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Consul General Stevens Highlights Robust U.S.- Nigeria Partnership During Visit To Edo
Consul General Will Stevens, representing the United States, embarked on a two-day visit to Edo State, emphasising the strong and enduring bilateral relationship between the United States and Nigeria, which promotes inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity for both nations.
During his visit, Consul General Stevens met with Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his key cabinet members, as well as the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, civil society representatives, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs. They discussed the progress made in key mutual priorities such as health, technology, education, human capital development, trade, and investment.
In addition, Consul General Stevens was given a guided tour of the Edo Innovation and Edo Creative Hubs, where he witnessed the important role played by U.S. tech companies, including Amazon Web Services, in training young people, particularly women, in high-demand digital skills. This supports the development of emerging tech talents in Edo State.
Governor Obaseki and Consul General Stevens jointly inaugurated the Edo State Integrated Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), which is supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Consul General Stevens had the opportunity to tour the facility and witness firsthand how U.S. government health assistance programs are strengthening health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks in the state and the region. The upgraded PHEOC, the first of its kind in Nigeria, will play a crucial role in analyzing data on HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, immunizations, lassa fever, and other public health concerns, thereby enhancing Edo State’s response to emerging health threats.
At the Benin Window on America, Consul General Stevens inaugurated the third cohort of the GirlLEAD STEM Talent Accelerator Program, which supports 25 girls from public secondary schools in Edo State. This program, funded through a public diplomacy grant from the U.S. Consulate General Lagos, provides mentorship and skills training to empower girls and encourage them to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). In his remarks, Consul General Stevens emphasized the importance of empowering and inspiring girls and young women to pursue careers in science and technology. He stated, “When obstacles preventing the participation of women and girls in STEM fields are removed, we all benefit. Promoting women in STEM fields is a priority for the U.S. government, both domestically and internationally.”
Furthermore, the Consul General visited the National Museum in Benin City, the forthcoming Museum of West African Arts, and took a tour of Igun Street, which is renowned for its rich history in bronze casting and its significance in Benin art and culture. He reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. government to support Nigeria’s cultural preservation through initiatives such as the Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation and the Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grant.
During his interactions with alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs in Edo State, Consul General Stevens learned about the positive impact these exchanges have had on their careers and community service. Representing various exchange programs, including the International Visitors Leadership Program and the Mandela Washington Fellowship, the alumni shared their experiences and emphasized the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties between Nigeria and the United States.
Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has ignited social media buzz after posting a 15-second TikTok video set to the trending song Omo Ologo — a track closely linked with President Bola Tinubu.
The video, shared on her TikTok page on May 8, shows the embattled lawmaker smiling and playfully interacting with the camera. Captioned, “Just for fun, song choked,” the post has drawn mixed reactions online, with some interpreting it as a light-hearted moment, while others suspect a deeper political undertone.
The video comes just days after the song Omo Ologo was performed live by Kano-based singer Dauda Kahutu Rarara during a dinner in Katsina State held in honour of President Tinubu, who was on a two-day working visit to assess security in the region.
The song, which blends Hausa and Yoruba, praises Tinubu as a victorious leader who has outlasted his critics.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s TikTok post follows a series of dramatic exchanges between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The senator was suspended from the upper legislative chamber in March after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment — an allegation that triggered heated debate in the National Assembly.
In what appeared to be a bold response to her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan recently posted a sarcastic apology video to Akpabio on Facebook, in which she claimed she was sorry “for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect.”
The post was accompanied by a short video, further fueling controversy.
Akpabio’s legal team has since approached a federal high court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling the senator to delete the post from her social media pages.
In a counter-affidavit filed by her lawyer, Jubril Okutepa (SAN), Akpoti-Uduaghan’s camp described the motion as an attempt to silence and intimidate her.
The court is expected to rule on the matter on May 12.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, momentum is building across the ZangoKataf/Jaba Federal Constituency. Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora has emerged as a prominent figure poised to bring effective representation to the people. Gen. Gora played host to an enthusiastic campaign team from Jaba Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, which marks a significant milestone in his political journey and growing support for his candidacy.
The gathering, which took place yesterday at Kafanchan, brought together respected political leaders and influential stakeholders from Jaba LGA. Which collective efforts and commitment to promoting a capable and visionary leader who they believe can transform the future of ZangoKataf/Jaba at the federal level.
Speaking during the gathering, Brigadier General Simon Katunku Gora expressed sincere gratitude to the Campaign team for their unwavering belief in his leadership. In his remarks, he said, “I am deeply honoured by your support and faith in my ability to lead ZangoKataf/Jaba at the federal level in 2027. My mission is to ensure that the people genuinely feel the impact of governance through meaningful development and active representation.”
Gen. Gora, also used the opportunity to advocate for unity and peaceful coexistence among constituents. According to him, a prosperous ZangoKataf/Jaba can only be achieved through collective harmony and shared values. “Let us come together as one people,” he urged. “Peace and unity are the foundations of any successful constituency, and only through them can we achieve lasting development.”
The campaign team from Jaba LGA did not hold back in their praise and support to Gen. Gora. Speaking on behalf of the team, the Campaign Coordinator Mr. Williams Garba described him as the most qualified, experienced, and dependable candidate to represent ZangoKataf/Jaba in the House of Representatives come 2027. With chants of “We believe in your leadership!”, the atmosphere was electric, reflecting genuine enthusiasm for a candidate who embodies credibility, competence, and compassion.
Mr. Williams Garba further emphasize that the increasing support for Gen. Gora from various communities and political blocs, is gaining traction and shaping up to be one of the most promising in the region. The campaign Coordinator stressed that Gen. Gora ability to connect with the people and address their concerns positions him as a front-runner in the 2027 race.
In a closing remarks, Gen. Gora made a passionate call to all residents of Zango-Kataf and Jaba to set aside political divisions and focus on collective advancement. He stressed that the 2027 election is more than a political contest it is a defining moment to steer the constituency toward a better future.
He urged every community, ward, and supporter to spread the message of hope and change. According to Gen. Gora, the transformation of ZangoKataf/Jaba lies in harnessing the strength of its people, their voices, and their votes.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has cleared the backlog of outstanding tuition fees owed to beneficiaries of the state’s foreign scholarship scheme, offering major relief to affected students studying abroad.
The intervention, carried out in partnership with the Kaduna State Scholarship and Loans Board under the leadership of Executive Secretary Prof. Yahya Saleh Ibrahim, spans multiple countries and institutions.
Several students who were previously stranded due to unpaid fees have now resumed or completed their academic programs.
Among the beneficiaries is Hauwa Bashir Liman, an MBBS student at the University of Debrecen in Hungary, who received $51,400. Also, Bashir Al Bashir and Ahmad Abubakar at the University of Wollongong in Dubai received $13,827.08 to cover tuition, visa, and other academic costs up to graduation.
Additionally, nine students—including Salisu Shehu Ramin Kura and King Henry Ishaya—who had earlier returned to Nigeria due to financial challenges had their tuition arrears totaling $81,135.76 fully cleared. The government also provided full-year stipends to both Salisu and Ishaya.
Furthermore, all pending tuition fees for medical and nursing graduates of the Islamic University of Uganda and Kampala International University have been settled, enabling them to commence their housemanship in hospitals across Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, and Borno states.
Despite inheriting a lean treasury, the Uba Sani administration has disbursed N402,799,973 in scholarships to more than 3,930 students enrolled in local institutions such as Kaduna State University (KASU), Ahmadu Bello University, Bayero University Kano, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, and the College of Education, Gidan Waya.
Over 500 new scholarship awards are expected to be issued in the coming days to students at KASU, while continuing students across various institutions in the state are also receiving renewed support.
According to the Board, the intervention reflects Governor Uba Sani’s strong commitment to inclusive education and support for underprivileged students across Kaduna State.