From Jude Dangwam, Jos

The Eggon ethnic nationality has been charged to preserved and uphold their rich cultural heritage as they host the 2025 International Museum Day in Jos Plateau State capital.The Executive Governor of Nasarawa state, His Excellency Governor Abdullahi Sule task the people not to allowed external influence to interfere with their rich cultural heritage, cherished custom, values and tradition that stand them out as a people over time.

The 2025 International Museum Day with the theme: “The Place of Museum in a Rapidly Changing Economy”, held at the Jos Museum was put together by the National Commission for Museum and Monuments in partnership with the Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA). The Eggon Nation who became the first ethnic Nationalities to secured the hosting right of the international museum day outside the autochthonousethnic nationalities in Plateau state and roll out their age-long custom and tradition as well as their artifacts to mark the day.The Executive Governor of Plateau State Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Hospitality Hon. Cornelius Doekyok noted that there is unity in diversity hence the hosting right by the Eggon people has further strengthen the unity between Plateau and Nasarawa state.He said the theme of this year’s International Museum Day is apt, considering the fact that government is exploring economic opportunities in the creative industry.The Governor maintained that the Museum simulate tourism and creates jobs opportunities and serve as an educational platform that equipped future generation with critical thinking.Mutfwang emphasized that the preservation of Eggon heritage through the Museum as the right steps in the right direction pointing that it will inspired generations to come.”The preservation and promotion of Eggon heritage through Museum initiative not only safeguard invaluable knowledge but also unlocks significant economic opportunities by engaging with the arts, crafts, music and history of the Eggon people, this do not only enrich our understanding of humanity but also contribute to a sustainable cultural economy.”Let us also used this International Museum Day to reflect on how we can further empower our museum to be dynamic contributors to economic prosperity in ensuring the cultural preservation and economic properties goes hand in hand. “Let us celebrate the enduring spirit of the Eggon people and commit to fostering an environment where their cultural legacies will continue to thrive and inspired generations to come.” Mutfwang stated. The Aren Eggon HRH Ahmed Alaku I, said the International Museum Day has given the Eggon Nation the opportunity to showcase their rich cultural heritage as well as the tourism potentials in Eggon land. He said Eggon land offers immense opportunities in agriculture, mining, tourism. Emphasizing that Eggon land is safe and encourage investors to come and invest in Eggon land. The Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba commended the Eggon Nation to safeguarding their rich cultural heritage and called for the reinstatement of history as a subject at primary and secondary education in Nigeria towards equipping the younger generations of their cultural heritage and to foster unity among the various ethnic nationalities in the central part of the country. The District Head of Wakama, Chief Adams Makka Nangba(JP) and Chairman Sub-committee on culture and Artifacts International Museum Day 2025 noted that some of the cultural troops at the international festival consist of the “Olulu dancers, Anzalu dancers, the war dancers, Moa Anungu” among other artists of the Eggon music to the delight of the peopleHe said deferent traditional delicacies ranging from “Ebiekpmre ta-la ebyi, Adom, Asusu-aneme, When, Kafme, Ekpajbe, Asusu ta-la Ekbiekpmre and farming implements as well as security weaponry used in precolonial times during communal wars.He noted that the International Museum Day has placed Eggon Nation on the international map of cultures hence their resolved to continue to work together for the growth and development of the Eggon Nation.The Curator of the Jos National Museum and Monuments Mr. Linus Kingi expressed his satisfaction with the contents package by the Eggon nationality and pledged more deeper collaborations with government and traditional institutions in establishing more Museums in Plateau state.The International Museum Day brought together the entire Nasarawa State cabinet to the time city consisting of the Governor, the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly RT. Hon. Danladi Jatau, the Aren Eggon HRH Ah ed Alaku I, the Gbong Gwom Jos Da Jacob Gyang Buba, the Emir of Lafia HRH Sidi Muhammad I, the former GOC 3 Division, former Governor Joshua Dariye among other dignitaries.

By Andrew Oota , Abuja

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to adopt a more balanced and empathetic approach in enforcing revenue collection measures, particularly in relation to ground rent payments and property seizures within the Federal Càpital City.

In a statement issued by its National President, Alhassan Yahaya Abdullahi, the union commended the Minister’s commitment to infrastructural development and internally generated revenue, IGR, drives aimed at transforming the capital city. However, while recognizing these achievements, the union expressed concern over the current revenue enforcement methods. The journalists’ body warned that implementing heavy financial demands amid prevailing economic hardships could threaten the welfare of ordinary citizens and the broader economy. Abdullahi said: “The recent sealing of hotels and businesses, though understood as a push for compliance, raises fears about possible business closures, job losses, and a weakening local economy. “The FCT Administration should ensure that enforcement actions, especially those involving ground rent collection and property seizures, are conducted strictly in line with due process and legal frameworks.” He also, cautioned against any perceived arbitrary moves that could foster uncertainty, discourage investment, and weaken public trust. The union also highlighted possible negative implications for Nigeria’s image abroad if enforcement measures are seen to trample on citizens’ rights or bypass democratic procedures, noting that, “such actions could risk deterring foreign investors and damaging the country’s international reputation. “Development in the FCT must reflect empathy, respect for human rights, and unshaken adherence to the rule of law. “It is through these principles that the credibility of the FCT Administration and integrity of the Tinubu-led administration can be truly safeguarded,” he added.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the protection, development, and empowerment of every Nigerian child.In his address to the nation, President Tinubu described Nigerian children as “the pride and future of our great nation,” emphasizing their role as the custodians of tomorrow’s promise, innovation, and leadership.

The president who made these remarks at the 2025 national children’s day highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Generation. ”The president, who was represented by the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud stated that violence, bullying, and neglect have no place in Nigeria.Tinubu announced the full implementation of the National Plan of Action on Ending Violence Against Children (2024–2030):He said this comprehensive roadmap was aimed at preventing abuse, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting victims. The plan is backed by robust financing and multi-sectoral coordination.President Tinubu said; “government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Child Rights Act (2003) and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (2015) to expand protections, close implementation gaps, and ensure nationwide enforcement.”The Cybercrime Act is also being leveraged to combat cyberbullying and online exploitation.”The Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS) is being scaled up for real-time tracking and response to cases.” The Ministry of Women’s Affairs is strengthening community-based mechanisms and leading nationwide awareness campaigns.”On Education and Inclusion, the president said a National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools has been introduced, with guidelines for school administrators. Social-emotional learning and child safeguarding embedded in teacher training.The president further stressed that the government is expanding access to primary healthcare, upscaling Mother and Child Hospitals, and implementing the Nutrition 774 programme and School Feeding Scheme to ensure no child goes hungry and every child receives the nutrition needed to thrive.The President assured children that their voices and dreams matter while urging them to speak up if they were bullied or harmed, promising that they would be heard and protected.The President commended states that have taken bold steps for children’s welfare and urged others to follow suit.FCT Women Affairs Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi calls for Bullying-Free Schools and Full Implementation of Child Rights ActBenjamins-Laniyi, in her address, commended parents, caregivers, and educators for their vital role in nurturing children and emphasized the importance of children as the nation’s future.The Secretary expressed concern over persistent bullying in schools and urged students to speak out against such acts while encouraging school management to foster safe, inclusive environments and innovative curricula.”The Women Affairs Secretariat has also championed interventions such as advocacy against Gender-Based violence and improved guidelines for orphanage homes,” she affirmed.Benjamins-Laniyi reminded the gathering of Nigeria’s adoption of the Child Rights Act in 2003 and called for its full domestication and implementation by all states to ensure every Nigerian child enjoys their fundamental rights.The high point of the event was the presentation of trophies to deserving schools that participated in a march pass to commemorate the 2025 national children’s day celebration.