NEWS
South-South Devt Commission: We Need MD Position, Isoko Tells Tinubu
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isoko Nation, Delta State have called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint an Isoko son as the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).The appeal was made during a press conference held yesterday at the party’s secretariat in Oleh, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The APC members, led by Vincent Egbogbo, Isoko South APC Chairman, and Daniel Emebunor, Isoko North APC Chairman, expressed their concern over the continuous neglect of the Isoko people in federal appointments and infrastructure development. In the statement issued by the party leaders, they emphasized that Isoko, one of the five ethnic nationalities in Delta State, is the second most populous in the region and has made significant contributions to the national economy, particularly through its oil production.The Isoko oil fields produce a substantial amount of oil, with a gross output of 383,478.9 barrels daily, contributing 124,578.68 barrels of net output. Despite this, the region has been neglected in both federal appointments and infrastructure development since Nigeria’s independence.The Isoko APC stakeholders noted the pressing need for the region to be represented in critical federal appointments, stressing that the continued marginalization of Isoko people in national development efforts must be addressed.”We urge President Tinubu to recognize the importance of Isoko in the nation’s economy and to consider the Isoko nationality for key federal positions, including the Managing Director of the South South Development Commission,” the statement read.The APC members also pointed out that despite its significant contributions; Isoko has lacked essential infrastructural development.They noted that the region has remained peaceful and law-abiding, avoiding the destructive activities such as pipeline vandalism that have plagued other areas.“We deserve recognition and inclusion in the development of our nation, reflecting our significant contribution to the national economy,” the statement reads..The Isoko APC members expressed hope that President Tinubu would take the necessary steps to address the historical neglect and promote inclusive development for the Isoko people in Delta State and the wider South-South region.NEWS
2 policemen injured in fight against armed robbers in Kano
By Aminu Garko
Two Policemen, AbdullahiIbrahim and Yahaya Saidu, have sustained injuries during a fierce fight with a gang of armed robbers in Kano.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano, yesterday.
“The Kano State Police Command responded to a distress call on April 22, 2025, at about 1pm regarding an armed robbery syndicate led by a wanted notorious suspect, Halifa Baba-Beru of Gwammaja Quarters, Dala LGA.
“The gang was reportedly wielding dangerous weapons and attacking innocent people at Gwammaja Quarters in Dala LGA, Kano.
“Upon arrival, the police team was attacked by the hoodlums, leading to a fierce fight.
Two officers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Yahaya Saidu, sustained injuries, ” Kiyawa said.He said that the principal suspect, Baba-Beru, also sustained serious injuries, adding that all the injured parties were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
According to Kiyawa, the suspect died at the hospital while receiving treatment, just as the officers were treated and discharged.
He said that the command had launched an investigation into the incident and had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect’s accomplices.
Kiyawa said, “We assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.
“The command commends the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the operation.
“We remain committed to protecting lives and property in Kano State and urge the citizens to continue supporting our efforts by providing valuable information and intelligence.
“The command appeals to the public to report any suspicious activities or information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect’s accomplices.” ( NAN)
Education
FG Releases ₦50bn to University Unions

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, ha announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This landmark development stands as yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
According to a statement by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folashade Boriowo on Wednesday, the move reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.
The statement quoted the minister as saying Minister as saying, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
” By prioritizing their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
The Minister expresses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.
Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.
The President reiterated that, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past—forever.”
The Minister has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.
“This announcement marks a significant step in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to make the Nigerian education sector a shining model for Africa and the world”, the statement added
Education
Earned allowances: FG releases N50bn to varsity unions

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, April 23, 2025 (NAN) Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Director Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa said that the money was for settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, this ‘landmark development’ stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure and human capital.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of our president’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.
The minister expressed the president’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across the country’s federal institutions.
“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.
“This is a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” he said.
Alausa pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education comparable to global standards.