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Kwara teachers call for promotion without bureaucratic bottlenecks

Teachers in public schools across Kwara State have called on the state government to prioritise their welfare, improve working conditions, and implement the promotion of teachers without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration in Ilorin on Sunday, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Yusuf Agboola, said the future of education in the state depends largely on how well teachers are treated, equipped, and motivated.

The teachers also urged the state government to address outstanding welfare concerns, including the non-implementation of the 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA), the harmonised retirement age, and rural allowances.

The event, themed ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession: Together for Teachers; Together for Tomorrow,’ featured a lecture delivered by Professor Lanre Olukunmi Olaitan, Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin.

In his welcome address, Agboola commended the state government for the regular payment of salaries, the financial backing of the 2023 and 2024 promotions of TESCOM teachers, and the recruitment of over 3,000 teachers across basic and senior secondary schools.

He, however, noted that much still needed to be done, saying that, ‘The 27.5 per cent Teachers Specific Allowance for TRCN-certified teachers and 21 per cent for non-TRCN certified teachers have not been implemented in Kwara State.

‘The government has also not keyed into the 65/40 years national harmonised retirement age for teachers, and rural allowances for those teaching in remote areas remain unattended to.

‘The children in our classrooms today are the leaders of tomorrow,’ he said, adding that, ‘But for us to give our best, we must be equipped, respected and supported. Education is not a one-man show; it takes a system and a united teaching force.’

Agboola stressed that beyond welfare, the profession needs to be repositioned to foster unity and growth.

‘Let us recommit ourselves to unity within the teaching profession, foster mentorship between senior and junior teachers and create platforms for peer learning and innovation. We must champion collaboration not just in words but in practice,’ he said.

In his goodwill message, the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by Comrade Dayo Ajala, called on the government to adequately fund public education, invest in teachers, and support them in creating a peaceful, fair, and sustainable future for all.

‘Without deliberate investment in teachers, the future of education is at risk,’ he said.

He urged the government to increase education budgetary allocation, stressing that ‘a conducive learning atmosphere will bring about greater service delivery and quality learning outcomes.’

Amba, while commending the resilience of teachers in the state, assured them of the union’s continued advocacy. ‘Comrades, I commend your courage, resilience and patriotism in discharging your duties. Be assured that your success is our priority. We will continue to demand that teachers are accorded their rightful status and pride of place in society,’ he said.

‘The role of teachers has evolved beyond just delivering lessons. Teachers must be empowered to collaborate, innovate and influence education policies. The future of our nation is in their hands, and how we treat them today will determine our tomorrow.’

Akwaamaka Music breathes fresh air into entertainment industry with state-of-the-art studio

High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, the visionary CEO of Akwaamaka Music, officially unveiled his new, expansive music, photography, and content creation studio on Tuesday, September 30.

Situated in the bustling heart of Festac Town, Lagos, the grand opening drew a distinguished crowd of Nollywood celebrities, industry professionals, and media.

The launch event was a vibrant affair, attended by notable figures, including veteran actors Chinedu Ikedieze, Uche Elendu, and Grace Ama. Guests enjoyed a festive atmosphere complete with exquisite refreshments as they celebrated the landmark occasion.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the new venture, High Chief Obodoagwu highlighted a gap in the local industry. ‘I have visited various studios across Lagos and observed a noticeable lack of internationally competitive standards,’ he stated. ‘My decision to launch Akwaamaka Studio stems from a commitment to elevate the industry. We are creating a multipurpose hub designed to meet the holistic needs of the entertainment sector-serving filmmakers, music producers, recording artists, content creators, and individuals seeking world-class facilities. This is the best studio in Nigeria. I can bet that.’

The studio is poised to become a central creative engine for the entertainment community. The event also featured a captivating performance by one of Akwaamaka Music’s rising stars, Spenta (real name Kingsley Ifeanyi Adaoje), who entertained the audience with tracks from his latest EP, Roll My Dice.

Veteran actor Chinedu Ikedieze praised the initiative, stating, ‘What High Chief Obodoagwu has done with Akwaamaka Studio is commendable. It’s a huge step toward professionalizing our industry’s infrastructure and providing a standard that our talent truly deserves. They have virtually everything here, you can shoot an entire movie in one location. The quality, the design, the nature-themed sets. it’s out of this world. Akwaamaka brought nature to life, and for filmmakers, this is going to cut costs significantly.’

Supporting this sentiment, actress Uche Elendu added, ‘This new studio is exactly what Festac and the wider Lagos creative community needed. It is a one-stop-shop for high-quality production, and I believe it will be instrumental in fostering the next wave of creative talent.’

About Akwaamaka Music

Akwaamaka Music is a record label and entertainment company founded by High Chief Stanley Obodoagwu, dedicated to discovering, developing, and promoting exceptional talent across Africa. With the launch of Akwaamaka Studio, the company expands its commitment to providing world-class infrastructure for the entire creative community.

Lagos shuts down Chemical factories over alarming safety breaches

The Lagos State Safety Commission has sealed several chemical factories and shops in the Ojota area for breaching safety and environmental regulations.

The enforcement exercise, conducted in the early hours of Thursday, was carried out in line with the Lagos State Safety Commission Law of 2011.

Officials of the Commission, led by the Director-General, Mr. Lanre Mojola, said the facilities were shut after operators repeatedly ignored safety directives and failed to implement agreed measures despite warnings and a grace period.

He explained that prior to the closure, the Commission had inspected the factories and held several meetings with the executives of the chemical dealers.

During these engagements, Mojola said a letter of undertaking was signed on 9 May 2025, in which the operators agreed to conduct a comprehensive safety audit of the market, organise workshops on hazard identification and risk evaluation, provide serviced and accessible fire extinguishers, maintain an updated chemical inventory with expiry dates, ensure the consistent use of personal protective equipment, install proper safety signage and chemical labels, and develop a disaster management and business continuity plan.

According to Mojola, the chemical dealers failed to act on the agreement even after the ultimatum expired, leaving the Commission with no alternative but to seal the facilities to protect lives and property.

He stated that the affected premises would remain closed until full compliance is achieved, adding that the Commission would not compromise its enforcement duties.

Mojola urged manufacturers and business operators across Lagos to adopt proactive safety measures and ensure their workplaces meet the required safety standards.

In recent years, the Lagos State Safety Commission has intensified its surveillance and enforcement drive across factories, markets, and other high-risk facilities.

The initiative, Mojola noted, is part of the state government’s broader commitment to promoting public safety and preventing industrial disasters.

BBNaija S10: Organisers unveil final prize money after deductions

Big Brother Naija Season 10 is ending with another major twist, the organisers have revealed that the total prize money for the winner now stands at ?80 million after all deductions and earnings were calculated.

During Sunday’s live briefing, Big Brother gathered housemates in the lounge and displayed a breakdown of how their personal choices, privileges, and tasks impacted the overall prize fund.

According to the figures shown on the screen, every indulgence and advantage came at a price, while sponsored tasks helped the house recover some cash.

The house earned from challenges such as Sips and Strokes (?6.5m), Walking on Eggshells (?2.6m), Big Brother’s Bakery (?800k), Bodycare Products (?2.6m), Big Brother’s Daycare (?3.5m), and Splash and Dash (?2.48m).

But there were also heavy deductions – Kaybobo spent ?10 million on immunity during the Red Phone Twist, while Koyin used house funds to pay for a family visit and a salon session.

Big Brother reminded housemates that every comfort, reward, or luxury inside the house came at a cost – a revelation that triggered laughter and disbelief among the finalists.

The moment turned lighthearted when it was revealed that shawarma orders, a three-day luxury experience for Joanna and Dede, and other small indulgences also ate into the prize fund. Kola, however, humorously turned down a free pedicure and manicure session.

After all earnings and deductions were tallied, Big Brother officially announced that the final prize money is ?80 million.

The update adds extra tension to the upcoming BBNaija s10 grand finale, as fans eagerly await who will walk away with the ultimate crown in Nigeria’s biggest reality TV show.

Shank opens up on childhood, journey to success

Content creator and skit maker, Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel also known as Shank, has opened up on his childhood and struggles in the early stage of his career.

Shank on his social media page revealed that he started his content creation journey in a small room, where he was constantly interrupted by sounds from animals.

Shank expressed his heartfelt appreciation for his growth, stating that he is a product of God’s grace.

‘I didn’t even have 1M in my account back in 2020. I was shooting videos in a small room people called a ‘prison,’ with hens and goats making noise in the background. Time changes a lot of things. I am a product of God’s grace. God is too good to me, Aje.,’ he stated.

’Account for N14trn fuel subsidy savings or face legal action’, SERAP tells 36 governors, Wike

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Nigeria’s 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike to ‘urgently disclose the spending details of the estimated N14trn fuel subsidy savings they collected from FAAC allocations, including details and locations of projects executed with the money, and the implementation status and completion reports, if any, on the projects.’

SERAP urged them to ‘provide details of the plans on how subsequent fuel subsidy savings they expect to collect from FAAC allocations, including details of any planned projects on which the money would be spent.’

SERAP also urged them to ‘publicly invite the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to track and monitor the spending of the fuel subsidy savings collected by you, to ensure that the money is not diverted into private pockets.’

The 36 governors and the FCT minister have reportedly collected trillions of naira from FAAC allocations as fuel subsidy savings since mid-2023. But the increased allocations have not translated into improved access to basic public services, such as quality healthcare and education for poor and vulnerable Nigerians.

In the Freedom of Information requests dated 4 October 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: ‘There is a legitimate public interest for governors and the FCT minister to urgently explain how they have spent the money they have so far collected from the subsidy savings.’

SERAP said, ‘The savings from the removal of fuel subsidy ought to be spent solely for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the removal. Transparency in the spending of the money would help to avoid a morally repugnant result of double jeopardy on these Nigerians.’

The FoI requests, read in part: ‘There is a significant risk of mismanagement or diversion of funds linked to the increased FAAC allocations collected by the states and FCT.

‘The spending details of the money collected by several states and the FCT from fuel subsidy savings have been mostly shrouded in secrecy.

‘Millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians have not benefited from the trillions of naira collected by the governors and FCT minister from as a result of the subsidy savings. Nigerians continue to face a worsening poverty crisis.

‘Several states including your state are also reportedly spending public funds which may include fuel subsidy savings to fund unnecessary travels, buy exotic and bulletproof cars and generally fund the lavish lifestyles of politicians.

‘There are continuing reports of widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services in several states.

‘Opacity in the spending of fuel subsidy savings collected by you would continue to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest. Transparency would ensure that public funds are not diverted into private pockets.

‘We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your state and the FCT to comply with our request in the public interest.

‘Disclosing the details of the spending of the money collected by your state as fuel savings would allow Nigerians to scrutinise them, and to hold you to account on the spending of public funds.

‘The states and FCT may have failed to transparently and accountably manage the allocations collected from the subsidy savings.

‘Nigerians have the right to know how their states and FCT are spending the savings from the removal of fuel subsidy as part of their human right to information.’

Embrace opportunities that would position you as job creators, don charges students

THE Dean of Student Affairs at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Professor Festus Adeosun, has urged students to go beyond academic certificates and embrace entrepreneurship as a pathway to self-reliance and national development.

Prof. Adeosun, a former Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies (CENTS), gave the charge during the YouWin Enterprise Education programme for tertiary institutions, held at the College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM) Auditorium.

He observed that while a university degree remained valuable, the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during campus life were the true determinants of future success.

‘The current realities of youth unemployment in Nigeria demand creativity, resilience, and innovation. Students must look beyond certificates and embrace entrepreneurial opportunities that would position them as job creators rather than job seekers,’ Adeosun stated.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, reaffirmed FUNAAB’s commitment to nurturing students beyond academics, stressing that the institution was determined to prepare them for self-reliance in today’s competitive economy.

He commended the choice of FUNAAB as host of the programme, describing it as a timely platform to empower students with practical entrepreneurial skills.

Giving an insight into the programme, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Lampo Ibrahim, explained that YouWin Connect was a youth-focused initiative designed to support small businesses and foster entrepreneurship nationwide.

He noted that the scheme, which also extends to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps and other tertiary institutions, was created to provide Nigerian youths with access to funding and business development opportunities.

According to him, the core aim of YouWin Connect is to inspire young people to develop business ideas, grow them into sustainable enterprises, and reduce dependence on formal employment. He advised students to take advantage of the initiative and build ventures that would secure their future and contribute to national economic growth.

Highlighting practical pathways to business funding, Ibrahim identified four major sources available to aspiring entrepreneurs as friends and family, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government agencies, and the private sector.

He underscored the role of NGOs in complementing the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and urged students to uphold integrity and accountability in the use of funds secured through such programmes.

Referencing the Federal Government’s publication, Successful Nigerian Entrepreneurs, Ibrahim noted that financial struggles were often not due to lack of formal education but poor financial literacy. He, therefore, encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurial training and prudent financial management as essential life skills.

San Juan bags best tourism-oriented LGU award

San Juan made history after emerging as grand winner in the highly urbanized city category for Best Tourism-Oriented local government unit (LGU) – the highest honor during the 26th Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines Pearl Awards on Oct. 2 here.

The annual ATOP Pearl Awards recognize outstanding practices, innovations and initiatives of local government units that significantly contribute to the promotion and development of Philippine tourism.

Mayor Francis Zamora, during his acceptance remarks, invited tourism officers to visit San Juan and experience its famed hospitality and historical trail as he congratulated all the winners.

‘I am proud to see our tourism officers working hand in hand to promote Philippine tourism and highlight the unique beauty and strength of each LGU,’ said Zamora who also serves as president of the Metro Manila Council.

Over a thousand tourism officers from towns and provinces as well as from component, independent and highly urbanized cities participated in the event that celebrates the best in Philippine tourism governance and innovation.

The Association of Tourism Officers-National Capital Region bagged the Best Tourism Organization (Regional Level), affirming the collective strength and leadership of Metro Manila’s tourism sector.

Also declared grand winners are Las Piñas for Best Tourism Promotion Video, Muntinlupa for Best Institutionalized Culture and Arts Program, and Pasig for Best Practices on Sustainable Tourism.

Quezon City bagged the Best Event Hosting: International Event and Best Tourism Event: Religious Festival awards.

P1.8M drugs seized in drug operations

At least 33 individuals were arrested and P1.83 million worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a series of anti-illegal drug operations conducted across Central Visayas from October 3 to 4, according to the Police Regional Office-7.

In a 24-hour span, law enforcement operatives intercepted a total of 269.25 grams of suspected shabu.

The largest haul was recorded in Barangay Catarman, Liloan, Cebu, where authorities seized approximately 150 grams of shabu valued at P1.02 million.

The illegal drugs were recovered from a high-value target apprehended through a joint operation by the Liloan Municipal Police Station, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.

PRO-7 reported that Cebu Province accounted for the bulk of the seizures, with P1,076,712 worth of narcotics. This was followed by Bohol Province with P376,040, Cebu City with P184,688, Mandaue City with P173,740, and Lapu-Lapu City with P19,720.

PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General RedricoMaranan commended the participating police units for their continued efforts in combating illegal drugs.

‘Every gram of shabu seized means a life rescued from the chains of addiction. Our men and women will not pause even in times of calamity because the people of Central Visayas deserve safe and drug-free communities,’ Maranan said.

Despite ongoing relief and clearing operations in areas affected by the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Northern Cebu, PRO-7 assured the public that its anti-drug campaign remains active.

Jaguars outfox Wildcats for first win in CESAFI

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars outsmarted the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Wildcats, 76-63, to barge into the win column of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) Season 25 basketball tournament on Friday, October 3, at the Cebu Coliseum.

Fritz Gonzales posted 16 points and two rebounds while Christian Carl Sollano tossed in 14 points on a spectacular 7-of-8 shooting from the field with 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block to help the Jaguars recover from back-to-back defeats.

The Jaguars trailed by six, 24-30, late in the second period, but unleashed a fierce offensive in the second half to send the Wildcats reeling towards their third loss in four games.

Still down 30-32 at the break, the Jaguars suddenly waxed hot and pounded the unsuspecting Wildcats, 36-16, bridging the third and fourth quarters to surge ahead by as much as 18 points, 66-48, in the final five-minute mark.

Serafin Duarte was the lone double-digit scorer for the Wildcats with 12 points on top of five boards, four assists, two steals, and two blocks.

In the high school level, the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Baby Webmasters used a sizzling 30-7 start to dominate the San Carlos School of Cebu (SCSC) Baby Warriors, 81-70.

Dan Mitchell Ferraren spearheaded UCLM’s balanced attack with 17 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Noe Lingoste tallied 16 markers, six rebounds, five assists, and three steals, Rafael Calo added 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals while Wade Adam Luche contributed 13 points, six rebounds, one assist, and three steals as UCLM improved to 2-1.

Neil Ashley Ibarita paced the Baby Warriors with 17 points, five rebounds, two assists, and five steals. Joshua Pilapil registered a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds with two assists and three steals while Heath Lauren Macapil and John Khino Buslon combined for 25 points and 15 rebounds but their efforts proved futile as the young Carolinians remained winless in four st