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.