Month: September 2026

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PEPSA Begins Prosecution of Households Over Failure to Construct Toilets

The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has commenced the prosecution of households in Jos South Local Government Area for failing to construct functional toilet facilities despite two years of sensitisation, sanitation education and follow-up efforts.

The enforcement exercise, led by the Director of Enforcement alongside Sanitation Officers, Mobile Courts, security personnel and Volunteer Hygiene Promoters (VHPs), was carried out simultaneously in Iyoh Gyel, Rankyen Gafang and Rahol Kak communities in Gyel District.

PEPSA said affected households had previously received abatement notices and were provided with technical and physical support to enable them to construct toilet facilities.

According to the agency, residents found to be in default were given the option of paying a fine or being confined until the fine was paid. They were also required to sign an undertaking to construct a functional toilet within seven days.

The agency said the enforcement exercise would continue for the next four days to ensure compliance and curb open defecation in the affected communities.

PEPSA explained that the campaign was aimed at eliminating open defecation, which contributes to the spread of diseases including cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea.

The agency urged residents in the affected communities to comply with the abatement notices by constructing functional toilet facilities within their homes before the deadlines stipulated in the notices.

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INEC Sets October 9 for PVC Collection, Begins 2027 Election Readiness Assessment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a nationwide assessment of its preparedness for the 2027 General Election, with the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, directing officials to identify and close operational gaps ahead of the polls.

Amupitan gave the directive on Monday in Kaduna during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 General Election.

The Kaduna meeting is part of INEC’s six-zone national engagement designed to assess the Commission’s level of preparedness, identify challenges affecting field operations and develop solutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking at the event, Amupitan said the success of any election depended largely on activities at the grassroots, particularly at Local Government Areas, Registration Area Centres and polling units.

He urged staff to use the engagement to highlight practical challenges in their respective areas and work with the Commission’s headquarters to resolve them before election day.

“The true success of any election is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of our headquarters in Abuja. It is decided in the field,” he said.

The INEC Chairman also warned officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, stressing that neutrality and professionalism among electoral personnel were essential to maintaining public confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, the Commission is building on lessons from previous elections while strengthening its systems for the larger national assignment in 2027.

Amupitan disclosed that the three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise had produced 10,772,421 new registrations, subject to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System.

He further directed that bottlenecks affecting the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards at the Local Government Area level be eliminated to prevent eligible voters from being disenfranchised due to logistical challenges.

The Chairman said INEC was also refining its technological systems for voter verification and result transmission, including its Result Management Systems and the recently introduced eEC8A.

He added that the Commission was implementing a “Zero-Failure” approach to election logistics, covering early deployment of election materials, transportation, security coordination and training of ad-hoc personnel.

Earlier, the Supervising National Commissioner for Kaduna, Mallam Kudu Haruna, said the zonal meetings were designed to allow the Commission’s leadership to directly engage staff across the country and assess their preparedness despite the limited time before the 2027 elections.

Haruna said the Kaduna engagement began with a courtesy visit by Amupitan to the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Traditional Rulers.

He said the visit provided an opportunity for INEC to brief the traditional institution on preparations for the 2027 elections and seek its support in mobilising eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process.

Haruna also disclosed that collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is scheduled to commence on October 9, 2026, urging traditional rulers to encourage eligible citizens to collect their cards and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

Director of Planning and Monitoring, Helen Ajayi, said the zonal exercise was aimed at assessing the preparedness of states and identifying operational challenges that could affect the conduct of the 2027 elections.

She added that the meetings would also ensure that INEC personnel across the zone remained aligned with the Commission’s Code of Conduct.

Representatives from the Voter Education and Publicity, Voter Registry, ICT, Human Resources, and Election and Operations departments also briefed participants on their respective responsibilities ahead of the elections.

The meeting later moved to state-by-state situation reports, where representatives from states across the North-West presented their levels of preparedness and highlighted operational and logistical challenges requiring attention ahead of the 2027 polls.

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Presidency Addresses Tinubu’s Health, Amid Prolonged Absence

The Presidency has dismissed concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged absence from Abuja and the United Nations General Assembly in New York, assuring Nigerians that the President is “hale and hearty.”

Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement posted on X on Sunday that Tinubu is currently on his annual vacation but remains engaged in official duties while outside the country.

According to Onanuga, the President is “perfectly entitled” to take a working vacation, stressing that modern technology allows him to discharge his responsibilities without being physically present in Abuja.

“In this digital age, he does not need to be physically present in Abuja to do the work for which he was elected in 2023,” the statement said.

The Presidency also pointed to Tinubu’s reported meetings with investors in France as evidence that he has continued to perform official duties during his vacation.

It further referenced the proposed $7 billion deep-sea port project in Ogun Waterside, describing it as an Ogun State Government initiative that the President recently helped facilitate.

On Tinubu’s absence from the ongoing United Nations General Assembly, the Presidency noted that other African leaders, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, were also not in New York.

The statement recalled that Tinubu had announced his annual vacation and delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the UNGA.

The Presidency also criticised former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his comments concerning Tinubu’s whereabouts.

“Yet Peter Obi pretends to be unaware of President Tinubu’s whereabouts,” it said.

The Presidency said Tinubu is expected to return to Nigeria this week ahead of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

It added that upon his return, the President is expected to attend the Lagos premiere of a movie depicting the life of the late businessman and democracy campaigner, MKO Abiola.

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Justice Rebirth Campaign Team Celebrates Gyang Zi, SAN, as He Calls for Peace, Justice

The Campaign Team of Justice Rebirth has celebrated Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Barrister Gyang Zi, on his birthday, with a call for peace, justice and the entrenchment of the rule of law in Plateau State and Nigeria.

The celebration, held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Rayfield, Jos, brought together family members, friends, colleagues, supporters and associates who gathered to honour the legal practitioner and mark his birthday.

Speaking during the celebration, Zi expressed appreciation to his family, Friends’ Union, Campaign Team, Office Team and other groups and individuals who celebrated him through prayers, goodwill messages and thoughtful gestures.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon those who joined him in marking the occasion and called for lasting peace in Plateau State and Nigeria.

Zi stressed the importance of leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, security, justice and sustainable development, saying love should remain a foundation for the growth of society.

He said he desired to be remembered for promoting love, defending justice and contributing to the entrenchment of the rule of law.

“Your love is entrenched in our society. That is the foundation of the growth of any society. So basically, that is what I really want to be remembered for: defence, justice and the pursuit to ensure that the rule of law is entrenched in our society,” Zi said.

Also speaking, Mrs. Blessing Nanman, Ambassador of Wealth and Chief Executive Officer of Lingzhi Global Africa, commended Zi for his contributions to humanity and his commitment to the wellbeing and development of society.

Nanman described Zi as someone whose impact extends beyond his professional responsibilities, noting his efforts in supporting people and contributing positively to the community.

She highlighted his commitment to justice, peace, human dignity and the rule of law, describing his service and willingness to use his position to benefit others as worthy of recognition.

Nanman congratulated Zi on his birthday and prayed for greater wisdom, strength, good health and many more years for him to continue his service to humanity.

In a separate birthday message, Umi Niri Jibril thanked God for granting Zi another year of life and praised his kindness, guidance and positive influence on people around him.

She described his encouragement and support as meaningful to those who have benefited from his relationship and leadership.

“On the occasion of your birthday, sir, we thank God for blessing you with another beautiful year of life. Your kindness, guidance and the way you encourage people mean a lot to us,” Jibril said.

She prayed for Zi to enjoy continued good health, happiness, wisdom, peace and success, while wishing him many more years of impactful service.

Zi, in his response, thanked everyone for their goodwill and prayers and prayed for God’s continued blessings upon them.

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Zang Global Empowers 40 Young Nigerians with Renewable Energy, Recycling Skills

Forty young people trained in renewable energy, recycling and entrepreneurship under Zang Global’s RenewCycle Training Programme are looking to turn their newly acquired skills into sources of livelihood, with some already planning to establish businesses after completing the three-month programme.

The first cohort, made up of 33 young women and seven young men from different communities across Plateau State, graduated at a ceremony held at the Industrial Training Fund, ITF, Bukuru, Plateau State.

The programme was designed to equip participants with practical skills that can help them respond to employment challenges while creating opportunities for self-reliance and economic empowerment.

Chief Executive Officer of Zang Global, Mr Zang Luka, said the programme was established to provide young people with skills that could create sustainable livelihoods and economic opportunities.

He said the next phase would see 15 outstanding participants selected for further business development training and support towards establishing micro-enterprises.

According to Luka, Zang Global is also preparing for the second cohort, with plans to expand the programme and reach more young people through training in renewable energy and electronic waste management.

“The biggest impact is to provide job opportunities, provide sources of livelihood for young people, and create economic opportunities. When young people are engaged and there are economic opportunities, everything flourishes well,” he said.

One of the facilitators, Mr Alexander Pascal, said the training provided participants with an additional practical skill that could complement their formal education and help them contribute to their communities.

He said the programme’s focus on young women and underserved communities was particularly important in creating opportunities for participants to develop skills that could support their livelihoods.

“The RenewCycle Training Programme has been designed to equip these young people with an extra skill besides their education and personal skills, to ensure that they have something they can use to assist themselves and contribute to their communities,” Pascal said.

For the graduands, the training has already begun translating into plans for enterprise. Miss Ishaya Mafeng Dalyop identified solar installation as the most important skill she gained and said she plans to establish a shop, install solar systems and produce power banks.

Similarly, Mr Fom Shedrach Ishaya said his interest in renewable energy and Nigeria’s unstable power supply motivated him to join the programme. He said the training exposed him to practical skills including the use of protective equipment, soldering and testing cable continuity, adding that he plans to sell solar accessories and components while offering installation services.

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Dr. Gwott Urges Plateau Riders Agents to Take Greater Ownership

The Group Managing Director/CEO of Plateau Express Services Group, Hon. Dr. Samuel Jok Gwott, has called on Plateau Riders Terminal Agents to take greater ownership of their responsibilities as the organisation continues to strengthen its operations nationwide.

The call came during an engagement with agents representing 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory, where Management reviewed operations and opened the floor for direct feedback from the field.

Dr. Gwott acknowledged the loyalty and dedication of agents who have remained committed to Plateau Riders through difficult periods, while emphasising that the organisation’s next phase will require stronger accountability and professionalism.

“You must begin to see yourselves as Business Managers and not just agents,” he told the gathering.

Discussions covered revenue remittance, vehicle loading, maintenance, daily manifests, monthly reporting, communication structures and operational accountability.

Management is also considering clearer contracts, identification and defined operational roles for deserving agents.

The engagement formed part of broader preparations for the expansion of Plateau Riders, including the expected deployment of 55 additional vehicles, as Management works towards a stronger and more coordinated national network.

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PEPSA Condemns Obstruction, Threats Against Officials During Jos Market Sanitation Exercise

The Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA) has condemned the alleged obstruction, threats and intimidation of its personnel during a sanitation exercise at the Chobe/Yankaji area of Jos, Plateau State.

The Agency said the exercise, conducted on Thursday, September 24, 2026, was part of its routine responsibility to ensure that public spaces, markets and areas where food and essential commodities are handled meet acceptable sanitation and environmental health standards.

According to a statement signed by Izang D. Pate, Director of Administration, for the Director General of PEPSA, the exercise was carried out alongside market leaders as part of efforts to engage stakeholders and promote compliance with sanitation requirements.

PEPSA said the Yankaji area, which is an important location for the preparation and sale of meat to residents, has continued to raise sanitation and environmental health concerns.

The Agency stated that despite repeated attention to the need for proper sanitation, operators of the market had not adequately cleaned their premises.

It alleged that when its personnel arrived to conduct the sanitation exercise, market operators prevented them from carrying out their duties, with the situation escalating into threats and intimidation.

PEPSA said security personnel eventually intervened and safely evacuated the agency’s officials and market union leaders from the premises.

The Agency further disclosed that one person sustained an injury during the evacuation and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

PEPSA described the incident as concerning, stressing that government officials carrying out lawful duties should not be subjected to threats, intimidation or physical obstruction.

The Agency acknowledged that sanitation enforcement could sometimes lead to disagreements with individuals and businesses, but said such disputes should be resolved through dialogue and established legal channels rather than threats or mob action.

PEPSA appealed to traders, market leaders, residents and other stakeholders to remain calm and avoid actions that could further escalate the situation.

It also appreciated the security personnel who responded to the incident and assisted in the safe evacuation of its staff.

The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its statutory responsibilities across Plateau State, stressing that the protection of public health and the environment would remain a priority.

PEPSA urged market operators and members of the public to cooperate with government officials and support efforts aimed at promoting cleaner, safer and healthier communities.

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APPLY NOW: ECOWAS Opens 2026 Recruitment for Multiple Positions

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced its 2026 recruitment exercise, inviting qualified citizens of member states, including Nigeria, to apply for various positions across its institutions.

The regional organisation announced the vacancies through a notice published on its official website, explaining that the recruitment is aimed at strengthening the implementation of its sectoral programmes.

Several positions are available at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. These include Office Aide, Programme Assistant, Nurse, Protocol Assistant, Documentation and Archives Assistant, Office Manager (Bilingual Secretary), Junior Accountant (Disbursements), Accountant, Legal Officer, Political Adviser, Principal Officer, Registrar (Judicial Process and Case Management), Head of Division (Library and Documentation), and Head of Hansard.

Other positions with a closing date of November 5, 2026, include Office Manager, Information Technology Officer, Human Resources Officer, Auditor (Operational Compliance), and Administrative Officer.

ECOWAS has also advertised vacancies outside Nigeria, including Administrative and Finance Officer in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Principal Programme Officer (Sports Policy) in Liberia; Principal Programme Officer (Water Supply and Sanitation) in Conakry, Guinea; as well as legal and administrative positions in Dakar, Senegal.

According to the recruitment notice, applicants must be citizens of an ECOWAS member state and satisfy the applicable age requirements. The maximum age is 35 years for General Services positions (G1–G7), 45 years for Professional positions (P1–P7), and 50 years for Director-level positions (D1–D2).

Interested candidates are required to download and complete the official application form through the ECOWAS careers portal at ecowas.int/careers.

Applicants must submit their Curriculum Vitae and motivation letter through the designated email address provided for each advertised position.

ECOWAS also warned applicants that its recruitment process is free and urged the public to be cautious of fraudsters. The organisation said the exercise is being managed in partnership with Deloitte and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Prospective applicants are advised to carefully review the official vacancy requirements and application instructions before submitting their applications.

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POBA Supports Education, Donates Beds for 206 Students at Pankshin College

In an effort aimed at supporting the Plateau State’s educational sector, the Pankshin Old Boys Association (POBA) has donated 103 high-quality double-bunk metal beds to its alma mater, Government College Pankshin.

The donation, which is expected to provide comfortable sleeping spaces for 206 students, was described as a strategic move to improve the boarding conditions and academic focus of the students.

Speaking during the official presentation at the school premises Pankshin, the National President of POBA, Comrade Kenzy Ngupar, stated that the project was a product of the collective sacrifices of the association’s members.

He noted that the initiative was birthed after the association identified the lack of adequate bedding as a critical challenge hindering the students’ well-being.

Ngupar further emphasized that the gesture was designed to complement the “Time is Now” administration’s ongoing transformation of the institution.

“With the new structures being erected by the Plateau State Government, this donation of 103 double-bunk beds is our way of supporting the drive to revive the lost glory of this great college and return it to its rightful place among the top technical colleges in Nigeria,” Ngupar said.

While commissioning the project, a prominent alumnus Former Speaker of the Plateau State House Assembly and current Member representing Pankshin North Constituency Rt. Hon. Dewan Gabriel Kudangbena, lauded the Kenzy Ngupar-led executive for their “heart-touching” intervention.

The former Speaker of the State House of Assembly remarked, “When students have a comfortable place to rest, their brains are recharged for better learning. This is a direct investment in the futures of these children.”

While charging the school management to ensure the strict maintenance of the beds, Rt. Hon. Dewan pledged his continued partnership with the association to address other critical needs within his constituency.

Representing the State Commissioner for Education, Professor Gloria Samuel Karuri, the Director of Schools in the Ministry, Mr. Sabastine John, commended POBA for demonstrating a “positive partnership” with the state government.

He assured the association that the Ministry would continue to explore collaborative avenues to ensure that Government College Pankshin and other institutions across the state receive the necessary attention.

The Event was attended by the Zonal Director, Mr. Moses Dakup, and the Acting Area Director of Education for Pankshin LGC, Mr. Rottdung Peter Litim, while the School Principal, on behalf of the staff and students, expressed profound gratitude to the Old Boys for their unwavering commitment to the school’s development.

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Dangote Foundation to Support 2 Million Vulnerable Women With Refinery Shares

The Aliko Dangote Foundation is set to partner with state governments to help about two million vulnerable women acquire shares in Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, disclosed this in New York during the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

Dangote was responding to a question from the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr Goje Mohammed, on how public-private partnerships could support conflict-affected communities, particularly widows, in building sustainable financial futures.

According to Dangote, the foundation plans to work with state governments to facilitate the participation of widows, victims of conflict and other vulnerable women in the refinery’s proposed Initial Public Offering (IPO).

“We are partnering with state governments to ensure that widows and other vulnerable women are able to buy shares in the refinery,” Dangote said.

He added that the foundation would provide additional support to women who invest in the IPO by donating extra shares to them, which could serve as long-term savings.

“Beyond enabling them to buy shares, the foundation will also support them by donating additional shares that they can hold as savings for the future.

“We are looking at reaching about two million women through this initiative,” he added.

The initiative forms part of the broader Dangote Refinery “People’s IPO”, which seeks to expand Nigerian participation in the ownership of the 700,000-barrel-per-day refinery through the sale of shares.

The proposed partnership is expected to give particular attention to vulnerable women in conflict-affected communities, including widows and households facing economic hardship.

Under the arrangement, state governments and the foundation would help eligible women participate in the IPO, while the additional shares donated by the foundation would provide beneficiaries with a long-term financial asset.

The initiative is expected to combine women’s economic empowerment with broader efforts to expand public participation in the ownership of one of Nigeria’s major industrial investments.