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The Council of HND Holders for the Advancement of Polytechnic Education in Nigeria (COHAPEN) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have praised the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for the prompt payment of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances to students in tertiary institutions across the country.

They also commended the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, for transforming the organization into one that prioritizes transparency, innovation, and service delivery since assuming office in 2023.

In a joint statement signed by the National Chairperson of COHAPEN, Mrs. Confidence Adaeze Godwin, and the Vice President of NAPS, Comrade Aliyu Omotayo Yusuf, the groups said:

‘Dr. Ogun has redefined the ITF into a hub of innovation, transparency, and people-oriented service delivery.

He has also institutionalized transparency through open bidding for projects and a strong emphasis on local content promotion,’ the statement noted.

The groups added: ‘As part of his commitment to students’ welfare, Dr. Ogun inaugurated a SIWES Committee to digitalize the disbursement process and ensure allowances are paid promptly and transparently.

In 2023 alone, the ITF disbursed ?1.1 billion in SIWES allowances – ?733 million to university students, ?233 million to polytechnic students, and ?72 million to colleges of education students.

This intervention directly touched thousands of young Nigerians undergoing industrial attachment.’

According to the statement, the ITF has also launched the Model Staff School Skill Academy in Jos – a pilot programme that combines formal education with hands-on vocational training.

‘In the academy, students from JSS1 and SS1 will undergo skill sessions on weekdays and weekends while pursuing WAEC/NECO and international certifications.

The programme features a Career Day every September, incubation opportunities for small businesses, and entrepreneurship training for parents to make families both skilled and enterprise-driven.

ITF has announced plans to replicate this model across all six geopolitical zones, free of charge.’

On other initiatives, the statement highlighted that under the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ITF secured accreditation from the City and Guilds of London (UK) as an examination centre.

‘This milestone provides Nigerian artisans international certification, with three clear pathways: Talent Export for global opportunities, Local job integration, and Business incubation for entrepreneurship,’ it added.

The statement also commended the ITF leadership for reviving neglected skill centres across the country.

‘In Epe, Lagos, he received the Agbowa Vocational Centre on behalf of ITF, while also initiating plans to restore the Skill Acquisition Centre in Borokini, Ikorodu.

These efforts form part of his campaign to ensure no skill centre is left behind, transforming existing facilities into hubs for empowerment and poverty reduction.’

As part of renewed efforts to combat childhood diseases and safeguard future generations, Niger and Jigawa states have launched extensive Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaigns in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), GAVI, and other development partners.

In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago officially endorsed the campaign, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving public health and ensuring that the MR vaccine is available in all healthcare facilities across the state. He emphasised the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, describing it as vital protection against measles and rubella.

Speaking at a media dialogue in Minna, the Incident Manager of the Niger State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr Fatima Ibrahim, said the MR vaccine marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s public health system. She noted that the country was at a pivotal moment as it prepared to incorporate the vaccine into its national immunisation schedule.

‘With the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, we now have an additional, powerful tool to combat these diseases and safeguard future generations,’ she said.

Dr Ibrahim explained that the MR vaccine is safe, government-funded, and free for all eligible children aged between nine months and fourteen years. She further highlighted the crucial role of the media in sensitising the public and ensuring wide acceptance of the vaccine.

Similarly, the Chief of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila, represented by UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr Ahmed Tsofo, called on journalists to use their platforms to promote accurate information about the campaign. According to Dr Birukila, ‘your voice can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can build trust in public health, and you can make vaccination not just a medical necessity but a parental duty and a community value proudly upheld.’

She urged the media to help mobilise parents, caregivers, and communities to view immunisation days not as routine, but as ‘moments of protection and demonstration of care,’ while countering misinformation with factual and relatable messages.

In Jigawa State, preparations have also reached an advanced stage for the commencement of a similar vaccination drive targeting over 3.1 million children. The State Immunization Officer, Dr Shehu Ibrahim, disclosed during a media dialogue in Dutse that ‘a total of 3,186,521 children is targeted to be immunize during the exercise.’

He explained that the campaign, scheduled to run from 6th to 15th October across 288 wards in 27 local government areas, would cover children aged nine months to fourteen years. A total of 1,580 vaccination teams, each consisting of 11 members, have been mobilised for the programme.

Dr Ibrahim added that the exercise, organised by the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) in collaboration with UNICEF, would also include routine immunisation and polio vaccination. He revealed that ‘3,186,521 children targeted for Measles-Rubella whom were from 9 months to 14 years while in polio vaccination 1,517,319 children between 0-59 months as beneficiaries. 5,121 qualified health workers will work for the success of the program.’

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Kabiru Mustapha, said the media engagement was aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality rates linked to preventable diseases. He urged journalists to support the campaign by encouraging parents to present their children for vaccination.

Dr Mustapha maintained that with collective effort and public participation, the state could record zero cases of measles and rubella infections, assuring full institutional support for the success of the campaign.

No fewer than 2,217 medical cases and 35 surgical operations were conducted during the second phase of the medical outreach organised by the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Hon. Lami Danladi-Ogenyi.

The medical outreach, held under the Lami Medical Outreach Foundation, took place during the week at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ukwonyo-Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Agbaji Samuel Atsonwu, the medical outreach formed part of her constituency project.

He said the Deputy Speaker assembled a team of highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals who provided free healthcare services to residents of the community.

The Deputy Speaker’s media aide noted that the surgical operations were carried out on patients with hernia, hydrocelectomies, appendectomy, lipoma excisions, and the removal of abnormal growths and lumps – all aimed at alleviating pain and improving patients’ quality of life.

Aside from the surgeries, the media aide further stated that over two thousand residents of the local government benefited from medical consultations, treatment of common ailments, health screenings, and medications, which included malaria, typhoid, hepatitis, VDRL, HVS, and H. pylori (ulcer), as well as blood pressure monitoring and blood glucose testing. All diagnosed cases were managed and treated effectively.

According to the statement, ‘At the ophthalmology unit, hundreds of residents with varying degrees of eye problems were examined using modern diagnostic machines. Many received drugs and medicated lenses, while others were given professional advice and referrals for further optical surgeries where necessary.

‘The beneficiaries and the entire Ufia community expressed profound gratitude, describing the outreach as historic and a beacon of hope for the people of Ado. They offered heartfelt prayers for the Deputy Speaker, commending her compassion and commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs in the local government and beyond.

‘It is important to note that the successful conclusion of the Ukwonyo-Utonkon phase marks only the beginning, as the medical team will continue the outreach in other parts of Ado to ensure every resident has access to these life-saving services.’

As the Nigerian judiciary concludes its annual ritual of new legal year commemorations across the federation, a leading non-governmental organisation has challenged the courts to move beyond celebratory rhetoric and address what it termed the lingering justice questions that keep justice out of reach for the average citizen.

Zarephath Aid (ZA), a non-profit focused on criminal justice reforms, delivered this message at a media conference held at the Press Centre, High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja.

Speaking at the media briefing themed ‘The New Legal Year and the Lingering Justice Questions,’ Ben Abraham, Founder of Zarephath Aid, noted that while legal year ceremonials are marked by significant ‘pomp and pageantry’ and speeches filled with achievements and projections, many Nigerians remain disconnected.

‘They eagerly await the day when they can touch justice or put differently, the day justice can touch them,’ Abraham stated, urging heads of the judiciary to take note of concrete steps required to make the significance of the legal year resonate with the populace.

The organisation laid out a five-point agenda for immediate action by the various tiers of the judiciary, stressing that the courts must move from mere words to tangible action in defence of the law and democracy.

Zarephath Aid highlighted the persistent failure of judicial officers to carry out monthly visits to law enforcement detention facilities, a mandate under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and various state laws.

This lack of oversight, the group warned, directly results in the illegal detention of persons and widespread abuse of suspects’ rights.

The NGO called for the effective implementation of oversight assessment reports to the Chief Judge and Attorney-General to curb these violations.

The group also expressed concern that the Child Rights Law exists only on paper in many states, devoid of the necessary structures for child protection and justice delivery.

It further lamented the lack of adequate detention facilities for child and underage offenders, which often results in them being held alongside adults and subjected to further abuse.

Of particular note, according to the organisation, is the slow trial of cases involving underage offenders in custody due to the absence of logistics for transportation to court, forcing relatives to pay heavily to ensure court appearances.

Zarephath Aid decried what it termed the progressive increase in police brutality, torture, extortion, and violations against citizens, observing that the police internal mechanism has proven ineffective in curbing the menace.

Abraham warned, ‘If the courts fail to leash this errancy, another uprising will be upon us sooner than later.’

The NGO also accused the police of shrinking the civic space by clamping down on rights activists, government critics, good governance advocates, and journalists, often ‘working for the Executive in some instances.’

‘Despite various legal aid interventions, correctional facilities remain severely congested, with inmates spending years on end awaiting trial,’ it added.

Zarephath Aid called for an audit of all correctional facilities to identify inmates and ascertain the status of each case.

This effort, the group recommended, requires the various tiers of the judiciary to collaborate closely with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) at the federal level and State Criminal Justice Sector Reform Committees.

Zarephath Aid insisted that the Cybercrimes Act 2024 is being applied to muzzle dissent and intimidate critics of the government into silence, noting that many criminal charges premised on the law are politically instigated.

In its words: ‘As long as our courts accommodate this undue interference and as long as they do not halt this surge against citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, the Act will remain a tool for harassment of opponents.’

In concluding the conference, Abraham invited the media to join Zarephath Aid in monitoring the judiciary’s performance on this agenda over the next year, reinforcing the message that the judiciary must now go beyond rhetoric to action.

In the wake of the tragic boat mishap on River Niger that claimed over 100 lives in Ibaji, Kogi State, the community has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to construct a modern market and rehabilitate the Idah-Ibaji-Anambra federal highway.

The incident occurred when a large wooden boat transporting traders from Ibaji to the Ilushi market in Edo State capsized, resulting in multiple fatalities.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja on Saturday, the Coterie of Ibaji Youths of Nigeria (COIYN) made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to approve the establishment of a modern farm produce market in Ibaji and the reconstruction of the dilapidated Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha highway.

The group attributed the tragedy to the absence of critical infrastructure in Ibaji, including a standard market and accessible roads, which compel residents to rely on dangerous waterways to transport their farm produce.

The statement, jointly signed by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tony Edike, and the National Coordinator, Jerry Nwuchola, lamented the prolonged neglect of Ibaji Local Government Area and called for urgent federal intervention.

The group appealed for the construction of a centrally located, functional market that would reduce the risks faced by traders travelling long distances across perilous rivers to sell their goods.

‘Despite being a major producer of rice, yams, cassava, fish, and vegetables, Ibaji lacks electricity, asphalted roads, good schools, and health facilities, forcing people to travel dangerously by overcrowded boats to sell produce. We hereby passionately appeal to the government to construct a centrally located large market in Ibaji LGA, worthy of the produce Ibaji contributes to the national economy,’ the statement read.

The COIYN also called on the President to revive the abandoned Idah-Ibaji-Otuocha Federal Highway project, noting that the road would shorten travel time between Anambra and Abuja while enhancing economic activity in the region.

According to the group, the construction of a modern market and the rehabilitation of the highway would help prevent future tragedies, promote trade, and generate employment opportunities for the people.

‘Your Excellency Sir, we acknowledge your commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda. Hope is our lifeline, not just a slogan. Today, we hold onto it tightly. We urge you, as the father of our great nation, to immortalize the innocent souls lost in this latest tragedy by ensuring that such bloodshed is never repeated due to infrastructural neglect,’ the group added.

President Tinubu had earlier expressed condolences to the government and people of Kogi State over the incident, describing it as ‘shocking and unfortunate.’

The COIYN expressed optimism that the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda would extend to the people of Ibaji, ending decades of neglect and infrastructural decay.

The group maintained that the development of a modern market and reconstruction of the highway would reflect the President’s commitment to responsive and compassionate leadership.

Segun Adegboye, better known in the music industry as ShawBiT or ‘King Shaw,’ is taking his artistry into a new dimension with the launch of his latest brand, Djandthemuse. The official unveiling held on October 1st, 2025, at 234 Lofts, Elegushi Beach, during the much-anticipated Afroluxe 2025 festival.

For years, ShawBiT has established himself as a multi-talented beat maker, vocalist, sound engineer, and producer, mastering genres from Amapiano to Afro-Soul and Afro House. His ability to seamlessly merge African rhythms with contemporary soundscapes has earned him recognition across borders. But with Djandthemuse, the Lagos-born creative is charting a fresh path that blends performance, storytelling, and cultural immersion.

> ‘The concept behind the name started with the idea of doing something different,’ ShawBiT explained. ‘In most parties, you have a DJ and a hype man or woman. I wanted to flip that by making my ‘hype man/woman’ the muse of the day. The Muse can be anybody, and in the future, I plan to use it to unveil celebrity superstars at my gigs.’

The new brand, he stresses, does not erase his identity as ShawBiT but rather complements it. ‘This is a hobby I’m turning into a passion, but ShawBiT remains my unique identity. Djandthemuse is just a short, sexy expression of the same artistry.’

At its core, Djandthemuse is designed as a space where sound meets soul. ShawBiT describes it as an avenue for channeling energy and emotion through music, particularly Afro House, which he believes carries a deeper, almost spiritual resonance.

‘My kind of sound speaks directly into your soul when you hear it. It’s like a transmission of energy, what my sister often calls healing and cleansing,’ he said.

His extensive background as a sound engineer and producer gives him an edge, shaping how he curates the Djandthemuse experience. Having spent years behind the console and microphone, he understands how to manipulate sound to move both body and spirit. ‘I already knew the sounds before I started spinning. That made the transition to DJing easy, and with the support of my DJ friends, it can only get better.’

Choosing Afroluxe 2025 as the stage for the brand’s debut, ShawBiT revealed, is as symbolic as it is strategic.

‘Afroluxe is a dream I share with my sister, and it’s also my first big gig. It’s the perfect open space to show the world my art,’ he noted.

With Djandthemuse, ShawBiT is not only reimagining the role of the DJ but also pushing African music into new creative territories. His vision goes beyond entertainment, aiming to build an immersive cultural brand that places the audience at the heart of the performance – as the ‘muse.’