Category: PM News

The finals of the 6th edition of the Abuja National Music Competition have been held over the weekend. Participants from several Schools from the FCT and other states competed in various categories of the finals through vocal and instrumental performances, with winners carting home cash and other prizes.

Jaja Soibifaa and Iwugo Michael, two students of Premiere Academy, Lugbe, Abuja, emerged Star winners of the day as they were adjudged overall winners in the Vocal and Piano Categories, with each winning the N250,000 cash prize for their respective categories.

While Jaja Soibifaa carted home the Star Prize in the Vocal Category, Iwugo Michael defeated other competitors in the Piano Category.

The Abuja National Music Competition is aimed at fostering creativity among students aged 6-18 and dedicated to reviving the authenticity of Nigerian music by showcasing exceptional vocal and instrumental talents from primary and secondary schools across the country.

This year’s edition aimed to discover, support, and celebrate young musicians who demonstrate outstanding artistic mastery, while serving as a platform for exposure, promoting music education and performance across Nigeria.

It also afforded the students an opportunity to appreciate how healthy competition inspires creativity, with participants benefitting from professional mentorship, in addition to opportunities to perform before an expert jury of renowned music professionals and receive recognition and awards for their dedication and skill.

Speaking on the outstanding feats by Premiere Academy representatives in the Competition, the School’s Music Instructor and team Lead, Mr. Israel Olorundare, said the performances have once again showcased the musical excellence and talent of Premiere Academy students beyond the four walls of the academy.

Olorundare thanked the School Management and other members of staff for their dedication, support and guidance that contributed significantly to the outstanding achievement.

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said to ensure certainty, stability and administrative efficiency, it has approached the Court of Appeal to challenge the recent conflicting Federal High Court judgments regarding its powers to set timelines for the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN), disclosed this at the commission’s second quarterly consultative meeting with leaders of political parties at its headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Amupitan noted that the legal action had become imperative given two differing judgments delivered in May.

He said the while the commission remains fully respectful of the decisions of the courts. the judgments raise important legal questions concerning the extent of the commission’s constitutional and statutory powers in coordinating and regulating electoral activities.

Amupitan He noted that one of the suits filed by Youth Party against INEC questioned certain timelines in the 2027 election timetable.

The second litigation, according to him, is the Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/720/2026 (SDP v. INEC) which affirmed INEC’s authority but nullified certain timelines relating to the nomination and substitution of candidates.

“In view of the differing conclusions reached in the judgments and in order to ensure certainty and stability in preparations for the 2027 general elections, the commission has filed appeals against the decisions,” he stated.

The INEC chairman noted that electoral activities were interrelated operational processes rather than isolated events.

According to him, while the Electoral Act prescribes timelines for some activities, many critical processes have no express statutory timelines but must be harmonised to avoid chaos.

Amupitan listed the activities to include verifying party registers, monitoring primaries, configuring Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and printing sensitive materials.

He assured the public that in spite of the pending appeals, the commission remained committed to conducting the 2027 general elections in strict compliance with the law.

“The commission, therefore, considers it imperative that all electoral activities be harmonised within a coherent and workable framework that promotes certainty, transparency, administrative efficiency and equal treatment of all political parties.

“I wish to assure political parties and the Nigerian public that notwithstanding the pending appeals, the commission remains firmly committed to conducting the 2027 general elections in strict compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and all lawful judicial pronouncements,” he said.

The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission would issue official access codes to all political parties on June 26 to enable them to use its candidate nomination portal.

“These access codes will enable designated national officers of political parties to upload the names, personal particulars and other required information relating to nominated candidates.

“I urge political parties to ensure that their ICT personnel and relevant officers are adequately prepared and that all submissions are completed well before the stipulated deadlines.

“The portal is fully automated and will close automatically at the expiration of the prescribed period,” he said.

On the ongoing nationwide continuous voter registration, Amupitan urged political parties to intensify voter education and mobilisation efforts so that eligible citizens can take advantage of the opportunity and subsequently collect their permanent voter cards (PVCs).

He, however, expressed worry over the numerous leadership tussles involving political parties pending in various courts, describing them as unnecessary distractions that should be resolved immediately.

While reiterating INEC’s continued commitment to providing a level-playing field for all political parties and candidates in accordance with the laws, the INEC chairman urged them to play by the rule.

He said that the success of the 2027 general elections would also depend on parties’ commitment to upholding democratic principles, respect for rule of law, conducting transparent primaries, discouraging violence, hate speech and vote buying, and promoting issue-based campaigns.

(NAN)

The Induze Tech Foundation has successfully concluded the Tech Bridge Exhibition, a large-scale digital education and innovation program designed to prepare secondary school students with practical digital skills, innovation capacity, and entrepreneurship competencies for the future economy.

The program, which was implemented in three phases — Training, Capstone Project Development, and Exhibition — engaged students from more than 42 secondary schools across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory, including AMAC, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Abaji, and Kwali.

The initiative culminated in an exhibition that showcased over 50 student-led capstone projects developed to address real-world challenges through technology, creativity, and innovation.

The exhibition attracted over 3,000 students through a hybrid participation model, combining physical attendance and live participation, further demonstrating the growing importance of digital education and innovation within Nigeria’s education system.

Speaking during the exhibition, representatives of the Foundation emphasized that Tech Bridge was created to bridge the gap between traditional classroom learning and future workforce requirements by exposing students to practical digital experiences and innovation-driven learning.

A major highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the Induze Hub (iHub) — the Induze Tech Foundation Innovation Center located at Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa (Lifecamp), Abuja.The Innovation Center is designed to serve as a multi-purpose digital learning ecosystem featuring:

A Computer-Based Testing (CBT) Center Robotics and STEM Innovation Laboratory Teachers’ Co-Working and Professional Development Space Digital Content Creation Studio

The Center is expected to support schools in implementing Nigeria’s new digital technology curriculum while providing students and educators access to practical learning opportunities, innovation tools, and digital resources.According to the Foundation, the Innovation Center represents more than infrastructure; it represents access, opportunity, and a commitment to preparing young Nigerians for the digital economy.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by key stakeholders from government institutions, education agencies, and development sectors including:Ronnel Gambo Dolla, Deputy Director supervising the Gender Unit, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, representing the Honourable Minister; Hajia Fatima Gambo Bubba, Director/Secretary, FCT Secondary Education Board (SEB); Abubakar O. Ajayi, Principal, Government Secondary School, Gwarimpa (Lifecamp);Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, Director, International Cooperation Department, Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning; Akure B. Jerry, Administrative Officer II representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development; Omotowa Victor Opeyemi and Ojukwu M. Michael from the Special Duties Department, Public-Private Partnership/Non-Governmental Unit, Federal Ministry of Education Headquarters; and Mrs. Nkwocha Angela from the Child Development Department, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs.

As the Foundation expands its impact, Induze Tech Foundation is seeking partnerships from government agencies, development organizations, private sector stakeholders, philanthropists, and education partners to strengthen and scale the newly unveiled Innovation Center.

The Foundation believes collaborative investment in education technology and innovation infrastructure is critical to ensuring that young Nigerians are equipped with the skills, creativity, and opportunities necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital future.

“Technology education is no longer optional. It is essential. By investing in young people today, we are building the innovators, creators, and problem-solvers of tomorrow.”

By Ayorinde Oluokun

The Federal Government on Tuesday said available economic indicators showed that the country’s fortunes were improving under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume made the assertions while addressing a national press conference to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration in Abuja.

Akume who defended the economic and social reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration noted that Nigeria is on the path to recovery despite prevailing hardship and security challenges.

The SGF said the Tinubu administration remained committed to delivering on its promises as it approached the 2027 general elections, stressing that the government would seek “a revalidation of our mandate” from Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria’s economy has recorded steady growth, with real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanding by 4.07 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2025 and 3.89 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.

While acknowledging that inflation and insecurity continue to affect citizens, the SGF maintained that the government’s reforms were beginning to produce tangible results.

“Government will never claim that every challenge has been solved,” he said. “Inflation has been painful, though it is on a downward trend. Insecurity still threatens lives and livelihoods, but evidence shows that the country is moving in the right direction.”

Akume described the Democracy Day briefing as part of the administration’s commitment to accountability, saying June 12 symbolises both the sacrifices that birthed democratic rule and the responsibility of elected leaders to improve citizens’ welfare.

He congratulated Nigerians for sustaining 27 uninterrupted years of democratic governance, describing the feat as one of the longest democratic experiences on the African continent.

Highlighting some of the administration’s achievements, the SGF said over three million vulnerable households had benefited from the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, while nearly one million Nigerians had accessed support under various government credit schemes.

He disclosed that the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CreditCorp) had disbursed N37 billion in consumer loans, with more than half of the beneficiaries obtaining formal credit for the first time.

On education, Akume said the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) had supported more than 1.058 million students since the implementation of the Student Loan Act, with over N184 billion released for tuition and upkeep allowances.

He added that the administration had expanded access to healthcare through the National Health Insurance Authority framework and increased funding for primary healthcare facilities across the country.

The SGF also touted the government’s anti-corruption drive, noting that proceeds recovered by anti-graft agencies had strengthened public interventions, including the transfer of more than N50 billion in recovered assets to support NELFUND.

According to him, Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in October 2025 reflected the impact of reforms in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing.

On security, Akume said the Federal Government was investing heavily in military capabilities and regional cooperation to combat terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities.

He, however, urged citizens to complement government efforts by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious movements to security agencies.

“We can say clearly that institutional responses are being sharpened, coordination is improving, and reforms are continuing because peace and civic order are foundations of democratic progress,” he stated.

The SGF further called for national unity and religious tolerance, saying diversity should be harnessed as a democratic strength rather than a source of division.

He said: “As we go into the cycle for the 2027 general elections, our responsibility is to finish what we commenced in 2023 and scale what is working.

“Our task is not completed yet and, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, more dividends will be delivered.”

The press conference formed part of activities lined up to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, with ministers expected to provide detailed briefings on achievements recorded in their respective sectors.

Road accidents have become a disturbing feature of life in Nigeria. Every year, thousands of people die on our highways, while many more suffer injuries that leave them with lifelong physical, emotional and financial burdens. What is most troubling is that many of these tragedies could have been avoided.

Statistics from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) show that road crashes remain a major challenge. In 2025, the country recorded 10,446 road traffic crashes, an increase from 9,570 in 2024. Although the number of deaths dropped slightly from 5,421 to 5,289, the figures remain alarming. More than 33,000 people were injured in road accidents last year alone. Behind these numbers are families that have lost breadwinners, children who have lost parents and communities that have been plunged into grief.

The question that must be asked is why these accidents continue to occur despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns. The answer lies largely in the culture of recklessness that has taken root among many road users.

Speeding remains the leading cause of road crashes in Nigeria. FRSC reports indicate that excessive speed accounts for a significant percentage of accidents recorded across the country. Many drivers ignore speed limits, believing they can control their vehicles no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, when emergencies arise, excessive speed often turns a minor mistake into a fatal crash.

Dangerous overtaking, driving under fatigue, overloading of vehicles and disregard for traffic regulations have also become common practices. Commercial drivers, in their quest to maximise profits, often take unnecessary risks with the lives of passengers. Some private motorists treat public roads as racing tracks, paying little attention to the safety of other road users.

Passengers are not without blame. Too often, they remain silent when drivers engage in dangerous behaviour. Some even encourage speeding because they are in a hurry to reach their destinations. This attitude must change. Every passenger has a responsibility to speak up when a driver’s actions put lives at risk.

Government agencies also have a role to play. While human behaviour is responsible for many accidents, poor road conditions, inadequate road signs and broken-down vehicles abandoned on highways contribute to the problem. Authorities must continue to improve road infrastructure and ensure that traffic laws are enforced consistently.

The FRSC deserves commendation for its efforts in promoting road safety, but enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Road safety must become a shared responsibility. Schools, religious institutions, transport unions, community leaders and the media should continue to educate Nigerians on the importance of responsible road use.

No journey is worth a human life. Arriving safely should always be more important than arriving quickly. The loss of more than 5,000 lives in a single year is a painful reminder that Nigeria cannot afford to continue on this path.

Road accidents are not acts of fate. In most cases, they are the result of choices made by drivers, passengers and other road users. If the nation is serious about reducing the carnage on its roads, the culture of recklessness must give way to a culture of discipline, patience and respect for human life. Only then can we begin to stem the tide of needless deaths on our highways.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, the accident occurred along the WarriItakpe rail corridor when four coaches capsized and one coach derailed.

The ministry said the crash claimed the lives of four passengers, comprising two adult women, one adult man and an infant.

A total of 442 passengers had booked for the journey, while 40 crew members, security personnel and third-party service providers were also on board, bringing the total number of occupants on the train to 482.

Authorities disclosed that 24 passengers sustained serious injuries in the accident, while several others suffered varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities in Agbor.

One staff member of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) also suffered a traumatic limb injury and is said to be in stable condition.

Emergency rescue and evacuation operations were immediately launched following the incident, with support from the Delta State Government, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local authorities and other emergency responders.

The ministry said the rescue operation was successfully concluded by 6:30 p.m., with injured passengers evacuated for medical attention.

Among the passengers on board the train were the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Ede Dafinone, and former Delta State Secretary to the State Government, Patrick Ukah.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

“The Ministry and the NRC extend their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and pray for the quick recovery of all those injured,” the statement said.

The corporation also commended the Delta State Government, emergency agencies, security personnel, medical workers, the NRC Mechanical Directorate, and members of the public for their swift response to the tragedy.

Officials disclosed that the full passenger manifest has been retrieved and will be made available to relevant authorities, while efforts are ongoing to properly identify all injured and deceased persons.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NRC have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident.

Authorities said efforts would continue to account for all passengers and provide necessary support to victims and their families as investigations proceed.

The Kano State Government, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has begun developing a 10-year strategic education plan.

The programme also comprised a three-year operational plan to address the learning crisis in the state.

The plans, tagged the 20262035 Kano State Strategic Education Sector and Operational Plan (SESP and SESOP), aim to reduce the number of out-of-school children, improve learning outcomes, and transform the state’s education sector.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting, UNICEF Chief of Kano Field Office, Karanveer Singh, said the plans were critical to tackling the out-of-school children menace and improving access to quality education in the state.

Singh said education remained the foundation for national development, hence the need to support both state and federal governments in that direction.

“Education of children is extremely important if we want the country to develop. And in Nigeria, we have a large number of children who are out-of-school, so we have to get these children back to school.

“We must also improve access to education and improve the quality of education. The whole idea of developing the strategic plan and the operational plan is for Kano to move forward in that direction,” he said.

According to him UNICEF is partnering with the Ministry of Education, SUBEB, and other stakeholders on building capacity and helping them improve the quality of education.

“We are also trying to bring global learning to Nigeria. We are providing different teaching and learning aids. UNICEF’s education section is supporting the state government and the federal government in several areas.

“The target is every child in school. No child should miss education.

“If you really want the country to develop — and I am sure every Nigerian and every global citizen wants our children to be well developed and economically productive — education is the key,” Singh noted.

Also speaking, Haladu Mohammed, Technical Adviser to Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf on Education Reform, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revolutionising and reforming the state’s education sector.

He said the government’s resolve was evident in the huge investments made in education and in the declaration of a state of emergency in the sector upon assuming office.

A resource person from the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), Dr Lara Ogunsola, said the institute was partnering with UNICEF to provide technical assistance for the plan.

She assured stakeholders that the plan would not be “just on paper” but would be doable, scalable, and sustainable.

On his part, Co-Chair of the Kano State Accountability Forum on Education (K-SAFE), Dr Auwalu Halilu, said civil society groups were contributing grassroots perspectives to ensure the plans effectively address challenges facing the education sector across the state.

(NAN)

The governorship campaign of the African Democratic Congress in Ekiti State has accused political opponents of engaging in the unlawful collection of Permanent Voter Cards from residents ahead of the forthcoming election.

Speaking at a press briefing in Ado Ekiti on Monday, the Director of Communications, Media and Publicity for the Dare Bejide Campaign Organisation, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, claimed that individuals linked to the All Progressives Congress were moving across communities collecting PVCs and voter information.

He further alleged that some individuals were being equipped with counterfeit uniforms resembling those of the Amotekun Security Network and were being prepared to disrupt the electoral process.

According to Aribisogan, “the individuals are being trained and mobilised to intimidate voters, snatch ballot boxes and attack polling agents on election day.”

He described the alleged use of fake Amotekun attire as an attempt to tarnish the image of the regional security outfit and create confusion among voters.

Aribisogan urged the Commander of the Ekiti Amotekun Corps, Brig Gen Olu Adewa (retd), and the police to act swiftly against anyone unlawfully wearing the organisation’s uniform.

He said, “Across several local government areas in Ekiti, our party has documented a pattern where agents and foot soldiers of the APC are moving from house to house and polling units demanding the collection of PVCs and National Identification Numbers from voters.

“They promised cash, food items, or welfare support in exchange. This is a direct violation of Section 121 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits voter inducement and the seizure of voter cards.

“The aim is clear; disenfranchise citizens, harvest PVCs, and use them for thumb-printing and multiple voting on election day. No citizen should surrender their PVC or NIN to any political party agent. Your PVC is your power. Once you give it up, you give up your voice.”

The ADC spokesman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to publicly caution political actors against collecting PVCs and NINs from voters and to intensify monitoring in areas considered vulnerable.

Appealing directly to residents, he said, “We use this medium to tell Ekiti people not to be intimidated. Do not surrender your PVC or NIN. Do not be cowed by thugs in borrowed uniforms. Your vote is your right, and it is your power. Come out on election day, vote and protect your vote.”

Responding to the allegations, the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Segun Dipe, rejected the claims and argued that modern electoral technology makes it impossible to use another person’s voter card.

By Adejoke Adeleye

At least five persons, including a soldier and a local hunter, were killed following an attack by armed criminals on a private dredging site in Magbon Etido, Mowe, Ogun State, the Ogun State Police Command has confirmed.

The command also disclosed that four persons were abducted during the attack. While one of the victims was rescued alive during a joint security operation, the bodies of the remaining three abductees were later recovered.

In a statement, the police dismissed reports linking the incident to banditry, insisting that preliminary investigations indicate it was an isolated criminal attack.

According to the command, the attackers stormed the dredging site and engaged security personnel on duty, leading to the death of a soldier, while another soldier sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment.

Following a distress call, police operatives, working in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission to track down the assailants and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.

The operation led to the successful rescue of one abductee. However, the remains of the other three victims were later discovered, suggesting they were killed by their captors.

The police further revealed that a local hunter assisting security operatives during the bush-combing exercise was killed in an encounter with the fleeing criminals.

The command said sustained pressure mounted by the joint security team resulted in the neutralisation of one of the suspects, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Ogun Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that investigations so far had not established any connection between the incident and banditry activities, contrary to speculation in some quarters.

“The incident remains an isolated criminal attack,” the command said, adding that tactical operations and investigations were continuing.

The police assured residents of Mowe and surrounding communities that the situation had been brought under control and that security presence in the area had been reinforced to prevent any further attacks.

The command also commended the collaboration between the police, military and other security stakeholders in responding swiftly to the incident.

While extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, the police urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has lashed out at the Federal Government over the country’s worsening insecurity, warning that criminals now have the audacity to go live on social media to mock authorities and terrorise citizens.

Kwankwaso described the current wave of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and communal clashes across Nigeria as “bleeding profusely,” saying citizens in Zamfara, Borno, Sokoto, Katsina, Kwara, Oyo, and other states could no longer sleep with both eyes closed.

“This is totally unacceptable and not befitting of a sovereign nation like ours,” he said, noting that despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the situation continues to deteriorate rapidly, with lives lost daily and thousands of families displaced.

Kwankwaso insisted that insecurity is not insurmountable. He argued that what Nigeria lacks today is political will and sincere leadership, not resources.

“As someone who has served this country at various levels, where we confronted and significantly reduced security challenges through decisive leadership and community engagement, I remain convinced that insecurity is not insurmountable,” he said.

He also emphasised that broader socio-economic reforms are necessary to reduce vulnerability to crime. The former governor called for massive investment in education, skills acquisition, job creation, modern infrastructure, healthcare, reliable electricity, and agricultural inputs to strengthen local food production and national resilience.

Kwankwaso warned that the government’s current approach, despite its resources, is failing to curb insecurity because criminals exploit gaps in leadership and internal cohesion. He suggested that short-term measures, including the use of mercenaries, may be necessary to reclaim territories controlled by bandits and terrorists.

“The only way we can gain control in the immediate term is to get a group of people who listen to the language of money. You put the cash on the table, and they give you the results. Period,” he said, adding that such action could create space to reorganise and strengthen Nigeria’s security forces.

He concluded that unless Nigeria addresses its leadership failures, governance gaps, and structural socio-economic inequalities, insecurity will continue to escalate, leaving citizens unprotected and the state’s legitimacy weakened.