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As the world marked this year’s United Nations International Day of the Girl Child, the Gender Priority Strategy (GPS) has called for urgent, practical measures to support and protect girls leading to change in conflict and climate-affected regions.

GPS made the call in a statement titled ‘The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,’ appealing to governments at all levels, international bodies and civil society to move beyond symbolic recognition and take coordinated action to prioritize girls’ safety, education, and participation in decision-making.

The group noted that girls were among the most affected by crises, with risks such as child marriage, sexual violence, and exclusion from education, affecting them. In spite of the challenges, it noted that many are emerging as leaders in justice movements, climate action, and peacebuilding.

‘Girls are not victims of circumstance; they are agents of change. When girls lead, communities thrive, societies grow stronger and the world becomes more just,’ it said.

GPS called for increased investment in girl-led initiatives, protection of girls facing displacement, discrimination, or disability, and inclusion of girls’ perspectives in humanitarian and development planning.

Linking its advocacy to the 80th anniversary of the United Nations (UNGA80), the organisation urged member states to reaffirm their commitments to gender equality and ensure that multilateral systems deliver tangible results for girls in all settings.

The Gender Priority Strategy, launched by the Africana Women Working Group at the 68th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women, serves as a framework to advance gender equality through Policy, Education, Advocacy, Research, and Solutions (PEARS) in alignment with the Beijing Declaration, Generation Equality, and the UN’s Leave No One Behind mandate.

The group concluded by calling on all stakeholders to ‘listen to girls, fund their visions, and follow their lead,’ emphasizing that empowering girls is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and building inclusive, resilient societies.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called for the support of Nigerian governors to ensure the successful completion of the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

Kalu made the appeal when he led members of the House Committee on Constitution Review on a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah.

He expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) for their continued support and engagement in the constitutional review process, describing their collaboration as crucial to achieving meaningful reform.

The Deputy Speaker also commended the Conference of Speakers for their active participation and urged them to help expedite the process once the document reaches their respective states.

Kalu revealed that the committee is nearing completion of the process leading to parliamentary voting on the constitutional alteration bills.

‘We are appealing to you because we need you,’ he said, emphasizing that the success of the exercise depends on cooperation among all tiers of government.

‘Please, help us thank your brother governors for supporting the initiative of the Constitution review. The Governors Forum has, in one way or another, shown us support. From the chairman to any other person in the Forum. Please express our gratitude when you meet with them. One or two more engagements, and we will be done with this. Please, appreciate them.

‘Also, please, let them know that without them, we cannot make this Constitution. It is not possible because the Houses of Assembly will need to go through this document. We will not coerce the Houses of Assembly. But we know you can liaise with them to help get this document back to us as quickly as possible.

‘If the governors are not in support, we will be running in circles. But with progressively minded governors like you, I am sure you will speak to your colleagues to keep backing us up, for them to know that we need them, and for them to partner with us.

‘The Conference of Speakers has shown interest, and the chairman participated in one way or the other. He has been giving us support, but we should not end our relationship by only engaging with them. We need you, who are the major stakeholders, to help us push this through’.

Kalu said Nigerians want a more functional Constitution that will empower the local governments to deliver services, streamline electoral justice, strengthen fiscal federalism, guarantee women’s full participation in governance, and enhance accountability at all levels.

Receiving the federal lawmakers, Gov Peter Mbah lauded the Deputy Speaker for simplifying the process and making it participatory through the zonal public hearings.

‘Let me once again welcome you to this historic city. Thank you so much for honouring us with your presence. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, once again, for choosing Enugu as a venue for this retreat.

‘I want to commend your leadership and diligence over the period of the public hearing. You have come out to demonstrate such commitment in this process, and I think for the first time, we are now taking it even to the granular, getting to the details, looking at the clauses, line by line. This is what this retreat is all about. So, I want to thank you and commend you. Welcome to Enugu State’, he said.

A 52-year-old businessman, Ejiofor Godwin Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano, following which a total of 127 wraps of cocaine concealed in his stomach have been recovered after days under excretion observation.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Babafemi said Ejiofor, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, Anambra state, was taken into NDLEA custody upon his arrival from Bangkok, Thailand via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 on Wednesday, 8th October 2025, following credible intelligence.

According to the statement, he was taken for a body scan, which confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs and had some concealed in his private parts.

Babafemi said, ‘A total of 58 wraps of cocaine were immediately recovered from his pants after which he was taken for excretion observation during which he egested 69 pellets of cocaine in seven excretions, bringing the total number of wraps of the class A drug recovered from him to 127, weighing 1.388 kilograms.’

Babafemi said three consignments of illicit drugs heading to the United Kingdom were on Thursday, 9th, and Friday, 10th October intercepted at a courier company in Lagos by NDLEA operatives.

‘One of the shipments, 1.74 kg of methamphetamine, was recovered from blocks of glass ceramics, while another shipment contains 114 grams and 168 grams of pentazocine and tramadol injections, respectively, just as the third consignment contains 48 grams of tramadol capsules concealed in a Vitamin C container, all going to the UK. Bids by another set of criminal syndicates to ship 2.6kg skunk and 422grams tapentadol 250mg concealed in tablets of black soap heading to Turkey; 169 grams of cocaine hidden in lady’s handbags going to Australia and 568 grams of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis concealed in containers of herbs going to United Arab Emirates were thwarted by NDLEA operatives at some courier companies in Lagos,’ Babafemi said.

He added that, meanwhile, a total of 27,510 pills of Rohypnol concealed in sachets of alcoholic drinks going to South Africa have been intercepted by NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

Babafemi said after the initial arrest of a freight agent and a cab driver linked to the shipment, a follow-up operation at Oyingbo market in Lagos led to the arrest of the mastermind, 46-year-old Samuel Omoruyi (alias Yellow), on 2nd October.

The Spokesman said the same day, an Italy-based businessman, Enehizena Augustine Uyimwen, was arrested by operatives while attempting to export 3,700 pills of tramadol 225mg and 2,600 tabs of tapentadol 200mg hidden in food items to the European country.

Uyinwen claimed he was trafficking the opioids for someone else for a fee of Nine Hundred and Forty-Five Euros (pound 945).

The statement reads, ‘In Edo state, a raid of the home of a suspect, Emmanuel Sunday, 33, at Ugbekpe Ekperi in Etsako Central LGA led to the recovery of 47kg skunk, a strain of cannabis. Two suspects: Nureni Ayobami Eleweodo, 48, and Oladejo Taiwo, 52, were on Wednesday, 8th October arrested at Omifufun village, Ife South LGA, Osun state, following the seizure of 635 kilograms of skunk from their Toyota Hiace bus marked DDA65ZY.

‘Two other suspects: Timothy Omiwole, 41, and Isaac Achiatan, 36, were nabbed at the same location with 100kg skunk recovered from them along with their motorcycle. While Okoro Julius, 20, and Onyebuchi Nwibo, 25, were arrested in different parts of Port Harcourt, Rivers state in connection with the seizure of 8.5kg skunk on Friday, 10th October, Sulaiman Kalalu, 46, was nabbed after 29.5kg of the same substance was found in his house at Bayan Asiti, Jibia town, Katsina state on Saturday, 11th October.

‘In Niger state, NDLEA officers on Wednesday, 8th October arrested Yisa Daniel, 29, at New Bussa, where 22,000 capsules of tramadol, 800 ampoules of pentazocine injection, and 150,000 pills of Exol-5 were seized from him. A total of 312kg skunk was recovered from a bush at Ologede camp, Ogbese, Ondo state, while operatives on patrol along the Benin-Lagos expressway on Thursday, 9th October, intercepted two suspects: Francis John, 39, and Adeyemi Taiwo, 46, in a car conveying 141.8kg of skunk. In Kaduna, a suspect, Rufai Ahmed, 27 (alias Farin Malam), was nabbed at Abuja/Kaduna toll gate while conveying 150,000 pills of exol-5 from Lagos to Katsina.

‘In like manner, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization activities to schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.

‘These include: WADA sensitization lecture to students and staff of General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola, Adamawa; Assembly of God Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi; Community Girls Secondary School, Bakori, Katsina; Girls Secondary School, Nenwe, Awgu LGA, Enugu; Day Secondary School, Tungan Mallam, Paikoro LGA, Niger; Sacred Heart Secondary School, Kabba, Kogi; Ebenezer Model Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra; Government Secondary School, Borikiri, Rivers; Government Junior Secondary School, Wakili Bawa, Ungoggo LGA, Kano; and Baptist High School, Ede, Osun state, among others.

‘While commending the officers and men of MMIA, MAKIA, DOGI, Kano, Edo, Rivers, Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, Ondo, and Osun Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain their tenacity, professionalism and balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.’

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 2025 Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), which open in Washington D.C. on Monday, October 13.

A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday, said Mr. Cardoso, who serves as the alternate Governor for Nigeria at the Bretton Woods institutions, will be representing the country in place of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who is currently indisposed.

The Nigerian delegation will also include the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, among other senior officials.

According to the World Bank, highlights of this year’s meetings include the Development Committee Plenary session on October 16 and the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC) meeting scheduled for October 17.

Other key events will feature regional briefings, high-level policy discussions, and press conferences focusing on global economic trends, international development, and financial market stability.

The annual gatherings of the World Bank and IMF provide a vital platform for global economic policymakers to assess international financial developments, coordinate fiscal and monetary strategies, and strengthen multilateral cooperation on development priorities.

Nigerian Navy (NN) Special Forces and their French counterparts at the weekend executed an anti-piracy scenario where 16 hostages were rescued at Takwa Bay Beach Island, Lagos.

The scenario, which displayed the high skill sets of the operatives, their mastery of the terrain, and their understanding of the golden hour in hostage situations, was part of the annual multinational sea exercise codenamed CROCODILE LIFT.

The mock operation centred on a fictional Pirate Action Group (PAG) hijacking, with tactical beach landings, hostage rescue drills, rappelling operations, and medical evacuation exercises. It ended with the successful rescue of 16 abducted crew members and the dismantling of a simulated pirate camp.

A full-scale amphibious operation simulation designed to test readiness and strengthen maritime security collaboration in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the exercise featured coordinated actions involving the French Navy’s Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) Tonnerre; the French Foreign Legion; Nigerian Navy ships (NNS) KADA and KANO; two naval helicopters, and elite commandos from the NN’s Special Boat Services (SBS).

Delivering a closing remark on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the acting Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Naval Doctrine Command (NAVDOC), Rear Admiral Ifeanyi Okpala, said the exercise demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to operational readiness and international security cooperation.

‘This exercise strengthens our capacity to secure the maritime environment in partnership with our allies and improves our interoperability in responding to complex threats in the Gulf of Guinea,’ he said.

French Landing Group Commander, Colonel Brunet, commended the professionalism of the Nigerian Navy operatives, highlighting the value of the joint exercise in testing new technology and enhancing cooperation.

‘It’s a great opportunity to train together, deploy new vehicles, and enhance cooperation with a powerful partner like Nigeria. This exercise reflects strong coordination between the navy and army, and shows our shared commitment to peace and security in the Gulf of Guinea,’ said Brunet.

Also, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), represented by Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Jibril Abba, commended the existing synergy between military and civil maritime agencies in safeguarding Nigeria’s waters and the blue economy.

Dignitaries and observers from the Nigerian military, French Embassy, and other security agencies witnessed the event, which reinforced Nigeria’s resolve to secure its maritime domain, counter piracy, and deepen collaboration with global partners toward a safer GoG region

Music star Tiwa Savage has revisited her long-standing rift with fellow singer Seyi Shay, offering new insight into their much-publicised 2021 salon confrontation.

Speaking in an interview on Off Air with Gbemi O and Toolz on YouTube, Tiwa explained that the conflict stemmed from a diss track and false allegations that she had attempted to sabotage the careers of other female artists.

She dismissed the claims as baseless, stressing that she has always been committed to uplifting and supporting women in the Nigerian music industry.

‘I would never do that – I’m so pro-women,’ Tiwa said.

‘If you do something to me, I will let you know. I don’t have to let you know online. Like the whole shade thing, I’m not going to pretend like you and I are cool in a salon when you did a diss track,’ she stated, referencing the tension sparked by Seyi Shay’s verse in the 2017 *Fvck You* Challenge by Kizz Daniel.

The ‘All Over’ hit maker expressed shock at hearing rumors that she had allegedly ‘blocked bags’ for Seyi Shay and Victoria Kimani.

She said, ‘That was painful, and I didn’t know where it was coming from. Till today, maybe I need to have a conversation with Shay.

‘I heard that they thought I blocked their bag. How? If you’ve heard from anybody that I tried to block your bag, mention the person so I can address it’.

Tiwa also debunked the sabotage narrative by recounting how she lost a major Pepsi endorsement deal to Seyi Shay during her pregnancy with her son, Jamil.

‘When I got pregnant and had Jamil, I was taken off a Pepsi campaign, Longer Throat, and Shay was booked on it.

‘Go back and check it, Shay was a brand ambassador; I wasn’t.

‘I was taken off because I couldn’t snap back in time. So how am I stopping other people’s bags? I wasn’t even mad. I got in the gym and got my body back,’ she added.

The 2021 salon altercation, which became a viral moment, saw Tiwa confronting Seyi Shay over their strained relationship.

While Seyi Shay previously claimed she attempted to mend fences, Tiwa’s recent comments signal the feud was fuelled by deeper industry misunderstandings and rumours.

The tension between the two artists, which began in 2017, has simmered for years, marked by subtle jabs and public drama.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has vowed that neither threats nor blackmail will deter him or undermine the federal government’s transformative agenda in Nigeria’s mining sector.

Speaking at a media briefing over the weekend ahead of the 10th Nigeria Mining Week, scheduled to commence on Monday, Alake reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ongoing reforms, which he said are already delivering results.

The minister highlighted key indicators, including data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), as evidence of progress.

‘Ten years ago, the contribution of mining to our nation’s GDP was less than 0.5 percent, but today it has risen to 1.8 percent, with NBS figures showing an unprecedented 4.61 percent in Q2, 2025. In practical terms, this means more mines in operation, more companies investing, and more communities benefiting from mining activity,’ he said.

Reflecting on the sector’s evolution, Alake noted that Nigeria Mining Week has mirrored the industry’s shift from informality to a structured, innovation-driven, and investor-friendly environment.

He highlighted reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, reducing investment risks, and optimizing the mining value chain.

Acknowledging resistance to regulatory strengthening, including threats to his life, the minister expressed unwavering resolve.

‘No amount of intimidation, sponsored articles by unpatriotic writers, or a campaign of calumny can deter the vision of repositioning the mining sector,’ Alake declared.

He noted, ‘ The mining sector was hitherto an all-comers affair where operators got away with flagrant abuse of regulations. When we came in, we made efforts to correct this anomaly, and those affected have been employing all forms of tactics, including threats and blackmail to force us to reverse course. I want to assure Nigerians that our resolve is unflinching. We are going ahead to enforce strictly all regulations, no matter whose ox is gored.’

The minister cited the revocation of mining licenses, reiterating that it is an on-going process, emphasizing that the era in which people defaulted in payment of annual service fees or held in licenses for over 10 years without using it or commencing any form of operation is gone with the wind.

He asserted that the ‘Use it or Lose it’ clause in the mining act will be strictly enforced to pave the way for serious investors to develop the mining sector.

‘Our desire for a very conducive operating environment should not indulge those who are in constant default of the regulations. We won’t tolerate that. I have had to triple my personal security following threats received from some of those whose licenses were revoked, but I am undaunted. Our confidence is hinged on the fact that we are waging the battle based on principle, for the sake of our country’, Alake added

He also hinted at the establishment of a new pre-shipment agency for solid minerals, affirming that the installation of satellite surveillance of mining sites is also underway alongside plans to double the personnel of the mining marshals.

This aimed at ensuring that the mobile squad has an active presence in all local governments in the country and is fully equipped to curtail illegal mining.

The minister urged all stakeholders, industry players and investors to join in making the mining week a resounding success asserting that it promises to be a platform for networking, consolidating on progress made, attracting responsible investments and ensuring that the mining sector contributes substantially to Nigeria’s industrialization.

The 10th Nigerian Mining Week themed, ‘Nigerian Mining: From Progress to Global Relevance’ is organized by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) in partnership with the Miners Association of Nigeria, Vuka Group, PwC amongst others.

It is billed to hold from the 13th to 15th October 2025 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

In today’s world, air superiority remains a defining measure of global power-and only a select few nations command the technology to field true fifth-generation fighter jets.

These aircraft fuse stealth design, supersonic speed, cutting-edge avionics, and integrated weapons systems to give pilots unmatched combat dominance.

Beyond their sheer performance, factors such as fleet size and operational readiness now shape the balance of power-from the United States’ unrivaled lead to China’s rapid buildup and rising contenders like South Korea.

This exclusive group of air forces stands at the forefront of modern warfare, where advanced jets can determine the outcome of battles long before they begin.

Here are the seven countries operating the world’s most advanced 5th-generation fighter jets:

The United States remains the undisputed leader in fifth-generation aviation, operating both the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. The F-22, primarily designed for air superiority, has been in service since 2005, with about 180 units active. The multirole F-35 has achieved global reach, serving across multiple branches of the U.S. military and allied air forces. With more than 1,200 F-35s in operation worldwide-most of them American-owned-the U.S. firmly holds the top spot in fifth-generation combat capability.

China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon has become the pride of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). By 2025, more than 300 J-20s have entered active service, reflecting China’s rapid military modernization and ambition to rival Western air power. The J-20’s growing numbers and continual upgrades signal Beijing’s commitment to achieving air dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Russia fields the Sukhoi Su-57 Felon, which officially entered service in 2020. Around 20 to 25 units are currently operational. Though the fleet remains small, the Su-57’s combination of stealth, agility, and supercruise capability makes it a key asset in Russia’s quest to maintain strategic parity with NATO air forces.

The United Kingdom operates the F-35B Lightning II, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35. As of 2025, roughly 40 F-35Bs are in service, with plans to expand the fleet to between 60 and 80 aircraft. Deployed from both air bases and Royal Navy aircraft carriers, the F-35B forms the backbone of the UK’s modern carrier strike group operations.

Israel flies the F-35I Adir, a customized variant of the F-35A adapted with indigenous avionics and weapons systems. Since entering service in 2017, the Israeli Air Force has integrated approximately 46 F-35Is. The Adir’s tailored systems give Israel a unique operational edge, enhancing both deterrence and effectiveness in regional conflicts.

Japan operates both the F-35A and F-35B variants, with around 45 aircraft currently active. Tokyo plans to expand its fleet to 147 F-35s in total, making it one of the largest F-35 operators outside the U.S. This expansion is central to Japan’s efforts to modernize its air defense and strengthen its regional security posture.

South Korea’s indigenous KF-21 Boramae program represents a major leap in its aerospace ambitions. Although not yet fully operational, the aircraft is expected to enter active service by 2026. Once deployed, the KF-21 will mark South Korea’s entry into the elite circle of nations capable of developing and fielding advanced fighter technology.

Academic activities in public universities may be heading for disruption following the strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday.

The union directed lecturers in public universities to commence a two – week warning strike, commencing from tomorrow (Monday) to protest alleged failure of the Federal Government to meet their demands.

National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, who addressed reporters at the national secretariat of the union at the University of Abuja main campus on Sunday, warned that the strike may be extended by the union if the government failed to address its demands.

Piwuna, who was joined at the briefing by ASUU leaders, added that the warning strike ‘will be total and comprehensive.’

He stated that nothing significant had happened since it issued the two-week ultimatum.

‘Government has been asking for time with nothing concrete on ground to resolve it’, he said.

But the government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to constructive engage with ASUU towards the sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues affecting the university system.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, nd Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmed, stated that the federal government has ‘demonstrated demonstrable sincerity, patience, and goodwill in its dialogue with the Union, noting that virtually all the concerns raised by ASUU have been addressed.’

They added, ‘These include the introduction of a big percentageof teaching allowance and significant improvements in the conditions of service of academic staff. The few remaining matters are those that rightfully fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of the respective universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.

‘The few remaining matters are those that rightfully fall within the jurisdiction of the governing councils of the respective universities, which have been recently reconstituted to handle such internal issues.’

Piwuna further explained that the union has consistently shown restraint in order not to disrupt the academic calendar, but the government’s insensitivity has left them with no alternative.

‘Consequently, all branches of ASUU are hereby directed to withdraw their services with effect from midnight (12.01a.m.) on Monday, 13th October, 2025. The warning strike shall be total and comprehensive as agreed at the last NEC meeting,’ he said.

The ASUU president added: ‘This two-week warning strike should be taken as a window by the government to address our demands. It is a window for the government to stop the deceit and go back to the negotiating table and resolve this issue with us.

‘If they don’t, we are going to meet again after two – weeks and when we do we will take action that will certainly be different from this one (two-week) warning strike.

‘If we embark on that journey it will be total and there will be no going back.’

Piwuna said despite engagements with the Federal Government, there was nothing substantial to stop the strike directive reached at its national executive council (NEC) meeting on September 28.

He accused the government of raising the hopes of ASUU members through a ‘document hurriedly put together by the government.’

The National Executive Council (NEC) issued a 14-day notice to the government on September 28, threatening to embark on a strike if nothing was done with regards to its demands.

The ultimatum ended on Oct 12 (Sunday).

The ASUU leader urged well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organisations, and the media to prevail on the federal government to address the lingering issues once and for all.

‘This struggle is not just for university lecturers; it is for the soul of public education in Nigeria,’ Piwuna added.

In a statement by the Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the two ministers noted that, though the government is making all efforts to resolve all the issues and ensure that students remain in school, ASUU is not operating with the same zeal.

‘The government had met the deadline for presenting its position to the union as agreed, yet instead of reverting to the ministry in continuation of dialogue, ASUU has chosen to proceed with strike action,’ the statement said.

They noted that the action does not reflect a spirit of cooperation or fairness to the students and the public, especially given the government’s demonstrable commitment and concrete steps already taken.

The ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.

They, however, emphasized that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy remains an extant labour law of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.

‘While government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources,’ the ministers said.

They reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the federal government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.

The ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.

They reiterated that the government’s education reform agenda is designed to enhance teaching and research conditions, promote institutional autonomy through strengthened university governance, and ensure that the academic community thrives in an environment of mutual respect, productivity, and innovation.

The ministers reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to work with all stakeholders to safeguard the academic calendar and prevent further disruption in the learning process.

They urged ASUU to reconsider its position and return to dialogue in the best interest of students and the future of Nigeria’s education system.

Piwuna listed ASUU’s seven demands as the re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of universities, an end to the alleged victimisation of ASUU members in LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University) and FUTO, payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, settlement of promotion arrears spanning over four years, and remittance of outstanding third-party deductions.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have intensified joint monitoring of the ongoing Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR), Polio, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, which aims to vaccinate over 106 million Nigerian children against preventable diseases.

The nationwide exercise, which began in October 2025 and will run until February 2026, was designed to strengthen immunization coverage, raise public awareness, and ensure that no child is left unprotected.

The Measles-Rubella campaign, flagged off by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on October 6, is currently ongoing across 19 northern States and Oyo State and will conclude on October 15.

Over the weekend, NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Muyi Aina, and FCTA Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, led a joint monitoring team to assess the progress of the vaccination campaign across the FCT and neighbouring States.

In a statement by Bola Ajao, Special Adviser on Media to the Mandate Secretary, the joint monitoring exercise emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and state health authorities in achieving better child health outcomes.

Dr. Aina said the joint effort reflects the government’s determination to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

‘This exercise underscores the importance of teamwork between national and state health authorities to protect children, strengthen healthcare delivery, and build a healthier nation,’ he stated.

He commended the dedication of frontline health workers, urging them to maintain transparency in data collection and reporting, saying, ‘Verified data, whether targets are achieved or not, is crucial for effective planning and sustainable health sector improvement’.

The monitoring team visited several Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), including Chikora North PHC in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State and New Township PHC in Abaji Area Council, Abuja.

They also engaged with mothers and caregivers in surrounding communities, emphasizing the importance of timely vaccination and proper finger-marking of children.

At the Abaji PHC, Dr. Fasawe personally administered vaccines to infants and sensitized mothers on the dangers of preventable diseases.

She urged parents to ensure their children are fully immunized, warning that unvaccinated children face a high risk of contracting measles and rubella, which can cause blindness, hearing loss, congenital defects, and death.

Both officials expressed satisfaction with the turnout and coverage achieved so far and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety and quality standards throughout the campaign.