News
Obaseki: We’re Transforming Our Education System, Focusing On Science, Tech, Innovation
…receives state’s policy, report science, tech, innovation
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the government is undertaking a holistic revamp of the state’s education system, retooling and realigning the sector to focus on science, technology and innovation.
Obaseki said this when he received members of the Edo Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, who were at the Government House, Benin City, to present the Edo State Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and Report, to the Governor.
Governor Obaseki said, “We have realized that our education policy has to be retooled and realigned to emphasize science, technology and innovation. This is currently going on as we speak. We are transforming EdoBEST to EdoBEST 2.0
“The setting up of this committee triggered awareness across the country and we were anxiously waiting for this policy and report, which will help the State to look at TVET to meet up with the World Bank’s requirements on assisting us on TVET.
“The World Bank came up with projects and funding on science and technology-oriented projects on the educational level focusing on TVET. It will be helpful to look at the report and see what you recommended on TVET and see how it aligns and how to incorporate it into what we currently agreed. TVET is a whole new process of education, helping people to rethink science.”
He further stated, “We are also working on decentralizing healthcare to the primary healthcare centers. We should be able to reach people with modern knowledge and trends in providing healthcare. The Executive Council took a decision that will put Edo at the forefront as the smartest state in the country, by finalizing the transaction to ensure that every local government in Edo is connected to fibre before the end of this year.
“This will enable us to get science and technology to the homes of thousands of our citizens in the State. This draft policy and the report will help us. The policy is important, especially as we are thinking 30 years out under our social, economic, and urban and development. We are ensuring that it’s anchored on science, technology and innovation.
“Our focus now is an action plan on how to bring to life some of the policies in this draft and report,” the governor noted.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Kensington Obahiagbon, while presenting the policy and report to the governor, thanked him for the opportunity to serve the State.
He said, “We were able to reach out to innovators from different spheres of the state, both in public, private, and academia as they were able to showcase their innovation.
“We selected the best five that represented the State at the National Expo held in Abuja held in March last year where Edo State came second in the competition.”
Describes Movement as People Against Nigeria
The National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM) has strongly condemned the recent formation of a coalition by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition figures, describing the movement as “people against Nigeria.”
At a press conference on Thursday, the NCAM national president, Hon. Isaac Ikpa criticised the coalition as a gathering of “expired political relics” and “political has-beens” driven by selfish ambition rather than a genuine desire to serve the nation.
The group specifically accused Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai among others of having a history of failed leadership, corruption, and divisive politics.
According to Ikpa, the coalition’s true intention is to hijack power for personal enrichment rather than national progress.
The group urged Nigerians to reject the coalition’s “desperate attempt” to cling to power and instead support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NCAM emphasised that President Tinubu has a proven track record of excellence, visionary leadership, and commitment to Nigeria’s progress, unlike the members of Atiku’s coalition.
“We want Nigerians to understand that this so-called coalition unveiled by Atiku Abubakar is nothing more than a gathering of politicans seeking relevance,” the statement added.
“Suppose one can even dignify it with such a term. In that case, it is nothing more than a laughable attempt by individuals who have repeatedly failed the Nigerian people to rehabilitate their tarnished reputations.
“These are individuals with no vision, credibility, and have no business dictating the future of Nigeria. Their records have proven their inability to deliver good governance to the people of Nigeria. This coalition is doomed to fail because it is built on hypocrisy, deceit, and personal ambition, rather than genuine concern for Nigeria’s progress.
“We, the National Coalition for Asiwaju Mandate (NCAM), stand firmly behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda. We call on all Nigerians to reject this desperate attempt by expired politicians to cling to power.
“We must not allow these individuals to derail the progress that Nigeria has made under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We must not give room for failed politicians to drag Nigeria backward into the abyss of corruption and bad governance. The future of our nation is at stake, and we must stand firm in our commitment to protect good governance, transformative leadership, and the progress of Nigeria.”
… Raises concern over polygamy negative impact
… Says some men has over 50 children, can’t take care of them
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised men facing financial difficulties to limit themselves to one wife in order to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfil their obligations.
During his address at the conclusion of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir emphasised that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families.
He shared an example from his palace, where 192 families reside, with some men having more than 50 children. “How can someone adequately care for such a large number of dependents?” he questioned.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls. He believes this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
Furthermore, he criticised the judiciary for exacerbating societal issues, pointing to the case of a young woman sentenced to two years in prison over a small debt of N6,000. “When I visited the prison, I had only N200,000, yet I was able to secure the release of eight people,” he recounted.
The Emir noted that the palace frequently relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to address challenges in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and land disputes, which he described as major sources of family strife.
In her remarks, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama to encourage men to take greater responsibility in their homes.
She emphasised that many responsibilities have shifted to women, and it’s time for men to step up.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced that the organisation is working on establishing a fully operational skills acquisition centre to empower both women and youth.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.
Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.
Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.
The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.
Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.
“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.
Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.
“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.
As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.
Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.
He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.
As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
End..