Category: News

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has enacted three pivotal laws designed to overhaul the state’s energy, agricultural, and environmental frameworks. The new legislation aims to foster sustainable growth and attract investment across these critical sectors, according to officials.

The Kaduna State Electricity Law of 2026 establishes a regulatory commission to manage electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply within the state. This move is expected to open doors for private investment in renewable energy and improve electricity access for residents and businesses.

Under the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund (KADFund) Law of 2025, a dedicated financing mechanism will provide farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses with grants, low-interest loans, technical assistance, and funding for infrastructure. The goal is to enhance food security and boost agricultural productivity.

The Kaduna State Climate Change Advisory Board Law of 2026 creates a state-level body to coordinate climate action, promote environmental sustainability, and integrate climate considerations into development plans. This legislation underscores the state’s commitment to tackling climate change and building resilience.

Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, highlighted that these laws represent the administration’s vision of establishing strong institutions that drive inclusive growth and sustainable development. Dr. Mustapha Musa, Deputy Chief of Staff for Legal and Legislative Matters to the Governor, described the laws as transformative governance reforms that will expand energy access, accelerate agricultural growth, strengthen climate resilience, and position Kaduna as a model for innovation and effective subnational governance.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm over the dire state of education in Nigeria, revealing that only one out of four children aged 14 can read proficiently and perform basic mathematics. This troubling statistic underscores a broader crisis affecting millions of young Nigerians.

Speaking at a media dialogue on digital learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and skill development for out-of-school children in Ede, Osun State, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, highlighted that over 10 million children are not attending school. She emphasized that these figures represent real children, not just data points, who are growing up without the necessary skills to secure employment, support their families, or participate in the evolving economy.

Lafoucriere stressed the urgent need to integrate digital learning resources and AI education into the curriculum to give these children a fighting chance in the future. She noted that children with AI skills will have opportunities, while those without will be left behind. Among out-of-school children, girls are disproportionately affected, trailing further behind in educational attainment.

She called on the media to amplify the message, urging consistent reporting on the importance of digital learning to reach policymakers and education stakeholders. According to her, sustained media coverage is essential to address the out-of-school children crisis.

Dr. Harold Kpojime, UNICEF Education specialist, painted an even grimmer picture, stating that Nigeria has 20 million out-of-school children at both primary and secondary levels. Specifically, 10.2 million are in primary school and 8.1 million in junior secondary. Additionally, 12.4 million children have never attended school, while 5.9 million dropped out early. Nigeria accounts for 15% of the global out-of-school population.

Dr. Kpojime further revealed that only one in three children aged 36-59 months has access to early childhood care and development education (ECCDE), and the same ratio applies to those eligible for senior secondary school. Over half of girls are not in school at the basic education level. He attributed this crisis to poverty, population growth, poor learning outcomes, and doubts about education’s value, compounded by limited job opportunities.

In his welcome address, Osun State Commissioner for Education Sunday Eluwole, represented by permanent secretary Murtala Adekunle Jimoh, stressed that education is vital for human development, social transformation, and economic growth. He lamented that millions of children globally, including many in Nigeria, are excluded from formal education due to socio-economic, cultural, geographical, and security challenges, depriving them of opportunities to reach their full potential.

Eluwole advocated for leveraging digital technology and AI to bridge educational gaps and extend learning to marginalized children. He noted that digital platforms make education more accessible, flexible, inclusive, and engaging. When responsibly deployed, AI can personalize learning, identify gaps, support teachers, improve planning, and provide innovative solutions to reach out-of-school children. He concluded by urging that no child should be left behind in the digital revolution.

The Nigerian Senate has successfully passed a bill for the establishment of the National Agency for Malaria Elimination. The bill, which was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North, has now passed its third reading. Nwoko emphasized that the goal of eliminating malaria in Nigeria is not only realistic but also attainable.

The passage followed the presentation and approval of a report by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who heads the Senate Committee on Health. According to Banigo, the proposed agency will coordinate all national activities aimed at preventing, controlling, and eventually eradicating malaria. She highlighted that the agency would shift the country’s focus from treating malaria to preventing it altogether. For effective nationwide coverage, the agency will establish zonal and state offices, operate under a legally backed strategic plan, and prioritize science and accountability.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised the legislation as a significant step in the fight against malaria, which he described as the most common illness in the region. Speaking to journalists after the bill’s passage, Senator Nwoko expressed confidence that the agency would make Nigeria the first malaria-free country in Africa. He noted that his research on malaria elimination led him to Antarctica with his legislative aides, which inspired the bill. Nwoko assured that the agency would utilize waste management, fumigation, and vaccine research to eliminate malaria across Nigeria.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the abduction of relatives of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, stressing that the incident underscores the pervasive insecurity across Nigeria. In a statement issued by his spokesperson Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the crime demonstrates how even politically connected families are not immune to the nation’s security challenges. He called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.

The kidnapping occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, when gunmen seized Adelabu’s sister and her children at a busy location known as Challenge Bus Stop. The state police command has confirmed the incident and stated that investigations are underway.

Atiku expressed shock that such a brazen act could happen in broad daylight at one of Ibadan’s most prominent intersections. He asserted that if the government had failed to act on the plight of ordinary citizens, the abduction of a former minister’s family should serve as a wake-up call. ‘This administration must abandon its reactive security measures and adopt a proactive, intelligence-driven approach to dismantle kidnapping rings and restore public trust,’ Atiku said.

The opposition leader further noted that the incident reveals the gravity of Nigeria’s security crisis, which has left no one safe. He urged President Bola Tinubu’s government to prioritize the rescue of the victims and implement a comprehensive strategy to secure communities nationwide.

The Benue State Government has initiated a training program for newly formed Marine Marshals to address rising insecurity along its waterways. This move comes as a direct response to persistent attacks and criminal activities in riverine communities, often linked to armed herders and other syndicates using rivers for mobility and escape after assaults.

Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Paul Bebe, announced the development in Makurdi. He explained that the Marine Marshal unit is a key component of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s comprehensive security framework designed to protect lives and property throughout the state. Bebe noted that the governor has already procured and supplied boats to support the unit’s operations.

The new security outfit will focus on patrolling major waterways, gathering intelligence, and collaborating with existing security agencies to ensure rapid response to threats in riverine areas. Many communities along the River Benue and other water bodies have faced challenges including attacks on farmers, kidnappings, and illegal movements by criminal groups.

According to Bebe, the previous lack of effective water-based policing allowed criminals to exploit the terrain, hampering development efforts and causing distress among residents. To counter this, the Marine Marshal Unit will be equipped with patrol boats, communication devices, and other tools necessary for monitoring waterway activities.

Youths from across the state, particularly from the most affected local government areas, have been selected to undergo specialized training in surveillance and enforcement. Bebe expressed confidence that residents see this initiative as a timely intervention by Governor Alia, emphasizing that securing waterways is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability in Benue. He added that preparations for the official launch are nearly complete and expressed optimism that the Marine Marshals will become a formidable force in the fight against insecurity, boosting the state’s efforts to protect its people and promote economic growth in all regions.

A fresh wave of panic swept through Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in Ijebu-Ode on Wednesday after another mysterious chemical smell forced several students and staff members to seek medical treatment.

This marks the third occurrence of such an incident in the area within three months, according to reports from DAILY POST.

In the earlier event on April 1, 2026, at least thirty students and two teachers were hospitalised at the State General Hospital, Ijebu Ode, due to a suspected gas leak within the school premises.

Just six weeks later, another leakage affected more than 100 students and teachers from Anglican Girls Grammar School, Obalende, and Our Lady of Apostle Secondary School, Epe Garage, among others situated in the same local government area.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, confirmed that the Ministry of Education, OGEPA, security agents, and the Local Government had taken appropriate measures in response.

He further mentioned that an Air Quality Monitoring device had been installed at Ijebu Ode Grammar School to enable early detection of abnormal air conditions and support timely public health actions.

Additionally, the commissioner revealed plans to activate a multi-agency environmental and public health assessment team comprising environmental regulators, emergency response services, and air quality experts. Their goal is to identify the source of the emissions, assess the spatial extent and exposure risk, and analyse the gases involved to prevent a repeat of such events.

However, on Wednesday, June 3, another gas leak occurred during school hours, causing discomfort, breathing difficulties, and widespread panic among those present.

As of the time of this report, government authorities, environmental experts, and emergency management agencies had not released an official statement regarding the cause of the latest incident.

Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State, has given his approval for Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi to serve as the Acting Head of Service (HoS) for the state. This decision comes in the wake of the demise of the previous Head of Service, Dr. Agbogbo Ode, who held the position from 2023 until his passing in 2026.

Dr. Ogbenyi, a native of Oju Local Government Area, was born on June 12, 1973. Prior to her elevation, she was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey. Her career in the civil service began in 1998 when she joined the Benue State Teaching Service Board as a Principal Assistant Education Officer II. She later moved to the Ministry of Education in February 2012.

Throughout her career, she climbed the ranks, holding positions such as Deputy Director of Education in the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics. In that role, she oversaw the Joint Consultative Committees on Education and National Council on Education unit, and also contributed to the Education Management Information System unit.

Her academic journey includes a Nigeria Certificate in Education in Mathematics and Physics from the College of Education, Oju, in 1996. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in 2005, a Master’s degree in 2010, and a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education in 2021, all from Fr. Adasu University in Makurdi.

Governor Alia extended his congratulations to the new Acting Head of Service and emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and effective service delivery in her new role. He stated, “As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public.” He also urged her to ensure that all official actions align with the vision and reform agenda of his administration, highlighting the need to uphold the integrity of the office and prioritize the state’s interests.

In a significant political shift on Wednesday, three federal lawmakers formally announced their departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), aligning with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). The defections occurred just one day after the National Assembly reconvened from its Sallah recess.

Representative Rabilu Bala, who serves the Jama’are/Itas-Gadau constituency in Bauchi State, was the first to make the move. He declared his switch to the PRP during plenary, citing persistent internal strife within the APC as the primary catalyst. According to a letter read by House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Bala believes the PRP offers a more suitable platform to champion the interests of his constituents.

Similarly, Abubakar Zango, representing Yola North/Yola South/Girei in Adamawa State, resigned from the APC and joined the ADC. In his correspondence, Zango emphasized that his decision was driven by conscience and a commitment to national interest, vowing to uphold his legislative duties with dedication and democratic integrity.

Completing the trio, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who represents Dukku/Nafada in Gombe State, also defected from the APC to the ADC. The withdrawals underscore growing discontent within the ruling party and signal potential shifts in political alliances ahead of future elections.

Hon. Bashir Adamu, also known as Matawallen Kazaure, a governorship hopeful under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State, has officially submitted a complaint to the party’s State Election Appeal Committee. He is calling for a thorough review of the just-concluded governorship primary election.

In the petition, which he personally signed and distributed to the press, Adamu outlined numerous allegations of irregularities, breaches of party protocols, and interference by party executives. He specifically accused the chairman of the primary election committee of abandoning impartiality and following directives from the State Executive Committee, violating established party rules.

According to the aspirant, the chairman ultimately declared a candidate under duress. Adamu further claimed that the State Executive Committee showed bias and actively worked to ensure the nomination of Sabo Nagudu as the party’s flagbearer.

Expressing his disappointment, Adamu noted that he played a pivotal role in building the ADC’s structure across all 27 local government areas in Jigawa. He alleged that state and local party officials instead mobilized support for his opponent and were responsible for distributing election materials, creating opportunities for manipulation.

The petition also pointed to deliberate delays in delivering election materials, especially in the North-West Senatorial District. These delays, he said, caused materials to arrive late at night after many party members had waited hours for accreditation, forcing them to leave before voting could begin.

Adamu further accused political thugs loyal to his rival of capitalizing on the chaos to seize election materials and fabricate results in favor of their preferred candidate. He highlighted incidents of violence, intimidation, and thuggery across several areas, which disrupted the exercise. The committee chairman reportedly canceled results in four local government areas due to these disturbances.

Arguing that the disruptions made the process incomplete, Adamu condemned the alleged intimidation of party members trying to exercise their democratic rights. He also questioned the legitimacy of results announced by the State Executive Committee, asserting that only the properly constituted Primary Election Committee had the authority to declare outcomes.

Consequently, he urged the Appeal Committee to invalidate the primary and order a fresh election, citing violations of ADC guidelines and the Electoral Act. Despite his grievances, Adamu reaffirmed his loyalty to the ADC and expressed confidence that the party would fairly address his concerns.

The Court of Appeal in Makurdi has delivered a landmark ruling, upholding the Benue State High Court’s decision that invalidated the dissolution of the Augustine Agada-led State Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The appellate court, in its judgment on Appeal No. CA/MKD/119/2024, dismissed the appeal filed by the APC against the earlier verdict of Justice T. A. Kume of the Makurdi High Court.

Delivering the lead judgment on behalf of the Presiding Justice, the court ruled against the APC on all five issues raised, favoring Augustine Agada and eight other respondents. The appellate court also upheld the consequential order from the lower court, declaring that all actions taken by the Benjamin Omale-led Caretaker Committee were null and void and of no legal effect. Benjamin Omale, listed as the 10th respondent, aligned with the APC’s arguments but did not file any separate legal process.

Reacting to the judgment, Agada expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to dispense justice and called on party members to remain calm and united. The ruling reinforces the legitimacy of the Agada-led APC State Executive Committee in Benue State while rendering the caretaker committee constituted by the national leadership invalid.