NIGERIA NEWS
S!ck!e Cell Patient Cries for Help After Hospital Threatens Discharge Over Bills Despite Worsening Condition
- A young sickle cell patient has appealed for urgent financial assistance after her hospital suspended treatment and threatened to discharge her due to unpaid bills.
- She revealed that she has been hospitalized for nearly two weeks following a severe health crisis but can no longer access essential medication or medical supplies.
- Despite her worsening condition including a leg ulcer and stiffness in her other leg the hospital has told her she will be discharged in the morning solely because she cannot pay.

A heartbreaking video of a young woman appealing for urgent financial assistance has surfaced online, drawing widespread concern over her critical condition.
The woman, a sickle cell patient, explained that she fell seriously ill at the end of November and was rushed to the hospital after collapsing.
After spending nearly two weeks on admission, her treatment has now been paused because she cannot afford the required medications and medical supplies.
The most shocking part of her appeal is the hospital’s decision:
The woman revealed the hospital informed her she would be discharged by morning.
This forced discharge is not because she is recovering, but because she cannot pay her bills.
She also revealed her health has significantly worsened, stating she already has a leg ulcer and her other leg has stiffened due to complications, leaving her barely able to walk or move around to seek physical help.
In other news….. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has clarified that the Federal Government cannot legally regulate or fix domestic airfares, stressing that the sector has been fully deregulated since the Babangida administration.
Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, Keyamo stated:
“Government has absolutely no powers to fix prices for private enterprises. That is what deregulation means. But that does not mean we are leaving the airlines without engagement.”
The Minister acknowledged that high ticket prices are driven by significant structural costs for operators, including limited access to aircraft, unfavourable lease arrangements, lack of local maintenance facilities, and the persistent need for foreign exchange for mandatory C-checks abroad.
However, Keyamo announced a major positive development attributed to reforms under the Cape Town Convention: the return of a major international aircraft lessor after nearly two decades, granting a local carrier a dry lease at a rate three times cheaper than previous offers. He predicted this breakthrough will naturally lead to lower fares.
“With cheaper dry leases coming in, more airlines will have access to aircraft. More aircraft automatically means stronger competition. And competition is what brings prices down in any free economy.”
Keyamo expects passengers to begin seeing the impact of increased fleet capacity within the next few months to a year.
On the issue of multiple taxes and charges, Keyamo confirmed his ministry had received a regional advisory from ECOWAS but noted that taxation falls outside his jurisdiction. He said: “I cannot wake up one morning and abolish taxes. These revenues go into the Federation Account. The Finance Minister, the tax authorities, and other stakeholders must all be at the table.” He confirmed that operators’ concerns have been escalated to the relevant authorities, and discussions are ongoing.
NIGERIA NEWS
APC National Chairman Appoints Media Adviser
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has approved the appointment of Abimbola Tooki as Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy.
In a statement on Monday, Tooki has vast experience, professional pedigree, and proven capacity which can be deployed in strengthening party cohesion, public engagement, and effective message delivery at both national and international levels.
Tooki is a celebrated journalist, columnist, and media strategist with deep expertise in governance reporting, crisis communication, information management, and team leadership.
The statement reads: “He is widely regarded for his ability to bring institutions closer to the people through the effective use of conventional and digital media platforms. His career demonstrates a consistent track record of innovation, results-oriented leadership, and excellence in managing internal and external communications.
“A versatile Information and Communications Technology (ICT) editor for many years, Mr. Tooki managed and developed influential ICT and business sections in leading newspapers, contributing significantly to public understanding of technology and economic issues.
“He also pioneered major newsroom initiatives, including the establishment of specialised ICT publications, and is respected for his sharp analytical skills and solution-driven approach in fast-paced environments.
“His professional journey spans several reputable media organisations, culminating in his role as Editor of BusinessWorld Newspaper, where he oversees editorial direction, production, administration, and corporate management. He previously rose through the ranks at Financial Standard, earning rapid promotions due to exceptional performance, intellectual depth, and dedication to duty.
“Mr. Tooki is also a familiar face and respected voice in broadcast media, serving over the years as a guest analyst on platforms such as Channels Television and other national stations, where he analyses major headlines, public policy, and issues of national importance.
“Academically, he holds an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, and a Bachelor’s degree in Language Arts from the University of Ilorin.”
NIGERIA NEWS
Super Eagles test strength before showdown in Morocco
All is set for the Egypt vs Nigeria friendly as the Super Eagles test their readiness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they face the seven-time champions at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The match comes as both teams fine-tune preparations for the 35th edition of the tournament, which kicks off in Morocco this weekend.
For Nigeria, it is a key moment in a rebuilding phase under head coach Eric Chelle, while Egypt are again chasing continental glory with a star-studded squad.
As of Monday afternoon, 15 Nigerian players had reported to camp in Cairo, with more expected ahead of the team’s evening training session.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first to arrive, followed by first-choice shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali.
Others already in camp include Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Igoh Ogbu in defence; midfielders Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi; and forwards Ademola Lookman and Paul Onuachu.
The Super Eagles fixed their first training session at 8 p.m. local time on Monday, inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium, giving the players an early feel of the venue.
Tuesday’s Egypt vs Nigeria friendly will allow Chelle to assess both his established stars and several new faces named in the Super Eagles’ final 28-man squad.
Players such as Obasogie, Ryan Alebiosu, Usman Muhammed, Nnadi, Akinsanmiro, and Salim Fago Lawal could be handed opportunities as the coach experiments ahead of the tournament.
Still, Nigeria are expected to rely heavily on key figures like Nwabali in goal; defenders Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bassey and Sanusi; midfield anchors Wilfred Ndidi, Onyeka and Iwobi; and attackers Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Lookman.
Egypt, coached by former AFCON legend Hossam Hassan, will also use the game to sharpen their plans.
Hassan, who scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 AFCON in Burkina Faso, is expected to build his team around Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who is still searching for his first AFCON title despite an illustrious club career.
The Pharaohs’ squad also features Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly regulars Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim and Emam Ashour, as well as Mahmoud Trezeguet.
CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC are represented by Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi, while Ibrahim Adel and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed add further attacking options.
Kick-off is set for 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. in Nigeria).
After the friendly, the Super Eagles will depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fès, their base for the group stage in Morocco.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, are chasing a fourth continental title after previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Their AFCON campaign, branded NAIJA 4 THE WIN, begins on Tuesday, 23 December, against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
The Eagles will then face Tunisia on 27 December before rounding off Group C against Uganda on 30 December. All three matches will be played in Fès.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025 countdown: Super Eagles stars hit camp in ruthless form
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history and the only team to win the title three times in a row (2006–2010), are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. Their group matches will take place in Agadir.
For both teams, Tuesday’s clash in Cairo is more than a friendly. It is a final test of form, fitness and focus before the pressure of Africa’s biggest football stage begins.
NIGERIA NEWS
Stakeholders push for sustained AI nationwide
By Daniel Tyokua
Strategic stakeholders in the technology sector have pushed for improved and sustained Artificial intelligence (AI) service at all levels to boost digital services nationwide.
Speaking at the 1st Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain conference in Abuja, on Monday, the Director General, Bureau of Public Service Reform, Dr Dasuki Arabi, said the government has a new curriculum that is Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain-based backed technology, as part of its inclusive digitalisation of public service system.
He said the government remains committed to creating a digitised public service for school children to responsibly operate and manage, as policies and programs have been set up for them, to key into technology.
Arabi explained that as a result of its
national AI adoption and blockchain technology improvement progress, Nigeria now has e-government master plan, to further entrench the use of technology.
In his paper, he looked at the historical background of public service reforms in Nigeria, 2004 to date, and emphasized on the adoption of the use of technology.
He said: “This is what we started in 2004, but by the National Strategy on Public Service Reforms, where we hope to digitalize public service 100%. We are aware that we have made quite a number of progress in digitalizing public financial management, which is now handled paperless 100% by all MDAs.
“We now have a target that we have set for ourselves, and at the office of the head of civil service, to digitalize all ministries’ activities between now and the end of December 2025. Also, between 2002 and 2003, BPSR signed a memorandum of understanding with NCC to further deepen the process of adopting the use of AI and blockchain technology. And we’re happy to say that at the end of the day today, Nigeria has an e-government master plan.
“We also have a strategy for the adoption of the use of AI and blockchain technology in managing the work process within the federal public service, which is aimed at improving transparency, accountability, fighting corruption, but most importantly, ensuring there is improvement in effectiveness and quality of service that we render – supporting adoption of use of AI.” Arabi said.
Convener of the conference, Dr. Ahmed Badanga, Chief Executive Officer, Havel
Corporate Concept Limited, noted that the importance of AI becomes clearer when people explore how it enhances efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making across different areas of life.
He added that combining Al and blockchain technology creates intelligent, secure, and
transparent systems with several positive outcomes across various industries.
According to him, the essence of the conference is to bring together stakeholders/experts
to further x-ray how the integration of the two technologies can help creates systems that
are not only smarter and more efficient but also more transparent, secure, and resilient.
He added that the conference also try to bring to focus, the essential role of legislation, and the need to
examine and have a public discussion and opinion around the current regulatory framework on Al in particular, and the impact of the multiple Bills concerning Al that have been introduced in the National Assembly.
He disclosed that its initiative to introduce Al Club in Nigerian Schools, a framework aimed at empowering young
minds to become ethical digital citizen, has received all necessary approval from both FCT Universal Basic Education
Board and FCT Secondary Education Board FCT-SEB, run the first pilot scheme with some selected schools
in FCT.
In a goodwill message, Florence Wenegieme Director Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, FCT UBEB, said forming clubs in secondary schools on AI will help, because outside the normal curriculum, they have to do extracurricular curriculum and there, as the members will network with one another, both teachers and students.
She appreciated the convener Havel for supporting government to cushion the efforts it is putting in the new technology.
Highpoint of the event was unveiling of the first set of the beneficiaries of Al school project with 30 students drawn from both Junior Secondary Schools Wuse Zone 3 Abuja and Government Day Secondary Schools Wuse 2
Abuja.
Also, there was award presentation to brilliant minds and innovative companies, policy makers, driving Al technology forward, making a profound impact across various sectors.
NIGERIA NEWS
Video Shows How Oyedepo Introduced First Son At Shiloh 2025, Raises Questions About Bishop Abioye
- A video showed how Bishop Oyedepo introduced his first son at Shiloh 2025, which took place at Canaanland, Ota
- As the video trended, many shared what they observed about what Bishop Oyedepo said while introducing his son
- Some netizens also raised questions about Bishop Abioye, who retired from the church as vice president in 2024
A video showed how the general overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, introduced his first son, Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr, to preach at Shiloh 2025.
Shiloh is an annual programme hosted by the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel) at its headquarters called Canaanland in Ota, Ogun State.
Shiloh 2025 video raises questions about Abioye
This year’s 2025 Shiloh would be the second one after the retirement of Bishop David Abioye as the vice president of the Winners Chapel after serving with Oyedepo for 44 years.

Read also
Ooni confers chieftaincy title on Ghanaian President Mahama, videos trend
A TikTok video shared by @spirit.media0 showed how Oyedepo welcomed his son to preach at the 2025 Shiloh.
The video made people question Abioye’s absence and speak about the leadership succession of the church.
Bishop Oyedepo said in the video:
“It is my joy this morning to bring up for the next word my first son. I welcome Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr as he brings the word Amen.”
In the video, the bishop also spoke glowingly of his wife, Faith Oyedepo, as he welcomed her for her sermon.
Watch the video below:
Reactions trail Oyedepo’s video at Shiloh 2025
Obibismanpero
David Abioye was just forgotten in a Second after so many years dedicating his life to the ministry such is life
IYOBOSA
Bishop Abioye left d group
ONbladecutz
Learn from abioye story. No matter how close u may be with a family they will never involve you wen it’s time to share their properties.
Shugar 🔻🔺
nothing like family business here. I am a full time tradition man but trust me they paid heavy prices for whatever we are seeing today. stop the hates
Read also
“They said it was over”: Femi Adebayo, Dayo Amusa reconcile after best dressed award saga
Maurice crown🥰✌️
Abioye is no where to found
The Stentor001 said:
All the children are pastors? Where is Abioye? Mannnn…. One family has pastors and millions of families choose to serve them. I won’t conclude until the near future.
Chibuike said:
As you’ve forgotten bishop David Abioye after so many years of labor, the lord which you call upon shall intervene
louidalo said:
Already preparing him to take over the rein…
Pretty J said:
Why are y’all saying family business???it’s not only bishop and his family that do preach on this altar every time,I don’t know why just these clips were selected,Isaac oyedepo didn’t even preach,he was only welcomed just as they welcomed all others pastors that came……Haba!
Source: Legit.ng
NIGERIA NEWS
2027: ‘Their selfish plot failed’ – APC chieftain slams Tinubu, Wike, hails PDP
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has congratulated the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the steps taken so far in reviving the party.
Eze hailed the PDP over the expulsion of former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike and others, saying that the rebirth of the main opposition party is a big blow President Bola Tinubu’s alleged one-party-state agenda.
The APC chieftain urged former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, and Prof Jerry Gana to reject Wike, saying that the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, portends danger to Nigeria’s democracy
Eze ccommended the National Chairman of PDP, Kabiru Turaki, SAN for the steps he has taken so far in repositioning the party and urged him to liaise with the ADC leadership and join forces to ease out Tinubu before he turns the country into a one party State.
He noted that in spite of concerted efforts by anti democratic forces to frustrate the conduct of the exercise of the November national convention of the PDP, genuine founding members and party leaders fought tooth and nail to ensure that the national convention held peacefully and as planned.
Eze, a founding member of the PDP right from 1998, said in his statement on Monday, “I congratulate genuine leaders of PDP for the successful conduct of the Ibadan elective convention.
“In spite of the unpatriotic efforts of anti-party forces and undemocratic elements led by Minister Nyesom Wike to thwart the convention, the will of God prevailed.
“Wike and his foot soldiers, apparently on a mission for the APC to annihilate the PDP and other opposition parties, forgot it was the same party that moulded and shaped their political portfolio and relevance in contemporary Nigeria.
“Will history be kind and fair to Wike and his loyalists, as they work round the clock to bring down a party that made them what they are today. Certainly, the answer is capital NO.”
Chief Eze was reacting on the conduct of the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, where the party in what many Nigerians described as “bold and timely” the decision to expel Wike and others from the PDP over anti party activities.
“Not minding that we are no longer members of the party we laboured to float, however, as a democrat and patriotic Nigerian, it will be stupid of me to stand aloof and allow evil forces to obliterate a party they didn’t know how it was formed, Eze stated.
“Therefore, I am fully in support of the expulsion of Wike, Ayo Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umar Bature, Adeyemi Ajibade (SAN), Mohammed Abdulrahman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, Austine Nwachukwu, Abraham Amah, George Turner, and Chief Dan Orbih, for anti-party activities and fostering disunity with series of litigation against the interests of the party.”
For issuing the expulsion certificates to Wike and Ayodele Fayose and nine others Eze described the excerise as truly a decisive move to sanitise its ranks ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eze submitted that the recent PDP national convention is a perfect 2025 Christmas gift to Nigeria and Nigerians, particularly to late Dr Alex Ekweme, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Chief Tony Anenih, late Dr Alex Ekwueme, late Chief Solomon Lar, late Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, late Bola Ige, late Alhaji Adamu Ciroma amongst others who were all the foundation Fathers of PDP.
The politician asked Nigerians to be thankful to the current leadership of the PDP that defied all devilish plots, nefarious activities and unlawful grand design of Wike and the APC to exterminate the PDP.
According to Eze, the success recorded at the Ibadan convention unsettled, rattled Wike and his co-undemocratic forces.
“They don’t want any strong opposition, they want to kill and bury PDP in the Mediterranean gulf, just to actualize President Tinubu’s grand plot of foisting a one party state on Nigerians.
“But I thank God, who in his infinite mercy, heard the supplications of Nigerians and ensured that the PDP National Convention held as scheduled despite legal impediments posed by some enemies of progress.
“The emergence of new national executive committee members signals rebirth of a new political order and PDP.
“Certainly, their selfish plot has failed and will continue to scatter like a pack of cards. The resurgence of PDP has dealt a heavy blow on the Tinubu-led APC government’s frantic but subtle moves and heinous agenda to make Nigeria, a one-party State” Eze posited.
NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu Holds Closed-Door Meeting with Service Chiefs in Aso Rock
President Bola Tinubu is currently in a closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s Service Chiefs at the Presidential Villa in Aso Rock, Abuja.
The high-level security meeting is taking place amid rising concerns over the country’s internal security situation.
Checks at the Villa confirmed that the security chiefs arrived at the forecourt early in the evening and were promptly ushered into the President’s office.
The meeting reportedly began at about 6:01pm local time, with tight security around the area.
This is the first time President Tinubu is meeting with the military high command since the recent changes in the nation’s defence leadership.
The engagement follows the swearing-in of General Christopher Musa (retd.) as the new Minister of Defence on December 4, a move that signalled a fresh approach to Nigeria’s security architecture.
While the agenda of the meeting has not been officially disclosed, it is coming at a critical time. Over 100 students abducted from a Catholic boarding school in November are still being held by their captors, sparking nationwide concern and renewed calls for decisive government action.
The meeting also follows President Tinubu’s declaration of a national security emergency last month.
At the time, he ordered the immediate recruitment of new personnel into the nation’s security agencies.
He also directed the withdrawal of police officers attached to VIPs as part of efforts to strengthen internal security operations.
In addition, the closed-door talks are taking place just days after the Senate approved the President’s request to deploy Nigerian troops to the Benin Republic.
The deployment was linked to an attempted coup in the neighbouring country, raising regional security concerns.
NIGERIA NEWS
Dangote appoints former CBN Director, Hassan Mahmud as Group Chief Economist
Dangote Group has announced the appointment of renowned economist and former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Director, Dr Hassan Mahmud, as its Group Chief Economist, reinforcing the conglomerate’s economic advisory capacity at a time of heightened global and domestic market uncertainty.
The appointment announced in an emailed release on Monday positions Dr. Mahmud as the Group’s principal adviser on economic strategy, macroeconomic trends and policy implications, with direct reporting responsibility to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote.
His role is expected to play a critical part in shaping strategic decisions across Dangote Industries Limited’s expansive operations, which span cement, sugar, fertiliser, petrochemicals and energy.
Strategic role at a critical Time
Dangote Group said the appointment reflects its growing emphasis on rigorous economic analysis and policy intelligence as it navigates volatile commodity markets, exchange rate pressures and shifting monetary conditions in Nigeria and across Africa.
With major capital-intensive investments, including the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex, the Group’s leadership is increasingly reliant on forward-looking economic insights to manage risks, optimise financing structures and align long-term strategy with evolving policy environments.
Three decades at the heart of Nigeria’s Monetary Policy
Dr Mahmud brings more than 30 years of experience in economic policy formulation, central banking and financial sector regulation. During his long career at the CBN, he held several senior positions, including Director of the Trade and Exchange Department and Director of the Monetary Policy Department.
He also served as Secretary to the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), placing him at the centre of Nigeria’s interest rate and monetary policy decisions for years. In addition, he worked as Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to the CBN Governor, further deepening his exposure to high-level macroeconomic management and policy coordination.
Regional and continental economic expertise
Beyond Nigeria, Dr Mahmud has contributed significantly to regional economic integration efforts across Africa. He worked as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade integration initiatives and played a role in the establishment of the African Monetary Fund.
This continental experience is expected to support Dangote Group’s pan-African expansion strategy, as the company continues to scale its footprint across multiple African markets amid the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Strong academic and professional credentials
Academically, Dr Mahmud holds a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, as well as a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and holds professional certifications as a Bank Examiner and Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Analyst.
He is a Fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Statistical Association, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and the Compliance Institute of Nigeria. A prolific researcher, Dr Mahmud has published extensively in macroeconomics, monetary policy, energy economics and financial engineering.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he remains active in academia as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities and currently serves as President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics.
Deepening economic insight
The appointment underscores Dangote Industries Limited’s strategic focus on deep economic insight and policy foresight as it positions itself for sustained growth amid evolving market dynamics across Nigeria, Africa and the global economy.
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NIGERIA NEWS
NYSC to open 2025 Batch ‘C’ portal for absconded Corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has disclosed that its registration portal for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ remobilisation exercise will be accessible from December 16 to December 23, 2025.
The move is aimed at corps members who did not complete their service year, providing them with an opportunity to regularise their status and participate in the scheme.
NYSC opens portal for absconded Corps members’ remobilisation
In a notice circulated via the organisation’s official social media accounts, NYSC Management confirmed that the remobilisation exercise is strictly for those who absconded previously.
Officials emphasised that the programme is part of efforts to ensure all corps members fulfil their obligations during the service year.
A statement from NYSC reads, “The Management wishes to remind all corps members who absconded during service that the registration portal for the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Remobilisation exercise will be available from 16th to 23rd December, 2025.”
Refunds and re-registration required for previous absconders
Corps members who need to return any monthly allowances received during their initial service period are advised to make refunds directly through the portal dashboard.
Additionally, absconded members who had previously attempted to register during the 2025 Batch ‘B’ remobilisation exercise but failed to complete documentation at the state level must register anew for the Batch ‘C’ programme.
NYSC officials highlighted the importance of compliance, stressing that absconded members who fail to register within the given timeframe will not be accommodated in the current batch.
A follow-up statement concluded, “All absconded corps members must complete the registration process within the stipulated dates to participate in the 2025 Batch ‘C’ Remobilisation exercise. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from this exercise.”
Check the post below…


NIGERIA NEWS
Enugu Earmarks N30bn for School Feeding in 2026, Targets Zero Child Malnourishment – THISDAYLIVE
The Enugu State Government has earmarked the sum of N30 billion in the 2026 budget estimates to feed about 260,000 pupils every school day in the 260 Smart Green Schools built by the Governor Peter Mbah Administration across the 260 electoral wards of the state.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, while presenting a breakdown of the N1.62 trillion 2026 budget estimates proposed by Governor Mbah to the Enugu State House of Assembly.
Ozongwu explained that the N30 billion school feeding programme would ensure that every child gets one balanced meal each school day as part of the administration’s strategy to actualise zero child malnourishment in Enugu State.
“This initiative is designed not only to promote the wellbeing of our children, but also to strengthen their nutritional health, ensuring that every child receives balanced meals that support growth and learning.
“By prioritising nutrition, the programme serves as a critical measure in the fight against childhood malnutrition within our state, laying the foundation for healthier, more resilient future generations,” he stated.
The Commissioner also said that the allocation of 32.27 per cent of the N1.62 trillion budget estimates to education was in line with Mbah’s commitment to investing in the sectors that most directly shape human development and long-term economic growth.
According to him, education remained the most reliable pathway for lifting people out of poverty, expanding opportunity, and preparing Enugu for a knowledge-driven future.
“Education sits at the heart of this budget because it remains the most reliable pathway for lifting our people out of poverty and preparing Enugu for a knowledge-driven future. Governor Mbah has made it clear that development must first impact lives before it can reflect on the economy.”
Meanwhile, he said that the government planned to spend N158 billion on the construction of 16 Smart Senior Secondary Schools, modern, technology-enhanced institutions that will redefine how learning takes place in the state.
N68 billion has also been proposed for the building of 10 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools across Enugu. He said that each of the schools would be equipped with workshops, science laboratories, modern classrooms, hostel facilities, and industry-grade tools intended to produce a skilled and job-ready generation of young people.
To sustain the technical education pipeline, the state is also devoting N30 billion to the equipping and furnishing of existing Technical Colleges.
Furthermore, N15 billion was earmarked for upgrading the existing 106 public secondary schools into Model Senior Secondary Schools, two in each of the six education zones in the first phase, to ensure access to quality learning facilities across urban and rural communities.
NIGERIA NEWS
Osun 2026: APC strongly united behind Oyebamiji – Oyetola
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, says the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun is firmly united behind its 2026 governorship candidate, Mr Bola Oyebamiji.
Oyetola in a statement on Monday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said party members were strongly behind Oyebamiji, for the Aug. 8, 2026.
The statement said the minister who is the APC Leader in Osun, stated this during a courtesy visit by the APC 2026 Osun Governorship Primary Committee.
Oyetola said the APC in Osun was more cohesive than ever before.
He described the party as a united family working with a shared purpose to reclaim the state from what he called “bad governance.”
“The APC in Osun State is fully united and solidly behind our governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji.
“Our collective resolve is to rescue Osun State and return it to the path of purposeful, people-oriented governance,” he added.
Oyetola attributed the party’s current strength and unity to sustained leadership, and strategic engagement across the state.
He said that under his leadership, APC in Osun had witnessed transformational growth.
According to him, the party has attracted hundreds of new members from other political parties across the state.
He said the wave of defections included prominent political figures and serving federal lawmakers.
Oyetola said the defectors had aligned with the APC’s vision for development and progress in the state.
The minister expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s capacity to provide effective leadership if elected governor.
He said the choice of Oyebamiji reflected the party’s commitment to competence, integrity and development-driven leadership.
Oyetola also commended the APC national leadership for constituting a credible and experienced governorship primary committee.
The post Osun 2026: APC strongly united behind Oyebamiji – Oyetola appeared first on Vanguard News.
