Nigeria pursues investors at IMF as $2.3trn infrastructure deficit widens

Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit requires an estimated $2.3 trillion investment between 2020 and 2043, according to data from the Africa Infrastructure Development Index, a situation that has constrained economic growth across the country, according to experts.

To survive the deficit, the country must commit about $100 billion annually over the next 23 years to bridge the consistent underinvestment and the gap between infrastructure needs and public funds.

Although the investment needed to stabilise the sector exceeds budgetary allocations of the past five years, there is no indication that it will improve, considering the consistent underinvestment and paucity of funds.

However, Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), speaking to DAILY POST on the sidelines of the Global Infrastructure Forum (GIF) engagement at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings in Washington, DC, explained that 70 percent of the required funding to boost infrastructure in Nigeria must come from the private sector.

Ewalefoh emphasized that the country’s infrastructure ambitions are unattainable without stronger private sector participation. “We have a scarcity of funds and insufficient public resources to deliver the infrastructure required for our development goals. Private capital is no longer optional; it is critical.

“When we say private sector, we have to go by way of public-private partnership. We need facilities to prepare bankable projects to develop a pipeline of infrastructure for the country.

“The energy sector alone requires about $759 billion, while transport infrastructure needs roughly $595 billion. Other sectors such as ICT, healthcare, education, and agriculture also demand significant capital, reflecting a broad-based infrastructure deficit that affects both economic productivity and social development.

“So we need to develop a PPP fund in such a way that it incorporates local realities. For Nigeria, the needed fund must consider our low appetite for long-term investment and also the types of risks that we have in the country.”

Noting that Nigeria has taken steps to reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhance investor confidence, Ewalefoh said, “Capital naturally flows to environments with lower risk and fewer barriers.

“There is appetite to invest in Africa, and particularly in Nigeria, but concerns around risk have historically slowed inflows. We are addressing those concerns through reforms and policy consistency.”

He noted that the Global Infrastructure Forum has assembled donors, investors, lenders, and everyone in the PPP ecosystem at the IMF meeting to identify opportunities available across the world, an opening that Nigeria desperately needs to position itself as an attractive investment destination.

“There’s a population of about 250 million people. The gap is there, we are ready, and the government of the day is willing,” Ewalefoh said.

Responding to questions about specific areas where investments are needed, Ewalefoh referenced the Nigeria Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIMP), saying it clearly outlines the energy, transport, and ICT sectors, which he noted represent about 50 percent of the master plan.

“The infrastructure needed is huge, and the opportunities are high. So we are looking at those sectors as critical; however, we cannot neglect the social sectors like hospitals, schools, and even agriculture.”

Nigeria pursues investors at IMF as $2.3trn infrastructure deficit widens

JAMB:UTME situation report from Ibadan centers – Students

The ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was largely hitch-free across monitored centers in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday.

A NAN correspondent who visited some Computer-Based Test, CBT centers reports that candidates commenced their examinations as scheduled, with minimal technical complaints.

At the Arc Bamidele Samson CBT Centre, a candidate, Miss Adebanke Oyedele, who arrived at about 9.00 a.m., described her experience as smooth and engaging.

“I started on time, and the examination was very interesting. For me, there was no complaint, though I noticed some others raising concerns,” she said.

Oyedele, who aspires to study Mass Communication at the University of Ibadan, projected a score of about 250.

Similarly, Mr Agwaza Simon expressed satisfaction with the examination’s conduct.

“There was no system failure or network issue. Everything went well,” she said, adding that she hopes to study Accounting at the University of Ibadan.

Another candidate, Mr Isak Sherifu, described the examination environment as peaceful and well-organised, noting the absence of technical glitches and commending officials for their professionalism.

Also, Miss Ayomide Busari noted that her examination went smoothly without any network issues, adding that she intends to study Law at the University of Ibadan.

A parent, Mrs Olubunmi Komolafe, who accompanied her daughter to the CBT center, confirmed that the exercise was orderly.

“I arrived before 9.00 a.m., and my daughter started a little after 9.00 a.m.

“Everything has been peaceful, and there are no issues with the internet,” she said.

Attempts to speak with a JAMB ad-hoc supervisor at the Arc Bamidele Samson CBT Centre were unsuccessful, as he said he was not authorized to speak with journalists.

At the JAMB Zonal Office in Ibadan, candidates also began their examinations as scheduled, without any technical glitch whatsoever.

JAMB:UTME situation report from Ibadan centers – Students

Edo govt offers scholarship to children of late Brig-Gen Braimah

The Edo State Government has offered scholarships to three children of the late Brigadier General Oseni Omoh Braimah killed by Boko Haram in Borno State.

DAILY POST reports that the late Brigadier General an indigene of the state was the Commander of the 29 Task Force Brigade, a Joint Military Task Force base in Benisheik located along the 132-kilometre Maiduguri-Damaturu road in Borno state.

Brigadier Braimah and other military officers were last Wednesday, April 8, 2026 killed during an attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the 29 Task Force in Benisheikh, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

They were buried on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Top government officials, senior military commanders and other representatives were present to honour fallen personnel who lost their lives in ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the North-East sub-region.

Okpebholo who described the death of the military officer and others as sad noted that the scholarship is both a moral obligation and a demonstration of responsible governance.

He noted that Brigadier General Braimah’s death represents a profound sacrifice in the service of Nigeria.

He gave the names of the beneficiaries as Farida Hussain-Braimah (18), a 100-level Software Engineering student at Nile University, Abuja; Amir Hussain-Braimah (16) currently in SS3 at Olumawu Senior School, Abuja; and Yasmeen Hussain-Braimah (12), a JSS2 pupil at Olumawu Junior Secondary School, Abuja.

The Governor added that Brigadier General Braimah paid the ultimate price in service to the country, opining that it is only right that the government stand by the family he left behind and ensure his children have uninterrupted access to education.

He reaffirmed the state government’s resolve to support the children throughout their academic journey, positioning them for stable and meaningful futures.

Okpebholo explained that the scholarship initiative aligns with the education pillar of his administration’s SHINE Agenda, which places emphasis on human capital development, social welfare, and inclusive governance.

According to him, no child of an Edo hero should be denied the opportunity to succeed. This is about responsibility, honour, and a deliberate investment in the future.

He, however, called on other state governments and private sector stakeholders to emulate the initiative by providing structured support—particularly in education—to families of military personnel who die in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, the Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, announced a donation of N50 million in financial assistance to the families of late Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and seven other officers and soldiers.

Zulum said the financial support was to cushion the effect of the tragic loss of the officers on their families.

Edo govt offers scholarship to children of late Brig-Gen Braimah

Child soldier recruitment deepening Nigeria’s cycle of violence, insecurity – Experts warn

Recruitment of children into the growing ranks of Boko Haram insurgents continues to pose a serious threat to security across Nigeria, particularly in the northern part of the country.

In recent times, a disturbing image surfaced online showing underage children dressed in military uniforms in Boko Haram custody. The image sparked widespread reactions among Nigerians, heightening concerns over the increasingly extreme and alarming nature of the group’s activities.

Over the years, images and videos released by Boko Haram have repeatedly revealed the use of young people in violent operations, including the killing of captured military personnel. These visuals underscore the extent to which children are being drawn into the group’s brutal campaign.

Last week, troops arrested a 15-year-old suspect linked to an attack in Borno that claimed the life of General Braimah and two soldiers, with the teenager reportedly admitting involvement in earlier assaults in Benisheik and Ngamdu.

Security experts have warned that the continued recruitment of children not only sustains the insurgency but also creates a cycle of violence that may persist for generations if not urgently addressed.

A criminologist, Dr. Suleiman Ishaq Muhammad of the Department of Criminology and Social Studies, University of Dutse, has raised alarm over the growing recruitment of children by bandits and insurgent groups across Nigeria.

He warned that the trend is fueling insecurity and creating long-term social damage.

Muhammad said the recruitment of children into armed groups is becoming increasingly common, especially in rural communities frequently attacked by bandits.

“The recruitment of children into insurgency and bandit activities is becoming rampant in Nigeria. Whenever bandits invade communities, one of the things they look out for is the availability of people to recruit, especially children.

“The number of children being recruited has increased drastically with the expansion of their operations.”

He explained that children are often targeted because they are easier to manipulate.

“They are children; they don’t have much understanding, and their ideology is still weak,” he said in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST.

“They can easily be influenced by promises of food, protection, and other basic needs, and this makes them vulnerable to joining these groups.”

According to him, armed groups also use propaganda to attract young recruits, presenting their activities in a misleading way.

“They try to make their actions look justified or even protective. To a child or someone who doesn’t fully understand, it can appear like they are doing something right, and this can convince them to join.”

He added that recruiting children is also a cheap and convenient strategy for bandits.

“It is easier for them to attack a village and take children along than to recruit from outside. They cannot recruit legally, so they use violence and destruction to forcefully take those available.”

He further explained that children are often assigned strategic roles within these groups because they attract less suspicion.

“When a child is carrying a weapon, people hardly suspect it. A child as young as 10 can help move guns, cartridges, or even explosives from one place to another without being questioned.”

The criminologist warned that armed groups also see children as a long-term investment.

“They indoctrinate them, expose them to violence, and make them grow within the system,” he said.

“This helps sustain their operations over time because many of their members are young.”

Muhammed identified poverty and food insecurity as major drivers of child recruitment.

“Poverty is widespread in many rural areas, even without attacks. When bandits come and offer food, children are easily convinced to follow them.”

He also pointed to lack of access to education as a key factor.

“Many children between the ages of 10 and 12 are not in school. They are farming or doing other activities,” he said.

“When these groups promise them education or a better life, they are easily drawn in.”

He added that displacement and family separation during attacks leave children with few options.

“When communities are attacked, families are scattered. Some children lose contact with their parents and end up seeing the bandits as their new guardians.”

Other factors, he said, include revenge and abduction.

“Some children are used as part of revenge for members lost by these groups. In cases of abduction, children are sometimes forced into their system, especially if they appear strong or useful.”

Dr. Muhammad warned that the consequences of child recruitment are severe and long-lasting.

“These children face psychological trauma, and many suffer injuries or even death during operations. Some are also exposed to sexual violence and other forms of abuse.”

He stressed that recruitment into armed groups also robs children of their future.

“Once they are recruited, they lose access to education and other opportunities,” he said.

“Even if they escape, they often face stigma. Communities may not accept them again and may label them.”

To address the problem, he called for urgent interventions focused on reintegration and social support.

“We must understand that these children are victims. There is a need for proper reintegration and support systems to bring them back into society and give them a second chance.”

He urged government and stakeholders to tackle the root causes, particularly poverty and lack of education, to prevent more children from falling into the hands of armed groups.

Slot-based recruitment damaging Nigerian military – Dr. Muhammad.

Dr. Muhammad further alleged that Nigeria’s security recruitment system is being weakened by corruption and slot-based appointments, warning that it is affecting the professionalism of the military.

He said child recruitment into the military is not only a war crime but also prohibited under Nigerian law, stressing that weak verification systems and falsified age records remain a serious challenge.

“When recruitment is based on slots and not merit, it destroys the quality of personnel and weakens the entire security structure,” he said.

Dr. Muhammad also warned that mixing political influence with recruitment processes is dangerous for national security.

He added that proper standards of age, health, fitness, and competence must be strictly followed to maintain an effective military.

Weak governance, poverty driving child soldier recruitment in Northern Nigeria – Bokaji

Also speaking, security analyst and retired Army Captain, Abdullahi Adamu Bokaji, warned that weak governance and widespread poverty are fueling the recruitment of children into armed groups across Northern Nigeria and the wider Sahel.

He revealed this in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST. Bokaji described the use of child soldiers as both a humanitarian tragedy and a serious security threat.

He noted that the crisis continues to deepen in fragile and conflict-affected communities.

He explained that, under international standards, a child soldier is any person under the age of 18 who is recruited or used by armed forces or non-state armed groups in any capacity.

He added that their roles go far beyond combat.

“Many people think of child soldiers only as fighters, but they are also used for intelligence gathering, logistics, carrying messages, and, in some cases, sexual exploitation,” he said.

“This shows how deeply children are being exploited in these conflict environments.”

According to him, recruitment is often not voluntary, as many children are forced into armed groups through abduction, threats, or intimidation.

However, he noted that underlying social and economic challenges also make children vulnerable.

“In some cases, children are taken by force. In others, they are pushed by poverty, lack of education, displacement, and the collapse of family and community structures,” Bokaji said.

“Armed groups take advantage of these conditions to manipulate and indoctrinate them.”

He revealed that most recruitment happens between the ages of 13 and 17, although younger children have also been affected.

“This reflects how desperate and opportunistic these groups have become, especially in areas where government presence is weak,” he added.

Bokaji further noted that the problem is not only increasing but also becoming more visible due to improved monitoring by international organisations.

“The expansion of asymmetric conflicts, the rise of non-state armed actors, and worsening economic conditions have all contributed to the increase,” he said.

“At the same time, better reporting systems are helping us understand the true scale of the problem.”

He stressed that addressing the issue requires more than just military action, calling for a comprehensive approach that tackles both security and development challenges.

“We need stronger security and governance frameworks, especially in rural and conflict-prone areas, to prevent armed groups from accessing vulnerable populations,” he said.

He also emphasised the importance of prevention through social investment. “If we invest in education, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities, we can address the root causes that make children easy targets,” he added.

The retired officer highlighted the role of communities in tackling the crisis, urging authorities to involve local leaders in protection efforts.

“Traditional and religious leaders must be part of early warning and response systems. They understand the communities and can help identify risks before they escalate,” he said.

Bokaji also called for effective disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programmes for affected children, stressing that rehabilitation is key to breaking the cycle.

“These children need psychosocial support, access to education, and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives and prevent re-recruitment,” he said.

He warned that failure to act could have long-term consequences for peace and stability in the region.

“The use of child soldiers sustains cycles of violence and weakens society,” Bokaji said.

“When children are exposed to violence at such an early age, it creates a generation that grows up in conflict. Addressing this is not just a moral duty, it is a strategic necessity for lasting peace and security.”

Child recruitment illegal under Nigerian law – Barrister Yau

A legal practitioner, Barrister Usman Yau, has said that the recruitment of children into any arm of the Nigerian military is strictly prohibited under the law.

He stressed that anyone below the age of 18 remains a child and cannot be enlisted.

Citing the Child Rights Act 2003, Yau said the legislation clearly outlaws the recruitment of minors into the armed forces.

“The position of the law is that there is total prohibition of recruitment of children into any branch of the armed forces of the federation,” he said.

“Section 34 of the Child Rights Act talks about this clearly. No child should be recruited into the army, navy, or air force.”

He explained that the law does not make exceptions, noting that even a 17-year-old is still considered a child.

“Insofar as that person is under the age of 18, he is still a child. A child of 17 years is a child. So, the law is very clear that no one under 18 should be recruited.”

Nigeria ranks among top five countries for child recruitment – UN

Nigeria has been listed among the five countries with the highest cases of child recruitment into armed groups.

In 2026, the United Nations highlighted the growing concerns over the situation in conflict-affected regions.

According to UNICEF, at least 1,120 children were recruited in 2024 by two armed groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East.

Child soldier recruitment deepening Nigeria’s cycle of violence, insecurity – Experts warn

Kayode Akinmade: Defending the Renewed Hope Agenda: Reform, memory, and the burden of perspective

Recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—particularly by Rauf Aregbesola—invite not only political response but analytical reflection. When a former public official dismisses an ongoing reform programme as a “scam,” the credibility of that claim must be weighed against both empirical developments and the critic’s own administrative record.

In this instance, the critique is as revealing as it is unconvincing. It exposes less about the substance of current reforms and more about the limits of perspective shaped by past governance experience.

Reform as Measurable Reality, Not Rhetorical Promise

The Renewed Hope Agenda, far from being a mere rhetorical construct, has manifested in tangible institutional and sectoral changes. Nowhere is this more evident than in the transformation of the Ministry of Interior under the leadership of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Within a short period, longstanding inefficiencies—particularly in passport administration—have been decisively addressed. A backlog of over 200,000 applications was cleared, automated systems introduced, and opportunities for rent-seeking significantly reduced. Border control systems have been modernized, while correctional services have undergone structural reforms aimed at decongestion and enhanced security.

These are not abstract claims; they are measurable administrative outcomes. To dismiss them outright is to disregard verifiable institutional change.

The Problem of Administrative Memory

Criticism, to be meaningful, must be grounded in institutional awareness. When Rauf Aregbesola previously acknowledged limited familiarity with the Ministry of Interior upon assuming office, it raised legitimate concerns about the depth of administrative preparedness at the time. The subsequent performance of that ministry—marked by systemic inefficiencies and recurring security lapses—only reinforced those concerns.

It is therefore difficult to separate current criticisms from the legacy of that period. A reform that fundamentally restructures a system may appear invisible to those who never fully grasped its dysfunction in the first place.

Infrastructure and the Politics of Denial

Beyond institutional reform, the Renewed Hope Agenda has prioritized large-scale infrastructure as a driver of economic recovery and integration. Projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry corridor reflect a strategic commitment to long-term national connectivity.

Simultaneously, critical road networks—including the Kaduna-Abuja, Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, and Onitsha-Enugu corridors—are undergoing reconstruction, alongside improvements in the East-West Road and key arteries within the Federal Capital Territory.

To characterize these developments as illusory is not a critique; it is a denial of observable reality. Infrastructure, by its nature, is visible, measurable, and economically consequential.

Social Investment and Human Capital

The administration’s interventions in education further complicate the “scam” narrative. Financial support mechanisms that have benefited over a million students, alongside renewed investment in tertiary institutions, signal a deliberate effort to address long-standing barriers to human capital development.

At a time when access to education is directly tied to economic mobility, such policies represent more than welfare—they are structural investments in national capacity.

Fiscal Stabilization and Subnational Relief

Perhaps one of the less publicly dramatized but most consequential achievements of the current administration is fiscal stabilization at the subnational level. Prior to 2023, a majority of states struggled to meet basic salary obligations without federal intervention. Today, improved revenue flows—driven in part by difficult but necessary reforms—have significantly eased that burden.

This shift underscores a central principle of economic reform: sustainability often requires short-term adjustment for long-term stability.

Macroeconomic Recovery and Structural Reform

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office, Nigeria faced severe fiscal and external constraints, including critically low net foreign reserves. Since then, reserves have strengthened considerably, while oil production has rebounded from historically low levels.

Equally important are reforms in the energy sector, including the settlement of legacy debts and ongoing investments in transmission infrastructure and gas distribution networks. These are foundational steps toward restoring confidence in critical sectors of the economy.

Aviation and the Logic of Scale

Reforms in the aviation sector further illustrate the administration’s broader economic ambition. Revenue growth within the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria reflects improved operational efficiency, while ongoing upgrades to major airports signal a shift from maintenance culture to expansionary vision.

The comparison with global aviation hubs is instructive—not as a measure of current parity, but as an indication of direction. Economic transformation at scale requires infrastructure that aligns with global standards, and aviation is central to that objective.

Reform, Time, and Political Judgment

A recurring critique from opposition voices is that reforms have yet to eliminate poverty. While this concern is valid, it overlooks a fundamental reality of economic transformation: structural reform is inherently gradual.

Historical precedents—from Singapore under Lee Kuan Yew to other emerging economies—demonstrate that meaningful change unfolds over years, not months. The expectation of immediate outcomes often reflects political impatience rather than economic understanding.

Conclusion: Between Critique and Credibility

The characterization of the Renewed Hope Agenda as a “scam” ultimately collapses under the weight of evidence. What emerges instead is a pattern of reform—imperfect, evolving, but undeniably substantive.

This is not to suggest that the administration is beyond criticism. Rather, it is to insist that critique must be grounded in fact, proportion, and institutional awareness. When measured against these standards, the ongoing reforms under President Tinubu reflect a serious attempt to confront structural challenges that have accumulated over decades.

In this context, the more appropriate question is not whether reform is occurring, but whether it is being adequately recognized—and by whom.

Kayode Akinmade: Defending the Renewed Hope Agenda: Reform, memory, and the burden of perspective

NERC’s mini-grid regulations will fast-track large-scale solar electrification in Nigeria – Aliyu

The Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, has hailed the newly released mini-grid regulations by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

He said the regulation is a turning point that will fast-track large-scale solar electrification project delivery in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

DAILY POST recalls that NERC recently announced new mini-grid regulations for the country.

Reacting to the new regulation, Aliyu said that for too long, vital projects were delayed and investments slowed due to a system that failed to match the ambition of the Nigerian people.

He said by aligning policy with the practical realities faced by developers on the ground, the new rules are expected to unlock massive opportunities for millions of Nigerians currently living without reliable power in underserved areas.

He further lauded the NERC Chairman, Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, and the NERC team, stating that their openness to collaboration has effectively written their names in gold.

He emphasized that for developers working under major initiatives like DARES, NEP, and the Energizing Education Program, the impact of this reform is immediate.

“The work now shifts from navigating bureaucratic hurdles to accelerating the deployment of infrastructure that can finally meet the true demand of underserved communities,” Aliyu said.

He added that these new reforms will ensure that once a project is built, it is commissioned and delivers power to the people without unnecessary delay.

NERC’s mini-grid regulations will fast-track large-scale solar electrification in Nigeria – Aliyu

Taraba approves N1bn for WAEC, NECO registration

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has approved over N1 billion to cover registration fees for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for students across the state.

The initiative, announced on Tuesday in Jalingo, covers examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), according to government sources.

The intervention is aimed at removing financial barriers that have prevented many eligible students from sitting the crucial examinations.

Officials said the policy is designed to ease the burden on parents and guardians while expanding access to education for thousands of students across the state.

The state government noted that the move forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the education sector and improve academic performance among young people.

Observers have described the development as a significant investment in human capital, with expectations that it will boost examination participation rates and support long-term educational advancement in the state.

Education stakeholders also said the initiative highlights the administration’s sustained commitment to making education a central pillar for development and youth empowerment in Taraba.

Taraba approves N1bn for WAEC, NECO registration

JAMB: Police reacts to concerns about safety of certain exam centres

The Nigeria Police has acknowlegded what it described as the unfounded rumours circulating regarding the safety of certain centers in a North Central State for the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB examination scheduled to commence on 16th April 2026.

The NPF, in a statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, Force Public Relations Officer, said the claims are without basis.

It said that while the NPF does not act on rumours, the concerns raised by members of the public have been duly noted as it concerns the safety, education and future of Nigerian children and wards, “and the Force has taken the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of all candidates,” it added.

“To this end, extra security has been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents.

“This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations. The Nigeria Police Force is collaborating closely with sister security agencies, to monitor and address potential threats effectively.

“Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.”

The Nigeria Police Force reassured candidates, parents, and the general public that every measure has been taken to guarantee a safe and conducive environment for all examinations.

“Candidates are encouraged to arrive early at their centres, adhere to examination regulations, and report any suspicious activities or persons to on-site security personnel,” it added.

It advised members of the public to disregard unverified information circulating on social media and to rely solely on official updates from JAMB and the NPF.

The Force said it remains committed to maintaining peace, security, and public confidence in all National activities, including the JAMB examinations.

JAMB: Police reacts to concerns about safety of certain exam centres

Ogun govt partners SFH, launches health facility flip chart

Ogun State Government, in partnership with the Society for Family Health, has launched the First Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Adolescent Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N) demand generation health facility flip chart.

The chart is aimed at strengthening health communication and improving service delivery across facilities and communities in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, speaking at the official launch and dissemination on Monday, described the initiative as a strategic tool for enhancing client-centered care and informed health decision-making.

Ogunsola, represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization, Dr Thomas Solarin, explained that the flip chart is a practical and easy-to-use resource designed to support healthcare providers and community mobilizers in delivering clear, accurate, and consistent health information.

He maintained that in a dynamic health system where communities rely on trusted sources of guidance, the tool presents essential health messages in a simple visual format that strengthens the quality of counselling and promotes better health outcomes.

Ogunsola commended development partners for their support in bringing the initiative to reality, and for producing what he described as the first health promotion manual usable at both facility and community levels.

He also appreciated the Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, for creating an enabling environment, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a more responsive, people-centered health system.

The Coordinating Director, RMNCAEH+N Programme Delivery Unit of the Society for Family Health, Dr. Anthony Nwala, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through its Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) Project.

Nwala explained that the project also focuses on boosting demand for health services through community-driven strategies such as male engagement, community orientation, interpersonal communication, and outreach activities, among others.

Speaking on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Mrs. Goodness Ojo, commended the collaboration and leadership behind the evidence-based tool, noting that it would strengthen health education, support frontline workers and empower communities.

Ogun govt partners SFH, launches health facility flip chart

I will change the North – Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Peter Obi, has emphasised national unity and grassroots development as key to winning support across Nigeria, dismissing claims that his 2027 ambition depends solely on endorsements from northern political heavyweights.

Speaking in an interview with Arise Tv on Monday, Obi said Nigeria’s challenges stem largely from division along religious and ethnic lines, stressing the need for leadership that can unite the country.

“We need leaders who will unite us as a country. Religion and tribe should not define our future,” he said.

He called for a secure and stable Nigeria where citizens can focus on development-driven conversations.

“We need a secure Nigeria where we can discuss issues that will help us build a better future,” he added.

Addressing suggestions that he would require the backing of figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso to win northern support, Obi acknowledged the importance of collaboration but rejected the notion that victory hinges on a few individuals.

“I will work with them so they can support the process, but Nigeria is bigger than individuals,” he said.

Instead, Obi argued that meaningful engagement with the region must focus on addressing poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment.

“If we want to secure the North, we must invest in agriculture, reduce poverty, and improve education and healthcare,” he stated.

Highlighting the economic potential of the region, he noted that agriculture could generate more revenue for Nigeria than oil if properly harnessed.

“We can make more money from agriculture than we currently make from oil, but we must start investing now,” Obi said.

Drawing from his international exposure, Obi said he has studied development models in other countries and believes similar strategies can be adapted to Nigeria.

“I have visited several countries and seen what works. We can replicate those successes here,” he added.

However, he stressed that security remains the foundation for any meaningful progress, particularly in northern Nigeria.

“You cannot achieve development without first ensuring security,” he said.

Obi’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and debates over coalition-building ahead of the 2027 elections, with increasing focus on how candidates can secure nationwide support in a deeply diverse country.

I will change the North – Peter Obi

Jigawa SUBEB assures teachers assessment test not for fault-finding

The Executive Chairman of the Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Haruna Musa, has reassured teachers that the ongoing teachers’ assessment test is aimed at reforming the system, not fault-finding.

He stated this on Sunday while addressing teachers at the assessment test centre in Dutse.

He said the exercise is part of the state government’s efforts to reform the education sector, not to engage in witch-hunting or fault-finding.

Prof. Musa emphasised that the board’s primary objective is to work collaboratively with educators to identify practical ways of improving the quality of basic education in the state.

He noted that teachers remain critical partners in the reform process, stressing that their experiences, challenges and suggestions are essential in shaping policies that will deliver meaningful and lasting impact.

“Our collective mission is not to look for faults or shortcomings among you. Rather, our focus is to work hand-in-hand with you to strengthen and reform our basic education system,” he stated.

He further urged teachers to remain committed to their duties by continuing to inspire and nurture pupils, while also embracing innovation and positive change in their classrooms.

Musa expressed confidence that, with sustained collaboration and mutual trust, Jigawa State would achieve significant progress in its basic education system.

He also commended teachers for their dedication and unwavering service, wishing them a productive and fulfilling week ahead.

Jigawa SUBEB assures teachers assessment test not for fault-finding

Lagos trains teachers on artificial intelligence, digital learning

The Lagos State Government has stressed the need for the responsible use of technology in schools following the completion of a three-day training programme on digital pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence, AI, for selected secondary school teachers across the six education districts and the Lagos State Technical and Vocational Education Board (LASTVEB).

The workshop, themed “Digital Pedagogy And Artificial Intelligence (AI) For Teachers On GLs 15–17”, was held from Wednesday, April 8 to Friday, April 10, 2026, and ended with the issuance of a communiqué.

In a statement, the state government said the training, organised by the State Teaching Service Commission, was flagged off at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Hall as part of efforts to improve teaching and learning outcomes in public schools.

Speaking at the opening, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Tolani Ali-Balogun, described the introduction of AI-focused training as timely, noting that the education sector is rapidly evolving due to technological advancement.

He urged teachers to incorporate digital teaching methods, artificial intelligence and problem-solving skills into their classroom practice, stressing the need to stay updated with emerging techniques to remain effective.

Ali-Balogun noted that modern teaching strategies should promote creativity, productivity and mutual respect in the learning environment, adding that the initiative aligns with the education and technology pillar of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus Agenda.

He also commended the governor for his commitment to improving the education sector through continuous capacity development programmes for teachers.

In her welcome address, the Chairman of the State Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, said the training goes beyond the use of digital tools, describing it as a shift in mindset from teacher-centred to learner-centred teaching.

She said the programme is designed to boost teachers’ creativity and encourage the use of innovative teaching methods to support the state’s education and technology goals.

Peregrino urged participants to maximise the opportunity to improve their skills and enhance students’ performance, while remaining mindful of ethical considerations, including responsible use of technology and data privacy.

“To all the participants here today, remember that you are agents of change. I challenge you therefore not to allow the knowledge and skills you will acquire here to end in this room; cascade it to your colleagues and downlines. Let it have a ripple effect through your classrooms, your schools and your communities. You have the power to shape a generation that is not only digitally literate but also adaptable, ethical, and forward-thinking.”

“With this training, you will have the opportunity to critically examine and explore different types of digital pedagogy and Artificial Intelligence that can be used in the classroom and address practical concerns about its usage. But let me emphasise that AI is not a replacement for teachers, but a support system to strengthen your effectiveness in the classroom. Your role as educators remains central and irreplaceable,” she added.

Lagos trains teachers on artificial intelligence, digital learning

Tambuwal accuses Tinubu of undermining opposition parties

Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to weaken opposition parties ahead of future elections.

He spoke to journalists on Saturday night after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) held its state congress in Sokoto.

Tambuwal claimed the president is working to ensure opposition parties remain unstable. According to him, internal crises in rival parties are being deliberately encouraged to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He warned that Nigeria could be drifting towards one-party dominance by design, drawing comparisons with the era of former military ruler Sani Abacha, when political parties rallied behind a single candidate.

Tambuwal also alleged that the government has interfered in opposition parties such as the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in a bid to weaken them.

“This is reminiscent of the era when all political parties aligned behind a single candidate,” he said, warning that such a trend could damage Nigeria’s democracy.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also criticised the current administration’s handling of the economy and security, citing rising poverty, unemployment, and insecurity.

However, he expressed confidence in the ADC, describing it as a credible alternative capable of rescuing Nigeria from misrule.

“ADC remains committed to rebuilding the country. Our priority will be security, economic recovery, job creation, and investments in education and agriculture, as well as ensuring stable power supply,” he said.

Tambuwal added that his party supports a multi-party system and stressed that it must be protected at all costs.

He also commended party members for turning out in large numbers and for maintaining peace during the state congress.

Tambuwal accuses Tinubu of undermining opposition parties

1,100 persons abducted in Northern Nigeria in three months – Amnesty International

Amnesty International Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the rising wave of abductions across northern Nigeria, revealing that at least 1,100 people were kidnapped between January and April 2026.

In a statement released on Saturday, the organisation described the trend as “horrifying,” warning that rural communities and internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain the most vulnerable targets of armed groups.

According to the statement, victims of abduction are often subjected to severe abuses, including torture, starvation, rape, and forced participation in atrocities, while many spend months in captivity under harsh conditions.

“Apart from killing people, gunmen are now on a rampage of abductions largely for lucrative ransom,” said Isa Sanusi, Country Director of Amnesty International, adding that widely cited figures may understate the true scale of the crisis.

The organisation cited multiple incidents across the country to illustrate the growing insecurity. On February 3, armed attackers reportedly killed about 200 people and abducted 176 others in Woro village, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State. In Zamfara State, at least 150 people, mostly women and children, were abducted in early April during attacks on communities in Bukkuyum LGA.

In Borno State, fighters from Boko Haram were said to have abducted over 100 displaced persons in Kumbul forest on March 19, while more than 400 people were kidnapped during an attack on Ngoshe town in Gwoza LGA earlier in March.

Other reported cases include the abduction of 57 people in Niger State in January, 92 people in separate incidents in Zamfara State in February, and 30 worshippers taken during attacks on churches in Kaduna State in March. Additionally, 18 passengers travelling from Abuja to Sokoto were abducted along a route in Zamfara State on March 30.

Amnesty International also highlighted the human toll of the crisis, quoting a resident of Woro community who said his wife and three daughters, including a two-year-old child, were among those abducted nearly two months ago.

“They didn’t just kill, they stole our life away,” the resident said, describing how families are often forced to sell all their possessions or rely on community fundraising to pay ransom for loved ones.

The organisation warned that the persistent threat of abduction is disrupting education across the region, with thousands of children reportedly dropping out of school. In some cases, families are forcing underage girls into early marriage to reduce the risk of kidnapping.

It further accused Nigerian authorities of failing to meet their constitutional and international human rights obligations to protect citizens.

“This failure by the authorities to ensure the safety of the population constitutes a serious breach of their human rights obligations,” Sanusi said.

Amnesty International urged the federal government to take immediate and decisive action to secure the release of those abducted and to strengthen measures to protect vulnerable communities from further attacks.

1,100 persons abducted in Northern Nigeria in three months – Amnesty International

Be resilient despite unemployment challenges – Gov Namadi tells graduates

The Governor of Jigawa State, Malam Umar Namadi, has charged graduating students of Sule Lamido University to uphold integrity and embrace innovation as they step into Nigeria’s competitive labour market.

He made the call while speaking at the university’s 2nd Combined Convocation Ceremony held in Kafin Hausa on Saturday.

He acknowledged the challenges facing graduates in securing employment but expressed confidence in their ability to succeed.

According to him “Many of you may be facing the realities of the Nigerian labour market, but having gone through the rigours of this institution, I am confident that your resilience, skills and integrity will enable you to overcome obstacles and seize emerging opportunities,” he said.

The convocation ceremony marked the graduation of six cohorts of students spanning the 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 academic sessions, alongside the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on distinguished personalities.

Namadi described education as a critical driver of personal and societal development, urging the graduates to reflect values of hard work, discipline, and service to humanity wherever they find themselves.

“As you turn a new chapter in your lives, let your character reflect integrity, empathy and commitment to society. You must be worthy ambassadors of your alma mater and Jigawa State,” he added.

He commended parents, guardians, and the university’s academic and non-academic staff for their contributions to shaping the graduates.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening human capital development through sustained investment in education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment initiatives.

He noted that beyond formal education, the state government is also focusing on technical and vocational training as well as digital innovation to equip young people with relevant and market-driven skills.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Muhammad Ibrahim applauded the state government’s continued support, which he said has contributed to improved learning conditions and academic excellence.

Be resilient despite unemployment challenges – Gov Namadi tells graduates

Yusuf Babalola: 15-Year Journey That Has Brought GNI to This Defining Hour

For fifteen years, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, widely known as GNI has carried one word through every season of growth, every lesson learned, every step forward on an extraordinary journey. That word is Believe._

Before the political contests, before the campaigns that would define his public profile, there was preparation of a different kind. GNI spent years navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s capital market, building expertise in investment strategy, economic transformation, and wealth creation. He understood how markets moved, how capital flowed, how development frameworks could translate into measurable outcomes.

These were the postgraduate years in economic management, where he learned the machinery of growth and the science of turning vision into results. It was from this foundation of proven achievement that he stepped into his role as Special Assistant on Investments and Group Managing Director of Gateway Holdings Limited in 2004. In this capacity, he restructured Ogun State assets and demonstrated how government holdings could serve public prosperity.

When he entered the gubernatorial race in 2011, Ogun State met a vision and a voice that would endure through the years ahead. That first campaign introduced new possibilities, sparked new conversations, raised new expectations. In 2015, he ran his strongest race, coming closest to victory in what many still consider his best political outing. What remained constant beyond the electoral outcomes was the deepening of relationships in every ward across the state, the strengthening of trust across communities, the patient building of political infrastructure designed to outlast any single election cycle.

In 2019, he maintained principle and gave another strong account of himself, cementing bonds that hold firm today. Each campaign became education. Each became progress. Each became the foundation for everything that would follow.

Political realities in 2023 directed his service toward the House of Representatives, and he embraced legislative duty with the same intensity he had brought to every previous assignment. As a first-term member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, he quickly took on significant responsibility, chairing three critical committees including Federal Polytechnics and Higher Technical Education, Student Loans and Higher Education Financing, and National Planning and Economic Development. He helped shape the transformative Student Loan Act of 2024, legislation that will change the trajectory of millions of Nigerian students. He sponsored a bill establishing an Agro Processing Export Free Trade Zone in his constituency.

Beyond Abuja, his constituents have felt his presence directly through tangible interventions. He facilitated road construction, ICT centres, health facilities, solar street lights, boreholes, school renovations and new projects across the constituency. He supported medical outreach programmes, helped facilitate job opportunities, and ensured that interventions reached communities that needed them. The work has been diligent, delivered with urgency and a clear sense of purpose.

He has also brought strategic planning into focus in ways that reveal how his mind works. His 15-year development plan for the constituency outlined priorities, sequenced growth, and provided direction that extends beyond electoral seasons. The plan offers insight into his approach to leadership: he thinks long-term, weighs consequences carefully, and refuses to be confined by short-term political calculations. Strategy and foresight guide his decisions.

As the APC primary approaches, GNI arrives with credentials that answer every reasonable question about readiness. A first-class graduate of 40 years standing from the Great Ife. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

An accomplished economic and investment expert with senior experience from the Nigerian capital market. He entered public service with proven expertise, strong strategic management capacity, and demonstrated leadership depth.

His commitment has remained clear and consistent: building a better-managed, resourceful, economically strong Ogun State anchored on sound planning and world-class human capital. Add to this fresh legislative achievements from the National Assembly. Add relationships cultivated across every senatorial district through fifteen years of consistent presence and engagement. Add a development mindset that refuses to think small or settle for incremental progress.

The excitement building across Ogun State reflects something tangible and earned. Delegates recognize authentic readiness when they see it. The business community celebrates the investment credentials he built during his Gateway Holdings years. Traditional institutions value the respectful engagement he has sustained across decades. Young people connect with his education advocacy and clear focus on human capital development. Communities point with pride to infrastructure he has already delivered.

GNI represents ambition that has been refined by service, vision that has been sharpened by experience, character that has been proven through consistency. He approaches leadership as opportunity to serve, as responsibility to transform lives, as a chance to build something lasting.

Every chapter of his journey has been building toward this moment. Gateway Holdings provided the economic mastery and understanding of wealth creation. Three gubernatorial campaigns built the grassroots relationships and political resilience that now form his foundation across the state. The House of Representatives added legislative excellence and concrete proof of delivery capacity. Every experience has been purposeful. Every season has been preparation.

Fifteen years ago, when GNI first asked Ogun State to Believe, he planted a seed with that simple word. Now, as the state approaches the APC primaries, many see the harvest of that faith, that work, that remarkable consistency across so many years of service.

One party delegate captured the sentiment during a recent gathering when he said “Ogun State is ready to welcome the governor it has been preparing for, a governor who has been preparing for Ogun State with every step of his remarkable journey. That person, beyond any doubt is GNI.”

For GNI and the growing number of his supporters across Ogun State, Believe was never empty hope or political slogan. It carried the promise of this exact moment, when preparation meets opportunity, when dedication meets destiny, when a state makes its choice for the future it wants.

The journey has been extraordinary. The destination, his supporters insist with growing confidence, will be glorious.

BELIEVE.

Yusuf Babalola writes from Abeokuta.

Yusuf Babalola: 15-Year Journey That Has Brought GNI to This Defining Hour

Akwa Ibom: CSO seeks participatory governance at grassroots

A civil society organisation, CSO, in Akwa Ibom State, Policy Alert, has called for strengthened citizens’ engagement in governance at the local level.

It noted that such participation would improve service delivery and deepen accountability.

Idorenyin Eyo of Policy Alert made the call during a one day Town hall meeting on ‘Governance and Citizens Engagement’ organized in partnership with Okobo local government with support from the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund, NYFF, held in Okobo.

“Strengthening participatory governance at the local level remains critical to improving service delivery and deepening accountability.

“In many communities within Okobo Local Government Area, citizens particularly youth and women have limited access to structured platforms for engagement with public officials.

“This gap often leads to weak feedback mechanisms, reduced transparency, and low trust in governance processes,” she said.

At the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Okobo LGA, represented by the Vice Chairman, Mrs Veronica Clement, called for open and honest discussions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the local government and citizens in promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.

She reaffirmed the council’s commitment to sustaining inclusive governance practices through regular town-hall meetings to strengthen collaboration with citizens and improve service delivery.

Meanwhile, the participants while sharing their concerns with the council officials highlighted the need to complete the primary healthcare centre for improved access to quality healthcare services in the community, as well as establishment of financial institutions within the local government.

They also raised concerns about the absence of an ICT centre in the community, stressing that school leavers currently travel to the state capital to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, examinations. They noted that the situation creates financial and logistical burdens for families.

The participants further raised concern over shortage of teachers in Community Secondary School, Okobo.

According to them, currently, the school has only six teachers serving approximately 800 students, a situation which they said negatively affects the quality of education.

Akwa Ibom: CSO seeks participatory governance at grassroots