News
Oyo: 156,979 Pupils sit for 2023 screening exercise into JSS1

The Oyo State Government, on Monday, commenced the 2023 screening/placement exercise statewide for primary six pupils transiting into public Junior Secondary School one.

A statement by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, revealed that close to One Hundred Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Nine (156,979) pupils across Five Hundred and Three (503) Centers participated in the exercise.

The statement said the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Abdul Waheed, alongside a team from the Ministry monitored the exercise in some centers within the Ibadan metropolis.
The commissioner who applauded the hitch free exercise, noted that the centers visited were peaceful and devoid of malpractices.
While expressing satisfaction over the conduct of the exercise, Salihu gave kudos to the Oyo state government and the management of the ministry of Education Science and Technology for conducting the screening/placement exercise despite the workers’ protest.
He explained that the Oyo state government is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind in accessing quality education in the state.
He said: “As you can see, everything is hitch free and going on well. Let me quickly give kudos to the Oyo state government and Management Team of Oyo state Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. I was fully aware that the labor Union is seriously working that the screening/placement exercise will not be held today due to their protest, but we thank God we were able to hold the Exercise”.
“The students are future leaders and we need to catch them young. Also, we encourage them to enroll in public institutions because the ministry places a premium on qualitative education”, he said.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Mrs. Olasoji Olanike, commended the state government for conducting the screening and placement exercise in a conducive environment, noting that exercise commenced on time.
She explained that their wards were well attended to during the exercise.
The monitoring exercise was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusanjo Adeniyi, Directors and other staff members of the ministry.
The centers visited include, Ikolaba Grammar School, Ikolaba; Army Barrack Grammar School, Iwo –Road; Community Grammar School, Ibadan; Bishop Phillips Academy; Monatan High School; Lagelu Basic Special School, Iyana Church, Ibadan among others.

News
Akpabio pays historic visit to office of SA to President on Senate Matters

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has commended Senator Basheer Lado, for redefining the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, stating that, for the first time in a long while, the office is fully meeting its expectations.

Speaking during his visit to the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters accompanied by distinguished senators, Akpabio described the visit as a significant step in strengthening Executive-Legislative relations.

He praised the Special Adviser and his team for maintaining the confidentiality of communications between the President and Senate, and also, ensuring a seamless flow of information. He further emphasized that the office is now more result-oriented.
Additionally, he acknowledged the office’s diligent efforts in tracking all Bills passed by the Senate and assented to by the President, underscoring its critical role in legislative efficiency.
Expressing his satisfaction, Akpabio noted that he and the Senate delegation were proud of the office’s achievements and looked forward to sustaining the existing cordial and productive relationship between the Executive and the Legislature throughout the administration.
In recognition of his exemplary leadership, Senator Lado presented an Award of Excellence to Senator Akpabio.
In his remarks, Senator Lado reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a harmonious working relationship between the Executive and the Legislature. He lauded Akpabio for his unwavering dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—defending it with clarity, articulating it with passion, and advancing it through legislative action.

News
Plateau LP stakeholders endorses Barr Gyang Zi’s defection to APC

Ahead of the 2025 political party Congresses, Plateau State Chapter of the Labour Party (LP) stakeholders has endorsed the defection of the candidate of the party in the 2023 general elections and the leader of Justice and Rebirth, Barr Gyang Zi SAN, to the All Progressive Congress (APC) with the view to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

They made the call in a communique issued at the end of the enlarge meeting of the stakeholders from Plateau North senatorial zone at the residence of Barr. Gyang Zi in Rayfield Jos.

The communique which was jointly signed by Dr. Ayiki Sati Director General, Justice and Rebirth and
Barr. Samuel Galadima- 2024 Chairmanship candidate of Jos East LGA among others said the call became imperative on the sideline of the leadership tussle at the National Level which violates the core principles and values for the formation of the Party as an alternative for Nigeria for the protection, sustenance of democracy and Social Justice.
They regretted that the leadership tussle has also divided the party into factions leaving party loyalists and supporters in the state of despondency and confusion not knowing where they belong.
Our correspondent reports that the gathering included LP candidates from the 2023/2024 general elections, party executives, and support groups from the six local government areas of the Northern Senatorial District.
Besides, the focus of the discussions was centered on the state of the Labour Party at both national and state levels and the need for political realignment ahead of the 2025 party congresses and conventions.
The stakeholders further frowned at the structural weaknesses in LP and resolved to advise Barr Gyang Zi, to leave the party and join the APC while expressing confidence that the APC would provide him with a platform to advance good governance in the state .
The communique also emphasized the importance of political consultations, particularly with APC leaders at both state and national levels. It called for collaboration with Plateau State APC leaders, including Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, Sen. Simon Bako Lalong, Sen. Diket Plang, and other party officials.
According to the communique, supporters of Barr Gyang Zi also pledged to mobilize grassroots support for the APC, stating that their leader’s defection would strengthen the party in the state.
They urged the APC leadership to formally receive Gyang Zi and his supporters into the party, marking their official transition from the Labour Party.
Stakeholders also reiterated the need for inclusive governance, ensuring that youths, women, and less privileged individuals are sidelined in the democratic process and accordingly officially denounced their membership in the Labour Party, declaring their support for the APC.
They assured that all LP structures aligned with Gyang Zi would follow suit, shifting their loyalty to the ruling party in the state and at the National level.

News
Kogi Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo salutes Tinubu at 74

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has extended his heartfelt felicitation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.

Governor Ododo in statement signed by his special adviser on media, Ismaila Isah described President Tinubu as a statesman whose leadership and dedication to national development continue to inspire hope and progress across Nigeria.

He commended the President’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is driving economic reforms, strengthening national unity, and advancing the nation’s democratic values.
“On behalf of the government and people of Kogi State, I celebrate Mr President and our father on this special day. Your resilience, visionary leadership, and patriotism have laid a strong foundation for Nigeria’s growth. We deeply appreciate your tireless efforts in repositioning our country for sustainable development,” Governor Ododo stated.
He further reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu’s administration and prayed for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for the President as he leads Nigeria toward greater prosperity, sustainable development, peace and stability.

-
Politics1 week ago
Opposition leaders announce coalition to challenge Tinubu in 2027
-
Foreign1 week ago
Houthis declare Ben-Gurion Airport ‘no longer safe’ after renewed Gaza fighting
-
Politics1 week ago
Yahaya Bello deceptively arranging recall of Senator Natasha, desperate to replace her – Constituents
-
News1 week ago
Why Christ Embassy’s Pastor Chris holds Abuja mega crusade – Fisho
-
Crime1 week ago
Ghana’s anti-drug agency nabs Nigerian drug kingpin, Uchechukwu Chima, seizes $2.1m worth of cocaine, heroin
-
News1 week ago
Umeh denies receiving $10,000 with other 42 Senators to support state of emergency in Rivers
-
Politics1 week ago
Atiku, El-rufai, Obi condemn Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers Governor, demand reversal
-
Business1 week ago
Flutterwave, FIRS collaborate to digitize tax collection in Nigeria