Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Ogun State Government has urged residents living in riverbank and wetland areas to prepare for the overflow of Ogun River in the next two weeks, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3.

This is contained in a flood alert released by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, in Abeokuta on Monday.

Oresanya listed the areas as Akute, Alagbole, Isheri, Magboro, Makogi, Orimerunmu, Iro, Kajola and part of Abeokuta specifically Lafenwa, Enugada, Adedotun, Iberekodo, Akin-Olugbade, and Ago-Odo

He said the alert was part of the government’s continued efforts at mitigating flooding in the state through its periodic flood alert.

‘The overflow from Ogun river would rise as a result of controlled release of water from Oyan Dam due to heavy rainfall from up-north.

‘This will increase the volume of water reaching the dam from that part of the country which will be compounded by increase in tidal level,’ he said.

He said the waterflow into the dam would inevitably force the release of water from the dam that would affect the areas.

He urged residents of the areas to exercise caution and avoid loss of lives and property within the period.

Oresanya emphasised the need for residents of the areas to avoid the riverbank, while those in the wetlands should move to higher grounds or elevate their stay for now as the overflow becomes inevitable.

He added that the state government had continuously dredged and opened up more tributaries for Ogun River to ease the pressure of the overflow on residents in collaboration with the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority.

He, therefore, enjoined residents of the areas not to panic, assuring that the tide would go down in about 10 days as the mitigating measures from the state government cannot stop the activities of nature.

Oresanya also used the opportunity to call on fish farmers in the areas mentioned to harvest their fishes in order to avoid inevitable losses.

In an era where access to reliable power remains one of Nigeria’s greatest challenges, White Consult is leading a quiet revolution that’s illuminating homes and transforming lives across the country.

From its modest beginnings in Lagos, the company has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most consistent players in the renewable energy sector, a journey marked by innovation, inclusion, and social impact.

Founder, White Consult, Engr. Adebola Anofi, said as the company celebrates its 11th anniversary, it has taken a bold step forward with the launch of the Pure Watt Power Station, a compact, portable, and dependable energy solution designed to give households and small businesses uninterrupted power supply and, more importantly, freedom.

According to him, beyond technology, the heart of White Consult’s new chapter beats for accessibility.

He noted that in recognition of the fact that affordability remains a major barrier to renewable energy adoption in Nigeria, the company has introduced a flexible installment payment plan, the ‘Pay Small Small’ model that allows low- and middle-income earners to enjoy clean energy without financial strain.

He said: ‘We believe power should not be a privilege. From the city to the most remote villages, everyone deserves reliable energy to power their homes, businesses, and dreams’.

He said the inclusive approach reflected the company’s unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between technology, access, and people, a philosophy that has driven its success since inception.

‘White Consult’s story has always been about more than electricity, it’s about empowerment and nation building. Over the years, the company has trained hundreds of young Nigerians in solar installation, maintenance, and entrepreneurship, creating a ripple effect of skilled professionals and small business owners contributing to the renewable energy ecosystem.

‘Now, with new offices being established in Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ibadan, the company is extending its reach to communities often overlooked by traditional power projects. These expansion points, strategically located on the fringes of Lagos and Western Nigeria, will bring both the Pure Watt Power Station and the company’s broader solar access programs closer to the people who need them most.

‘Each installation, each trainee, and each powered home tells the same story, that sustainability is not just about energy, but about equity, opportunity, and dignity.

‘As White Consult marks its 11th year of consistent innovation and human impact, its message remains resolute: ‘Powering lives is not just business, its nation building.’

‘With the unveiling of the Pure Watt Power Station, White Consult is not merely celebrating a milestone; it’s reaffirming a mission, a promise to light every home, empower every dream, and ensure that no Nigerian is left in the dark,’ Anofi said.

Former Executive Director of ARM Pension Managers, Abisola Onigbogi, has pledged his support to Simeon Adesoji Ajayi Foundation, through its Innocence Project, to give free legal assistance to indigent Nigerians. wrongly accused or detained.

Onigbogi, who was cleared last year by Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions of a rape allegation, said his ordeal strengthened his commitment to justice and fairness.

‘I went through a humbling experience that opened my eyes to struggles of innocent Nigerians. Not everyone has the means or voice to defend themselves against false or malicious accusations.

‘The Innocence Project gives hope to such people, and I am honoured to back it,’ he said.

The foundation operates through two initiatives – The Innocence Project Ng and The Mercy Project – both promoting justice and compassion.

Innocence Project Ng gives free, quality, and comprehensive legal access to indigent citizens, especially those awaiting trial or serving time for offences they did not commit.

Mercy Project assists widows, children, and the elderly – through welfare and empowerment programmes.

Onigbogi said his contribution focuses on supporting The Innocence Project by funding access to legal representation for the wrongly accused.

He expressed concern that innocent citizens languish in custody because they cannot afford competent lawyers.

‘The Innocence Project is not only about freeing the innocent; it’s about fixing a justice system that too often punishes the poor instead of crime.

‘Everyone deserves a fair hearing and legal defence. I will ensure those without means are not alone’, he said.

He lauded the foundation for its balanced approach to social justice, saying it is a rare blend of legal intervention and humanitarian compassion.

‘While the Innocence Project stands for justice, the Mercy Project represents humanity. Together, they embody the kind of Nigeria we must strive to build – one that defends the innocent and cares for the vulnerable,’ he stated.

Onigbogi further reaffirmed his intention to contribute both financially and strategically to strengthen the Foundation’s outreach.

‘This is not charity; it is a duty to humanity. I am determined to help ensure that no one suffers the pain of wrongful accusation or detention simply because they are poor,’ he said.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Mr Ife Ajayi, welcomed Onigbogi’s gesture, describing it as a meaningful act of empathy and social responsibility.

Ajayi said support from individuals like Onigbogi, who have personally experienced the trauma of false accusation, adds authenticity and momentum to the fight for a fairer justice system.

‘With his new commitment, Onigbogi joins a growing list of Nigerians supporting initiatives that seek to reform the justice system and extend compassion to society’s most vulnerable,’ Ajayi added.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has called for collaboration between the judiciary and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to protect rights of passengers, improve safety, and justice in the aviation industry.

Keyamo made the call in Abuja at NCAA judges conference 2025 with the theme: ‘The role of Judges in sustaining Nigerian’s adherence to applicable International Conventions in relation to carriage by air ‘.

He said the Ministry’s aim is to have a system that commands trust from passengers, investors, and international partners.

Keyamo while noting that trust is built on safety, accountability, and justice, added that while NCAA continues to ensure safety and accountability, the judiciary must ensure justice delivery in the aviation industry.

He said ‘When passengers or operators believe they will receive fair hearing and reasonable justice, confidence grows and with confidence, comes investment.

‘So, the Montreal Convention determines the rights of passengers, the obligations and liabilities of airlines too. So, today the intention is to ensure that the judges align with our moves to reform the aviation sector because we want the passengers to have full confidence that even at the end of the day, they will get justice when they go to court.

‘When the regulators and those who interpret the regulations meet and align, the ultimate winner will be the Nigerian people and the passengers.

‘Every day I am sure you hear various complaints by passengers, either loss of their goods, their baggage, either delay of flights, cancellation of flights, and in rare cases accidents that either claim lives. So the end product of all of these disputes is the courts. If the regulators cannot resolve these disputes, they end up in court. So we want to ensure that the entire chain of aviation sequence ends up very well with the judiciary’.

He maintained that the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector requires effective collaboration between the the Judiciary and the regulators, adding that aviation disputes are often technical and demand not only knowledge of the law but also an appreciation of international standards, insurance mechanisms, and operational realities.

The Director General of NCAA Capt. Chris Najomo stated that judiciary was indispensable in ensuring that global commitments are actively enforced.

He said when laws are interpreted with clarity and purpose, it becomes the foundation upon which safety, fairness, and trust are built in aviation.

Najomo affirming that NCAA remains committed to continuous alignment with international standards, robust oversight, and transparent governance, added that judiciary’s wisdom gives legitimacy to every effort NCAA makes to uphold the rule of law in aviation.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Justice Lateef Fagbemi called on judges to apply the Convention with precision and empathy, while ensuring that Nigeria remains the beacon of legal excellence in aviation law.

Fagbemi who was represented by the Director, Solicitor Department of the Ministry of Justice, Gladys Odegbaro said the Montreal Convention remains the central international instrument governing liability for international carriage by air.

He said: ‘The Convention is not merely a treat, it is a living instrument that continues to evolve through judicial interpretation. Its core objective remains the harmonization of rules governing liability for international carriage by air, ensuring predictability, fairness and access to justice for passengers and carriers alike.

‘While claims for damages arising from carriage by air must be brought under the Montreal Convention, domestic laws determine procedural matters and persons entitled to bring up a claim. This decision has set a precedent for balancing international uniformity with local realities, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in shaping aviation jurisprudence’.

He added that the task before the judiciary is to translate the text of the Convention into coherent and predictable outcomes for litigants and the travelling public.

He urged judges to continue to apply the Convention with precision and empathy, while ensuring that Nigeria remains the beacon of legal excellence in aviation law.

The Country Lead for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Foluso Alabi, has urged African governments and private sector players to prioritise food and nutrition security as a key driver of economic growth, productivity, and sustainable development.

Addressing concerns around ‘Galvanising Transformation-Integrating Agriculture, Industry and Markets for Sustainable Growth’, Alabi who also serves as Co-Chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council – said the organisation, representing over 500,000 U.S. soy farmers, is committed to strengthening trade partnerships and advancing nutrition outcomes across Africa.

According to him, food and nutrition security is not only a development issue but an economic imperative, as the availability and quality of food directly impact labour productivity, Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth, and overall competitiveness.

‘We are deeply interested not only in trade but also in nutrition security. We have found in soybeans a product capable of addressing many of the world’s nutritional and economic challenges,’ Alabi stated.

He disclosed that USSEC operates in about 15 key international markets, with sub-Saharan Africa emerging as a strategic focus region due to its population growth, urbanisation trends, and rising demand for affordable protein sources.

Citing global research, Alabi noted that a 10 per cent increase in food availability correlates with a 1-2 per cent rise in gross domestic product (GDP), underscoring the economic value of investing in food systems.

‘When people have access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food, they are more productive, healthier, and mentally stable. This translates into higher workforce efficiency and national productivity,’ he added.

He emphasised that food security – defined by the World Food Summit as consistent access to adequate and nutritious food – forms the foundation of a stable and prosperous society. ‘A country that prioritises food security reaps dividends in economic productivity, poverty reduction, and human capital development,’ Alabi said.

On Nigeria, Alabi expressed concern over the country’s malnutrition crisis, citing the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) data showing that Nigeria ranks second globally in stunted children, with a 32 per cent prevalence rate among children under five, and about two million suffering from severe acute malnutrition.

To address this, USSEC is promoting initiatives such as the ‘Right to Protein’ campaign, which advocates recognition of access to adequate protein as a fundamental human right. The programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), which calls for ending all forms of malnutrition and doubling the income of small-scale farmers.

Alabi urged policymakers and private sector stakeholders to invest in sustainable agricultural practices, efficient food distribution systems, and storage infrastructure, stressing that such measures would enhance food supply stability, reduce losses, and improve economic resilience.

‘Food remains the most critical of human needs. When we invest in food and nutrition security, we invest in people, productivity, and prosperity,’ he said.

He further highlighted that food insecurity, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching economic consequences – including reduced productivity, slower growth, and increased social instability.

‘Beyond the moral argument, there’s a strong business case for investing in nutrition,’ Alabi said, adding that USSEC will continue to work with Nigerian and regional partners to strengthen the agribusiness value chain, enhance protein accessibility, and promote food system optimisation across Africa.

Also, speaking on the sideline at a forum organised by the American Business Council, and sponsored by Mantrac (CAT) and USSEC (US Soy), in Lagos, President of the Council and Managing Director, Citibank Nneka Enwereji, noted that Nigeria stands at an inflection point, blessed with vast agricultural potential, a growing industrial base, and one of the largest consumer markets in Africa. Enwereji noted that these are powerful pillars of opportunity, adding the task is to harness them for sustainable growth.

Speaking on technology, the Managing Director of Citibank recalled that from the early days of analog to today’s digital revolution, technology has consistently shaped the way industries evolve. Industrial growth depends on strong infrastructure, sustained investment, and innovation – all of which are critical to unlocking Nigeria’s next phase of development.

Enwereji said the American Business Council recognises that innovation, data, and collaboration are the lifeblood of modern enterprise adding that the Council is therefore committed to fostering partnerships that enable businesses to expand, adapt, and thrive in this dynamic environment.

Acknowledging the spirit of collaboration with partners and stakeholders, Enwereji admitted that such platforms will drive collective action. She said the Council will explore how capital, innovation, and public-private collaboration can unlock new opportunities across value chains, strengthen resilience, and position Nigeria competitively within the global economy.

For us at the Council, ‘this platform represents more than an exchange of ideas. It is a catalyst for solutions, partnerships, and advocacy – one that speaks directly to the needs of our members and the broader economy’, she said.

She said the partnership support will reinforce the Council’s mission to promote U.S.-Nigeria trade and investment, advocate for sound business policies, and foster partnerships that deliver inclusive and sustainable growth.

The opportunities before us are immense, but realising them requires intentional collaboration, smarter investments, and the courage to rethink traditional models, the Council President restated.

Two separate events penultimate week, drew attention to the responses of Nigerian authorities to the festering multi-dimensional insecurity in the country. The first was the peace agreement brokered by the United States of America (USA) which ushered in a ceasefire and release of hostages in the two-year old war between Israel and Hamas.

Though Nigeria had no role in the agreement leading to the cessation of hostilities, albeit temporarily, Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi saw parallels between that event and possible solutions to the unabating banditry in the country. In a Facebook post, he had said, ‘Peace between Israel and Hamas they term as terrorist brokered by USA. Who said there is no peace with terrorists? Make peace with bandits and let us have peace’.

The reading of that comparison is that, if Israel can enter into a peace accord with a known terrorist organisation like the Hamas, there is no reason the Nigerian authorities cannot work out a peace plan with the bandits and restore order in the country. There is some sense in it.

It is also suggestive of Gumi’s frustrations with the current military campaign against banditry. He did not disclose the shape of the peace proposal. But the fiery Islamic scholar is known to have at different times called for amnesty for the bandits to lay down their arms.

Engaging in peaceful negotiations with the bandits would seem plausible especially if issues to the conflict are clearly known. But do the bandits have issues to resolve with the Nigerian state? If yes, what are those issues? I shall return to it.

The second is the proposed peaceful protest march to Aso Rock Villa on October 20, by activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Though Sowore had some weeks back, made public his intention to galvanise support for the campaign, he has been visibly mobilising for the protest march. Available reports indicate that he has been securing the buy-in of some notable Nigerians including students’ bodies against the continued incarceration of Kanu in the past four years.

In a viral video in which he appeared with the special counsel to Kanu, Aloy Ejimakor, among other activists, Sowore was seen querying the rationale for Kanu’s continued detention in the face of the clemency granted some categories of convicts among the 172 Nigerians pardoned for various offences. He is contending that if the heinous crimes committed by some of the convicts could be pardoned under the president’s prerogative of mercy, there does not seem further justification for Kanu not to benefit from such reprieve.

There is a convergence of views between Gumi and Sowore on the path to resolving the insecurity in the country. Gumi believes bandits could still be engaged to lay down their arms and embrace peace despite being termed a terrorist organisation. This to him promises a better approach to ending the scourge of banditry that has left sorrow and awe in parts of the northwest.

Gumi may have been led to this position by his knowledge of the bandits, given that a few years ago, he visited their camps in Zamfara forests where he interfaced with some of their leaders. Some of the bandits’ leaders who spoke during that visit cited cattle rustling, attacks by the military and being beaten up by the indigenous people of the state while on the road as their grievances.

Then also, Gumi had called on the federal government to grant amnesty to enable them lay down their arms and embrace peace. But that did not happen apparently because of the difficulty in deciphering their proper grouse with the government, except the military attacks to contain their menace.

But banditry has since metastasized with the government unable to contain the monster. This has compelled communities in some of the affected states to enter into some form of peace accords with the bandits for peace to reign. The most recent was the accord in the Subuwa Local Government Area of Katsina State in which traditional rulers and communities engaged directly with some of the bandits to foster dialogue and peace. Before now, a traditional ruler in one of the states was suspended but later reinstated for entering into similar peace accord with the bandits to allow local farmers access to their farms. Nobody can give a vivid account of the efficacy of such ad hoc peace agreements.

But their lure inexorably highlights the helplessness of the local people in the hands of the bandits. And in existential challenges like this, it is difficult to fault those entering into such agreements in the face of the inability of the governments to maintain law and order in the affected communities. When Gumi canvassed amnesty or peace accord with the bandits, he may have been guided by this reality.

The case of the IPOB and Kanu is more straightforward in the sense that the leadership is identifiable and their cause known as well. But the grouse Sowore and all those rooting for the IPOB leaders’ release have is with his continued incarceration for over four year without conviction by the courts. Sowore argues that with some of the names that benefitted from presidential clemency, it has become difficult to find justification for Kanu’s continued detention.

Expectedly, issues have been raised from government quarters regarding the propriety of such demands with the current court case in which Kanu is standing trial for alleged terrorism. Some other private individuals have even gone to the length of holding Kanu allegedly responsible for the killings in the southeast following the insecurity that trailed the self-determination agitations. They would want the courts to sort out his case before the issue of pardon could arise. They are all entitled to their views.

But such antagonistic views fail to state how his conviction and possible jail will resolve the insecurity in the region, especially when weighed against the non-kinetic strategies of the same government to Boko Haram insurgency. Kanu has been in the custody of the DSS for over four years now and arraigned in various courts without being convicted.

There is nothing preventing the committee on the prerogative of mercy from recommending his release among the 172 persons granted presidential clemency. There is also nothing preventing the president releasing him in the overall national interest if he decides to do so. If four years of detention and trials could to resolve the insecurity in the southeast, it remains to be conjectured what a jail term can do.

Besides, the demand for a political solution to the Kanu saga is not new. Nearly everybody that matters in the southeast had at various times lent their unequivocal voices for the release of Kanu to deny oxygen to the band of criminals hiding under IPOB to commit crimes.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo sent delegations to the immediate past president to give guarantees for his freedom. But the most touching was the delegation led by first republic minister and elder statesman, Mbazulike Amechi, to late President Buhari on the eve of his 94th birthday in 2022 pleading for the release of Kanu to him as a birthday gift.

There is nothing wrong in Kanu benefitting from the presidential clemency as part of the solutions to the insecurity in the southeast. The parallels drawn by Gumi and Sowore should not be wished away. Not with subsisting challenges in containing the nation’s insecurity.

Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo yesterday stated that the state has overcome the Monday sit-at-home ordeal.

Speaking on a national television programme, the governor said those still observing it do so out of personal choice rather than fear.

Soludo also said he would not like to be drawn into today’s planned protest in Abuja for the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

The governor said he was preoccupied by next month’s governorship election in which he is seeking re-election.

‘You’re not going to drag me or get me distracted from that focus,’ he said in response to a question by the anchor of the programme.

Commenting on the Monday sit-at-home, Soludo said: ‘I’ve made it very clear. If you are protesting or agitating for anything and you are holding yourself down by staying at home, you are killing your own people under the pretext of the Monday sit-at-home.’

The governor recalled that IPOB itself had publicly disowned the sit-at-home order, attributing its enforcement to criminal elements.

‘Even Nnamdi Kanu himself and IPOB, at least on record through press releases, said they did not support the Monday sit-at-home. It was some criminal elements doing that. And we thank them for their work. That’s true. The Monday sit-at-home is likely over here. Anybody sitting at home now is doing so out of his own preference, not because of insecurity,’ Soludo added.

Acknowledging the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest, the governor reiterated that his priority is ensuring peace and economic progress of Anambra State.

‘As for those who are agitating or going to have demonstrations or whatever, they have a right to do so. In a democracy, everybody has freedom of expression. You have your freedom of expression in the way you do so,’ he said.

The governor recalled that he had called for dialogue on Kanu’s matter after assuming office, but maintained that his current focus is on how to fulfill his promises to his people.

‘I discussed the issue of release of Nnamdi Kanu several months upon assumption of office and even on the day the Ohanaeze Ndigbo had their Imeobi meeting, I said we needed to have a conversation,’ he said.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on his 91st birthday.

Akpabio in a congratulatory message in Abuja on Monday said Gowon’s policy of ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ after the civil war remained a beacon of unity and national healing.

He commended Gowon’s efforts in keeping Nigeria one, in and out of power, stressing that history would be kind to him.

Akpabio added that ‘on behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and the 10th National Assembly, I wish to heartily rejoice with our former Head of State, His Excellency, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, on occasion of his 91st birthday, it is a thing of joy to see him reach this milestone in life.

‘Sir, your leadership during and after Nigeria’s civil war continues to shape our history, and your ‘No Victor, No Vanquished’ policy remains a beacon of unity and national healing.

‘I commend your commitment to peace and inter-generational dialogue, which remains relevant today.’

Akoabio said Gowon’s legacy as a statesman and unifier served as inspiration to generations of leaders.

‘I pray that God grants you many more years of good health, strength and wisdom. Your life’s work is a testament to your dedication to Nigeria’s progress.

‘Happy birthday, Your Excellency and congratulations sir.’

Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo is set to break the 12-year jinx of no-convocation in the Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (RUGIP), Owo.

The Rector of the institution, Mr Olorunwa Adegun, disclosed this on Monday in a news conference heralding the 12th to 23rd combined convocation scheduled for Saturday at the RUGIP campus.

Adegun said that the last convocation was held in 2013, adding that when it was time for the the 12th edition, it was plagued by myriad of problems.

He noted that when he assumed office in 2023, the institution had dived into near ‘bottomless pit of hopelessnes’.

‘That is where the institution was lying almost lifeless when Mr Governor came on board, and when I assumed duty as acting rector,’ he said.

According to him, workers in the institution were being owed 14 months of salaries without even the slightest ray of hope regarding how payment would be effected.

He added that the payment of salary to workers in the institution became a once in a while activity and the payment was based on varying percentage as low as five per cent.

‘The institution was swimming in a pool of industrial crises. Expectedly, academic calendar became frequently disrupted.

‘The institution’s Staff Schools was shut; workers there were sacked and pupils and students were dismissed.

‘The institution’s business outfit, OSPO Ventures, was practically lifelesss and the institution was plagued with much litigation,’ he said.

Adegun said that he had mapped out strategic moves to address the humiliating practice of payment of salaries through increase in the internally generating revenue.

He added that the state governor also took a decisive step to increase the institution’s monthly subvention substantially.

He said that the governor also made funds available through Special Intervention Fund (SIF) to the institution, bringing positive changes to the polytechnic.

According to him, normalcy has been restored to the polytechnic in meeting the expectations of all stakeholders.

‘The institution is back as a leading polytechnic due to retrieval efforts of the state government coupled with his giant strides.

Ebonyi State Government said it has employed 1,936 new teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Special Assistant to Ebonyi Governor on New Media, Leo Oketa stated this in a statement on Monday.

He said the recruitment is part of Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration’s comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality of education and address the long-standing shortage of teaching staff in public schools.

According to him, the employment comprises 1,000 teachers for senior secondary schools and 936 teachers under the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) to serve in primary and junior secondary schools.

Oketa described the move as a major step towards implementing the Governor’s People’s Charter of Needs agenda, which prioritizes education and human capital development.

Oketa quoted Mrs. Lilian Nwankwo, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Secondary Education Board as stating that the newly recruited teachers have already been posted to their respective schools.

She added that monitoring and inspection exercises would soon commence to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.

‘Recruitment alone is not enough.We must ensure that these teachers are present, dedicated, and delivering quality education to our children,’ Nwankwo said

Oketa, who said the initiative underscores Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to repositioning the education system, described the move as a visionary step toward lasting educational reform.

According to him, the decision will yield immediate and long-term benefits for the state.

He listed the short-term goal to include

smaller class Sizes, reduction of over crowded classe, personalized attention to students employment boost, economic stimulation, and improved morale of teachers.

Oketa noted the long term goals of the move include: Human Capital Development, Sustainable Growth and investment attraction

He emphasised that Governor Nwifuru’s approach reflects a shift from quick fixes to structural and sustainable reforms.

He noted that the Governor’s emphasis on ‘training and retraining of teachers’ ensures the workforce remains globally competitive.

‘Governor Nwifuru’s action demonstrates focus, accountability, and a genuine concern for the future of Ebonyi youths.

‘He is not just improving today’s classrooms; he is building the foundation for the state’s long-term prosperity,’ Oketa noted.