By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse In a significant move to boost small-scale enterprises and alleviate poverty, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has launched a N30 billion economic empowerment programme targeting over 60,000 small business owners across the 30 state assembly constituencies. The initiative, officially flagged off in Miga town, headquarters of Miga Local Government Area, will be implemented through state lawmakers, each overseeing the disbursement of funds to over 2,000 beneficiaries in their constituencies. A breakdown of the financial support indicated that the programme provides financial aid to small business owners in varying amounts as 1,000 beneficiaries received N100,000 each,…
Author: National Update
By Yisa Usman MSc, FCA, FCTI The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently unveiled its 2025 budget proposal amid public scrutiny and growing concerns over transparency and compliance with fiscal policies. A detailed examination reveals major issues, including breaches of government regulations, misclassification of JAMB’s operational framework, and questionable fund allocation. Lawmakers, including Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Hon. Abiodun Faleke, have raised strong objections to its spending patterns, dual funding structure, and heavy dependence on exorbitant fees levied on financially burdened Nigerian families. Compounding these concerns is a fundamental misrepresentation of JAMB’s status. In the weekly JAMB Bulletin of…
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has taken personal charge of enforcing the mandatory third-party vehicle insurance directive in Akwa Ibom, following the order of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun. CP Azare, accompanied by his team and members of the press, supervised the operation across Uyo metropolis and other parts of the state, ensuring compliance with the insurance policy. Several vehicles lacking valid third-party insurance were impounded, and owners were given strict warnings against using fraudulent documents. While engaging with motorists, CP Azare stressed the importance of valid insurance coverage, noting that non-compliance would lead…
By Wilberforce Edward In the annals of leadership and community development, few individuals have left as indelible a mark on their communities as Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and Hon. Hassan Mamman Barguma. As Adamawa State prepares for its next phase of governance post-2027, these two trailblazers stand out as beacons of hope, progress, and transformative change. Their combined vision, experience, and commitment to public service make them an ideal duo to lead the state into a brighter future. Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, a young but accomplished leader, has already demonstrated his capacity to drive meaningful development across Adamawa State. Over…
By Ibrahim Sani Shawai In recent times, the North-West region has been challenged with emerging threats to the security of lives, property with particular reference to banditry and kidnapping which have displaced thousands of families, dislocated communities from meaningful progress, and stunted economic activities, rendering the agricultural sector comatose and dimming hopes of industrialisation of the region. The challenge above has negatively impacted the overall prosperity and development of the zone and this has become a cause for worry to all stakeholders in the region. With an estimated population of 60 million people which is 28% of the country’s population…
The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has sounded the alarm over a critical shortage of veterinarians, warning that the country lacks the manpower needed to contain the spread of anthrax and other livestock diseases. The council is calling on the government to immediately recruit more veterinary professionals to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. This warning is coming against the backdrop of the recent confirmation by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development of an anthrax outbreak on a farm in Zamfara State, prompting urgent calls for vigilance and preventive measures. Speaking in Abuja on Friday at the conclusion of…
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the people of the state to embrace unity for its progress and development. He made this appeal during a condolence visit to Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala, the State Auditor General, over the passing of his mother, Hajiya Amina Yusuf Okala, in Ajiolo, Dekina Local Government Area. Governor Ododo, accompanied by top government officials to the 8th Day Fidau prayer, described the gathering as more than just a moment of mourning but also an opportunity to reconnect with associates from Dekina and beyond. Special adviser to the Governor on media in a statement…
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly condemned the forceful shutdown of Joy FM 96.5, Otukpo, by the Benue State Government, calling it an outrageous attack on press freedom. The National Coordinator, HURIWA, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko in a statement issued on Friday described the armed invasion by security operatives as state-sponsored intimidation and warned that such actions could undermine democracy and silence independent journalism. According to reports, heavily armed policemen stormed the radio station on Thursday in two trucks, allegedly led by Sunday Odagba, Chairman of the Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS), and Ikwue Ikwue of the…
By Fred Itua The recent intervention by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, in securing the induction for 128 Ambrose Alli University, AAU Medical Graduates who had been left stranded since graduation from medical school has yet again, highlighted a major aspect of the administration’s success in the education sector in the State. The State-owned university, until the coming on board of this present administration, was enmeshed in a number of crises that not only threatened its continuity and sustenance but also the credibility of its programs. These crises, occasioned by the undue interferences, impositions, and insensitivity of the immediate-past…
In a major step toward strengthening investor confidence, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, hosted a high-level delegation from JP Morgan in Abuja. The delegation, led by Dapo Olagunju, Head of West Africa, included major international investors with significant stakes in Nigeria’s Eurobonds and local securities. Their visit, facilitated by JP Morgan, was part of a broader effort to assess Nigeria’s investment climate and explore new opportunities. Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga in a statement quoted Minister Edun to have outlined the government’s recent economic achievements, including a successful Eurobond…