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LAUNCHED under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government, through Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and private investors, is coming up to address the chronic shortage of accommodation in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The initiative aims to deliver 38,400 modern hostel bed spaces across 24 tertiary institutions, encompassing 12 universities, six polytechnics and six colleges of education.

Each site will feature 1,600-bed hostels equipped with ensuite rooms, study areas, reading rooms, cafeterias, and essential amenities.

According to report, pilot projects are already underway in six institutions, three in the North (Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, and FCT College of Education Zuba) and three in the South (AkwaIbom State University, College of Education Warri, and SikiruAdetona College of Education, Ogun).

The hostels in Warri and AkwaIbom are nearing completion and set for commissioning, according to FHFL Managing Director, Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar.

He said the upcoming commissioning would mark a landmark achievement in transforming student welfare nationwide. He said the programme ensures that students ‘have the right environment to live and learn while reducing the risks of inadequate accommodation.’

With construction soon expanding to eight additional institutions, the project is expected to boost local economies, attract private investment, and provide safer, more conducive housing for students across all six geopolitical zones.

At a high-level roundtable during the 80th Session of UN General Assembly in New York, senior government officials, Solewant Group, and global stakeholders discussed the Gulf of Guinea’s (GoG) energy, maritime, and investment prospects.

The OECD forecasts the African coastal economy will reach $3 trillion by 2030, with the GoG alone contributing $300 billion and generating over 49 million jobs.

Despite producing nearly half of Africa’s crude oil and holding about 10% of global reserves, the GoG remains plagued by challenges like oil theft, piracy, and illegal fishing.

Although 25 coastal states adopted the Yaoundé Code of Conduct in 2013, implementation has proven difficult, with regional initiatives from ECOWAS, ECCAS, and the Gulf of Guinea Commission also facing hurdles.

Speaking at the roundtable, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, former Chief of Staff and Minister of External Affairs, urged regional and international leaders to tackle insecurity to unlock economic potential.

He proposed a five-point agenda focused on enhancing security frameworks, integrating security with development, engaging the private sector, leveraging technology, and establishing a business council for the GoG.

Gambari emphasized the need for transparent management of natural resources to benefit local communities, claiming that inclusive governance can deter insecurity.

He reiterated the importance of collective action to fulfill the region’s economic promise.

Mr. Solomon Ewanehi, CEO of Solewant Group, highlighted the GoG’s potential, noting that responsible investment in coastal economies hinges on security and coordinated public-private partnerships.

He stressed the need for strengthened legal frameworks and operational capacity to protect regional trade and investor confidence.

Nigeria is gradually slipping into a food crisis that threatens not just its economic stability but the very survival of millions of its citizens. The warning signs have been evident for years-declining agricultural productivity, rising insecurity in farming communities, inadequate storage facilities, and heavy dependence on food imports. Yet, little has been done to address the situation comprehensively. Today, the country finds itself at a crossroads where hunger is no longer a distant fear but a daily reality for many households.

One of the primary drivers of this looming crisis is insecurity. Vast farmlands in the country’s food-producing regions, particularly in the North, have been abandoned due to banditry, kidnapping, and clashes between farmers and herders. Farmers in states such as Borno, Zamfara, Benue, and Kaduna live in constant fear of attacks, making it nearly impossible to cultivate crops. This disruption has led to a sharp reduction in the supply of essential food items, driving up prices in markets nationwide. For the average Nigerian family, feeding three times a day has become a luxury rather than a right.

Beyond insecurity, climate change has worsened the situation. Erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and devastating floods have all contributed to the reduction of crop yields. For instance, the 2022 floods destroyed farmlands in over 30 states, leading to severe shortages of staples such as rice, maize, and yams. Despite repeated warnings from environmental experts, government responses have remained reactive rather than proactive. Investments in irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and flood control infrastructure remain far below what is required to safeguard food production.

Another major concern is the collapse of Nigeria’s once-thriving agricultural value chain. Poor road networks mean that farmers who manage to produce crops struggle to transport them to urban markets. Post-harvest losses account for up to 40% of total production, as perishable goods rot away due to lack of storage facilities and processing industries. This inefficiency not only affects food availability but also discourages farmers who receive little to no reward for their hard work.

The rising cost of living Is further compounding the crisis. Inflation, particularly food inflation, has been on a steep upward trend, making even the most basic food items unaffordable. Families that once could afford a balanced diet are now forced to settle for less, leading to widespread malnutrition. For children, this poses a long-term danger as poor nutrition affects growth, learning capacity, and overall health. The situation is even more alarming in rural communities and among internally displaced persons who rely heavily on humanitarian aid.

Addressing this quiet crisis requires urgent and deliberate action. First, the government must restore security in farming communities to allow farmers to return to their fields without fear. Second, there must be renewed investment in modern agricultural practices, including mechanization, irrigation, and access to improved seedlings. Third, building storage and processing facilities will reduce post-harvest losses and create jobs for young people. Finally, Nigeria must reduce its dependence on food imports by strengthening local production and supporting smallholder farmers, who make up the backbone of the agricultural sector.

If these steps are not taken, the consequences will be devastating. Food insecurity will continue to deepen poverty, fuel social unrest, and weaken national stability. Nigeria has the land, manpower, and potential to feed itself and even export food, but only if leaders treat this crisis with the urgency it deserves. The time to act is now-before hunger becomes the defining tragedy of a nation blessed with so much agricultural wealth.

Muhammad is a 300-level student of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ilorin on Monday inducted 32 new veterinary doctors at its seventh induction/oath-taking ceremony.

Speaking as the keynote speaker at the event, a former vice-president Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN), Dr. Bala Mohammed, told both the graduands and audience at the event that solutions to contemporary health challenges demand interdisciplinary cooperation.

‘Solutions to today’s greatest health challenges cannot be designed in isolation-they demand cooperation across veterinary medicine, human medicine, environmental sciences, and public policy’, he said.

Mohammed, a veterinary surgeon, also said that, ‘the health of humans, animals, and the environment can no longer be treated as separate concerns.

‘They are intricately linked, forming the foundation of the one health approach, a global strategy that requires collaboration across disciplines to achieve optimal health outcomes for all,’ he said.

He also said that: ‘Despite successes, veterinary services remain underfunded, under-recognised, and under-integrated into national health frameworks.

‘Many countries, including ours, face surveillance blind spots, weak laboratory capacity, and governance silos.’

‘These gaps allow diseases to simmer unnoticed until they explode into public crises, with devastating health and economic consequences.

‘To truly protect one world, we must invest in veterinary infrastructure and laboratories, foster collaboration among doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, and policymakers to strengthen education, funding, and data systems which empower community-centered prevention strategies. ‘Veterinarians must be recognized not only as responders but as guardians of planetary health’.

Earlier, Dean of the Faculty Professor Saliu Ameen, said that the induction marked the formal licensing of these young doctors as veterinary professionals.

Professor Ameen added that, ‘this ceremony is not merely a ritual; it is a defining moment. It signifies the transition of our graduands from students of veterinary medicine to full members of a noble and globally relevant profession’.

A Retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal, Professor Osita Obierika, on Monday died onboard a British Airways flight to Abuja as the crew of the airline battled fruitlessly to save the Anambra State-born military officer’s life.

The plane carrying him made an emergency landing at the El Prat Airport, Barcelona, as they struggled to resuscitate the ailing military officer.

Our correspondent learnt that the flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11 pm on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land in Abuja at 5 am on Monday but made an unexpected detour to Barcelona after the incident.

It was gathered that the terminally ill retired AVM was being transported back to Abuja for further medication before his sudden demise.

British Airways has already apologised to its traumatised passengers, even as efforts were made to ensure that a new aircraft departed the Barcelona airport at 2p.m. on Monday. They were expected to land in Abuja at 7p.m. local time.

According to messages shared with the passengers, the airline apologised for the disruption and assured passengers that the Customer Care team would be available to assist with any questions or concerns.

‘Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,’ the airline told the affected passengers in a general message.

Further update from the airline at about noon on Monday, however, the flight is delayed by some 45 minutes, saying: ‘We’d like to advise that the replacement aircraft for your flight to Abuja is now on its way.

‘The estimated time of departure from Barcelona is 14:50 local time, with arrival into Abuja expected at approximately 17:45 local time. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. British Airways.’

The Iperu Indigenes Forum (IIF) has congratulated the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on the completion and commencement of commercial operations at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, describing it as a historic milestone for the community, Remoland, and the entire state.

In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s convener, Prince Ladi Olabinjo, Chief Ifasola Saheed Opeodu (the Oluwo of Iperu), Otunba Adebayo Salami and the Media Officer, Temitope Oyekan, the group commended the governor, an illustrious son of Iperu Akesanland, for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructural development and economic transformation.

The forum noted that the Gateway International Airport, which is set to begin its maiden commercial flight today, October 7, represents a new dawn for Iperu and the Remo region, as it strategically anchors the Remo industrial corridor and positions Ogun State on the global aviation and economic map.

According to the statement, the airport’s establishment will drive job creation, industrial expansion, investment, tourism, and urban renewal, while enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the state and beyond.

The forum also expressed optimism that the airport’s eventual international certification by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will further link Ogun State directly to global markets, facilitating trade and travel.

While celebrating the project, the group urged the state government to further improve intra-city roads, ensure steady electricity supply, and strengthen security measures around the airport and adjoining communities to support anticipated growth in human and vehicular activities.

The forum also lauded other infrastructural projects associated with the airport, including the road linking the airport to the Sagamu-Benin highway, the ongoing Siun-Ajura-Ogere-Iperu-Ilisan road reconstruction, and the proposed Purple Line Metro Rail from Mowe to Iperu-initiatives it said align with Governor Abiodun’s ISEYA development mantra and Building Our Future Together agenda.

The forum congratulated ValueJet Airline for operating the airport’s maiden commercial flight and praised the company’s innovation and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Reaffirming its support for the governor’s developmental strides, the group expressed confidence that the Gateway International Airport, alongside the Special Agro-Processing Zone and the Remo Economic Cluster, will consolidate Ogun State’s position as a hub of industrial and economic excellence.

The Forum also saluted all sons and daughters of Iperu Akesanland, both at home and in the diaspora, for their contributions to the realisation of the project, recalling that vast lands across Orubo, Iragbon, Eluju, Arogbo, Idena, Magbon, Isapetu, Emulu and Ogunmogbo communities were provided for the airport’s development.

Hon Dayo Ogungbenro was last week Monday at the Oyo State congress of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reelected the state chairman of the party, in this interview with YINKA OLADOYINBO, he speaks about his agenda for the party in the next four years, the challenges facing the major opposition party and its chances come 2027. Excerpts:

What is your agenda as you assume office for the second term as the chairman of the PDP in Oyo State?

First and foremost, I have to give glory to God for making it possible for me to return to office for another term, this is another koseleri in Oyo State politics for the chairman of PDP to serve two terms, I also have to thank the governor of the state, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the opportunity to serve and like he charged which I also associate myself with the greatest challenging this party is to deliver governorship in 2027 and there is no compromise about that, and that is to serve as a note of warning to other opposition parties in the state that there is no vacancy in Agodi Government House

Now that you have said the PDP will rule Oyo state beyond 2027, how do you think that is achievable with the situation the party found itself in the country?

Yes, it is noted that we don’t have any issue in the party in the state, there might be challenges at the federal level and there is no political party without its own issue and politics is essentially about continuous engagements and compromise, so soonest the party will still find her foot. Just like I said, ni issue in Oyo state PDP, if anybody has any issue in party politics in Oyo state it will be in APC, the major opposition party, so I don’t see anything coming our way in 2027 by the special grace of God.

At the state Congress of the party, there were some notable leaders that were not at the venue, doesn’t that portend internal wranglings in the party?

I don’t see it in that perspective.

To many people, Seyi Makinde is the only factor making PDP strong in Oyo State, how are you going to sustain the relevance of the party after the expiration of his tenure in 2027?

Yes, I have heard people saying it that Seyi Makinde is PDP and PDP is Seyi Makinde, I also said it when the former vice president Atiku Abubakar was here to campaign in 2023 at Mapo, I told the dignitaries that were present that that is the situation in Oyo State. Having said that and having known that the governor will soon finish his constitutional two terms, this kind of question is very germane, but remember when Seyi Makinde was coming, many people didn’t give him chance as far as performance in party politics is concerned. Many people argued that he is from the corporate world, he is a corporate man, he doesn’t know anything about politics. Our late leader, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of blessed memory even said he has not been a councilor, he hasn’t been this and that, but to the glory of God Seyi Makinde performed beyond expectations of an average doubting Thomas. Since we have agreed that politics is dynamic, that dynamism will be brought into play to ensure that the PDP maintain its lead, in Oyo State come 2027. If you say the governor has a superlative performance, voters in the state are aware of this. In fact, the question people are asking me now is that whenever Seyi leaves how do you think you will sustain the performance of your party? All they are asking for is we should tell the governor that whoever is coming as a successor should be someone that can perform up to that level or even beyond. Once upon a time in this state we have instances where salaries were not paid for more than eight months, Seyi Makinde came and promised that salary will be paid as and when due and up till today it has not changed. Ask the civil servants, the teachers, pensioners, even artisans, students, market women, they are all yearning for Seyi Makinde. However, he won’t be on the governorship ballot come 2027 and that is not my major headache now. I will now have to go and tell these people that the governor won’t be on the ballot, so we have to buckle up so as to maintain the level of the performance of Seyi Makinde come 2027 or more than that, we won almost all the local government during the last election and we are going to repeat that. All we are praying for is that God will be magnanimous to our leader to make the right choice and I can assure you that the right choice will be made.

With many aspirants that want to succeed the governor, how are you going to ensure that an acceptable candidate emerge in a rancour free situation?

All is politics and we have witnessed this type of thing for years, we know how to do our things, look at the last congresses from wards to the local governments and to the state level, no quarell, no skirmishes, no cutlass, the PDP in Oyo State has come of age irrespective of our different political ambitions, we will disagree to agree because the greatest disservice we can do to Seyi Makinde is not to win in 2027 and we are winning by the grace of God. In due course I will be all over the state spreading the gospel according to Seyi Makinde, so that an average person in the state will not rely on him alone, but will rely on him and PDP together.

As a state chairman of the PDP, are you not worried about the crisis rocking the party at the national level?

I am not, politics is about choices and about I want this, I want that and when your choices are not being met definitely you move to other platforms to ventilate it. Former president Muhammadu Buhari contested three times and at the third attempt he wept openly before they formed another alliance and they succeeded in pushing the PDP out of power. Be that as it may, people are free to make choices as far as politics or any association is concerned , as they go other people are coming , that is politics for you, as a matter of fact, a lot of them that have gone are already coming back, so let us wait and see, this is just 2025 and we are going to 2027, a lot water will still pass under the bridge before that time.

Are you saying despite the present situation, the party is still in a good position to win election at the national level come 2027?

Definitely, if we are talking of opposition parties in Nigeria today can we rate anyone over PDP? Even if ADC is coming up. Honestly, we flop our chances in 2023 and we have to blame ourselves because some people believe they can move on without this and that. During our campaign at Mapo with all the dignitaries sitting, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide was there, Halleluyah (Senator Hosea Agboola) was also there, I told them frankly, on no ambiguous term that don’t be deceived that Seyi Makinde is a factor in PDP. The greatest error PDP made in 2023 was that Atiku could not muster enough will to unite the party and that was what caused him the presidency. I told them publicly as a political scientist , how can you jettison five sitting governors, they were not former governors, they were sitting governors and I told them the truth, I even arranged a meeting between Alhaji Atiku and my principal, but eventually some people were pushing Baba Atiku and we saw how it all ended, that would have been the greatest opportunity for this party to come back to power.

As someone that has been involved in elections over the years, what are the areas of our electoral system that you think need to be reformed or amended for us to have near perfect elections?

First and foremost, the way we appoint the INEC chairman should be changed for the good of the generality of the country. They said there is no historian without his or her biases, once you know you are the appointing authority you can do anything and pretend to be otherwise. It is wrong for the president to continue to be the sole appointing authority of INEC chairman and the commissioners, we should evolve a system through which they would be appointed that would be devoid of the biases of the president. If we want to be nationalistic in our approach we should change certain things and that is why some people said even after 65 years of independence Nigeria still remains an ordinary geographical expression because of the primordial interest, we should chart course for nationalism so that we can move forward. Some people will argue that it took America over 200 years before they got to where they are today, does that means we have to also spend 200 years.

Looking at the Federal Government being run by the APC, what is your stake on its performance, particularly in the last two years?

My assessment is that the good people of Nigeria should excuse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2027 because his performance is abysmal, and I want to say that the PDP, which is the major opposition party in the country is representing a better alternative and knows how to run the country better. We knew how much a bag of rice was when President Goodluck Jonathan was in power, we also knew how much it was during Buhari regime, we know the price now, not to talk of price of fuel and other things. During the president’s independence speech, he said there will be light at the end of the tunnel, what else do you expect him to say? He would not say there wouldn’t be light at the end of the tunnel, you can only expect such things from a better clime, not the one like ours where you just believe that whether you are performing or not performing you must be in office by all means. But the beauty of democracy is that you challenge the performance of the person you put on board every four years in case of federal and state levels and every three years in case of local government level, you are free either to vote somebody in after a tenure if you are satisfied with his or her performances or you vote him or her out, that is the beauty of the game, when they said Jonathan did not perform up to expectations he was voted out, why were they not liberal like Jonathan, he congratulated Buhari even before the results of the elections were announced. But what are they doing after Jonathan? But I know that one day we will get to where we are supposed to be.

HOW will you assess the housing sector in the last 65 years of Nigeria’s independence

Nigeria prides itself in gaining political independence in 1960 but to me, the bondage of Nigerians today is more grievous than we were under the colonial rule. Looking at it from all angles, there is no indication of freedom. Our social, economic and political lives are tied to the desires of the colonial masters. The housing sector has not faired so well because it has suffered so much epileptic policy direction and weak political will. Today, it is rumoured or estimated that the housing deficit is in the region of over 20 million units. Even at a very unrealistic and conservative estimate of an occupancy ratio of 2 persons per habitable room; then we have not less than 40 million persons who are critically in need of decent houses to live. This is to say the least, embarrassing and undesirable. Despite the huge intervention of the private sector in housing by increasing the quantitative availability, affordability of the houses is a problem. Though Nigeria’s housing sector has shown resilience and some positive momentum, especially in the last few years, it is still not well enough. Government initiatives, growing recognition of housing as a priority, innovative models, and increasing private sector engagement are all good signs but they end up as issues in political manifestos. Giving housing a head-on, pragmatic response is still far-fetched. On the whole, the gap between policy/initiative and lived reality is still large. The majority of people who need decent, affordable housing are still priced out, unable to access mortgages, burdened by high rents, or forced into informal housing or overcrowding. If, in the first quarter of the 21st century, some Nigerians are still living in terrible slums, shanties and under bridges in our National capital, State capitals and major settlements, we can conclude that a lot still needs to be done in the housing sector.

Can you say that Nigerians have been properly housed?

As indicated earlier, Nigerians are not properly housed. Apart from the deficit, prices of housing and rents are getting out of reach for an average Nigerian; indeed, they rise much faster than wages. Many Nigerians spend 40-60% of their income on rent, far above the recommended 25-30%. The level of informal housing is high as innumerable number of Nigerians live in slums, informal settlements, or overcrowded conditions without any physical plan for their development and access to safe water, sanitation, or reliable electricity and other basic services. This would also account for incessant building collapses which remain a recurring tragedy, reflecting weak enforcement of standards.

What are major achievements in the housing sector and notable challenges?

There are some achievements made by government over the years. First is knowing that Nigerians need to live in decent houses. It is said that knowing a problem makes it half-solved. In the public sector, a lot of investments have been such as low-cost houses during Shagari regime and other similar interventions by successive administrations upto the current Renewed Hope Housing programmes. But these programmes were simply political programmes whereby they make a lot of noise declaring outrageous number of housing units and building only few. Even the few that are built go to their cronies as rewards for political patronage. Other interventions include the establishment of financial and mortgage institutions such as Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, National Housing Fund, Family Homes Fund, Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company and related agencies. The private sector has also made significant impact on housing through acquisition of land for mass housing and constructing them in different parts of the country. Some of the interventions include the rent-to-own programme which has provided an alternative for low to middle income earners. The private sector has also been involved in advocacy through institutions such the Housing Development Advocacy Network and the recently inaugurated Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy. Major achievements in the development of local building materials have been made through research by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute which has increased the use of local materials, prefabricated housing, and modular construction to reduce costs and speed up delivery.

The challenges that we still face include the lack of consideration of physical planning for housing interventions. Their locations within the settlement fabric are uncoordinated to make the needed impact. Most times they are cited out of immediate reach of the dwellers of the benefitting town hence, they face challenges of infrastructure, transportation, security and other environmental problems. Therefore, they are left unoccupied until they are vandalized and the houses become useless and wasted investment of public funds. High cost of land, building materials, and finance keeps housing out of reach for the majority while mortgages remain unaffordable due to high interest rates and short tenures. The Land Use Act (1978) is outdated, creating bottlenecks in land acquisition and titling. Numerous housing policies and masterplans have been developed, but weak implementation, corruption, and lack of political will undermine progress.

Can you say the government of the day is living up to expectations in the housing sector?

I would say, not quite. Nigerians expected much more than what they are getting. The current administration launched what they call Renewed Hope Cities and Estates. Good as the idea may be, it was conceived and located without considerations of physical planning. Implementation in some of the States (including even the Federal Capital City – Abuja) did not pass through required planning approvals as prescribed by the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Act. Some of the positive efforts include the moves to strengthen the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), expand mortgage access, and create special real estate investment funds (MREIF) showing intent to tackle financing gaps. Another is the strong collaboration with developers, cooperatives, and housing advocacy groups.

However, a lot of negative issues surround the expectations of the Nigerians. Less than two years into the first term of the current administration, efforts have been much on campaigning for a second term. Attention has tilted from housing to the hunger for retaining power. Meanwhile, affordability remains elusive as cement, steel, and land costs continue to soar; mortgage interest rates remain out of reach for the average worker; informal settlements keep expanding in cities, showing that housing supply for the poor is not matching demand; programmes are launched with fanfare, but delivery is slow, fragmented, and sometimes politicised; and, the massive infrastructure deficit as new estates are often poorly serviced with roads, water, and power, making them less attractive or unsustainable.

What are the solutions to the challenges in the sector?

The government needs to take some quick steps to resolve the challenges. First, there is the need to engage consultants to prepare master plans and other levels of physical plans for cities and major settlements in Nigeria. This will appropriately identify the areas of the settlements where housing would be located profitably (in terms of social satisfaction). There is the urgent need to review the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law, which is over 33 years old, some parts of which are greatly inconsistent with contemporary demands of the Nigerian society. Other important steps to take would include reviewing the Land Use Act o 1978, digitize land records to make titles more secure; strengthen institutions by building the capacity of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and state housing agencies to deliver affordable housing at scale; encourage cooperative housing schemes and provide targeted subsidies on land, infrastructure, or interest rates for affordable housing developers. There is the need to invest in local cement, tiles, timber, and alternative technologies (compressed earth blocks, bamboo, prefab); provide incentives for developers by giving tax breaks or reduced duties for developers who commit at least 40-50% of projects to affordable housing. Encourage land-for-housing exchanges whereby government can provide serviced land to developers in return for affordable units. The Federal Government, as a form of technical assistance to the States should embark on upgrading informal settlements by providing basic infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads).

In a significant effort to tackle unemployment and foster self-reliance, the Professor Isa Pantami Foundation (PIP Foundation) has provided approximately 250 citizens in Gombe State with a free skills acquisition programme.

The convocation, held at the Al-Waalidayn Charitable Foundation headquarters in Pantami district, marked the successful completion of a batch of training designed to equip young Nigerians with high-demand technical skills.

The initiative aims to create a generation of job creators rather than seekers. The beneficiaries, selected on merit from the 11 LGAs in Gombe, were awarded certificates and given start-up tools to launch individual workshop.

A statement by PIP Foundation official, Prof Suleiman Mohammed, indicated that the training covered practical smartphone repair, alongside cutting-edge modules in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The extensive curriculum also included mentorship sessions that focused on developing the youths’ entrepreneurial mindset and boosting their confidence as they prepare to establish sustainable businesses.

‘This programme is an ongoing national effort; the training will continue in batches across several Nigerian states. Bauchi State is likely to be the next focus of attention,’ Mohammed disclosed.

The graduation was graced by several dignitaries, underscoring its impact on the community. The excited participants applauded Pantami for the transformative scheme and prayed that Allah reward him abundantly.

The District Head of Pantami, Alhaji Yakubu Abdullahi, commended the former minister, whom he referred to by his traditional title of Waziri Pantami. ‘Our district is proud to have a son of his calibre,’ he said.

Other notable attendees included the Sarkin Malaman Gombe, Alhaji Ahmad Walama; Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, Prof Yusuf Abdullahi, a cross-section of academics, politicians, community and religious leaders.

THE Federal Government has launched a Digital Platform for Applicable Fees in Diving Operations within Nigerian Territorial Waters, a move the Ministry of Labour and Employment described as a groundbreaking step toward strengthening regulation, safety, and professionalism in the country’s diving sector.

The official launch and awareness workshop held in Abuja brought together key industry stakeholders and regulators.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Salihu A. Usman, said the digital platform represents a ‘significant milestone’ in Nigeria’s effort to align its diving operations with global standards while safeguarding the lives and welfare of professional divers.

Dr. Usman highlighted the importance of the diving sector to Nigeria’s economy, noting that professional divers play crucial roles in offshore oil and gas, maritime operations, underwater construction, and salvage activities. He described diving as one of the most challenging and high-risk professions in the country, underscoring the need for stronger oversight mechanisms.

According to him, the Ministry is introducing the digital platform as part of broader policy reforms to tighten regulation and promote transparency. He described the new platform as more than just a technological tool, saying it embodies a renewed commitment to professionalism, accountability, and, most importantly, the safety of every diver.

He explained that the digital system will simplify compliance processes, promote efficiency, and enable real-time monitoring of diving activities across Nigerian waters. The reform, he added, will ensure that every diver and operator adheres to prescribed safety standards while eliminating bottlenecks associated with manual oversight.

As part of the new measures, the Permanent Secretary announced that the Foreign Labour Card will no longer apply to professional divers working within Nigeria’s territorial waters. In its place, divers will now be issued a Nigerian Diving Labour Card through the Ministry’s Occupational Safety and Health Department.

Dr. Usman also drew attention to the Factories (Diving at Work) Regulations 2018, which require all professional divers to register with the recognized National Association of Professional Divers. The policy, he said, aims to unify practitioners, strengthen operational standards, and give divers a collective voice in policy and regulatory matters.

Emphasising the importance of capacity building, Dr. Usman stressed that competence and training remain the foundation of safety in the industry. ‘Only through continuous training can we ensure our professionals meet national and international standards,’ he said, calling on contractors, operators, and training institutions to fully embrace the Ministry’s reform agenda.

He expressed optimism that the digital initiative and associated regulatory measures would transform Nigeria’s diving sector into a globally respected and safety-driven profession. ‘Together, we can build a diving industry that stands as a model of excellence. This is not just a digital reform, it is a step toward a safer, stronger, and more respected diving profession in Nigeria,’ he concluded.

Also speaking, the Director of the Occupational Health and Safety Department, Mrs. Florence Owie, explained that the new regulation is driven by the need to protect the lives of divers and ensure proper monitoring of diving activities. ‘Divers are people whose work takes them beneath the waters, and the hazards they face are numerous. That’s why we must monitor and ensure safety,’ she said. ‘If you are a diver, you must be licensed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.’

She emphasised that the Ministry’s oversight will extend to certifying divers’ competence and verifying the safety of equipment used for underwater work. ‘We have lost many lives in that industry, and we want to protect them,’ Owie added.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Association of Professional Divers of Nigeria (APDN), Mr. Jackson Oreme, commended the government for the initiative, describing it as a major step that will give the Nigerian diving industry global recognition and credibility. ‘The Divers at Work Regulation seeks to ensure that the regulation of the industry in Nigeria is recognized globally and respected in the country. Many Nigerians are practicing diving, and some are doing it in an unsafe manner, which has exposed many to fatalities and accidents,’ he said.

Oreme noted that enforcement of the regulations and the partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Employment are vital to professionalizing the sector. ‘This means that we have strong government backing in the regulation of the industry. This regulation will be the backbone of safe and regulated diving practice in Nigeria because all divers are expected to adhere to its stipulations,’ he stated.