Author: Friday Omosola

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its firm dedication to improving the state’s healthcare infrastructure through the implementation of robust policies, strategic financial commitments, and a patient-centric approach. This commitment was announced by the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Ngozi Odu yesterday while she spoke as a Special Guest at the 2025 Physicians’ Week organised by the Rivers State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) at the NMA House in Port Harcourt. Odu emphasised the necessity of viewing healthcare not as a solitary service but as a comprehensive “value chain” that encompasses elements of governance, physical infrastructure, technology, ethical standards,…

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has announced an institutional overhaul, dissolving its longstanding volunteer wing, the War Against Indiscipline (WAI) Brigade, and replacing it with the new Citizens Values Brigade. This change follows the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and aligns with a September 2024 resolution and a proposed amendment to the NOA’s Establishment Act. Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of NOA, explained that the move is necessary because the WAI Brigade’s name and concept are no longer suitable under a democratic system. READ ALSO: NOA urges Nigerians to revere national symbols “A democratic government should not be seen as…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reinforced the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to fostering inclusive prosperity through enterprise-driven reforms. He made the declaration yesterday while launching the 9th Expanded National MSME Clinic in Katsina State. Shettima announced that Tinubu has approved an unconditional N250,000 grant for each outstanding Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) exhibiting at the clinic. READ ALSO: Shettima: Nigeria’s energy transition to unlock $410bn investments by 2060 He described the non-repayable grant as a key intervention to “strengthen the backbone of Nigeria’s economy” and remove historical barriers that small businesses face. Shettima championed MSMEs as the “foundation of…

The Senate has unanimously approved a bill that eliminates the option of a fine and mandates life imprisonment for any person convicted of defiling a minor. This decisive action is considered a powerful commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and welfare across the country. This proposed change is part of extensive amendments to the Criminal Code Act, formalised under the Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which originated as a concurrent bill passed by the House of Representatives. READ ALSO: Senate vows to mediate in prolonged ASUU-FG dispute The bill’s proponent, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, argued during the debate that the amendment…

Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has lauded his Ekiti State counterpart, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, noting that he has demonstrated exceptional capacity and was clearly well-prepared for the task of governance. Ododo made the commendation while in Ekiti to commission two key infrastructure projects—the 21-kilometre Ikere-Ilawe road and a renovated General Hospital—in Ilawe-Ekiti, as part of activities marking Oyebanji’s third year in office. Addressing a large gathering, the governor, who was the special guest of honour, stated that Oyebanji’s performance across all sectors over the last three years is a testament to his preparedness. READ ALSO: Quality healthcare is every Ekiti…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to advancing girl-child education across Nigeria. He spoke during a meeting with a delegation from PLAN International, led by its Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation, Helen Idiong. Shettima emphasised that the administration views education, including initiatives like the school feeding programme, as vital government interventions for female children. READ ALSO: Mass defections to APC show opposition weakness -Shettima  Highlighting the importance of empowering the youth, Shettima invited Joy Ogah, a Nigerian teenager, to temporarily occupy his office as the One-Day Vice President.  This symbolic gesture provided Ogah with a platform…

The Federal Government, FG, has set an ambitious goal of generating at least 20,000 jobs annually through the newly launched second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP 2.0). The initiative aims to connect high-achieving graduates with essential work experience, mentorship, and training opportunities. In alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Vice President Kashim Shettima is scheduled to flag off the NJFP 2.0 and open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation in Abuja on Wednesday. READ ALSO: ASUU Vs FG: Failure to meet union’s demands, threatens smooth varsities academic calendar The dialogue will operate under the theme:…

President Bola Tinubu has pledged his administration’s full support and called on the judiciary to intensify its anti-corruption fight, warning that a compromised justice system signals the breakdown of society. The President’s remarks were delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges in Abuja. He announced that the EFCC has achieved over 7,000 convictions and recovered assets exceeding ₦500 billion within the first two years of his administration, with recovered funds being channeled into social investment programs like the Students Loan and…

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has inaugurated an automated land administration system, the Kwara State Geographic Land Information Service (KW-GIS), marking a definitive shift from manual land processing to a fully digital platform. The new system is designed to allow applicants to secure titles for their land, including the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), within a significantly reduced timeframe of two weeks to 30 working days, provided all prerequisites are met. Speaking at the launch in Ilorin on Monday, AbdulRazaq hailed the move as a major step toward innovation, transparency, and efficiency in public service. READ ALSO: Kwara govt commissions two…

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has initiated the bulk payment of N2.396 billion in gratuity arrears to state civil service retirees from 2016 and 2017, marking a significant fulfillment of his promise to address inherited pension backlogs. The event, held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, governor’s Office, comes barely a week after the administration disbursed over N1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees, reinforcing the governor’s commitment to the welfare of former civil servants. Speaking at the ceremony, Aiyedatiwa described the disbursement as a continuation of a “deliberate and well-thought-out policy” to ensure all retirees receive their…