News Agency of Nigeria
Bwari Area Council intensifies effort to address out-of-school children
Community

Bwari Area Council intensifies effort to address out-of-school children

By Veronica Dariya

Mr Tanko Isuwa, the Education Secretary, Local Education Authority (LEA), Bwari, FCT, says the authority is intensifying efforts to address the number of out-of-school children in the district.

Isuwa made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that there is no specific data available for the number of out-of-school children in the council, but a significant number of children, aged six to 11 are out of school in most communities.

The secretary said that the LEA had since 2024, began the mobilisation of all such children in the area, as mandated by the council and had started arrangements for their return to school.

According to him, the secretariat is working in synergy with other stakeholders like religious leaders and heads of communities to strategise on better measures to tackle the situation.

“We are on it 24/7 to make sure that all the children return to school irrespective of their challenges, because a society that is not educated is bound to have all types of crises.

“This is why we have involved all the necessary stakeholders to find better measures to handle the situation,’’ he said.

Isuwa, who did not give an exact figure or category of children, said that significant progress had been recorded.

He noted that some of the empty public primary school structures in, especially, Kubwa axis, which had not only been vandalised, but taken over by “miscreants” would be recovered very soon.

“We are aware of the situation and have written to the council chairman for urgent action on how to go about it and stop them from destroying our properties,’’ he said.

On the ongoing demands of striking workers in the council, the secretary urged all stakeholders involved to have a roundtable discussion to find lasting solution to the incessant action.

He urged the council administration to consider the plight of the workers. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Christiana Fadare

Rep urges emergency on drug abuse
Community

Rep urges emergency on drug abuse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwaseun Nubi

Mrs Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives for Kosofe 1, Lagos, has called for declaration of a state of emergency on drug abuse.

 

 

 

She specifically called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to lead such declaration.

 

 

 

Ogbara made the call during the “Refill Your Gas for Free” initiative to mark her birthday on Friday in Lagos.

 

 

 

According to her, the rise in drug abuse is destroying lives and increasing crime across Nigeria.

 

 

 

“I am a drug abuse campaigner and advocate. There is urgent need for an emergency response in this sector,” she said.

 

 

 

She stressed that NDLEA, NAFDAC and relevant agencies must urgently act to address drug abuse and narcotics use nationwide.

 

 

 

“We must take drastic steps to combat this crisis,” Ogbara said during a drug abuse awareness walk in her constituency.

 

 

 

The lawmaker emphasised the need for proper rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected by drug addiction.

 

 

 

“We have a hotline to support addicts. We want to rehabilitate them and help improve their lives,” she explained.

 

 

 

She noted that many children are now victims of addiction, and that action is needed before more lives are destroyed.

 

 

 

“Our campaign must be intensified. We must work together to solve this problem and support affected families,” she added.

 

 

 

She said the awareness walk was part of efforts to tackle drug abuse.

 

 

 

“Curbing drug abuse will reduce crime significantly. This initiative is the right step forward,” she stated.

 

 

 

Ogbara expressed hope that the sensitisation effort would educate more people on the dangers of drug abuse.

 

 

 

“This is my personal project, managed by me and my team. I’ve also introduced it to the Women Affairs Committee,” she said.

 

 

 

She added that campaigns had been carried out across zones, targeting stakeholders and communities to curb drug abuse.

 

 

 

Ogbara also explained that the free gas refill was aimed at helping residents deal with the rising cost of gas.

 

 

 

She said celebrating her birthday with constituents made the day more meaningful and impactful.

 

 

 

“I’m committed to serving and improving the lives of my constituents. These initiatives meet our community’s needs and promote well-being.

 

 

 

“I will keep working hard to represent Kosofe effectively. I don’t believe in lavish birthday parties. This kind of outreach gives me true joy,” she said.

 

 

 

She also revealed that more projects for the constituency would be unveiled later this year.

 

 

 

The lawmaker said she was passionate about giving back to her community in any way she could.

 

 

 

“I don’t hold any executive position, so I have no official budget for this. But with every opportunity, I find ways to support my people. It’s not budgeted, but I’ll always do my best,” she said.

 

 

 

She said she had lobbied for more projects to benefit the constituency in 2025.

 

 

 

“My constituents should rest assured—they have a smart legislator. I’m not relenting. I’ll keep lobbying and pushing for more projects in Kosofe,” she added.

 

 

 

Mrs Tola Abubakar, Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos, praised Ogbara’s effort to distribute gas and food items.

 

 

 

She said the initiative brought relief to many families and was well received by the community.

 

 

 

“We’re proud of her. The women are grateful. Relieving our burdens helps the whole family,” she said.

 

 

 

A beneficiary, Mrs Funke Adeyemi, expressed her appreciation to Ogbara for the timely support.

 

 

 

“The gas refill helped us save money. The food items brought relief,” she said.

 

 

 

Mr Sulaimon Akinola, a fashion designer, who also benefitted, urged other politicians to emulate Ogbara’s gesture.

 

 

 

He noted the gas refill scheme would greatly help many residents facing economic hardship. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

UTME: Candidates will sit for exams in states of registration- JAMB
Community

UTME: Candidates will sit for exams in states of registration- JAMB

By Veronica Dariya

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured that no candidate would sit for the board’s examination outside their state of registration.

Dr Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor, JAMB, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

Benjamin explained that some candidates, who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) outside their state of registration and residence, were sent to the available mock centres close to their areas.

He said this was because not all the Computer Based Test (CBT) centres were available to conduct the mock examination, adding that all registered centres would be available for the main exercise.

“If centres for mock in Abuja are filled up and there were available centres in Nasarawa State, candidates will be sent there.”

According to him, this is not likely to happen in the main examination because there will be more centres conducting the main examination.

He also explained that early registration of the UTME also determined how close a candidates’ centre would be to him or her.

He said that once a closer centre was already filled up, the candidate may be assigned any available centre within the state.

Benjamin had earlier in a statement on Sunday, said that the board acknowledged the delays and other challenges experienced by some candidates during the examination and regrets any inconvenience caused.

The challenges, the spokesperson had said, were anticipated due to the new features implemented to enhance the overall conduct of the main UTME.

“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment.

“Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination.

“JAMB urges all candidates to continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests,” he said.

The 2025 UTME is scheduled to begin on April 25. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Ilaje Community Demolition: Group demands justice
Community

Ilaje Community Demolition: Group demands justice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oluwaseun Nubi

 

A group, Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide, on Wednesday condemned the recent demolition of Ilaje Otumara Community in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area, describing it as inhumane and unlawful.

 

 

 

Mr Iwamitigha Irowainu, President of the group, during a news conference in Lagos said that over 500,000 residents had been rendered homeless following the demolition.

 

 

 

He alleged that the demolition was carried out by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with traditional rulers and land grabbers, without regard for human lives or property.

 

 

 

According to Irowainu, the community had over 5,000 houses and was home to nearly 500,000 people who have now been displaced.

 

 

 

He claimed that land grabbers, with support from some traditional rulers, led the demolition, using force and intimidation against residents.

 

 

 

Irowainu alleged the demolition occurred between March 7 and 10, involving government officials, armed thugs, and police. Properties worth over ₦200 billion were destroyed or looted.

 

 

 

He further disclosed that the land was subject to ongoing court cases, yet state officials proceeded with demolition despite legal restrictions.

 

 

 

“On Feb. 11, Mr Gbolahan Oki, LASBCA General Manager, came with armed police and thugs, threatening eviction within three days, without any formal notice,” he said.

 

 

 

In response, residents protested at the governor’s office on Feb. 12, where a representative denied knowledge of any planned demolition.

 

 

 

Irowainu cited two court cases—Suit No. LD/4292/LMN/17 and Suit No. 25126/2017—before Justice Suke-Amsat, showing the land’s disputed status.

 

 

 

He accused demolition teams of being backed by armed police, thugs, and area boys, leaving residents defenceless and without prior warning.

 

 

 

He said scores were forced to seek shelter in neighbouring communities, having lost their homes and possessions overnight.

 

 

 

Irowainu urged President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to intervene and provide relief for the displaced victims.

 

 

 

“We call on President Tinubu to direct security agencies to conduct a full investigation and hold those responsible accountable,” Irowainu stated.

 

 

 

He also appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to establish an IDP camp with relief materials to support the affected residents.

 

Egbe Omo Ilaje Worldwide warned that Ilaje people would no longer tolerate aggression and would defend their communities if provoked.

 

“We demand immediate relief, including financial support, for victims of this unlawful demolition,” Irowainu insisted.

 

 

 

He called on the Ondo State Government to support displaced Ilaje residents, following examples set by governors in Eastern Nigeria.

 

 

 

He disclosed that Ebonyi State and others had evacuated their indigenes and provided financial aid, urging similar action for Ilaje people.

 

 

 

Irowainu warned that other Ilaje communities in Lagos—Ijora Badia, Iwaya, Makoko, Ayetoto, Orioke Alala, Bariga, Ajah-Lekki, Itedo—could face similar treatment.

 

 

 

Mr Dayo Johnson, Otto Youth Leader, urged government to return the land to his people, stressing that it was a communal creek, not private property.

 

 

 

“I’ve lost confidence in government and traditional rulers. Even elected local leaders ignored us and failed to offer support,” Johnson said.

 

 

 

He added that many casualties, including children, resulted from tear gas, and the number of deaths remained uncertain.

 

 

 

“We sheltered women and children under a bridge, yet we’re still harassed and victimised.

 

 

 

“All we want is peace and to reclaim our ancestral land,” he said.

 

 

 

Mrs Emita Egbyelo, a local hairdresser, said tear gas left her coughing uncontrollably. No demolition notice was given, she claimed.

 

 

 

She pleaded with the government to intervene and restore peace, calling for immediate action to prevent further suffering. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa
Community , Water Resources

Foundation donates boreholes to communities in Jigawa

By Aisha Ahmed

The Ike Odoeme Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, on Tuesday donated two hand-pumped boreholes each to Facawa and Riniyal communities in Ringim Local Area (LGA) of Jigawa.

Speaking at the event, the Director of Programmes for the Foundation, Miss Suzie Agas, said the donation was part of its efforts to complement the government’s initiative in providing potable water to underserved communities.

The Director stated that the donation was also part of the foundation’s activities to mark World Water Day, observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness about the importance of freshwater and promote sustainable water management.

Agas said that concerted effort was required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 of providing safe and affordable drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, as government alone cannot handle the situation.

She said that the donation was in recognition of the need to ensure that hinterland communities had access to clean water, regardless of their location and status.

According to her, their findings reveal that the communities, predominantly composed of farmers, herders, and traders, lack access to water, which is crucial for sustaining their livelihoods.

“Water is fundamental to public health and economic development, but unfortunately many communities have challenge in accessing safe and clean water.

“Lack of access to clean water leads to water borne diseases, lack of productivity and limits opportunities for children to focus on their education.

“At the foundation, we believe that development enters meeting the basic needs of people, so we have worked closely with community leaders, to ensure the boreholes are strategically located.

“The boreholes are not just about providing water but also aimed at improving the overall well-being of the people, `she said.

She commended the local government authority, community leaders, and members for partnering with them in securing a safe location for the project and for their hospitality throughout its execution.

She, however, appealed to the community to take ownership of the boreholes by maintaining them and using the water responsibly.

In his remarks, the District Head of Sankara, Alhaji Yusi Ahmed, said the two communities, located in an arid zone, had long suffered from water shortages because previous boreholes in the area could not provide a reliable water supply.

He urged the residents to maintain the boreholes properly to ensure they last longer than the previous ones.

On his part, the Chairman of Ringim, Mr Badamasi Dabi, commended the foundation for its intervention, stating that the local government remained committed to collaborating with non-governmental organisations for community development.

Dabi pledged the council’s continued support for vulnerable communities in the local government to foster the overall development of the state.

Speaking on behalf of women, Mrs Jamila Saidu thanked the foundation for its intervention, noting that it would prevent children from arriving late to school, due to long trips to fetch water.

“Most of our children have obtained scars due to physical fights at places to obtain water, also, some times, they go to school without taking a bath or having drinking water, “ she said.

NAN reports that the foundation also donated 100 bags of 5Kg of rice to the communities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Martha Agas/Gabriel Yough

WaterAid, Bwari Council allocate N521m for WASH in 6 PHCs
Community

WaterAid, Bwari Council allocate N521m for WASH in 6 PHCs

By Veronica Dariya

WaterAid Nigeria, in collaboration with the Bwari Area Council, has earmarked more than N500 million for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in six Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).

The proposal was presented at a one-day “Validation Workshop on Local Investment Plans (LIP) for Six Primary Healthcare Institutions” in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the selected PHCs for this pilot project are Dutse-Alhaji, Owner Occupier, Sabon-Gari, Byazhin, Dei-dei, and Ushafa.

NAN also reports that the total proposed budget for the Local Investment Plan (LIP) is N521,655,000.

This funding aims to enhance WASH services, environmental cleaning, health waste management, and monitoring and evaluation across the selected centres.

The investment plan is set to cover the period from 2025 to 2030.

Mr Nampet Chuktu, WaterAid Head of Programmes, highlighted the importance of collaborating with stakeholders to ensure accurate documentation and validation of the investment plans, which would also help in advocating for future budget releases.

“This is so that we are not guessing what is needed or what should be in place each year.

“Instead, we will be able to determine what should be at the centres because it has been validated and documented. With this document, we can advocate for budget release,” he said.

Chuktu urged the representatives of each PHC at the workshop to help facilitate the process and ensure that the overseeing authority at the FCT Primary Health Secretariat properly situates the document.

He also noted that WaterAid, with funding support from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint Charities, would finance 30 per cent of the project, while the council would finance 70 per cent.

Mr Kabiru Abbas, a consultant, emphasised the need for critical infrastructural development to improve WASH services in the PHCs.

He explained that the development of a WASH investment plan would help secure funding for the improvement of healthcare services and contribute to achieving Social Development Goals in the area.

“The LIP is a comprehensive plan for achieving the Social Development Goals within the area council.

“The state of WASH services in health institutions in Bwari Area Council has been precarious and requires significant investment in infrastructure,” he said.

He explained that the LIP was the result of a participatory process involving the assessment of gaps, setting priorities, timelines, and identifying the resources needed to achieve the set objectives.

“It is also evidence-based, life-cycle costed, and developed through a participatory approach involving a mix of stakeholders,” he added.

The Head of Administration of the Bwari Area Council, Mr Isa Musa, assured swift action in adopting the document on behalf of the council chairman.

“WaterAid Nigeria has already supported a 12-month project focused on enhancing WASH facilities in Bwari’s PHCs, including constructing and rehabilitating water and sanitation facilities.

“This project is part of WaterAid’s broader sustainability strategy to maintain the WASH improvements in the council over the next six years.”

The event was attended by officials from various council departments, PHC managers, traditional leaders, and other WASH collaborators. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

100 women making brisk business in Akpu production in Sheda community
Community , Food Security

100 women making brisk business in Akpu production in Sheda community

By Uche Bibilari

No fewer than 100 women are currently making brisk business from Akpu production at the Cassava/Fufu Processing Centre in Sheda, FCT.

Mrs Justina Ibrahim, Leader of the centre, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sheda.

Ibrahim explained that Akpu business had helped them feed their families and achieve financial independence.

She revealed that the centre was built by the Kwali Area Council Chairman in collaboration with the Agro Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACRESAL) FCT Project Implementation Unit.

She noted that the business had helped the women to become self-sufficient as well as take care of their respective families.

“When we started, we were not this many. But as time went by and people saw the viability of the business, more people joined us, now we have 100 registered members,” she said.

Ibrahim disclosed that to become a member and participate in the Akpu business, a newcomer was expected to pay a ₦10,000 registration fee.

She also disclosed that members source their cassava mainly from Kogi and the FCT, adding that a pickup truck of cassava cost between N400,000 and N500, 000.

She, however, lamented the absence of sufficient reliable water supply at the centre, and appealed to the government to provide more for the centre.

She also called for the provision of a machine that would help in peeling and washing of the cassava, thereby reducing the labour involved in the process.

A member who spoke with NAN said that since joining the centre, she has made huge profit.

Mrs Joy Jalo, a member of the Akpu association, said that she joined the business five years ago with a capital of N100,000, which has now grown to N500, 000.

She said that she had been earning a living from proceeds of the business, which has improved her family’s livelihood.

Jalo said that the business had enabled her to send her children to school and also trained two of her siblings.

She, however, said that the business was not what it used to be in the past due to a significant decline in sales.

”The business used to be vibrant, but these days, with the current economic situation in the country, everything is increasing, and people are struggling to survive.

”In spite of this, we still thank God for everything, at least for being able to provide food and shelter for our families.

”This is because in cassava processing, nothing goes to waste, the cassava peel is used to feed cow and pig, while the fibre is also used as food,’’ she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Deborah Coker

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security
Community

Etsu Kwali commends FCT minister for efforts in improving security

Security

By Veronica Dariya

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, has commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his efforts in stabilising security within the FCT and its surrounding areas.

Nizassan made the remarks in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He said the improvement in security, especially in his community, was due to the collaborative efforts between the FCT administration and local community vigilance.

Nizassan said that this partnership had been instrumental in addressing issues like kidnapping and other security threats in the area.

“Before his assumption as Minister of the FCT, some of the communities here were major flashpoints for kidnapping and other crimes.

“The FCT Minister’s collaboration with the community has helped us address these challenges effectively,” Nizassan said.

He also acknowledged the minister’s support, noting that resources, including operational vehicles, had been deployed to aid local vigilantes.

Since his enthronement in May 2024, Nizassan emphasised that he had taken steps to maintain security and tackle theft and burglary in the area.

He explained that one such measure include discussions with scavengers about their role in criminal activities, such as purchasing stolen goods or participating in theft.

In addition, Nizassan said that intelligence officers had been integrated into known criminal hideouts, providing crucial information to security agencies.

“If there is actionable intelligence, it will definitely help address the issue of crime prevention and response,” he said.

He also mentioned that criminal hotspots such as Pai-junction, Mamu, Yangoji, Gada-biyu, and Kwaita were identified as areas frequented by kidnappers’ informants, who often disguise themselves as petty traders.

Nizassan affirmed that his ongoing collaboration with security agencies had significantly reduced kidnapping activities in the region.

He stressed on the importance of continued efforts to ensure the security of life and property in the community.(NAN)

Edited Dorcas Jonah and Abiemwense Moru

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state
Community

Abuja Indigenes propose Kwali as capital of FCT state

Kwali

By Uche Bibilari
Indigenes of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have advocated for the creation of Abuja State with Kwali as capital.

The Etsu of Kwali, Mr Luka Nizassan III, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Kwali, the headquarter of Kwali Area Council.

The Etsu said that a document had been submitted for the review of the 1999 constitution to give FCT a state status.

He said in the proposal, submitted by the original inhabitants of FCT and other stakeholders, Kwali should be made the headquarters of the state.

The traditional ruler also appealed to the Federal Government to establish a tertiary institution in Kwali, to fast track development in the area council.

According to him, by FCT the master plan, Kwali is the educational hub for the territory, hence the siting of National Educational Research and Development Council, an institution responsible for developing educational curriculums, in the area.

He added that the National Mathematical Centre, Sheda Science and Technology and National Seed Council are all located in Kwali as the original educational zone for the FCT.

“This institutions are set up to support tertiary institutions, to support research because they have facilities that are supposed to aid and also provide tertiary non-degree programmes.

“The University of Abuja was located in Gwagwalada because Kwali was formally the headquarters of Gwagwalada Area Council.

“This is why I am appealing for the establishment of a tertiary institution in Kwali to support already established institutions in the council, ’he pleaded.

Nizassan specifically appealed to the Federal Government to consider siting the recently approved FCT Federal Polytechnic in Kwali.

According to him, Kwali has what it takes in terms of structures and land for a polytechnic to be located in the council.

The Etsu said the people of Kwali were willing to donate the Federal Technical College, Kwali as take off infrastructure for the Polytechnic. (NAN)
Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

 Kwali community begins documentation of artefacts to boost tourism
Community

 Kwali community begins documentation of artefacts to boost tourism

Tourism

By Veronica Dariya

The Etsu of Kwali, Luka Nizassan III, has announced plans to document historical artifacts in Kwali community to enhance and promote tourism in the area.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, the traditional ruler stated that the initiative would include factual accounts of potential tourist sites, particularly those linked to the renowned potter, Dr Ladi Kwali.

Nizassan revealed that he had already identified and profiled various tourist attractions within the community, including the restored gravesite of Kwali, “which is expected to boost the area’s tourism potential.

“This community holds the greatest tourism potential in the FCT because it is the home of Dr Ladi Kwali. I am one of her grandsons,” he said.

“Her gravesite has been developed, and we have documented all potential tourist sites. We are exploring ways to develop them so that the community can benefit from the tourism economy.”

He added that discussions had already began with the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Social Development Secretariat and the Director of Tourism on how to harness the area’s tourism potential.

“One step I have taken is to engage the services of archaeologists to date some of the historical remains we have,” he said.

“This is to enrich our history as a people and also to be able to have factual stories about these tourist sites.

“This is the best way to profile stories sites if there are true stories behind them and not myths.

“We want to tell the true stories about ourselves; to make sure that the dates are appropriate and built from proper facts.”

The chief added that the move would also alter the false and misinterpretation of the history of people of Kwali community, as earlier presumed by some writers and historians.

He stated that presenting factual accounts directly from the indigenous people of the community would provide an authentic representation of its history, thereby attracting visitors to the unique settlement.

“We are working to discard inaccurate narratives and share the true stories about ourselves,” he said.

“We believe that once these stories are shared, people will become curious to learn more about us and will visit our community.”

Nizassan also mentioned that his chiefdom was collaborating with private investors to develop resorts and hotels in the area.

According to him, this initiative will enable visitors to enjoy the serene environment as a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

He described his people as hospitable and welcoming, adding that tourism would offer visitors a firsthand opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of the community.(NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Kevin Okunzuwa

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