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The Gombe State Government has clinched two top awards at the Nigeria GovTech Public Service Awards 2025, held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The state earned the national recognition for excellence in governance and digital innovation.

The event, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) under the Presidency, celebrated public institutions that have demonstrated outstanding innovation, efficiency, and measurable impact in digital governance across the country.

A statement by the state’s Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, said Gombe State, through its Due Process Bureau, emerged as a clear standout, winning the awards for ‘Best State MDA in Innovative Use of Technology’ and the ‘Distinguished GovTech Trailblazers Award.’

He said the honours reaffirmed the state’s impressive progress in harnessing technology to enhance transparency, accountability, and service delivery.

The Director-General of the Due Process Bureau, Engr. Muhammad Dauda Abubakar, who received the awards on behalf of the state government, said the agency has been at the forefront of automating procurement systems and institutionalising due process, making Gombe one of the leading models of digital transformation in public governance.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released 20 of the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested in a hotel while the remaining 74 were charged to court.

It would be that the Business and Hoteliers Stakeholders Forum (BHSF) had earlier accused the EFCC of storming various hotels and arresting 94 of their customers for alleged internet fraud.

The Chairman of the BHSF, Edo State chapter, Bishop Omogiade Edokpolo, disclosed this shortly after a closed-door meeting with the Edo State Command of the EFCC and hoteliers in the state.

‘We met with the EFCC and asked them to release the 94 suspected internet fraudsters arrested. They told us that 20 of them have been released while 74 of them would be charged to court because of the evidence against them,’ he said.

‘The way and manner the EFCC invades our hotels sends fear into the minds of innocent customers and paints us in a bad light; we suffer losses running into several billions of naira,’ he added.

Edokpolo, while commending the EFCC for releasing the 20 suspects, advised the commission to shun the plea bargain idea and take the suspects to court to avoid punishing innocent persons.

He debunked the claim that Edo and Delta states top the list of internet fraudsters in Nigeria, saying, ‘The narrative is wrong as it is meant to paint the states, especially Edo State, in a bad light.’

Responding, the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewole, confirmed that 19 of the suspects have been released while 75 others would be charged to court.

‘We are not saying that Edo and Delta State top internet fraud, but the rate of internet fraud is prevalent in those locations. We are not location-specific but fraud-specific,’ he said.

The federal government yesterday warned the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) against disrupting academic activities with the nationwide strike it planned to commence today.

The government warned that it would invoke its no-work-no-pay policy should the union embarked on strike.

Earlier during a press conference at the University of Abuja yesterday, ASUU President, Professor Chris Piwuna, said all the union’s branches nationwide had been directed to commence a full withdrawal of their services beginning at midnight today.

He said the decision to begin the warning strike became imperative following the government’s failure to meet the union’s demands.

He said there had been no meaningful progress to prevent the union from moving forward with its planned strike.

Piwuma noted that the 14-day notice, which was issued on September 28, 2025, had lapsed without any substantial response from the relevant authorities.

He warned that after the two-week warning strike, if the government still failed to act, the union would proceed on a total and comprehensive strike.

He said the union’s action was aimed at drawing attention to the government’s persistent refusal to implement agreements and address critical issues affecting Nigerian universities.

‘It is regrettable to note that nothing significant has happened since our last briefing on the eight issues in dispute,’ he said.

ASUU’s demands

The union is, among other things, demanding conclusion and signing of the renegotiated 2009 agreement with the government; payment of the withheld three-and-a-half months’ salaries of its members; sustainable funding and revitalisation of public universities; an end to the victimisation of lecturers of the Lagos State University, the Kogi State University (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO).

Other demands are settlement of the outstanding 25-35 per cent salary arrears; payment of promotion arrears spanning over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions such as cooperative contributions and union dues.

The ASUU president said that despite several appeals and assurances from government officials, including a letter dated September 30, 2025, from the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, nothing tangible had been achieved.

He disclosed that the outcome of an emergency meeting of the FGN/ASUU 2009 Agreement Renegotiation Committee held on October 10 was disappointing, describing the documents presented by the government as ‘provocative and inconsistent’ with previous drafts.

‘The hurriedly packaged documents were a total departure from the spirit of the Nimi Briggs-led renegotiated agreement and incapable of dousing industrial tension across campuses,’ he said.

He accused the government of bad faith and deliberate delay tactics, saying that months of negotiation had yielded no results.

‘It is a betrayal of historic responsibility if we continue to fall for the government’s deception and manipulation. What is needed is the fundamental transformation of our university system, not token promises,’ he said.

The ASUU leader said the union appealed for understanding from students, parents and the public, stressing that its struggle was aimed at saving Nigeria’s university system from collapse.

‘We invite patriotic Nigerians, workers, media practitioners, and civil society activists to join ASUU in this transformational mission,’ the statement added.

‘ASUU’s National Executive Council (NEC) has directed all its branches nationwide to withdraw their services effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025,’ the ASUU president stated.

Reacting to the declaration of the warning strike by the ASUU, the government, through a joint statement last night by the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, said it would be guided by its no-work-no-pay policy.

The statement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving ASUU’s grievances through dialogue.

‘The federal government has demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union,’ the statement read.

It noted that most of ASUU’s concerns, such as increased teaching allowances and improved conditions of service, have been addressed.

The statement said other issues fall under the jurisdiction of university governing councils which have been reconstituted to handle them.

‘Despite these efforts, ASUU has opted for strike. This action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public,’ the statement read in part.

It said the government had met its deadline for presenting its position, adding that under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the government emphasised its priority to maintain academic stability.

‘The ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted,’ the statement said.

It urged the ASUU to reconsider its stance and return to dialogue, stressing that ‘government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.’

Our members won’t go on strike – CONUA

Meanwhile, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), a breakaway faction of ASUU, has maintained that it had no issue with the government to declare a trade dispute.

It would be recalled that during an industrial action by the ASUU that lasted almost one year in 2022, the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari had in October 2022 registered the CONUA and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) to rival the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The then Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, while conveying the approval to the leadership of the two unions at a meeting in Abuja, said the move will help liberalize the academic sub-sector and allow for freedom for university workers.

Following the two new unions’ rejection by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), they had approached Trade Union Congress (TUC) and registered as its affiliates.

Addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, CONUA President Niyi Sunmonu said embarking on strike would be counterproductive in the end.

He stated: ‘We held congresses across our branches nationwide recently, and it was the decision of the members that there is nothing to declare a trade dispute for.

‘We also held a meeting with the government team, which included the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on September 11, 2025.

‘We just want the vice-chancellors of various universities and the federal government to respect our decision and take note that CONUA members nationwide are not on strike and we have not declared any.

ASUU demands in students’ interest – NANS

Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Adeyemi Samson, said the ASUU’s demands, ‘such as improved research and infrastructure development, directly benefit students-not just lecturers.’

He, however, said that all parties must be diplomatic.

‘Fortunately, the ASUU president and the NANS president are both from UNIJOS and have been engaging on this issue. No investment in education is a waste.

‘We are aware of the longstanding demands of ASUU, and we will reach out to the minister of education and other relevant bodies to ensure the strike is called off.

‘We commend the government for keeping the universities open for two years without interruptions, which is commendable. This strike, however, will disrupt the academic calendar, and we are working to avert it,’ he stated.

Students interviewed by Daily Trust yesterday expressed mixed feelings over the strike declared by ASUU. While some described it as a disappointing disruption to their academic calendars, others viewed it as an opportunity to rest or prepare for upcoming examinations.

Oluwatosin Silver Oyindamola, a 100-level student of Languages and Linguistics at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, said: ‘In all honesty, I’m indifferent to the strike, but I don’t want it to happen. We are about to start our exams, and with the strike looming, it means our exams will be shifted. On the other hand, it will afford us more time to prepare. However, those with carryovers or who are due to graduate soon will be affected.’

Aduragbemi Arowoshola, a 400-level Philosophy student at the University of Abuja, described the planned industrial action as ill-timed and deeply inconvenient.

Abdulkadir Umar Ladan, a final-year Pharmacy student at the Gombe State University, described the news of the strike declaration as heart-breaking. ‘I’ve already lost time due to the COVID-19 break, and now I’m adding another year.’

Fatima Aliyu, a 300-level student of Sociology at the Federal University of Kashere, stated: ‘Honestly, I support ASUU if the strike will force the government to address the poor conditions in our universities. Our lecture halls are overcrowded, and we lack basic learning materials. If we don’t speak out, nothing will change. Yes, it delays us, but what is the point of rushing through a broken system?’

I’ve spent twenty years designing kitchens, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that truly successful spaces anticipate the future while celebrating the present. When clients approach me about creating their ‘forever kitchen,’ they’re often thinking primarily about aesthetic longevity-will this marble still be in style in ten years? Will these cabinet colors stand the test of time? But there’s a deeper, more fundamental question we should be asking: will this kitchen continue to serve you beautifully as your needs evolve throughout your life?

That’s where universal design enters the picture. Once unfairly associated solely with clinical-looking accessibility modifications, universal design has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. Today’s universal design principles seamlessly integrate with luxury aesthetics to create kitchens that are simultaneously stunning, functional, and adaptable to changing needs.

Universal Design: Beyond Accessibility

The core philosophy of universal design is creating spaces that work for people of all abilities and life stages. It’s not about designing specifically for disability or aging-it’s about designing thoughtfully for everyone. Interestingly, the best universal design is virtually invisible, working so intuitively that you don’t even realize the careful planning behind it.

What often surprises people is how many universal design features they already appreciate without realizing their purpose. That pull-out pantry with adjustable shelving? The large cabinet handles that are easy to grasp? The varied counter heights? All universal design elements that benefit everyone, regardless of age or ability.

The Foundation: Thoughtful Space Planning

Movement and Flow

A luxury kitchen that ages gracefully starts with meticulous space planning. Doorways and pathways should be generous-42 inches is ideal-allowing for easy navigation, even with mobility aids. Islands should have ample clearance on all sides, and the classic work triangle should be compact enough to minimize steps while spacious enough to accommodate multiple cooks.

I recently redesigned a kitchen for a couple in their fifties who entertained frequently. They weren’t concerned about accessibility yet, but we still incorporated wider pathways and a thoughtful traffic flow. Three years later, when the husband unexpectedly needed knee surgery and temporary wheelchair use, those design choices proved invaluable. They hadn’t planned for that specific scenario, but our universal design approach had them covered.

Multilevel Work Surfaces

Varying counter heights isn’t just visually interesting-it’s practical for users of different heights and abilities. Consider:

These variations can be designed with such sophistication that they appear to be purely aesthetic choices while serving important functional purposes.

The Details: Hardware, Fixtures, and Features

Cabinetry Innovations

Cabinet design has seen remarkable advancements in universal accessibility. D-shaped pulls offer easy gripping. Touch-latch systems eliminate the need for handles altogether. But the real game-changers are in the internal mechanisms:

I’ve been particularly impressed with some innovations from OPPEIN, whose cabinets combine European minimalist aesthetics with remarkably thoughtful universal design features. Their corner cabinet solutions, in particular, solve the age-old problem of inaccessible blind corners without compromising on luxury appearance.

Appliance Selection and Placement

Thoughtful appliance selection and placement can dramatically impact a kitchen’s long-term usability:

Placing microwaves at or below counter height rather than above the range makes them accessible to everyone, including those who cannot safely lift hot items overhead.

Sensory Considerations in Luxury Design

Lighting Layers

Aging eyes need more light, but harsh lighting is uncomfortable for everyone. The solution? Layered lighting that combines:

Smart lighting systems allow customization based on time of day, task, and individual preference-accommodating changing visual needs without compromising on atmosphere.

Acoustic Management

We don’t often consider sound in kitchen design, but it significantly impacts comfort, especially as hearing sensitivity changes with age. High-end kitchens should incorporate:

Intuitive Controls

Complex technology can become frustrating as cognitive or visual abilities change. The most successful luxury kitchens feature:

Materials That Endure in All Senses

Safety and Ease of Maintenance

Luxury kitchens should feature materials that are both beautiful and practical:

Come to think of it, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my clients’ material preferences over the past decade. While the visual appeal remains paramount, there’s increasing attention to tactile qualities and maintenance requirements. People want beauty that doesn’t demand constant vigilance.

Sustainability Considerations

A truly timeless kitchen must also consider environmental impact. Chinese furniture manufacturers have made remarkable strides in sustainable luxury, with many now offering eco-friendly materials that don’t compromise on appearance or durability. From formaldehyde-free substrates to water-based finishes, these innovations allow homeowners to align their values with their aesthetic preferences.

Color and Contrast: Beautiful and Functional

Strategic use of color and contrast serves both aesthetic and functional purposes:

But don’t worry-this doesn’t mean sacrificing sophisticated design. These principles can be applied with incredible subtlety, using tonal variations rather than stark contrasts when preferred.

Technology Integration for Aging in Place

Smart home technology offers tremendous potential for kitchens designed to age with their owners:

The key is selecting technology that enhances independence rather than creating dependence or frustration.

The Human Factor

Despite all these technical considerations, we must remember that kitchens are fundamentally human spaces. They should evoke joy and comfort while supporting function. This means:

I learned this lesson personally when designing my parents’ kitchen renovation. I focused so intently on the practical aspects of aging in place that I initially overlooked their emotional attachment to certain elements-like the breakfast nook where our family had gathered for decades. The final design incorporated all the universal design principles while preserving the soul of their kitchen. And that’s exactly what universal design should do: support life’s changes without sacrificing what makes a house feel like home.

A kitchen that ages gracefully isn’t just one that accommodates physical changes-it’s one that continues to bring joy through all of life’s transitions. After all, isn’t that what true luxury really means?

The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has arrested over 40 illegal courier operators for allegedly operating without a valid license in Edo State.

The State Postal Manager, Mr. Aleburu Augustine, disclosed this during the World Postal Day celebration in the state.

He said the arrests were aimed at getting rid of quacks and sanitizing courier services.

He noted that the issue of illegal courier services is now rampant, but the agency has put in place several measures through its Courier Regulatory Department, which is in charge of enforcement.

The measures, he said, include regular clampdowns on illegal courier operators, visiting courier premises, and monitoring their activities, among others.

‘In the first quarter, we arrested over 20, and in the second quarter, we also arrested 20, bringing the total to 40 arrested for illegal operation,’ he stated.

Augustine explained that as part of efforts to keep operators away from engaging in illegal activities, such as delivering prohibited items like drugs, arms, and ammunition, they hold monthly meetings with operators.

He, however, noted that postal service has improved tremendously, as mail does not stay overnight in his station, which has helped instill confidence and improved customer patronage.

In a show of solidarity with Nigeria’s armed forces, SMC Foundation and Technoguard Limited have donated essential supplies to frontline troops stationed in Kaduna State, aimed at enhancing their welfare and boosting morale.

The donation was received by Colonel M.H. Abdullahi on behalf of the Nigerian Army, who commended the initiative as a meaningful gesture that strengthens the relationship between the military and the communities they serve.

‘This generosity has tangible impacts, some of which include boosting the morale of troops knowing that there is steadfast support from the civil society that understands the sacrifices demanded by service,’ Colonel Abdullahi said.

Representatives of SMC Foundation and Technoguard Limited noted that the contribution was made to support the welfare of soldiers and reinforce the importance of community backing for national security efforts.

The gesture aligns with the mission of SMC Foundation, a community-driven nonprofit organization that promotes initiatives aimed at strengthening the bond between citizens and the institutions that serve them.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for the inclusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered learning initiatives in lawmakers’ constituency projects to enhance access to technology education and human capital development across Nigeria.

Kalu made the call during a visit to Bildup AI Learning Hub in Enugu on Saturday, where he interacted with young Nigerians undergoing AI-assisted training.

He was accompanied by the House Majority Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, and other lawmakers on the sidelines of the House Committee on Review retreat.

The Deputy Speaker commended Bildup AI’s innovative approach to education, describing it as a model that could bridge the learning gap, empower youths, and boost the country’s digital economy.

‘Bildup has simplified learning and made it affordable. It’s time we adopt such initiatives as part of our constituency projects so that more students can access quality education and develop tech skills. Human capital development is key to Nigeria’s future,’ he said.

Kalu pledged to partner with Bildup AI and called for government support through the Ministries of Education and Science, and Technology, as well as private organizations and NGOs.

‘This is not about politics; it’s about development. Our young people are the country’s most valuable resource. With proper investment, they can sit here in Nigeria and provide services to global tech giants while earning foreign exchange,’ he added.

He also encouraged the trainees to remain innovative, describing them as ‘disruptors’ who are challenging tradition and driving technological progress.

Earlier, Bildup AI Chief Executive Officer, Chibuike Aguene, said the indigenous AI platform was the first of its kind in Africa, designed to provide one-on-one virtual tutoring for students, improve learning outcomes, and connect graduates to global opportunities.

‘Our AI system teaches and interacts with students just like a human teacher. It’s transforming access to quality education and positioning Africa as a leader in tech innovation,’ Aguene said.

This is a passionate appeal to the leadership and management of the National Assembly to reconsider their proposal in excluding staff of the National Assembly retirees that retired before 2023 from the NASS Pension Scheme Amendment Bill currently before the two chambers.

In May 2025, the Senate passed for second reading a bill to amend the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act, aiming to restructure the pension framework for legislative staff.

The bill proposes an amendment that seeks to revert the current scheme to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), restructure the board’s governance, reintroduce gratuity payments, and create a fund for the scheme’s sustainability.

Though the existing Act has faced implementation challenges, leaving many retired National Assembly staff without access to their benefits since 2023, it will be recalled that before leaving office in 2023, former President late Muhammadu Buhari had on 23rd May 2023 signed the National Assembly Service Pension Board (Establishment) Act, 2023.

Recall that S.15(2) of the Act stipulates that (this Act shall apply to all personnel of the service including those who had retired before the commencement of the Act).

Regrettably, by the proposed new Amendment, S.15 has been deleted thereby excluding those that retired before 2023. We are therefore appealing to the leadership of both chambers to consider the sacrifices of the former staff and inaugurate the National Assembly Pension Board in line with the Act signed by the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing business costs and boosting efficiency at Nigeria’s ports through the National Single Window (NSW) initiative, a digital platform designed to streamline trade processes, enhance transparency, and speed up cargo clearance.

Director of the National Single Window Project and Head of Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade, disclosed this at the National Single Window Stakeholders’ Forum held in Lagos.

He said the reform demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s determination to build a competitive, technology-driven trade environment.

According to Fakolade, the NSW will connect all government agencies involved in import and export procedures on a single online system, eliminating duplicate documentation and reducing physical interactions that often encourage inefficiency and corruption.

‘It is the President’s desire to see importers and exporters carry out their businesses seamlessly,’ he said.

‘The era of diverting consignments and investments to neighbouring ports due to inefficiencies and high costs will soon be over. This initiative will simplify and harmonise trade processes while cutting transaction time and cost,’ the Director added.

He noted that after more than a year of assessments and requirements analysis, the project has entered its crucial development and integration phase, with an operational target set for the first quarter of 2026.

The forum, jointly organised by the National Single Window Secretariat and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), brought together stakeholders from trade, logistics, maritime, aviation, and regulatory sectors to review progress and strengthen collaboration ahead of deployment.

Participants included representatives from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the Truckers Association of Nigeria, among others.

Fakolade added that integrating the NSW with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework would open new opportunities for Nigerian exporters by reducing trade costs, improving supply chain visibility, and boosting competitiveness.

‘A fully functional National Single Window will give Nigerian businesses a cost advantage and increase their participation in intra-African trade,’ he said.

Panelists at the forum shared perspectives on their agencies’ roles in the project, while acknowledging challenges such as multiple cargo inspections, non-harmonised documentation, and infrastructure gaps. They assured participants that inter-agency coordination was ongoing to ensure a smooth transition.

The police command in Ondo State says it has arrested one suspect in connection with the abduction of a tipper driver, Tobi Abdulmalik Oluwatuyi.

Oluwatuyi was kidnapped by gunmen on Friday at Ilu-Abo, along the Akure/Owo Expressway in the Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, who confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, said that efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining perpetrators.

‘Yes, it is true that a tipper driver was kidnapped yesterday while his motor boy escaped. Meanwhile, we made an arrest that same yesterday.

‘However, efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators,’ Ayanlade said.

Also, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, Commander, Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps), who confirmed the incident to newsmen, said operatives had begun an intensive bush-combing operation to rescue the victim.

‘We are already combing the forest and have blocked the routes leading to Ise in Ekiti to prevent the kidnappers from escaping.

‘We are on top of the situation and determined to secure the victim’s release,’ Adeleye said.

Earlier, Monday Ayesoro, the owner of the tipper, who confirmed the abduction to newsmen, said that the incident occurred around 6am on Friday when the vehicle reportedly developed a fault.

According to him, the truck broke down along the way, and when the driver was attempting to fix the truck, armed men emerged from the bushes and kidnapped him.

‘However, the driver’s assistant, popularly known as the motor boy, managed to escape from the scene and alerted nearby residents for help,’ he said.