson, Chief (Mrs.) Hilda Ofure Ozoh, led a nationwide delegation of SWAN members in a show of solidarity.

Also present were district chairpersons of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Society of Women in Taxation.

The ceremony marked a new chapter for the Abuja arm of SWAN, as members rallied behind Ofili’s leadership vision for an empowered, professional, and socially responsive association.

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The new Chairperson of the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), Mrs Patricia Chinwe Ofili has made a strong pledge to lead with inclusivity, purpose, and integrity. Speaking during

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JAMB Suspends 113 CBT Centres, Announces Mop-up Exam Date

JAMB Suspends 113 CBT Centres, Announces Mop-up Exam Date

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved June 28 for the conduct of the 2025 UTME mop-up examination.

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Sunday by the board’s Public Communications Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.

Benjamin said the examination would accommodate the 5,096 spill-over candidates and those who failed biometric verification during the main exercise.

He added that the new date was due to the special dispensation granted to absentee candidates of the main and resit examinations.

The first session for the examination day, he said, would start at 8:00 a.m.

He urged candidates for the 8:00a.m. session to arrive one or one and half hours before the actual commencement of the examination.

Benjamin also advised eligible candidates to print their examination notification slips from Monday in preparation for the mop-up examination.

According to him, 91,742 candidates who were absent in both or either of the main and resit examinations will also be given this opportunity which is only for 2025 UTME.

He said 96,838 candidates were being rescheduled for the 2025 mop-up exercise in 183 centres across the nation, while others would be kept on standby.

Benjamin also said that a large number of CBT centres implicated for sharp practices in the on-going security investigation were being suspended and those found culpable would be delisted and reported for prosecution.

He said 113 CBT centres had been delisted or suspended across the country and some others implicated in multiple infractions in the main or resit examinations exercise.

The board, he said, commended the security agencies, particularly the DSS, police and NSCDC for their tenacity in the on-going investigation of identity theft and examination malpractices syndicates

He said the investigation had led to the arrest and prosecution of tens of culprits, including a few JAMB officials, professional examination takers and syndicates of some school proprietors and tutorial centres.

Benjamin said as a result of the investigation, a number of examination towns were no longer eligible to be used for the mop-up examinations.

“Few candidates who fall into the deactivated examination towns would be assigned to examination towns closest to the delisted towns.

“We seek the understanding of such candidates,” he said. (NAN)

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved June 28 for the conduct of the 2025 UTME mop-up examination. This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Sunday

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Keyamo: Direct Flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Begin October 26

Keyamo: Direct Flights from Abuja to London Heathrow Begin October 26

Mr Festus Keyamo, The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said Air Peace will begin direct flights to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26.

Keyamo made this known in Abuja Sunday in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Tunde Moshood.

According to him, the landmark achievement follows sustained diplomatic efforts by the Federal Government to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.

The minister said that the breakthrough was the result of a strongly worded letter from the ministry dated August 1, 2024, to the UK Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh.

In the correspondence, Keyamo demanded the immediate allocation of landing slots at Heathrow for Air Peace or risk reciprocal action.

The reciprocal action, he said, included a potential review of British Airways and Virgin Atlantic’s access to Lagos and Abuja airports.

He reiterated that Nigeria was only asserting its rights under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between both nations which guarantees reciprocal access and fair treatment for designated flag carriers.

He said after months of negotiations and firm diplomatic engagement, the UK authorities acceded to Nigeria’s demand, granting Air Peace the long-awaited Heathrow slot.

“This is not just a win for Air Peace, but a significant diplomatic milestone for Nigeria.

“It sends a clear message that we are serious about enforcing the terms of our bilateral agreements and protecting the commercial interests of our indigenous carriers,” the minister said.

Keyamo further emphasised that the move aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda which places high priority on creating an enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to thrive globally.

He said that Air Peace had earlier launched its inaugural direct flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport in March 2024, marking its entry into the highly competitive UK aviation market.

According to him, with the move to Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most prestigious airports, the airline is expected to significantly expand its international footprint and provide Nigerian travellers with greater convenience and connectivity.

“This development marks a new chapter in Nigeria-UK aviation relations and sets a precedent for stronger enforcement of bilateral agreements to benefit national carriers,” Keyamo added. (NAN)

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Mr Festus Keyamo, The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has said Air Peace will begin direct flights to London Heathrow Airport from Abuja on October 26. Keyamo made