Day: February 6, 2025

FG unveils 12-Year Basic Education Model, Scraps JSS and SSS

Emporium Reporters

The Federal Government has announced a significant overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, unveiled a new 12-year compulsory basic education model. This reform, which replaced the existing 6-3-3-4 system, will integrate secondary education into basic education, providing uninterrupted schooling for students up to the age of 16.   Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, made the announcement at the 2025 National Council on Education (NCE) meeting in Abuja, attended by Education Commissioners from all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and key stakeholders. The new structure eliminated the Junior Secondary…

Senate seeks solutions to Oil spill in Niger Delta

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Senate has expressed grave concern over the recurring fire outbreaks and oil spills in the Niger Delta region, urging relevant authorities to take swift action to address the environmental hazards caused by these incidents.   This call to action followed a motion raised by Senator Ipalibo Banigo, who represents Rivers West Senatorial District. She recalled a recent devastating fire that occurred due to an oil spill in the region. The fire not only caused significant environmental damage but also led to the destruction of property and the displacement…

NIDCOM Chairman celebrates Akinwumi Adesina@65

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Adeshina Akinwumi as he marks his 65th birthday today.   In a message released by the Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described Akinwumi as an exceptional visionary, a remarkable leader, and a distinguished economist whose impact continues to resonate across Africa and the globe. She praised his outstanding contributions to the development of the continent and wished him continued success and divine guidance as he advances Africa’s…

House of Representatives clarifies stand on state creation proposals

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has issued a clarification regarding recent media reports that suggested the creation of 31 new states. In a press statement released on Thursday, the House stated that the proposals for the creation of new states, currently under consideration, are private member bills and do not reflect the official stance of the legislative body.   During plenary, the Deputy Speaker, who also serve as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review (HCCR), addressed the issue, explained that the Committee had received 31 proposals for new…

Tinubu Axes UNIAbuja, UNN VCs, Overhauls Leadership at Federal Universities

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made sweeping leadership changes at several federal universities, including the University of Abuja (now Yakubu Gowon University) and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The changes, which are effective immediately, aimed to revitalize governance and academic standards in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.   At Yakubu Gowon University, President Tinubu dissolved the entire governing council and removed Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi from her position as Vice-Chancellor. In her place, Professor Lar Patricia Manko has been appointed as Acting Vice-Chancellor for a six-month term, with the stipulation…

House of Representatives Congratulates New Clerk, Deputy Clerk of National Assembly

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The House of Representatives has congratulated Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana on his appointment as the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA) and Engr. Bashir Aminu Yero as the Deputy Clerk to the National Assembly (DCNA).   The appointments, made by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), follow the retirement of the former CNA, Sani Magaji Tambuwal, who exited the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.   During Tuesday’s plenary session, presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, lawmakers were officially informed of the new appointments,…

Nigerian Navy seizes over 100,000 litres of stolen crude, dismantles over 30 Illegal refineries in January 2025

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Navy has recorded significant successes in its ongoing fight against crude oil theft under Operation Delta Sanity II, seized over 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, dismantled more than 30 illegal refinery sites, and arrested several suspects across the Niger Delta in January 2025.   According to a statement signed by the Director of Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, these operations led to major disruptions in illegal oil activities in Rivers, Bayelsa, Ondo, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States.   Some of the key achievements included the seizure of a…

Gov Okpebholo assures NULGE of collaboration, recognizes new Edo chapter leadership

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a collaborative relationship with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), ensuring a conducive environment for its operations.   Governor Okpebholo gave this assurance when he received the NULGE National President, Ambali Akeem Olatunji, and his executive members at the Government House in Benin City. The visit was aimed at introducing the newly elected Chairman of the Edo State chapter, Comrade Scot Aigbovia.   Expressing concern over recent leadership disputes within the state chapter of NULGE,…

Senator Barau Launches Initiative to Create 558 Young Farmer Millionaires in North West

Emporium Reporters

By James Isaac, Abuja   The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator (Dr) Barau I. Jibrin, has unveiled an ambitious agricultural initiative aimed at empowering 558 young farmers across the North West geopolitical zone.   The program, tagged the Barau Initiative for Agricultural Revolution in the North West (BIARN), seeks to revitalize agriculture in Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara states by providing financial support to selected young farmers.   Speaking at the National Assembly on Thursday through his Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, Professor Bashir Muhammad…

Former NYSC DG, 9 Others kidnapped in Katsina Bandit attack

Emporium Reporters

Armed bandits have abducted Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga (Retd), a former Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), alongside nine other residents in Tsiga village, Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State.   The attack occurred late Wednesday night at approximately 11:30 p.m. when the gunmen stormed the community, firing sporadically before invading the residence of the retired general. Reports indicate that the assailants shot three residents, including two sons of Tsiga’s neighbor, before whisking him and others away into a nearby forest.   A relative of Tsiga,…