Liberia: Montserrado County Wins OCM’s Six-County Meet Quiz Competition

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30/06/2025

By Our Correspondent

Over the weekend, Montserrado County in Liberia proved academic supremacy over five counties in competitive quizzing matches.

The event, which was held at the Monrovia Christian Fellowship on 9th Street, was organized by the Original Country Man (OCM) Foundation, which is promoting academic excellence. It brought together representatives from the following counties: Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Bomi, Gbarpolu and Montserrado.

“But today we are here to witness the grand final of the county meet among six counties,” Atty. Tonia A. Gibson, Chairman of the OCM’s Quizzing Department, said.

According to Gibson, ‎the six schools, Sheliah Love Foundation High School in Margibi County, St. Peter Claver Catholic High School in Grand Bassa, Howard Academy High School in Montserrado County, St. Dominic catholic school in Bomi County, Eric Scott United Methodist School in Gbapolu County, and Teini Wieni Public High School in Grand Cape Mount County, each played internal matches and won before qualifying for the grand final.

For defeating all the high schools in their various counties for the grand final, each of the six counties received L$50,000.
“If you win in your county successfully, the award is L$50,000,” the quizzing Chairman Gibson said.

‎Before the grand final, junior high schools that competed included Swaray Islamic Institute and Fassah Alliance School of Excellence. Fassah Alliance School of Excellence won Swaray Islamic Institute 200 to 145 points margin.

For the All Girls Category that encompassed College of West Africa and ‎Tomorrow’s People Foundation School, CWA won 215 to 180 points.

‎ The Sponsor of the initiative is Dr. Thomas Nimene Tweh, Jr. According to Gibson, the next competition will capture Bong and Nimba counties, while the third stage will include the 15 counties.

“Dr. Tweh sponsored the transportation and lodging of the six counties; they ate three times a day, according to international standard,” Atty. Gibson said.

But Dr. Tweh Foundation is not limited to quizzing, rather quizzing, debating, giving scholarship to financially-constrained students, and so on.

During the quizzing matches, Gbarpolu County defeated Grand Cape Mount County 205 to 185 points margin, while Margibi County defeated Bomi County 170 to 160 difference.

Also, Montserrado County defeated St. Peter’s Clever High Catholic School 220 to 205.

For the semi-final, Margibi County decimalized Gbarpolu County 195 to 50 points-wide margin, while Montserrado County crushed Bomi County 185 to 85 points.

For the grand final, Montserrado County defeated Margibi County in a competitive match, qualifying Montserrado County as the winner of the L$1,000,0000 and a trophy.

In joyous mood, representatives of Dr. Thomas Nimene Tweh Foundation presented fifty thousand cheque each to the five counties each, while former Montserrado County Superintendent, Grace Kpan, presented previous L$50,000 and the victory L$1,000,0000 cheques and trophy to the Howard Academy High School, representing Montserrado County, as winner of the Original Country Man Quiz Competition.

Foundation, Others Strategise Reforms For Inclusive, Affordable Politics

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28/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) and other stakeholders are set to analyse the Cost of Politics and Political Inclusion Report.
The report aims to propose policy and institutional reforms that will promote political inclusivity and affordability in Nigeria.

Sola Folayan, WFD Programme Manager, said this on Friday in Abuja ahead of a high-level roundtable focused on addressing the prohibitive cost of politics in Nigeria and its impact on inclusive political participation.

Folayan noted that the rising cost of engaging in politics had prompted WFD to commission the study, which sought to foster dialogue and provide actionable recommendations for reducing the financial barriers to political participation.

“Nigeria’s political landscape is increasingly characterised by exorbitant financial demands, which create substantial barriers to genuine democratic participation.

“This troubling trend marginalises key demographics such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, and candidates with limited economic means.

“Such an environment not only undermines democratic equity and accountability but also poses long-term risks to the nation’s democratic sustainability and effective governance,” she said.

She added that through stakeholder engagement and the promotion of evidence-based reforms, Nigeria could achieve meaningful progress in democratic governance and more inclusive political representation. (NAN)

Strike: CSOs Decry Setback In Malaria, HIV Services In FCT

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28/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has raised serious concerns over the disruption of malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV interventions in Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The disruption followed an ongoing workers’ strike that had significantly affected the delivery of essential health services in the territory.

The CSOs voiced their concerns during a courtesy visit to the FCT PHC Board and the State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP) Secretariat on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in March, the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) directed workers across the six area councils of the FCT to embark on a sit-at-home strike.

The industrial action was aimed at pressing for the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the settlement of other outstanding entitlements by the area council authorities.

The industrial action had resulted in the prolonged closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, significantly limiting access to essential services for residents.

Mr Samuel Simon, FCT Programme Officer for the TB Network, said their recent visit to PHCs supported under the COVID-19 Response Mechanism and Resilient and Sustainable Systems for Health (C19RM/RSSH) Global Fund Project revealed troubling findings.

He noted that many of the facilities remained shut, hindering access to critical health services at the community level.

“The strike, which has crippled healthcare services, has severely impacted the delivery of essential health programmes, putting vulnerable populations at risk,” Simon stated.

Mr Nathaniel Salifu, FCT Coordinator of the Tuberculosis Network, expressed similar concerns, noting the broader implications for malaria and HIV responses.

“With PHC facilities largely inaccessible, concerns are mounting over a potential surge in untreated cases, disease transmission, and preventable deaths.

“This will have devastating effects, not just on communities, but also on the progress made in achieving universal health coverage,” he warned.

Mr Peter Ikiti, FCT Coordinator for the Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), called on all relevant authorities to urgently address the industrial dispute.

He stressed the vital need to safeguard health and education services, especially for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing strike.

Dr Julius Ibecheole, FCT State Coordinator of the Association of Civil Society Organisations in Malaria Control, Immunisation and Nutrition (ACOMIN), also called for immediate action.

“We are calling for urgent steps to resolve these issues and restore uninterrupted healthcare services that protect the health and well-being of residents, especially those most vulnerable to diseases,” Ibecheole said.

Responding to the concerns, Mrs Elizabeth Ladipo, FCT PHC Board State Health Educator, acknowledged the negative impact of the strike on vulnerable communities but assured stakeholders that advocacy efforts were ongoing to ensure a resolution.

Likewise, Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim, Programme Manager of SMEP, noted that some interventions, with the support of development partners, were continuing, particularly around the distribution of malaria elimination drugs.

Meanwhile, Dr Stephen Knabayi, Chairman of the NLC, FCT Chapter, warned that the union would shut down Abuja after July 3 if authorities failed to resolve the ongoing industrial disputes affecting area council workers. (NAN)

Nationwide Protest By Retired Police Personnel Over Contributory Pension Scheme Looms

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27/06/2025

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The Kaduna State Chapter of the Union of Retired Police Officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme has planned to embark on what it called a mother of all peaceful protests’ nationwide by next month in continuation of their demand for the Nigeria Police Force to be exited from the scheme

The Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter, Retired CSP Mannir M. Lawal Zaria and his Vice Chairman, Retired ASP Danlami Maigamo stated this in a press release made available to journalists in Kaduna.

“We have no option but to embark on another peaceful protest tagged ‘Mother of All Peaceful Protests’ on July 21, 2025,”.

The union emphasized that this upcoming protest will be nationwide and strictly peaceful.

“As law-abiding citizens, we shall continue to pursue our demand for the Nigeria Police to be exited from the CPS through peaceful means until our voices are heard,” the statement stated.

This resolution was reached during the union’s monthly meeting held at the Police Officers Mess in Kaduna.

The meeting had its central agenda on unresolved issues surrounding the police’s participation in the Contributory Pension Scheme CPS.

According to the union, a peaceful protest was previously held between February 24 and March 3, this year, at the National Assembly by the Kaduna and Bauchi State chapters.

The protesters submitted written complaints to five key offices, including the Chairmen of relevant Senate and House Committees and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Despite these efforts, the group expressed disappointment over the lack of feedback from the National Assembly, particularly regarding the report of a public hearing on the establishment of a Police Pension Board, which was conducted on November 19, 2024.

They disassociated themselves from any organization planning violent demonstrations, stating that their grievances stem from the economic hardship, financial embarrassment, depression, and rising mortality rate among retired officers under the CPS.

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Hails Tinubu For Establishing Fed.College of Educ (Special), Orthopedic Hospital In Gombe State

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News Editor

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26/06/2025

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… Pledges Full Support for Smooth Takeoff of New Federal Institutions.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing into law two landmark bills establishing the Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku and a Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Billiri, both located in Gombe State.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya described the presidential assent as a profound demonstration of responsive and inclusive leadership that will leave a lasting impact on education and healthcare in Gombe State state and the North-East subregion.

“On behalf of the government and good people of Gombe State, I sincerely commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this historic gesture. These institutions will not only enhance access to quality education and specialized healthcare but will also create employment and stimulate development in our dear state,” the Governor said.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya also commended Hon. Ali Isa J.C. and Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed for their instrumental roles in sponsoring the bills that led to the establishment of the two federal institutions in Gombe State. He praised their legislative foresight and commitment to the advancement of their constituencies and the state at large.

He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the leadership and members of the National Assembly in facilitating the passage of the bills and lauded the collective efforts of all stakeholders whose advocacy and collaboration made the establishment of these vital institutions a reality.

Recall that President Tinubu, had earlier assented to the College of Education Act Amendment Bill (2025), which provides for the establishment of a Federal College of Education (Special) in Dukku Local Government Area. This specialized institution will focus on training teachers for learners with special needs, thus filling a critical gap in inclusive education across the country.

The President also signed the Public Hospitals Management Board Amendment Bill (2025), leading to the creation of a Federal Orthopedic Hospital in Billiri Local Government Area. The facility is expected to provide advanced orthopedic and trauma care, reducing the burden on overstretched facilities in other parts of the country and serving patients from within and beyond the North-East.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that the developments are in line with his administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its health and education sectors and affirmed his readiness to provide all necessary support to ensure the smooth takeoff of both institutions.

“This is a new chapter for Gombe State. The presence of these federal institutions will complement our state-level initiatives and further position Gombe as a centre of excellence in healthcare and education. We are grateful to Mr. President, and we assure him that the people of Gombe State will continue to support his renewed hope agenda,” the Governor added

Nigeria: You’re A Critical Pillar Of Democracy, National Stability- Kanwan Katsina Tells NUJ

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News Editor

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26/06/2025

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… Receives “Media Supporter Of The Year” Award

The Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital, played host to media veterans, journalists, traditional rulers, public officials and Captains of Industry as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) celebrated Seventy (70) Years of professional service to the nation and the people.

The event featured presentation of awards in recognition of contributions not only to the growth of the profession but other areas of human endeavour.

Among the awardees, was the Kanwan Katsina, District Head of Ketare in North West Nigeria, Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara mni, who was honoured with the prestigious “Media Supporter of the Year” award for his remarkable contribution to press freedom and support to journalists over the years.

Kanwan Katsina being presented with the Award by the Deputy Governor of Bauchi State on behalf of his Principal, Bala Muhammed

Speaking shortly after receiving the award, the Kanwan Katsina expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the NUJ for finding him worthy of the prestigious award and commended journalists for their role in informing, educating, and entertaining the public.

He urged media professionals across the country to remain fair, just, and objective in their reportage to strengthen national development and democratic values.

The Kanwan Katsina emphasized that the media remains a vital pillar of nation-building and must be steadfast in its duties despite the challenges faced in the line of duty.

The Monarch also congratulated the NUJ and its members for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey so far, describing the union as a critical pillar of democracy and national stability.

A group photograph of the Awardees

In a goodwill message, the President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi Okafor, mni, congratulated the Kanwan Katsina on the recognition, describing it as “well-deserved” and a testament to a life of public service, strategic communication, and nation-building.

The Kanwan Katsina is a member of the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) Holders of the prestigious mni award in the country.

The high-profile gala Night was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Mohammed Idris, who served as the Chief Host of the event.

Also in attendance, were Deputy Governors, the Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Muhammad Bulama, as well as a strong delegation from NUJ Katsina State Council, led by Comrade Tukur Dan-Ali.

By this honour, The Kanwan Katsina District Head of Ketare , Alhaji Usman Bello Kankara mni, joins a distinguished list of Nigerians recognized for standing with the media, championing professionalism, and defending the voice of the people.

The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed who was represented by His Deputy, presented the Award to the Kanwan Katsina on behalf of the Governor.

FG, UN Women Unite For Gender Equality Efforts

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News Editor

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25/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

The Federal Government and UN Women have strengthened mechanisms to enhance accountability and catalyse transformative action toward achieving Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) for sustainable development.

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs, said this at the GEWE Coordination Mechanism and Institutional Strengthening Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

She emphasised the need for a unified and results-driven national GEWE architecture.

The meeting brought together representatives from UN Women, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, zonal gender coordinators, state commissioners of women affairs, civil society organisations, development partners, and the media.

The minister noted that the distribution of ICT equipment and working tools by UN Women to all State Ministries of Women Affairs and the FCT would support data reporting and information tracking for GEWE coordination and monitoring.

“As part of our institutional strengthening efforts, I am pleased to announce the distribution of ICT equipment to all State Ministries of Women Affairs, made possible by UN Women.

“These are not ornamental; they are strategic tools for data-driven programming, monitoring and evaluation, coordination, and digital reporting. I urge you to use them effectively and accountably,” she said.

Ms. Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative to UN Women Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the meeting aimed to consolidate efforts for greater coherence, accountability, and sustainability in GEWE initiatives across Nigeria.

“I call on relevant government institutions, the private sector, and philanthropic organisations to invest in women, girls, men, and boys by supporting coordination activities that can significantly scale up GEWE outcomes.

“To those of us on the frontlines demanding accountability and championing change, let us not relent. Let us keep hope alive for better GEWE days ahead. Wishing us a productive meeting,” she added.

Ms. Ebere Ifendu, National Chair of the Women Political Participation Group, speaking on “The Special Bill Act: Processes, Progress, and Next Critical Steps,” highlighted the critical issue of female underrepresentation in politics.

She noted that women constituted less than 5 per cent of Nigeria’s National Assembly. This, she said, placed the country low on the global scale of female political representation.

She emphasised the urgent need to address women’s underrepresentation at both the national and state assembly levels and advocated for the passage of the Special Seats Bill to foster a more inclusive and developed society.

Dr Ojukwu Mark-Ojukwu, UN Women Consultant on GEWE Research, presented findings on “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Northern and Southern Zones.”

He noted that while women are highly represented in executive roles due to their numbers in the civil service, this representation is concentrated at lower cadres.

He stressed the need for greater women’s political participation and leadership, calling for the implementation of policies and structures that supported women’s empowerment and intentional mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.

Mrs Edema Irom, Acting Dean of Commissioners and Commissioner of Women Affairs for Cross River State, expressed appreciation to UN Women and the Federal Government for their initiatives.

She reaffirmed the commitment of State Ministries of Women Affairs to effectively use the distributed materials for data collection and information tracking related to GEWE progress. (NAN)

Nigeria: Stakeholders Advocate Inclusive Education For Girls

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News Editor

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25/06/2025

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By Justina Auta

Stakeholders from various sectors have emphasised the urgent need to dismantle barriers and promote inclusive education for girls as a pathway to empowerment and national development.

They made the call at the SDG4 for Girls Summit, themed “Advancing Education for Girls: Breaking Barriers, Creating Leaders,” organised by Focus on Women and Girls Initiative for Positive Change (FOWGI) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mrs Rifkatu Ademola, Founder of FOWGI, highlighted key challenges limiting girls’ access to uninterrupted, quality education, such as lack of safe learning spaces, cultural norms, and economic hardship.

“We must align action with policy to ensure that no girl is left behind due to poverty, period, or patriarchy.

“We must innovate in how we teach, support girls emotionally and mentally, and create solutions rooted in their lived experiences,” she said.

Ademola stressed the need for collaboration between government, civil society, schools, parents, and the girls themselves, adding that real change could not occur in silos.

“We must intentionally raise the next generation of girl leaders, not just as beneficiaries of education, but as creators of systems, solutions, and structures,” she added.

She called on participants to ensure that the summit sparked a movement to transform the lives of thousands of girls in Nigeria and beyond.

Ms. Boluwatife Adenuga, Senior Legislative Aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Founder of the Rolly Mc Aden Foundation, cited UNICEF figures showing that approximately 7.8 million girls were currently out of school in Nigeria.

She emphasised that addressing the gap was crucial for national development, gender equality, and economic empowerment.

“Girl-child education is not only beneficial to the girl herself, it’s a catalyst for national development.

“When you empower girls, you empower women, families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she said.

Adenuga urged civil society organisations to integrate strategies that directly addressed the barriers preventing girls from accessing education.

Miss Michelle Zantou, an SS2 student at Government Secondary School (GSS), Tudun Wada, Wuse Zone 4, stressed the importance of creating a society where students can thrive without barriers to their potential.

Deborah Onu of GSS Garki appealed to the government and stakeholders to improve access to menstrual hygiene management and supplies to reduce absenteeism among schoolgirls.

Latisha Ibe from GSS Wuse, Zone 3, urged policymakers to expand access to quality education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The summit also featured panel discussions on community-driven solutions for advancing girls’ education and strategies for translating policy into tangible progress.

Also, a book “Bloom” written by FOWGI’s Founder Rifkatu Ademola, which discusses a girl’s journey through pubertal changes and building healthy self-esteem was also unveiled and distributed to some across selected FCT students. (NAN)

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