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There was thunderous jubilation in Ekiti on Sunday following the approval of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the immediate extension of the retirement age of teachers in the state from 60 years to 65 years and service years raised from 35 to 40 years.

The Governor also rewarded outstanding teachers in the state with cash gifts totalling N46 million, approved upward review of Science Teachers and Head of Department allowances, as well as immediate payment of 2019 leave bonus areas to further motivate the teachers.

The governor made these declarations on Sunday during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavalion, Ado Ekiti.

No fewer than 5,000 teachers attended the colourful event which was turned into a carnival as teachers across different cadres adorned in Ankara uniform sang and danced in appreciation of the Governor’s teacher-friendly policies.

Oyebanji, who thanked the teachers for their invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, described them as the foundation upon which the future of the state is built.

He affirmed that the gesture was part of his administration’s efforts to motivate teachers, recognize their immense contribution to the development of education, and enhance their welfare in line with the shared prosperity agenda of his administration.

While explaining that the extension of the retirement age was in fulfilment of his promise to reposition the education sector and retain competent and experienced hands in the teaching profession, the Governor said a committee would be set up to oversee the elongation of the service year and ensure that only the agile individuals enjoy the privilege.

Governor Oyebanji further assured the Teachers that his administration would continue to prioritize their welfare and continue to create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning.

The Governor also informed the gathering that he will be seeking a re-election for a second term and solicited their continued support.

Oyebanji said, ‘ Let me respond to the request by the TUC Chairman, I have been told now that 2019 leave bonus was paid yesterday and you will start receiving the alert by tomorrow.

‘I have heard your yearnings with respect to the mandatory age for retirement and this has been approved as recommended but only for able and willing teachers.

‘ On the issue of science and head of departments’ allowances, I know that the Head of Service is doing the review of the allowances and I have instructed her to bring it by next week for approval.

‘My dear friends, this will be the only opportunity to meet in a group like this before the next governorship election. I therefore want to officially inform you that I will be seeking a re-election into the office of the Governor for a second term.

‘ I have been greatly encouraged by the overwhelming goodwill, enthusiasm and support that you have shown me. I want to assure you that, for you, it will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers. I therefore solicit for your sustained support and prayers going forward.’

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his efforts at repositioning the education sector and ensuring that the teachers’ welfare is taken care of.

The Commissioner highlighted various efforts of the Governor at improving the general well-being of teachers in the state to include, ‘ release of over N1.6 billion as running grant to schools in the last three years, payment of over N6.2 billion as UBEC counterpart fund to ensure renovations of schools in the state, payment of over N1.5 billion for WAEC in the last years of the Governors administration as well as prompt payment exam fees for students, placement, BECE and SS2 exams among others.’

In their separate goodwill messages, the National President of ASUSS, Comrade Sola Adigun, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), represented by Mr Lateef Adesiyan, and Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Comrade Adedeji Egbeyemi, all commended Governor Oyebanji for his continue demonstration of love and passion for teachers and the teaching profession in the state.

As part of renewed efforts to combat childhood diseases and safeguard future generations, Niger and Jigawa states have launched extensive Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaigns in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organisation (WHO), GAVI, and other development partners.

In Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago officially endorsed the campaign, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving public health and ensuring that the MR vaccine is available in all healthcare facilities across the state. He emphasised the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, describing it as vital protection against measles and rubella.

Speaking at a media dialogue in Minna, the Incident Manager of the Niger State Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Dr Fatima Ibrahim, said the MR vaccine marks a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s public health system. She noted that the country was at a pivotal moment as it prepared to incorporate the vaccine into its national immunisation schedule.

‘With the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine, we now have an additional, powerful tool to combat these diseases and safeguard future generations,’ she said.

Dr Ibrahim explained that the MR vaccine is safe, government-funded, and free for all eligible children aged between nine months and fourteen years. She further highlighted the crucial role of the media in sensitising the public and ensuring wide acceptance of the vaccine.

Similarly, the Chief of UNICEF Kaduna Field Office, Dr Gerida Birukila, represented by UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr Ahmed Tsofo, called on journalists to use their platforms to promote accurate information about the campaign. According to Dr Birukila, ‘your voice can break down myths and misinformation. Your platforms can build trust in public health, and you can make vaccination not just a medical necessity but a parental duty and a community value proudly upheld.’

She urged the media to help mobilise parents, caregivers, and communities to view immunisation days not as routine, but as ‘moments of protection and demonstration of care,’ while countering misinformation with factual and relatable messages.

In Jigawa State, preparations have also reached an advanced stage for the commencement of a similar vaccination drive targeting over 3.1 million children. The State Immunization Officer, Dr Shehu Ibrahim, disclosed during a media dialogue in Dutse that ‘a total of 3,186,521 children is targeted to be immunize during the exercise.’

He explained that the campaign, scheduled to run from 6th to 15th October across 288 wards in 27 local government areas, would cover children aged nine months to fourteen years. A total of 1,580 vaccination teams, each consisting of 11 members, have been mobilised for the programme.

Dr Ibrahim added that the exercise, organised by the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA) in collaboration with UNICEF, would also include routine immunisation and polio vaccination. He revealed that ‘3,186,521 children targeted for Measles-Rubella whom were from 9 months to 14 years while in polio vaccination 1,517,319 children between 0-59 months as beneficiaries. 5,121 qualified health workers will work for the success of the program.’

Also speaking, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Kabiru Mustapha, said the media engagement was aimed at reducing child morbidity and mortality rates linked to preventable diseases. He urged journalists to support the campaign by encouraging parents to present their children for vaccination.

Dr Mustapha maintained that with collective effort and public participation, the state could record zero cases of measles and rubella infections, assuring full institutional support for the success of the campaign.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Sunday, congratulated Nigerian teachers as they joined their counterparts across the globe to celebrate World Teachers’ Day.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 designated October 5 as World Teachers’ Day to recognise and celebrate teachers.

Speaker Tajudeen, in a congratulatory message issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Leke Olatunji Baiyewu, commended Nigerian teachers for their unquantifiable role in shaping the lives and careers of young people in society.

He stated that teachers and academics deserve public and private support to efficiently carry out their educational role in the lives of young Nigerians.

The Speaker, who was also a teacher before joining politics, described teachers as ‘co-parents and experts in nurturing and moulding young people into educated, civilised, productive, and patriotic citizens’ of any country.

While noting that teachers are critical stakeholders in the polity, the Speaker called for training, retraining, and better welfare, especially for the academic staff of educational institutions.

Speaker Tajudeen reiterated the commitment of the 10th House to using legislative instruments to enhance access to quality and affordable education for all Nigerians.

The Speaker wished Nigerians happy celebrations.

After a shocking eviction from the Big Brother Naija Season 10 house, ex-housemates Rooboy, Mide, Sabrina and Zita were asked to pick who they think will emerge winner and claim the N120 million grand prize on Sunday.

Responding in an interview with Tribune Online, Rooboy, known for his energetic and main character personality of the house, gave a split prediction, saying: ‘Koyin, but for in-time, Imisi.’ His response sounded like he was rooting for both housemates.

Mide was more direct, stating: ‘I think Imisi stands a chance of winning.’

Sabrina, who exited the house in week 3 due to health reasons, mentioned her bestie and considered Imisi as a strong contender for the big prize.

‘Kola my bestie for sure, and I’m also rooting for Imisi,’ Sabrina told Tribune Online.

Zita, who was a two-time Head of House in Biggie’s house, placed her bet on Imisi while also sending best wishes to others.

She said, ‘I think Imisi will win. She has her chill moments. Goodluck to Dede and Kola.’

When asked if they had thought about Imisi winning while still in the house, both Sabrina and Zita replied in affirmative. Zita further explained that Imisi brought the drama.

‘She was interesting, she brought the drama, and she’s a cool person, why not?,’ Zita added.

Tribune Online reports ahead of the final day (Sunday), Faith was disqualified on Thursday by Big Brother over physical violence with Sultana in the house.

Niger State Pension Board has disclosed that it has spent ?5 billion out of the ?9.1 billion budgeted for pension payments between January and August 2025.

The Permanent Secretary of the Board, Malam Habib Abdulkadir, made this known during the presentation of the Board’s proposed 2026 budget to the Niger State Planning Commission at the Women Multipurpose Hall, Old Secretariat, Minna.

Abdulkadir stated that pension payments were up to date, except for retirees who were still undergoing biometric capture.

He added that the number of retirees continues to grow monthly, requiring constant review and estimates.

He also noted that deaths among pensioners were minimal, attributing this to the ongoing ‘I Am Alive’ verification exercise, which helps identify deceased beneficiaries.

Following the presentation, the screening committee of the Planning Commission raised several observations, including inconsistencies in the staff lists from state and local governments, as well as the non-submission of monthly expenditure records from January to August.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Planning Commission, Hajiya Aishatu Tani Usman, explained that the exercise was part of the annual budget preparation process for ministries, departments, and agencies. She said all requirements must be met before the final budget presentation.

Usman commended the Pension Board for its presentation and directed it to submit its record of achievements for the outgoing year, 2025.

The session was attended by officials from the Bureau of Statistics, the Office of the Head of Service, and the State Planning Commission.

The Concerned Taraba Youth Group has appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to align politically with President Bola Tinubu by joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying such a move would help attract more federal projects to the state.

Speaking at a press conference in Jalingo on Saturday, the group said the governor’s alignment with the federal government could help revive key infrastructure and accelerate the completion of projects such as the Mambilla Hydro Power Project.

The group’s spokesperson, Comrade Shedrack Iremiya Gani, expressed concern over what he described as the neglect and abandonment of several federal projects in Taraba, blaming it on the state’s lack of political alignment with the ruling party.

He said, ‘Considering the continued deterioration and the abandoned state of federal projects in Taraba, we wish to appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to align with President Bola Tinubu to attract federal presence in the state.

‘We want the governor to make history by living the PDP and align with Tinubu in the APC. We believe that these steps will attract positive development like the actualization of the long anticipated Mambilla Hydro power project, the Zing Jalingo Wukari road and many others, as currently happening in APC states.

‘We believe that if Taraba become an APC state, President Tinubu will Construct the Jalingo- Gembu, Takum – Lau and Wukari – Karim Lamido roads, create empowerment schemes and job opportunities for youths in the state. Our desire is to see Taraba prosper in all aspects of development.

‘We know that governor Agbu Kefas has tried by reforming the education, healthcare, and empowerment sectors, which the commitment have rekindled confidence among youths, we however wish to appeal for his alliance with the president in the APC to make Taraba state great.

‘Critical projects that could transform our economy and create jobs for our youth have been abandoned for too long. The Ibi Bridge, a gateway for trade and commerce, the collapsed Namnai Bridge, which has cut off communities and opportunities, as well as the worsening situation of the Federal highways.

‘Nigeria today is being driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and we do not want Taraba to be left out of the Tinubu’s transformational drive. For us as a state to attract federal attention, our Governor need to work side by side with the president.

‘If Governor Kefas joins the All Progressives Congress (APC), Taraba will gain direct access to federal projects, resources, and opportunities that our citizens desired for.

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, has granted amnesty to students who have overstayed in the university.

The disclosure was made by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, on Friday, 3rd October 2025, during the 238th meeting of the Senate held at the Faculty of Social Sciences auditorium.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi stated that the retinue of appeal letters from overstayed students necessitated the move, which she deemed fit to present on the floor of the Senate for approval. The Acting Vice-Chancellor informed that the period for the amnesty covers two academic sessions – the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 sessions – while admonishing the concerned students to fully utilise the opportunity to address their academic challenges.

Prof. Arinze-Umobi also said the university had carried out several academic activities and achieved notable milestones under her watch in recent months. Among these is the selection of UNIZIK as one of the three universities in each of the six geopolitical zones for the sponsorship of postgraduate students via the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The Professor of Law further disclosed that fourteen panels comprising forty-two members recently visited the university for resource verification towards the establishment of twenty-three new academic programmes.

The Acting Vice-Chancellor also commended members of the UNIZIK community for ensuring peace and stability on campus.

It was one of those viral moments that could have easily gone the wrong way, but not for Toyin Abraham.

Per Second News observed that the storyline came to life when she got dragged online for allegedly ‘doing oversabi’ at the wedding of Priscilla Ojo and Tanzanian singer Juma Jux.

Clips and memes flew across social media, with many poking fun at her exaggerated gestures at the star-studded event.

Instead of letting the ridicule linger, Toyin flipped the script in the most unexpected way.

She turned what could have been a stain on her public image into the title and theme of a brand-new movie.

That bold move is now being hailed as a classic case of turning lemons into lemonade.

This time, she’s taking full creative control, stepping into the director’s chair for the first time in her career. And the movie? Aptly titled Oversabi Aunty.

According to Toyin, Oversabi Aunty is more than just a comedy but a mix of chaos, drama, and valuable life lessons wrapped in one.

‘It’s my first big screen directorial debut,’ she said. ‘And I wanted to make it relatable, funny, but also reflective. Because sometimes the same thing that people mock you for becomes your strength.’

The timing couldn’t be more perfect. The film is set to hit cinemas nationwide on December 19, just in time for the festive season.

With Nollywood audiences craving laughter and escape during the holidays, Toyin seems to have found the sweet spot for maximum impact.

This debut also marks a new chapter in Toyin’s career.

For years, she has been celebrated as an actress who throws herself completely into her roles. Now, she is taking on the challenge of shaping not just her character, but the entire vision of a film. Industry watchers say it’s a daring but necessary move for someone of her caliber.

When Oversabi Aunty finally lights up cinema screens on December 19, it won’t just be about the laughs. It will be about a woman who refused to be defined by viral banter, and instead chose to turn her moment of ridicule into an unforgettable Nollywood debut behind the camera.

The Council of HND Holders for the Advancement of Polytechnic Education in Nigeria (COHAPEN) and the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) have praised the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) for the prompt payment of Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) allowances to students in tertiary institutions across the country.

They also commended the Director-General of ITF, Dr. Afiz Oluwatoyin Ogun, for transforming the organization into one that prioritizes transparency, innovation, and service delivery since assuming office in 2023.

In a joint statement signed by the National Chairperson of COHAPEN, Mrs. Confidence Adaeze Godwin, and the Vice President of NAPS, Comrade Aliyu Omotayo Yusuf, the groups said:

‘Dr. Ogun has redefined the ITF into a hub of innovation, transparency, and people-oriented service delivery.

He has also institutionalized transparency through open bidding for projects and a strong emphasis on local content promotion,’ the statement noted.

The groups added: ‘As part of his commitment to students’ welfare, Dr. Ogun inaugurated a SIWES Committee to digitalize the disbursement process and ensure allowances are paid promptly and transparently.

In 2023 alone, the ITF disbursed ?1.1 billion in SIWES allowances – ?733 million to university students, ?233 million to polytechnic students, and ?72 million to colleges of education students.

This intervention directly touched thousands of young Nigerians undergoing industrial attachment.’

According to the statement, the ITF has also launched the Model Staff School Skill Academy in Jos – a pilot programme that combines formal education with hands-on vocational training.

‘In the academy, students from JSS1 and SS1 will undergo skill sessions on weekdays and weekends while pursuing WAEC/NECO and international certifications.

The programme features a Career Day every September, incubation opportunities for small businesses, and entrepreneurship training for parents to make families both skilled and enterprise-driven.

ITF has announced plans to replicate this model across all six geopolitical zones, free of charge.’

On other initiatives, the statement highlighted that under the Skill-Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ITF secured accreditation from the City and Guilds of London (UK) as an examination centre.

‘This milestone provides Nigerian artisans international certification, with three clear pathways: Talent Export for global opportunities, Local job integration, and Business incubation for entrepreneurship,’ it added.

The statement also commended the ITF leadership for reviving neglected skill centres across the country.

‘In Epe, Lagos, he received the Agbowa Vocational Centre on behalf of ITF, while also initiating plans to restore the Skill Acquisition Centre in Borokini, Ikorodu.

These efforts form part of his campaign to ensure no skill centre is left behind, transforming existing facilities into hubs for empowerment and poverty reduction.’

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ogbomoso North chapter, has called on governments at all levels to address the critical challenges facing private school owners and teachers across the country, particularly in the areas of taxation, welfare, and access to financial support.

In a statement commemorating the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, the Chairman of NAPPS Ogbomoso North, Pastor Wale Ojewumi, described teachers as ‘the true architects of our nation’s future,’ noting that their contributions to national development deserve greater recognition and support.

Ojewumi commended teachers, especially those in private schools, for their dedication, passion, and hard work in nurturing the minds of future leaders. He emphasized that private schools complement government efforts in expanding access to quality education and should not be seen as competitors to public institutions.

‘We’re not competing with the public sector; rather, we are working hand-in-hand with it to ensure that quality education is available to all, especially in areas where public resources are stretched thin,’ he said.

However, the NAPPS chairman lamented that private school proprietors are burdened by what he described as an automatic 25% annual increase in personal income tax, which he said negatively affects their ability to reinvest in staff and infrastructure. He urged the government to review the policy and make it more reflective of the realities faced by school owners.

Ojewumi also called for the establishment of a structured welfare system for private school teachers, including access to healthcare, pensions, and fair compensation, noting that many qualified educators work in private schools due to limited employment opportunities in the public sector.

‘Teachers should feel supported, valued, and secure in their roles, which will ultimately benefit the children they teach,’ he added.

He further appealed for government-backed financial support, such as grants and low-interest loans, to help private schools upgrade their facilities and sustain educational quality. Additionally, he urged the government to include private school teachers in professional development programmes to enhance their skills and teaching methods.

Ojewumi concluded by reaffirming NAPPS’ commitment to advancing education in Ogbomoso and beyond, stressing that investment in both public and private education is vital to Nigeria’s peace, prosperity, and progress.

‘Every investment in education whether public or private is an investment in our peace, prosperity, and future,’ he said.

He extended greetings to teachers across Ogbomoso, Oyo State, and Nigeria, applauding their unwavering service to nation-building.