Author: Friday Omosola

Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, has emphasised the importance of integrating youth perspectives in urban planning and development to better address climate change and enhance cities’ resilience to future challenges. In a statement, Salisu Badamasi Haiba, the ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, noted that Dangiwa highlighted this point during his keynote address at the 2024 World Habitat Day and World Cities Day commemoration in Abuja. This year’s themes are “Engaging Youth to Create a Better Urban Future” for World Habitat Day and “Youth Leading Climate and Local Action for Cities” for World Cities Day. The…

Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), visited the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) in Abuja on Thursday. In a statement by Mbanefo J. I., head of the NCPWD’s press and public relations unit, Gufwan underscored the vital role of accurate data in driving effective advocacy and promoting inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He highlighted the invaluable support CBM provided in his educational journey, describing his connection with the organization as a “divine” one. Expressing concern over the unverified figure of 35.5 million persons with disabilities in Nigeria, Gufwan emphasized the need for reliable…

Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to deliver concrete results in the drive for food security in Nigeria, stressing that Nigerians expect action, not just rhetoric. He highlighted that while many presidential initiatives have been launched, effective implementation remains a challenge. Shettima noted that the PFSCU is uniquely positioned to transform Nigeria’s food security challenges into real progress. In a statement by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima issued this directive on Thursday during the PFSCU’s second meeting, which was convened as part of President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to combat hunger and alleviate…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the illegal sale and distribution of an unregistered condom brand in the country. In a statement issued Thursday, NAFDAC reported that officials from the Post-Marketing Surveillance Directorate recently identified Foula condoms (packaged in sets of three) being sold in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, and Zango, Katsina State. The agency highlighted that this condom brand is neither registered with NAFDAC nor labelled in English, raising concerns about its compliance with national safety standards. “Condoms are a proven effective barrier method that can be used as a dual-purpose…

As part of efforts to foster a positive reading culture, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has distributed educational materials to public secondary school students across the state’s Local Government Areas. Reaffirming his commitment to quality education, the Governor’s initiative was highlighted during the official flag-off ceremony held at Saint Anthony’s Secondary School, Ilorin. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, emphasised the government’s intention to revive reading culture among students, which she noted has been diminishing with the rise of digital distractions. According to the Commissioner, promoting a reading culture is essential…

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has announced that the new minimum wage of ₦73,000 for civil servants in the state will take effect starting in November. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor made this announcement during the 2024 Public Service Week celebration, which included a fitness walk to promote the health and well-being of public workers. Civil servants, accompanied by labour leaders, participated in a walk through various parts of the state capital before gathering at the Government House, where they expressed their support for the governor ahead of the upcoming governorship election…

President Bola Tinubu emphasised on Thursday in Abuja that Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relations with France, China, and Denmark should lead to shared economic gains for citizens, especially in vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.  During a ceremony at the State House to receive Letters of Credence from the French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier, Danish Ambassador Jens Ole Bach Hansen, and Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai, Tinubu committed to enhancing economic diplomacy. With an upcoming state visit to France, Tinubu highlighted his close ties with President Emmanuel Macron and expressed that the positive relationship between Nigeria and France should tangibly benefit…

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has urged officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to remain dedicated to their duties and adopt innovative approaches to address emerging challenges.  Speaking at the 2024 Comptroller General Annual Conference in Jos, Plateau State, themed “Enhancing Border Security and Immigration Management in a Globalized World: Challenges and Opportunities for Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of adaptability. He highlighted that with rapid changes in global trends, existing methods may soon become outdated, necessitating proactive thinking to keep Nigeria secure and progressive. Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to bolstering the NIS as a key agency…

Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that the National Economic Council (NEC) is set to implement measures to accelerate the decentralization of Nigeria’s national grid.  Speaking during the 145th NEC meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasised that these steps are necessary to prevent frequent grid collapses, which have left certain northern states in total darkness. As NEC Chairman, he stressed that the government’s commitment to accountability necessitates a proactive response to these persistent energy challenges. Shettima outlined specific actions to support grid decentralization, including establishing mini-grids and expanding the use of renewable energy sources such…

On Thursday, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, in her role as National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), launched the RHI Food Outreach in Ekiti State. This programme provided food items to People with Disabilities, widows, special schools, and other vulnerable groups across the state. According to a statement shared on the Ekiti State government’s social media pages, Mrs Tinubu reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women and vulnerable communities throughout Nigeria. During a symbolic presentation of food items held at the Osuntokun Pavilion on the Government House grounds in Ado Ekiti, Mrs Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice…