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By Joan Nwagwu The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) says it will resist any attempt to sell Federal Government Unity Schools. ASCSN President, Mr Shehu Mohammed, said this while declaring open the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja. He said unity schools remain a national heritage and must not be commercialised. “We will oppose any policy that undermines access to quality education for Nigerian children,” Mohammed said. He warned that selling the schools would deny children of ordinary Nigerians access to quality education and deepen existing inequalities. Mohammed urged parents, civil society groups and labour unions to join efforts to safeguard the schools and support reforms promoting national unity. He said the union is also...

The Inspector General of Police Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun said that no governor or minister could pressure him, explaining that the president had ordered the withdrawal of police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs) nationwide. “It was the president who gave the order to withdraw VIP policemen across the country,” he said. He added that the force has already withdrawn 11,000 police officers who were previously assigned to VIP protection. The statement follows a recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is aimed at redeploying personnel to front‑line security duties amid rising insecurity across the country.

By Joan Nwagwu The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has confirmed that gratuity payments to public service retirees will resume in January 2026. Mr Mohammed Shehu, National President of ASCSN gave the confirmation at the opening ceremony of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja. According to Mohammed, we are pleased that the government has approved the resumption of gratuity payments for retirees. “The union will closely monitor the process to ensure all eligible workers receive their entitlements without delay. “Our members deserve timely payment of their gratuities, and we will ensure accountability,” he said. He commended the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing long-standing demands of public ...

By Joan Nwagwu The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has inaugurated a Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system, a digital platform to modernise administrative processes and enhance service delivery. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, said this during the inauguration of ECM in Abuja on Thursday. Dingyadi said the system would streamline workflows, improve document management, and deliver faster, more efficient services across the Ministry. According to him, this launch marks a major step in our digital transformation journey. It will enhance accountability, strengthen transparency, and make our operations more responsive to Nigerians. “The ECM platform will also support regulatory compliance, secure official records, provide easy access ...

"… as Nasarawa Speaker, Ombugadu, others hail his outstanding performance…" Member representing Keffi East Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Hon. John Ovey has empowered the people of his constituency with items worth millions of Naira. This, he said was to enable them to be self reliant, improve in their standard of living and contribute positively to the development of the constituency. Hon. Ovey, PDP and Chairman, House Committee on Water Resources made the distribution in Keffi tofay Thursday. He said that the empowerment was part of his commitment to improve on the standard of living of the people of his constituency. According to him, items distributed included 16 grinding engines, 13 sewing machines, 10 motorcycles, 5 cars and 5 generators. " I...

Nigeria has condemned the Wednesday coup in Guinea-Bissau. The Federal Government also urged all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots. Nigeria, in a statement by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa also urged the actors to allow the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body. Ebienfa also assured the people of Guinea-Bissau of Nigeria’s support. The statement reads:“The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. ...

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has officially re-activated the joint security initiative “Operation Sweep FCT” in collaboration with multiple security and emergency agencies. The relaunch, which took place on Tuesday, received strong backing from Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who emphasized the importance of coordinated security efforts to safeguard lives and property across the Territory.Ahead of deployment, Heads of Security Agencies addressed personnel at Eagle Square, highlighted the renewed mandate for intelligence-led, proactive, and highly visible policing.The operation brought together officers from the Nigeria Police Force (FCT Command), Nigerian Army, Air Force, Navy, DSS, Immigration Service, NSCDC, FR...

By Victor Okoye Emirates has been honoured with the Travel Gold Award of Excellence for Connecting Africa to the World in recognition of its outstanding contribution and continued commitment  to African tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The Award was presented at the Africa Tourism & Creative Economy Expo (AFTCREE), in partnership with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism on 25 November in Abuja.  The award recognises Emirates’ sustained investment in Africa’s tourism and creative sectors, driven by long-term partnerships with governments and tourism bodies.  Earlier this year, the airline expanded its collaboration with several African tourism authorities, including Nigeria’s Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creati...

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has unveiled a proposed budget of ₦1.665 trillion for the 2026 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s appropriation. Presenting the proposal, Governor Oborevwori explained that the 2026 budget represents a 70% increase, amounting to ₦685 billion, over the 2025 budget. The budget is intended to make Delta State a huge construction site in 2026 in line with the MORE agenda. According to the breakdown, the proposed budget allocates :₦499 billion — 30% of the total budget — for recurrent expenditure, covering personnel costs, overheads, and other operational expenses. The capital expenditure is aimed at infrastructure development, economic growth projects, and other long-term investments. The governor s...

Finally, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has transmitted a fresh list of nominees for non-career ambassadorial positions to the Senate for legislative approval. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s letter during Wednesday’s plenary, signaling the commencement of the confirmation process. The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke. “The list contains three names for now, I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio said shortly after unveiling the communication from the Presidency.

A group of military officers say they have seized control of Guinea-Bissau amid reports that the president, Umaro Sissoco Embaló, has been arrested.Shortly after gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau, government sources told the BBC that Embaló had been detained.Military officers then appeared on state TV, saying they had suspended the electoral process and would be in charge until further notice.The West African nation had been awaiting the outcome of Sunday's presidential election, in which the main opposition candidate had been disqualified from running.The results were expected on Thursday - both Embaló and his closest rival Fernando Dias have claimed victory.Late on Wednesday afternoon, Embaló told France 24 in a phone call: "I have been deposed."Witnesses in Bissau heard gunfir...

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared a national security emergency. In a statement released by the State House, the President ordered the Nigeria Police Force to recruit an additional 20,000 personnel, raising the administration’s total planned intake to 50,000 officers. The directive also empowers security agencies to utilise National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps as temporary training centres to fast-track the recruitment and deployment process. The move underscores the administration’s resolve to boost manpower and strengthen operational capacity as security challenges persist nationwide.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Finance, Hajiya Munirat Abdullahi says that the N517.5bn 2026 budget will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the State as well as enhance infrastructural development. Hajiya Munirat stated this while addressing newsmen shortly after Gov. Sule presented N517.5 billion 2026 budget before members of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly today in Lafia. She said that the 2026 budget represents a strategic consolidation of Gov. Sule's achievements over the years. " The 2026 Budget represents a strategic consolidation of His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule's achievements over the years and a deliberate effort to chart a sustainable path for accelerated development. She said that the year 2026 budget would take adequate needs of the ci...

By Aderogba George The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) on Tuesday in Abuja called for comprehensive health insurance coverage for all Nigerian nurses to enhance their ability to perform their duties effectively. The council also advocated the establishment of Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), calling them ‘invaluable tools’ that offer mental health services, stress management and conflict-resolution support for nurses. The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the council, Alhaji Ndagi Alhassan, made the call at the opening of the 25th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African Postgraduate College of Nurses and Midwives (WAPCNM), Nigeria Chapter. The theme of the conference is “Healthy Nurses, Healthier Patients: Advancing Emp...

Bauchi, Nigeria — In a landmark step for wildlifeconservation in Northern Nigeria, West AfricanConservation Network (WACN) has signed a 35-yearMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bauchi StateGovernment (BASG) to jointly manage, restore, and expandSumu Wildlife Park, located in Ganjuwa Local GovernmentArea of Bauchi State.The long-term agreement marks the beginning of a new erafor Sumu — one that promises to secure its landscapes,restore wildlife populations, and reposition it as a premiercentre for conservation, research, and sustainableeco-tourism in Nigeria.A Vision for TransformationSpeaking during the signing ceremony in Bauchi, Ms. Justina Elachi, Project Manager, WACN Sumu Wildlife ParkProject, described the partnership as “a bold commitment totransform Sumu Wildlife Park into...

By Mercy Peter The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), Tuesday reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment under his watch to transparent and credible elections.Amupitan gave the reassurance at the swearing of Professor Adeniran Tella as a Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) on Tuesday in Abuja.Tella is the new Oyo State REC.Amupitan described the swearing-in as a “solemn occasion” and a renewed call to service, stressing that the role of a REC remains central to Nigeria’s democratic journey.The INEC Chairman declared that his administration began with a clear mandate: “to deliver elections that are free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive.”He emphasized that the responsibility goes beyond procedure, stating that...

President Bola Tinubu on Monday rejected the growing reliance on private military and security contractors in conflict zones in Africa, warning that their involvement undermines sovereignty and complicates counter-terrorism operations across the continent.He said Nigeria’s position aligns with its long-standing approach to regional peace missions under ECOWAS and the AU.Tinubu spoke during the first plenary session on ’Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism’ at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola.Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, told heads of state and EU leaders: “We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer The Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives,  Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has commended the legacy of the founder of Start-Rite Schools Abuja, late Mrs Amaka Ndoma-Egba. Kalu gave the commendation during the 5th memorial annual lecture in honour of founder in Abuja. The lecture was organised by the school in collaboration with the Victor & Amaka Ndoma-Egba Foundation (VANEF). Kalu was represented by Dr Clifford Ogbede, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agricultural and Rural Development in the South East Development Commission. “The late Mrs Amaka Ndoma-Egba was more than the Founder of Start-Rite Schools, she was someone who embodied a rare blend of discipline, compassion, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of educat...

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu,  Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA) has inaugurated a joint Committee on the the infusion of Natio nal Identity Elements and the National Values Charter into the Universities Curriculum.Issa-Onilu on Monday in Abuja said the inauguration is not just an administrative activity, but the foundation of our collective future as a nation.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee include, Mr David Akoji, Williams Dogo, Mariam Yakubu, Sheridfat Adegbesen and Josiah Afolabi, all from NOA.The others are Dr Esther Mmeka, Gambon Mallam, Hadiza Kachallah and Florence Onuoha from National Universities Commission (NUC).According to him, since independence, Nigeria has been known for the strength of her peo...

By Bushirah Akande, Kemi Akintokun and Oluwafunke Ishola The Medical Guild Lagos has called for urgent reforms to address the persistent no-bed crisis and the breakdown of referral systems in hospitals across the state.. The Chairman of the guild, Dr Moruf AbdulSalam, made the call at a media briefing organised by the association to herald its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference held at its Secretariat in Gbagada. He said the theme of the conference “The No-Bed Conundrum and Safe Referral: Exploring an Integrated and Effective Referral System in Lagos State,” was chosen to spotlight systemic challenges that compromise patient safety and delay life-saving care. He said the conference is aimed to shape policy direction and reposition healthcare delivery in...