Sunday, October 25

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Faleke’s Bill to Amend Agricultural Research Council Act Scales First Reading
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Faleke’s Bill to Amend Agricultural Research Council Act Scales First Reading

The House of Representatives has resumed plenary following its annual recess, with lawmakers returning to legislative duties after engaging with their constituents and attending to other important commitments during the break. At the resumed plenary session, a bill sponsored by Hon. James Abiodun Faleke seeking to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act was read for the first time on the floor of the House. Faleke expressed confidence that the proposed legislation would strengthen agricultural research institutes across the country, encourage the adoption of best practices in the agricultural sector, and promote sustainable agricultural development. According to him, the proposed amendment is aimed at improving the agricultural research framework and supporting...
​Kano shuts nine private schools over non-compliance
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​Kano shuts nine private schools over non-compliance

https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZhNMmMBRX/?exln=MmsybTA2YXcyZHNs ​The Kano State Private and Voluntary Institutions Board has ordered the immediate temporary closure of nine private schools in the state for failing to meet revalidation and recertification requirements.​The Executive Secretary of the board, Baba Umar, made the announcement on Monday during a press briefing in Kano.​Umar stated that the affected institutions had refused to regularize their operations despite receiving multiple warnings and directives from the regulatory body.​“The nine affected schools have refused to regularize their operations despite several notices and directives to do so,” Umar said.​The targeted institutions are:​Zayyad Academy​Success International Schools​Sunshine International School​Perfect...
​17.9m Nigerians Fall Into Poverty in Three Years, UNDP Report Reveals
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​17.9m Nigerians Fall Into Poverty in Three Years, UNDP Report Reveals

​ Nigeria recorded the world’s largest increase in multidimensional poverty between 2021 and 2024, with an additional 17.9 million citizens falling into poverty, according to the 2026 Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI).​The report, published on Monday by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), highlighted a sharp reversal in Nigeria’s poverty reduction efforts after initial gains recorded between 2018 and 2021.​The findings placed Nigeria ahead of Afghanistan, which recorded the second-highest increase, with 5.3 million additional people falling into poverty during its assessment period.​“In absolute terms, the largest increase in the number of poor people is seen in Nigeria, where although poverty had dec...
Cross River tasks SOMTEC on mothers, children wellbeing
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Cross River tasks SOMTEC on mothers, children wellbeing

The Cross River government has charged members of the Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SOMTEC) to take their assignment seriously, noting that the state will not compromise on the wellbeing of mothers and children, especially within the first 1,000 days of a child's life spanning from conception to two years of age. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr. Anthony Okon, gave the charge at a SOMTEC coordination meeting held at the conference room of the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation, Calabar. Okon, who was represented by the State Director of Information, Rekpene Uket, said cross-fertilisation of ideas among line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) anchoring UNICEF activities will have greater impact and attract more pro...
Otu’s security initiative boosts commerce —Monarch
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Otu’s security initiative boosts commerce —Monarch

A traditional ruler in Calabar South, Muri Eyo Okon Inyang, has said the influx of investors and businesses into the area and the state at large is proof that the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, has significantly stabilised security. Muri Inyang, who is the Clan Head of Ebuka Ebuka, stated this when he received the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Mbukpa Police Station, Efut Division, during a courtesy visit to his palace. The royal father, who was represented by the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council of Efut Ebuka Ebuka Clan, Chief Dominic Okon Atta, said before the emergence of Otu, criminals had a field day, forcing shops to close as early as 4 p.m., a situation he said has now been reversed. "Security is everybody's business and we are not resting in ensuring t...
Boki East hails Ayuk, Ikobi appointments
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Boki East hails Ayuk, Ikobi appointments

The Boki East Development Association (BEDA), Calabar Branch, has congratulated two of its illustrious sons on their recent elevations in public service. In separate congratulatory messages, the association felicitated with Chief Obi Ayuk on his appointment as Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture in Cross River, and Deputy Commandant of Corps, DCC Gabriel Ikobi, of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on his promotion and deployment to Ebonyi Command. In a statement signed on behalf of the executive and members of the association, BEDA described Ayuk's appointment by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu, as well-deserved, noting that it was a testament to his proven track record, commitment to community development and passion for preservation of cultural he...
Oyedele, Cardoso Meet World Bank President, Seek Investment to Drive Nigeria’s Growth
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Oyedele, Cardoso Meet World Bank President, Seek Investment to Drive Nigeria’s Growth

Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, have met with World Bank Group President, Ajay Banga, to discuss strategies for translating the country’s economic reforms into faster growth, increased investment and improved living standards. The meeting took place on Monday October 12, 2026 on the sidelines of the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, where Oyedele is leading Nigeria’s delegation. During the meeting, Banga commended the progress of Nigeria’s economic reforms, highlighting a significant increase in private capital inflows from approximately $300 million in 2023 to nearly $6 billion in 2026....
National Security Adviser Unveils New Security Framework To Tackle Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism
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National Security Adviser Unveils New Security Framework To Tackle Oil Theft, Pipeline Vandalism

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has unveiled a new security framework for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to strengthen the fight against crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, illegal refining and other criminal activities threatening the country’s petroleum assets. The framework, known as the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry-Wide Security Architecture, is designed to harmonise security operations, establish clear responsibilities and improve collaboration among government security agencies, private surveillance contractors and other stakeholders. Speaking at the official unveiling of the SOP, Ribadu said Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets remained central to the country’s economic stability, national development and strategic resili...
GO AND SIN NO MORE: GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO GRANTS AMNESTY TO CULTISTS, VOWS CRACKDOWN ON RECALCITRANT CRIMINALS
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GO AND SIN NO MORE: GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO GRANTS AMNESTY TO CULTISTS, VOWS CRACKDOWN ON RECALCITRANT CRIMINALS

​In a resounding victory for peace and community safety across Edo State, Executive Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has commended scores of young men who publicly renounced cultism to embrace a new path of hope, unity, and development. Celebrating their courage to turn away from violence, Governor Okpebholo declared that no cult group is worth shedding a brother’s blood, describing their brave decision as a monumental win for their families and the future of the state. SENATOR OKPEBHOLO reiterated his administration commitment under the SHINE agenda to empower youth as active agents of progress rather than instruments of destruction, boldly declaring that a "New Edo Has Risen." ​Extending a decisive olive branch to those still operating in the shadows, the Governor urged re...
GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET
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GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES CABINET

The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, has dissolved his cabinet as he prepares to begin his second term in office. The Governor appreciated the outgoing cabinet members for their contributions and support to his administration. The Governor retained the Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode; the Chief of Staff, Adeniyi Adebayo; and the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Habibat Adubiaro in their previous respective positions. ©️ THE GREEN AND RED PRESS
IGP Disu Calls For Enforcement Of Laws Against Child Marriage
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IGP Disu Calls For Enforcement Of Laws Against Child Marriage

The inspector-general of police, IGP Olatunji Disu has called for stronger child protection policies, strict enforcement of laws against child marriage and improved access to education and healthcare for vulnerable girls, warning against the use of poverty, social pressure and cultural practices to deny children their fundamental rights. Disu, who spoke through a message delivered at an event commemorating the girl child in Abuja on Monday October 12, 2026 said society must not allow cultural practices to become excuses for denying girls the opportunity to learn, grow and realise their potential. Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the IG...
FCT Minister Wike Approves Fresh Promotion Exams for 5,990 FCTA Education Officers
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FCT Minister Wike Approves Fresh Promotion Exams for 5,990 FCTA Education Officers

No fewer than 5,990 education officers in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have begun their 2026 promotion examinations following an intervention by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, which gave affected staff another opportunity to sit for the test. The examination commenced on October 5, 2026, and entered its sixth day on Monday October 12, 2026 with teachers and education officers seeking promotion from Grade Level 13 to Grade Level 17 participating. Nathan said the minister’s approval had restored the opportunity for officers who were unable to participate in the previous exercise to pursue their career progression. She urged the candidates to remain disciplined and take the examination seriously, noting that promotion was an important aspect of advance...
NHRC Urges FG to Prioritise Mental Health, Warns Against Stigma, Rights Abuses
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NHRC Urges FG to Prioritise Mental Health, Warns Against Stigma, Rights Abuses

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise mental healthcare in national health planning, increase funding for mental health services and strengthen the protection of persons living with mental health conditions against discrimination, violence and abuse. The Executive Secretary of the commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, OFR, made the call on Monday in Abuja while delivering his statement to commemorate the 2026 World Mental Health Day. Ojukwu stressed that mental health should not be treated solely as a medical concern but as a fundamental human rights issue requiring coordinated action by government institutions, healthcare providers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders. He said people living with mental hea...
Ezekwesili Urges Federal Government of Nigeria to Enforce 18 As Minimum Age Of Marriage for Girl Child
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Ezekwesili Urges Federal Government of Nigeria to Enforce 18 As Minimum Age Of Marriage for Girl Child

Former Minister of Education, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has urged African governments to enforce 18 years as the minimum age of marriage to protect girls from child marriage. Ezekwesili, who is the founder of Human Capital Africa, also stressed the need for traditional and religious leaders to support efforts to end the practice. In a statement on Sunday October 11, 2026 to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, she warned that child marriage remains a major threat to girls’ education and Nigeria’s human capital development. “A girl who learns is a girl who is not a bride. Today the world is asked to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights. I join that call wearing three hats: as a member of the advisory council behind Columbia University’s report Accelerating Effort...
Daisy Oak Foundation Calls for Concrete Action to Protect Girls’ Rights
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Daisy Oak Foundation Calls for Concrete Action to Protect Girls’ Rights

By Gami Tadanyigbe On International Day of the Girl Child, the Foundation urges stakeholders to make education accessible, inclusive and safe; and to ensure girls can stay, participate and shape their futures. Enrolment matters. But a place in school that a girl cannot afford to keep, reach safely or access fully is not yet equal opportunity. On International Day of the Girl Child, Daisy Oak Foundation is calling for investment that reaches beyond the classroom door. This year’s global call to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights must be matched by practical action in the places where girls live, learn and grow. In Toge, AMAC, the Foundation’s School Access Project enrolled 35 previously out-of-school children at LEA Primary School. Its Back-to-School support helps f...
World Bank Report Confirms Economic Reforms Yielding Results- Tinubu
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World Bank Report Confirms Economic Reforms Yielding Results- Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the World Bank’s October 2026 Nigeria Development Update which confirmed that his administration’s economic reforms are yielding results and strengthening the economy for sustained growth. The statement, made by Presidential Spokesperson Mr Bayo Onanuga on Sunday in Abuja, is contained in the report. Tinubu welcomed the report, titled ‘Beyond the Federal Purse: How Higher Revenues Reshaped State Priorities’, highlighting improvements in economic growth, revenue generation and fiscal management. The President noted the World Bank’s finding that Nigeria’s poverty rate had stabilised for the first time since 2019. He said poverty was expected to decline gradually as economic growth outpaced population growth. According to the report, the ...
2027: NDC Vows Legal Action Over Omitted Candidates
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2027: NDC Vows Legal Action Over Omitted Candidates

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has vowed to go to court over the omission of some of its candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 elections.The party’s position follows the omission of some of its governorship candidates from the electoral commission’s list. The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said the party was looking into the matter and would pursue all available legal options to resolve it. “The NDC is looking into the matter and will use every available legal means to ensure our candidates’ names are restored on the list,” Director said. He noted that INEC had reportedly issued a statement indicating that some states experienced glitches, adding that the commission had promised further clarification in th...