Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has directed the immediate and indefinite suspension of Mr Aondona Mkor, his Special Adviser on Documentation, Research and Planning following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in Sextortion, Cyberbulling and blackmail.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, says the Governor’s decision was in line with his unwavering commitment to integrity, discipline and accountability in public service.
The statement reads in part” He says any official of his administration found wanting in matters of criminality or ethical misconduct will face the full weight of the law.”
The Governor assured the public that the law will take its full course on the matter without interference or bias, stressing that his administration will not tolerate any act that would bring the government into disrepute or undermines public trust.
The Governor, maintained that public office is a call to serve with honor, transparency, responsibility and anyone who deviates from this path will have no place in his government.
The Kogi State Polytechnic has withdrawn 273 students for poor academic performance while six were expelled over examination malpractices.
This was contained in a press statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the school, Mrs. Uredo Omale and made available for journalists on Monday.
The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja according to the statement has considered and approved the First Semester results for 2024/2025 Academic Session, with 273 students who performed below expectations asked to withdraw from the institution.
The statement stressed that it was part of the far-reaching decisions at the 120th meeting of the Board held on Thursday, 17th April, at the Board Room of the Polytechnic Main Campus, Lokoja.”
The Chairman of the Board, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended members of the Academic Board Result Verification Committee, led by the Deputy Rector, Dr Samuel Taiwo Olowo, for the due diligence on the results and charged them to sustain the tempo.
Prof. Usman Ogbo, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of some students, which led to their withdrawal, despite the provision of a conducive atmosphere for learning.
According to the statement , those withdrawn spread across twenty departments and forty-two programmes respectively.
The Association of Plateau State Indigenes resident in Kaduna state has strongly condemned the attack on innocent travelers in Mangun community of Mangu local government Council of Plateau State.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr John Killie Mangbit , the Chairman, Plateau Development Association, Kaduna State Branch and made available to reporters in Jos on Monday.
The statement reads that the association is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and injuries sustained by the victims.
The victims were traveling from Zaria, Kaduna State, to Quan’pan Local Government Area of Plateau State for a wedding before they came under an attack by irate youths .
The statement reads in parts ” We unequivocally condemn the senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of lives and injuries. “
Such attacks have no place in our society and undermine the values of peace, tolerance, and coexistence that we hold dear.
“We demand that the Plateau State authorities take immediate and effective action to investigate this incident thoroughly and bring all the perpetrators to justice.
The Plateau association in Kaduna also said
The victims’ families deserve closure, and the perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.
“We urge the authorities to expedite their investigation and ensure that justice is served. The rule of law must be upheld, and those responsible for this heinous act must be held accountable.”
We urge all residents of Plateau State, regardless of their background or faith, to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to maintain peace and order in the region.
According to the statement ” We must not let such acts of violence divide us or undermine our shared humanity. It is essential that we stand together in condemnation of this attack and work towards healing and rebuilding our communities.”
” We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Kaduna State Government, and the Zazzau Emirate, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured. We stand in solidarity with all those affected and reaffirm our commitment to promoting peace and understanding in our region.”
” We sincerely appreciate the Kaduna State Governor, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, for his prompt and statesmanlike response to the incident through his press statement,We appreciate his commitment to the safety and well-being of all citizens and his efforts to promote peace and understanding in the region.”
The association also Commended the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, for his prompt response and action.
We laud our Governor for immediately visiting the survivors in the hospital and the scene of the unfortunate incident and also describing the mob action as totally condemnable and avoidable, and for ensuring the safety of the remaining victims, providing necessary medical attention, and insisting that the perpetrators of this dastardly act must be brought to book.
His swift action demonstrates his commitment to the welfare and security of all residents in Plateau State.
The statement also added that ” We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Plateau state, Their swift response demonstrates their commitment to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation among all communities. “
“We commend their efforts in advocating for justice, peace, and stability in our region and appreciate their tireless work in promoting interfaith harmony and understanding.
We wish to state clearly that such an act is not part of the Plateau spirit, which is known for its hospitality, peace, and coexistence. We reaffirm our commitment to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation among all residents of Plateau State and Kaduna State.
The Association of Plateau State Indigenes Kaduna is a socio-cultural organization dedicated to promoting the welfare and interests of Plateau State indigenes residing in Kaduna State.
“We are committed to fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation among all residents of Plateau State and Kaduna State, the statement added
. The National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to enhance youth enterprise while remaining unwavering in the path of good governance.
The call came following the defection of Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress.
National President of the council, Comrade Solomon Adodo at a press conference in Uyo on Monday during a solidarity visit to Akwa Ibom called on the governor to always amplify the creativity, resilience and enterprise of Akwa Ibom youth.
Adodo reassured him that with his alliance to the centre, those things would be easily achieved.
The President commended Eno for the bold step of moving Akwa Ibom to the ruling party and the Senate President, senator Godswill Akpabio for his commitments in ensuring that his home state is aligned with the federal government describing such move as a patriotic partnership needed for a nation to thrive.
Adodo also called on President Bola Tinubu to match his words with action by ensuring the realization of Ibom Deep Seaport Project in no distant time as promised adding that the benefits of having industrial and maritime hub in Akwa Ibom are enormous.
‘In every thriving democracy, moments arise when leaders must choose the path that best serves their people not out of political convenience, but out of unwavering commitment to progress, unity, and the future. Today marks such a moment.
” On behalf of the youth of our great nation, I stand here in Akwa Ibom to salute a bold, visionary, and people-driven decision: ‘the alignment of His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, with the transformational leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.’
”Let it be clear: this is not about politics for politics’ sake. This is about responsible leadership that prioritizes the prosperity, dignity, and aspirations of the people over narrow interests. Governor Umo Eno’s choice reflects a deep understanding that Akwa Ibom must be at the heart of Nigeria’s renewed journey towards hope, growth, and greatness.
“It is a courageous move that signals his determination to secure the best future for the state — one that aligns with the positive changes already reshaping our nation.
‘We extend our heartfelt commendation to the Honourable Commissioner for Youth of Akwa Ibom State for his invaluable role in strengthening this alliance. His direct engagement with young people, his vision, and his hands-on support during Mr. President’s recent visit demonstrate true patriotism and servant leadership.
”We urge Governor Umo Eno to stay focused on the path of good governance, to amplify the creativity, resilience, and enterprise of Akwa Ibom youth, and to work with all stakeholders to sustain Mr. President’s transformative vision well beyond 2027.
”Words must be matched with action, We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to expedite the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, a transformative initiative with the potential to unlock jobs, drive industrial growth, and fortify our nation’s economic recovery. Akwa Ibom’s future as an industrial and maritime hub must not be delayed.” He said.
As Company pays out total gross dividend of N5.2bn
It was excitement galore at the 55th Annual General Meeting, AGM of leading engineering construction company as shareholders demonstrated their excitement at the assumption of duty of the Board Chairman, Engr. Goni Sheikh and Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Engr. Dr, Peer Lubasch, both of whom presided over their first AGM of the company since their appointments into their respective new offices.
At the well-attended meeting held inside the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Thursday, the shareholders demonstrated their optimism by trying to outdo one another in their active contributions all through the meeting with each that had the opportunity lauding the appointments of the duo and expressing their expectations that, now the company is in good hands.
One shareholder who said she is from the Southwest openly told some of her fellow shareholders that, the leaders we had did and performed well. And with the new combo of Goni Sheikh and Peer Lubasch, things will get better for Julius Berger, our dear company.
The shareholders further demonstrated their resolve by overwhelmingly passing all the resolutions of the Board like, shareholders dividends, new Executive Directors, new non-Executive Director, re-election of some directors and the appointment of Goni as a Director of the company.
In his address to shareholders at the meeting, the Managing Director said that since he assumed office months ago, the company is successfully navigating the headwinds of challenges in its line of duty.
Lubasch said the broader socio-economic environment continues to present significant challenges shaped by a range of persistent and compounding pressures like currency devaluation, ongoing foreign exchange scarcity, escalating construction costs, surging inflation, increased fuel prices, high lending rates, global market uncertainties and domestic security concerns
Stressing that the foregoing factors combined to create a tough and unpredictable business landscape, especially for the construction sector and Nigeria in particular, he added that in line with the company’s mission statement, we continue to transform these challenges into tangible opportunities.
As a company, we have continued to demonstrate resilience, navigating headwinds by adapting with an eye towards efficiency and sustainable growth. Lubasch said, adding that accordingly, the company achieved record-high revenue, expanded its asset base and maintained stability across both new and ongoing projects within the reporting year.
The Managing Director disclosed that the success of the company in the year under review stemmed from the well-established and forward-looking strategy which integrates core business strengths, the collaboration and contributions of the growing group of subsidiaries alongside a deliberate diversification policy which has largely defined the success story of the company.
On diversification, Lubasch said, we are already making significant steps forward with our regional diversification strategy, with two contracts in the Republic of Benin, even as he assured excited shareholders of greater success even in these hard times, which he attributed to, the well-disciplined execution of our strategy, our agile leadership, the dedication of our teams and the power of our fundamental values of excellence, responsibility, courage and collaboration.
Rounding up his address, the Managing Director did not mince words in assuring that the company’s leadership remains poised to building a future defined by excellence, saying, while the future holds many unknowns, we remain certain that no matter the challenge, Julius Berger will continue to be defined by the excellence and innovation and to operate in a sustainable manner that aligns with our ethos and values in line with global standards.
The China-Africa Media Research Centre (CAMRC), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has unveiled plans to publish its first yearly report on China Africa media experience this year, noting that it would further boost cooperation and mutual understanding between Chinese and African media practitioners, while at the same time taming the monster of fake news and misinformation about China Africa.
This is contained in a press released signed by the Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Austin Maho, and made available to the press today Sunday the June 22, 2025.
Dr. Maho stressed that the initiative seeks to enhance media consciousness in the digital media age and to educate media practitioners on the nuances of reporting China and African issues in the face of global media propaganda fake news and misinformation
” Our goal is to provide authentic news about China Africa. As we all know the global information flow is skewed in favour of the global north and the only way to be able to correct this news imbalance is through collaboration and providing the platforms and network for verification of news to enhance objective, balanced and truthful journalism that serves the interests of our peoples”
*To achieve this the CAMRC, carrys out a yearly research to document and assess media experience about China African relation., with emphasis on news accuracy, objectivity and balance. This enables the center to make make appropriate recommendations to address, cases of negative media propaganda, fake news and mis- information”.
Dr. Maho also commended the board of directors of the center for their support and efforts in ensuring that the center is able to carry out its mandate assuring that once the report is ready it would be made public
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking inactive and untapped energy assets as a cornerstone of its strategy to boost national production.
This is contained in a statement signed by Nneamaka Okafor the SA Media and Communication to the Minister of State for Petroleum and made available to Daybreak Nigeria over the weekend.
Speaking during a visit to TotalEnergies’ Headquarters in Paris and their Research Institute in Pau, France, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D, said: “Unlocking dormant fields is not optional – it is vital to our energy security and economic growth.”
The Minister’s visit, conducted at the invitation of TotalEnergies, formed part of a broader engagement with operators and policy makers. It comes as TotalEnergies prepares to unlock several assets, including blocks awarded in the most recent bid round as well as previously-held fields.
Senator Lokpobiri emphasized that President Tinubu has issued a clear and unequivocal directive for all industry players: “Mr. President has made it explicit, operators must reactivate dormant assets.”
As policy maker and supervisor to regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is actively supporting this national mission. The Minister added: “We are driving this mission with every dedication required, and I am glad to see TotalEnergies taking the bold steps to unlocking their inactive and untapped assets.”
During the Pau visit, the Minister was briefed in the institute’s Smart Room and support centre, where state-of-the-art exploration and monitoring technologies were demonstrated. Later, at TotalEnergies’ Paris headquarters, discussions focused on regulatory frameworks and operational support aimed at easing the company’s unlocking of selected assets.
Nicolas Terraz, Group President E&P, TotalEnergies, commented: “We welcome Nigeria’s firm regulatory backing. Our commitment is to deploy our technical expertise and capital to restart production in these strategic assets.” He continued: “Our engagement today highlights a shared determination: boosting energy output for mutual benefit.”
The Federal Government remains resolute in ensuring that operators like TotalEnergies receive all necessary policy, financial, and technical facilitation. The revitalization of inactive assets is central to Nigeria’s energy agenda – promoting job creation, strengthening revenue, and securing energy sovereignty.
Kaduna State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Kaduna State Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM) & Partners convenes workshop to review existing Primary Health Care, (PHC–related) accountability frameworks in the health sector in the state.
Theme of the two days workshop “Strengthening Accountability for Improved Maternal and Child Health”, is taking place between 21 and 22 June 2025, at Biafra Hotel, Yakubu Avenue, Kaduna north, Kaduna state.
Subtitled: “Two days Co-creation workshop on accountability frameworks with key stakeholders outlined roles, responsibilities and timelines for tracking Health commitments” the workshop has representatives of Commissioner of Health, Members of House of Assembly kaduna State, CSO Partners, including KADMAM Chairman and members.
The three main objectives of the workshop amongst others includes conducting a systematic desk review of existing accountability frameworks related to PHC and RAMCAH financing in the state, and identify gaps, strength and lessions learned from the ongoing accountability efforts.
Others includes need to agree on key parameters and indicators towards developing an overarching PHC financing and policy accountability frameworks, roles and responsibilities of actors across sectors, and realistic timelines and feedback mechanisms for tracking projects.
Ministry of Health commissioner’s representatives presented opening address alongside members of State House of Assembly that highlighted the unwavering support of Governor Uba Sani on all Health and health sector related projects, with opening remarks from leaders and representatives of partners and CSOs.
Papers were also presented by resources persons on various subject matters most relevant to the workshop objectives led by LISDEL, the main organiser, on topic “Meeting Objectives/Overview of LISDEL and the ASIP project” on Saturday.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has announced a major redevelopment initiative for the Farm Centre GSM Market, pledging an investment of over N2 billion to restore, expand, and modernize the bustling commercial hub.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Saturday.
The intervention, according to the governor, is a direct response to recent fire outbreaks that devastated parts of the market and a broader effort to meet the growing needs of traders and customers.
Governor Yusuf made the announcement during a visit to the market on Friday where he was warmly received by market leaders and traders.
The multi-billion-naira project will involve the reconstruction of the affected sections, expansion of the market through the acquisition of additional space, and the establishment of a fire station within the market, fully equipped with modern firefighting tools.
It will also include the installation of solar-powered streetlights to improve security and visibility, construction of a pedestrian bridge to enhance access and safety, as well as the development of drainage systems to control flooding and the rehabilitation of access roads within and around the market.
As part of the broader vision, the governor said the government is committed to making the Farm Centre GSM Market an international trading destination with access to neighbouring countries, thereby boosting cross-border commerce and regional integration.
The Kano State Government is also set to establish a dedicated management structure for the GSM Market to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability of operations.
Governor Yusuf also urged traders and market users to cooperate with security agencies in combating the menace of phone snatching and petty crimes that have become prevalent in the area.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting that the state’s 26 vocational training institutes will continue to serve as platforms for skills development, job creation, and sustainable livelihoods.
In his welcome address, Comrade Jamilu Gama, Chairman of the Market, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the governor for the timely intervention.
He said the traders were deeply encouraged by the government’s concern and swift action, especially after the losses suffered in the recent inferno.
The Farm Centre GSM Market, located in the heart of Kano metropolis, operates across 20 plazas and is a major hub for mobile phones, gadgets, and related services.
It directly employs over 39,000 youth, making it one of the largest tech-related informal job markets in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Yusuf’s visit and the funding pledge have been widely hailed by stakeholders as a bold and strategic step toward economic recovery, infrastructure renewal, and youth inclusion.
In a bid to empower youths and enhance their economic prospects, Hon. Usman Gorau has distributed tricycles, motorcars, motorcycles and tailoring machines to youths in Gada and Goronyo local government areas of Sokoto State.
This initiative aims to provide young people with the means to engage in productive economic activities, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to the overall development of their communities.
The distribution of these vehicles is expected to enable youths to venture into various businesses, such as commercial transportation, goods delivery, and other entrepreneurial pursuits.
By providing access to these essential tools, Hon. Usman Gorau’s initiative seeks to reduce unemployment and poverty among youths in the region.
This gesture is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy, as empowered youths will be able to generate income, support their families, and contribute to the growth and development of their communities.
The initiative also reflects Hon. Usman Gorau’s commitment to the welfare and prosperity of his constituents.
Speaking during the distribution, Gorau urged beneficiaries to utilize the gains accordingly adding that more are on the way especially for the disabled in the areas.
