The Federal Government, in partnership with the World Bank, has commenced the appraisal and validation of nine Strategic Catchment Management Plans (SCMPs) aimed at tackling desertification, land degradation and water scarcity across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative is being implemented under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project (ACReSAL), a climate resilience programme led by the Federal Ministry of Environment with support from the World Bank. The validation workshop, holding in Abuja, is bringing together federal and state agencies, technical experts, and community representatives to review the plans and ensure they are inclusive, practical and capable…
Author: Abimbola Ogunaike
Read More
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled a suspected criminal syndicate linked to kidnapping, arms trafficking, illegal mining and the production of counterfeit United States dollars, arresting 16 suspects in coordinated intelligence operations across Kano, Edo and Yobe states. The arrests were carried out by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG-SIS) in collaboration with the NSCDC Kano State Command and operatives deployed to the BUA Cement Company in Okpella, Edo State. Commander of the CG-SIS, Commandant Apollos Dandaura, disclosed during a briefing that the suspects were apprehended for offences including criminal conspiracy, suspected kidnapping, unlawful possession…
By Nnimmo Bassey and Joyce Brown The deployment of products of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) continues to raise concerns and resistance, not only in Nigeria but across the world among consumers, researchers, public health experts, food sovereignty campaigners and others. Nigeria’s National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) however, has continued to take on a defensive front on the matter rather than acknowledging and addressing critical concerns that are quite fundamental and evident. This we believe comes from a mindset that assumes science and technology especially such as is approved by some foreign entities cannot be flawed and that Nigeria or Africa…
By Ayo Ajayi In times of institutional uncertainty, leadership is often tested not by comfort but by crisis. At the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), Abuja, such a moment emerged amid internal tensions and the spread of misinformation among sections of the workforce. At the centre of this storm stood the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lucky Ikharo, whose calm disposition and administrative experience have helped steady the institution through turbulent waters. For many within the Commission, the period has been marked by a mix of rumours, misrepresentation, and what some observers describe as half-baked narratives circulating among staff…
The Great Ife Alumni Association has applauded the appointment of Adejare Bello as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, describing the development as a step capable of strengthening the institution’s leadership and global standing. In a statement issued on Sunday, 8 March, 2026, by its Global President, Leye Bunmi Falode, and Global Publicity Secretary, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the association said Bello’s appointment reflects confidence in his wealth of experience across law, politics, diplomacy and public administration. The alumni body noted that the new Pro-Chancellor brings to the role a rich blend of legislative experience, diplomatic…
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has warned that persistent early and forced marriages, low female participation in governance and rising cases of gender-based violence continue to threaten the rights and wellbeing of women and girls in Nigeria. The alarm was raised by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, as the global community marks International Women’s Day 2026. In a message to commemorate the day, Ojukwu said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” highlights the urgent need for practical and sustained measures that will eliminate the barriers preventing women and girls from enjoying their full…
In a strategic move to accelerate grassroot governance, the executive chairman of Lagos Island local government, Hon. Prince Taiwo Ajibade OYEKAN sworn in the secretary to the local government, Supervisors and Special Advisers at a well attended ceremony in the council secretariat conference hall, today Monday 9, March 2026. The oath taking ceremony was conducted by the council legal officer, Mrs. Iyabode Adewunmi. In his speech, Hon. Oyekan charged the newly sworn-in council officials to adhere to ethical standards and civil service guidelines in the discharge of their duties to ensure efficiency, accountability, and professionalism. “It is a call to…
The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, on Monday, 9 March, 2026, hosted Air Commodore M.A. Imam, Commander of 651 Base Services Group (BSG), Nigerian Air Force Base, Ikeja, at his office.The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between the local government and the Nigerian Air Force, particularly in the areas of security of lives and property, community safety, and other strategic areas of mutual interest. Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Akinpelu Johnson expressed his delight at receiving the Air Force delegation and emphasized the importance of partnership in maintaining peace and stability across communities in Alimosho.“I am…
The Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, on Monday distributed 600 free Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms to indigent students across the council area, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding access to education and empowering young people. The event, held on Monday, 9 March, 2026, brought together party leaders, councillors, education stakeholders, community leaders, parents, members of the media and students who gathered to witness the initiative designed to support less privileged students seeking admission into tertiary institutions. Speaking at the ceremony, the Chairman described the programme as a reflection of grassroots governance focused on…
The Management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has reacted to the reports of alleged assault on Dr. Mikail Abdussalam, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station, Moniya, Ibadan. A statement signed by the Managing Director of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa stated that the agency has ordered full investigations into the matter with a view to bringing the culprits to book in accordance with the dictates of the law. “The Corporation views the incident with serious concern and wishes to state clearly that harassment, intimidation, or any form of misconduct towards passengers or…