Category: Daily Trust

The Managing Director of Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), Jamal Onwubuariri, has stated that poor infrastructure, inadequate technology deployment, and long delays at border posts are major factors slowing down trade logistics in Nigeria and the West African subregion.

Onwubuariri stated this while presenting a goodwill message at the 2025 Transport Summit organized by the Transport Correspondents Association of Nigeria (TCAN) in Lagos with the theme, ‘Driving the Transport Logistics Value Chains for Economic Growth.’

He revealed that in July, he undertook a 6,000-kilometre road trip from Nigeria to Liberia to observe firsthand the state of road transport infrastructure, challenges, and opportunities along the corridor.

‘We have infrastructure gaps. The roads we have, both here in Nigeria and across the West African region, are not sufficient for the volume of road traffic,’ Onwubuariri said. ‘The second challenge is that our ports, in terms of their infrastructure and technology deployment, are not sufficient for the volume of cargoes that comes into this region.’ The TTP boss identified long delays at border posts as another hurdle for trade, explaining that Nigerian truck drivers often spend weeks transporting perishable goods to neighbouring countries.

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The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned newly inaugurated Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) that the rank is only a privilege that can be withdrawn at any time if it is abused.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of 57 new SANs and the opening of the new legal year 2025/-2026 on Monday, Justice Kekere-Ekun said their achievement signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession.

‘The conferment of this rank is a rigorous process, reflecting the high expectations placed upon those who bear the title,’ he said.

‘It signifies not only professional excellence but also a commitment to ethical conduct and the upholding of the integrity of the legal profession. ‘You have all actively participated in the pre-swearing-in induction programme organized by the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), where invaluable insights were shared with you.

‘I urge you to uphold and internalize those principles, so that you may carry this rank with the utmost dignity, grace, and sense of responsibility it demands.

‘Let me take a moment to reiterate a caution I delivered at last year’s ceremony. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria is a privilege, not a right. The privilege can, and indeed will, be withdrawn in appropriate circumstances where it is abused.

‘I commend the efforts of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee in sustaining the standards and integrity of the processes leading to the final selection of successful applicants.’

She said the judiciary remains steadfast in its constitutional role of dispensing justice fairly and impartially, adding that they will continue to work tirelessly to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process, uphold the rule of law, and protect the rights and freedoms of all Nigerians.

In his remarks, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), bemoaned the adverse ratings and negative perception indexes of the judiciary due to low public confidence in the judiciary arising from perceptions of undue influence, inconsistent rulings, and delays that frustrate justice, and allegations of corruption.

He recalled the Supreme Court’s decisions that have strengthened the country’s judiciary, including the 15th November 2024 matter of Attorney-General, Kogi State V Attorney-General of the Federation, which affirmed the constitutionality of the establishment laws and prosecutorial powers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit.

According to him, another major decision was the 22nd November 2024 judgment in the Attorney-General, Lagos State V Attorney-General of the Federation, which nullified the National Lottery Act, establishing that the National Assembly lacks the constitutional power to legislate on lotteries, which is a residual matter for the state houses of assembly.

In every generation, young people have always been painted with bold colors-sometimes rebellious, sometimes revolutionary, but always impossible to ignore. Today’s youth culture is not just a passing phase; it is a force reshaping values, communication, and identity in ways older generations are only beginning to understand.

From TikTok trends to street fashion, from activism on social media to the creative redefinition of music, youth culture is setting the pace of global conversations. It is easy to dismiss these shifts as ‘just vibes,’ but in reality, what we are witnessing is the solidification of a cultural power bloc that dictates politics, consumer habits, and even morality.

Older generations often accuse young people of being distracted, unserious, or glued to their screens. But what is overlooked is the creativity embedded in that very digital presence. A viral dance trend may look trivial, but beneath it is a new language of global connection. A single tweet can mobilise thousands for protests, donations, or social change. The same tools that critics call ‘distractions’ are, in fact, instruments of innovation.

The youth are not merely consumers of culture-they are producers. Fashion houses, music labels, and even political campaigns have realised they cannot thrive without appealing to young audiences. The slang that dominates advertisements, the memes that fuel marketing, and the styles walking international runways all originate from youthful creativity. The world borrows from youth, yet ironically, youth are still told to ‘grow up.’ But youth culture is not only about entertainment. It is also about resistance. Across the world, young voices are leading conversations on climate change, gender equality, and mental health awareness. They are bold enough to question traditions, yet flexible enough to remix them into something fresh. They are redefining respect, not as blind obedience to age, but as mutual recognition of humanity.

The danger, however, lies in how quickly youth culture is misunderstood or exploited. Commercial industries capitalise on it without acknowledging its creators. Governments sometimes suppress it when it becomes too politically charged. Even within families, youthful expression is often mistaken for disrespect. To treat youth culture this way is to silence the very voices shaping the future.

The truth is simple: youth culture is not the enemy of tradition, nor is it a threat to society. It is the evolution of identity, the heartbeat of progress, and the living proof that society is never stagnant. To dismiss it is to dismiss the future.

It is time for parents, leaders, and institutions to stop asking, ‘What is wrong with young people today?’ and start asking, ‘What can we learn from them?’ Because whether through music, media, activism, or fashion, youth culture has already proven one thing-it is here to stay, and it speaks louder than ever before.

When Africa gathered in Addis Ababa from September 8 to 10, 2025, for the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS-2), the message was loud and clear: the continent wants climate investment, not climate aid. This second gathering of African leaders, experts, financiers, and activists was not just another diplomatic ritual. It was a defining moment in which Africa sought to reframe its role in the global climate economy-from a victim of climate disasters to an investment frontier rich with opportunities.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed captured the spirit of the summit when he declared: ‘It’s time to replace climate aid with climate investment.’ His words were echoed by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who lamented the persistent failure of wealthy nations to meet long-standing commitments-especially the pledge to double adaptation finance by 2025.

The frustration is justified. Africa contributes less than four per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it shoulders some of the harshest climate impacts: devastating floods, prolonged droughts, creeping desertification, collapsing food systems, and recurring humanitarian crises. In spite of this, the continent attracts only about one per cent of global climate finance. This imbalance is not just unfair; it is unsustainable.

Where was Nigeria in all of this?

Vice President Kashim Shettima had earlier made a symbolic appearance in Addis Ababa in June during Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, where he pledged Nigeria’s readiness to ‘play our part to keep Africa green.’ That was a welcome gesture of solidarity. But when it came to the main stage of ACS-2 itself, Nigeria’s delegation was hardly visible. No major speeches, no prominent leadership roles, and no defining interventions were reported. For a country that has suffered catastrophic floods in the Niger Delta, desertification swallowing up the far north, and millions of internally displaced people struggling to survive climate shocks, this absence was both puzzling and troubling. In climate politics, showing up is as important as planning. Presence and visibility are strategic. By remaining quiet, Nigeria missed a crucial opportunity to influence Africa’s collective position and secure a bigger slice of the emerging climate investment pie.

The Addis summit was not merely a litany of complaints. It was a showcase of solutions and opportunities. Delegates highlighted: Africa’s vast renewable energy potential, especially solar, wind, and hydro; nature-based solutions such as Ethiopia’s tree-planting drive that is restoring degraded lands; Climate-smart agriculture that promises food production stability in the face of erratic rainfall and the push for fairer terms in exploiting critical minerals-like lithium, cobalt, and manganese-that are vital for the global green transition.

Africa presented itself not as a victim, but as a hub of opportunity and innovation. And yet, Nigeria-the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation-failed to project its voice. This is especially ironic given Nigeria’s recent climate policy advances.

Nigeria has validated its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) and launched its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1). These documents are not just bureaucratic paperwork; they are meant to enhance our credibility with investors, signalling that Nigeria is serious about meeting its climate commitments. But credibility abroad requires visibility at the right forums. Addis was one of those moments-and we were quiet.

Yet, Nigeria’s climate challenges cannot be tackled with loans alone. With debt levels already stretching our fiscal limits, the Addis call for more grants, concessional finance, and direct investments should have been Nigeria’s rallying cry.

For instance, Nigeria’s sun-rich northern region is ideal for solar power projects that could electrify rural communities, reduce dependence on diesel generators, and unlock jobs in green industries. Climate-smart agriculture, demonstrated by several African countries at ACS-2, could transform the way Nigerian farmers cope with floods, droughts, and shifting planting seasons. For Nigeria, adaptation is not a luxury-it is a matter of food security and survival.

As the biggest economy and home to the continent’s largest youth population, Nigeria’s voice carries weight in shaping continental narratives. Yet our muted presence in Addis signalled either disinterest or lack of coordination. Neither is acceptable.

Africa’s youth and women were placed at the heart of the Addis conversations, emphasizing the need for inclusive climate strategies. With over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s population under 30, our country could lead in channelling this demographic power into innovation, renewable energy entrepreneurship, and climate-resilient farming. Missing the chance to highlight this at Addis was a strategic misstep.

Nigeria’s quiet role at ACS-2 should be a wake-up call. Symbolism matters. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria should not be in the shadows-it must be at the head table. Looking ahead to COP30 in Brazil next year, Nigeria must align itself fully with Africa’s demands for investment, fairness, and climate justice.

That requires action on several fronts: implementing NDCs and BTR commitments not just on paper, but through concrete projects that attract investors, strengthening renewable energy policies to reduce risks for private sector participation, supporting farmers with adaptation programmes-irrigation schemes, improved seeds, early warning systems-that translate global commitments into local survival strategies, and giving youth and women a central role in the climate economy, not as token participants but as drivers of innovation.

The Addis summit is a clear demonstration that Africa is no longer content with being portrayed as helpless. The continent wants to lead, not beg. For Nigeria, the lesson is unmistakable: solidarity speeches are not enough. Presence, visibility, and strategic engagement are essential.

Our farmers, who battle erratic rains and shrinking harvests, cannot afford rhetorical commitments. Our youth, who could either drive the green economy or drown in unemployment, need a clear roadmap. Our economy, struggling with energy deficits and environmental degradation, requires bold investments.

Africa is ready to move from climate aid to climate investment. Nigeria must help lead from the front-or risk being left behind. When Africa presents a united front, Nigeria must be at the head table-not quietly in the background.

Ahmad resides at FMA2, off Yaya {Petel) Abubakar Road, Fadamar Mada, Bauchi Email: masalihu@aol.com

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has warned that the escalating insecurity and poverty in northern Nigeria have become so dire that they must now be treated as a national emergency rather than a regional concern.

Dogara spoke on Tuesday during a panel session at the Nigeria Investment and Industrialisation Summit (NNIIS) 2025 organised by the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) in Abuja.

Lamenting over the worsening bloodshed across the region, the former Speaker said the magnitude of killings in the North had spiritual implications.

‘With the kind of bloodletting we are witnessing in the North, if you are a person of faith, you will know that we are operating under a curse because it is human blood. ‘The effect of a curse is that you sweat without results. That is why we are sweating in this part of the country without any tangible outcome.’

Dogara insisted that security must be the top priority before any meaningful development could occur, urging governors in the 19 northern states to pool resources to combat the menace.

‘If it will mean pulling all the 19 northern states’ resources together to tackle insecurity, we must do it. Otherwise, all our conversations here will amount to nothing,’ he stressed.

Dogara also urged the region to stop depending on external solutions, saying northerners must take charge of their own destiny.

‘We need to depart from doing business as usual and embrace radical, transformative action. Help is not coming from anywhere – we must take our destiny into our own hands,’ he warned.

He argued that without the development of the region’s vast population, Nigeria’s overall progress would remain stalled.

‘The development of northern Nigeria is not a regional prerogative. It must be seen as a national emergency. If the vast number of people we have in the North are not developed, Nigeria is going nowhere.’

Also speaking, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, said the region’s youth population, often seen as a potential asset, had become a liability due to their involvement in banditry and cybercrime.

‘The most that get recruited by bandits are young people. The young people doing cybercrimes are also within our group,’ he said.

El-Rufai added that while more young people were now being appointed into public positions, the focus must shift to building a culture of respect, mentorship, innovation, and service among the youth.

While presenting a summary of the summit, Prof. Doknan Sheni, Director-General of NEF, said the event opened with inclusive measures such as interpreters, live-streaming channels, and safety guidance for participants.

He explained that the ten-year development plan (2025-2035) was designed as an action-oriented roadmap to reduce poverty, curb insecurity, and create employment, with emphasis on harnessing human and natural resources.

The summit deliberated extensively on four key themes: Power – bridging energy deficits through decentralisation and partnerships.; Agriculture – shifting from subsistence to agro-industrial transformation; Digital Economy and Innovation – leveraging technology to unlock growth; Mining – promoting inclusive and sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

Prof. Sheni noted that the high point of the summit was the signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter, now positioned as the guiding instrument for collective action to drive transformation in the region.

He said that the region must move beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action if it is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of Nigeria.

He said: ‘The high point of the summit was the formal signing and adoption of the Northern Nigeria Integrated Economic Development Charter. This document, endorsed by regional leaders and stakeholders, is now positioned as the central instrument to guide collective action in driving economic growth and transformation in Northern Nigeria.

‘The proceedings closed with assurances of faithfulness, commitment, and competitiveness in implementing the resolutions, backed by infrastructure development, power generation initiatives, and inclusive community participation. The overall message was clear: moving beyond rhetoric into bold, coordinated action is essential if the region is to fulfil its role as the economic engine of the nation.

‘Several presentations underlined the challenges and opportunities in agriculture, mining, infrastructure, power, and digital economy. It was agreed that synergy between public and private sectors is vital for building an enabling environment, attracting investors, and ensuring security. Discussions also highlighted the importance of transparency, streamlined approvals, policy reforms, and youth empowerment in advancing economic transformation.’

The former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board, Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, has been kidnapped.

Niworo was reportedly kidnapped along several other travellers around 4pm on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Their attackers struck between Felegi and Ibi communities on Mokwa-New Bussa road in Borgu LGA.

Sources said the former Chairman of SUBEB along side other people including one Barrister Ahmad were on their way to Minna when the terrorists blocked the road and whiskered them into the nearby forest.

Several other abductees were said to be traders returning from New Bussa weekly market.

How villages Allegedly Shield Terrorists

Some of the kidnapped victims who regained freedom on Friday after payment of millions of naira ransom told Daily Trust that their captors were shielded by a few villages where they used as camps.

A victim said one of the villages was Telle village in Mashegu LGA. Other villages alleged to have been used as camps include Koloho, and Fanga.

Our Correspondent could not independently verify if the listed villages provide shield under duress.

But Daily Trust recalls that in May 2025, Security Operatives Arrest Village Head of Guiwa, Garba Mohammed and 13 Others from Telle and other Villages in Mashegu, Borgu, Rijau among other LGAs for Aiding Banditry in Niger State.

The village head, according to the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command was arrested alongside 13 others following an intelligence report about their alleged involvement with bandits.

Community leaders reportedly used his residence as a hideout, where bandits regularly met to plan their operations.

Abiodun said the arrests followed clearance operations targeting bandits’ and kidnappers’ hideouts in the Mashegu area on Thursday and Friday.

‘On 22nd May, 2025, police operatives and vigilante members conducted clearance operations in some identified kidnappers’ hideouts in Mashegu LGA, such as Magaman-Daji forest and its environs, and in the process, most of the suspected kidnappers fled from the scene and others were believed to have escaped with gunshot injuries.

‘On 23rd May, 2025 at about 9 a.m., in continuation of this operation, the team stormed Guiwa and Telle villages based on credible information received, and the Mai-Angwan of Guiwa village, Mall. Garba Mohammed, was arrested for screening and aiding banditry activities, using his house as a hideout with recovery of four motorcycles kept in his custody and ten cattle.

‘ Thirteen others were also arrested in different locations within Mashegu LGA for similar reasons. However, they are under interrogation and investigation is in progress to ascertain their roles and involvement in banditry activities in the area,’ Abiodun explained.

Although the police spokesperson did not provide the names of the other suspects, sources identified other suspects as Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu of Wawa village, Borgu LGA; Umar Abubakar of Gwajibo; Musa Mohammed of Telle village; Mohammed Abubakar of Dukku, Rijau LGA; Molema Aliyu of Pallagi; Oro Abubakar of Arera; Shehu Alhaji Ardo of Adogon Mallam; Umar Abdullahi, Ibrahim Abubakar, Saidu Mohammed, and Babuga Abdullahi-all of Lumma; Mohamadu Bako of Gwajibo; and Babuga Saidu of Lumma.

In the latest attacks, Residents told Daily Trust that the Telle and neighbouring villages had become notorious for aiding and abetting attacks in the area.

‘Recently, the Telle village gained attention due to a security operations where authorities arrested the village head of a neighboring village, Guiwa, and 13 other individuals for allegedly aiding and abetting armed bandits.

‘So, Telle village is situated in the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State. The village has been affected by banditry activities, with residents experiencing attacks, theft of livestock, and abductions, one of the sources said.

Many Farmers Flee as attacks persist

Residents of farming communities in Mariga, Magama, Kontagora, Mashegu, Borgu and Rijau LGAs in the Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State have continued to flee their homes for the past five days due to renewed attacks on their communities and constant movement of bandits in the area for the past five days.

In the wee hours on Tuesday, residents told our Correspondent that bandits numbering over 200 invaded Ibeto, a community in Magama LGA, forcing the residents to flee.

In a video shared by one of the residents, women and children walked through dark paths with torchlights to escape in the wee hours on Tuesday.

‘Yesterday night (Monday), they crossed to communities including Dogon-Daji, Ugulu, Maira, Atabo and Ibeto. They also invaded Lioji village before crossing to Maira, Ugulu, Atabo and Ibeto. At Atabo, many residents were kidnapped when they couldn’t get cattle to rustle ‘, he said.

He said residents of Ibeto fled their homes in the night before bandits eventually took over the community.

Sporadic gunshots were reportedly heard when they invaded Ibeto but fleeing residents could not establish if there were casualties.

Another source said, ‘They entered Magama this morning (Tuesday) before proceeding to Yangale where they kidnapped four people. They were in groups. We are currently in the Bush with children and women. Please help us with prayers. We need help’.

Also on Saturday afternoon, bandits numbering over a hundred reportedly invaded Talle, a village in the Kulho ward of Mashegu LGA of Niger State.

The fleeing residents told Daily Trust that the attackers arrived at the village around 2pm on Monday, and ordered all shop owners in the community to close their businesses.

One of the residents said the bandits also blocked all access routes into the village, preventing entry and exit except few others who took risk and escaped.

Daily Trust also gathered that residents of Ragada and adjoining communities in Mariga LGA have fled their homes since Sunday following the movement of bandits in the area.

On of the residents told Daily Trust they slept on mountains despite rainfall and watch bandits cooking food in their homes.

On Saturday afternoon, dozens of travellers were also reportedly kidnapped along Kontagora -Rijau road.

The Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry for Homeland security did not pick calls or reply text messages sent to his phone over the development.

But the police spokesperson confirmed the attack on Ibbi-New Bussa road but was silent on other attacks.

He said one of the policemen on patrol was injured and a patrol vehicle was damaged while repelling the attackers.

According to him, ‘On 29th Sept., 2025 at about 11.30am, suspected armed men attacked the Police nipping point along Ibbi-Bussa road, the Police tactical team engaged and repelled the hoodlums, and in the process, the Police patrol vehicle was damaged with gunshots, while one of the Policemen sustained gunshot injury and he was taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment’.

Understanding Patient Engagement

Patient engagement is a crucial element in the success of any healthcare practice, including dentistry. Engaged patients are more likely to attend their appointments, adhere to treatment plans, and participate in their care. In the dental field, enhancing patient engagement can lead to better health outcomes, improved patient satisfaction, and increased practice efficiency. One effective strategy that has gained traction in recent years is the use of dental appointment reminder systems, which play a pivotal role in streamlining communication and fostering a more engaged patient population.

The Importance of Attendance

One of the most significant challenges dental practices face is patient no-shows. Missed appointments not only disrupt the flow of the day but also result in lost revenue and a less efficient practice. Research indicates that no-show rates can be as high as 30% in some practices, leading to frustration among staff and potentially compromising patient care. To mitigate this issue, dental appointment reminder systems have emerged as a valuable tool to enhance patient engagement and reduce no-show rates. By sending automated reminders via text, email, or phone calls, practices can ensure that patients are aware of their upcoming appointments and the importance of attending.

Building Stronger Patient Relationships

Effective communication is fundamental in building strong relationships between dental practices and their patients. Dental appointment reminder systems contribute to this goal by providing timely and relevant information to patients. When patients receive reminders about their appointments, they feel valued and informed, which fosters a sense of trust and loyalty. This trust can translate into patients being more receptive to following recommended treatment plans and engaging in preventive care measures.

Furthermore, these systems can be customized to convey additional information beyond just appointment reminders. For instance, practices can use reminders to educate patients about upcoming treatments, share oral health tips, or inform them about new services. By providing valuable content, practices can enhance patient engagement and demonstrate their commitment to the overall well-being of their patients.

Reducing Administrative Workload

In a busy dental practice, administrative tasks can consume a significant amount of time and resources. Dental appointment reminder systems alleviate some of this burden by automating the reminder process. As a result, staff can focus on more critical tasks, such as patient care and relationship building. Automation not only saves time but also reduces the chances of human error in appointment scheduling and reminders. Practices can also use analytics from these systems to identify patterns in patient behavior, allowing them to make data-driven decisions to improve engagement strategies.

Enhancing Accessibility and Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience plays a crucial role in patient engagement. Dental appointment reminder systems enhance accessibility by allowing patients to confirm, reschedule, or cancel their appointments with minimal effort. Many systems offer online portals where patients can manage their appointments at their convenience. This level of accessibility is particularly important for younger generations who prefer digital communication methods over traditional phone calls.

Additionally, these systems can send reminders at strategic times-such as a week before the appointment and again 24 hours prior-ensuring that patients have ample opportunity to adjust their schedules if needed. By making the appointment process more convenient, practices can reduce no-show rates and foster a more engaged patient base.

Encouraging Preventive Care

Engaged patients are more likely to prioritize their oral health and participate in preventive care measures. Dental appointment reminder systems can play an essential role in promoting preventive care by reminding patients not only of their upcoming appointments but also of recommended check-ups or cleanings. Timely reminders can encourage patients to maintain regular dental visits, which are critical for early detection of potential issues and maintaining oral health.

Moreover, practices can utilize these systems to send additional reminders about preventive measures, such as teeth whitening or fluoride treatments. By providing patients with information and encouragement about preventive care, practices can enhance patient engagement and contribute to better overall health outcomes.

Leveraging Technology for Improved Engagement

The integration of technology in dental practices has transformed how patient engagement is approached. Dental appointment reminder systems represent one of many technological advancements that can facilitate communication and improve the patient experience. Many modern systems offer features such as two-way messaging, which allows patients to respond directly to reminders, ask questions, or communicate concerns. This interactive communication can enhance patient engagement by making patients feel heard and supported.

Additionally, as practices increasingly adopt telehealth options, reminder systems can integrate virtual appointment features, allowing patients to receive notifications about both in-person and online consultations. This flexibility not only accommodates patient preferences but also encourages patients to seek care more readily, further enhancing engagement.

Measuring Success and Making Adjustments

To maximize the effectiveness of dental appointment reminder systems, practices must regularly assess their performance. Monitoring key metrics such as appointment attendance rates, patient feedback, and overall engagement levels can provide valuable insights into how well the system is working. Practices can then make necessary adjustments to their reminder strategies based on this data. For example, if a particular demographic is experiencing higher no-show rates, practices might tailor reminders to better suit that group’s communication preferences.

Engaging patients is an ongoing process that requires continuous refinement and adaptation. By regularly evaluating the impact of their dental appointment reminder systems and making adjustments, practices can ensure they are meeting the needs of their patient population effectively.

In conclusion, dental appointment reminder systems represent a significant advancement in modern practice management, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing patient engagement. By improving communication, reducing no-shows, and fostering stronger patient relationships, these systems can play a pivotal role in the overall success of a dental practice. As technology continues to evolve, practices that embrace these tools will not only improve operational efficiency but also create a more engaged and satisfied patient base.

The Adamawa State Government has signed a landmark broadcasting service agreement with the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) to expand the coverage of Adamawa Television (ATV) across West Africa.

The agreement, which aligns with Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s digital transformation agenda under Adamawa 2.0, will see the state lease 2MHz on the Ku-band of NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite. This capacity is expected to deliver reliable coverage, high availability, and a significantly wider broadcast footprint for ATV, extending its reach to a much larger part of the continent.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Iliya James, described the deal as a major step in modernising state-owned media.

‘This collaboration with NIGCOMSAT is a big leap in our quest to reposition Adamawa Television for digital broadcasting,’ the commissioner said. ‘With this agreement, we are expanding our reach, deepening access to information, and showcasing Adamawa to the rest of Africa.’

Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Hon. Barr. Awwal D. Tukur, said the milestone was made possible through the visionary leadership of Governor Fintiri, who has prioritized digital innovation and e-governance as drivers of development.

Officials from NIGCOMSAT assured of their full support in helping Adamawa achieve its broadcasting ambitions, noting that the Ku-band lease will ensure seamless transmission with wider coverage.

The agreement marks a new chapter for ATV as it transitions into a stronger, more connected digital broadcaster capable of promoting government programmes, investment opportunities, and the rich cultural heritage of Adamawa to audiences across Africa.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media, Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, has dismissed political coalitions being championed by some opposition figures, describing their promoters as ‘politically expired, bitter individuals driven by personal vendetta.’

Abdulaziz spoke during an interactive session with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Kano on Tuesday.

Reacting to questions on whether the presidency was worried about the coalition moves ahead of 2027, he said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained ‘completely unperturbed.’

‘The president, I can tell you, is unperturbed. He is completely not disturbed. He is not in any way jittery about whether it is coalition or any political formation. Because, one, is that the people that are championing these things, most of them are politically expired. There are people with no political weight or relevance that would jitter the government or the president. We have had serial contesters who had, you know, thrown their hearts into the ring on many occasions. And they were fully lost. And nothing much has changed. In fact, their star is dimming,’ he said.

He argued that the so-called coalition leaders were only concerned with their exclusion from power rather than the welfare of Nigerians.

‘Then secondly, you should also know that these are a group of bitter individuals. People driven by personal vendetta and a sense of personal loss. And their concern is not the people, is not the ordinary Nigerians. Their concern is that they are not on the table. And Nigerians have sufficiently understood this. And that is why the coalition is not catching fire as they thought it would,’ he added.

Abdulaziz maintained that Tinubu’s leadership style was focused on tough but necessary reforms rather than political expediency.

‘There is a difference between leadership and politics. Politics is a game of popularity. Leadership is a game of nation building. And that is what President Tinubu is doing. To really take hard-hitting decisions, even if they affect him personally. But those decisions that he feels are for the good of the country,’ he said, citing infrastructure projects, the student loan scheme, and subsidy reforms as examples.

On concerns that the administration was concentrating major projects in the South, Abdulaziz said such claims were ‘largely political,’ stressing that the president has continued with multi-billion naira projects in the North, including the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano highway, and the Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line.

‘If this man is wicked or doesn’t like the North, he could leave these projects to be abandoned. He can withhold financing. If there is no financing, these projects will stagnate or will even naturally die. But none of these projects that he inherited, which are massive, are actually stopped,’ he said.

Abdulaziz added that the Tinubu administration was also embarking on new projects such as the Sokoto-Badagry highway, stressing that development under the president was ‘holistic and not fragmented.’