By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Security operatives were deployed to strategic locations in Kaduna on Thursday following intelligence about an alleged planned protest by members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shiite movement.

According to security sources, the deployment covered areas around the Kaduna Central Market and Ahmadu Bello Way near Leventis Motor Park. The sources alleged that the planned demonstration was linked to recent developments involving prominent northern figures, but no official confirmation of the protest’s purpose was available. Our correspondent observed a visible security presence at the identified locations on Thursday morning. However, no protesters were seen, and there were no reported incidents of violence or arrests as of the time of filing this report.

Security sources also claimed that similar preventive measures were taken in Abuja over reports of a planned demonstration. Some residents told our correspondent they stayed away from the Central Market after hearing reports of a possible protest, citing concerns about potential disruption.

The Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies had not issued an official statement on the reported development at the time of publication. Efforts to obtain a response from the Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to his phone were not answered.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has expressed concern over the management of the Federal College of Education (FCE), Gwoza, saying the institution has yet to commence full academic activities despite significant support from the state government.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Abdulrahman Bundi, Governor Zulum said the Borno State Government had provided more than ₦200 million as a take-off grant and completed extensive rehabilitation of the college’s facilities.

According to the governor, the institution, formerly owned by the Borno State Government, has been upgraded with more than 100 renovated classrooms, modern laboratories, administrative offices and staff quarters. The state also constructed a housing estate with 12 two-bedroom units and additional accommodation for academic staff.

Zulum said he was disappointed by what he described as the slow pace of preparations for the commencement of academic programmes. “I am not happy because this college was established about three years ago, yet there has not been sufficient progress towards making it fully operational,” the governor said.

He added that the state government would forward its observations to the Federal Ministry of Education for consideration, including recommendations on measures to facilitate the commencement of academic activities.The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the institution and said the government would continue to work with relevant authorities to ensure the college becomes fully operational.The management of the Federal College of Education, Gwoza, had not publicly responded to the governor’s remarks at the time of publication.

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Egume-Ome Descendants Union (EODU) has commended the Minister of Steel Development, Alhaji Shuaibu Audu, following the commencement of a 20-megawatt (MW) solar mini-grid project in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Speaking with journalists in Lokoja, EODU National President, Sunday Maji, pledged the community’s support for the successful execution of the project and assured the minister, project developers and relevant agencies of a peaceful environment. Maji said the community would work with security agencies, local youths and vigilante groups to help safeguard the project throughout its implementation.

He also welcomed the Federal Government’s efforts to expand access to electricity, expressing optimism that the project would improve power supply, stimulate economic activities and enhance the living standards of residents. “We are committed to supporting the contractor and ensuring the safety of the project so that it delivers its intended benefits to our community,” he said.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Egume and Head of Okura District, HRH Simon Ochimana, thanked the Minister of Steel Development for facilitating the project. He assured that the community would protect the facility against vandalism and urged residents to support its successful completion. The traditional ruler also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing what he described as an enabling environment for the implementation of development projects in the state.