By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated a new Violent Crime Response Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Lokoja as part of efforts to strengthen security and combat violent crime across the state.

Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo, at the inauguration on Thursday, the governor handed over the newly constructed facility to the Kogi State Police Command.Ododo said the project reflects his administration’s commitment to improving security and creating a safer environment for residents.

According to him, the facility was fully funded by the state government and includes 10 offices, four detention cells, a conference room, a control room, and a dedicated power supply to support uninterrupted operations.The governor also announced the provision of operational assets to the unit, including four Toyota Hilux vehicles, a bullet-resistant armoured personnel carrier, and three Toyota Sienna vehicles.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security agencies and strengthening national security efforts, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies in Kogi State.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Nazir Bello Kankara, said the Violent Crime Response Unit was established to improve the fight against violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery.

He noted that the unit’s operational demonstrations during the event reflected its preparedness to tackle criminal activities across the state. The traditional ruler of Kabba, the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Dele Owoniyi, also commended the state government and the police for the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving public safety.

By Francis Wilfred

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening transparency, improving service delivery, and enhancing national security through ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s immigration system.

Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, stated this on Thursday while receiving the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, Vice President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (EUROCHAM), Frederik Klinke, and other members of their delegation in Abuja. Tunji-Ojo said the reforms were introduced following investigations that uncovered widespread irregularities in the administration of expatriate quotas and residence permits.

According to him, several companies had unknowingly operated with fake expatriate quotas, while unauthorized agents exploited loopholes in the system to issue fraudulent documents and charge excessive fees.To address the challenges, the Minister said the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) developed an integrated digital platform that links expatriate quota approvals directly to residence permit processing.

He explained that the platform enables real-time verification of approvals, eliminates duplication, and ensures that residence permits are issued only against valid quotas. “This integration allows us to know exactly who is residing and working in Nigeria. It improves transparency, enhances security, and removes opportunities for manipulation,” he said.

The Minister added that employers can now process applications directly online, monitor application status, receive renewal reminders, and obtain digitally verifiable permits without relying on third-party consultants.

Speaking earlier, Ambassador Mignot commended the reforms and the improvements recorded in immigration administration. He called for further measures to strengthen Nigeria’s work permit system and attract more foreign investment. Klinke also advocated sustained dialogue and collaboration between Nigeria and its European partners to promote investment, job creation, and stronger bilateral relations.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government says it has invested over N1 billion in scholarships, student loans, and educational support programmes within the last three years as part of efforts to expand access to higher education.The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Kaduna on Thursday.

He said education remains a key pillar of Governor Uba Sani’s human capital development agenda, adding that the administration has implemented several interventions to reduce financial pressure on students. According to him, the government signed an Executive Order reducing tuition fees by 50 per cent across all state-owned tertiary institutions to make higher education more affordable.

Maiyaki revealed that N493.27 million was spent on overseas scholarships for 42 students studying courses such as medicine, engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity. He added that N425.52 million was disbursed for local scholarships to indigent students in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, while N105 million was committed to a student loan scheme.

He also said N27.25 million was paid to support law graduates with Nigerian Law School registration fees.The commissioner said the combined interventions reflect the administration’s commitment to removing financial barriers to education and building a skilled workforce for economic growth and innovation.

Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board, Professor Yahaya Saleh Ibrahim, said over 21,000 students have benefited from the scheme across more than 40 higher institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and nursing schools.

He said Kaduna State has become the first in Nigeria to implement both scholarship and student loan schemes on a large scale, describing the initiative as a model for educational support in the country.

A beneficiary, Al’Ameen Abdul Waheed, a student of Kaduna State University, described the programme as a relief for students and families, saying it has eased the burden of tuition payments. He expressed appreciation to the state government for sustaining the initiative and supporting students’ academic pursuits.