Author: National Update

By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia In a bold initiative aimed at mitigating the harsh impacts of climate change across Nasarawa State’s 13 local government areas, One Acre Fund Nigeria has launched the distribution of more than 2.3 million Albizia Lebbeck and Moringa tree seedlings to over 82,150 small-holder farmers. The program, officially kicked off in Adogi community, Lafia Local Government Area, is part of One Acre Fund’s commitment to empowering farmers with access to high-quality agricultural inputs that fight poverty, hunger, and improve livelihoods. Speaking at the event, Zainab Haruna, Trees Lead for One Acre Fund Nigeria, emphasized the critical…

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Jigawa State has issued a stern warning to party members who engage in rumor-mongering and acts that threaten the unity and stability of the party and government. In a powerful press release titled “A CAUTION TO UNPATRIOTIC ELEMENTS SEEKING TO THROW JIGAWA INTO DISREPUTE,” State APC Secretary Mr. Muhammad Dikuma condemned the recent wave of baseless criticisms and divisive rhetoric circulating within the state. “The APC Jigawa Chapter views these dissenting voices as fundamentally misguided and lacking a proper understanding of governance under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi,”…

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in collaboration with the state’s Colleges of Education in Gumel and Ringim, has organized a five-day intensive training for 250 Arabic and Islamic studies teachers. The program focused on computer literacy and modern teaching techniques for primary and junior secondary schools across the state. Speaking during an inspection visit to Takur Site Special Primary School, Professor Haruna Musa, Executive Chairman of SUBEB, described the initiative as the first of its kind in both the state and the country. “This training addresses long-standing challenges in teaching methods and resources,…

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By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse A violent assault on a leading APC social media influencer near the Jigawa State Government House has exposed unsettling fractures within the ruling party and raised serious questions about political tolerance in the state. Umar Basheer Danalbarka, known for his outspoken criticism of local government projects and political narratives, was brutally beaten late Thursday at a car wash in Dutse. Witnesses say he was overwhelmed by a group of men wielding sticks and canes, who fled immediately after passersby intervened. From his hospital bed, Danalbarka pointed the finger at none other than Ambassador Salisu Seeker, the…

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By Fatima Ndagi As the 10th House of Representatives marks the halfway point of its tenure, Rep. Kayode Akiolu (APC, Lagos) has commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for steering the lower chamber with vision and maturity, describing him as a stabilizing force behind its growing legislative impact. Speaking during a midterm assessment interview, Akiolu—who chairs the House Committee on Anti-Corruption—hailed Abbas as “primus inter pares” (first among equals), crediting the Speaker’s institutional knowledge and consensus-building style for key reforms and improved legislative performance. “It’s not about showmanship,” Akiolu said. “Speaker Abbas brings a quiet strength that’s enabled real progress in the…

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Twenty-six years after Nigeria transitioned to civil rule, one of the country’s most respected democratic voices, Professor Attahiru Jega, has issued a grave warning: “What we have in Nigeria today is democracy in name only.” Delivering a thought-provoking keynote at The Platform Nigeria: June 12 Edition, hosted by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, the former INEC Chairman and political scientist declared that Nigeria’s democratic journey has stalled—and may be heading towards a cliff unless bold reforms are urgently undertaken. “We have ritualized democracy,” Jega said. “Yes, we hold elections. We swear in leaders. We run campaigns. But the essence—the…

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By Bayo Jimoh When the people of Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo/Odigbo Federal Constituency in Ondo State trooped out to cast their votes during the 2023 general elections, they were not merely voting for a candidate; they were placing their collective hopes, aspirations, and developmental desires in the hands of one man–Honourable Festus Ayodele Adefiranye. Their expectations were clear and legitimate: to have a representative in the National Assembly who is not only visible and vocal but visionary, impactful, and responsible. Two years into his first term in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adefiranye has more than justified the confidence reposed in him. With…

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In a bold move to reclaim Edo State’s legacy as a transport powerhouse, Governor Monday Okpebholo is steering the historic Edo Line back to life—signaling the state’s reentry into Nigeria’s critical inter-state transport map. Dormant since 2017, the once-reliable public transit company—founded by visionary leader Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia—is undergoing a full-scale revival with over 100 brand-new Toyota Hiace buses purchased earlier this year to kickstart its operations. “This is not just about transportation—it’s about restoring dignity, creating jobs, and connecting Edo to opportunities across the nation,” Governor Okpebholo said during an inspection of the refurbished terminal in Benin City. The…

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In a powerful move to energize the engines of local commerce, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has kicked off a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme targeted at revitalizing the informal sector and empowering thousands of grassroots entrepreneurs. More than 5,000 farmers, artisans, and traders are set to benefit from the initiative, which Governor Okpebholo described as “the beginning of a people-powered economic revolution” during a launch ceremony held in Benin City. “We are not waiting for the federal government to fix poverty. We are starting from Edo, from the markets, from the streets, from the farms,” he declared. “This is…

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In a touching display of unity and resolve, the Network for Better Nigeria (NBN) has extended its deepest condolences to Major Dr. Hamza Al-Mustapha over the passing of his beloved sister, even as it reaffirmed its unwavering belief in his capacity to lead Nigeria into a more secure and prosperous future. Led by its National Coordinator, Hon. Umar Lawal, the group paid a condolence visit to the Kogi State Chapter, where prayers were offered for the deceased and words of comfort shared with the Al-Mustapha family. “We stand with Major Al-Mustapha in this moment of personal grief. We pray for…

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