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Kwara State Government has trained at least 200 school children from across the State on how to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to think, create. and solve real-world problems.

Tagged: ‘Future Minds Independence AI Bootcamp’, the training was organised in partnership with Digital Equity Africa between October 1-5, 2025.

Participants cut across the public and private primary and junior secondary schools, following their ‘seamless’ selection process.

Speaking at the grand finale in Ilorin on Sunday, Managing Director, Ilorin Innovation Hub, Temi Kolawole, said the sponsorship of 200 participants underscores the government’s commitment to digital inclusion among young people.

Kolawole said he was impressed with the manner the pupils exhibited their creative works and expressed optimism that their future is bright.

‘It is very impressive to see young kids under the age of 10 presenting the websites they built, presenting a story book they have written and even music they requested AI to compose. If they can do this at this stage, we can imagine what they will do in the next 5 to 10 years,’ he said.

Such exposure improves their curiosity, innovation, and creativity, he added.

CEO Digital Equity Africa, Mrs Justina Nnam Oha, said the session was not just about teaching technology but also about shaping mindset, nurturing innovation, and helping young people to see themselves as creators of the digital future, not just consumers of it.

She commended the government and the Ilorin Innovation Hub for the partnership and their commitment to digital literacy and inclusion in Kwara.

‘Over the past few days, your children have explored the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence, learning how machines think, create, and solve real-world problems. They have collaborated, built, and imagined boldly – proving that the future truly belongs to those who are curious, courageous, and creative,’ she told reporters on the sideline of the event.

‘We are deeply grateful. This partnership by the government is commendable in ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has access to the opportunities of tomorrow.

‘To you, the parents-thank you for believing in your children and in this vision. The best investment you can make is in their minds. What you witnessed today are not just projects, but seeds of transformation.’

Participants such as Abdulkareem Khadijat, Ahmed Imam Ayodeji and Aminat Akanbi, among others, appreciated the state government and Digital Equity Africa for providing them a platform to learn digital skills and be AI-compliant.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, officially flagged off the National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Introduction Integrated Campaign in Abuja, declaring the exercise a collective resolve to end vaccine-preventable childhood diseases and safeguard the nation’s future.

The First Lady described the flag-off as ‘a declaration of our collective resolve as a nation to say ‘No More’ to the diseases that steal the future of our sons and daughters.’

She said measles and rubella remain among the leading causes of blindness, disability, and child mortality, noting that rubella infections during pregnancy could lead to blindness, deafness, or congenital heart defects in unborn children.

She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to guarantee every Nigerian child a healthy start in life and ensure that no mother dies while giving birth.

‘A vaccine in a vial does not save a child. A vaccine in a clinic does not protect a community. Protection only becomes real when that vaccine is injected into the arm of a child,’ she stressed, urging mothers to take their children for vaccination and fathers to support them.

Tinubu also appealed to traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to dispel misinformation and encourage nationwide participation, noting their previous role in the success of the HPV vaccine rollout.

She reaffirmed her personal commitment to promoting vaccine uptake and pledged to mobilize State First Ladies, wives of Local Government Chairmen, and women’s groups to ensure no child is left unprotected.

She lauded the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners-WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, and the Gates Foundation-for their partnership and dedication to Nigeria’s public health goals.

‘With this vaccine, our children will be protected against two deadly diseases and enjoy a lifetime of safety and protection. These vaccines are safe, effective, and free,’ she assured.

Declaring the campaign open, the First Lady said the exercise represents ‘a pathway to hope and a promise of progress,’ praying for divine blessings on Nigerian children, mothers, and the nation.

The official flag-off of the campaign set in motion a nationwide drive expected to reach approximately 106 million children aged 9 months to under 15 years in two phases.

The campaign also integrates vaccination efforts against polio and the rollout of the HPV vaccine among adolescent girls, combining resources to optimize health impact.

Raheem Okoya, son of billionaire industrialist and Eleganza Group founder, Chief Razak Okoya, has declared that his success is built on his own efforts and not solely on his father’s fortune.

Speaking during an interview on Wazobia FM, Raheem confidently stated that he earns his living independently, emphasizing that every kobo in his bank account comes from his personal hustle.

‘Yes, of course, I make my own money. I work and make my money. Every penny in my bank account today is based on what I do – my sweat,’ he said.

Raheem added that while he is not yet where he aspires to be, he is content with his current level of comfort, noting that his work provides enough for him to live on.

‘I’m comfortable. It’s not like I’m where I want to be yet, but what I do can afford to feed me,’ he said.

As the son of one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen, Raheem has often faced public scrutiny and comparisons.

However, he said he remains focused on his personal goals, including his passion for music, and is determined to build a name for himself through talent and hard work.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order temporarily freezing a bank account belonging to Mars Aviation Limited in Fidelity Bank Plc over the company’s alleged complicity in fraud associated with Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Justice Musa Liman issued the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), moved by its lawyer, Geraldine Ofulue.

Ofulue, while moving the motion, claimed that the account was currently being investigated in a case of criminal misappropriation and money laundering.

The lawyer identified the account number as: 5250350283 (C03651082) with the account name – Mars Aviation Limited.

The order issued on September 22 was on the motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1299/2025, filed on July 1.

The EFCC stated, in a supporting affidavit, that it received an open source intelligence alleging that some monies had been paid by NNPCL to Mars Aviation Ltd for purported contracts that were phony and granted in default of the provisions of the Procurement Act.

It added that based on the intelligence, the commission launched an investigation and found that huge sums of money had indeed been paid to the account of Mars Aviation Ltd by NNPCL, in various instalments.

The EFCC said interim freesing was necessary to preserve the funds and prevent any transaction on the accounts, pending the conclusion of investigation.

Nigeria’s cost of living varied widely across states in August 2025, with some regions offering significantly lower expenses for households and businesses.

From lower rent to cheaper food prices, these places offer a better chance to manage your budget, whether you’re a young professional, a retiree, or just want a break from high expenses.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), several states maintained a slower pace of price increases compared to the national average, making them more affordable destinations.

Below are the 10 most affordable Nigerian states to live in 2025

Zamfara became Nigeria’s most affordable state, with headline inflation dropping to 11.8% and food inflation plunging to just 3.3%. Improved food supply, security, and market access drove the gains, backed by large-scale distribution of seeds, fertilizers, and farm inputs. Agriculture remains the backbone, with over 85% of residents dependent on farming.

Headline inflation fell sharply from 20.3% to 14.2%, but food inflation rose to 23.4%. Gains came from lower non-food costs through digital payment rollouts and water boreholes, but food transport disruptions from fuel scarcity lifted grocery prices.

Enugu saw the steepest headline inflation drop (22.5% ? 14.2%), yet food inflation surged to 26.9%. Cheaper housing and transport supported affordability, but tomato blight and supply delays spiked food costs. The state launched wide-ranging farm input programs and revived agro-industrial projects to strengthen long-term food security.

Headline inflation fell from 21.4% to 14.7%, thanks to cheaper housing and transport. However, food inflation rose to 23% due to port delays. Ferry routes and rental incentives eased living costs, but kitchen staples became pricier.

Bauchi climbed to 5th position as inflation dropped to 15.3% (food inflation 11.7%). Grain reserve releases, improved roads, and farm cooperatives stabilized prices. A fertilizer plant upgrade, tractor distribution, and civil servant farming incentives further boosted agricultural support.

Nasarawa posted one of the strongest turnarounds, with inflation falling from 24% to 16.3% and food inflation down to 13.7%. Better harvests, feeder road repairs, and market levy suspensions drove the gains. Federal-IFAD support added farm inputs and tricycles to boost production and distribution.

Adamawa slipped down the ranking as inflation rose slightly to 17.2% and food inflation to 11.9%. Seasonal fuel hikes and road repairs raised costs, though steady harvests and expanded farmer markets helped ease pressure.

Taraba made major improvements as headline inflation dropped from 24.9% to 17.5% and food inflation from 25.5% to 16.5%. Reopened grain and yam markets, road repairs, and livestock vaccination cut costs, though farmers now face low prices for harvests.

Ondo slipped in the ranking despite a slight headline inflation drop to 17.6%. Food inflation spiked to 23.4% due to delayed harvests and higher staple prices. Non-food relief came from tariff rebates and roadworks, but farming challenges like high input costs and poor rural roads persist.

Yobe, July’s most affordable state, fell to 10th after headline inflation surged to 18.1%. Non-food costs rose, but food inflation dropped sharply to 3.6% thanks to strong grain harvests. Government-backed tree planting, tractor distribution, and subsidized farm transport supported agriculture, though rising fuel and utility costs drove the overall increase.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has marked his daughter’s third birthday with an emotional message, describing her as ‘the light that brightens my world’ and a precious blessing from God.

In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, the Napoli forward expressed gratitude for the joy his daughter brings, praising her intelligence, kindness, and playful spirit.

‘You are the light that brightens my world and the sweetest blessing God has given me. Every smile you share melts my heart, every laugh you make fills me with joy, and every hug reminds me how lucky I am to be your parent,’ he wrote.

Reflecting on her growth, Osimhen said watching her over the past three years has been ‘the most magical journey’ of his life. He prayed for her continued protection, happiness, and love.

‘May your life always be filled with laughter, happiness, and endless love. God will continue to protect you from the eyes of the evil ones, amen! Daddy/Mummy loves you more than words can ever explain. Happy birthday, my love! (BIG 3),’ he added.

There was a low turnout of local government workers across Osun State on Monday as they officially resumed work after an eight-month strike over the control crisis between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) had been on strike since February 17, 2025, following an Appeal Court judgment reinstating APC chairmen – a decision opposed by the PDP, which had earlier conducted its own council elections and installed its members.

The prolonged impasse left council offices under lock and key until the Federal Government recently recognized the reinstated APC chairmen and released six months of withheld allocations to the accounts operated by them. In response, the Association of Concerned Local Government Workers fixed October 6, 2025, for their resumption.

Ahead of the resumption, police authorities assured residents and workers of adequate security across council areas.

When The Nation monitored activities on Monday, workers were seen resuming duties in local government areas such as Osogbo, Olorunda, Ifelodun, Boripe, Ayedire, Obokun, and Ilesa West – all under heavy security presence.

Despite this, turnout remained low in several locations.

Chairman of Olorunda LGA, Hon. Kunle Kudaisi, dismissed claims that the council had been completely shut since February, explaining that while political officeholders had continued working, NULGE members only formally resumed on Monday.

‘Many workers could not resume today because they went to the state secretariat for their promotion letters,’ Kudaisi said, expressing gratitude that ‘the rancor is now over in Osun State.’

At Olorunda, a worker, Mrs. Kuburat Aderemi, said she was excited to return to work, noting that the strike had denied staff access to cooperative deductions and other benefits.

Ifelodun LGA Chairman, Hon. Hassan Kamo, also welcomed staff back, saying, ‘Civil servants are the landlords of local government secretariats while we, politicians, are only tenants. I’m glad to see them resuming after eight months.’

Boripe Council Chairman, Hon. Sikiru Odebunmi, pledged continued commitment to the safety and security of all workers under his administration.

Attempts to speak with the APC factional Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (APC), Abiodun Idowu, were abortive as he refused to pick up his calls and respond to text messages sent to his phone as at the time of filing this report.

The Stand-Up South South Security Group has advised the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to utilise the accrued members check-off dues to build a private Refinery for both unions.

In a statement on Monday by Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, National Secretary, the group gave the advice in view of the recent dispute between management of Dangote Refinery and leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over unionisation of workers in Dangote Refinery and payment of check-off dues.

According to the group: ‘ Going forward, it has become imperative for PENGASSAN and NUPENG to start planning to build a private Refinery with the check-off dues being paid by members’

‘The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG were established the same time in 1977 and 1978 respectively, both unions can pull resources together to build a private Refinery.’

The group also alleged that some members of PENGASSAN were handling operation and maintenance in all the NNPCL Refineries, and yet the NNPCL Refineries are not working, who should be blamed? . The FG and NNPCL must stop those sabotaging the NNPC Refineries ‘

‘ Both PENGASSAN and NUPENG have been collecting these check-off dues from members since inception till now, and the accrued dues if properly harnessed may as well be enough to have built or build a Refinery solely belonging to the two unions. This suggestion to PENGASSAN and NUPENG to consider building their own Refinery, it is because there is almost no hope for when the government owned moribund Refineries would come back to life’

It stated: ‘ Therefore, the PENGASSAN and NUPENG can start thinking in the direction of obtaining a Refinery license from the Federal Government. The check-off dues from all members of PENGASSAN and NUPENG can be adequately channeled to building a private Refinery in any part of the Country, preferably, in the oil rich South South region ( Niger Delta).’

The group expressed appreciation to patriotic Nigerians who have built modular Refineries in the country, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building the World’s largest single train Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos State, Nigeria.

‘We strongly believe that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can put resources together from check-off dues to build a private modular Refinery, which will be of help to its members, create employment, and support the economy. The Nigerians who had the courage and taken the risk to invest in building Refineries in Nigeria, actually did so with a singular aim to free Nigeria from importation of refined products’

‘ It is possible that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can also follow this path to build a private Refinery, and we urge the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to consider issuing Refinery license to PENGASSAN and NUPENG’

‘ Instead of having a fight with management of Dangote Refinery, the leadership of PENGASSAN and NUPENG should rather compel the Federal Government to revive PH, Warri and Kaduna Refineries’

‘ Nigeria is the only Country we have, all citizens irrespective of religion, tribes and political affiliations must contribute and join hands together to build a better Nation for ourselves and unborn generations.’

Muslim lawyers in Oyo State have threatened to boycott the 2025 Oyo State Judiciary New Legal Year Service.

According to the lawyers, the resolution to boycott the programme was reached by members in the General meeting of the Association on September 7, 2025.

A statement jointly signed by the chairman of the association, I.A. Saka (Esq), and Secretary (Esq) Mukhtar Aderogba, said the boycott was as a result of the decision of the Judiciary to move venue of the programme from the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’aba to a new venue without regard for opinion of Muslim Lawyers as stakeholders in the programme.

‘Secondly, the Judiciary has abolished the goodwill messages that NBA, MULAN and Muslim Community of Oyo State traditionally give at the Programme thus depriving us the opportunity of airing our views on important issues within the justice system and the polity at large.

‘Thirdly, the programme is less than a week from today and MULAN is yet to receive any invitation to the programme.

‘Our SANs and the Bar leadership have met with the Judiciary to attempt to convince the Judiciary to reverse their stance but the meeting was deadlocked as our leaders were made to understand that the Programme is a Judiciary Affair and that the decisions of the Judiciary stand unchanged.

‘Consequently, the Association has resolved that all Muslim Lawyers should boycott the Legal Year Service for this year.

‘It is important to comply with this decision to restore the honour of our Association and to obey the decision of our leaders as enjoined by Allah in the Holy Quran.’

POCO is back to redefine smartphone experiences in Nigeria with the simultaneous launch of POCO M7 and POCO C85 – two devices that combine massive battery life, stunning displays, and powerful performance for every type of user. Whether you’re a heavy phone user, a content creator, or someone who simply wants a stylish, reliable device, POCO has got you covered.

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When it’s time to recharge, the 33W fast charging on both devices gets you back to full power quickly. On the M7, you also get 18W reverse charging, letting you charge other devices on the go. Say goodbye to ‘power anxiety’ and hello to uninterrupted productivity, entertainment, and social connection.

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POCO M7 is available in:

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POCO C85 is available in:

6GB RAM + 128GB storage – ?143,900

8GB RAM + 256GB storage – ?171,900

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