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NADF flags off onion intervention for 600 farmers in Sokoto

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The National Agricultural Development Fund has commenced the first phase of its Onion Intervention Programme in Sokoto State, targeting 600 onion farmers and covering 300 hectares of farmland across the state. The programme was flagged off on Sunday by the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Muhammad Abdul Ibrahim, who was represented by the agency’s Assistant General Secretary, Muazu Ibrahim.

Speaking at the event, Ibrahim explained that the intervention was designed to help farmers recover from losses caused by flooding and climate-related shocks, restore production capacity, and strengthen resilience within the onion value chain. He noted that onion farmers in Sokoto, Kebbi, Yobe, and Borno states were among the worst affected by recent flooding, which disrupted livelihoods, local markets, and the national food supply.

“The onion value chain is strategic to rural livelihoods and food security. This intervention is a deliberate step to ensure affected farmers return to their farms without delay,” Ibrahim said.

According to him, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders. He added that it commenced with the distribution of critical farm inputs and aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Ibrahim assured beneficiaries that the exercise would be guided by transparency, accountability, and equity, adding that all distributed inputs had been properly verified to reach genuine farmers.

The President of the National Onion Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Isa Aliyu, described the intervention as timely, noting that it would help farmers rebound from the combined effects of flooding and poor-quality seeds experienced during the 2024 farming season.

Aliyu disclosed that 600 farmers in Sokoto State would benefit from the programme, cultivating 300 hectares of land, with each farmer allocated 0.5 hectares. He commended the Sokoto State Government for providing logistics, security, and an enabling environment that ensured the smooth take-off of the initiative.

The Permanent Secretary of the Sokoto State Ministry of Agriculture, Almustapha Alkali, said the relief inputs would significantly boost onion production in the 2025/2026 farming season if properly utilised. He added that the state government’s recent flag-off of a modern onion storage facility would help reduce post-harvest losses, preserve produce, and enhance farmers’ incomes.

The ceremony marked the beginning of the Onion Intervention Programme in Sokoto, with stakeholders expressing optimism that the initiative would revive the state’s onion subsector and contribute to national food security.

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CCB explains ban on civil servants running businesses, foreign accounts

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The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has explained why Nigerian law forbids public servants from combining government work with private business and from operating foreign bank accounts.

The explanation was given by the CCB Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Bello, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. He said public service is a sacred trust that must not be compromised by personal interests.

Bello said when a civil servant runs a business alongside official duties, questions naturally arise about commitment and integrity. “When a civil servant runs a business alongside official duties, questions naturally arise about commitment and integrity,” he said. “Are you spending your time doing your work? Or are you spending your time conducting private business?”

He explained that being a director in a company, operating a business account, or serving as a signatory to such an account clearly shows business involvement and constitutes a breach of the Code of Conduct.

The CCB Chairman also warned that public servants are prohibited from operating foreign bank accounts. He said the restriction is necessary because some public officers steal public funds and move the money abroad. “One of the reasons why we have that is that, some public servants will steal money from the government and then take it abroad,” Bello said. “We have seen so many cases of public servants stashing money away.”

He added that any public servant with a foreign bank account is expected to close it and stop operating it until after leaving public service.

Beyond business activities, Bello raised concern about the growing abuse of gift-giving involving public servants. He warned that gifts from government contractors are strictly prohibited, as they can influence decisions and compromise fairness in public service.

Bello also explained that certain categories of public servants, including the president, vice president, governors, justices, and judges, face restrictions even after leaving office. He said such officials are not allowed to work for foreign governments after their tenure because of the sensitive information they handled while in office.

“You are not allowed to work for any foreign government because you hold certain vital information,” he said. “If you are working for a foreign organisation or foreign institutions, that might compromise the security and the interests of Nigeria.”

The CCB Chairman further raised concern about the misuse of loans as a cover for bribery. He said the law restricts certain categories of public servants to borrowing only from recognised financial institutions where transactions can be verified and traced.

Bello also highlighted the growing use of agents and nominees to bypass anti-corruption rules. He said officials sometimes use spouses, children, relatives, or close friends to carry out illegal acts on their behalf. “These agents may include spouses, children, relatives, or close friends, but the official remains culpable once it is established that they are the ultimate beneficiary of the illicit act,” he said.

Additionally, Bello noted that public servants are restricted from belonging to certain organisations. He said membership of secret cults or groups whose activities conflict with the dignity, transparency, or integrity of public office is prohibited. “Such affiliations can tarnish the image of the public service and constitute another violation of the Code of Conduct,” he said.

On public awareness, Bello said the CCB has a designated department for sensitisation, although it is constrained by limited funding. He said whenever he is invited to public functions, he uses the opportunity to speak about the bureau’s operations.

He added that the bureau encourages MDAs to organise sensitisation programmes for their staff and is also partnering with heads of service across states to enlighten workers. Bello reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to enforcing ethical standards in public service to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust.

FG Bans Admission, Transfer Into SS3 Nationwide From 2026/27

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The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced a nationwide prohibition on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in all public and private secondary schools.

The Ministry said the directive follows growing concerns over the increasing incidence of examination malpractice, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations, which it said undermine the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s education system.

According to the Ministry, the policy will take effect from the next academic calendar 2026/27, with admissions and transfers now restricted strictly to Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2). It stated that “admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance.”

Explaining the decision, the Ministry said the measure is aimed at “discouraging last-minute movement of students for examination-related advantages,” while also ensuring proper academic monitoring and promoting continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators nationwide have been directed to comply fully with the policy, as the Ministry warned that “any violation will attract appropriate sanctions in line with existing education regulations and guidelines.”

Reaffirming its position, the Federal Ministry of Education stated that “the Federal Government remains committed to maintaining academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring credibility to public examinations across the country.”

The Ministry added that all stakeholders are expected to align with the directive ahead of its implementation to support a more transparent and credible education system. The directive applies nationwide to all schools.

Bosun Tijani faces backlash after clarification on bandits, tracking claims

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has issued a public clarification following widespread backlash over banditry comments he made during an interview on Channels Television, where he discussed digital connectivity gaps and national security while speaking on the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.

The interview, which aired earlier in the week, sparked intense debate online after viewers focused on a segment where Tijani spoke about how poor connectivity in remote areas could be exploited by criminals. Many interpreted his remarks as suggesting that terrorists and bandits possess advanced or untraceable communication technology, a claim that drew criticism from security analysts, tech professionals, and members of the public.

Responding to the growing controversy, Tijani released a statement titled “Clarification on Channels Interview,” urging Nigerians to watch the full interview, which he said was largely centred on the progress and impact of the 3MTT programme. “Over the past two days, there has been significant public discussion around a comment I made during an interview on Channels Television,” he said. “I would like to clarify the intention behind that part of the conversation.”

According to Tijani, his comments were aimed at highlighting how gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity create development and security vulnerabilities. “In responding to a question during the interview, my objective was to explain that gaps in digital infrastructure and connectivity in some parts of the country represent a development and security vulnerability,” he said. “These gaps limit economic opportunity, restrict access to services, and weaken coordination and inclusion.”

He linked this explanation to the federal government’s broader digital agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the administration is investing heavily to close connectivity gaps nationwide. “This is precisely why the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is making historic investments in digital infrastructure to ensure no part of Nigeria is left behind,” Tijani said.

He outlined three major initiatives, including Project Bridge, described as a 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic backbone designed to connect every geopolitical zone, state, and local government area. He also cited plans to deploy 3,700 new telecom towers to unserved and underserved communities, which he said would connect more than 23 million Nigerians currently without access to reliable communication services.

In addition, he noted efforts to strengthen NIGCOMSAT through the replacement of its current satellite and the launch of two new communication satellites.

“Together, these investments will deepen connectivity across the country, strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, and ensure that digital infrastructure contributes meaningfully to economic prosperity, inclusion, and national development,” Tijani said, adding that his comments were made “to highlight why closing connectivity gaps matters, and how this administration is deliberately working to address them.”

Despite the clarification, reactions remained sharply divided. Many users accused the minister of avoiding the core issue of his inability to track criminals. One commenter wrote, “Clarification did not clarify clearly. The controversy was on terrorists’ uncontested access to telephony and their seeming invisibility to tracking.” Another said, “You boldly and confidently lied on a national TV about how terrorists’ calls can’t be tracked, then you rush back here to totally change the narrative.”

Others questioned the performance of the ministry itself. A user wrote, “The conversations are less about your comments and more about how little impact your ministry has made, despite the many promises you gave.” Another added, “You are been criticized for your not understanding what you said with regards to how bandits communicate and why you feel they can’t be traced.”

Some argued that the explanation focused too much on infrastructure and “praising Tinubu” rather than the specific claim about tracking criminal communications. “Most people in the Networking and IT community want to read something, but he did not say anything relating to that,” one post read. Another user asked, “Are they or aren’t they using registered SIM cards? How many cell towers are in the desert that they can bounce calls off of?”

As the debate continues, Tijani maintains that his remarks were taken out of context and that the central message of the interview was Nigeria’s digital development and job creation through programmes like 3MTT.

The interview remains available on YouTube, where it continues to attract views and renewed scrutiny.

NAF begins 2025 BMTC 46 aptitude test with over 20,000 applicants

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the Zonal General Aptitude Test for the Year 2025 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46 Recruitment Exercise, with over 20,000 applicants taking part nationwide. The exercise is being conducted at 15 designated zonal centres located in Sokoto, Minna, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Makurdi, Jos, Ilorin, Ipetu-Ijesa, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ikeja.

According to the Service, the spread reflects its commitment to inclusiveness, equal opportunity, and a transparent, merit-driven recruitment process that allows qualified Nigerians from all parts of the country to compete fairly.

The strong turnout has further highlighted the sustained confidence of Nigerian youths in the Nigerian Air Force as a disciplined, professional, and patriotic institution. It also points to the NAF’s resolve to attract capable, motivated, and resilient young Nigerians at a time when the nation’s security environment requires enhanced manpower strength to support ongoing internal security operations and national defence efforts.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the recruitment process is guided by fairness, integrity, and strict adherence to established standards. “The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to recruiting the best candidates by merit, as the quality of our personnel is fundamental to operational effectiveness and the successful execution of our constitutional mandate,” he said.

The CAS added that the aptitude test is a critical step in building a motivated and mission-ready force, while assuring Nigerians of the NAF’s continued dedication to supporting internal security operations and protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional responsibilities.

MFM Empowers 115 Women with Free Skill Training in Ondo

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM, South West 12, Ondo Mega 3 Ajilo, has trained and empowered over 115 women in different skills aimed at improving their economic strength and independence. The empowerment programme covered bread making, bakery and confectionery skills, cake making and designing, other pastries, as well as soap making, disinfectant, scrubbing powder, bleach, and related products, all offered free of charge.

As part of the initiative, the church also provided starter packs to some of the participants to enable them begin their own small businesses immediately after the training. The programme followed an earlier free medical outreach organised by the church, which included medical diagnosis, tests, and treatment for community members.

The empowerment effort is targeted at fostering women’s economic growth, developing practical skills, and helping participants turn learned skills into sustainable sources of income. According to the church, this approach is expected to reduce poverty and support financial independence among women.

Speaking on the programme, the Mega Regional Overseer in charge of MFM South-West 12, Ondo Mega 3 Ajilo, Pastor Andrew Opeyemi, said the church’s humanitarian interventions are focused on making women economically self-reliant. He disclosed that 45 women were trained on black soap, liquid soap, and bleach making, while 70 young women received training in bread making, cake production, and other snack preparation.

Opeyemi explained that the empowerment activities are in furtherance of the church’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on women’s empowerment. He said the General Overseer of MFM Worldwide, Dr Daniel Olukoya, and his wife, Dr (Mrs) Folashade Olukoya, had directed the church to intensify efforts that positively impact lives beyond spiritual teachings and deliverance prayers.

He said the Women Foundation arm of the church, led by Mrs Olukoya, continues to organise deliverance programmes, biblical seminars, and skill acquisition trainings aimed at empowering women both spiritually and economically.

“In alignment with our mission to uplift and empower women within our community, MFM South-West 12, Ondo Mega 3, Ajilo, free of charge, held a transformative five-day intensive training programme focused on confectionery skills,” Opeyemi said. “The initiative targeted young and adult females, offering practical knowledge, start-up resources, and certification to help them launch sustainable baking enterprises. By God’s grace, we provided participants with start-up kits to facilitate immediate business activation.”

He added that the training boosted participants’ confidence, social mobility, and income-generating capacity. Opeyemi appreciated the General Overseer, Dr Olukoya, for championing the empowerment drive and assured that MFM would continue supporting members through skill acquisition and creation programmes.

Akwa Ibom Unveils First State Govt Pavilion at Christmas Unplugged 3.0

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In a bid to take governance closer to the people and showcase the practical impact of the ARISE Agenda, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, officially unveiled the first-ever State Government Pavilion at the ongoing Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged 3.0. The unveiling transformed the Christmas Village at Unity Park, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, into a centre of governance, innovation, and citizen engagement.

The pavilion, introduced on the directive of the Governor, brings together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in one interactive space. Through this platform, residents and visitors engage directly with government agencies to understand state programmes, innovations, service delivery initiatives, and investment opportunities, all anchored on the ARISE Agenda, the development blueprint of the Umo Eno administration.

During a tour and inspection of the pavilion, Governor Eno issued a firm directive aimed at strengthening emergency healthcare delivery across the state. He urged the Head of the Civil Service and the Commissioner for Health to redeploy all medical doctors currently serving as Permanent Secretaries in unrelated MDAs back to the health sector. He said the officers should serve as heads in government-owned general hospitals while retaining their administrative responsibilities, stressing that medical expertise must not be underutilised.

Governor Eno expressed satisfaction with the creativity, coordination, and clarity of vision displayed by the MDAs at the pavilion. He noted that their presentations reflected the people-centred focus and policy direction of his administration.

“I have gone round to see what the Ministries, Departments and Agencies are doing, and I am pleased that they are promoting the ARISE Agenda. This is the first time we are introducing a State Government Pavilion at the Christmas Village, and what I have seen so far is very encouraging,” the Governor said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the ARISE Agenda, Governor Eno stressed that all MDAs must continually align their programmes, operations, and service delivery frameworks with the state’s development vision to ensure coherence and efficiency.

The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to optimise skilled manpower, strengthen healthcare services, and ensure that governance remains people-focused and results-driven. The unveiling of the State Government Pavilion was a major highlight of Akwa Ibom Christmas Unplugged 3.0, reinforcing the vision of making governance visible during the season of celebration and shared purpose.

Africa faces 50 million housing deficit, Minister warns of 130 million by 2030

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Africa is facing a housing deficit of no fewer than 50 million units, alongside an estimated housing finance gap of about 1.4 trillion dollars, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, has said.

Dangiwa disclosed this at the 7th Africa Housing Awards held in Abuja, where he described the housing crisis as one of the continent’s most urgent development challenges. He warned that without faster and more coordinated solutions, Africa’s housing deficit could rise sharply in the coming years.

According to him, “Today, about 54 million Africans live in urban slums, and the continent faces a shortfall of housing of at least 50 million housing units, whose housing finance gap is estimated at over 1.4 trillion dollars.”

He added that failure to scale up solutions could worsen the situation, saying, “So if you do not accept the solution or accelerate the solutions, Africa’s housing deficit is projected to rise to about 130 million units by 2030.”

At the event, about 52 individuals, organisations and government bodies were honoured across three categories. Among those recognised were the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, Dangiwa himself, and other African leaders who were acknowledged for their contributions to housing and urban development.

Governor Yusuf was named Housing and Infrastructure-Friendly Governor of the Year for policies that support mass housing delivery and urban renewal initiatives in Kano State. Dangiwa also emerged as Africa’s most transformational Minister of Housing and Urban Development 2025, in recognition of reforms focused on affordability, use of local materials, and increased private sector participation.

The minister stressed that housing should no longer be treated as a peripheral sector, noting that it sits at the intersection of economic growth, social stability, urban resilience and human dignity. He commended the organisers of the Africa International Housing Show for sustaining advocacy and accountability in the sector, describing the annual gathering as more than just a conference.

Turning attention to Nigeria, Dangiwa said the country’s housing deficit is conservatively estimated at over 17 million units. He explained that the Federal Government is responding with a more structured and measurable approach under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the government has moved away from fragmented housing projects to a national programme designed to deliver results at scale. He revealed that in the last two years, the ministry had commenced over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

He also said that through urban renewal and slum-upgrade programmes, the Federal Government had impacted more than 150 communities nationwide by providing critical infrastructure to improve living conditions.

Despite these efforts, Dangiwa stressed that no single government or country can solve the housing challenge alone. He called for stronger continental collaboration, noting that Africa’s housing crisis requires shared solutions, financing models and policy alignment across borders.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, called for closer collaboration between journalists and stakeholders in the housing sector to improve access to decent housing for media professionals.

Ike praised the organiser of the Africa Housing Awards and Chief Executive Officer of Housing TV Show, Barrister Festus Adebayo, for sustained advocacy and support for journalism. She said the platform has helped amplify public conversations around affordable housing across the continent.

She also appealed directly to the Minister of Housing to fulfil the promise of establishing a Journalists’ Village in the Federal Capital Territory. Ike urged that the project be completed by 2026 with the support of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

“That promise ignited dreams across newsrooms. Now, we make a passionate appeal not to abandon us. Our dream is to see your promise come to fruition in 2026. With the support of the Mortgage Bank, this village can rise, equipping journalists with stable homes to focus on ethical reporting and peace-building,” she said.

Also speaking, Namibia’s Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, who received the Minister for Housing of the Year 2025 award, said Africa has reached a stage where it must recognise and celebrate its own development efforts.

Convener of the awards, Festus Adebayo, said the housing and construction sector remains a major driver of economic growth, job creation and national development across Africa.

According to him, “This informed our decision to come up with this Africa Housing award ceremony seven years ago to recognise and appreciate contributions of deserving individuals and organisations contributing to the development of the sector, which has been attracting participants from all across Africa.”

He added that the housing sector is evolving amid new technologies, shifting regulations, global economic pressures and environmental challenges that continue to shape how the industry operates.

Adebayo further said, “We would not hesitate to expose any fraudulent malpractices that have been given bad names to the sector, even if you are our award recipient. We are collaborating with the National Assembly, Federal Capital Territory, Federal Ministry of Housing, Lagos State government and other regulatory agencies to ensure appropriate regulations are put in place, like what is obtainable in Dubai.”

10,000 Women Benefit from Delta Govt Widows Welfare Scheme

The Delta State Government says 10,000 women have benefited from the state-funded widows’ welfare scheme, describing it as support for vulnerable households. The Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Isioma Okonta, disclosed this at a news briefing in Asaba on Saturday.

According to Mr Okonta, the scheme, championed by the present administration, has moved beyond symbolism and become a practical response to vulnerability across communities. He said the programme has shown consistency in funding and implementation since it was introduced.

Mr Okonta said 10,000 people across the state received their November stipends under the scheme, noting that payments were made as scheduled. He explained that the initiative provides steady financial support for women who often carry the full burden of family responsibilities alone.

He said the monthly stipends were designed to stabilise beneficiaries’ livelihoods. “The intervention acknowledges the economic shock widows frequently experience after the loss of their spouses and seeks to cushion its long-term effects,” the governor’s aide said.

Mr Okonta also said the programme includes free medical care at accredited hospitals, aimed at reducing healthcare expenses that often push vulnerable households deeper into poverty. He added that the dual approach of cash support and healthcare access has helped many widows regain a sense of security and dignity.

He said the Oborevwori administration embedded the scheme within a social investment framework rather than treating it as a one-off relief effort. Mr Okonta described the governor as deliberate and responsive, saying sustained attention to widows’ welfare had become “a defining feature” of his leadership style.

He said the scheme is regarded as one of the state’s most effective social interventions and a benchmark for inclusive governance, adding that its continuation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable citizens are not left behind in the state’s development agenda.

Edo Government to Link Innovators, Artisans to Federal Grants

The Edo State Government has pledged to facilitate access to federal grants for innovators, artisans and craftsmen with outstanding and impactful solutions capable of addressing national challenges.

The government said qualified applicants would be guided through the Presidential Standing Committee on Innovation and Invention and the Startup Act online application processes after due assessment of their innovations.

The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hon. Etiosa Ogbewi, made this known during the Annual General Meeting of the Artisans Development and Networking Organisation, ARDENET ORG, held in the state.

Ogbewi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engr. Jonathan Idubor, disclosed that beneficiaries could access grants of over one million naira, depending on the quality, relevance and impact of their projects.

He said the ministry would serve as a link between qualified innovators in Edo State and relevant federal government funding windows, assuring that innovators would receive the needed institutional support to access such opportunities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering organisations whose activities align with creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, describing ARDENET ORG as a strategic partner in youth development.

“This programme is about Edo youths. It is geared towards job creation, coordination of artisans’ activities, and the development of a comprehensive database of artisans, which will further drive socio-economic development in the State,” he said.

Earlier, the President of ARDENET, Engr. Ugiagbe Osamuyime, commended the Edo State Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology for their support.

Osamuyime said the partnership would boost innovation, skills development and employment opportunities across the state.

He added that the organisation was poised to provide artisans with the needed support to attract opportunities, sustain business growth and advocate for their rights.

The AGM brought together artisans, craftsmen and innovators from across Edo State statewide.