Northern Group Seeks Seyi Tinubu’s Intervention on Critical Infrastructure Challenges

By Dansu Peter 

A northern political pressure group, Siyasar Yanci, has formally sought the intervention of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, in addressing critical infrastructure challenges in the region.

The group made its request during Seyi Tinubu’s visit to Minna, Niger State, where he attended an Iftar gathering with youths on Wednesday.

In a letter signed by its leader, Yahaya Mohammed Usman, Siyasar Yanci urged Mr. Tinubu to leverage his influence to facilitate the rehabilitation of Baro Port, the repair of dilapidated federal roads in the state, and the expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, to include more conventional courses.

While acknowledging that Mr. Tinubu does not hold any public office, Usman emphasized that his influence could help lobby for the implementation of these demands.

“We thank you for the initiative to have Iftar with citizens across fasting Muslim communities in Nigeria. This effort is both innovative and commendable. Well done!”

“Beyond that, we recognize that while you do not hold any public office, no one can deny your influence. It is on this strong foundation that we kindly request your intervention in the following areas affecting Northern Nigeria, especially Niger State.”

The group outlined its demands as follows:

• Baro Port: Despite being commissioned, the port remains non-operational.
• Expansion of the Federal University of Technology, Minna: The group is seeking presidential approval to introduce medical, law, and social science courses, as well as establish a teaching hospital and a cancer center, similar to those at FUT Owerri and FUT Yola.
• Road networks: Niger State, which has the longest federal road network, is plagued by poor infrastructure. The group cited the recent tragedy on the Lambata-Lapai-Bida Road, where 12 lives were lost, including a man’s two wives and child. Other critical roads, such as Tegina-Makera-Mokwa and Minna-Kontagora, were also identified as being in deplorable condition.
• Appointments: The group lamented that no presidential aides had been appointed from Niger State and requested facilitation of such appointments, particularly for the youth.

The group concluded its appeal by expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, wishing him success in his tenure as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hon. Steven Numbeve Flags Off Construction Of Ushadaar Stream Bridge: A Major Boost To Rural Development In Benue State

By Ayua Terseer 

In a significant move to enhance rural development and connectivity in Benue State, Hon. Steven Numbeve, the State Project Coordinator of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), has flagged off the construction of a bridge at Ushadaar stream on Monday, 3rd March, 2025. This vital infrastructure project will link Mbamansen and Mbangur communities in Mbadeede, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.

The construction of this bridge is a crucial component of the RAAMP project, which aims to improve rural access and agricultural marketing in Benue State. The project, funded by the World Bank, Assisted by Benue State Government under the administration of the "Talk and Do" Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, seeks to construct 534 kilometers of rural roads across the state, facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce and enhancing the livelihoods of rural communities.

The RAAMP project is a game-changer for Benue State, as it will not only improve rural roads but also construct warehouses for the storage of agricultural produce. This will significantly boost agricultural productivity and market access, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. 

The flag-off ceremony marks a major milestone in the state's efforts to develop its rural areas. The construction of the bridge and other rural infrastructure will have a profound impact on the lives of rural communities, improving their access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

As the project progresses, it is expected to transform the rural landscape of Benue State, creating new opportunities for economic growth and development. The state government and RAAMP officials will continue to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the project, which will ultimately improve the lives of the people of Benue State.

FG Assures Commitment To Delivering Quality Basic Education

The Federal Government on Monday reiterated commitment towards enhancing the delivery of quality basic education across the country.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, who spoke in Abuja particularly, expressed the determination of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration to transform education.

He stated this at a three-day meeting of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) management with executive chairmen of State Universal Basic Education Boards from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja on Monday.

The meeting was organised under the theme “Strengthening Collaboration for Quality Basic Education Delivery in Nigeria.”

Alausa said President Tinubu has accordingly directed all stakeholders in the basic education sub-sector to work towards returning children back to the classroom thus decreasing the number of out-of-school children.

The Minister who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Dr. Ismaila Adiatu, emphasised the government’s dedication to addressing the growing crisis of out-of-school children in Nigeria.

“I would like to assure you of the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting quality education to inspire renewed hope, with strong emphasis on prioritising qualitative basic education, which is recognised as the most vital segment of the education sector.

“The development of this foundational level is essential for the positive impact of the other tiers of the educational system and its contribution to overall national development.

“The Federal Ministry of Education is, therefore, committed to improving teacher quality, enhancing the school environment, ensuring the availability of adequate instructional materials, and implementing an effective quality assurance evaluation system.

“We are also focused on strengthening collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to develop result-oriented strategies aimed at reducing the growing number of out-of-school children,” the Minister added.

He said a committee had been set up to outline the process for categorising schools in Nigeria to identify areas where urgent interventions are needed.

“These efforts are designed to prepare Nigerian youths for the 21st-century economy, in line with Mr. President’s initiative of ‘Education for Renewed Hope.'”

He further called on participants to reevaluate existing strategies and identify innovative approaches to implementing basic education, including exploring alternative funding sources and fostering collaboration to ensure that every Nigerian child receives quality education.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Hajiya Aisha Garba, said the gathering was a testament to its collective commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to quality basic education, regardless of the education programme in Nigeria.

“We must prioritise our society-based education by ensuring effective collaboration at national and state levels, within the education sector and beyond.

“This workshop provides us with a unique opportunity to collectively evaluate our progress so far, identify challenges, and chart a new pathway towards achieving our shared goal of an effective basic education system in Nigeria. While I have knowledge over the decades, it is still imperative that we address the most essential issues.

“Nigeria still has poor quality of education, especially at the basic level. We must work together to address these challenges in financing basic education, infrastructure, quality of education, ensuring the relevance and accessibility of learning materials, addressing challenges of teachers, and working together to improve the social infrastructure of an inclusive teaching and learning environment,” she added

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Prof. Adaramaja Shehu, congratulated the Executive Secretary on her appointment, while appreciating the commitment of her management team for their expected support in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He thanked the Executive Secretary for the approval of the 2023/2024 teachers’ development fund in their state, saying that capacity building for teachers across the states would soon kick off.

He expressed confidence that the meeting would strategise on improving the effectiveness of schools and uphold best practices to boost learning outcomes, urging the chairmen to join hands in eradicating the issue of out-of-school children.

PDP National Youth Frontier Calls For Release ,Justice , Fairness On Comrade Austin Okai

The detention of  People's Democratic Party PDP National Youth Frontier and convener, Comrade Austin Okai is an attempt to malign opposition in Kogi state and deserve urgent attention to stop the trend.

The PDPNYF maintained that the clamping into detention of the PDP House of Representatives candidate for Dekina/ Bassa in the 2023 general elections was the continuous muzzling of oppositions , and an attempt to truncate the growing popularity of the people's comrade , Austin Okai.

A statement issued on Sunday by the member of the caucus, Jerome Ali stressed the need to halt the Kogi state government from further embarrassing other members of other political parties in the name of defamation and cyber stalking in the state.

He described the detention by the Kogi state government teleguided legal pronouncement as a slap on democracy and it's norms.

While assuring the state government of victory for Comrade Austin Okai at the end, he said the attempt will not stop the opposition from demanding for accountability amidst misdemeanor of the common resources of the people of Kogi state.

Wike's Shuttles In Abuja

By Abubarka Yusuf

For Nzenwo Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory FCT, his vision and mission to transform the landscape of FCT and Improve on its existing facilities is non- negotiable.

In the last 22 months of this administration in FCT, from the provision of infrastructures to social security and economic development of the nation's capital had been his topmost priority.

His drive to address both economic and social security that is capable of ridden the FCT and it's area councils of criminals and criminal elements led to the donation of about 80 different brands of vehicles free of charge to residents of the city, as part of empowerment program under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the current dispensation.

The plans to make Abuja a modern and model city through the provision of uniform shuttle vehicles , buses and other high capacity vehicles to protect pedestrians , shuttlers and workers within and outside the FCT became sancrosanct.

In line with his policy thrust, promises and resolutions, in October, 2024 , the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Nzenwo Wike provided 80 pieces of vehicles to assist and enhance movement of pedestrians across the city and area councils.

The vehicles consisting of 30 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), 30 7-seater Suzuki Minibuses, and 20 14-seater Hiace buses—would provide employment opportunities for the youth and also reduce the cost of transportation in the FCT to security of commuters.

The Minister added that the brand-new vehicles were being provided by the government at no cost to the beneficiaries from across the six Area Councils of the FCT, to give them a source of livelihood and urged the beneficiaries to utilise the vehicles for the purpose which they had been provided and intended.

"The FCT Minister said, “These are brand new vehicles, and they are not paying a dime. We are not saying pay the government any money. The government is saying this is our own support to make sure you have something to feed, to make sure you can support your family, and also to reduce the cost of transportation in the city.”

"Barr. Wike also disclosed that the vehicles would be used as a pilot scheme to gradually phase out tricycle operations in parts of the Abuja city centre, adding that more vehicles would also be procured to address possible shortages."

While urging the public to disregard insinuation that 'Keke' will gradually be phased out of the nations city, he said rather than boosting the local economy , the present administration will not prevent residence from carrying out their lawful activities and means of living .

He said the new shuttle buses will be a graduation from were "Keke" will not be able to ply , so as to provide relief for different categories of FCT residents .

While convening the pilot scheme within Maitama, Asokoro, Guzape and other high brow areas were 'Keke' will no longer be in vogue, he promised to continue to create market for other alternative transportation in line with the lay down procedures.

The new brand vehicle policy was embarked to avoid both deliberate and government efforts not prone to sabotage from beneficiaries who may use the opportunity to delay users of the facilities on the road all in the name of 'fairly use' vehicle.

The provision of initial free 80 shuttle buses , will provide more affordable, cheap and secured transport system in the FCT and will gradually increase after the completion of terminals been constructed in the nation's centre and it's environs.

With these efforts, the activities of miscreants and criminals will be gradually reduced to the barest minimum through provision of jobs and employment opportunities to teeming Nigerians resident in the FCT.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

Mato Condoles Gyado Family Over Loss Of Kenneth

... says his legacy will be always felt 

By Terfa Naswem 

Former member of the House of Representatives for Vandeikya/Konshisha Federal Constituency in Benue State and Co-Founder, Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato condoles the family of Gyado over the demise of Kenneth Tersoo Gyado.

He was born on the 24th September, 1971 into the family of Cyprian Liamgee Gyado from Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government, Benue State. He was the first of three children. He died on 8th February 2025 at age 53 leaving his wife, three children and relatives behind.

His funeral mass was held at St. Winifred's parish, Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya Local Government Council of Benue State while he was buried on Thursday, 27th February, 2025  his hometown, Tse-Gyado, Ihugh, Vandeikya.

Mato extolled late Kenneth as a man who was extremely loving and generous. He hated injustice and supported those who upheld the principles of togetherness and development. She said his legacy will always be felt.

Hon. Mato prayed God to grant Gyado family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear their irreplaceable loss.

Numbeve Extends His Deepest Condolences To Gyado Family Over Demise Of Kenneth

By Terfa Naswem 

Coordinator, Benue Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Hon. Steven Numbeve has extended his deepest condolences to the family of Gyado over demise of Kenneth Tersoo Gyado whose sudden death occurred on 8th February, 2025.

Numbeve while consoling the family at their hometown in Ihugh, Mbadede, Vandeikya LGA, Benue State before the funeral mass was held at St Winifred's Parish, Ihugh, he resounded the momentous impact late Kenneth made on the lives of the Benue All Progressives Congress, APC family, his various groups formation in support of the campaign of the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia when he was contesting for governor in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

He reflected on so many positive impact late Kenneth made on the lives of many people including him, and said he will be enormously missed.

Late Kenneth was born in 1971 and died in 2025 at age 53 and was buried on Thursday, 27th February, 2025. He left behind his wife, three children, mother, siblings and relatives.

He encouraged the wife, children, relatives, friends and associates of late Kenneth to continue to hold firm in the infallible God in this darkest moment and He will give them divine consolation through Christ Jesus our Lord.

NNN PG, Salisu Lauds Tinubu, Omo -Agege over Medical University establishment in Kwale

 By Williams Ode 

The leadership of Ndokwa Nation ably led by Comrade Chief Amechi Asugwuni, President General of Ndokwa Nation (NNU) and others notable leaders in Ndokwa nation has expressed their profund gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the university’s establishment after Omo-Agege lobbied for it  and worked tirelessly for the approval. 

They also , commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the university with a takeoff grant, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to the Ndokwa Nation.

Speaking at the university’s groundbreaking ceremony on Monday last week on this day, held at its permanent site between Kwale and Emu-Ebendo, the stakeholders of the Ndokwa nation applauded Omo-Agege’s efforts in securing the specialized medical institution and pledge allegiance to support the university with enably environment for smooth takes off.

Dr. Salisu who spoke, at the university ground breaking ceremony,described the university as a major milestone, emphasizing its importance not just for Delta State but for the entire South-South region. “Today is a testimony of Senator Omo-Agege’s efforts. He lobbied for this university, and while five others were created at the same time, this institution stands out significantly,” 

Dr. Salisu, said, the Federal University of Medical Sciences Kwale  in Delta State has remove Ndokwa nation from shame while commended Omo-Agege for championing the institution’s establishment, stating that it represents the beginning of real development for the Ndokwa people. “For too long, our people have faced stagnation, but today, that chain has been broken. This university is a game-changer, and we are hopeful that more developmental projects will follow,” 

He stressed , " the university is not limited to Delta State but is a regional institution meant to serve the entire South-South.

 “All states in this region are stakeholders, and it is our collective responsibility to rally support for its development and successful takeoff,” he added.

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor Prof. Abel Nze Onunu, in his welcome address, highlighted the university’s significance, noting that it marks the first major federal government presence in Ndokwa land. “Before now, the only notable federal structure in this area was a colonial prison. For decades, Ndokwa has suffered neglect, and today, Kwale still lacks public power supply despite the numerous oil wells in the region,” 

Oh his part , in a   remarks by  Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, who served as Deputy President of the 9th Senate, expressed his profound joy in witnessing the project come to life. He described the university’s establishment as a reflection of his unwavering commitment to development and transformation in Delta State.

According to him, “As Deputy Senate President, my passion for service and vision for a better future drove me. Today, we take a giant leap towards realizing that vision,” 

Omo-Agege emphasized that,  the university will provide quality education in medical and health sciences, drive economic growth, foster innovation, and create job opportunities for Ndokwa people. He extended heartfelt appreciation to President Buhari for his visionary leadership and initial approval of the project, as well as to President Tinubu for ensuring its smooth takeoff.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership and for giving the initial approval for this university. Your commitment to education and development is truly commendable, and we are grateful for your support.

“I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to the establishments 

“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, the university is receiving the necessary funding for success. His administration’s approval of this institution, alongside other tertiary institutions, underscores his commitment to expanding educational opportunities and securing a brighter future for Nigerian students,” Omo-Agege said.

He further reiterated that, " Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda  administration is dedicated to enhancing access to tertiary education nationwide. “We are proud to see this vision become a reality in Kwale,” he added