Month: April 2025

Posted on by — Leave a comment

INEC SMCS Plateau State Holds Business Seminar, Swears-In New Executive

Jos, Plateau State – April 30, 2025

The INEC Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Society (SMCS) Plateau State successfully held a business seminar and swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected executive committee at the INEC State Office, Miango Road, Jos. The event, which focused on financial empowerment, accountability, and cooperative growth, brought together members, stakeholders, and resource persons to discuss economic resilience and sustainable income generation.

The event commenced with an opening remark by Nancy Nkem Nwosu, Vice President of INEC SMCS Plateau State, who emphasized the importance of accountability and active participation in the seminar. She urged members to explore multiple income streams, especially in Nigeria’s challenging economic climate, and to apply the knowledge gained for financial stability and retirement security.

Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Plateau State, warmly welcomed participants and commended the organizers for the initiative. He paid tribute to the late Major General Moribu Akane with a moment of silence before stressing the seminar’s relevance in helping staff navigate economic uncertainties. Drawing from philosophy, he distinguished between mere existence and purposeful living, urging attendees to cultivate meaningful financial habits.

Bisi Ajala, Head of Department (General Administration and Procurement), shared personal insights from his 33-year career at INEC, advocating for disciplined savings, retirement planning, and prudent borrowing. He encouraged cooperative members to increase their contributions and adopt long-term financial strategies.

A key highlight was the paper presentation by Dr. Mari Dauda Salihu (DVM), who explored opportunities in livestock and poultry farming. He provided practical guidance on rearing cows, poultry, pigs, fish, and other livestock, emphasizing a start-small approach. He also highlighted disease management, breed selection, veterinary support, and the importance of insurance in mitigating risks.

Additionally, Leadway Pension Administrator, led by Kolawale Olusade, gave a brief presentation on insurance benefits, reinforcing the need for financial safeguards in business ventures.

The event transitioned into the swearing-in of the newly elected executive committee, administered by Barr. Otubiyo Agbo, Acting HOD Legal Services, INEC Plateau State. Certificates were presented by Engr. Wakili Tol, HOD ICT, INEC Benue State, and Chairman of the Electoral Committee.

The newly inaugurated executives include:

  1. President – Musa Badi Datong
  2. Vice President – Nancy Nkem Nwosu
  3. Secretary – Monica Wuyep Pangkhinah
  4. Treasurer – Rabiatu Abdullahi Haruna
  5. Financial Secretary – Yepe Danjuma Dakop
  6. Assistant Financial Secretary – Bashir Mohammed Haruna
  7. Assistant Secretary – Bulus Danladi Fondong
  8. Public Relations Officer– Kallamu Ibrahim Mohammed

In his acceptance speech, Musa Badi Datong expressed gratitude to members and pledged to build on past achievements, including financial automation, strong governance, and improved welfare. His second-term agenda focuses on:

  • Strengthening member economic resilience
  • Expanding service offerings
  • Promoting financial literacy
  • Encouraging innovation within the cooperative

Quoting Hebrews 10:22, he called for unity and faith in achieving a more impactful cooperative society.

The seminar and swearing-in ceremony reinforced INEC SMCS Plateau State’s commitment to member empowerment and sustainable growth. With renewed leadership and valuable financial insights, the cooperative is poised to enhance the welfare of its members amid Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

World Malaria Day: Plateau Pushes for Sector-Wide Health Action with New Integrated Strategy

The Plateau State Government, in collaboration with key health partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Malaria Consortium, has officially flagged off a joint health campaign to commemorate the 2025 World Malaria Day, Africa Vaccination Week, and the National Immunization Plus Days. The combined event, held at Crystal Hall, Crispan Hotel in Rayfield, Jos.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, led the opening with a strong message advocating for a more integrated health approach across Plateau State. He stressed the importance of sector-wide coordination, where women and children can access multiple health services—such as antenatal care, vaccination, and malaria treatment—under one roof. He also expressed gratitude to Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and First Lady Barr. Helen Mutfwang for their continuous commitment to healthcare development, as well as to partners and frontline health workers for their critical roles in implementing the state’s health agenda.

Highlighting the state’s progress, Professor E. Envuladu revealed that malaria prevalence in Plateau has decreased from 23% in 2018 to 15% in 2024. She attributed this success to sustained efforts like distribution of insecticide-treated nets, seasonal malaria prevention, and community engagement. She advocated for the adoption of new tools, such as the malaria vaccine, and called for sustained investment in research, strong health systems, and inclusive public health education.

Officially launching the integrated campaign, First Lady Helen Mutfwang described the joint initiative as a major step towards achieving better health outcomes through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), which ensures unified planning, budgeting, and implementation. She flagged off the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days scheduled for April 26–29, where health workers will conduct house-to-house vaccinations for children aged 0–5 years. She also noted that African Vaccination Week, which began April 24, targets hard-to-reach communities in five local government areas including Jos East, Bassa, and Langtang South.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s World Malaria Day, “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” Mrs. Mutfwang urged residents to actively participate in malaria prevention efforts through the use of treated mosquito nets, environmental cleanliness, and early treatment. She highlighted Plateau State’s success in achieving 96% household net coverage during the 2024 distribution, with 93% net availability verified by E-Health Africa.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Caroline Panglang Dafur, appealed to mothers across Plateau to take advantage of free malaria testing and ensure children receive their vaccinations. She assured that the health outreach would reach grassroots communities.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Lucienne Dempouo, WHO/Polio NEOC Representative, praised Plateau State’s gains in immunization and malaria control. She encouraged a continued inclusive approach to healthcare delivery to ensure no child is left behind.

Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Nanbol Listick, emphasized the role of preventive healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition in improving community health. He pledged legislative support for increased funding and better infrastructure for the state’s health sector.

Dr. Patrick Akor, representing UNICEF, reported the vaccination of 36,970 children and the procurement of over 1.4 million vaccine doses for Plateau. He called for stronger government investment, security support, and parental commitment to child immunization, especially in remote areas.

Also speaking, Dr. Mbwas, State Coordinator of the Malaria Consortium, reported that over four million children have benefited from seasonal malaria prevention interventions in Plateau State since 2021. He reaffirmed the organization’s support and stated that a malaria-free Plateau is achievable through collective effort.

The event underscored a unified commitment across government, health partners, and communities to tackle preventable diseases and improve health outcomes in Plateau State.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nigerian Women Date For Survival, Not Romance – Erigga

Nigerian rapper Erigga has recently sparked up a controversial conversation by stating that Nigerian women only date for survival.

Reports has it that the rapper took to his X page to make this revelation.

The rapper in his post explained that Nigerian women prioritize financial stability over romance and their love languages are financially rooted.

“Nigerian women are not deep. They date for survival, not romance. Thus, an intentional man means rich. Romance means a monetary gesture. Love means footing their bills,” Erigga stated.

“What you people are doing in Nigeria is not a relationship,” He said.

This controversial statement has since sparked conversations and reactions with users either agreeing with his statement or opposing it.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

More Nigerians Will Become Poor By 2027—World Bank

The World Bank has projected that poverty will increase in Nigeria by three percentage points in five years, to 2027.

The World Bank made this projection in its Africa Pulse report released on the sidelines of the ongoing Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington, DC.

The report, among other information, painted a dire picture of poverty in Nigeria, noting that while economic activity has shown some positive signs, the underlying challenges associated with resource dependence and fragility are projected to escalate poverty levels, demanding focused and effective governance reforms and inclusive economic policies.

The report noted that while Nigeria saw higher-than-expected economic growth in the final quarter of 2024, particularly in its non-oil sector, the country’s status as a resource-rich and fragile nation means it faces a concerning outlook for poverty reduction.

The report indicates that poverty rates in resource-rich, fragile countries, including Nigeria, are expected to increase by 3.6 percentage points between 2022 and 2027, making it the only group in Sub-Saharan Africa with a projected rise in poverty.

The report stated, “Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest extreme poverty rate globally, and a large share of the poor is concentrated in a few countries. About 80 percent of the world’s estimated 695 million extremely poor resided in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2024, compared to 8 percent in South Asia, 2 percent in East Asia and the Pacific, 5 percent in the Middle East and North Africa, and 3 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Within sub-Saharan Africa, half of the 560 million extremely poor in 2024 resided in four countries.

Non-resource-rich countries are expected to continue reducing poverty faster than resource-rich countries.

“Thanks to higher prices of agricultural commodities, non-resource-rich countries will see higher growth overall, despite fiscal pressures. Conversely, resource-rich countries are not expected to grow at the same rate given decelerating oil prices. As a result, resource-rich countries are expected to see less progress in terms of poverty reduction.”

Importantly, poverty in resource-rich, fragile countries (which include large countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria) is expected to increase by 3.6 percentage points over 2022–27, being the only group in the region with increasing poverty rates.

“This follows a well-established pattern: resource wealth combined with fragility or conflict is associated with the highest poverty rates—an average poverty rate of 46 percent in 2024, 13 percentage points above non-fragile, resource-rich countries.

“Meanwhile, non-resource-rich, non-fragile countries saw the biggest gains in poverty reduction since 2000 and fully closed the gap in poverty with other non-resource-rich countries by 2010.”

Consequently, the report suggests that for resource-rich countries like Nigeria, improving fiscal management and developing a stronger fiscal contract with citizens is crucial.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Burna Boy Sued Over Alleged Song Theft

Popular Nigerian musician Burna Boy has been sued by Fabrice Rouzer, a Haitian music star. The musician accused Burna of stealing parts of his song ‘Je Vais.

The lawsuit was filed in a district court in New York. It claims that Burna Boy and Joe Gilles used a part of Fabrice’s song without consent or permission from him.

The song Kampe II, which Burna Boy was featured in was said to have been released on the 28th of March 2025 containing sounds and materials from Fabrice.

Fabrice Rouzier has accused both Gilles and the self acclaimed African Giant of profiting from a stolen work and is seeking compensation for damages.

Fabrice also claims that the Grammy nominee was well aware of the piece being stolen before agreeing to feature in the Remix of the song.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

IGP Deploys Special Anti-bandit Squads Nationwide Over Insecurity

Amid rising insecurity across the country, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday ordered the immediate deployment of a special squad to tackle the growing wave of violence.

The police chief also directed all Police Mobile Force squadrons to keep at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on constant standby.

Egbetokun issued the directive during a meeting with Squadron Commanders in Abuja on Tuesday, as fresh attacks by bandits claimed 21 lives in Kwara, Benue, and Sokoto States.

In recent weeks, several states, including Plateau, Benue, and Enugu, have witnessed increased violence, with multiple attacks reported on defenceless citizens.

Egbetokun said, “The PMF was created as a strike force – to be swift, decisive and combat-ready. Effective immediately, all PMF squadrons are directed to maintain at least one fully equipped, combat-ready unit on standby at all times.

“These units must be prepared to support their respective state commands in any situation requiring urgent tactical intervention. Additionally, each squadron will be required to send one unit for training every quarter.

“These sessions will go beyond operational proficiency, placing strong emphasis on ethics, professionalism and the principles of responsible policing.”

He also announced that squadrons will undergo size reviews and reorganisation to boost efficiency and agility.

Egbetokun said, “Currently, squadron sizes will be reviewed and reduced to ensure operational effectiveness and agility. From this moment, PMF commanders will be held vicariously responsible for the conduct of their personnel.

“You are expected to lead proactively through regular lectures, inspections and localised training programmes that reinforce discipline, respect for human rights and operational excellence.”

Restating the decision to withdraw mobile police officers from escort duties, Egbetokun expressed concern that such assignments have weakened the tactical effectiveness of the Police Mobile Force.

He also warned that acts of indiscipline among mobile police personnel will no longer be tolerated.

“As you are aware, directives have already been issued concerning the withdrawal of PMF personnel from authorised deployments. It is the duty of all commanders to enforce this directive without delay. A firm but gradual withdrawal from non-core assignments is underway.

“The priority now is to refocus our strength and personnel towards combating violent crimes and safeguarding national security. We will also inject new leadership perspectives, strategic approaches and continuous capacity-building initiatives aimed at restoring the PMF to its rightful place as a dominant force in internal security and a model of tactical excellence.

“The Nigeria Police Force will no longer allow the values, standards and discipline that once defined the police mobile force to be undermined.

“As a strike force of the Nigerian Police Force, the PMF carries an immense responsibility to confront armed threats, insurgency and criminal violence with integrity and courage.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Article Wan Gears Up for 2025 with New Single “CUNQUIZE” Featuring Kweku Flick & Great Adamz

Ghana’s very own musical trailblazer, Article Wan, has officially announced his first release of the year — and it’s sounding like a certified anthem in the making.

Titled “CUNQUIZE,” the upcoming single features Kweku Flick, widely known as the King of Melody, and Great Adamz, the rising Nigerian UK-based star. The track is set to drop on April 25, 2025, and fans already can’t wait.

Article Wan is no stranger to creating hits that move the streets and shake the airwaves. With his signature fusion of Afropop, dancehall, and Ghanaian rhythms, he’s kept listeners hooked over the years — and “CUNQUIZE” promises to do just that, if not more.

Joining him on this track is Kweku Flick, whose melodic prowess and lyrical sharpness have earned him a loyal fan base across Ghana and beyond. His ability to connect emotion with rhythm is unmatched, making his presence on this track a huge plus.

Adding a global touch is Great Adamz, whose Nigerian roots blend seamlessly with his UK influence. His smooth vocals and Afrofusion style are expected to complement the energy of the song perfectly, bringing an international vibe to the sound.

Though details of the song are still under wraps, one thing is clear — “CUNQUIZE” is going to be a vibe. With this kind of lineup, it’s not just a song,

it’s a moment. Get ready for an explosive start to the year. April 25th can’t come soon enough.

SOCIALS

https://x.com/articlewani

https://youtube.com/@articlewani

https://www.instagram.com/articlewani/

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Fubara, Tinubu Hold Talks in London

Indications emerged on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in London, while on working visit.

Although, The Africa Report said that the meeting was at the instance of Governor Fubara, the Presidency kept sealed lips on the matter.

Attempts made to get confirmation from the Presidency could not yield any results as no one was ready to comment on it.

However, someone privy to the meeting claimed that it was the first face‑to‑face since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on 18 March, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers and suspending the democratically elected governor Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu and the entire members of the House of Assembly.

Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18, cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.”

The President appointed a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice‑Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator.

It was gathered that President Tinubu
agreed to meet Fubara in an attempt to defuse the lingering crisis.

The duo reportedly discussed restoring functional government in the oil‑rich state, officials say.

Neither side disclosed details, but presidential aides who spoke on condition of anonymity said there were talks to see Fubara back in power before his six-month suspension elapses.

It was learned that Fubara’s estranged political godfather, now the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was nervous about such an arrangement holding without him.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

40-Year-Old Woman Rapes 12-Year-Old Boy In Bauchi

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the community, Fatimah Ibrahim, a 40-year-old resident of Tashan Jama’are, has been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy in Azare.

The incident was reported to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Azare on March 1, 2025, by a concerned citizen from Katagum Local Government Area.

According to police sources, the young victim, who has been identified as Abubakar Yakubu (not his real name), had been employed by Ibrahim to assist in her business.

It is alleged that the boy, an Arabic pupil, was housed at Ibrahim’s residence, where he experienced inappropriate conduct over a two-month period.

During interviews, the victim recounted his ordeal, describing how he had come to trust Ibrahim as a maternal figure. He reported that the defendant engaged him in acts of a sexual nature when her visitors were not present.

Disturbingly, he mentioned being given a mixture believed to involve lemon juice, which he suspects may have been tampered with prior to the assaults.

The victim indicated that this abuse occurred on multiple occasions during his time in her care.

Following the report, police conducted an investigation, leading to Ibrahim’s interrogation, during which she reportedly admitted to the allegations against her.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and once completed, Ibrahim will undergo profiling before being charged in court for the established offenses.

CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil Anipr, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Bauchi State Command, confirmed the incident and underscored the commitment of local authorities to ensure justice for the victim.

As the community grapples with the gravity of this case, police officials are urging anyone with additional information to come forward in order to aid the investigation.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Plateau Christians Stage Peace Walk, Demand Justice for Bokkos, Bassa Killings

Churches and Christian faithful in Plateau State held a massive peaceful protest on Easter Monday, condemning the recent killings in Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas. The march, which began at the PRTV Roundabout in Rayfield, ended at the Plateau State Government House, where Governor Caleb Mutfwang and his deputy, Ngo Josephine Piyo, received the demonstrators. Also in attendance were federal and state lawmakers, executive council members, and other government officials.

This was the second peace walk organized by the Church on the Plateau, led jointly by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Denominational Leaders Forum. Protesters, dressed in black, red, and white—symbolizing mourning, a call to end the violence, and peaceful resistance—demanded justice and immediate government intervention.

A joint statement, presented by Rev. Amos Mohzo (President of COCIN and Chairman of the Denominational Leaders Forum) and co-signed by CAN Chairman Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo and Rev. Dr. Gideon Para-Mallam, was addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The statement condemned the “unprovoked, horrific, and persistent attacks” in Bokkos and Mangu, which have claimed over 50 lives in recent weeks.

“These are not communal clashes but calculated acts of terror,” the church leaders asserted, accusing suspected armed Fulani herdsmen of targeting Christian communities in nighttime raids. They criticized the federal government’s security response, calling for stronger action.

While acknowledging Tinubu’s earlier condemnation of the attacks, the leaders rejected official claims describing the Bassa killings as “retaliatory clashes,” insisting that the truth must not be sacrificed for political convenience.

The statement detailed several recent attacks, including:

  • April 1: Pastor James Amusa was beaten and thrown into a well; 38 others were killed in coordinated assaults.
  • March 27: Armed men opened fire on mourners in Ruwi, killing several.
  • March 7 & January 9: Villagers, including Rev. Danjuma Lekuk, were killed in targeted attacks.

In Bassa’s Irigwe land alone, at least 71 people were killed in 19 separate attacks between January and April 14. One of the deadliest incidents occurred near a military barracks, where 51 people were slaughtered in 45 minutes without security intervention.

The church leaders demanded:
✔ Strengthened state security infrastructure.
✔ Community policing outposts.
✔ Thorough investigations into the attacks.
✔ Humanitarian aid and resettlement for displaced persons.
✔ Protection for religious leaders and critical transport routes.
✔ International cooperation to curb terrorism financing.

“This is not just a Plateau problem—it is a Nigerian problem,” they declared, warning that unchecked violence threatens national stability.

Governor Mutfwang’s Response:
Governor Mutfwang vowed to pursue justice for victims, declaring that Plateau will be freed from decades of insecurity. He commended CAN and church leaders for speaking out and assured that those arrested for recent violence would face justice.

He revealed ongoing talks with President Tinubu and security chiefs to improve community protection. Urging citizens to reject bitterness, he emphasized Plateau’s peaceful nature but warned that the people would defend themselves if necessary.

The governor also highlighted the dangers of illegal mining and drug abuse, noting that mining accidents have claimed more lives than some violent attacks. He promised youth empowerment through lawful mineral exploration and called for unity, declaring: “Plateau shall be free, Plateau shall prosper.”

The protest ended with prayers, songs, and renewed calls for peace and justice nationwide.