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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How villages Allegedly Shield Terrorists

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Many Farmers Flee as attacks persist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) Africa has called on the Lagos State Government to immediately lift the suspension placed on the Guidelines on Safe Termination of Pregnancy (STOP) for Legal Indications.

Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Founding Director of WARDC Africa, made the call in a statement to commemorate World Abortion Day.

WARDC described the suspension as a major setback to women’s rights and maternal health, warning that it exposes countless women to unsafe procedures and preventable deaths.

The STOP guidelines, developed by Lagos State, were designed to standardise medical practice and strengthen the capacity of health professionals to provide safe care within the legal framework-particularly where pregnancy threatens the life or physical and mental health of a woman. ‘On this World Abortion Day, our plea to the Lagos State Government is simple: lift the suspension on the STOP guidelines immediately,’ said Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi.

She stressed that the suspension denies victims of rape and incest the full range of medical services due to them under Nigerian law, including provisions under the domesticated Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

‘For survivors of rape and incest, safe termination of pregnancy is not merely a medical procedure but a pathway to reclaiming their bodily autonomy, mental health, and dignity,’ Akiyode-Afolabi said.

WARDC commended states that have taken progressive steps to implement or clarify reproductive health provisions, urging Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to demonstrate similar leadership.

The group demanded the immediate reinstatement of the STOP guidelines, explicit inclusion of rape and incest survivors in the framework, and prioritisation of women’s health and rights over political or religious sentiments.

WARDC reiterated its commitment to working with the government and stakeholders to protect the rights and lives of women and girls across Nigeria.

The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday, played host to some key oppsotion figures led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, and declared that he is no more a politician having assumed the role of a traditional ruler.

Oba Ladoja, a former governor and Senator in Oyo State, was crowned the 44th Olubadan at the well-attended coronation in Ibadan, last Friday.

President Bola Tinubu, four serving governors including the host, Governor Seyi Makinde, first-class monarchs and other top personalities graced the occasion.

However, Atiku, who was absent at the ceremony on Tuesday led the former Senate President, Iyorcha Ayu, former Governors of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, Cross Rivers State, Liyel Imoke and other prominent members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to pay homage to the Olubadan.

Atiku attributed his non-appearance at the coronation of the former Governor to protocol arrangements.

Speaking with reporters at the new Olubadan at his private residence in Ibadan, Atiku said it was not intentional not to honour Oba Ladoja during the coronation.

He said, ‘We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.

‘We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you. Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme.’

Responding, Oba Ladoja declared that he is no longer a politician, adding that he had good times with Atiku and other politicians in the country.

‘I’m not one of you again. I am Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no longer one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.

‘Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.

‘We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.

‘All the religious leaders said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people. Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,’ the monarch said.

The Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, will hold a high-level summit on the future of Nigeria’s transport sector for innovative solutions

Speaking with newsmen about the event, Dr. Joshua Odeleye, Director, Transport Technology Centre of the Institution, said experts and stakeholders would brainstorm on transport and logistics leadership in Abuja on Tuesday.

He added that the summit themed ‘Building Sustainable Transport and Logistics Infrastructure in Nigeria: Current Trends and Future Insights,’ was aimed at providing platform for policymakers, regulators, operators, industry leaders, academics, and investors to engage on the future of transport and logistics in Nigeria.

Dr.Odeleye further stated that summit would feature keynote addresses, strategic panel sessions, technical presentations, and networking opportunities. He said it would bring together participants from the road, rail, maritime, aviation, pipeline, logistics, and allied sectors.

‘It will also serve as a forum to discuss innovative solutions to Nigeria’s infrastructure and mobility challenges while highlighting opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.

‘This summit is designed to stimulate dialogue and action that will shape the future of transport and logistics in Nigeria. By bringing stakeholders under one roof, we aim to promote efficiency, innovation, and sustainability across the entire ecosystem.’

He added that the Nigeria Transport and Logistics Leadership Awards will recognize the transformative contributions of leaders and organisations across the sector, selected through a nationwide nomination and voting process initiated on multiple media platforms, including national dailies.

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The federal government said Nigeria remains ‘a work in progress’ 65 years after the country’s independence.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who stated this on Monday at a press conference to mark the 65th Independence Day Anniversary in Abuja, urged citizens to rally behind ongoing reforms and contribute to building a greater nation.

Akume said independence should not only be seen as a date on the calendar but as a reminder of the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers and the collective responsibility of citizens.

‘At 65, Nigeria is still a work in progress. But with renewed hope, shared responsibility, and collective resolve, our best days lie ahead,’ he said. He noted that President Bola Tinubu had introduced bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore investor confidence and create opportunities. He explained that while the policies were difficult, they were laying the foundation for long-term growth.

‘The gains, though modest, are a testimony that the Renewed Hope Agenda is on course, and with perseverance, greater dividends will be realized,’ he added.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration was dismantling ‘stubborn clogs in the wheel of national progress.’

He explained that inflation was declining, the naira was strengthening, and food prices were beginning to ease. He added that the trade surplus was growing with more contributions from the non-oil sector.

‘Our collective participation in nation-building is critical to the sustenance of the progress being made,’ he said.

The minister noted that more than 500,000 students were already benefitting from the National Education Loan Fund, describing it as unprecedented.

He said reforms in energy, transport, agriculture and health were evidence that ‘no region is taking a back seat’ in the distribution of projects.

FG cancels Independence Day parade

Meanwhile, the federal government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade that had been scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, announced this in a statement on Monday.

Imohiosen did not give a reason for the decision to cancel the parade but said it will not diminish the significance of the anniversary.

The statement urged Nigerians, the diplomatic community and invited guests to support the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to expand annual enrolment of medical students to 20,000, a move aimed at boosting access to medical education and tackling manpower shortages triggered by the ‘Japa’ trend.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced this on Monday in Abuja while presenting the Federal Ministry of Education’s Communication Strategy (2025-2027).

Speaking on the Communications Strategy (2025-2027), Alausa explained that it is aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, and public trust through unified, data-driven communication.

He noted that the plan offers a coordinated framework for the Ministry, its agencies, and parastatals to communicate reforms more effectively. The strategy’s core objectives, he said, include defining clear priorities and target audiences, standardising processes and branding, boosting public awareness of policies, and improving interdepartmental coordination through evidence-based planning.

He said the reforms are part of the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), driven by President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘We have doubled the intake of students in Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy in our health educational institutions. For medical students for example, from an enrollment of 5,000 students a couple of years back, we are well on our way to achieving 20,000 this new academic year. These are all aimed at addressing the critical manpower shortages in the health sector,’ Alausa said.

He added ‘These interventions are deliberate steps to address critical manpower shortages in the health sector and ensure that Nigerians are not denied access to quality healthcare because of the japa syndrome.’

The minister disclosed that 18 medical schools are being equipped with modern facilities, while 1,000 secondary school laboratories are being upgraded in partnership with PTDF. Nursing admissions have also surged from 28,000 to 115,000.

Beyond health education, Alausa outlined wider NESRI gains: 4,900 classrooms built, 3,000 renovated, 34 smart schools established, and over 2.3 million learners impacted in six months. The Almajiri Commission has mapped nearly one million children, with 35,000 reintegrated into formal education.

Other initiatives include free technical education with stipends, Nigeria’s WorldSkills International membership, and AI training for 6,000 teachers.

Alausa stressed that education remains central to national renewal, with reforms anchored on transparency, public trust, and bridging critical skill gaps.

The University of Lagos in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), has unveiled the Association and Chamber Excellence (ACE) Certification Program, an initiative designed to enhance the capacity, governance, and operational effectiveness of chambers and associations across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa.

The unveiling took place at Human Resources Development Centre (HRDC), University of Lagos, on Tuesday.

‘Chambers and associations are the voice of business and the vehicle for shaping inclusive and market-oriented policy.

‘The ACE certification is not merely a training program, it is a comprehensive, immersive certification program designed for executives and managers of business membership organizations whose role in driving business growth and fostering economic development across the continent is fundamental,’ CIPE Executive Director Andrew Wilson, said.

He said he was thrilled to see ACE taking off in Nigeria.

According to him, the program is not just teaching skills; it is empowering leaders to implement policies, strengthen governance, and transform their chambers.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos explained that, ‘HRDC is the university’s capacity-building hub, and ACE is combining rigorous academics with practical training.

‘We are equipping chamber executives and association leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to drive sustainable growth and effective policy implementation.

ACE addresses critical gaps in skills and competencies among Nigerian chamber leaders.

The program will use a hybrid learning model where participants will engage in In-person sessions at the University or connect online gaining practical expertise in governance, finance, compliance, anti – corruption, communication, and digital systems.

‘This is more than training,’ remarked Professor Ogunsola. ‘We are empowering the private sector to implement government policies efficiently, ensure better resource management, and promote sustainable development. The benefits extend beyond Nigeria to the entire African business ecosystem, supporting trade and investment partnerships.

Toki Mabogunje, former President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Honorary Consul of Tanzania, noted that the program is of high value to chambers and associations: ‘ACE is bridging the gap between theory and practice in chamber management.

‘Leaders are gaining strategic insight and hands-on skills that enable chambers to thrive, innovate, and represent business interests effectively.’

With over 40 years of global experience, CIPE and its affiliates have supported chambers and associations across Latin America, Europe, and Africa, turning underperforming chambers into high-impact organizations Kenya, 16 chambers have strengthened governance, increased membership, and enhanced stakeholder engagement through similar programs.

‘By institutionalizing ACE at the University of Lagos, we are creating a long- term platform to develop homegrown experts who will replicate these successes across Africa,’ Wilson added.

The program draws faculty trom veteran chamber leaders, industry experts, and top academics-ensuring a practical, results- oriented learning experience.

Participants will return to their chambers ready to equip others to become more effective in advocacy complex problem solving, and to implement best practices, multiplying the program’s impact coalition building, across Nigeria and the continent.

‘Sending one executive through ACE creates benefits for many,’ said Professor Ogunsola.

The first cohort is set to begin in January 2026, with a 40-hour intensive training session designed to equip leaders with practical skills in governance, management, and strategic decision making.

The Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, has said the Benin Kingdom will commence the eating of new yam after a palace ceremony on Sept. 30.

This is contained in a statement by Frank Irabor, Secretary, Benin Traditional Council, on Monday.

According to the statement, the indoor ceremony is to usher in the new yam (Emorho) into the Palace.

‘Following the ceremony, all sons and daughters of the Benin Kingdom, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes living in Edo who participated in the two-week fasting and prayer exercise, can eat the new yam,’ the Palace said. The Oba’s announcement comes after the conclusion of a two-week fasting/prayers period, which was declared for peace, progress, and to usher in the new yam.

The two-week fasting/prayers commenced on Sept. 15 and ended on Sept. 28. (NAN)