Bandits have abducted a man, Bitrus Jayawa and his wife, Martha Bitrus, from a farm in Katambi community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A resident of Katambi, Markus Iliya, said the incident happened around 9:12 am on Monday when the couple were busy clearing the farm ahead of cultivation.

He said the victims went to the farm along with three of their children, saying the children first sighted the bandits and immediately took to their heels.

“It was even the three children of the victims, who sighted the bandits coming into the farm, before they escaped and the bandits went after the couple,” he said.

A community leader, who preferred anonymity, also confirmed the abduction of a couple at a farm in Katambi village on Monday.

He said immediately he received the distress call, he quickly alerted the security operatives at Sabon- Kurutu junction.

“Although before the troops stationed at Kurutu junction cool arrived at the farm, the bandits had already escaped with the victims into the forest,” he said.

Spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, DSP Hassan Mansur, is yet to confirm the latest abduction as calls put across him were not answered.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has inaugurated Nigeria’s first chip design training programme, aimed at equipping young Nigerians with skills for emerging opportunities in semiconductor technology globally and across the country.

Executive Secretary of NBTE, Prof.

Idris Bugaje disclosed this at the Abuja inauguration on Tuesday, stating the initiative was created to bridge Nigeria’s widening skills gap in semiconductor chip design.

Bugaje explained that the programme would empower Nigerian youths to compete in the rapidly expanding technology sector, particularly in areas of Artificial Intelligence, robotics, banking systems, and advanced digital and industrial infrastructures.

He emphasised, “There are very serious gaps in chip design skills across the world, and Nigeria should participate in filling those gaps.

“Opportunities exist locally, without needing to leave Nigeria.

“The six-month programme will be delivered online, allowing participants to acquire industry-relevant expertise remotely while gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the multibillion-dollar semiconductor industry globally.”

Bugaje added that while only a few countries manufactured semiconductor chips, design work could be carried out anywhere, providing Nigeria an entry point into global technological innovations and the lucrative semiconductor market.

He said the initiative aligned with Nigeria’s broader industrial and technological development goals, adding that NBTE aimed to position the country as a future hub for semiconductor design expertise.

“The programme could generate about 100 million dollars annually, rising potentially to one billion dollars within five years, making a significant contribution to Nigeria’s economy and Gross Domestic Product,” Bugaje projected.

The NBTE boss said the programme costs about 7 million Naira per participant, roughly 5,000 dollars, but NBTE subsidised half while partner companies recovered the balance after successful employment of trainees.

He encouraged young Nigerians to embrace emerging digital skills rather than solely relying on traditional career paths.

“Semiconductor technology is the foundation of the technology of the future, and we must prepare now,” he said.

A software and robotics engineer, Dr Salim Maaji, said the rapid growth of AI motivated his interest in chip design, adding it ensured professionals remained relevant as technology rapidly evolved and transformed labour markets.

Maaji said, “AI needs microchips to function. Learning how to design them means becoming part of the future rather than watching technology replace existing jobs,” stressing the urgency of skill acquisition.

Similarly, Dr Mariam Idris, a data science researcher, said the intensive six-month programme made advanced semiconductor training accessible compared to traditional university programmes that often took several years to complete.

Idris urged Nigerian youths to explore chip design as an emerging career path with high global demand and limited competition.

She advised participants to continually update skills, tracking trends in AI and semiconductor innovation.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The Enugu State Government said science has transformed the health system’s delivery and general outcomes in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said this during a press briefing to mark 2026 World Health Day (WHD), championed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHD Day, which is celebrated every April 7, is with the theme: “Together for Health.

Stand with Science.”

Ugwu said, “Here in Enugu State, we have witnessed the power of science-driven policies under the vision and leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State.

“Through improved disease surveillance systems, strengthened laboratory capacity, and coordinated emergency preparedness under the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control framework, and normative standards set by WHO, we are better equipped to detect and respond to outbreaks.

”

He noted that through investments in Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) revitalisation, targeting 260 new Type-2 PHCs, and seven Type-3 PHCs, is a testament to the vision of Gov. Mbah towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Ugwu said that the state was accelerating routine immunisation coverage; reducing maternal mortality and morbidity through improved reproductive, maternal, and child and neonatal health services, and digital health grounded in data and evidence.

He acknowledged the partnership of UN agencies and NGOs in improving the health of residents, especially the WHO, celebrating its 78th birthday, for providing technical assistance and catalytic financial support in support of state health programmes.

Ugwu noted that in the state, like many parts of the country, the health system contends with workforce gaps, infrastructure needs, funding constraints, and increasing demand for quality health services.

The commissioner said, “These challenges are interconnected. They cannot be solved by one sector alone. That is why the One Health approach is particularly relevant for us.”

He said that the state was strengthening collaboration between health, agriculture and environmental sectors to improve surveillance, risk assessment and cure in a holistic way.

“As a state, the vision of Gov. Peter Mbah aligns with four key pillars: universal health coverage; resilient health systems, modernization and workforce development; and state ownership and sustainability.”

He noted that together through science, solidarity, and sustained commitment, the state would build a healthier, safer and more prosperous state for all.

The lined-up of activities for the World Health Day and 78th birthday of WHO, included: a roadshow within Enugu metropolis and two days medical outreach by WHO and the state health ministry for civil servants.