The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), says it has completed the latest disbursement of N8.6 billion in pension arrears as part of the N32,000 increment approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024.
According to a statement released on Monday by PTAD’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olugbenga Ajayi, the funds were allocated to 148,625 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners spanning several sectors, including the Police, Civil Service, Parastatals, Customs, Immigration, and Prisons Pension Departments.
Ajayi noted that PTAD had previously settled arrears related to the first increment of 20% to 28%, which came into effect in January 2024.
Breakdown of Pension Disbursements The payments were distributed across different pension departments as follows:
N5.7 billion to 59,342 pensioners under the Parastatals Pensions Department (PaPD) N2.3 billion to 71,084 pensioners in the Civil Service Pensions Department (CSPD) N310 million to 9,579 pensioners within the Police Pension Department (PPD) N276 million to 8,620 pensioners under the Customs, Immigration, and Correctional Service Pension Department
Ajayi emphasized that this disbursement reaffirms the government’s commitment to addressing pension obligations efficiently.
FG Assures Full Payment of Outstanding Pension Balance Speaking on the latest payments, PTAD’s Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, assured pensioners that the Federal Government remains dedicated to fully settling the outstanding balance associated with the increment.
Odunaiya further disclosed that the government would continue rolling out initiatives to enhance pensioners’ welfare in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria’s Pension Industry Maintains Upward Trajectory The Nigerian pension industry has maintained an upward trajectory as assets climbed to N23.32 trillion in March 2025, reflecting a slight 0.27% uptick from the N23.26 trillion recorded in February.
The latest figures, published in the National Pension Commission’s (PenCom) monthly report, underlines the industry’s sustained stability.
The marginal increase is largely driven by strategic asset allocation and a diversified investment approach, reinforcing the fund’s long-term growth trajectory.
What You Should Know Last week, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) announced plans to introduce supplementary guidelines aimed at safeguarding Retiree Life Annuity (RLA) funds and addressing cyber risks, ensuring greater financial protection for pensioners.
The disclosure was made by Moruf Apampa, Vice Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee of the Insurers’ Committee and Managing Director of NSIA Insurance, during a press conference in Lagos following the June 2025 Insurers’ Committee meeting.
Apampa highlighted that the forthcoming guidelines form part of NAICOM’s broader efforts to strengthen regulations, ensuring that retirees’ funds remain secure and effectively managed.
In partnership with Althash University California & Plateau State Polytechnic
Jos, Plateau State – June 2025
After a successful first round earlier this year, Web3.0 Alliance Ltd has launched the second edition of its Blockchain Studies Nanodegree Program, in collaboration with Althash University (California, USA) and Plateau State Polytechnic.
This program is designed to help young people, professionals, and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and Africa understand how blockchain works and how to use it to solve real problems.
What is Blockchain and Why Should You Care?
Blockchain is the technology behind digital money like Bitcoin. But it’s much more than that. It can help make financial transactions safer, improve record-keeping, reduce fraud, and bring more trust into business, government, and everyday life.
As the world moves towards digital solutions, knowing how blockchain works can open doors to better jobs, smarter businesses, and new innovations.
About the Program
This 4-month training program is not just for tech experts — it’s for everyone interested in learning how to use this new technology. Whether you’re a student, businessperson, government worker, developer, or just curious, you can take part.
The course will teach you:
How blockchain works (in simple terms)
How cryptocurrencies and smart contracts operate
Why blockchain matters in industries like banking, health, education, and governance
How to build your own blockchain ideas and projects
You don’t need to be a computer programmer to join. The program is built to carry everyone along, whether you’re new to technology or already experienced.
Flexible & Convenient Learning
Classes are held in a hybrid format, which means:
You can attend online from anywhere, or
Visit the Plateau State Polytechnic for practical help if you’re nearby
Some classes will be live and interactive, where you must attend and participate. Others are recorded, so you can learn at your own pace.
This makes it easy for both full-time workers and students to join without disrupting their schedule.
Why This Matters
Many people are already using blockchain without fully understanding it. As demand for digital currencies like EgonCoin increases, so does the need for proper education. This program helps people avoid scams, take smart steps in tech, and become part of a growing digital economy.
Global Standards, Local Impact
By teaming up with Althash University (USA) and Plateau State Polytechnic, the program provides world-class training that is affordable and accessible right here in Nigeria.
The aim is to build home-grown experts who will use blockchain to create jobs, start businesses, and solve community problems.
How to Join
Registration for the second cohort is now open. Both free and paid slots are available, but spaces are limited.
📍 To register or learn more, visit: edu.althash.university 📞 For inquiries, contact Web3.0 Alliance Ltd or follow them on X (Twitter): @web3alliance
Final Word
This is more than just a course — it’s a chance to gain a future-proof skill, connect with like minds, and be part of a global movement shaping the future of finance, governance, and innovation.
Don’t be left behind — become a blockchain pioneer today!
In the evolving landscape of Nigerian hip-hop, one name steadily rising through the ranks is Victor Ayang, popularly known as Prince EVA—a fierce lyricist, writer, and storyteller born in Cross River State, currently based in Jos.
Prince EVA’s journey into the heart of Nigeria’s music scene is as gripping as his verses. Having spent most of his early life in the western part of the country, he only moved northwards in 2023 for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna. After his service year, he settled in Jos—Nigeria’s cultural hotbed—and became a registered member of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), marking a bold statement of intent to make his lyrical prowess known.
His debut album, “More Than A Player”, is more than just music—it’s a narrative of the streets, of hustle, gangsterism, and activism. The album introduces a voice that blends gritty life experiences with intellectual rhymes and poetic consciousness. Prince EVA doesn’t just rap—he paints vivid imagery, using metaphors, puns, and wordplay with surgical precision. His confidence is unmatched; calling himself “the most lyrical emcee in Nigeria” is not just a claim—it’s backed by content that resonates deeply with conscious listeners.
A standout work beyond music is his poem “Compromising Reality”, which underlines his activist spirit and deep empathy for the masses. It reveals a softer, more reflective side of the rapper, contrasting the hard-edged themes of his debut.
Despite his portrayal of the ‘thug life,’ Prince EVA is known to be approachable and deeply rooted in the struggles of the common man. With a second album on the horizon, he promises to bring motivation and strength to those battling against the odds.
In an era where rap is often criticized for losing its soul, Prince EVA is reviving the art of lyricism, one bar at a time—from Jos, with passion.
The Katsina State Agency for Mass Education has announced plans to commence literacy classes for repentant bandits, as part of a broader initiative to reintegrate them into society and sustain ongoing peace efforts in the state.
The programme, according to the Executive Director of the agency, Bilkisu Muhammad Kakai, will offer both Islamic and Western education and will be rolled out in phases across local government areas where peace agreements have been reached and bandits have voluntarily laid down arms.
Speaking with journalists, Kakai said facilitators were ready for deployment and that local government chairmen would be involved in coordinating the classes.
“We will liaise with local government chairmen to open the classes in phases. The core subjects will focus on Islamic and Western education,” she said.
Reviewing the agency’s activities over the past six months, Kakai disclosed that 68 new adult education classes had been established in communities under the watch of district heads across the state.
She also announced the opening of a Basic Post-Literacy class at the Katsina Correctional Centre to support inmates pursuing further education.
“The Basic Post-Literacy class is designed to help inmates to progress academically and, eventually, enroll in university for a degree certificate,” she said.
Kakai, also revealed that budgetary provisions had been made this year to address the challenges facing these centres.
However, she appealed to lawmakers representing Katsina at the National Assembly to partner with the agency in expanding literacy efforts.
“The National Assembly members should dedicate a percentage of their constituency allowances to support the running of adult education classes in their areas in order to wipe out illiteracy,” Kakai urged.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to flag off the construction of the new headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
Our correspondents report that the flag-off of the new headquarters, located in Maitama, is contained in the activities lined up by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to mark President Tinubu’s second year in office, and it is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
Top sources at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) said the project would be executed by the FCTA.
One of the sources said although details of the project remained sketchy, it will cost billions of naira.
On why the FCTA is building the headquarters of the commission, which is supposed to be a neutral body, a top source at the FCDA said the administration had been involved in building, and in some instances, maintaining federal government offices in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa.
The source added that the National Assembly and many agencies and some ministries were built by the FCTA.
“But because INEC is a sensitive body, I know that people, especially politicians, will raise some concerns. However, I am not sure the aim is to influence the electoral body,” the source said.
On whether the project is captured in FCTA’s 2025 budget, a director who asked for anonymity noted that although the budget had been approved by the National Assembly, it is still before the president for assent.
The source said the details of the budget were yet to be made available.
It would be recalled that the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike, recently came under attack for building quarters for the judges at the Mabushi area of Abuja.
Critics of the minister said he built the quarters to get favour from the judiciary, an allegation he denied.
Reacting, the Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, confirmed that the construction of the INEC headquarters is an FCT Administration’s project.
He said all federal public buildings in the nation’s capital belong to the FCTA, including the National Assembly.
On the cost of the project, the Minister’s aide asked our reporter to wait for the scheduled flag off date.
Lawyers Differ
Meanwhile, some lawyers have expressed divergent views on the planned reconstruction of the INEC headquarters in Abuja.
In his reaction, Obioma Ezenwobodo said that despite the constitutional provision that INEC was independent, it had remained part of the executive arm of government.
“INEC is still an executive body and there is nothing wrong for an executive body to build a house for the INEC to carry out its job,” he said.
However, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh said such project was unnecessary and a waste of public resources.
“I do not see any necessity for the FCTA to do that for INEC. The administration may indeed spend its resources as it pleases in its budget, but such spending should be with accountability and a good conscience,” he said.
As the second quarter of the year draws to a close, young people across Plateau State are being presented with a unique opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign and it all begins tomorrow.
The Plateau State Youth Advancement Workshop, a high-impact initiative powered by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor on Youth Mobilization, Hajiya Safiyya Isa Muhammad. This is set to gather 100 selected young leaders curated from all 17 Local Government Areas for a transformative experience.
Happening on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM, this exclusive event tagged “Reflection to Action” is more than just another youth summit. It is a movement built around self-evaluation, purpose-driven growth, and actionable leadership.
Those selected will gain access to:
A certificate of participation signed by the SSA’s office
Hands-on mentorship from top entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and government voices
Access to grants, scholarships, and youth opportunities
Proven leadership development frameworks
Networking with like-minded change-driven youths
Business and personal branding insights
Priority slots for future government backed youth programs
Refreshment!! Refreshment!!
With limited slots available and the event holding tomorrow, this is your last chance to be part of this amazing event.
The Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Plateau State Chapter, in collaboration with Angwan Rukuba Update, is gearing up to host a vibrant celebration in honor of World Music Day on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
With the theme “Rhymes of Unity,” this year’s event promises an unforgettable evening filled with music, dance, poetry, conversations, and a diverse blend of artistic expression aimed at fostering harmony and community bonding through the universal language of music.
The event will take place at the Former Military Camp, Gondola, opposite Bauchi Ring Road, Jos, Plateau State, starting at 4:00 PM (GMT+1).
According to the organizers, the celebration is open to all lovers of music and creativity, irrespective of age, tribe, or background. “This is a day to come together as one people, using music as a tool for peace and collective identity,” said a representative from PMAN Plateau.
Activities for the evening include live musical performances from local artists, spoken word poetry, dance showcases, and interactive talk sessions. The event also aims to spotlight Plateau’s rich cultural heritage and its fast-growing creative scene.
As World Music Day is marked globally on June 21, the Jos edition seeks to place the state on the map of global artistic celebrations while promoting messages of unity, love, and cultural pride.
“Come celebrate with us,” the organizers urged. “Let’s share in the joy, rhythm, and power of music together.”
The former member representing Jos South Jos East federal constituency at the Federal House of Representatives Abuja, Hon. Dachung Musa Bagos was called to run for the office of Senator, Plateau North Senatorial District, by Jos South PDP faithfuls.
The call was through the mammoth crowd of constituents’ comprising youths, women, and elders from all the districts of Jos South LGA. Speaking, the spokesperson, Hon. Emmanuel Solomon Dung (Gibok), other leaders, and representatives from the entire districts of Jos South. They said Hon. Bagos, through his record as a member of the Federal House of Representatives in Abuja, has been a thorough and worthy representative of the people, thereby bringing development and progress to the entire federal constituency They observed that the call was a unanimous resolution of the people of Jos South.
They promised to give Hon. Bagos and His Excellency Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, Executive Governor of Plateau State, the maximum support and solidarity needed to ensure the victory of PDP come, 2027 is achieved.
While responding, Hon. Bagos thanked them for the call and assured them that he had accepted their call. He also called on them to keep supporting the executive governor of Plateau State in all aspects to ensure that the level of development being witnessed on the Plateau is sustained with a unanimous vote of confidence on his Excellency Barrister Caleb Mutfwang for a second term .
In a significant step towards strengthening the healthcare system in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang on June 12, 2025, commissioned a state-of-the-art EMR laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos.
The newly completed facilities are part of the administration’s broader commitment to reposition healthcare delivery and ensure Plateau citizens have access to quality medical services.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Mutfwang emphasized the importance of equipping public hospitals with modern infrastructure to meet the growing health needs of the population.
“We are determined to build a health system that responds to the needs of our people. This facility upgrade is not just about buildings—it’s about saving lives and restoring confidence in our healthcare institutions,” he said.
The governor added that his administration is investing in human capital, modern equipment, and sustainable policies to make Plateau State a hub for medical excellence in northern Nigeria.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, praised the governor for his prompt interventions and policy direction that have already begun to yield results across the sector.
“Under Governor Mutfwang’s leadership, we’ve seen unprecedented attention to healthcare,” Ba’amlong said. “All general hospitals across the 17 local government areas are being upgraded, and the state health insurance scheme is expanding access to care. Today’s commissioning is yet another milestone in our journey to improved health outcomes.”
Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, Chief Medical Director of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, described the upgrades as transformative for both patients and medical professionals.
“With this new laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex, we are now operating at a world-class standard,” Yilgwan stated. “These facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enabling us to diagnose and treat conditions faster and more accurately. Our staff now work in an environment that matches their professionalism, and patients can expect better care.”
He thanked the governor for his continuous support and reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to delivering top-quality healthcare to all Plateau residents.
The event marks a new chapter for the Specialist Hospital and signals the Mutfwang administration’s unwavering focus on revitalizing critical sectors in Plateau State.
In a renewed commitment to ease public transportation, improve road infrastructure, enhance healthcare delivery, and boost education in Plateau State, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang alongside the Deputy Governor, Ngo Josephine Piyo commissioned life-changing projects across key sectors to uplift the living standards of the people.
The commissioned projects include Metro Buses 2.0 at the Old Government House, Rayfield; a laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos; the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads at the Utonkon–Abattoir Road; and a one-storey administrative block and refurbished Joshua Dariye Hall at the Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Jos Campus.
Commissioning the Metro Buses, Governor Mutfwang expressed delight at the progress made by his administration in addressing citizens’ basic needs in line with his campaign promises. He said the introduction of the Metro Buses has subsidized transportation, thereby boosting economic activities across the state.
“Today, we are witnessing the revival of one of Plateau’s legacy institutions. The Plateau Express Service had suffered years of neglect, but under our administration, it is alive again. These Metro buses were not federal gifts or grants. They were bought brand new, not Tokunbo, using Plateau State’s constitutional allocation, managed prudently for the good of our people,” the governor stated.
He added that the investment in mass transit directly responds to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s call for state governments to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. According to him, the Tin City Metro is one of the most effective mechanisms adopted by his administration to cushion the effects on the people.
“Instead of buying luxury vehicles for ministries and MDAs, we prioritized the people. With these buses, we are bringing the subsidy back to the masses. The applause and dancing I saw when these buses entered the city gave me renewed energy. We are just getting started,” he said.
“With 15 buses launched last year and another 15 this year, the Tin City Metro now transports over 9,000 commuters daily, with plans to scale up to 18,000–20,000 as Phase 2.0 takes full effect. This is not the end, we are planning Tin City Metro 3.0. We are reviving more than transportation; we are restoring Plateau’s pride.”
Governor Mutfwang further emphasized the broader infrastructure revival agenda of his administration, including the resuscitation of the Agricultural Services and Training Centre (ASTC), Jos International Breweries (JIB), Panyam Fish Farm, Hill Station Hotel, and Plateau Hotel.
On the aviation front, the governor confirmed the signing of an MOU with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to upgrade Jos Airport into an International Cargo Terminal. He also disclosed ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Transport and the Nigerian Railway Corporation to restore rail links from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri through Jos.
He announced that President Tinubu has adopted the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road as one of his four legacy federal projects, and pledged his administration’s commitment to prioritizing development over politics.
In a heartwarming moment, Governor Mutfwang was introduced to Ms. Luka Nambam, Plateau’s first-ever female Metro Bus driver, who is currently undergoing advanced training. He expressed pride in her achievement, recalling that he had sponsored young Plateau youths, including Nambam, for mechanical training years ago.
“We are intentional about reviving the industry of the girl child. It is a joy to see a seed sown long ago bear fruit today. Our women must be equipped to benefit their families and society,” he said.
Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, said the buses have brought significant relief to commuters within the Greater Jos Masterplan. “Where a return trip used to cost ₦2,400, it now costs ₦400, saving each commuter ₦2,000 daily. Over 25 days, that’s ₦50,000 in savings per person. This is Plateau’s version of Conditional Cash Transfer, simple, efficient, and impactful,” he noted.
General Manager of Plateau Express Service, Mr. Samuel Gwot, applauded the governor’s vision and dedication to sustainable reforms. “When we launched the first 15 buses, skeptics said they wouldn’t last. Each Metro Bus comes equipped with CCTV cameras, smart payment systems, AI-driven analytics, and the Tin City Metro 2.0 Travel Card, with over 60,000 active cardholders recorded to date. The mobile app supports QR code payments, real-time bus tracking, and seamless access for tourists and visitors.”
In another development, Governor Mutfwang commissioned a state-of-the-art laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos. He said the hospital is being upgraded to serve as a medical hub for the state, with modern equipment and quality services.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, thanked the governor for his swift intervention and consistent approvals to revamp the health sector. He noted that general hospitals across all 17 LGAs have received significant upgrades, while citizens’ health needs are increasingly met through the state’s health insurance scheme.
Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, said the upgrades have raised the hospital’s standard to a world-class level, with cutting-edge equipment and better facilities.
At the commissioning of the newly completed Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads along the Utonkon-Abattoir axis, Governor Mutfwang remarked, “On this 12th day of June 2025, Democracy Day, it is my pleasure and honor to formally unveil one of the dividends of democracy delivered to our people.”
He added, “When we came on board, we saw the dilapidation of infrastructure and committed to changing the narrative. I am glad this is the first official road infrastructure I am commissioning, among several others completed. Currently, over 3,000 kilometers of roads are being evaluated across the state.”
“After eight years of abandonment, a project initiated by our visionary leader, Da Jonah Jang, a PDP governor, is now completed by another PDP governor. It’s not because we have more money, but because we are prudent and prioritize rightly. This road has improved life and economic activity in the area, aligning with the Greater Jos Masterplan.”
Commissioner of Works, Hon. Joshua Ubandoma, and Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Sylvanus Dontoe, both commended Governor Mutfwang for completing the crucial infrastructure. They explained that the project was originally awarded to PW Nigeria Ltd in 2007 and transferred to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in 2009 under Da Jonah David Jang.
The project aimed to upgrade slum areas and decongest the city centre by linking the Old Airport Road to the Central Business District. The railway crossing at Utonkon necessitated a 9-span flyover bridge with an underpass and four slip roads to connect adjoining communities.
At Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, Governor Mutfwang noted that his administration is working toward upgrading the institution into a University of Science and Technology. He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in the pursuit of academic excellence.
“Change is about leadership. With the right leadership in place, transformation is possible. We are determined to improve not only staff quality and curriculum but also the learning environment,” he said.
He also addressed a recent controversy regarding academic staff recruitment, reiterating that only candidates with the required qualifications, such as a minimum of a second-class lower degree, will be considered for teaching positions.
Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Clement Chirman, described the day as a milestone in the institution’s journey toward academic excellence and infrastructural transformation. He noted that the newly completed projects, including the administrative block, J.C. Dariye Hall, twin theatre, and Human Resource Development Centre, reflect the Polytechnic’s commitment to quality education.
Governor Mutfwang also commissioned Dachom Road down to Nanmwa Junction, reaffirming his government’s resolve to ensure equitable development across the state.
