National
Amb Coomassie calls for urgent funding for Immigration to Man and secure Nigeria’s Borders effectively
Amb Husaini Coomassie, a member of the retired Immigration Officers Association and the Head of Mission – Nigeria International Peace Commission, has called on the Nigerian government to increase funding for the nation’s immigration services to help secure Nigeria’s over 1,800 porous borders.
Speaking at the annual Comptroller General of Immigration (CGI) conference held in Jos, Plateau State, Coomassie emphasized the urgent need for sufficient resources to enable the Immigration Service to address complex border security challenges effectively.
During his address, Ambassador Coomassie pointed out that Nigeria’s borders, which span across vast and diverse terrains, have been historically difficult to monitor and control.
He stressed that these porous borders are an avenue for cross-border crimes such as human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal immigration, posing serious security risks to the country. According to Coomassie, the lack of adequate funding has hindered efforts to patrol and monitor these entry points comprehensively.
To tackle these issues, Coomassie outlined several key operational requirements needed by the Immigration Service. He noted that staff welfare, especially those in the border areas, vehicles, modern surveillance equipment, arms, and ammunition, are essential to support border patrols and rapid response units.
Enhanced communication systems and real-time intelligence-sharing platforms are also necessary to coordinate operations across Nigeria’s expansive border regions.
Ambassador Coomassie called on government stakeholders to prioritize funding for these crucial resources, emphasizing that a well-funded immigration service is essential not only for securing the borders but also for protecting the lives and property of Nigerian citizens. He highlighted the need for new policies that could streamline funding allocation and ensure that immigration authorities receive the resources they require to fulfil their mandate.
Dr. Coomassie concluded his address by expressing optimism that, with improved funding and access to modern operational gadgets, Nigeria’s Immigration Service could combat border-related crimes more effectively. He further urged collaboration among security agencies to strengthen border management and ensure national security.
The annual CGI conference is a platform where immigration and security experts gather to address the pressing issues surrounding border management in Nigeria, sharing insights and strategizing for a safer and more secure nation
By Amina Anebi, Kaduna
Over two hundred worshippers gathered at Our Lady’s Parish Independence in Kaduna to celebrate Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the pre-Lenten season with traditional observances, including confessions, the burning of Holy Week palms, and acts of charity.
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day, precedes Ash Wednesday and signals the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and spiritual reflection observed by many Christian denominations. The term “Shrove” comes from the old English word “shrive,” meaning absolution following confession.
The celebration in Kaduna was led by the Kaduna North Dean and Parish Priest, Very Reverend Father Anthony Okelue, who urged the faithful to embrace the spirit of repentance and charity.
“I urge you all to come closer to God as we embark on 40 days of prayer and fasting. By reflecting on our wrongdoings, we should celebrate with those who have less. That is the essence of this day—giving to the less privileged,” Father Okelue said.
Shrove Tuesday is widely observed by Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Western-Rite Orthodox Christians, and Roman Catholics. The day is traditionally marked by self-examination, repentance, and preparation for the solemn season of Lent.
One of the most recognisable customs associated with Shrove Tuesday is the eating of pancakes, a practice rooted in the need to use up rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar before the fasting period begins. Church bells are also rung to remind people to repent before Lent.
In many Christian traditions, churches burn the palms distributed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday to prepare the ashes used for Ash Wednesday services. Elsewhere, in countries where Shrove Tuesday is known as Mardi Gras, the day is celebrated with carnivals and feasts before the fasting period begins.
The Roman Catholic Church also marks Shrove Tuesday with the Feast of the Holy Face of Jesus, a devotion reflecting on the suffering of Christ.
Father Okelue encouraged worshippers to see Lent as an opportunity for spiritual renewal. “This is a time for reflection, prayer, and giving. Let us approach it with sincerity and a heart for others,” he said.
As the faithful in Kaduna observed this centuries-old tradition, the emphasis remained on confession, repentance, and charity—values that define the essence of Shrove Tuesday.
By Amina Samuel,Kaduna
The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, has introduced a range of policies aimed at improving education access and creating a conducive learning environment, leading to notable advancements in the sector.
During a quarterly ministerial press briefing on Tuesday at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Commissioner for Education, Professor Muhammad Sani Bello, highlighted that these initiatives align with the governor’s campaign promises.
He detailed the significant infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new schools and classrooms, since the governor took office.
“Since the beginning of this administration, more than 600 classrooms have been constructed, with many others undergoing renovations.
The era of students studying in non-conducive environments is now over,” Professor Bello stated.
Under the AGILE project, 62 new secondary schools have been established, with an additional 50 planned for construction ahead of the administration’s second anniversary.
Moreover, the commissioner announced the launch of six science secondary schools funded by the Islamic Development Bank, a project that had been dormant for 16 years.
“More than 2,000 students are now enrolled in these specialised schools,” he said.
Professor Bello also reported improvements in examination outcomes, noting a rise in the percentage of students achieving five credits in national examinations such as WAEC and NECO from 54% to 67% since the current administration began.
Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to education was further demonstrated through his first Executive Order, which reduced tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions by 40%.
This decision has led to an increase in student enrollment across institutions such as Kaduna State University and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, according to Professor Bello.
“Previously, many students left for institutions in neighbouring states due to high tuition fees,” he added.
In addition to fee reductions, the government has introduced new courses across various state-owned tertiary institutions, now accredited by relevant education authorities.
The administration is also focused on tackling the issue of out-of-school children through the construction of new schools, with support from five key development partners, including the Islamic Development Bank and UNICEF.
Prof Bello disclosed that a statistical mapping of Kaduna State has identified communities lacking school facilities.
As part of this initiative, 102 new schools will be built, while over 200 existing schools will be renovated with the aim of ensuring no child travels more than one kilometre to access an educational facility.
In another significant development, he mentioned that the Special School for Gifted Children at Millennium City is currently 90% complete, and the Tsangaya Bilingual Schools Project has also seen substantial expansion with support from UBEC and the Islamic Development Bank.
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Adeladan Olarinre and Mukhtar Muhammed as permanent secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.
The Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Eno Olotu, announced the appointments in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
Olarinre will represent Oyo State, while Muhammed will serve as the North-West geopolitical zone representative.
Olotu noted that the selection process was rigorous and transparent, aligning with the administration’s commitment to merit, excellence, and competence.
She urged the new appointees to leverage their experience to enhance public service delivery and contribute to the government’s development agenda.
In December 2024, the federal government appointed eight permanent secretaries from various states to address vacancies, following a similar selection in June 2024.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, commended Tinubu’s dedication to professionalism and transparency in the civil service, emphasising that the appointments reinforce efforts to build an efficient and results-driven public sector.