From Nicholas Dekera, Kaduna

A coalition of youths under the platform of the Progressive Movement for Good Governance in Kaduna Central Zone has declared its support for Hon. Yerima Shettima to represent the zone in the Senate come 2027.Speaking after what they described as “deep consultations, research, and wide engagements,” the group’s leader, Abubakar Abdullahi, said Hon.

Shettima is the most qualified to provide effective representation and give Kaduna Central youths a stronger voice in the nation’s legislative chamber. “With Yerima Shettima in the Senate, the youths will have a high sense of belonging, and a more prosperous representation will be achieved,” Abdullahi said. “The universe is calling — it is our time to answer. Shettima is our choice and our voice. He is the man the cap fits, who understands our day-to-day problems and also has the capacity, knowledge, wisdom and strength to lead us to the Promised Land.”Abdullahi further urged Kaduna Central youths to rally behind Shetima, stressing that their energy, creativity, and passion are vital to shaping the future of both the zone and the state.“Let unity guide us, let strategy strengthen us, and let patriotism lead us,” he declared. “The time for a better Kaduna Central is loading — a proud leadership that will bring development for all, without sentiment or bias. With Yerima Shettima, the possibility is assured.

From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Monday launched the Widows Welfare Scheme, a landmark initiative aimed at providing financial and healthcare support for 10,000 widows across the state.The official flag-off, held at the Events Centre, Asaba, marks a key milestone in the Governor’s MORE Agenda, particularly the pillar of “Opportunities for All,” which prioritizes inclusiveness and support for vulnerable groups.

Governor Oborevwori, who spoke at the event, described widowhood as a painful circumstance that no one chooses, lamenting that many widows are often left to grapple with neglect and survival challenges after losing their spouses. “Being a widow is not by choice. Beyond the pain of losing a loved one, widows are left with the burden of survival. That is why this administration is determined to improve their living conditions and give them hope,” he stated.Under the scheme, each widow will receive a monthly stipend of N15,000, paid directly into their bank accounts. Beneficiaries will immediately receive N45,000 covering three months in arrears.In addition, all enrollees will be covered under the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, guaranteeing free access to healthcare services at accredited facilities across the state.The Governor emphasized that the initiative is non-political and beneficiaries were carefully selected through a transparent, community-driven process across the 270 federal wards of the state, with input from traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations.He explained that the delay in the flag-off was to ensure that only genuine widows—particularly the aged and physically challenged—were captured.“This health insurance is even more important than the stipends because it ensures that no widow is denied medical care due to lack of funds,” Oborevwori added.He also highlighted that since the inception of his administration, over 266,000 people have benefitted from social investment programmes, including women empowerment schemes, youth initiatives, business support programmes, and the MORE grant project.He assured that further interventions in job creation and empowerment for women and youths would follow soon.Executive Assistant to the Governor on Social Investment Programmes, Elder Isioma Okonta, who coordinated the scheme, described it as a “historic milestone” in Delta’s social investment journey.He commended the Governor’s compassion and also praised the First Lady, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, for her consistent advocacy for widows.Some beneficiaries, including Christiana Akaluzia, Elizabeth Mukoro, and Mercy Ololo, expressed gratitude to the Governor for the support, noting that the scheme has given them renewed hope.With the launch of the Widows Welfare Scheme, Delta State has positioned itself as a model for inclusive and compassionate governance in Nigeria.

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio yesterday returned to the country from a brief vacation in London, promising Nigerians of robust legislative engagements when the senate resumes from its annual recess on September 23.His return has however put an end to the speculation that the Senate President was critically ill and admitted in a London hospital.

Recall that Akpabio had attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva between July 29 and 31st after which he headed to London for a short vacation. The Senate President, who touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 4.00am Monday was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides and Nigerians from different walks of life.Fielding questions from journalists on arrival, the Senate President “promised Nigerians robust legislative engagements on resumption”.He further justified the presence of a strong Nigerian delegation at the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva, assuring the people of more derivatives of democratic governance and effective collaboration with the other arms of government.