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Senate asks IGP, others, to investigate the disappearance of Raymond Gaadi, NSCDC officer

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**Deplore gruesome murder of Rev. Father Isaac Achi

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) should direct full criminal investigation into the disappearance of Raymond Terwase Gaadi, Deputy Commandant, NSCDC in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, the Senate has urged

The upper chamber equally urged the Commandant General of the NSCDC to direct internal investigation into the matter.

This was coming following a “motion on urgent national importance” moved by Senator Emmanuel Orker-Jev (Benue North) at plenary on Wednesday.

The Senate noted that one Raymond Terwase Gaadi, a Deputy Commandant of the NSCDC was serving in Enugu state until October 2022 when he was posted to Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

According to Orker-Jev, on getting to Bayelsa, Raymond Gaadi told his family and friends that the officer he was to takeover from was not only resisting handover, but was threatening him.

Unfortunately, two days after sending that report to his family and friends, unidentified caller informed the family that has gone missing.

The Senate was “alarmed that since 29th October, 2022 nothing has been heard of or from Gaadi.

Senator Orker-Jev wondered that “NSCDC authorities that should have taken more than passing interest in the whereabouts of their officer have displayed shocking nonchalance over the matter nor was the family aware of any Police intervention on the matter”.

In another development, the Senate also roundly condemned “the gruesome murder of Rev. Father Isaac Achi who was burned alive in the early hours of Sunday 15th January, 2023 in his residence in Paikoro LGA of Niger state”.

Senator Mohammed Sani Musa (Niger East) moved the motion to that effect on Wednesday during plenary.

The deceased priest hailed from the area and was ordained as the first Catholic Priest from Gbagi and Koro land.

After his ordination on January 7, 1995, RV. Fr. Achi was transferred to Minna, the Niger state capital from where he was transferred to different parts.

It will be recalled that the deceased Rev Fr survived multiple attacks, abducted in Madalla, spending many days in captivity until his Church members paid the ransom for him to regain his freedom.

He was also shot by gunmen who invaded the house where conducting a child naming in the same Madalla but survived it, in addition to being a survivor of the Christmas day bombing of the St. Theresa Catholic church, Madalla, Niger state in which 44 worshippers lost their lives and many sustained various degrees of injury.

Senator Sani Musa said “Achi’s death speaks volumes about state of violence in Nigeria in which hundreds of innocent Nigerians lose their lives”.

The Senate, as usual, observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased priest.

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Legislature

Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices

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By Isah Bala

Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.

The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.

This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”

Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.

Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.

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Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process

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Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.

During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.

“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.

The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”

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NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions

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In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.

The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.

Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.

Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.

Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.

Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.

As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.

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