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Adamawa Gov Approves N70,000 Minimum Wage for Teachers

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Teachers in Adamawa State are expressing renewed confidence in the government following a series of welfare reforms introduced by Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The reforms include the full rollout of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, approval of teacher promotions, and the payment of outstanding promotion arrears.

Education stakeholders have described these developments as unprecedented in recent years, noting that they have boosted teacher morale and created the foundation for the state’s flagship Model Secondary Schools, set to begin operations in September 2025.

During a media briefing in Yola, the Executive Secretary of the Post Primary Schools Management Board (PPSMB), Mr. Birsan Penuel, commended the Governor’s commitment to educational development and teacher welfare.

“The prompt implementation of promotions, clearance of arrears, and the new minimum wage are clear signs that this administration values its teachers,” Penuel said.

“This has restored hope and motivated our teachers to raise their standards.”

He urged teachers across the state to reciprocate the Governor’s commitment by showing renewed dedication and professionalism in their classrooms.

“The government has done its part. Now, it’s time for us in the education sector to do ours,” Penuel added.

As part of the Governor’s education reform agenda, Model Secondary Schools are being established across the 21 Local Government Areas, while three Mega-Science Schools, also called Smart Schools, are to be located in Madagali, Hong, and Lamurde.

These schools will run a blended curriculum that combines academic studies with technical and entrepreneurial training. The initiative is aimed at preparing students not just for examinations but also for self-employment and participation in the global workforce.

According to Penuel, more than 1,000 qualified teachers will be deployed to the Model Schools, while vocational institutions known as Best-Centres will serve as feeder schools to strengthen technical education pathways.

To further support the success of the new schools, the government plans to introduce additional incentives. These include an annual Best Performing Teachers award, hazard allowances for teachers serving in rural areas, and the renovation of hostels in several boarding schools to improve student welfare.

Penuel explained that these reforms are part of a broader vision to enhance teaching and learning across the state. The Model Schools project is expected to raise educational standards, promote innovation, and nurture a generation of skilled, confident, and employable young people.

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Nigeria Police exposes fake 2025 recruitment notice circulating online

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Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians to disregard a fake recruitment notice currently circulating on social media. The Force said no recruitment exercise is ongoing, describing the viral publication as false and misleading.

In a statement, the Nigeria Police Force explained that the notice titled “PUBLIC NOTICE, NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, RECRUITMENT EXERCISE 2025” did not come from its official communication channels. According to the police, “The information currently circulating regarding an upcoming recruitment exercise is false and misleading as no recruitment is currently taking place within the Force.”

The fake recruitment announcement falsely claimed that applications were open for suitably qualified candidates starting Monday, 22nd September 2025. The notice listed requirements such as SSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB, OND, HND, and B.Sc. holders, with general conditions including age limits of 18–25 years for SSCE and OND, and not more than 28 years for HND and B.Sc. applicants. It also specified a minimum height requirement of 1.67m for males and 1.64m for females, and demanded physical and mental fitness, evidence of medical fitness from a government hospital, and that female applicants must not be pregnant at the time of application.

The false notice further instructed interested candidates to apply through a fake recruitment portal, fill out forms, upload academic certificates, birth certificates, declarations of age, and certificates of origin, after which applicants were told to print acknowledgment slips for screening and physical verification.

It also emphasized that the application was “free of charge” and carried a forged signature claiming to be from the Force Public Relations Officer on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.

Responding to the misleading publication, the Nigeria Police Force urged the public to remain cautious. “Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard such announcements and are encouraged to verify any information relating to the Nigeria Police Force through our official website and verified social media platforms,” the statement said.

The Force further stressed that for accurate and verified information, Nigerians should always rely on its official communication channels available on all major social media platforms as well as the official website.

Attached below is the circulating fake Nigeria Police recruitment announcement:

FG lists trillions in projects for North and South to prove equity

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The Federal Government has clarified that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to fairness, justice, and equity in the allocation of federal projects, appointments, and opportunities across Nigeria. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the claims of lopsided development being circulated in some quarters are misleading and not based on verifiable facts.

According to Idris, “Contrary to the perception being pushed in some quarters, this administration has demonstrated uncommon commitment to balanced development and inclusivity since assuming office. The distribution of capital projects under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equitable. No region is playing a second fiddle or ignored.”

Government data shows that infrastructure development is spread across all six geopolitical zones. Beyond projects by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, every region now has a Regional Development Commission to accelerate growth. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway runs through the South while the Badagry–Sokoto Highway, currently under construction, cuts across the North. This balance, according to the government, is deliberate and reflects President Tinubu’s resolve to build a fair and inclusive nation.

Ongoing interventions span highways, bridges, rail, and power infrastructure. Funding has been secured for light rail projects in Kano and Kaduna States at ₦150 billion and ₦100 billion respectively. Lagos and Ogun States are also beneficiaries of metroline projects designed to strengthen Nigeria’s light rail infrastructure. Collectively, these transport projects are expected to create over 250,000 jobs nationwide.

The administration has also restarted work on the Eastern Corridor rail line from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri. Healthcare development is not left behind, as more than 1,000 primary health care centres have been rehabilitated nationwide to improve access and reduce health inequality.

Figures released show the actual distribution of federal projects: the Northwest received ₦5.97 trillion, representing over 40 percent of approvals. The South South had ₦2.41 trillion, North Central ₦1.13 trillion, South East ₦407 billion, North East ₦400 billion, while the South West excluding Lagos got ₦604 billion.

Legacy road projects are also widely distributed. The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, measuring 750 kilometres, has 175 kilometres currently ongoing in Lagos, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom States. The Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway of 1,068 kilometres has 378 kilometres completed in Kebbi and Sokoto. The Trans-Sahara Highway, stretching 465 kilometres, has 118 kilometres ongoing in Ebonyi State. The Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road, 439 kilometres in total, is being redesigned with rigid pavement for durability. Out of the total kilometres of these projects, the North accounts for 52 percent and the South 48 percent, reflecting an almost equal split.

Other significant projects in the North include the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria Road, 275 kilometres dualised at a cost of ₦824 billion, and the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Road, 350 kilometres dualised at ₦764 billion. The BUA Tax Credit Road runs 256 kilometres through Jigawa, Katsina, and Kano States. Additional projects are the Zaria–Hunkuyi Road at 156 kilometres, the Kano Northern Bypass at 49 kilometres, the Kano–Maiduguri Road at 100.9 kilometres, and the Damaturu–Maiduguri Road at 110 kilometres. Borno State has the Bama and Dikwa Roads covering 100 kilometres, while Kebbi State benefits from the Malando Road at 76 kilometres. The Benue–9th Mile Road, dualised at 250 kilometres, is valued at $958 million. The Lokoja–Okene dualisation covers 86 kilometres, and the Kaduna–Katsina Roads have ₦150 billion allocated.

The South equally has major projects. These include the Lagos–Ibadan road of 8.5 kilometres worth ₦33 billion, the Lagos–Sagamu dualisation of 12 kilometres, and the Oyo–Ogbomoso–Ilorin road costing ₦146 billion. In Lagos, ₦120 billion has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of Carter, Third Mainland, and Eko Bridges.

The South East is also receiving attention with the Enugu–Onitsha Road covering 107 kilometres at ₦202 billion through the MTN Tax Credit scheme. Another section of 72 kilometres is funded by CBC at ₦150 billion. The Enugu–Abakaliki Road covers 36 kilometres. The 2nd Niger Bridge Access Road is 17.5 kilometres dualised at ₦175 billion, while the Lokpanta–Enugu Road stretches 61 kilometres dualised at ₦100 billion.

In the South South, the Eleme–Onne Road spans 30 kilometres at ₦156 billion. The Eket Bypass, measuring 9.7 kilometres, is dualised at ₦76 billion. The East–West Road Section 2 costs ₦186 billion. Nembe–Brass Road is valued at ₦150 billion, Lokoja–Benin Dualisation at ₦167 billion, and the 2nd Niger Bridge Access Road in Delta at 17 kilometres dualised for ₦146 billion. The Bodo–Bonny Road in Rivers State is a 35-kilometre stretch with 12 bridges costing ₦200 billion.

Energy and power projects are also in focus. The government has revived the 255MW Kaduna Power Plant and advanced work on the AKK Gas Project. Oil and gas exploration has expanded in the North with three oil wells drilled in the Kolmani region of Bauchi and Gombe States. The Kano–Maradi rail line, which was only 5 percent completed when inherited, has now reached 67 percent following renewed funding.

The Minister emphasised that President Tinubu is focused on building national infrastructure that serves all Nigerians rather than sectional projects. He said, “Lagos is rightly upgraded as Nigeria’s commercial hub, but the Northwest holds the lion’s share of approvals. This proves that all regions are receiving fair consideration.”

Equity is also visible in federal appointments, with the President ensuring that capable Nigerians are appointed from all regions based on competence and inclusivity. Inclusivity, Idris noted, lies at the centre of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The government has also created five new Regional Development Commissions and established the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, showing determination to address the unique challenges of each region.

“The administration has not only kept faith with Nigerians but has proven itself to be fair, pragmatic, and consequential. His leadership is inclusive, his vision unifying, and his commitment to equity and justice unwavering. Nigerians can rest assured that under his watch, no part of this country will be left behind,” Idris stated.

Akwa Ibom bans slots in 3,000 Civil Service recruitment jobs

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August 31, 2025 – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared that there will be no “slots” in the 3,000 upcoming employment opportunities in the State Civil Service, stressing that the recruitment will be strictly merit-based.

Speaking today, Sunday August 31st, at the closing ceremony of the three-day Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket, themed “They’re Men, Not God,” the Governor disclosed that the new job openings would be filled through a transparent process designed to ensure fairness.

Governor Eno announced that applicants will write computer-based tests (CBT) at the Civil Service Auditorium, with instant results made available to guarantee transparency. He emphasized that the exercise was structured to give children of less privileged families a fair chance to serve and succeed, regardless of their background.

“We must provide a level ground for all to compete, irrespective of family background or political affiliation,” he declared to thunderous applause from participants at the convention.

The Governor further explained that the new recruitment process was aimed at building a strong and professional workforce for the state. “We must begin to build a civil service of qualified and capable employees,” he stated.

He also disclosed that the application portal for the recruitment exercise has already closed, confirming that the human resources engagement process will commence soon. Governor Eno assured that only competence and merit will determine who gets employed into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service.

With this announcement, the state government has restated its commitment to fairness, accountability, and equal opportunity in public sector recruitment.

Akwa Ibom Gov Launches Oil Palm Tree Revolution

August 31, 2025 – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced plans to launch an unprecedented oil palm tree planting revolution in line with the agricultural revolution component of the ARISE Agenda. The Governor made this known while addressing the Convention Victory Service at the All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket, during the conclusion of the 21st Anniversary and Discovery Convention of the church.

Governor Eno said the State Committee on Food Security has recommended a detailed template for the oil palm initiative. According to him, the program will involve the distribution of improved seedlings, deployment of extension officers in the planting process, establishment of an oil palm board, and the off-taking of processed oil from different producers.

The Governor, who had served as the Executive Director of Agriculture Investment at the Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP), explained that the initiative is targeted at boosting the economy and empowering citizens. He noted that the improved seedlings have high yield capacity and begin to fruit within two years.

He stressed that Akwa Ibom has dropped from number one to number four in oil palm production in the country and must reclaim its pride of place. In his words, “This initiative is a way of putting money in the hands of our people. We need to take back our leading position in oil palm production.”

Governor Eno further called on young people to take advantage of job opportunities in the State rather than complain about unemployment. “Let our young people stop complaining that there are no jobs. Right now, we are building over 305 houses across this State, and our young people are being engaged and employed. Please find something to do,” he said.

Speaking on empowerment, the Governor clarified issues concerning the recently published list of support groups and beneficiaries of different empowerment packages. He stated that the funds were not given to group heads or leaders to share, but to individuals who applied through the ARISE portal and had registered as members of support groups.

He assured that the administration would continue to provide business grants. “What we have decided to do for next year is being worked out in our next year’s budget. We are appraising N1 billion per Local Government in our 2026 budget, plus other funds that we are going to send to the Humanitarian Affairs Ministry. The grants through this will only be obtained through the Government’s portal by those who have registered and have never gotten one before,” he explained.

On security, Governor Eno emphasized that his administration has continued to maintain peace across the State. He expressed disappointment over some high-profile individuals who still identify as members of cult groups. He warned that the ban on cultism in the State remains in full effect and violators will face trial.

The Governor also announced plans for a memorial service in honour of the late State First Lady, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, which will hold on September 26, 2025.

As the Undershepherd of All Nations Christian Ministry International, he thanked God for sustaining the Ministry for the past 21 years and appreciated everyone who took part in the convention and the victory service.

In his homily, Rev. (Dr.) Godwin Amaowoh, speaking on the theme “You shall not be put to shame,” drawn from Romans 10:12-14, encouraged Christians to place their trust only in God. He said, “Those who put their trust in God will not be put to shame.” Rev. Amaowoh added that by trusting in God, believers will experience divine help, honour, and upliftment.

Also ministering on the topic “How to access the help of God,” from Genesis 27:29, Rev. Simeon Afolabi urged Christians to depend on God’s support to enjoy His protection and blessings. He emphasized that with God’s help, shame would be eliminated from their lives.

The 4-day convention featured praise, worship, choir ministrations, prayers, and teachings that inspired the congregants. The event was attended by the National Vice President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Pastor E. U. Johnson, who was specially celebrated by Governor Eno, along with members of the State Executive Council, clergy, political leaders, captains of industry, and Christian faithful from within and outside the State.

Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N31b Empowerment Scheme for 2026

Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced a ₦31 billion empowerment scheme for 2026, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all citizens and residents.

Speaking on Sunday, August 31, at the closing ceremony of the three-day Convention of the All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket, themed “They’re Men, Not God”, the Governor disclosed that each of the 31 local government areas will access ₦1 billion for direct citizens’ empowerment, business support, and grants. He explained that the scheme will be implemented through structured programmes such as Ibom LED, Dakkada Skills Acquisition, and other interventions.

Beneficiaries, according to him, will be digitally harvested through dedicated portals to ensure transparency and accountability.

Governor Eno stated, “The intervention has been adequately provided for in the 2026 People’s Budget of the State,” underscoring his administration’s resolve to institutionalize empowerment programmes that reach every Akwa Ibom resident.

Addressing the ongoing debates about empowerment for political support groups, the Governor clarified that while members of such groups are entitled to benefit as citizens, the State cannot directly fund political associations. He emphasized, “We are determined to provide system-driven opportunities for all Akwa Ibomites through budgeted programmes and institutional structures.”

In his remarks to the youth, Governor Eno cautioned against involvement in cultism and urged young people to embrace economically viable ventures that would make them more self-reliant and productive members of society.

The convention, which drew thousands of worshippers, also featured renowned guest speakers such as Rev. Simeon Afolabi, Bishop Enobong Essien, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio, Rev. Dr. Godwin Gboyega Shitta, Rev. Dr. Godwin Amaowoh, and Pastor Ndaeyo Udomfuk. The event climaxed with prayers for Akwa Ibom State, worship sessions, and thanksgiving for the visible transformation taking place under the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno’s administration.

The ₦31 billion empowerment scheme, spread across all 31 local government areas, is designed to promote business support, youth empowerment, and skill acquisition in line with sustainable development goals and the economic growth plans of the State.

FG reiterates support for youth empowerment

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, John Owan Enoh, has restated the commitment of the ministry to support youths with skills that will boost entrepreneurship and employability.

He made this known during the third edition of the National Sewing Championship held in Abuja over the weekend. The event was organised by the Ladi Memorial Foundation in partnership with the Destiny Messengers Ministry International. Representing the minister at the occasion, a director from the ministry said the government would continue to encourage initiatives that give young Nigerians the opportunity to showcase the country’s rich heritage and contribute to national development.

Speaking at the programme, the Chief Executive Officer of the Destiny Messengers Ministry International, Dr Pastor Israel Olajumoke, explained why his organisation partnered with the Ladi Foundation to donate 54 brand new tailoring machines. According to him, the decision was inspired by his personal journey and passion to fight poverty. “I have been there before; I came from poverty. My scripture told me that if I am blessed, I would be a blessing to others,” he said.

The Executive Director of the Ladi Memorial Foundation, Rosemary Ojochelemi Oshikoya, described the vision of the sewing championship as a platform to impart functional skills and promote national unity.

She said the two-week boot camp brought together children from across Nigeria. “Imagine children coming from Borno, and different parts of the country to the nation’s capital, not to debate religion or our differences like the languages, but to compete on skills, which are generic,” she stated.

In his advice to the participants, the Vice Chairman of the foundation, Engr Kashim Ali, urged them to take their training seriously. He encouraged them to use the experience as a foundation to either return to school for further studies or to start building a sustainable business.

Gov Alia, Tinubu push for stronger media collaboration to empower Nigerians

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On August 29, 2025, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Dr. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, received Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Spokesperson and Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at the Government House, Makurdi. The visit featured an interactive session with the Governor’s media team.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Tersoo Kula, made a comprehensive presentation on the administration’s interventions across key sectors. He highlighted progress in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, security, education, ICT, industrialization, humanitarian services, and human capital development.

Mr. Onanuga commended the achievements recorded by the Alia-led administration within its two years in office. He stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration between media teams of APC-controlled states to properly inform Nigerians of the impact of ongoing projects nationwide. According to him, “There is a need to strengthen communication to ensure citizens understand the good works being done across the country.”

Governor Alia, while responding, expressed appreciation to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support to Benue State. He assured the people of his determination to sustain the delivery of good governance.

“We remain committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, and we will deepen our efforts to meet the expectations of the people of Benue,” the Governor stated.

Katsina to secure Amana Microfinance Bank license after CBN talks

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Katsina State Government has intensified efforts to secure the final licensing of Amana Microfinance Bank as the Governor’s Special Adviser on Banking and Finance, Hajiya Bilkisu Sulaiman Ibrahim, held high-level discussions with officials at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Kano branch.

The move is part of Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda’s agenda to deepen financial inclusion and expand credit access to residents of Katsina. By prioritizing grassroots financial empowerment, the administration aims to revolutionize the state’s economic landscape and open more opportunities for small businesses.

Speaking during the meeting, Hajiya Bilkisu emphasized that the microfinance bank will be a strong tool in the fight against poverty while helping rural communities connect with formal banking systems. “This represents a critical pillar in Governor Radda agenda to strengthen grassroots financial services and create inclusive opportunities for entrepreneurship,” she said.

The Amana Microfinance Bank is expected to play a vital role in supporting small enterprises, while also focusing on women and youth empowerment across all 34 local government areas of Katsina State. The institution is projected to improve access to loans and financial services that can drive sustainable economic growth.

CBN Kano Branch Controller, Hajiya Saudatu Mohammed, received the delegation and assured them of the apex bank’s readiness to accelerate the licensing process. She also pledged the support of the Central Bank in strengthening financial regulation across the state.

This development forms part of Governor Radda’s wider economic transformation strategy designed to position Katsina as a major financial hub in Northwest Nigeria.

NPower beneficiaries give FG 30-day ultimatum over N81b unpaid stipends

August 31, 2025 – NPower beneficiaries have announced a 21 to 30 days grace period for the federal government to begin the payment of their outstanding stipends, stressing that any further delay will lead to legal action.

In a statement, one of the beneficiaries, Adeshina Adex, clarified that the public should note that there is no nationally recognised office for NPower ever inaugurated by the federal government. According to him, those claiming to represent the scheme are only self-made representatives.

He explained that the latest decision followed a legal briefing with their lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, who shed light on the budgetary classification of the funds.

“I had a phone conversation with our lawyer, Barrister Abba Hikima Fagge, during which he carefully explained the difference between recurrent and capital expenditure in relation to the budget. He clarified that the funds meant for the payment of N-Power stipends are categorised under capital expenditure since they are considered inherited debts. This, according to him, is the primary reason for the delay in payments,” Adeshina said.

Barrister Fagge also assured the beneficiaries of his readiness to pursue legal action if necessary. “As our legal representative, he is fully prepared to return to court with us at any time of our choice, particularly if the Government fails to fulfil its promises this month,” the statement added.

The beneficiaries maintained that if the payment process is not initiated by September as promised, they will return to court on October 1 without hesitation.

“On this note, we are giving those responsible for managing and disbursing our outstanding ₦81 billion naira a grace period of 30 days to commence payment or face us in court on October 1. Let the countdown begin,” the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by the Office of the National Publicity Secretary and Director of Strategic Communications.