Author: Friday Omosola

The Ekiti State Government has called on school principals and head teachers to prioritise creating supportive and inclusive learning spaces where every student, regardless of their background or challenges, can thrive. This directive was given during a three-day capacity-building training themed “Inclusive Education as a transformational tool for students’ success”, which brought together over 1,200 school principals, head teachers, and education secretaries. In her address, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Habibat Adubiaro, stated that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration understands that progress is measured by how effectively it uplifts the vulnerable and disadvantaged. READ ALSO: Ekiti Assembly reaffirms development…

The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has stated that state governments in the country have no valid reason to refuse to pay their civil servants a minimum wage exceeding ₦70,000. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, the Director General of NECA, made the assertion during an interview on Channels Television, pointing to the increased revenue flow from the Federal Account to states. READ ALSO: Polaris Bank wins Sectoral award at 2024 NECA Employers’ Excellence Awards Smatt-Oyerinde emphasized that with the current economic hardship and rising cost of living, the argument that states lack the financial capacity to pay is no longer tenable. “No state really…

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has inaugurated 17 newly appointed commissioners into his cabinet. The governor stated that the new team was “carefully chosen” to help drive the state’s development agenda as his administration enters the second half of its first term. During the swearing-in ceremony, Alia charged the commissioners to demonstrate renewed dedication, discipline, and integrity in their service. READ ALSO: Alia suspends 3 officials following Benue Assembly resolutions He urged them to stay connected to their communities, maintain confidentiality on state matters, and act as “true ambassadors” of government policies. He reminded the commissioners that their purpose is…

President Bola Tinubu has pledged to expedite the implementation of all bilateral agreements signed with Colombia, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships. The assurance was given during a meeting with Colombian Vice President Francia Márquez at the State House. Tinubu emphasised that in a world of volatile economies and shifting policies, nations must forge new alliances for shared prosperity. READ ALSO: Tinubu greets Bishop Kukah at 73 He assured the Colombian delegation, which included senior government officials and business leaders, that Nigeria would replicate the aviation and consular agreements recently signed with Brazil. The President stated that the conclusions reached…

Nigeria and Colombia have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on political consultations, signalling a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. The agreement was signed on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the Nigeria-Colombia Bilateral Meeting and Business Forum. The MoU was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Colombia’s Deputy Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir. READ ALSO: Shettima: FG to unlock Nigeria’s geo-heritage potential According to Jassir, the agreement will facilitate frequent political dialogue and simplify visa approvals for Colombian diplomats visiting Nigeria. Speaking at the…

The Federal Government, FG, has issued a statement directly addressing what it calls “insinuations, half-truths and fake information” that suggest President Bola Tinubu’s administration is favouring certain regions of the country in the distribution of projects and appointments. The government asserts that its actions are guided by principles of fairness, justice, and equity across all six geopolitical zones. According to a press release by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the administration has demonstrated an “uncommon commitment to balanced development.” READ ALSO: Nigerians fume as FG hikes passport charges again Idris highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the…

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Kaduna State Police Command for its handling of the recent attack on the party’s inauguration event. In a statement issued on Sunday, the party accused the police of attempting to “criminalise legitimate political activity” while failing to protect its members from armed thugs. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, faulted the police press release for what he called a “troubling attempt to pre-judge individuals.” READ ALSO: INEC rebuts ADC’s claims of inflating voter registration figures in Osun He argued that the police’s statement was more “political than professional” because it linked the…

Solomon Arase, Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and a key figure in police reform, has died at a hospital in Abuja. He was 69 years old. Arase, who was also the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) from January 2023 to June 2024, had a long and distinguished career. READ ALSO: Retired police officers begin nationwide protest, IGP directs full security Before he was appointed IGP, he led the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau. A native of Edo State, Arase joined the police force in 1981 after earning a degree in political science from Ahmadu Bello University. He…

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, to immediately reverse a sharp increase in passport fees. The rights group described the new fees as “arbitrary, unlawful, unjustified, and excessive.” The new fees, which are set to take effect on September 1, 2025, will increase the cost of a 32-page, five-year passport to ₦100,000 and a 64-page, 10-year passport to ₦200,000. SERAP noted that this is the second increase in a year, following a similar…

In a move aimed at restoring peace to the Akungba Akoko community, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has installed His Royal Majesty, Oba Isiaka Oseni Adu, as the new Alale of Akungba, ending a long-standing chieftaincy dispute. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday followed years of legal battles that reached the highest courts. Aiyedatiwa stated that the government’s decision was based on court rulings that favored Oba Adu’s claim to the throne. READ ALSO: Aiyedatiwa pledges road completion, pushes APC unity ahead of 2027 He emphasised that the administration remained neutral in the chieftaincy matter and acted to uphold justice and fairness.…