Category: General News

Dr Samuel Ngwu appointed senior visiting lecturer at UNN College of Medicine

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) College of Medicine has appointed Dr Samuel Ngwu a senior visiting lecturer in the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences.

Dr Ngwu, who is a medical consultant, is the Chief Executive Officer/Medical Director of HopeCare Medical Centre, Enugu; and a former Commissioner for Health in Enugu State as well as a Fellow America College of Physicians.

The appointment is contained in a letter issued by UNN Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Hyginus Uzo Ezegwui, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the institution.

The letter states that the appointment took effect from June 2, 2026.

 

In his acceptance, Ngwu, who is a product of U.T. Southwestern Medical Centre, Dallas, Texas, USA, thanked the college for the offer, which would avail him opportunity to make impact on all levels of medical students of the institution.

Ngwu would be bringing his wealth of both clinical and academic experiences spaning several decades to the students of medicine in UNN.

 

‎

Mohammed Visits Makinde, Urges Stronger Security Measures After Oriire Kidnappings

‎

‎

By Adewale Owoade

 

‎Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has visited Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde at his private residence in Ibadan to sympathise with the government and people of the state over the abduction of teachers and pupils in Yawota and Esiele communities of Oriire Local Government Area.

 

‎Mohammed, who was accompanied by leaders of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), including the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, and its Bauchi State governorship candidate, Dr. Yakubu Adamu, called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture to better guarantee the safety of citizens.

‎Speaking with journalists after the visit, the Bauchi governor commended Makinde’s efforts toward securing the safe release of the abducted teachers and pupils, expressing optimism that the victims would regain their freedom soon.

 

‎”I am here with our leaders from the Allied Peoples Movement to commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde over the ordeal the people and government of Oyo State are facing as a result of the abduction of our schoolchildren and their teachers.

 

‎”It has been a lingering issue for some time, and we share in the grief of the people. We are here to encourage him and acknowledge the efforts he is making to ensure their release, which are being noticed across the country.

 

‎”On behalf of myself and the government and people of Bauchi State, we sympathise with him and urge him to continue his efforts until these Nigerians are safely released.”

‎The governor also expressed his readiness to support the Oyo State Government in any way possible to facilitate the victims’ early release.

 

‎Commenting on the broader security situation in the country, Mohammed stressed the need for stronger collaboration among security agencies and between security operatives and citizens.

‎According to him, Nigeria’s security framework requires critical scrutiny to foster greater commitment, coordination and effectiveness in tackling insecurity.

 

‎”I think the citizenry must rise to the occasion and take greater responsibility for their security. People should not serve as informants for criminal elements or aid criminal activities in any form,” he said.

 

‎He also emphasised the role of leadership in addressing insecurity, urging citizens to elect leaders capable of responding to the nation’s security challenges.

 

‎”We must all accept responsibility at every level of leadership—national, sub-national and local government. As we approach another election cycle, Nigerians should make informed choices and elect leaders who can address the challenges confronting the country,” Mohammed added. (NAN)

‎

CDOWA tasks mothers on building impactful families meant to transform society positively

The Civil Defence Officers’ Wives Association (CDOWA) has tasked mothers on building impactful families meant to transform the society positively and build sound future leaders.

The Chairperson of CDOWA Enugu State Chapter, Dr Josephine Willie, gave the task during 2026 CDOWA Family Retreat/Workshop, with the theme: “One Heart, One Mission: Building a Stronger CDOWA Family”.

Willie noted that many of the social challenges and insecurities witnessed presently could be traced, in part, to broken family systems and the absence of positive nurturing during childhood.

According to her, children who are raised with love, discipline, moral values, and emotional support are more likely to become responsible, disciplined, and compassionate adults.

“Therefore, as mothers and wives, our role extends beyond our homes; we are builders of society and custodians of the future,” she said.

The chairperson said that the theme was deliberately chosen because CDOWA members are meant to build stable homes, raise responsible children, and strengthen one another through positive sisterhood.

She said, “It is a time to pause from our daily demands, reflect on our journey, strengthen our bonds, share our experiences. and renew our commitment to one another as members of one family.

“As wives of security personnel, we understand the unique realities of service life and endure long periods of separation due to deployments and sleepless nights of concern for the safety of our loved ones.

“The responsibility of nurturing our children, and sometimes the pain of loss and sacrifice. Yet through it all, we remain united by one heart, a heart filled with love, resilience, courage, and faith.”

The chairperson also sympathized with parents, whose child remained in bandits captivity, adding,: “CDOWA prays for the release and reunion of these children and others in bandits captivity”.

She appreciated Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA); Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA); Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Nigeria Correctional Officers’ Wives Association (NICOWA) and Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA).

“We thank the SHE CODE, and representatives from the Enugu State Ministry of Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development as well as the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Alleviation,” she said.

The Patron of CDOWA Enugu State Chapter, Dr Elijah Willie, said that families must take responsibility of children under them and ensure that negativity attitudes and tendencies among them were  corrected on time.

Willie, who is also the Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Enugu State Command, said that the family remained the foundation upon which positive community,  society, and nations are built.

The workshop featured interactive sessions, talk on empowerment and finance management, as well as a lecture on “Fostering Unity in the Family”, delivered by Dr Ebele Igwemeka, Senior Lecturer, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC).

The event, which was organised by CDOWA in collaboration with NSCDC Enugu State Command, also featured a medical talk and medical health checks and free drugs as well.

Don advocates more inclusion, Digital Access, Literacy for women

 

By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus

 

A Professor of Rural Sociology at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Janice Olawoye has called for more inclusion, improved Digital access and Literacy for the women gender for economic and personal developments.

 

 

 

Olawoye spoke on Wednesday in Malete during the Launch and Public Awareness Symposium of the institution’s Centre for Gender Studies.

 

 

 

The symposium has it’s theme Gender, Digital Literacy and Sustainable Development: Interrogating Pathways to Inclusion.

 

 

 

Prof. Olawoye said the Gender Digital Divide showed the gaps/differences between men’s, women’s, boy’s and girl’s access and use of technology, the internet and mobile phones, reflecting gender inequalities.

 

 

 

She said women and girls face significantly greater barriers to accessing technology, developing digital skills and utilising the internet than men and boys.

 

 

 

“We have to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

 

 

 

“It is estimated that about 90 percent of jobs worldwide has a digital component, so access to digital financial services has become important for women’s economic empowerment but requires access and ability to use digital services.

 

 

 

“Further to this, there is the need for digital literacy to enable persons to not only have access but be able to utilise the devices and platform to take advantage of these opportunities,” she said.

 

 

 

The don however called for a nexus between gender, digital access and literacy, inclusion and sustainable development for everyone to have equal ability to take advantage of opportunities in this era of digitalisation.

 

 

 

She said as the social dynamics, the technology and the needed skills all change, we must also adjust strategies to promote an inclusive system for all.

 

 

 

In her lead presentation, Dr Omowumi Macaulay- Adeyelure from the University of Lagos, said the three pathways to inclusion namely, education, economic participation and cultural safety must be guaranteed for women to achieve Digital Access and literacy.

 

 

 

She said the capabilities of women are usually constrained by social norms and by scarcity, so interventions must close both the devices gap and the gap in permission and expectations.

 

 

 

In his remarks, KWASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jimoh Shaykh-Luqman said the institution remained committed to gender equity and inclusion and will continue to provide an enabling environment where men and women can excel in their careers.

 

 

 

“The establishment of the Centre for Gender Studies is a natural extension of the University’s commitment to the advancement and empowerment of women and other vulnerable groups in society.

 

 

 

“The theme of today’s symposium is both timely and relevant because we live in a world where digital technology shapes access to information, education, employment, and participation in public life.

 

 

 

“Yet many people, especially women and other vulnerable groups, still face challenges in accessing digital opportunities and developing digital skills.

 

 

 

“As scholars and practitioners, we must continue to examine these challenges and explore practical solutions that promotes inclusion, equity, and sustainable development,” he said.

 

 

 

The Acting Director, KWASU Centre for Gender Studies, Dr Latifat Olatinwo said the establishment of the Centre reflects the determination to expand the frontiers of knowledge and provide solutions to contemporary societal challenges in gender studies.

 

 

 

She expressed optimism that the Centre would serve as a hub for impactful research, strategic partnerships, capacity building, and intellectual discourse in gender mainstreaming and inclusivity. (NAN)

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Sub-Saharan Africa Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network (SASASNET) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the skilled workforce needed to drive infrastructure development across Africa.
The Continental Chairperson of SASASNET, Prof. Idris Bugaje, stated this on Tuesday at the network’s third Annual Regional Conference on Quality Skills Development and Apprenticeship and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the conference was, ” Scaling Apprenticeship for Decent Work in Quest for Quality Skills Development in the Informal Economy. “
Bugaje, who is also the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), said Africa must reduce its dependence on imported skilled labour for major projects on the continent.
According to him, the continent cannot achieve meaningful development without investing in the training and upskilling of its youth.
“For example, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery engaged about 11,500 Indians during its construction. Dangote is currently building another refinery in East Africa, and I hope such a situation will not be repeated.
“We must produce the skilled manpower needed to deliver infrastructure projects across the continent. That is why SASASNET is advocating the upscaling of skills development in Africa,” he said.
Bugaje stressed the need for African countries to strengthen regional integration and protect their socio-economic and political interests.
“We must open our doors to one another. Xenophobic attacks across the continent will not solve Africa’s problems.
“We need to support one another and invest in skills development so that Africa can reclaim its rightful place in global development.
“The foundation for achieving this lies in empowering and upskilling young people across the continent, and that is what SASASNET represents,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary-General of SASASNET, Mr Ousman Sillah, said the organisation was established to address workforce challenges facing African countries.
“SASASNET is designed to bridge existing skills gaps and strengthen workforce development across the continent.
“With the support of member countries and development partners, we are committed to addressing Africa’s workforce challenges,” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna State commended SASASNET and its partners for convening what he described as a timely and important conference.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Sani said Africa’s future would depend largely on the quality of its human capital.
“The future of Africa will not be built by natural resources alone. It will be built by skilled workers, innovative entrepreneurs, capable technicians and empowered young people,” he said.
NAN reports that SASASNET is a regional organisation inaugurated by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on July 23, 2023. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

By Abubakar Akote Yabagi

A house security guard in the ‘’Brighter’’ area of Minna, identified as Sani Abdulrahman, has reportedly absconded with two sons of his employer, Umar and Anas, both aged six.

The spokesperson of the Niger Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday.

Abiodun said that the whereabouts of the suspect and the two children have remained unknown since Sunday.

According to him, the suspect allegedly told the family that he was taking the children out to celebrate the Sallah festival in town.

”However, neither the suspect nor the children has returned three days after.”

He said the police had commenced an investigation and intensified efforts to locate the children and apprehend the suspect.

NAN

By Mary Aliyu

Mrs Hadiza Kuta, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development in Niger, on Monday marked this year’s Children’s Day with orphans drawn from across the state.

Kuta, while addressing the children, said that the event, earlier scheduled to hold on May 27, had to be postponed because of the Eid-el Kabir festival.

She expressed appreciation to the state government for providing the resources needed to cater for vulnerable children and improve their well-being.

“Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive, fulfil his or her potential and contribute positively to the society,” she said.

She said that the celebration was aimed at building a renewed commitment to child welfare and development.

Kuta described children as the future of the society and stressed the need to support them.

She said that special attention was given to children from orphanages to make them feel loved, valued and included in society.

“Many of the children here are orphans, and everyone knows that losing one’s parents at a young age can be heartbreaking and traumatic.

“That is why we make every effort to bring them together, show them love and make them feel valued.

“We want these children to know that the government cares about them, recognises them as an important part of society and is committed to giving them a promising future,” she said.

The commissioner said that all the children under the care of the state government were enrolled in schools and were being adequately catered for.

According to her, the government remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable children are not neglected and have access to opportunities that would enable them realise their full potential.

She particularly commended Gov. Mohammed Bago and his wife, Mrs Fatima Bago, for their support towards the welfare of children in the state.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), Kuta said the celebration provided an opportunity for the children to interact, have fun and feel appreciated.

“As you can see, the children are happy. They are dancing, interacting and enjoying themselves.

“There is plenty of food, drinks and other refreshments for them. Moments like this help them feel loved, appreciated and included,” she said.

The commissioner urged children to remain God-fearing, disciplined, committed and focused in order to become responsible citizens and future leaders.

She also appealed to parents, guardians and members of the public to show more love, compassion and care to orphaned children.

According to her, children who receive adequate support and guidance, are more likely to grow into responsible and productive members of society.

Kuta reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to the welfare, protection and development of children across the state.

NAN

Adedoja @ 75: Aare Musulumi Commends Former Minister’s Contributions to Nation-Building

 

By Adewale Owoade

‎

‎

‎Prominent Muslim leaders and members of the Muslim community in Yorubaland have paid glowing tributes to renowned educationist, administrator and former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja, as he marked his 75th birthday anniversary.

‎

‎

‎

‎The Muslim leaders,  led by Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola,  the  Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, visited Prof. Adedoja to celebrate the milestone.

‎

‎

‎On May 28, Prof Adedoja clocked 75, and  Olubadan of Ibadanland,  Oba Rashid Adewolu Adedoja, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, and other groups and individuals have congratulated Prof Adedoja on this milestone

‎

‎

‎ He marked his quiet 75th birthday celebration at his Ikolaba residence with scholarship and empowerment schemes for children and Persons  with Disabilities.

‎

‎

‎

‎Alhaji Akinola described him as a distinguished scholar, statesman, philanthropist and God fearing , whose life has been dedicated to the service of humanity, education and national development.

‎

‎

‎

‎Speaking during the visit, Akinola commended Prof. Adedoja for his unwavering commitment to the advancement of Islamic related issues, education, youth development and community service over the decades.

‎

‎

‎

‎He noted that his contributions to the growth of academic institutions, public administration and the promotion of peaceful coexistence among different religious and ethnic groups have earned him respect across the country.

‎

‎

‎The visitors also praised the celebrant for his support for Islamic causes and his consistent efforts at fostering unity among Muslims and other faith communities.

‎

‎

‎According to him, Prof. Adedoja’s exemplary leadership, humility and dedication to public service remain a source of inspiration to younger generations.

‎

‎

‎He prayed for continued good health, wisdom and strength for the former minister, expressing confidence that he would continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.

‎

‎

‎Responding, Prof. Adedoja expressed gratitude to the Muslim leaders and other well-wishers for the honour bestowed on him.

‎

‎

‎He thanked Almighty Allah for granting him the grace to attain the age of 75 and reflected on his journey in education, public service and community development.

‎

‎

‎The former minister urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of peace, unity and national progress, stressing that collective efforts were required to address the challenges facing the country.

‎

‎

‎The celebration attracted religious leaders, academics, traditional rulers, political associates, family members and friends who gathered to honour the elder statesman and celebrate his remarkable contributions to society.

‎

‎

‎The event featured prayers, goodwill messages and tributes highlighting Prof. Adedoja’s achievements and enduring impact on education, governance and community development.

‎

3-Year Excellent Service: Mbah distinguishes self through resilient, transformative, innovative leadership – HoS

 

The Head of Service (HoS) Enugu State, Dr Godwin Anigbo, says Gov. Peter Mbah has distinguished himself through resilient, transformative and innovative leadership within three years of excellent service to the people.

It would be recalled that Gov. Mbah, who was sworn in on May 29, 2023, would be marking his three years as governor of Enugu State on May 29, 2026.

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday in Enugu, Anigbo said that Mbah had redefined governance and accelerated sustainable development across critical sectors of the state.

He said that the performing governor had painstakingly articulated and executed visionary plans and programmes, which have revolutionised Enugu State as a modern state.

 

“On behalf of the management and entire workforce of the Enugu State Public Service, I heartily congratulate His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, on the occasion of your third anniversary in office as Governor of Enugu State,” he said.

According to him, the implementation strategies adopted by this administration, anchored on accountability, efficiency, and results-driven governance, has continued to inspire confidence in the capacity of government to deliver meaningful progress to the people.

The HoS noted that Mbah had proven to be an exceptionally worker-friendly governor, while prioritising staff welfare.

Anigbo said that the governor had created an enabling environment for productivity, institutional efficiency, and professional advancement through continuous training, retraining, digital transformation, upskilling, and workforce support initiatives.

 

“The flagship initiative in the establishment of Public Service Training Institute speaks to innovation in the public service.

“These deliberate investments in human capital development have repositioned the public service as a strategic driver of your administration’s developmental vision.

“As the state steadily advances towards becoming the premier investment destination and realising the ambitious vision of a 30-billion-dollar economy, the Enugu State Public Service remains unwavering in its unalloyed support and loyalty.

“We reaffirm the service total commitment to the successful actualisation of your mission for a prosperous and globally competitive Enugu State.

“Congratulations, the People’s Governor,” he added.