By Anne Azuka

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of legendary Urhobo musician and cultural icon, Prof. Johnson Oyibode Adjan, popularly known as “The Ogburine” (Song-Warrior).

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the governor described the late musician as one of the greatest ambassadors of Urhobo culture whose contributions to music, philosophy, and indigenous knowledge will remain unforgettable.

Governor Oborevwori said Prof. Adjan’s death was a huge loss not only to the Urhobo nation but also to Delta State and Nigeria at large, noting that the revered musician dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Urhobo heritage through his timeless songs.

The governor noted that Prof. Adjan’s influence extended beyond entertainment, earning him academic recognition.

“Prof. Johnson Adjan was more than a musician; he was a custodian of our culture, history, philosophy, and values. Through his music, he educated generations, preserved our heritage, and strengthened the identity of the Urhobo people,” Governor Oborevwori said.

Governor Oborevwori extended his heartfelt condolences to the Adjan family, the Urhobo nation, and the entire entertainment community, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Prof. Johnson Adjan’s signature call, “Isi wadooo… iyaaa…,” will continue to resonate in the hearts of his admirers as a symbol of a life devoted to culture, wisdom, and music.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has announced the launch of a Business Incubation Programme for artisans under its Skill-Up Artisans (SUPA) initiative, in a move aimed at transforming skilled workers into business owners and job creators across Nigeria.

The programme, targeted at graduates of the SUPA training scheme, is designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and sustainable enterprise development through structured business support, mentorship, and access to start-up resources.

According to the ITF, the initiative will provide beneficiaries with entrepreneurship and business management training, including the internationally recognised Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme, alongside certification and licensing support to enhance professionalism and competitiveness in the labour market.

The Fund said selected artisans would also receive tools, equipment, and start-up support packages under defined participation and repayment arrangements aimed at promoting accountability, ownership, and long-term sustainability of enterprises.

A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the ITF, Thomas Ngor, said: “The ITF Business Incubation Programme for SUPA Artisans is designed to ensure that the skills acquired through the SUPA Programme translate into sustainable livelihoods, thriving enterprises, and increased economic opportunities for Nigerian youths.”

It added: “Our goal is to nurture a new generation of artisans who will drive MSME growth, create jobs, and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrial development.”

Speaking ahead of the launch, the Director-General of the ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, described the programme as a strategic intervention to ensure that technical skills acquired by artisans translate into viable businesses and employment generation opportunities.

He said the initiative would help position beneficiaries to contribute meaningfully to national economic growth and the expansion of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

Dignitaries expected at the official launch include the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Special Adviser to the President on MSMEs, among other senior government officials, development partners, financial institutions, and stakeholders in the entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The ITF said the launch will also provide a platform to present the programme framework, implementation strategy, and expected impact, as well as showcase selected participants.

It added that a robust monitoring and evaluation system will be put in place to track beneficiary performance over a five-year period, focusing on business growth, job creation, sustainability, and contributions to national development.

Israel Adamu, Jos

Gunmen on Monday night attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos in Plateau State, killing three security operatives in what appeared to be an attempt to breach the facility.

Sources said the attackers stormed the institute at about 11:40 p.m. and opened fire, leading to a gun duel with security personnel stationed at the institution.

A staff member of the institute, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the attackers struck unexpectedly but were engaged by security operatives in a fierce exchange of gunfire.

According to the source, three security personnel were killed during the attack, including two soldiers and one police officer attached to the institute’s security detail.

He added that the swift response of security operatives prevented the attackers from gaining access into the main facility, thereby avoiding further casualties or damage.

The motive behind the attack was still unclear as of the time of filing this report.

A resident of Kuru in Jos South Local Government Area, Bulus Haruna, said the incident caused panic in surrounding communities as sustained gunfire was heard for several minutes.

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful at press time, while the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies had also not issued a statement.