From Francis Sadhere, Delta

Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori has stressed the importance of strengthening internal security mechanisms as a vital catalyst for sustainable economic growth and development.The governor made this statement yesterday while receiving participants of Senior Course 47 from the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, led by the Director of Coordination, Brigadier General Al-Hassan Grema, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Asaba.

Emphasizing that peace and safety attract investment and development, Oborevwori said his administration is committed to maintaining a secure, stable, and business-friendly environment across the state.“Security is not only a social necessity but an economic driver,” the governor stated. “Without prioritizing security, inclusive development would remain a mirage.”He lauded Brig. Gen. Grema for his exemplary service during his tenure as a Sector Commander in the state and highlighted the relevance of the study tour’s theme, “Harnessing Grassroots Intelligence for Enhanced Internal Security,” to Nigeria’s current security challenges.“If well researched, it will offer practical solutions to emerging security challenges that have negatively impacted our GDP, in addition to the tragic loss of lives,” Oborevwori noted.Reiterating his administration’s commitment under the MORE Agenda, the governor said Delta State has established intelligence-gathering offices and holds regular Security Council meetings with heads of security agencies to stay ahead of threats.He also mentioned the state’s continued support for federal security agencies through logistical assistance and collaboration with host communities and national stakeholders to maintain peace—especially around critical oil installations.Earlier, Brig. Gen. Grema expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, describing Delta State as his second home.He explained that the 57-member delegation is conducting field research as part of the College’s environmental study tour, with teams dispatched to various states nationwide.“The Armed Forces Command and Staff College is a tri-service institution that trains operational-level officers to the highest professional standards,” Grema said, adding that participants also include officers from sister African nations like Tanzania and Mali, as well as members of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies.He praised Governor Oborevwori’s grassroots engagement, noting that the tour would provide invaluable insights into community-level security efforts.“If there’s anyone I know to be close to the grassroots, it is His Excellency,” Grema said. “The students have come to the right place for first-hand insights into grassroots operations.”The governor concluded by urging the officers to make the most of their visit and assured them that Delta State was open to recommendations arising from their research.

The Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) has announced plans for a comprehensive deployment of technology to transform basic education delivery across Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of UBEC, Mrs Aisha Garba, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, during a media briefing ahead of the 2025 International Conference on Smart Education and Digital Literacy (ICSE 2025).

Report says that the conference was jointly organised by the commission and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

The three-day conference, scheduled for May 6 to May 9 in Abuja, is with the its theme: “Empowering African Smart Education Through Emerging Technologies”.

According to Garba, the event is aimed at repositioning Nigeria to align with some other African countries in integrating technology into education.

She cited the example of Rwanda, which has been using technology in basic education system for many years.

“They they have reached a level of using AI in their classrooms.

“For us in Nigeria, we have already started by doing the smart schools, which already many of you are aware of, ” she said.

The executive  secretary revealed that there were 36 plus one smart school in each of the states in Nigeria.

She said that the smart schools were equipped with high technology, content studios, and teachers that were already skilled in the technology of teaching and learning in classrooms.

Garba emphasised the need to equip basic schools with the infrastructure necessary for a smart education system.

“From the data, it shows that less than 50 per cent of public primary schools in Nigeria have digital technology, ” she said.

She said that whether a child was in the rural area, semi-urban or urban area, there should be a technology appropriate to be applied.

Also speaking, the KOICA Country Director, Kim Eunsub, emphasised South Korea’s support for Nigeria’s smart education journey through the KOICA Smart School Initiative in collaboration with UBEC.

Eunsub said that the initiative had already facilitated the construction of state-of-the-art smart schools, the training of teachers and administrators, and the sharing of learning resources.

He described the upcoming conference as a platform to deepen collaboration and build on the progress of the initiative.

Eunsub further revealed plans for a second phase of the project to begin in 2026.

Earlier, Deputy Executive Secretary (Technical) of UBEC, Rasaq Olajuwon, said that the conference sought to expand access to quality basic education through inclusive, technology-driven initiatives.

“We are delighted to have 26 distinguished dignitaries, 144 teachers from across Nigeria, and 30 delegates from various African countries joining us,” he said.(NAN)

President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of two newly appointed Federal Permanent Secretaries to key ministries.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Eno Olotu, Director, Public Relations, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of  the Federation (HCSF), on Monday in Abuja.

Olotu said the move aimed at enhancing governance and promoting effective service delivery.

According to him, the permanent secretaries were appointed following a competitive selection process and are expected to bring experience, professionalism and innovation to their respective roles.

Listing the names of the officials and their postings, Olotu said Mr Rafiu Adeladan  was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy,  while Dr Mukhtar Mohammed was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy.

“The HCSF, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack congratulated the new appointees and urged them to demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and leadership in their new assignments.

“She reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring efficient policy implementation across ministries,” he said