News Agency of Nigeria
3,516 students sit for FCT’s science, technical schools 
Education

3,516 students sit for FCT’s science, technical schools 

By Philip Yatai

A total of 3,516 students have sat for the entrance examination into Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) Science and Technical Senior Secondary Schools.

Dr Neemat Abdulrahim, Director, FCT Education Resource Centre (ERC), said during the exercise across five centres in Abuja on Saturday, that only the best would be admitted.

Abdulrahim, who stressed that the admission would be strictly merit-based, added that candidates must possess the requisite five credits in English Language, Mathematics, and core science subjects in Basic Education Certificate Examination.

She said the ERC has adopted effective coordination and monitoring mechanism to ensure integrity of the examination.

She said that subject specialists were engaged to align the examination questions with the academic curriculum to ensure fairness and relevance.

On inclusiveness, the director noted that provisions were made for candidates with special needs  to ensure no child was disadvantaged or excluded from the assessment.

Abdulrahim reiterated the ERC’s commitment to uphold the highest standards of fairness, integrity and credibility in the education system.

She commended the FCT Department of Security Services for deploying security personnel from the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC, )and FCT Directorate of Road Transport Services.

She explained that the security personnel provided the needed security, crowd control and ensured smooth vehicular movements.

She lauded the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for the ongoing renovations and upgrade of public schools to provide conducive environments for teaching and learning.

“We are equally grateful for the continuous investment in invigilators training to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and improve efficiency and transparency in examinations,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Lead with integrity, discipline – NDC Commandant urges graduating participants
Defence/Security

Lead with integrity, discipline – NDC Commandant urges graduating participants

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. James Okosun, has charged participants of Course 33 to translate the 44 weeks of intensive training and their hard-earned knowledge into selfless service to the nation.

Okosun, represented by the College Secretary, AVM Ayodele Hanidu, gave the charge on Friday during the special Jumaat service held in honour of the graduating participants in Abuja.

He commended the participants for successfully completing 44 weeks of rigorous academic training in higher defence and strategic management, noting that the process demanded intellectual discipline, sacrifice, and resilience.

“The pressure you have faced here has been by design, to mould you into strategic leaders and policy makers who place the nation above personal interest.

“Beyond seeking knowledge, we carry the responsibility of service and sacrifice for our beloved country, knowing that only Allah knows the time when such sacrifice may be called upon.

“We accept this with full readiness and faith,” he said.

The Commandant reminded the officers that the Qur’an and Hadith enjoin the pursuit of beneficial knowledge  which improves individuals, strengthens communities, uplifts the Ummah, and contributes to a better world.

He also acknowledged the wives of the participants for their steadfast support, describing them as silent pillars of strength throughout the demanding training period.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating officers, Col. Umar Abbas, said the training had tested their resilience, patience, and intellectual capacity, but also reinforced the importance of humility and service.

Abbas noted that while some participants might have achieved all their goals during the course, others might not, adding that both should accept their experiences as part of Allah’s divine decree.

“Please, whatever you have gotten from here, take it as what Allah has decreed for you. It is never the end of life,” he said.

Abbas warned against attributing successes solely to personal effort, stressing that achievements should be seen as blessings from Allah and used to uplift others.

He urged his colleagues to leave the college with “clean minds,” ready to forgive any wrongs committed knowingly or unknowingly during their stay, and to maintain the spirit of brotherhood built over the past year.

“For almost 12 months we have lived and worked together. If at any time we offended anyone, knowingly or unknowingly, please forgive us,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Jumaat service marks the beginning of a series of events leading to the graduation of Course 33 participants, scheduled for next week. (NAN)

Edited by Augusta Uchediunor and Yakubu Uba

NGO enrols 6,588 out-of-school children in Katsina informal classes
Education

NGO enrols 6,588 out-of-school children in Katsina informal classes

 

By Abbas Bamalli

GOALPrime Organisation Nigeria, an NGO, has enrolled 6,588 out-of-school children into informal learning centres in Musawa Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State.

The Country Director of the NGO, Prof. Christopher Chinedumuije, said this during the distribution of learning materials to the children.

He said the project was funded by the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) initiative and implemented in partnership with Save the Children International (SCI) and the Katsina State Government.

The one-year project, which began in Oct. 2024, also covered selected local government areas in Zamfara and Kaduna States.

He said the project aimed to transition children into formal schooling after three months of informal education.

Chinedumuije noted that the project included psychosocial support, hygiene kits for the children, and distribution of instructional materials to teachers.

“Learning materials will also be provided to around 7,000 pupils in selected formal schools.

“We identified 15,371 learners in formal schools and selected 12 schools for intervention.

“We’ve also set up 32 alternative learning centres and established child-friendly spaces for adolescents.

“Other interventions include the creation of a Community-Based Child Protection Committee (CBCPC), two Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) committees, and positive parenting classes to strengthen family support systems,” he said.

He emphasised the project’s goal was to support children affected by insecurity or flooding, ensuring their continued access to education.

The Sarkin Musawa, Alhaji Sagir Abdullahi-Inde, represented by his secretary, Malam Safyanu Mani, commended the NGO for the initiative and pledged the community’s full support.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary of Musawa LGA, Malam Yahaya Shu’aibu, urged parents and children to make good use of the materials provided.

He noted the initiative would help bridge the education gap and contribute to reducing security challenges in the region. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Abiemwense Moru

FCTA continues onslaught on criminal hideouts in Abuja
Defence/Security

FCTA continues onslaught on criminal hideouts in Abuja

 

By Philip Yatai

The City Sanitation Taskforce of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has demolished a criminal hideout in Apo Resettlement, Abuja, in continuation of its ongoing onslaught on criminal hideouts across the capital city.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, who heads the operation told journalists during the exercise on Thursday, that the location had been contributing to the insecurity in Apo and environs.

Galadima described the area as one of the identified “dark spots” inhabited by criminal elements in the city, with reported killings by miscreants living in the area.

This, according to him, had made the area a huge security threat to other residents.

“This is part of the continuation of the city sanitation operations to rid the city of criminal elements.

“This place has been identified as one of the notorious dark spots in the city and we are here to clear the area to make it safe for residents.

“There are credible and verifiable security and intelligence reports about these locations. In fact, there were instances where some people were even killed around this area.

“So, for the fact that this place was identified as a dark spot, it’s enough for it to be demolished, cleared and removed everything, including the fence.

He said that the step was part of the FCTA’ s measures to keep miscreants away from green areas and empty plots of land.

Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, confirmed that residents of the area had been complaining about criminal activities in the area.

Gwary, who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Dr Peter Olumuji said that apart from a safe haven for suspected armed robbers, illicit drug peddling also thrive in the area.

“Some few weeks ago, there was an attack on residents and the criminals hid in the area.

“Over 50 armed robbers came here to attack the residents here, but the quick response from the FCT Police Command and sister agencies prevented that attack from snowballing”, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the taskforce on Aug. 6, demolished illegal structures and shanties in Wuse Zone 3, and moved to UTC for a similar exercise on Monday.

The taskforce also demolished illegal structures and shanties, popularly known as “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja, on Tuesday.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

FMBN records N13bn operational surplus, first half of 2025 – Osidi
Metro

FMBN records N13bn operational surplus, first half of 2025 – Osidi

 

By Angela Atabo

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) says  it recorded a total of N13 billion in operational surplus in the first half of 2025.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, made this known on Wednesday, at the 2025 FMBN Management retreat along Abuja-Kaduna expressway Niger.

Osidi said the retreat with the theme ‘‘Process Re-Engineering for Optimal Performance’’,  aimed at touching on some of the milestones recorded in 2024 and set the tone for Management expectations and the deliverables from the 2025.

According to him, the Bank recorded commendable progress in several areas, since the last retreat.

“At the time, I announced a half-year surplus of N4.9B, the first in the history of the Bank.

However, by the end of the year 2024, that surplus grew to N11.9b.

“Following that trend, by the half-year management account for 2025, we have made over N13b as surplus.

“Though these figures may be largely eroded eventually by provisioning, the trajectory shows that we are on the right track to chart a new course for FMBN,” he said.

Osidi explained that closely related to financial sustainability and transparency, the Bank has also succeeded in clearing a 4-year backlog of the FMBN audited accounts for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

He said currently, the audit of 2022 accounts have been concluded and submitted to the CBN.

” I have also just signed off on the commencement of the 2023 audit. It is our plan to clear the remaining backlog and bring the Bank up to date by the end of the year.

“All these developments are significant in the life of any corporate organisation desiring long-term growth and financial sustainability, “he said.

Osidi said that under the National Housing Fund (NHF) operations, FMBN’s annual collections also grew by N3 billion in 2024 resulting in a total collection of N103 billion, compared to the N100 billion the Bank recorded in 2023.

He added that by half-year 2025, FMBN had collected N73.9 billion against N49.6 billion collected in the corresponding period for 2024..

Osidi expressed optimism that if the bank could sustain the positive trend, it would  surpass the collections for 2024, significantly.

He however, said the big elephant in the room was the deployment of the Core-Banking application (CBA), a technology that was expected to herald a massive transformation in the way FMBN conducts business.

“In my address at the last retreat, I expressed the intention of this Management to make the application work and conclude it speedily.

“I am happy to report today that we have closed-out the deployment of the application and we are now in a six-month maintenance phase which is due to end by the end of this month,” he said.

Osidi recalled that during the 2024 retreat the Bank took a step to constitute seven Recovery Task Teams to recover delinquent loans across the country’s geo-political zones.

He disclosed that, by the end of 2024, the Task Teams had recovered N10.9 billion, a figure that has grown to N18.9 billion at the end of June, 2025.

Osidi attributed the feats to the capacity of the staff members and their commitment to the organisation.(NAN)

Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Agribusiness expert urges MSMEs to leverage AI for profitability
Economy/Business

Agribusiness expert urges MSMEs to leverage AI for profitability

 

By Patricia Amogu

Dr Fakunle Aremu, Senior Agribusiness and Policy Advisor, has urged Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to profitably adopt Artificial Intelligence (AI) to remain competitive and relevant in the current business landscape.

Aremu, who specialises in agricultural value chain development and food systems, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He noted that AI is no longer the preserve of large corporations and can be integrated into small businesses in simple, practical ways.

He, however, pointed out that a major challenge for MSMEs was the perception that they lacked the technical expertise or budget for AI.

“MSMEs do not need to be tech wizards or have a Silicon Valley-sized budget to start using AI,” he said.

According to him, small businesses can avoid hiring expensive data scientists by using affordable off-the-shelf tools such as Google Cloud, Microsoft Power BI, or engaging freelance experts.

Aremu said the high cost of custom AI could be reduced by starting small with cloud-based tools that offer pay-as-you-go or monthly plans, with a focus on clear return on investment.

He advised businesses to first prioritise organising and digitising their data, noting that clean and structured information was crucial for accurate AI results.

“AI runs on data, and for many MSMEs, this data can be a mess if not properly handled,” he said.

The expert also addressed the challenge of employee resistance to change, urging business owners to communicate early and often about AI’s role as a tool to enhance work, not replace jobs.

“Showcasing AI as a tool that reduces work burdens and makes jobs easier and more efficient can help ease concerns.

“For example, a retail company can experience a 15 per cent increase in orders by piloting a simple AI solution for personalised product offers,” he said.

Aremu recommended piloting AI with a focused use case and setting clear, measurable goals, allowing MSMEs to “start where they are, use what they have, and just get started” without trying to be perfect.

“I recommend a start-small, think-big approach. This reduces risk, builds internal confidence and allows the team to learn how AI can be integrated into their operations,” he said. (NAN) 

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Forensic expert advocates robust private sector investment in fraud prevention
Defence/Security

Forensic expert advocates robust private sector investment in fraud prevention

                                          

By Monday Ijeh

An Author and Forensic Expert, Dr Pearl Ogbulu has called for robust private sector investment in fraud prevention to position Nigeria as a safe destination for investment.

Ogbulu made the call on Wednesday in Abuja at a news conference ahead of her book launch, titled “Fraud Unmasked: Forensic Fraud Solutions” and the maiden Joint Security Forensic Conference.

The author said strengthened laws to support inter agency collaboration and citizens’ vigilance were also keys to curbing the activities of fraudsters in the country.

She said the launch of the book was a defining moment for professionals, leaders, and citizens that believed in the power of knowledge, collaboration, and shared responsibility in building a stronger and safer Nigeria.

Ogbulu said fraud was a silent predator that infiltrates systems, drains resources, and corrodes public trust.

According to her, fraud does not just steal money, it steals opportunities, livelihoods, and futures.

“Over the years, in my work within the fields of economics, energy, forensic accounting, and risk management, I have seen that combating fraud requires more than reactive enforcement.

“It demands a proactive, strategic, and multidisciplinary approach and that is why I wrote the book – Fraud Unmasked.

“It is not just a book; it is a toolkit, but a collection of tested forensic methods, investigative insights, and policy recommendations.

“It is designed to help institutions detect fraud early, prevent its occurrence, and respond with precision when it is discovered,” she said.

She said the book was written to assist the bankers, auditors, policymakers, entrepreneurs, investigators and ordinary citizens who want to understand the workings of fraud and how it could be stopped.

Ogbulu said the theme of the conference, “One Nation, One Network” was deliberate, considering the fact that fragmentation was a major weakness in the fight against fraud and insecurity in the country.

“Agencies work in silos, data is not shared in real time, and valuable intelligence is lost in bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“Imagine what could happen if our law enforcement bodies, financial regulators, security services, tech experts, academic institutions, and civic organizations worked together as one network, sharing information, best practices, and coordinated strategies.

“That vision is why this conference was born and during the sessions, we will hear from experts in forensic science, cyber security, risk management, and governance.

“We will explore practical tools and technologies, and most importantly, we will begin building the kind of unified, intelligent, and resilient network that our nation needs,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

FCTA holds computer-based promotion exams for 915 asst., deputy directors 
Metro

FCTA holds computer-based promotion exams for 915 asst., deputy directors 

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Civil Service Commission, on Tuesday, began a computer-based promotion examination for 915 Assistant and Deputy Directors.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Emeka Eze, said at the event in Abuja, that the directors were drawn from the Universal Basic Education Board, Secondary Education Board, Education Secretariat and other departments and agencies.

Eze said that the examination would be conducted in phases.

He added that the computer-based examination was introduced to ensure that those who would be promoted to substantive director level were qualified to face the current technology-driven challenges associated with their jobs.

“As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, we needed to introduce technology to avoid the possibility of interference and pressures.

“So, we will be the first commission to introduce computer-based promotion examinations in Nigeria.

“The idea is that as we are finishing the result today, by next week the result is out. So there’s no possibility of anybody putting pressure on anybody for it.

“This is a part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” he said.

He said that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike created the commission with the approval of President Bola Tinubu and promised to resolve the backlog of promotions that has been pending for many years.

He said that the verification exercise to determine the workforce strength of the FCT had begun but yet to be completed.

According to him, the backlog will be cleared as soon as the verification is concluded.

“When Wike came on board in August 2023, he cleared some outstanding promotions dating back to 2019 up to the level of deputy directors.”

The chairman also disclosed that during the exercise, the commission uncovered too many age falsification in the service records, adding however that those involved had been retired.

Also speaking, Mr Martins Azubuike, representative of South-East in the commission, said that participants who fail to scale through the examination would not be promoted.

Azubuike said that the computer-based tests had come to stay in the system to encourage workers to update their digital skills. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

FCTA demolishes Cashew Garden, shanties illegally erected by miscreants in Apo
Metro

FCTA demolishes Cashew Garden, shanties illegally erected by miscreants in Apo

 

Philip Yatai

The City Sanitation Operation of the Federal Capital Territory has demolished illegal structures and shanties, popularly called, “Cashew Garden” in Apo Cadastral Zone E27, Abuja.

Mr Mukhtar Galadima, Director of Development Control, who led the operation in Abuja on Tuesday, told journalists during the exercise that the move was to rid the city of criminal elements and miscreants.

“You recall that we were at Zone 3, Wuse and UTC for similar exercises since the commencement of the operation as directed by the FCT Security Committee.

‘Today we are in Apo, dislodging shanties and miscreants, posing security threats to residents of the area,” he said.

The Chairman of the garden, Mr Steven Obiozo, said the about 200 occupants were not criminals, adding that the area was given to them to occupy by the owner of the plot.

Obiozo said the occupants built small tents and shops and were mainly selling provisions, food, beer and soft drinks.

Galadima, however, insisted that their occupation of the area and operations was without government authorisation and as such, illegal.

He added that the FCT Administration would revoke the land allocation for harboring miscreants, who go about the city committing crimes.

Galadima said that the area was designated for residential purposes, adding that allocations were made but the allottees failed to develop their plot within the stipulated time.

“So as has been directed by the FCT Security Committee, we are going to take over the area; we are going to possess it,” he said.

He said that the area had been planned with a clearly defined road corridor demarcated by a deep trench.

“The road is what we call the S20, extension of Oladipo Diya that goes through FHA Apo, up to Guzape 2.

“So the road is clearly defined and the plots are also defined.

“So we have concluded, based on what we have seen, that all those people that own plots here and allow these people to erect illegal structures will lose the allocations and be reverted to the FCT Administration,” he said.

The director explained that the operation would be extended to all nukes and crannies of the FCT.

Also speaking, Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, Security Services Department, FCTA, said that the operation was making FCT very hot for people with criminal tendencies in the territory.

Gwary, who was represented by the Secretary, Command and Control, Dr Peter Olumuji, said that some of the miscreants deal in illicit drugs.

“One thing we want criminal elements to know is that FCT is not a place they can urbanate again.

“Wherever you go, we are going to pursue you and smoke you out,” Gwary said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT
Defence/Security

Analyst lauds Wike’s security interventions in FCT

By Philip Yatai

Akinloye Oyeniyi, an Abuja-based public affairs analyst, has commended the Minister for Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for boosting security in the nation’s capital.

Oyeniyi, who is also a legislative consultant, gave the commendation in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, as a reaction to the ongoing clearance of shanties and criminal hideouts in the federal capital

The commendation comes amidst the minister’s response to growing concerns about safety and security in Abuja, especially with the increasing need for secure environments for residents, businesses, and visitors.

According to the analyst, the minister was not only rejigging the infrastructural aspect of Abuja and its environs, but has now moved to securing lives and properties.

“The move by Wike is a welcome development in the quest for improved security in the capital.

“Operations by the FCTA involved the latest removal of illicit structures, impounding vehicles, and seizing weapons in a bid to curb criminal activities and enhance safety in the nation’s capital.

“Honestly, this recent commitment to improving the FCT security is what everyone should commend the Minister and his team for.

“Yes, it is their job, but there is what is called commendation if an official has performed his duty well.”

He argued that such efforts had not been heard in the FCT in a long while, “thus, the reason every reasonable person should commend the Wike-led FCT Administration’s actions to improve public safety”.

Oyeniyi called for the sustainability of such efforts to ensure that the federal capital remained safe and secure for residents’ well-being and sustainable development. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

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