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Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested one Ozoemenam Sylvanus over the alleged possession of 400 rounds of live cartridges in Delta State.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, said the suspect was arrested by the police during a stop-and-search operation on the road at the Head Bridge, Asaba.

He said the operatives, led by CSP Ogbe Emmanuel, were conducting routine surveillance and stop-and-search operations when they flagged down a Toyota Hiace Hummer Bus with registration number NGK 16 XB, driven by Ozoemenam Sylvanus.

Bright said that during a search conducted on the vehicle, 400 live cartridges carefully concealed within the bus were discovered.

He added that the suspect initially claimed he was transporting padlocks, noting that the intercepted ammunition was bound for Edo State.

3 Star Stallion have emerged champions of the Kano Volleyball Club Championship (KVC 2.0) after defeating Black Dolphin 3-0 in straight sets in the final held at the Bukavo Barracks Volleyball Pitch in Kano.

The thrilling final marked the conclusion of the second edition of the fast-growing volleyball tournament, which featured both male and female categories and attracted clubs and players from across northern Nigeria, including Sokoto, Kaduna, Abuja, Katsina, and Jigawa States.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Organising Club, Michael Moses, described the championship as a dream that has evolved into a reality, highlighting the growth and technical improvements witnessed since the maiden edition.

‘When we started this journey last year, our goal was to create something the volleyball community would look forward to every year,’ Moses said.

‘This year, KVC 2.0 has exceeded expectations, with players coming from far and near, showing how much the championship has grown beyond what we initially imagined.’

He explained that this year’s edition featured two categories – male and female – with teams allowed to invite external players to strengthen their squads, thereby raising the competition’s standard and diversity.

The women’s category produced exciting matches, culminating in Black Dolphin successfully defending their title to claim gold for the second consecutive year, while Spikers Female took silver and ECWA Dragon clinched bronze.

Moses also commended the tournament’s partners and supporters for their role in sustaining the championship.

In his closing remarks, the Commander of Bukavo Barracks, Brigadier General A. Tukur, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, commended the organizers and participants for promoting unity and youth engagement through sports.

Plans have reached an advanced stage for the highly anticipated star-studded charity match which is bringing together Barcelona Legends, the famed former players of Barcelona Football Club, and a select squad of African Legends.

The exhibition match which will take place at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja is to be hosted under the auspices of Mrs. Zahra Buhari-Indimi, daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and is organized in partnership with Attom Foundation, inspired by Yahaya Attom.

Proceeds from the charity match will support the ZMB Homes Foundation, a charity that has long provided shelter and assistance to widows and orphans from across the country.

Speaking ahead of the event holding on October 25, Mrs. Buhari-Indimi expressed excitement about hosting the historic encounter, describing it as a ‘unique fusion of sport, charity, and continental friendship.’

She said the project aims to channel funds toward youth empowerment, maternal health, and education for underprivileged communities.

‘This event is not just about football; it is about using the universal language of the game to unite people and bring hope to communities that need it most,’ Buhari-Indimi remarked.

Echoing the inspiration drawn from her late father, President Muhammadu Buhari, she noted how his journey from humble beginnings to national leadership shapes the Foundation’s vision:

‘Baba came from a modest background but rose to achieve so much for Nigeria. I’m committed to helping many more people with similar backgrounds realize their potential, just as my father did.’

The programme will begin with a Gala night that will also raise awareness for the ZMB Foundation and Attom Foundation.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Imo State Government in its efforts to strengthen human capital development and promote digital skills among citizens.

This was made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Institute to the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Dr. Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, at the Government House, Owerri recently.

The Deputy Governor received the delegation on behalf of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

Speaking during the visit, Lady Dr. Ekomaru commended CIPM for its role in promoting professionalism and workforce development across the country.

She said the Uzodimma administration has made people-oriented policies a major focus of governance, with strong emphasis on capacity building and citizens’ welfare.

‘Governor Hope Uzodimma believes in empowering people. His administration has made workers’ welfare and skills development a priority, from prompt salary payments, free healthcare insurance, and transport services to consistent training and digital upskilling through the SkillUp Imo programme,’ she said.

The Deputy Governor revealed that over 40,000 Imo youths have benefited from the SkillUp Imo initiative, while the state government is constructing a Digital Village to position Imo as Nigeria’s emerging digital hub. She assured the CIPM team of the government’s readiness to collaborate with the Institute in improving the competence of civil servants and professionalising the state’s public service.

In her remarks, the National Treasurer of CIPM, Mrs. Ogochukwu Egbuonu, FCIPM, who represented the President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government for its warm reception and continued investment in human capital development.

‘As the drivers of governance and human capital in Imo State, His Excellency and Her Excellency represent what CIPM stands for, which is leadership, innovation and impact through people,’ she said.

Egbuonu noted that CIPM currently has over 20,000 members across Nigeria and in the diaspora, including the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. She also extended an invitation to Governor Uzodimma to serve as Guest of Honour at the forthcoming 57th CIPM International Conference and Exhibition, themed ‘Reimagining the New World of Work,’ scheduled to hold from October 27 to 30, 2025, at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

The Kaduna State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) has said that Governor Uba Sani has repositioned the health sector in just over two years of his stewardship.

Speaking during a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, the NMA Chairman, Dr Hassan Bala Salihu, said that the Governor has achieved a lot ”firsts” in terms of facility development, welfare and training.

”Kaduna State has approved and paid the 2024 and 2025 Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF). In fact, it is the first state in the country to pay the training fund of 2025,” he disclosed.

Dr Salihu also said that ”Kaduna State is the first state in Northern Nigeria to promulgate the Mental Health Bill into law and to integrate mental health services at General Hospitals.”

”It has also pioneered the Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Program, a collaboration between the justice and health systems, to address the underlying causes of delinquency and criminality among youths,” he added.

The NMA Chairman commended Kaduna State for bonding medical students, by paying them allowances that mandates them to serve the Government for a certain period after graduating.

”This will reduce the high incidence of both internal and external ‘Japa Syndrome,’ where medical doctors leave the State Civil Service for other Federal Government-owned health institutions within Kaduna State or migrate out of the country,” he added.

Dr Salihu also commended Governor Uba Sani for implementing the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure(CONHESS) for Doctors and other health workers respectively.

According to him, the Governor has Sustained the allocation of more than 15% of the state budget to the health sector in line with the Abuja declaration, adding that in 2024, he allocated 15.63% to the sector and this year, 16.07% has been earmarked to it.

”The Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS) is providing timely medical intervention for residents in both urban and rural areas,” he added.

Dr Salihu also commended Governor Uba Sani for the ongoing upgrade of 255 Primary Health Facilities to Level 2 PHCs, by providing Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC).

”Governor Uba Sani has broken a 14-year jinx with the completion and commissioning of the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital, located at the Millennium City, which promises to stem medical tourism,” he added.

The Chairman commended the Governor Uba Sani administration for recognizing the critical role of medical professionals in governance, by appointing ”competent and dedicated medical doctors into key positions.”

He listed the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr AbdulKadir Mu’azu Meyere and the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Bello Jamoh as doctors occupying important positions in Government.

The NMA Chairman further pointed out that the Kaduna Branch of the Association has nominated Governor Uba Sani to be its patron because of the feat he has recorded in the health sector.

Dr Salihu also said that the Branch has nominated the Governor for an NMA national award, adding that he will be the third non-medical doctor to be so honoured, after former President Ibrahim Babangida and Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state.

Responding, Governor Uba Sani acceded to the Association’s demands by accepting to be the Patron of Kaduna State Branch of NMA, donating an operational vehicle for the Association and hosting the next NMA Games.

Describing the NMA as a partner in progress, the Governor pointed out that the Association is partly behind the success story of the health sector in Kaduna, adding that ”we sometimes disagree on some issues.”

Governor Uba Sani recalled that when he assumed office, he made it clear that health is not a privilege but a fundamental human right in Kaduna State and every citizen deserves good medical attention.

The Governor noted that he has a competent team which is driving the health policies of the state, adding that ”I’m happy that we are one of the leading states in healthcare delivery.”

”Our administration’s investment in the health sector has been deliberate, holistic, and driven by the vision to make Kaduna State a model of efficient and equitable healthcare in Nigeria. Permit me to highlight other milestones achieved since 2023:

”We approved the recruitment of 1,800 health workers annually for the next five years to address gaps in Human Resources for Health,” he added.

According to the Governor, Kaduna State has a total of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres, one in each ward of the State, are being revitalised and upgraded to Level 2 status, positioning Kaduna as the state with the highest number of standardised PHCs nationwide.

”We have also embarked on the rehabilitation and upgrade of 19 General Hospitals to provide Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) with the aim of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality,” he disclosed.

The Yobe State Government has sought the intervention of the federal government and international partners – UNHCR, IOM and UNDF – to support its efforts in repatriating Nigerian refugees from neighbouring countries.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State stated this on Monday when the Assistant Secretary Generals representing UNDF, IOM, and UNHCR paid him a courtesy call in Government House, Damaturu.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Idi Barde Gubana, said the repatriation and integration of refugees that fled the Boko Haram crisis to Niger Republic, became necessary after the restoration of normalcy in their communities.

He further said the state government will ensure that returnees have access to housing, livelihood, and social services upon arrival.

‘The Yobe State government is calling on the UNHCR, IOM, and other partners to join hands with us and the federal government of Nigeria, to support the safe and dignified return of Nigerian refugees from Niger Republic and other neighbouring countries.

‘This proposed framework will be anchored on a state action plan to ensure that returnees have access to housing, livelihoods, and social services upon arrival,’ he said.

Daily Trust gathered that the refugees who are indigenes of Yobe have been displaced for almost 10 years as a result of insurgents’ attacks on their communities.

Earlier, the United Nations Nigeria Resident Coordinator Nigeria, Mohamed M. M. Fall, who led the delegation said they were in Yobe to witness firsthand the progress being made on durable solutions to the Internal displacement.

In today’s fast-paced world, travelers are always on the lookout for unique experiences and hidden gems that can make their trips unforgettable. While human guides and traditional travel resources can be helpful, they often fall short in uncovering the truly off-the-beaten-path destinations. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in, revolutionizing the way we explore the world and discover new places.

Personalized Recommendations

One of the most significant advantages of AI in the travel industry is its ability to provide personalized recommendations based on your preferences, past experiences, and interests. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can suggest destinations, activities, and accommodations that align with your unique tastes, ensuring that you have a tailored travel experience.

Uncovering Hidden Gems

Human guides and travel books often focus on popular tourist attractions, leaving many hidden gems undiscovered. AI, on the other hand, can sift through massive amounts of information from various sources, including social media, blog posts, and user reviews, to identify lesser-known destinations that are equally stunning and worth visiting. By leveraging the power of AI, you can explore places that you might have never considered otherwise.

Real-Time Updates and Insights

AI-powered travel apps and platforms can provide real-time updates and insights about your destination, helping you make informed decisions on the go. From weather forecasts and traffic updates to local events and restaurant recommendations, AI ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date information, allowing you to plan your itinerary accordingly and avoid any potential hurdles.

Personalized Itineraries

Creating the perfect itinerary can be a daunting task, especially when you’re visiting a new destination. AI can help by generating personalized itineraries based on your preferences, budget, and time constraints. By considering factors such as your interests, the popularity of attractions, and the optimal route, AI can create a seamless and efficient travel plan that maximizes your time and ensures that you don’t miss out on any must-see sights.

Multilingual Support

Language barriers can be a significant challenge when traveling to foreign countries. However, with AI-powered translation tools, you can easily communicate with locals, read signs, and navigate unfamiliar environments. AI-based language translation has come a long way, offering accurate and contextual translations in real-time, making your travel experience more seamless and enjoyable.

Enhancing Safety and Security

AI can also play a crucial role in enhancing your safety and security while traveling. By analyzing data from various sources, such as government advisories, news reports, and user feedback, AI can provide up-to-date information about potential risks, such as natural disasters, political unrest, or health hazards. This allows you to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Sustainable Travel

As travelers become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, AI can help promote sustainable tourism practices. By analyzing data on tourist behavior, AI can identify areas that are prone to overcrowding and suggest alternative destinations or off-peak times to visit. This not only helps reduce the strain on popular tourist spots but also encourages travelers to explore lesser-known areas, supporting local communities and preserving natural resources.

Travel AI is transforming the way we discover and experience new destinations. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, travelers can uncover hidden gems, receive personalized recommendations, and enjoy a more immersive and authentic travel experience. As AI continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an even greater role in shaping the future of travel, making it more accessible, sustainable, and rewarding for everyone.

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) and Google have announced a partnership to train Nigerian public servants in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, as part of a global initiative to train one million government workers.

The training will be conducted through the Apolitical Government AI Campus, a global platform for AI excellence in governance supported by Google.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership in Abuja, Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa Director-represented by Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, the company’s Communications Manager-said the initiative reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI adoption and digital skills development across Nigeria.

He said the AI Campus will provide public servants with access to specialized online training programs covering areas such as AI fundamentals, leadership in AI, and practical implementation.

Participants will also benefit from expert-led sessions, tools, frameworks, and access to a global network of government peers sharing AI insights and best practices.

‘Championing Nigeria’s digital transformation means investing in the people who shape its future. By equipping public sector leaders and practitioners with the right knowledge, we are empowering them to deliver better, more efficient services to citizens, Kola-Ogunlade said.

The Minister of Communications, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the strategic importance of AI in enhancing productivity and governance efficiency.

‘We see Artificial Intelligence as a key driver of productivity across our major sectors. This collaboration will help our civil servants adopt AI tools to accelerate processes and improve service delivery to Nigerians. We are extremely excited about this partnership and the opportunities it brings,’ he said.

Adewolu Adene, Google’s Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for West Africa, explained that the training will occur in three phases-targeting policymakers, middle-level executives, and general civil servants-to ensure comprehensive AI adoption and implementation across the public sector.

He noted that the program aims to train at least one million civil servants across focus countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Brazil, while accommodating as many willing Nigerian participants as possible.

Adene added that the collaboration builds on Google’s earlier pledge to invest $1.6 billion in Africa over five years, with projects such as the Equiano subsea cable, cloud infrastructure development, and support for startups and small businesses.

The federal government has announced plans to create at least 20,000 jobs annually through the second phase of the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), designed to connect young graduates with practical work experience, training, and mentorship opportunities.

Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Wednesday flag off NJFP 2.0 and declare open a High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation, themed ‘From Skills to Jobs and Enterprises: Driving Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Key Economic Sectors.’

Ahead of the official launch, Shettima on Monday inaugurated the Project Steering Committee of NJFP 2.0, charging members to ensure the programme’s inclusivity and nationwide reach.

The NJFP, a flagship Federal Government initiative coordinated by the Office of the Vice President, is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and funded by the European Union (EU).

Launched in 2022, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between skills, jobs, and enterprise. It has so far empowered over 14,000 young Nigerians through 12-month paid fellowships that provide work experience, confidence, and long-term career opportunities.

While inaugurating the Steering Committee, Shettima said the NJFP aims to bridge the ‘transition gap between learning and earning’ for thousands of qualified graduates without job opportunities.

He described the initiative as ‘a deliberate effort to convert the nation’s demographic strength into productive economic power,’ adding that ‘when government provides structure, partnership, and purpose, young Nigerians rise to the occasion.’

Reaffirming that the NJFP is ‘a Nigerian programme shaped by national priorities,’ the Vice President urged committee members to deepen local ownership, strengthen institutional coordination, and ensure accountability to the administration’s job creation goals.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, expressed optimism that the programme would transform the lives of young Nigerians, noting that continued government support would maximize its full potential.

Similarly, UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, described NJFP 2.0 as part of a broader national and continental vision to create sustainable employment, adding that UNDP remains committed to building a robust job-creation ecosystem across Nigeria.

Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, said the Vice President would also open the High-Level Policy Dialogue on Job Creation at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said the dialogue would bring together federal and state policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners to deliberate on practical strategies for job creation, enterprise support, and aligning youth skills with Nigeria’s economic priorities.

The Corp Marshal Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Muhammed, has disclosed that 3,433 people lost their lives while 22,162 others sustained injuries in 6,858 road crashes recorded between January and September 2025.

Corps Marshal Mohammed announced this on Monday in Abuja during a press briefing to launch the 2025 Ember Months Road Safety Campaign aimed at reducing accidents during the festive season.

He identified the major causes of crashes as driver fatigue, overloading, the conveyance of passengers in haulage vehicles, and the transportation of fuel in plastic containers.

He noted that during the 2024 Operation Zero exercise (December 15, 2024 – January 15, 2025), a total of 432 people were killed, 2,070 injured, and 533 crashes reported.

‘Driver behaviour remains a fundamental factor in determining safety on our highways,’ he said, adding that the 2025 end-of-year campaign would intensify awareness and sensitisation to promote responsible driving.

He listed common violations contributing to road crashes, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, failure to obey traffic rules, non-use of seat belts, road rage, and phone use while driving.

Mohammed added that, in line with the Corps’ commitment to achieving the campaign’s objectives, FRSC personnel and special marshals would be deployed across major highways and crash-prone areas nationwide.

He announced the roll out of contactless biometric capture system for driver’s licence issuance, designed to eliminate delays and the use of temporary licences.

Mohammed said the new system would make licence processing instantaneous, noting that the upgraded printing facility can now produce an average of 15,000 driver’s licences daily.

‘This capacity will be increased to clear the backlog before the second week of November 2025. Once you are captured, you receive your driver’s licence instantly-no more temporary documents or long waiting periods,’ he said.

Road crashes claim 248 in Niger

Meanwhile, 248 people have been killed in 253 road crashes in the first quarter of 2025 in Niger State.

The Niger State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Aishat Sa’adu, made this known at a press briefing marking the 2025 ember months public enlightenment and sensitisation campaign in Minna, the state capital.

She said between January and April this year, 1, 372 people were injured out of the 2, 522 people involved in 253 crashes.

The Sector Commander also revealed that 3, 960 people were involved in 419 crashes, killing 439 people and injuring 1, 830 others in 2024.

According to her, between December 15, 2024 and January 15, 2025, the period of operation zero crash campaigns, 46 people were killed while 205 others were injured out of 432 victims involved in 47 reported road crashes.