Category: Daily Trust

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have averted what could have been another bloody communal clash between Ugambe community in Konshisha Local Government Area and Mbaiase community in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.

A statement signed by the Acting Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, on Friday, said that the troops swiftly responded to a distress call on October 8, 2025, following reports of renewed hostilities between the two neighbouring communities.

Zubairu said on arrival at the scene, the troops came under sporadic gunfire from armed elements dressed in black, but the outlaws fled into nearby bushes after the soldiers engaged them with superior firepower.

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He disclosed that during a follow-up operation, the troops recovered one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62x39mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition, 15 empty shells, and various charms believed to have been used by the fleeing attackers. The statement, however, noted that three civilians were reportedly killed, and one person injured before the troops arrived.

Zubairu added that the wounded victim was evacuated to the General Hospital, Aliade, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Meanwhile, the Force Commander, Major General Moses Gara, commended the Sector 1 troops for their swift response and professionalism in restoring calm to the affected areas.

He urged them to sustain aggressive patrols to prevent further breakdown of law and order.

Gara also appealed to community leaders and stakeholders from both sides to embrace dialogue and work together for lasting peace, assuring that Operation Whirl Stroke remains committed to restoring stability across its joint operations area.

The Yobe State Government has flagged off the distribution of learning materials to Tsangaya and Islamiyya (Islamic schools) across the state.

The initiative aims to improve the welfare of Almajiri children and enhance the capacity of Islamiyya schools by creating a more structured, safe, and supportive learning environment.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Arabic and Islamic Education Board (AISEB), Malam Umar Abubakar, said the agency has introduced several welfare programmes to improve the living conditions of Tsangaya pupils.

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According to him, the state government has distributed 20,000 mats, 2,200 mosquito nets, 3,500 food dishes, 3,000 pairs of shoes, and 30,000 textbooks to various Almajiri schools. Other distributed items include 2,000 reading materials, 10 sewing machines, and one grasscutter machine presented to Ulamas to promote self-reliance.

Malam Abubakar further revealed that since the establishment of the Board, thousands of Almajiri children have been enrolled in the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YOCHMA) to ensure access to free and quality healthcare services.

He disclosed that more than 35 Almajiri children have undergone surgical operations, including some with serious medical conditions.

However, he noted that challenges such as street begging, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to learning materials remain major concerns.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Commissioner for Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-Orientation, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, said the state government has commenced teacher training programmes aimed at equipping Ulamas and instructors with modern teaching techniques.

He added that the programme also emphasises discipline, hygiene, and moral upbringing in accordance with Islamic principles.

Running a small shop is a daily balancing act. You manage inventory, serve customers, keep the accounts tidy, and still need to plan for risks that can throw operations off track. Fire, theft, floods, equipment breakdown, or an accident in the store can lead to steep bills and long closures. A well-structured shopkeeper insurance policy can be the difference between a quick recovery and a prolonged setback. Here is how it helps small businesses and why it is a smart pillar of MSME insurance planning.

? Fast cash flow support when it matters most

After a loss, time is money. The right policy is designed to settle admissible claims quickly so you can restore the store layout, repair fixtures, and replace damaged stock without draining your working capital. This immediate liquidity shortens downtime, which is crucial for MSMEs where even a week of closure can disrupt supplier payments and monthly cash cycles.

? Protection for the essentials you rely on

Shops are more than four walls. Counters, racks, refrigerators, point of sale machines, and computers keep the business moving. A comprehensive shopkeeper insurance policy typically covers accidental damage or breakdown of such business equipment. That means costly replacements or repairs do not have to derail your operations. For stores that rely on billing systems, barcoding, and CCTV, electronic equipment and data restoration cover can help you bounce back from power surges, short circuits, and device failures.

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? Safeguard stock and seasonal inventory

For many retailers, stock is the most significant asset. Losses from fire, flood, or burglary can be severe, especially right before a festive sale or peak season. Insurance that covers contents and stock at reinstatement or market value helps you rebuild shelves quickly. Some policies also include debris removal and professional fees after a significant incident, making recovery more organised and less stressful.

? Cover for glass fronts, signs, and visual appeal

Your storefront is part of your brand. Plate glass, display windows, and glow signs are vulnerable to accidental breakage. With the right cover, you do not have to absorb the entire replacement cost, which helps the shop look open, safe, and inviting again within days.

? Liability protection to keep reputational risks low

Accidents on the premises can lead to third-party claims. Public liability cover supports legal defence costs and compensation, helping you manage not just financial exposure but also reputation. For small businesses, this can prevent a single incident from turning into a prolonged legal and financial burden.

? Support for people who keep the shop running

People’s risks can hit hard. A personal accident cover for the owner ensures family finances are protected if the worst happens. Employee compensation coverage addresses workplace injuries and statutory liabilities. Together, these help you protect livelihoods and maintain high trust within a small team.

? Protection against internal fraud

Even well-run shops can face losses from employee dishonesty. A fidelity guarantee section compensates for defined fraudulent acts when reported within the stipulated timeframe. This is a practical layer in MSME insurance, where duties often overlap and cash handling is frequent.

? Add-ons that fit your reality

Every shop is different. Smart add-ons let you tailor protection to your risk profile. Accidental damage for everyday mishaps, impact damage if your store faces a car park, electrical and electronic appliance cover for power-fluctuation zones, dewatering expenses after water ingress, snow damage in hill stations, immediate repairs to start work without waiting for approvals, and an escalation clause to account for rising material and labour costs. These options help you build a policy that mirrors real-world risks.

? Underinsurance guardrails for more complete payouts

Underinsurance can reduce claim payouts just when you need them most. Some policies offer a waiver of underinsurance up to a specified percentage if your sum insured is within set thresholds. This feature softens the blow of valuation gaps and supports a fuller recovery after a covered loss.

? Simple documents, transparent processes, smooth onboarding

Buying cover should not feel like a project. Typical documents include basic KYC, shop registration or trade license, GST where applicable, and a simple inventory or asset list to set the sum insured. Transparent processes and digital journeys make issuance and servicing easier, saving owner time for customers and growth.

? Realistic premium planning with calculators

Online premium calculators help you see how location, built-up area, business type, asset value, and add-ons influence the premium. You can tweak inputs until you arrive at the right balance of cost and cover. This prevents overpaying for protection you do not need while avoiding risky underinsurance.

? Business continuity mindset for MSMEs

Recovery is not only about replacing things. It is about restoring confidence so customers return and suppliers keep credit lines open. A robust shopkeeper insurance policy supports continuity by funding repairs, protecting stock, covering third-party liabilities, and reducing disruption. For MSMEs that operate on thin margins, this is central to resilience planning.

? One mention that matters

Bajaj General Insurance offers a comprehensive Shopkeeper Insurance solution with broad coverages, practical add-ons, and supportive features that help small businesses recover faster and more completely after a covered loss.

Quick checklist to build your cover

List assets by category structure, furniture, electronics, and stock.

Choose a sum insured that reflects today’s replacement costs.

Add public liability, personal accident, employee compensation, and fidelity cover.

Pick add-ons that suit your locality and store design.

Review every 12 months or after any renovation or expansion.

Final word

Losses are inevitable in any business, but they should not mean the end of operations. With a carefully chosen shopkeeper insurance policy, you can secure your shop, assets, employees, and customers against unforeseen risks. As part of a broader MSME insurance strategy, this cover ensures you have the financial support to recover quickly, reduce downtime, and maintain customer trust. It helps protect cash flow, supports livelihoods, and gets your business back on its feet without unnecessary delays. Insurance is not just protection; it is a commitment to business continuity and long-term stability.

Senator Ali Ndume, lawmaker representing Borno South, says the Nigerian Senate is not responsible for screening nominees forwarded by the presidency for ministerial or other appointments.

Ndume made the clarification while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, in response to public criticism following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, over alleged certificate forgery.

Nnaji resigned earlier in the week after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed inconsistencies in his academic records.

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He, however, denied any wrongdoing, describing the report as a ‘sustained campaign of falsehood,’ and said his resignation was out of respect for due process and ongoing court proceedings. Ndume explained that the Senate’s role in the appointment process is limited to confirmation, while the actual screening and background checks are handled by security agencies – primarily the Department of State Services (DSS).

‘We are not screening – get this clear. Screening and confirmation are two different things,’ he said. ‘Before the president sends a candidate to the Senate, several processes are involved, including checks by the DSS. The DSS has to clear the person first.’

He noted that the Senate relies heavily on security reports in making confirmation decisions and has in the past rejected nominees based on DSS findings.

‘Last time, the DSS brought a report against someone and we rejected the person,’ Ndume recalled. ‘So don’t say we are not doing our job. We don’t do screening – we only confirm.’

The lawmaker also lamented the prevalence of document forgery in Nigeria, saying the problem cuts across various sectors.

‘This issue of forgery is a big problem in Nigeria. It’s not just among politicians,’ he said.

Vectar Energy, a climate technology company, has unveiled its maiden flagship digital ‘ecoWise’ platform to convert solar data into real capital by unlocking climate finance through carbon credits.

Deborah Fadeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Vectar Energy, disclosed this in her keynote address during the inauguration of the ecoWise Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Abuja.

Fadeyi, who is also the founder of the company, said that Nigeria’s energy crisis, where more than 86 million citizens lacked access to electricity, required market-based mechanisms that rewarded renewable energy deployment.

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‘For too long, the conversation around climate resilience has revolved around aid; it is time we traded value. ‘If we deploy low-carbon solar systems that reduce emissions, then those verifiable reductions should be monetised as carbon credits, which is how we finance more renewable energy projects and achieve sustainable industrialisation,’ she said.

According to her, ecoWise is Africa’s first patented digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) platform that automates the process of transforming real-time solar generation data into certified carbon assets. (NAN)

In her special address, Caroline Eboumbou, Chief Executive Officer of All On, praised the unveiling of ecoWise as a landmark step in Nigeria’s journey toward a self-sustaining carbon market.

‘This is not just a conversation, it is a call to action; platforms like ecoWise are showing us that with real-time data, transparency, and integrity, we can unlock climate finance at scale.”

She described ecoWise as ‘the kind of catalytic innovation Nigeria needed, saying it would enable developers to access new financing streams, lower project costs, and accelerate solar deployment across communities.

‘This platform could unlock 13 per cent of the financing needed to achieve Nigeria’s solar ambitions, around 3 GW of capacity by 2028, benefiting more than 100,000 households,’ she said. (NAN)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently presiding over the Council of State meeting.

The meeting is taking place at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with former President Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalam Abubakar, as well as Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State joining virtually.

Daily Trust, however, noticed that as at the time of going into the closed door session, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were not sighted.

The meeting is expected to be attended by all former Presidents and Heads of States, the Vice President, serving and retired former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

This is the second Council of State meeting to be hosted by President Tinubu after presiding over a similar meeting in August, 2024

Others attending the meeting are George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the NSA, serving Governors, the Chief of Staff to the President and other invited government officials.

The meeting is also being attended by Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

Some of the state Governors seen at the meeting were Governors of Kwara, Rivers , Enugu, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Ogun, Sokoto, Edo, Kaduna and Abia States.

The meeting is expected to discuss issues around the prevailing insecurity in some parts of the country, as well as the possible choice of the new chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The nigeria civil aviation authority (ncaa) has warned airlines on the need to comply with the montreal convention which has been domesticated through the civil aviation act (caa) 2022he Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airlines on the need to comply with the Montreal Convention which has been domesticated through the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022.

In particular, airlines were asked to adhere to the provisions of the Act in case of passenger injury or death, baggage and cargo loss and flight delays.

Spokesman of the aviation regulatory authority, Mr. Michael Achimugu stated this yesterday against the backdrop of persistent passenger complaints over lost baggage.

Daily Trust reports that cases of missing baggage are on the rise in the domestic market. In 2024 alone, 47,923 baggage belonging to air passengers were either missing or delayed on arrival among local and international airlines across the country’s airports.

More often than not the issue resorts in confrontation between airlines and the passengers.

Achimugu said, ‘Nigeria is a signatory to the Montreal Convention, which has been domesticated through the Civil Aviation Act (CAA) 2022.

‘The Montreal Convention of 1999 was designed to modernize and unify the rules governing international air travel, especially regarding airline liability for:

‘Passenger injury or death; Baggage and cargo loss or damage; and flight delays. Accordingly, all operators within Nigeria are expected to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Act, as applicable.

‘In particular, domestic operators resorting to the Warsaw Convention or relying on baggage weight as the basis for compensation in baggage-related claims is a matter that must be discussed and firmly so.’

He reiterated that the NCAA as the apex regulatory authority, would continue to enforce the CAA 2022 and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2023 which he stated ‘remain sacrosanct.”

‘Any airline that fails to apply the proper laws in dealing with baggage issues will be HEAVILY penalized going forward,’ he said.

Daily Trust reports that under the Montreal Convention, you must report lost baggage immediately to the airline and file a written complaint within 21 days of the baggage’s scheduled arrival date, providing all necessary details and receipts while the airline is liable for lost or missing luggage._:

Aryna Sabalenka overcame a rusty start in Wuhan as she fought back to beat Rebecca Sramkova in her first appearance since winning the US Open.

The world number one secured her first Grand Slam trophy of the year in New York, retaining her title as she defeated Amanda Anisimova in the final.

But in her first match for over a month, Sabalenka’s game was initially riddled with errors and she struggled with the power of Slovakia’s Sramkova, ranked 68th in the world.

However, after losing the first set she settled into her game in the second set before steamrolling through the third to wrap up a 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory.

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving all outstanding issues with university-based unions, assuring that the reconstituted Mahmud Yayale Ahmed Expanded Negotiation Committee will reach a sustainable agreement beneficial to all stakeholders.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja, saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that every effort must be made to prevent further disruptions in the nation’s academic calendar.

‘The president’s directive is clear – we must avoid strikes and ensure that our children remain in school,’ Alausa said, urging the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to suspend its planned industrial action.

The minister explained that the government is finalising its counter-offer to ASUU and other university unions, adding that the current administration has the political will to end disputes that have persisted for over a decade. He confirmed that the Expanded Negotiation Committee, inaugurated on Monday, has already begun engaging union leaders to achieve a fair and lasting settlement.

Alausa revealed that President Tinubu has approved N150 billion in the 2025 budget to be released in three tranches to enhance teachers’ welfare and address part of the unions’ long-standing demands. He also assured that by 2026, all outstanding arrears, including the 25 percent wage award, would be fully paid.

‘While we may not meet every demand at once, the government is committed to providing substantial improvements and handling the process with sincerity and trust,’ he said.

ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government following its National Executive Council meeting at the University of Abuja on September 28. The union’s seven-point demands include re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, revitalization of universities, payment of outstanding salary arrears, and resolution of third-party deductions.

Dr. Alausa noted that 80 percent of ASUU’s demands have already been met, appealing for patience and cooperation. He reaffirmed that the government’s priority remains keeping students in school and ensuring lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for investors, assuring investors of full government support in protecting their interests.

The governor further disclosed that Bauchi State’s investment drive is anchored on transparency, accountability, and innovation, citing strategic partnerships with Chinese firms in agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.

Mohammed noted that the state is leveraging its abundant natural resources, youthful population, and improving infrastructure to position itself as a major economic hub in Northern Nigeria. Bauchi is agriculturally blessed-Gov Zulum

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, says Bauchi is Agriculturally blessed state.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day Economic and Investment Summit, Governor Zulum said with 4.2 million hectares of land, Bauchi can achieve a lot in agriculture.

The governor, therefore, wooed foreign investors to come to Bauchi, as according to him the state has all the agricultural potentials needed for investment.

‘The agricultural resources needed by foreign investors and the hospitality of the people of Bauchi state is perfect enough to accommodate foreign investors.

‘Under the ease of doing business program, the government of Bauchi has provided the enabling environment for both domestic and international envestors.

The Governor, therefore, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for conceiving the Economic and Investment Summit.

He also commended the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo for his Green Revolution project which he said had made a serious impact on the Nigerian agricultural sub-sector.

On his part, the Speaker, Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, assured investors of legal protection from the state assembly.

Sulaiman said the summit was a demonstration that Bauchi state is charting a new course in economic revitalization.

He said the state was endowed with huge natural resources, hence the need to harness such resources in order to reduce reliance on the central government.

The speaker reaffirmed the commitment of the assembly to remain a strong ally in making Bauchi a potential for investors.

Obasanjo commissions Multi-Billion Naira Bauchi International Conference Centre

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, commissioned the Multi-Billion Naira Bauchi International Conference Centre.

Named Sir, Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, the edifice was located directly opposite the Bauchi state Government House.

Obasanjo was accompanied by the Borno State Governor, Umara Zulum, Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar during the commissions of the Centre.

While commissioning the structure, the former president described the gigantic project as a symbol of economic development and growth of Bauchi state.

He said the centre would help in boosting the economy of the state in various ways. He commended governor Bala Mohammed for the project.

Also, speaking at the Bauchi Economic and Investment Summit, the former president said without investment there would be no development, saying ‘investment summits like this will bring things together and encourage investment to develop the state.’

The two-day long economic summit organized by the Bauchi state government has commenced.

The maiden summit is aimed at unveiling 10 economic and investment potentials of the state for local and international investors.

The event coincides with the commissioning of the multi-billion-naira international conference buoy by the Governor Bala Mohammed-led administration.

Emirs of Bauchi, Ningi, Dass, Misau and Kataum are expected to attend the occasion.

The 10 economic potentials of the state to be showcased at the summit include Agriculture and agribusiness, Tourism, trade and commerce; industry, culture and heritage and Logistics, Transport and Value Chain Connectivity.

Other areas are Solid Minerals and Natural Resources; Energy and Renewable Power; Infrastructure and Urban Development; Education, Skills and Vocational Development and Logistics, Transport and Value Chain Connectivity.

The unveiling of these ten sectors demonstrates the administration’s pragmatic approach to rebuilding a resilient, self-sustaining economy built on innovation, inclusion, and partnership.

Former SGF Yayale Ahmed offers solutions to economic dev

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Yayale Mahmud Ahmed has called on the northern governors to invest hugely in education, good governance and capital development, saying ‘without getting this right, no investor will take us seriously.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the first Bauchi Economic and Investment Summit, yesterday, Ahmed said the three sectors are factors to economic development and growth.

‘No society shall rise above the quality of its people and no people shall rise above the quality of their education. Meaningful as investment in education, it is impossible without good governance. Education requires more than classrooms and teachers; it requires learning and accountability, the hallmark of a sound governance.’

Ahmed noted that massive investment in education was not merely a social duty, ‘rather an economic strategy as it transforms potentially to productivity, citizenry to invest innovations and youth into leaders of productivity. But to sustain such momentum, a state government must be firm, fair and forward looking because good governance is the backbone of a lasting education. In truth, education and governance are two sides of the same coin.’

He advised the northeast governors to leverage on the existing agencies and parastatals at the national level to improve the potentials of their respective states by establishing a commission that will coordinate the economic activities of the region based on the potentials of the region.

Domestic investors vow to harness Bauchi economic potentials

Domestic and international investors have pledged to harness the economic potentials of Bauchi through massive investment in the state.

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tiamin Rice Milling Company, Alhaji Ahmed Aminu made the disclosure yesterday at the opening of the two-day Bauchi State Economic and Investment Summit.

Alhaji Aminu said the Bauchi state government has allocated 10,000 hectares of land to Tiamin company for rice production, saying that 90 percent of the allocated land had been cleared and ready for use.

He said ‘Tiamim rice milling company has so far invested 37bn in Bauchi state. We have constructed a 600-million-tons capacity rice milling company in Bauchi state.

‘Tiamin is leading in investment in Bauchi state. We are currently cultivating 8,700 hectors of rice farm in Bauchi and another 50,000 hectares of rice in Toro local government area of the state. We are planning for expansion.

Aminu assured the Bauchi state government of domestic investors’ commitment towards investing in the state, Bauchi is economically endowed with huge potentials.

Another domestic investor dealing in cement, Resident Cement Company has invested over 200 billion Naira in the state.

Earlier, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Commerce, Muhammad Salis Gamawa said Bauchi as an enabler of agriculture with 4.2 million hectares of Arable land is making farming possible, providing over 10 people access to wealth in the state.

‘These over 10 million people are into production of maize, sesame, rice and other farm produce. The government is planning for the establishment of a modern fertilizer production plant in the state.

‘Through the efforts of Governor Bala Mohammed-led administration, Bauchi potentials are being turned into reality. Over 40 different mineral resources have been identified in the state.

‘About 15,000 jobs have been created in the Cement Production Plant in the state. The state is also capable of generating over 5 million megawatts of Solar Energy. Bauchi can be an ICT hub in the northeast.

‘We have everything in terms of mineral resources to transform Bauchi into a better place for business. We have set a vision to make Bauchi an industrial hub of Africa in the next few years.