Category: PM News

The murder trial of Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy ended in a mistrial on Friday after jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict over whether she was criminally responsible for the deaths of her three young children.

The development came on the seventh day of jury deliberations, leaving unresolved one of the most closely watched US criminal cases involving postpartum mental health and criminal responsibility.

Clancy, 36, had been accused of killing her children-five-year-old Cora, three-year-old Dawson and eight-month-old Callan, at the family’s home in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in January 2023.

She does not dispute that she killed the children but has pleaded not guilty by reason of lack of criminal responsibility.

Her defence argued that she was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis at the time of the killings and therefore could not be held criminally responsible for her actions.

Prosecutors, however, maintained that although Clancy had significant mental-health problems, she was not psychotic when she killed her children and deliberately carried out the acts. They argued that she had taken steps to get her husband out of the house before the killings.

The 12-member jury had deliberated for more than 36 hours over seven days and reported repeatedly that it could not reach a unanimous decision.

A note from the jury indicated that it remained deadlocked despite repeated efforts by Judge William Sullivan to encourage the jurors to reconsider their positions and reach an agreement.

The case became particularly tense during the final days of deliberations after Clancy’s defence lawyer, Kevin Reddington, raised concerns about the conduct of a juror whom he alleged was refusing to follow the judge’s instructions concerning reasonable doubt.

The judge declined to remove the juror, saying the juror had indicated an ability to follow the law. An emergency attempt by the defence to halt the mistrial was subsequently rejected by Massachusetts’ highest court.

With the jury unable to resolve the case, Judge Sullivan declared the mistrial. The case turned largely on competing accounts of Clancy’s mental state before and during the killings.

The defence presented evidence that her mental health had deteriorated dramatically following the birth of Callan. Testimony described severe anxiety, sleep deprivation, suicidal thoughts and what she described as debilitating ‘brain fog’.

Her family members also testified about her deteriorating condition and attempts to obtain psychiatric assistance.

A defence forensic psychiatrist, Dr Phillip Resnick, testified that Clancy was experiencing psychosis and was not in control of her actions when she killed the children. He also suggested that she may have been experiencing bipolar disorder.

The prosecution’s forensic psychologist, Kirk Heilbrun, disputed that account. He testified that he did not believe Clancy was experiencing acute psychosis when she killed the children and questioned aspects of her account, including her claim that she heard voices.

The prosecution also pointed to evidence suggesting planning and argued that Clancy viewed her children as an obstacle to ending her own life.

The trial lasted 21 days and included testimony from 85 witnesses, according to CBS News.

Among the most emotional evidence was testimony from Clancy’s former husband, Patrick Clancy, who described returning home and discovering the children.

Prosecutors also played a 911 call from the scene, capturing his distress as he discovered what had happened.

Patrick has publicly said that he forgave Lindsay and has maintained that her actions were connected to her mental illness.

After killing the children, Clancy attempted suicide by jumping from a second-storey window. She survived but suffered injuries that left her paralysed.

The mistrial does not amount to an acquittal and does not end the criminal case.

Clancy remains in custody and under psychiatric care at Tewksbury State Hospital while prosecutors consider their next move.

The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office must now decide whether to seek a retrial, pursue another resolution such as a plea agreement, or decline to prosecute the case again.

A further court hearing has been scheduled for September 29, when the next steps in the case are expected to be addressed.

Police operatives in Abuja have rescued two abandoned babies in separate incidents recorded in Kurudu and Gwagwalada areas of the Nigeria’s capital city.

SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command revealed this in a statement on Friday.

She said the two babies were rescued following reports by residents of the areas where they were abandoned to the police.

According to the statement, the first baby was rescued on last Wednesday, 2 September Wednesday when a resident of Kurudu, identified as Mr. Innocent, reported to the police that while around Obodo Street, he heard the cry of a baby.

Innocent added that upon inspection, he discovered a baby carefully wrapped in a cloth and abandoned in a carton box.

After receiving the Police officers from Kurudu Division alongside officers from the Juveniles and Women Care (JWC) Department of the Division were promptly dispatched to the scene, where a baby boy was found and rescued, Adeh said.

She added that the baby was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment and is currently in a stable condition, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

The Police spokesperson added that the Command has concluded all necessary documentations and handed over the baby to the Social Welfare Department for further care.

According to her, a resident of the area identified as Mr. Ibrahim reported to the police that he heard the cry of a baby outside his gate.

Ibrahim said upon inspection, he discovered a baby who appeared to have been abandoned at the premises.

Adeh said Ibrahim and other concerned members of the community subsequently rescued the child and reported the incident at the Gwagwalada Police Station at about 10:15 PM.

She added that the baby, a girl, was promptly taken to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital by the JWC Department of the Gwagwalada Division for medical examination.

She added that the baby is currently receiving care after she will be handed over to the Social Welfare Development for further care, while efforts are being intensified to unravel the circumstances surrounding the abandonment.

‘The FCT Police Command appreciates the prompt intervention of Mr. Innocent, Mr. Ibrahim and other concerned members of the community in rescuing the children and bringing the incidents to the attention of the Police,’ the police spokesperson said.

She also called on members of the public with any information that may assist in identifying the mothers or other family members of the abandoned babies to come forward and volunteer such information to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s Public Relations Officer via: 07038979348, 08107314192.

Tragedy struck Okari Jetty in the Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State on Wednesday when over ten persons reportedly died after inhaling fumes from petroleum products while attempting to scoop fuel from the area.

The victims were said to have gone to the jetty to collect petroleum products that had spilled onto the water when they were allegedly overwhelmed by the fumes and choked to death.

The Commander of the Civilian JTF in Okrika LGA, Igwe Godswill, who confirmed the incident in an interview with our reporter, described it as tragic, saying most of the victims were youths searching for means of livelihood.

He said, ‘It is so pathetic that this incident is happening in our community. These are young guys who have gone to search for their daily bread, only for the fumes from the fuel that was pumped to kill so many of our youths under the bridge.

‘Many of them were choked to death. These are not criminals or anything, but they went out in search of their daily meal. I am advising the community, the leaders and every other person that we need legitimate jobs in the community.

‘These things are risky, but when you cannot feed your children, most times, those risky jobs become the only option.’

Godswill explained that the victims had gone to scoop petroleum products floating on the water when they were overcome by fumes from a vessel loading petroleum products at the jetty.

He said about 10 bodies had been recovered, adding that only some of the victims could be identified because of the condition of their remains.

‘We saw about 10 of them. Four were still unrecognisable, while four persons were identified. The rest could not be identified because their bodies were badly damaged and their faces were severely affected,’ he added.

The Civilian JTF commander called on the Rivers State Government, community leaders and other relevant authorities to create employment opportunities for youths in the area to discourage them from engaging in dangerous activities.

He said, ‘I am calling on the relevant authorities, community leaders, the chairman and every other person to look into this. It is not enough to stop them because, yes, it is a risky job, but they should create jobs for the youths so that everybody will have something to eat.

‘Something that can put food on the tables of these young men, the youths and every other person. I can tell you for free that it will not just stop because when that source is the only livelihood, people will still go there.

‘Even as of yesterday, people still went there, despite the fact that we had confirmed that people had died from the same activity. So, we are calling on the leaders to look into it and see how they can create job opportunities, especially for the youths.’

However, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo, said the victims reportedly died while attempting to steal crude oil.

Karbolo, while responding to an inquiry on the incident, said no official complaint had been received by the command as of the time of filing the report.

She added that the police had commenced an investigation to ascertain the number of persons who died in the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of five people at a multiple accident at the Ugwuonyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday.

FRSC Route Commander, Theophilus Okoduwa, who is also the FRSC Enugu State Sector Command Public Enlightenment Officer, confirmed the incident in Enugu.

Okoduwa said that the multiple accident, which involved a trailer, commercial bus and a car, happened precisely by the LNG Plant in Ugwu-Onyeama.

He said that the accident, which happened at about 3:18 p.m involved 25 people, which included 13 males and 12 females.

According to him, it is unfortunate that 18 people, which included seven males and 11 females were injured.

He said that four males and one female died due to the impact of the multiple crash.

Okoduwa said that the vehicles involved were a Donhfeng trailer, a Mitsubishi L300 Commercial Bus and a Honda car.

‘Within nine minutes of reporting the incident to the FRSC Sector Command at about 3:25p.m, our officers and marshals as well as patrol vehicles and ICU ambulance arrived at the scene.

‘The injured victims were taken to nearby Tex Hospital, 9th Mile Corner, for immediate medical attention while after confirmation from medical officials, the remains of the five deceased were deposited at Ekochin Morgue, 9th Mile.

‘We have diverted traffic and efforts are still ongoing to clear obstruction caused by wreckage of the vehicles involved in the multiple crash,’ he said.

Okoduwa said that preliminary investigation suggest that the multiple accident might have been caused by wrongful overtaking and speed violation.

The CGMUSAWAH for PBAT 2027, a political support and mobilisation group, has announced plans to mobilise one million women for a solidarity walk backing Tinubu and Uba Sani.

ýMr Policab Gankon, National Coordinator of the group made this known on Friday in a statement in Kaduna.

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ýGankon said the initiative, formerly known as MUSAWAH 4 YOUTH and DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE, had been renamed CGMUSAWAH for PBAT 2027 as part of its renewed commitment to supporting the Tinubu administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

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ýHe said the organisation was particularly grateful to Tinubu for the confidence reposed in its Grand Patron, retired Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa , the Minister of Defence and immediate past Chief of Defence Staff.

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ýAccording to him, Musa’s appointments as Chief of Defence Staff, Minister of Defence and Secretary, Security Matters in the Presidential Campaign Council demonstrated the President’s confidence in his leadership and service to the nation.

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ý’Mr President has honoured not just a man, but the people of Kaduna State and Nigeria,’ Gankon said.

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ýHe said CGMUSAWAH remained committed to the APC-led governments at both federal and state levels, pledging its support for the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government and the SUSTAIN Agenda of the Kaduna State Government.

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ýGankon also commended Gov. Uba Sani for what he described as efforts to promote justice, unity and trust in Kaduna State.

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ýHe particularly welcomed the nomination of Comrade Jerry Adams as Sani’s running mate for the 2027 governorship election, describing the choice as a demonstration of inclusiveness.

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ýThe coordinator said the group had established a formidable mobilisation structure across the state, comprising 115 Local Government Area mobilisers, 2,295 ward mobilisers and 24,036 polling-unit mobilisers.

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ýHe added that the organisation had more than 340 registered affiliate support and interest groups ready for mobilisation ahead of the elections.

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ý’We are ready to roll out and ensure victory for the APC in 2027,’ Gankon said.

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ýHe said the proposed one-million-woman solidarity walk would formally kick-start the group’s campaign activities in support of Tinubu and Uba Sani.

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ýGankon said the event would also feature a grand reception in honour of Adams on the same day.

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ýHe called on members, supporters and affiliate organisations of the group to remain united and committed to the campaign, stressing that the organisation would deploy its structures across the state to mobilise support for the APC candidates.

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ýHe said the initiative was designed not only to demonstrate political support but also to strengthen grassroots participation and encourage women and youths to play active roles in the democratic process.

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ýGankon reiterated the organisation’s readiness to deploy its structures across the 23 local government areas, wards and polling units of Kaduna State in pursuit of its 2027 political objectives.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, OSSAP-SDGs, has commissioned a 50-bed Primary Healthcare Centre, a Children’s Recreational Centre and two blocks comprising 36 classrooms in Lagos State to strengthen access to healthcare, support childhood development and improve learning conditions.

The healthcare and recreational centres are located in Egbeda, while the classroom blocks were delivered at Orisumibare Primary School, Orisumibare.

The three projects were commissioned on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

A statement released by the Special Assistant to the SSAP-SDGs on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communications, Desmond Utomwen stated that the projects Constructed, furnished and equipped by OSSAP-SDGs, form part of the Office’s interventions to translate the Sustainable Development Goals into services that address community needs.

Speaking through the Secretary of Programme, Ms Suzanne Iwongo Sado, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the projects reflected a connected approach to human development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She acknowledged the President’s support and provision of resources for the interventions, identifying human capital development, social inclusion and essential services as priorities underpinning their delivery.

Orelope-Adefulire explained that healthcare, recreation and education reinforce one another, particularly in the development of children.

‘A healthy child needs quality healthcare, safe opportunities to play and develop, and a conducive classroom in which to learn,’ she said in the address delivered on her behalf.

‘By bringing these interventions together, we are investing in the full development of the child and strengthening the foundations of a healthier, safer, better-educated and more inclusive society.’

The 50-bed Primary Healthcare Centre is intended to expand access to quality, affordable healthcare for residents of Egbeda and surrounding communities, with particular attention to women, children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.

The centre is equipped with operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, a scanning room, consultation rooms, a delivery room, an children and adult intensive care units and a laboratory. It also has a vacuum extractor delivery set, an ultrasound machine, a fully equipped emergency section and an ambulance. It also has a 12 rooms fully furnished staff quarters.

Orelope-Adefulire said the intervention would support Sustainable Development Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being by bringing essential services closer to residents, strengthening maternal and child healthcare, and improving the capacity of frontline health personnel to respond to community needs.

She also linked improved access to healthcare with poverty reduction, gender equality and reduced inequalities, noting that difficulties in obtaining treatment could affect household finances, children’s education and the ability of adults to earn a living. She explained that the facility’s intended contribution extends beyond medical care to supporting the stability and dignity of families.

‘Beyond the beds and physical structure, this centre represents dignity, timely intervention and renewed hope,’ she said.

Orelope-Adefulire stressed that commissioning the centre marked the beginning of a continuing responsibility, calling on the relevant authorities and beneficiaries to ensure proper staffing, protection and maintenance.

‘Sustainable infrastructure is not measured only by the day it is commissioned, but by the quality of service it continues to deliver over many years,’ she stated.

The Children’s Recreational Centre, also in Egbeda, was presented as an investment in children’s physical, mental, social and emotional development.

Orelope-Adefulire emphasised the importance of safe spaces where children could interact, explore their abilities and develop outside formal learning environments.

‘Play is not a luxury; it is an essential part of childhood and a powerful means through which children develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally,’ she said.

The centre is intended to encourage creativity, teamwork, healthy habits and positive social interaction while giving children opportunities to build friendships and a sense of belonging.

The intervention supports SDGs 3, 4, 10 and 11, which address health, education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities.

Local authorities, parents, teachers, community leaders and youth organisations were urged to ensure fair access to the facility, with particular attention to girls, children with disabilities and children from vulnerable households. They were also encouraged to maintain the equipment and keep the environment safe and welcoming.

At Orisumibare Primary School, the two blocks comprising 36 classrooms are intended to ease pressure on existing facilities and provide a more conducive environment for pupils and teachers.

Orelope-Adefulire said the investment supported quality education and the wider objective of expanding opportunities for children, regardless of their backgrounds.

‘The true value of these classrooms will not be found in their walls alone, but in the dreams nurtured within them, the knowledge shared by committed teachers, and the futures transformed through learning,’ she said.

Speakers at the handover called for effective teacher deployment, adequate learning materials, sanitation, security and continuous maintenance. Parents were encouraged to support regular attendance and work closely with school authorities.

The Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, welcomed the projects as investment in the community’s future and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Orelope-Adefulire for the interventions.

The Chairman described the projects as significant milestones in the development of the communities, noting that they represent important investments in the health, well-being, education and future of residents, particularly women, children and other vulnerable members of society.

‘These classroom blocks will provide our pupils with a more conducive environment to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Indeed, every investment in the education of our children is an investment in the future of our community,’ Johnson said.

Formally accepting the handover, he pledged the local government’s support for proper utilisation and maintenance, while appealing to school management and residents to protect the facilities for future generations.

Johnson also acknowledged the contribution of His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf, the Alaye of Orisumibare, who provided the land on which the school was built.

Akinpelu also commended the Elegbeda of Egbeda, His Royal Majesty Oba Hammed Omogoriola Orelope Laka, for his leadership and support towards the development of Egbeda and its people.

He described the traditional rulers’ support as an important contribution to the project, highlighting the cooperation between federal intervention, local leadership and the community.

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe State, Muhammad Gadaka, has sparked controversy after urging married women whose husbands prevent them from voting for the party to leave their marriages.

Gadaka made the statement during a campaign rally in Nangere Local Government Area of the state, where he told women to choose APC over marital disagreements.

‘If your husband won’t allow you to vote for APC, stand up to him and seek a divorce. If you leave the marriage, I will pay your dowry and marry you,’ he said.

The comment, which was captured in a video shared online, has triggered criticism, with some residents and Islamic scholars describing the remark as provocative and inappropriate.

Following the backlash, Gadaka later apologised, saying his statement was only a joke and was not intended to encourage women to end their marriages.

‘My statement was just a joke and does not in any way represent the ideals I stand for or intended to encourage divorce among married people,’ he said.

The Yobe APC chairman added that he withdrew the comment and apologised for any misunderstanding caused by his words.

The controversy comes amid increasing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, with several politicians facing criticism over statements made during campaign events.

Days earlier, Borno State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sainna Buba, also sparked outrage after threatening to flog people who refused to support the APC.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Friday swore in 18 newly elected Local Government Chairpersons, charging them to deliver tangible development, reject corruption, and justify the mandate given to them.

Speaking to the new council bosses, the Governor who described public office as ‘a sacred trust’, charged them to prioritise the people, shun corruption and embrace local government autonomy.

He expressed confidence that their tenure would bring progress, peace and prosperity to Edo communities.

‘Go and work for the people, complement the development efforts of the State Government and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community. Your legacies will be defined by the lives you touch, the problems you solve.

‘The best way to earn continued support is through good governance and visible development. Serve with humility, lead with integrity and work with passion,’ Okpebholo said.

The Chairman of Oredo LGA, Gabriel Iduseri, who responded on behalf of his colleagues, pledged ‘purposeful, transparent and people-oriented leadership.’

‘We are ready to key into the SHINE AGENDA of the governor and the Renewed Hope of the president, and to bring development to our various local governments,’ he said.

The Vice-Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rotimi Amaechi, has excitedly announced that his electricity bill will drop from N4 million to N500,000 per month if his principal, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar wins the 2027 presidential election.

Amaechi said this while promising that Atiku will restore electricity subsidy if elected president in 2027 during campaign visits to communities in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday, according to a report in Vanguard newspapers.

The former Rivers governors told people in the communities that Atiku will restore electricity subsidy if elected in 2027.

Amaechi also lamented that the gradual removal of electricity subsidy by the Bola Tinubu’s administration had led to a high electricity bill for consumers.

Using himself as example, the former governor noted that his monthly electricity bill had increased from had increased from N500,000 to N4 million.

He said this will be reversed if Atiku was elected President in 2027.

‘My house electricity bill was N500,000; now I pay N4 million. Atiku said if he comes, I will go back to N500,000. No more Band A and B because government will subsidise it,’ he said.

The ADC presidential candidate also accused the Tinubu administration of inflicting hardship on the people through the removal of petrol subsidy, which, according to him, has contributed to increases in transportation costs and prices of food items.

He added that this has also led to insecurity across the country.

‘He (Tinubu) just held microphone and didn’t care. He just said remove subsidy. Since he removed subsidy, transportation increased, food prices increased – tomatoes, corn, everything,’ Amaechi said.

He added that the situation will be reversed by Atiku if elected in 2027.

‘Atiku said he will bring back subsidy. If Atiku brings back subsidy, everything will come down,’ he said.

Recall that the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, had at a recent media interactive session in Lagos revealed that the Federal Government will phase out subsidy payments in the power sector from 2027.

He, however, said the subsidy will be gradually removed in a way that Nigerians will not be deprived of any benefits.

Tegbe also said the Federal Government has no immediate plans to increase electricity tariffs.

‘We have the mandate of Mr. president to clear the legacy debt and come up with sustainale structures to make sure this doesn’t pile up any more,’ Tegbe was quoted by the Cable to have said.

‘I promise you, next year, by God’s grace, we will put a stop to this so-called subsidy in the power sector. Mr. presiden, we will not deprive Nigeria of anything. We’ll make sure Nigerian consumers continue to have power and improve power services,’ Tegbe said.

The Kogi State Government has proposed an ambitious social investment package of about ?8.55 billion, targeting 281,750 beneficiaries across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas.

This was made public by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning and Chairman of the Kogi State Commissioners’ Forum, Asiwaju Asiru Idris.

The proposal, contained in a summary of proposed beneficiaries and cost estimates for various Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs), covers social transfers, livelihood support, climate-smart public works, community infrastructure, agricultural inputs and expansion of the State Social Register.

Under the Social Cash Transfer Unit (SCTU), DLI 1.1 is expected to benefit 5,000 people across the 21 LGAs at a projected cost of ?1.237 billion.

Another SCTU component, DLI 1.3A, targets 15,000 beneficiaries for livelihood support across the state, with an estimated cost of ?2 billion.

The Labour-Intensive Public Works (LIPW) component, under DLI 1.5A, is projected to engage 3,400 beneficiaries across the 21 LGAs in climate-smart public works, at a cost of approximately ?1.088 billion.

Similarly, the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA), through DLI 1.4A, is expected to support community basic services and infrastructure. The programme proposes 1,000 beneficiaries per community across the 21 LGAs, with an estimated cost of ?2.072 billion.

The FADAMA component, covering DLI 2.1 and DLI 2.3, is projected to benefit 7,350 people across the state through support for agricultural inputs and assets, at an estimated cost of ?1.854 billion.

Meanwhile, the State Operations Coordinating Unit (SOCU), under DLI 4.1 and DLI 4.2, is expected to cover 250,000 beneficiaries across the 21 LGAs through the expansion of the State Social Register. The component has an estimated cost of ?300.55 million.

The proposed interventions are expected to strengthen social protection, improve livelihoods, support vulnerable households, promote climate-smart employment and boost agricultural activities across communities in Kogi State.