NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG calls for acceleration of broadband in underserved regions
Science & Tech

FG calls for acceleration of broadband in underserved regions

233 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has called for the acceleration of broadband, fibre-optic networks and rural connectivity programmes in underserved regions of the country.

The Director-General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, made the call in his keynote speech at the 2025 ITGOV Conference, on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Inuwa spoke on the theme: “Advancing Government Operations Through Digital Transformation”.

The one-day annual conference was organised by Tranter IT and ManageEngine.

The D-G, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Dr Femi Adeluyi, said that the world was witnessing a digital revolution that was redefining the way that governments function.

He said that the Nigerian government had embarked on a journey to leverage digital transformation to drive development and growth.

“Governments are waking up to a powerful realisation that digital transformation is not a luxury but a necessity.

“According to a 2023 report by the United Nations e-government Survey, over 70 per cent of countries globally have improved their digital government development index, with leading examples from Estonia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

“These governments are not just digitising services, they are transforming operations.

“They are building citizen-centric platforms, leveraging data for better policy decisions and ensuring that services are inclusive, accessible, and resilient,” he said.

He said that the ministry and NITDA were driving reforms aligned with the president’s vision.

He said that the Digital Transformation Working Group (DTWG) had worked with MDAs across sectors to develop and implement its plans, focused on automation, service delivery, cloud adoption, and data-driven governance.

Inuwa said that digital transformation was not just about technology but rethinking and building a government that listens, responds and evolves with its citizens.

“Nigeria has the potential to become a model for Africa,” he said.

Dr Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), urged the federal and state governments to continue moving in lockstep-aligning priorities.

Arabi, represented by Sulola Johnson, Director of Strategy Innovation Research, BPRS, said that governments should keep sharing data and coordinating systems to deliver seamless services to Nigerians, regardless of geography.

He said that BPRS was committed to training 500,000 public servants in digital literacy and emerging technologies, equipping them to manage and sustain these technologies for long-term impact.

“In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, IT automation has become not just a tool, but a strategic imperative for modern governance.

“From eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks to improving service delivery and accountability, automation is at the very heart of the transformation journey we must all embark upon.

“Digital tools alone can not drive transformation. We must invest in people, the true enablers of innovation.

“We urge all relevant state and federal institutions to collaborate with us on this ambitious but necessary goal,” Arabi said.

Earlier, Melanie Ayoola, Executive Director of the Tranter Group of Companies, highlighted the importance of digital solutions in improving government operations.

Ayoola said that ManageEngine, a global IT automation suite of solutions, had been adopted by 50 per cent of the largest enterprise companies in Nigeria.

She said that the solution would help manage tickets, events and endpoints, boosting productivity and reducing downtime.

She said that in the government space, ManageEngine could help to manage thousands of workers, ensuring maximum productivity and efficient service delivery.

“This will boost productivity by responding quickly to any issues or challenges that may come up to prevent an employee from working or having maximum productivity.

“So in a government space where you have thousands of workers, 12,000, 15,000 and more, you can imagine having a percentage of those employees not working at full capacity because their tool is down.

“If you have little issues on 30 per cent of your workforce, you have people working at 50 per cent capacity, and your output starts to decline as an organisation.

“Not only will you have low productivity if you do not utilise some of these IT automation solutions, but you can affect the services to the public,” she said.

In his remarks, Stranivasan Rajasekar, Regional head, West Africa, ManageEngine, said that the solution offered comprehensive solutions for public and private sector organisations of all sizes.

Rajasekar said that it would empower such organisations to secure, simplify and optimise their IT infrastructure.

“The company offers a wide range of solutions, including Identity and Access Management, Enterprise Service Management, Endpoint Management and Security, IT Operations Management, Security Information and Event Management.

“It also offers advanced IT Analytics, Low-code App Development, Cloud Solutions for Enterprise IT, Privileged Access Management, and Remote Work Management,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Okpebholo urges Ighodalo to accept appeal court verdict, embrace unity
Politics

Okpebholo urges Ighodalo to accept appeal court verdict, embrace unity

226 total views today

By Nefishetu Yakubu

Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, on Thursday urged PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo to accept the Court of Appeal judgment affirming his electoral victory and embrace unity for the progress of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Appeal Court, in its judgment on Thursday, upheld the earlier tribunal ruling, validating the mandate of Gov. Okpebholo.

In a statement in Benin, Okpebholo said the verdict reaffirmed the will of Edo people and signalled all political actors, especially Ighodalo, to set politics aside for the progress of the state.

Okpebholo praised the judiciary’s integrity, describing the ruling as a victory not just for APC but for democracy and rule of law in Edo.

He urged Ighodalo and the opposition to reflect deeply on the judgment, adding that prolonged litigation distracts the incumbent from delivering good governance to the people.

Okpebholo reaffirmed his open-door policy, stating that Edo’s development remained the top priority, above partisan interest or political affiliations.

“Now is the time for statesmanship, he said, noting that the legal process has been exhausted, and the verdict was final and binding,” he said.

The governor noted that he remained committed to his people’s first agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment across the state.

He called on citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding, promising that his administration would intensify its people-centred development programmes with renewed energy.

With the legal battle now settled, Okpebholo reiterated that his government was ready to serve all Edo residents without exception or discrimination. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Quarry: Reps suspend operations of Arab Contractors
Metro

Quarry: Reps suspend operations of Arab Contractors

188 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has suspended the quarry operations of Arab contractors for non compliance with operational rules of engagement.

The Chairman, House Committee on Solid Minerals, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi, representing Karu/Kokona, Nasarawa, said this during a meeting with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja on Thursday.

Gbefwi who decried the mode of operations of Arab contractors, said it was not only injurious to the host community but disastrous to health.

He said the suspension would be sustained, pending when the company relocated to a new quarry site, safe for blasting.

“Arab Contractors’ blast with a distance of 431 meters, is a contravention of the rule of engagement and threat to people’s safety,” he said.

The lawmaker warned that all quarry operations ought to be in compliance with the rules of engagement and the Nigerian law.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the house to always uphold safety and defence of the Nigerian people, especially host communities.

According to him, as representatives of the people, it is their duty to ensure that the host communities benefitted from their resources, so that they don’t see it as curse but blessing.

Gbefwi wondered how some companies would be operating without compliance with the extant laws in the country.

He threatened to withdraw the license of such companies if found culpable.

“Nigeria is not a banana republic; it is a country with spelt out laws and rules that govern it.”

Responding, the Director, Mining, Extraction and Compliance (MEC), Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Ms Vivian Okono, said that many of the operating companies defied compliance.

Okono, who absolved the ministry from complicates, said that she had written Arab Contractors on compliance.

She said that her department had continued to ensure that host communities benefits were given them by advising the operating companies not to shortchange them.  (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Tinubu has stabilized Nigeria’s economy for growth – Onuigbo
General News

Tinubu has stabilized Nigeria’s economy for growth – Onuigbo

195 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

Chief Sam Onuigbo, former lawmaker for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency, Abia, has commended President Tinubu for stabilising Nigeria’s economy for growth.

Onuigbo said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the occasion of the President’s commemoration of two years in office on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that President Tinubu’s payoff of IMF loan was a testament to his achievement in stabilising Nigeria’s economy.

“This is a man who accumulated over 23 trillion naira ways and means from the previous administration.

“He started on a stormy ground, and today we are talking about increase in salaries and state allocations,” he said.

Onuigbo, who called on Nigerians to re-elect President Tinubu come 2027, said it was imperative for progress consolidation.

According to him, the money saved from fuel subsidy removal is injected into the economy to benefit of all Nigerians.

The APC chieftain saluted Tinubu’s giant strides in infrastructure which includes the 700 km Lagos/Calabar Road and Sokoto/Badagry super-highway.

He advised Nigerians to continue to support the President in order to sustain the achievements so far made.

Onuigbo, who acknowledged economic challenges, blamed the seeming hardship on profiteering and self-denial.

He expressed hope that a more prosperous Nigeria is possible with Tinubu’s re-election. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Gov. Otu declines to judge past administration in C’ River
Metro

Gov. Otu declines to judge past administration in C’ River

190 total views today

By Christian Njoku

Gov. Bassey Otu has disclosed that he would not judge past administrations in the state because his coming as governor was to build on the gains of the past.

Otu made the assertion on Thursday in Calabar during the inauguration of the newly remodelled Governor’s Office.

It would be recalled that the office constructed in 1968 by the then military administrator of the state, Brig. Gen. U. J. Esuene last underwent minor renovations over 20 years ago and had been in bad shape.

According to the governor, this building stands as a signpost for Cross River and after eight years, I will leave and support the next person that will take over.

“We used austere finances to deliver the project and nobody will believe that the finance is meagre.

“We looked at its impact on the society and decided to renovate, remodel and turn this place around to a smart office that matches the 21st century,” he said.

He added that the whole essence was for service and that the people that would occupy the new office would have to work.

“They should know that they don’t leave until I leave office daily,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Emmanuel Ironbar, Chief of Staff to the Governor, said the governor’s office had been standing for about 58 years and needed to be remodelled and renovated to fit into the current realities.

According to him, the inauguration on May 29 meant double celebration as the achievements of the governor in different sectors could be seen.

He asserted that the governor’s transformative approach to governance was a welcome development and the state was proud and lucky to have him as a governor.

“You have worked from a temporary office in two years and have performed very well in infrastructural development that is changing the fortunes of the state,” he said.

On his part, Mr Edem Bassey, Special Adviser (SA) to the Governor on Governor’s Office, said on resumption of office, the governor saw that the then office was not a conducive place to work from.

He added that the office had been left to dilapidate by previous administrations in the state, adding that renovating it was a morale booster for every resident of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Otu also used the opportunity to inaugurate the remodelled Office of the Wife of the Governor in commemoration of his two years in office. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika

Akanu Ibiam International Airport Cargo ready for operation – Gov Mbah
Metro

Akanu Ibiam International Airport Cargo ready for operation – Gov Mbah

175 total views today

By Alex Enebeli

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says the cargo terminal of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport as well as the international wings of the cargo terminal would soon be ready for operation.

Mbah disclosed this during the celebration to mark his two years in office held at the Okpara Square, Enugu on Thursday.

“Our airport will soon become operational. That way, we can move cargo from Enugu across the entire world.

“What that means is that our tech-enabled logistics and trading dream will come true to every Igbo businessman,” he added.

The governor said his administration had constructed over 800 kilometres of road in two years aimed at opening the state.

He said the roads cut across urban and rural communities and had opened access to markets, industries, schools and hospitals.

According to him, no community is being left behind as they built the system that powered them.

“In our first road project, we flagged off 71 urban roads and 20 rural road projects, connecting our people and reviving our local economies.

“In our first 180 days, we restored clean water to parts of Enugu metropolis by activating the Ninth Mile Water Scheme.

“We brought back school feeding programme so that our children could learn on full stomach. We also launched a digital business portal, cutting registration,” Mbah said.

He disclosed that his administration began civil service reforms, using digital verification by ensuring that public offices serve real workers and not ghost names.

On security, the governor said his government deployed a Distress Response Squad (DRS) and installed an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-embedded security surveillance system that now helped in reducing urban crime by up to 80 per cent.

“In just two years, we have begun to rewire the foundation of Enugu State for future promise. We have delivered five ultra-modern terminals across the state.

“The Holy Ghost Terminal one for interstate travel with a sky bridge linking you to Terminal two which connects the terminal for intra-city transport.

“Gariki, Abakpa, Nsukka terminals all are ready for commissioning. We have also allocated 33 per cent of our budget to education alone, surpassing even the global benchmark,” he said.

The governor added that soon, the state would begin the rollout of 260 Smart Green Schools across the state, revealing they would be equipped with digital whiteboards, science labs and solar power.

According to him, the schools will aid experiential learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, robotics and mechatronics.

“These spaces are where our children will no longer dream of opportunities, but they will grow, learning how to create the opportunities.

“Alongside this, we are building 260 primary health care centres across the entire state,” Mbah said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

Midterm anniversary: Eno attributes success to teamwork, God’s grace
Metro

Midterm anniversary: Eno attributes success to teamwork, God’s grace

241 total views today
By Isaiah Eka
Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has attributed the success of his administration within two years in office to teamwork, public support and the grace of God.
Eno, who made the statement in Uyo on Thursday at a media interaction to mark his administration’s two years in office, thanked Akwa Ibom people for their support.
“This administration has enjoyed enormous goodwill and support from Akwa Ibom people since it came on board on May 29, 2023.
“I say it boldly, the teamwork from members of my cabinet, support from our people, and the grace of God have armed us to serve Akwa Ibom,” he said.
The governor reassured Akwa Ibom people of his commitment to provide dividends of democracy in line with his administration’s Arise Agenda.
He said that Akwa Ibom would witness more developments across the 31 local government areas of the state in the next two years.
“We have the assessment of our government by independent organisations, I believe that we are on the right tract.
“We have not reached our destination yet, but the midterm report of our first tenure shows me that we have gone above 50 per cent.
“Take a look at all the indices of the ARISE Agenda from agriculture revolution, rural development, infrastructure development, security and education.
“You will agree that we have been able to tick the boxes. We have things we can talk about that we have delivered intentionally,” he said.
Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to get involved in farming as a deliberate way of bringing down the prices of essential food items.
He said that the government would continue to provide farmers with farm inputs and grants to ensure food availability.
The governor further said that the government would soon engage 31 computer teachers across the 31 model primary schools in the state to train pupils on ICT. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election victory as Ighodalo heads to Supreme Court
Judiciary

Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election victory as Ighodalo heads to Supreme Court

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By Taiye Agbaje/Edith Nwapi
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday, affirmed the election of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Governor of Edo and winner of the election held on September 21, 2024.
A three-member panel of the court, in a unanimous judgment, held that the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was unmeritorious.
Justice Olabode-Abimbola Adegbehingbe, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the appellants failed to show that the election tribunal erred in its decision and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the tribunal delivered on April 2.
Justice Adegbehingbe also held that the tribunal was right to hold that the petitioners did not prove their allegations of non-compliance and over voting.
The judge equally held that the evidence of 19 witnesses, called by the appellants at the tribunal, were insufficient to prove the allegations, adding that they failed to call relevant witnesses from the polling units complained about.
“The case of the petitioners (appellants) was inadequately presented by calling only 19 witnesses, most of whom did not witness what happened at the polling units,” he said.
Justice Adegbehingbe noted that 14 out of the 19 witnesses called by the respondents at the tribunal, gave evidence about what they did not witness, having not been present at the polling units when the election was held.
He added that it was impossible for the appellants to prove over voting when they failed to tender voters register.
In partly allowing the cross appeal filed by Okpebholo, Justice Adegbehingbe set aside the decision by the tribunal, admitting the 133 Bi-modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines tendered by the appellants in their bid to prove over voting.
The judge said the BVAS machines were wrongly admitted having been tendered from the bar by the appellants’ legal team.
He further held that the tribunal was in grave error when it admitted the BVAS machines that were tendered from the bar in the absence of a prior consent of parties.
The judge said: “The condition precedent to the admission of exhibits from the bar, which is concession, was absent.
“The 133 BVAS machines were wrongly admitted in the manner adopted by the tribunal.”
The judge added that the admission of the BVAS machines was a miscarriage of justice.
He proceeded to set it aside and expunged the BVAS from the record of the tribunal.
Justice Adegbehingbe also struck down some part of the petition filed before the tribunal by Ighodalo and the PDP for being defective.
Meanwhile, Ighodalo and the PDP have vowed to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.
A chieftain of the PDP, who was in court, said their legal team had been instructed to immediately lodge an appeal before the apex court (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
FG targets 24-hour internet, power supply to special institutions
Science & Tech

FG targets 24-hour internet, power supply to special institutions

196 total views today

By Jessica Dogo

The Federal Government has inaugurated fibre-to-home to hostels at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) as part of plans to ensure 24- hour internet supply to special institutions nationwide before the end of 2026.

The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa, said at an event in Abuja that the Federal Government was determined to provide the enabling environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

Alausa said that UniAbuja was a special institution, now enjoying 24-hour internet supply, adding that other special institutions would enjoy the same before the end of 2026.

“President Bola Tinubu is energising institutions. We have special institutions in the country today enjoying 24-hour electricity via the presidential renewable mini-grid project, the solarisation project.

“University of Abuja is one of the beneficiaries. You have a 3.3 megahertz mini-grid here and everybody can attest to it now that you have 24-hour electricity supply.

“The president is not stopping there. Before the end of next year, literally all the special institutions will have mini-grid. You will all enjoy 24-hour electricity supply,” he said.

It is expected that the regular power supply would support the internet facility.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani said that UniAbuja was the first of the seven universities in the first phase of the pilot scheme.

Tijani said that by the end of July the seven institutions  would have been connected.

“This initiative we are launching here today is the first of the seven in a pilot scheme, and by the end of July we would have connected the seven universities.

“Galaxy Backbone has the infrastructure in place already; all we are doing is to take the fibre to hostels.

“We have taught it to be important that Nigerian university students cannot continue to learn without access to meaningful connectivity.

“When we give you this access that not only are you going to be better in what you are learning, but you are actually going to create the future that our president is asking that we create as a nation,” he said.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Patricia Lar, in her welcome address, lauded the project, adding that it will benefit the school community.

“It is a special initiative that is going to create opportunities for students of all economic status to access data to be able to use for knowledge and education and to feed their creativity with ease.

“We are grateful for deploying fibre to our hostels. This also works with the solar power backup that has been installed in our campus.

The President, Medical Students Association of the institution, Faith David, who spoke on behalf of the students expressed delight with what the government had done by connecting their hostels to fibre for Internet access.

“We appreciate both ministers for this initiative, we are enjoying 24 hour power and now our hostels have been connected to the internet to make learning easier for us,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Akpabio hails Tinubu’s two years of transformative leadership
Politics

Akpabio hails Tinubu’s two years of transformative leadership

201 total views today

By Naomi Sharang

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Tinubu for restoring the hope of Nigerians for a viable and sustainable nation through transformative and courageous leadership.

Akpabio stated this in a message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh on Thursday in Abuja.

He congratulated President Tinubu on his second year anniversary in Office, saying the president in the last two years has placed Nigeria on a solid developmental pedestal using the Renewed Hope Agenda as his policy thrust.

He said: “Today, May 29, 2025, marks the second year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“On behalf of the Nigerian Senate, the entire National Assembly, my family and constituents, I extend my warmest and profound congratulations to a visionary, courageous and transformative leader, President Bola Tinubu on this milestone.

“I commend President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is gradually revitalising our economy, improving the lives of Nigerians, rekindling hope in our people and building a brighter and prosperous future for our nation.”

Akpabio further said that Tinubu’s bold initiatives and reforms, particularly in the areas of economic and fiscal policies, demonstrated his undying dedication to transforming Nigeria to its deserving greatness.

“Your drive and obsession to giving every section of the country a sense of belonging has clearly been demonstrated in the creation of development commissions in all the geopolitical zones.

“This is unprecedented in the annals of our nationhood.

“The level of infrastructural development as enunciated in the monumental ongoing projects across the country such as the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway, the Lagos- Maiduguri Highway are testaments to your leadership signature and development conscious pedigree.

“The economic reforms are gradually turning Nigeria into the preferred business destination of local and foreign investors; with the Naira making a strong rebound coupled with your ambitious and purposeful fiscal policies.

“Mr President, your achievements in the area of security are wholesome and commendable.

“In the last two years, the Nigerian Armed Forces have taken the war against insurgency to the doorstep of bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements and the results are obvious and positive.

“No wonder, you have received torrents of endorsements to return to office in 2027 just two years into your first tenure.

“These endorsements are certainly not a fluke but founded on verifiable performance in good governance and delivery on campaign promises and undiluted national consciousness.”

“The senate remains committed to collaborating with the Executive arm of government under your able and dynamic leadership to ensure the success of these initiatives.

“We recognise the challenges that lie ahead and pledge to work together to address them.

“Mr President, we appreciate your leadership and vision for Nigeria’s growth and development. We look forward to continued partnership and progress in the years ahead,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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