People&Politics

Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)'s Education Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to vocational training and entrepreneurship development. Speaking during the flag-off of the 3rd edition of Ladi Memorial Foundation National Sewing Championship in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, Permanent Secretary, Education Secretariat, Mrs Joy Okeke, said the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has been an unwavering supporter of vocational education and skills development initiatives in the territory as shown by his commitment toempowering the youth through practical and entrepreneurial skills. Mrs Okeke acknowledged the invaluable contributions of all stakeholders by their continuous investment in skills development, fostering innovation and promoting self…

By our reporter More trouble came for the beleaguered government of Governor Simi Fubara of Bayelsa State as the Supreme Court today, February 28, issued an order restraining the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Accountant General of the Federation from further releasing financial allocations to the State government. This appears to be a major victory for Barrister Nyesom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who has been entangled in a protracted tussle for control of the petro-dollar-rich state with the governor, his estranged political godson and successor. Wike has the support of factional Speaker of the…

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says lack of public accountability, weak institutions, passivity of citizens and civil society organisations are reasons Nigeria still gropes for good governance. Fubara spoke at the 6th Yearly Lecture of SWAAYA Limited, Publishers of Freedom Online, on Thursday, in Lagos. At the event, Fubara received the Governor of the Year 2024 Award. The lecture tagged “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, Leaders or the Led?,” brought together politicians and media experts, among others. Fubara, who was represented by a former Deputy Governor of the state, Engineer Tele Ikuru, said that as long as citizens and…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Oyo State government has officially flagged off the enrolment of 10,000 basic school pupils into the state’s Healthcare Insurance Scheme. The children, enroled from 90 schools across 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), were presented their Insurance Scheme ID cards on Thursday, February 27, at the Ibadan Civic Centre, Idi-Ape, by the State Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal. Lawal said the enrolment was part of the state government's effort towards ensuring its pupils were of sound minds. "This scheme will ensure that our children have sound minds, while they learn in conducive environments," he said. He also…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan Former South African president, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, will chair the 2025 Obafemi Awolowo Foundation Webinar expected to hold on March 6, 2025. A statement by the Foundation made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Thursday, February 27, explained that "as part of its mandate to propagate the continuing relevance of the ideas of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Obafemi Foundation 2025 annual Webinar will be chaired by His Excellency Thabo Mbeki on March 6." While Mbeki chairs the webinar, which theme is 'Our 21st Century World: Reflections and Projections,' the keynote…

By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has commended the Igbo ethnic group of South-East Nigeria for their contributions to Oyo State's economy. The revered royal father reiterated his commitment to peaceful co-existence among the various ethnic groups in Ibadanland, South-West Nigeria. The traditional ruler bared his mind during a courtesy visit by members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Oyo State chapter. Speaking through Senior Chief Rafiu Emiola Onideure, the Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin said Ibadan would continue to appreciate the economic contributions of the Igbo,…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu An auto crash along the busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday, February 27, claimed several lives. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), however, confirmed the death of six persons in the lone accident which occurred between Enugu Fly-over Bridge and Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the expressway. Sector Commander of FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Thursday in Enugu. It will be recalled that barely a month ago, a total of 23 persons lost their lives in a fuel tanker explosion accident that occurred in the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of same expressway. The…

By Sam Tyav, Makurdi Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, North-Central Nigeria, is fully committed to the development of the state and is practically showing it. The Director General (DG) of the state's Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure, Professor Gabriel Akpen, disclosed this on Thursday, February 27, while addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) House in Makurdi,the State capital. Professor Akpen noted that the commitment of the governor to the state's development has propelled his administration to construct roads as well as other projects in various parts of the state. Giving some details, the DG said…

By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has sworn-in a new State Head of Civil Service (HOS). He is Dr. Ahmed Hamidu Kara. The ceremony took place Thursday, February 27, at the Executive Council (Exco) Chamber of TY Danjuma Government House, Jalingo,the State capital. In his remarks, Gov. Kefas advised the new HOS to introduce innovative strategies that would enhance the State's civil service system. The governor further tasked Dr. Kara to ensure an efficient and result-oriented workforce.  "The event aligns with my administration’s commitment to strengthening the civil service. "My government has high regard for the State's…

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the nation's capital is more focused and determined to win the six Area Councils in the forthcoming Area Council elections and the 2027 general elections. The Minister, who spoke at a crucial stakeholders' meeting of the APC in FCTA, also stressed that members have identified the party's problems and are ready to confront them head-on. She warned that the selfish interest of some identified individuals should not override the party's collective interest. "I can see that APC in FCT is…