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Zamfara State First Lady, Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has called for sustained efforts to create more opportunities for girls in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, politics, ICT, science, and technology, emphasizing that empowering girls is key to societal progress.

‘When we invest in a girl child, we invest in progress, peace, and prosperity,’ she said.

In a statement by her Press Secretary, Rabi Yusuf, the First Lady encouraged girls across the state and beyond to take pride in who they are and believe in their ability to make meaningful contributions to society.

‘Keep dreaming, learning, and working hard toward becoming your best selves. The world is waiting for your light to shine,’ the statement read.

Speaking as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child themed ‘The Girl: I’m the Change I Lead – Girls on the Frontline of Crisis,’ Huriyya Dauda reaffirmed her commitment to advancing education, empowerment, and protection for girls in Zamfara State.

She noted that the theme of this year’s celebration underscores the fact that girls are not only victims of challenges but also leaders and change-makers in their homes, schools, and communities.

‘Even in times of conflict, poverty, or hardship, girls continue to show strength, courage, and leadership, proving that their voices are vital to building peace and development,’ she said.

The First Lady added that every great nation begins with empowered girls who are taught to believe in their worth, pursue their purpose, and lead with courage.

‘Supporting girls on the front lines of a crisis means giving them access to quality education, healthcare, and leadership opportunities so they can rebuild and shape better societies,’ she said.

Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal also stressed that access to education and representation for girls is not a privilege but a fundamental right, expressing optimism that the voices and dreams of girls will continue to be heard and supported.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu has pledged to partner with Bildup AI Learning to promote technology development and human capital growth in Nigeria.

Speaking when he visited the technology hub where several youths were undertaking different educational courses with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Enugu on Saturday in the company of the Majority Leader of the House, Professor Julius Ihonbvere and others on the sideline of the Retreat of the House Committee on Review, Kalu emphasised the importance of investing in the nation’s human capital, citing the potential for Nigerians to export services globally.

He highlighted the potential for Nigeria to export services, leveraging the country’s large population and growing talent pool.

Kalu assured that his office would partner with Bildup AI Learning to showcase its work and attract support from government agencies and other stakeholders, stressing that such partnership aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancement, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic growth and development.

The Deputy Speaker commended Bildup AI Learning’s efforts in providing cutting-edge education and training in AI and other emerging technologies, saying it aligns with the government’s vision on human capital development.

He said: ‘We need to expand what you are doing and that is where government partnership comes in. We’re going to make a case for you in the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Technology. Also, there are so many NGOs that need to find a credible place to plug in their resources. We will partner with you. The Office of the Deputy Speaker will partner with you to showcase you. It’s nothing about politics. It’s about development. Our human capital development is very key. It is one of our resources in this nation.

‘All over the world, Nigerians are making impacts in various fields of life, especially with the power of our mind. So, anything that will help us export service, we will do. We are exporting goods now, not exporting as much service as we want to export, because we have 200 and almost 250 million people. This will help us churn out more service providers that can sit in Nigeria and provide services to Oracle, Facebook, Instagram, to all of them while you are sitting here, and then, the foreign exchange will come in because of the power of your mind, and that is how you can add value to the growth of this nation. Keep innovating and dreaming. Don’t get tired. The future is bright ‘.

Excited by the ingenuity of the youths and their interest in technology, Kalu encouraged them to keep aiming for the best to accelerate the development of the country.

‘The nation believes in you, and that is why, in the renewing hope agenda of Mr. President, the young ones occupy the center stage of his innovations. Whenever you meet President, he always says, I am interested in building a legacy that will outlive me for our children.

‘You can stretch your hand with innovation. You can add a brick on the wall of nation building with technology.

You know you are disruptors. We see you as disruptors. Disruptors are those who are not comfortable with tradition. Innovators are disruptors, and they disrupt tradition so that they can have true innovation, more productivity. You are not comfortable with the status quo’, he said.

The Deputy Speaker also mooted the idea of introducing the AI learning into the social system as part of the constituency projects for constituents.

‘Build up has simplified learning in the sense that it is accessible and it is cheap. Most of us who are honorable members, representatives of our communities, constituencies before the federal government, it’s about time we put it as part of our constituency projects, so a whole lot of students will come in and learn and build. Human capacity building is key.

‘So, we are looking forward to supporting him so that it can grow, expand and be sustainable. And also, I’m sure with time, Nigeria will hear about build up. We believe in him, and we believe in these young ones I’ve seen. Truly, they are the future of Nigeria, and their dedication and diligence towards this learning is amazing and very impressive’.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bildup AI, Chibuike Aguene said that the innovation will give students equal access to quality education.

‘What you’re witnessing here is the first of its kind. We built an indigenous AI application, the first of its kind all over Africa that can teach and interact with students, just as a human teacher would do. Some schools have already adopted it. Teachers are getting about 80% of their time back. Students are completing a tense programme that takes, typically, three months in about two weeks. There’s a student here. Maybe she will share her experience. She used it to prepare for her JAMB. She scored 97 in that Maths exam. She used build up within couple of weeks preparation.

‘So, what we’ve done here is to rethink. How do we bridge the gap in terms of giving everybody equal access to quality education and leveraging on artificial intelligence, and we’ve successfully implemented that. Recently, the federal government added tech skills as a compulsory course across secondary schools and primary schools. Fortunately, we’ve added all those courses as part of the platform for Bildup AI.

‘I think the best way to explain this is that imagine every student having access to the world best teacher on a one-to-one ratio because one of the things that has been the issue in educational system, not just in Nigeria, across Africa is teacher/student ratio which is about one to fifty. But what we’ve done with technology now is to level it to one-to-one, so that every student can now have a personalized tutor. And let me point out that we are not saying we’ve replaced teachers. No, we’re not replacing teachers. Rather, we are enhancing what they are doing. So, somebody that is in the remote, maybe the village or anywhere, can now access the highest level of knowledge.

‘The AI interacts the way that I’m speaking to you. They will choose even the AI tutorial that they want. We have different names they can choose. It speaks to them, in the accent and the way they will understand it. So, that’s what we have done, and a lot of them now are mastering tech skills, doing all their curriculums.

‘We have an AI career mentor that will guide you, interact with you, understand your interests and this, and then help you, guide you through that path. So, it’s a revolutionary innovation, and it happened here in South East. There’s nothing here that is outsourced. Everything here is built in-house. It’s a moment of pride for the entire region, and I dare say that it is a win win for every innovator across Nigeria here.

‘We are demonstrating the future of education that everybody has been talking about. So, we’ve moved beyond talk to actually show that this can work, and then Africa can lead, and not just Africa, that South East can provide the needed leadership.

‘So, we have a marketplace where, once they go through this programme, the talent is showcased through that market space so that they can access global opportunities and, of course, local opportunities. So, people, different organization, not just in South East, but across the globe can now access talent from the pool that we are churning out here,’ Aguene explained.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Youth Wing has welcomed Hon. Muhammad Lawal Kuryar Madaro, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Kaura Namoda South State House of Assembly, following his defection to the APC.

The group said the development signals a growing wave of support for the APC under the visionary leadership of Dr. Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence.

In a statement signed by Comrade Danjuma Nuhu, the APC National Youth Wing celebrated Kurya’s move as a bold embrace of progress.

Kurya’s defection follows his defeat in the August supplementary election, where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s Kamilu Sa’idu the rightful winner of the Kaura Namoda South constituency.

Returning Officer Lawal Sa’adu from the Federal University Gusau confirmed Sa’idu’s triumph, securing 1,181 votes against Kurya’s meager 194 in the runoff.

Across the constituency, APC amassed a commanding 8,182 votes, while PDP had 5,544 votes.

Comrade Danjuma Nuhu hailed Matawalle as a political colossus whose strategic brilliance and unrelenting dedication to Zamfara’s security and prosperity have redefined the state’s future.

‘Dr. Bello Matawalle is a rare gem, a leader whose political dexterity and foresight have elevated him to a towering figure in Nigerian politics.

‘As Minister of State for Defence, he has spearheaded relentless efforts to curb banditry, bringing renewed hope to Zamfara’s beleaguered communities.

‘His ability to unite diverse groups and inspire defections like Kurya attests to his magnetic leadership and unyielding commitment to progress,’ Nuhu declared.

Matawalle’s policies, he added, have laid a foundation for peace and development, positioning him as the architect of Zamfara’s renaissance.

The APC National Youth Wing extended an open invitation to other PDP members to join the APC’s progressive fold.

Kurya’s defection, seen as a harbinger of further realignments, signals a shifting tide in Zamfara’s polarized landscape.

Reality TV star and entrepreneur Tacha has revealed why she chose to host her Guinness World Record attempt for the most makeovers done in 24 hours in Nigeria instead of the United Kingdom.

The event, part of her Tacha Beauty Festival, aims to highlight Nigeria’s creative potential and put the country’s beauty industry on the global map.

Tacha, in an interview with Egungun, explained that she initially planned to hold the event in London, with sponsorship from NYX, but decided to prioritise showcasing Nigerian talent and creativity.

‘The plan was London. We already had plans, we had a brand that wanted to sponsor us NYX.

‘But I said, London is not that country that will give me the vibe I want. Then I thought, see my people, they are here.

‘It always makes sense to carry your country along, I’m putting the Nigerian beauty industry on a freaking global map’ she said.

The influencer has been planning the feat for two years and is determined to succeed.

She began the 24-hour record attempt on Saturday night, targeting 150 makeovers.

By Sunday morning, she had already completed 115 makeovers in 12 hours, surpassing the previous record of 113 makeovers in 24 hours.

Tacha dedicated her effort to her late mother, citing her drive and passion for success as a personal motivation.

Despite minor setbacks, including power disruptions, Tacha maintained a fast-paced routine, completing each makeover in minutes.

The event is a celebration of beauty, culture, and resilience, and a testament to Nigerian creativity.

Leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikpoba-Okha local government area have passed a vote of confidence on the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The Ikpoba-Okha APC leaders said Governor Okpebholo’s leadership has steered the state toward progress and prosperity as well as inspired confidence in the hearts of the citizens

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of Ikpoba-Okha APC leaders meeting held at the residence of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Ehiozuwa Agbonyima.

The communique noted that various initiatives launched under Okpebholo’s administration, such as the Flyover Bridge and other road projects demonstrated the Governor’s commitment to improving the quality of life for all Edo citizens.

It commended what it termed Okpebholo’s relentless efforts to enhance infrastructure, education, healthcare, and the focus on economic development and job creation.

The communique said the Edo Governor’s initiatives have fostered a spirit of togetherness and empowerment among the people of Edo State, as well as encouraged active participation in the governance process.

According to the communique, ‘As you continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way, please know that you have our full support. Your leadership and vision for a better Edo State resonate with our aspirations, and we stand behind you in your quest to elevate our state to even greater heights.

‘We, the good people of Ikpoba-Okha APC, hereby pass a vote of confidence on you for your seamless efforts to make Ikpoba-Okha State a better place for all.’

Addressing the gathering, Hon Agbonyima urged the APC members to be patient with the administration of Okpebholo.

He cautioned against having a divided party in the state.

He said, ‘What is important is working as a team. We can never win any election if we are not working together.

‘Okpebholo is working. He is among the Governors who are working. We have to be patient. Promises were made to the Legacy PDP group. Some of you complained that they are PDP. Do not forget they supported us, and we cannot push them away.

‘We should not start complaining and making derogatory statements at this time. We have other positions that people have complained about.

Our Governor has said Ikpoba-Okha is the most populated local government. He said he will do all to ensure Ikpoba-Okha benefits the most.’

Ikpoba-Okha APC Chairman, Hon Sunny Ogbewe, urged the party members to believe in the ability of Okpebholo to deliver good governance.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has said that the planned defection of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) marks the final collapse of the opposition party’s presence in the entire southeast region.

Governor Mbah is expected to formally join the APC on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, Okechukwu described the governor’s exit as a defining political moment and clear evidence that the Southeast has finally bid farewell to the PDP.

The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) said Mbah’s decision to leave the PDP for the APC was ‘pragmatic, rational, and inevitable,’ adding that it symbolises the end of the PDP’s dominance in the region, from controlling all five states in 1999 to none in 2025.

Recalling the words of the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Chuba Okadigbo, who lamented that the PDP ‘pays good deeds with bad coins,’ Okechukwu said Mbah’s move vindicates that statement. He cited several instances, including the 1999 Jos presidential primary, where Okadigbo was allegedly betrayed, and the 2003 elections, when the Southeast failed to rally behind the Buhari/Okadigbo ticket.

Okechukwu faulted the PDP’s alleged disregard for equity and justice, pointing to the 2023 presidential primary, where no southern aspirant was allowed to contest despite appeals for power rotation.

‘The last straw that broke the PDP’s camel’s back,’ he said, ‘was the marginalisation of the Southeast during the dispute over the National Secretary position.’

He referenced a communiqué issued by the PDP Southeast Zonal Executive Committee on May 14, 2023, warning that the zone would reconsider its relationship with the party if Sunday Udeh-Okoye was not promptly confirmed as National Secretary following Senator Samuel Anyanwu’s exit to contest the Imo governorship election.

Okechukwu also recalled the remarks of former Senate President and PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, who lamented the Southeast’s continued neglect by the party despite its long-standing loyalty.

He concluded that the PDP’s serial betrayal and disregard for the Southeast justified Mbah’s defection.

‘Governor Mbah’s exit is not an isolated event,’ Okechukwu said. ‘It represents the final chapter in the Southeast’s disillusionment with a party that failed to reward faithfulness, fairness, and friendship.’

Singer Seyi Shay has revealed why she isn’t married to the father of her daughter, despite maintaining a close and respectful relationship with him.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, the singer addressed long-standing speculations about her marital status, explaining that their bond remains strong.

‘It’s a technical issue, you understand? But he’s great, he’s cool, he’s around. He’s Nigerian, he’s in the UK at the moment, and he’s also in the music industry on the corporate side of things. We just work together, raising our child and we are great friends,’ she said.

Seyi Shay further described their relationship as one built on mutual respect, saying, ‘We are really brilliant friends now. We co-parent really well.’

Seyi Shay welcomed her daughter in 2022 and has since attributed motherhood for transforming her outlook on love, family, and career

Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), in partnership with Johnson and Johnson, has launched this year’s edition of the Winning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing and Design (WiSTEM2D) program.

The initiative is designed to motivate secondary school students to explore careers in STEM fields and develop critical skills needed to thrive in the modern workforce.

This year’s edition adopts a blended learning model, combining digital engagement with in-person activities to enhance participants’ creativity, problem-solving abilities, and confidence.

The program commenced with the National WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos, where 66 top-performing students gathered for a full day of immersive learning. Participants interacted with STEM professionals, participated in design-thinking workshops, and showcased their innovative ideas in an ideathon and pitch contest before industry experts.

The highlight of the event was the pitch competition, where three schools emerged as winners:

First Place: Festac Senior College, Festac Town – represented by Betiku Adedolapo, Okorocha Mmesoma, Davidson Chioma, and Igwe Mmaduabuchi – for their project on decentralized waste and recycling stations to bring disposal points closer to communities.

First Runner-Up: Bola Ige Millennium Senior Secondary School – represented by Giwa Faridat Oluwafunmilayo, Anozie Ngozi Maryolivia, Nnodim Goodness, Enukoha Mary, and Omonigho Joy – for their Automated BinBot, a device that separates dry and wet waste to reduce pollution and improve sanitation.

Second Runner-Up: Lagos State Senior Model College – represented by Ezeanya Chisom, Johnchukwu Confidence, Chukwuka Favour, and Nnedu Chukwuemeka – for a project combining health awareness with waste management, including replacing single-use plastics with reusable alternatives and converting organic waste into fertilizer.

Speaking at the event, JAN’s Assistant Director of Programs, Mr. Olaolu Akogun, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s ongoing effort to inspire the next generation of innovators.

‘We are excited to continue our collaboration with Johnson and Johnson through the WiSTEM2D program. This initiative breaks barriers in STEM by equipping young leaders with tools, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed. We are confident it will inspire a new generation of innovators and change-makers to drive Nigeria and Africa’s future,’ he said.

Ms. Jaiyesimi Oyefunke, Country Lead at Johnson and Johnson Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting education and youth empowerment through sustainable partnerships.

While the Innovation Camp directly impacted 66 students through hands-on sessions, the reach of the WiSTEM2D program extends further. The next phase – an online STEM Challenge – is set to begin next week, engaging over 750 students across Nigeria.

Through its interactive digital platform, the challenge will expose participants to STEM concepts in fun and competitive ways, broadening access and inspiring more young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

With the ongoing partnership between Junior Achievement Nigeria and Johnson and Johnson, the WiSTEM2D program continues to drive a nationwide movement of young innovators prepared to shape the country’s scientific and technological future.

Some staff of Johnson and Johnson Nigeria, Junior Achievement Nigeria, and participants at the WiSTEM2D Innovation Camp in Lagos.

The European Union and the German Embassy in Abuja have launched the German-Nigerian Flare4Value project initiative aimed at tackling gas flaring in Nigeria.

The initiative is expected to unlock new economic opportunities through gas optimisation and greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation.

It was unveiled during this year’s Green Diplomacy Week in Abuja.

Declaring the event open in Abuja, Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, Kristina Fuerst said the initiative ‘marks a significant milestone in the German-Nigerian partnership and our joint commitment to transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities.’

She added that ‘gas flaring reduction is not only a climate priority but a gateway to energy access, industrial growth, and sustainable development for Nigeria.’

Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Germany in Nigeria, Johannes Lehne, reiterated the significance of emission reduction.

Lehne said, ‘The strategic significance of gas flaring reduction represents both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity.

‘By capturing and utilising flare gas, we not only cut emissions but also create value for power generation and industry.’

Speaking further, he emphasised that Flare4Value ‘reflects the strength of the German-Nigerian partnership and the EU’s wider commitment to supporting Nigeria’s leadership in climate action.’

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr Vitalis Obi noted that the Flare4Value initiative underscores Nigeria’s shared commitment to reducing emissions and unlocking the full potential of its gas resources.

He noted that, through partnerships such as this, Nigeria can transform flare gas into an engine for cleaner energy, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

The project is implemented under H2-diplo, a GIZ programme commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office and financed by the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

H2-diplo supports Germany’s international energy and climate diplomacy, partnering with countries to advance the use of green hydrogen in diversifying and decarbonising their economies.

Programme Manager for Energy, Circular Economy and Climate Change, Godfrey Ogbemudia said: ‘Reducing what goes into the atmosphere today is a responsibility we all share. It’s encouraging to see Nigeria’s flare-reduction efforts already yielding results; this project takes those gains even further.’

Ogbemudia, who represents the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS added that the initiative ‘isn’t only about environmental protection; it’s about creating new business opportunities through gas commercialisation and cleaner energy solutions that benefit people and the planet.

Nigeria is one of the world’s top seven gas-flaring countries, losing billions in potential revenue each year while contributing significantly to GHG emissions.

In 2022 alone, the country flared around 275 billion standard cubic feet of gas, emitting over 16 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

This not only exacerbates climate change but also contravenes Nigeria’s Climate Change Act (2021), which mandates strict carbon budgeting and emissions reduction.

The German-Nigerian Flare4Value initiative is designed to address this challenge head-on.

It focuses on reducing flare-gas emissions, improving gas utilisation, and aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas sector with its Energy Transition Plan.

A key innovation of the project is its exploration of flare gas-to-hydrogen pathways, turning waste into clean energy carriers while creating space for industrial growth.

Through structured dialogue, technical collaboration, and private-sector engagement, the project provides a high-level bilateral platform for Germany and Nigeria to deepen cooperation on climate action.

With its launch under the EU Green Diplomacy Week, it showcases the EU’s commitment to forging strong partnerships in multilateral decarbonisation efforts.

Nigerian partners include the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gas Aggregator Company of Nigeria (GACN), the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).

The project was formally introduced at a virtual kick-off meeting on 29 September, followed by last Thursday’s high-level event in Abuja.

A study tour to Germany is planned for October, bringing Nigerian public and private-sector actors together with German stakeholders.

The initiative will culminate in a multistakeholder conference in Abuja on 4 December 2025, where a discussion paper on flare-gas reduction will be launched alongside a B2B exchange platform for Nigerian and German businesses.

By linking flare-gas reduction with hydrogen development, the Flare4Value project bridges climate action and economic opportunity.

It supports Germany’s and the EU’s broader energy diplomacy while advancing Nigeria’s national priorities, reducing emissions through targeted gas recovery, creating new industrial and economic value, and strengthening Nigeria’s energy transition for a more resilient and diversified economy.

A civil society organisation, the Niger Delta Rights Advocates (NDRA), has condemned the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) over what it described as an ‘unethical and misleading’ report alleging corruption against a public servant under the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Director of Research and Documentation at NDRA, Dr. Chuks Alozie, accused FIJ of publishing a one-sided story that allegedly maligned Mr. Adagiri Ismail, a senior officer of the NCoS.

Alozie said FIJ’s online reports of October 6 and 8, 2025, portrayed a suspect currently facing trial as a victim and hero, in a manner inconsistent with the standards of professional journalism.

‘FIJ’s reports of October 6 and 8 were clear attempts at hoodwinking the public. They portrayed a suspected criminal standing trial before an FCT High Court (Charge No. CR/669/23) as a hero, which runs contrary to journalistic ethics,’ Alozie stated.

According to the NDRA, the case stemmed from an alleged act of impersonation and forgery of Mr. Ismail’s office documents.

The suspect, identified as Aliyu Raji, was said to have used forged letterheads and office insignia to obtain millions of naira through false pretences and fraudulent contract awards.

Alozie noted that the suspect was initially granted bail and subsequently approached FIJ for media coverage after filing a fundamental rights suit against the complainant and the police.

The court, however, reportedly dismissed the case and awarded ?1 million in costs against the applicant in favour of all respondents.

The NDRA accused FIJ of failing to exercise due diligence by not investigating all sides of the story or granting Mr. Ismail a right of reply before publication.

The group demanded an immediate retraction or corrigendum from the online platform, insisting that the reports breached the ethical codes governing responsible journalism.

‘While citizen journalism strengthens democracy, it must not be used as a tool for defamation or sedition. Defending the rights of an individual facing criminal prosecution should never come at the expense of truth, fairness, and balance’, Alozie warned.

The NDRA reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom but urged journalists and citizen reporters alike to uphold the principles of integrity and impartiality when handling sensitive corruption-related cases.