NEWS
Enugu State Governor Flags-Off Distribution of Teaching and Learning Materials to Smart Green Schools
From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
In a bold step towards strengthening the quality of basic education, the Enugu State Governor Barr. Peter Mbah has officially flagged off the distribution of teaching and learning materials across the Smart Green Schools in Enugu State, under the auspices of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
The well-attended ceremony, held at the ENSUBEB premises, brought together top government functionaries, education stakeholders, school administrators, teachers, and pupils in a colourful and impactful event that showcased the state’s unwavering commitment to educational transformation.
The Executive Chairman of Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board, Associate Professor Hyginus Banko Okibe, in a welcome address/speech, expressed gratitude to the state government and UBEC for their continued support of education, especially at the foundational level. He emphasized that the distribution exercise marks another milestone in the ongoing transformation of basic education in Enugu State.*
Prof. Okibe noted that the Enugu State government has taken full responsibility for children’s education, to enable them to have equal access to education and compete with their peers across the globe. He maintained that the governor has done so much in the basic education sector by building over 260 Smart Green Schools in the 260 political wards of Enugu State, and has commenced the equipping of the Smart Green Schools with full digital tools, which make Smart Green Schools actually Smart.
According to him, *His Excellency, has made learning interesting and all-inclusive by reinforcing his vision of building a future-ready generation through accessible and high-quality basic education.
*In all, over one hundred thousand textbooks, seven thousand school bags, seven thousand school sandals, several thousands of pencils, and seven thousand exercise books were among the items to be distributed.*
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Aisha Garba represented by Enugu State UBEC Officer, Mr. Innocent Onyeabor, said that the distribution is about strengthening hope, reinforcing their collective belief that every Nigerian child deserves access to quality, inclusive, and equitable basic education.
She further stated that the intervention aligns fully with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which places education at the centre of national development. Dr. Garba emphasized that the statutory mandate of UBEC remains to coordinate the implementation of the Universal Basic Education programme nationwide, to encourage school enrolment, and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
She announced that UBEC is distributing approximately fifteen million school bags, sandals, and writing materials across all the states of Nigeria, aimed at reducing the financial burden to poor families.
The UBEC Boss also emphasized that the timely provision of instructional materials would significantly enhance teaching effectiveness, and improve learning outcomes across schools.*
The Governor Barr. Peter Mbah, who was represented by Professor Benedette Okolie, the Hon. Commissioner for Human Capital Development, declared the event open, reaffirming the Governor’s dedication to repositioning the education sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, and instructional resources.*
She reinstated the governor’s commitment towards sustaining the Smart Green School projects in the state, noting that the state government has placed education on high priority because of its importance in building and moulding factories of future hope.
Therefore, the distribution of materials according to her, is a critical component of the administration’s Smart Green Schools initiative aimed at delivering inclusive, equitable, and quality education. She therefore encouraged the learners to study with passion to be the pioneers of the Enugu dream.
In a goodwill message, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Uche Callistus Ugwu, lauded the initiative and praised the state government for the huge investment in education, stating that education has the highest priority in his agenda.
He described it as a strategic investment in the future of Enugu children. He reiterated that the Governor of Enugu State, mapped out 33% of the state budget in order to boost the quality of basic education in the state.
Hon Ugwu assured them of the Assembly’s continued legislative support for policies and programmes that uplift the education sector, and urged the learners to make judicious use of the materials to support the huge amount being spent on education.
In another goodwill message, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Beatrice Ewoh stressed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting ENSUBEB to ensure that the distributed materials are effectively utilized in classrooms. She urged teachers and school heads to see the resources as tools for delivering impactful and learner-centered education to make the learners pillars and great people of our tomorrow.*
The Chairman, House Committee on Education, Hon. Osita Eze highlighted the importance of oversight in ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution process while commending ENSUBEB for its diligence and organizational excellence.
The Executive Chairman of the Post Primary School Management Board (PPSMB), Rev. Fr. Dr. Hillary Mgbodile, and the Executive Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), Dr. Amaka S. Ngene, both applauded the initiative, noting that strengthening foundational education is key to building a robust post-primary education system.
Representatives from six Smart Green Schools were in attendance, including Owo Smart Green School, GTC SGS Campus 1, New Haven Smart Green School, Queens Smart Green School, Amechi Idodo Smart Green School, etc. The presence of enthusiastic learners added colour and excitement to the occasion, thus, reflecting the direct beneficiaries of the initiative.
The event featured the symbolic presentation of school uniforms, bags, pairs of sandals, and other instructional materials to five selected Smart Green Schools through the learners and head teachers of each school.*
The distribution of teaching and learning materials is expected to enhance classroom delivery, support teachers with relevant instructional tools, and ultimately improve pupils’ academic performance across the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Member 2, Hon. Mrs. Uche Eze thanked the state Governor, Dr. Barr. Peter Mbah for his doggedness in supporting the education sector and also UBEC in their supportive role in enhancing basic education in Nigeria. She also thanked other major stakeholders in the education sector and prayed for their continued support.
The closing prayer was made by Rev. Fr. Hillary Mgbodile, who thanked God for everything and prayed that the initiative of the Enugu State Government continues to set a strong pace in educational development.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
A tragic domestic incident has left a 60-year-old man dead after he was allegedly assaulted by his son in Minna, the Niger State capital.
The deceased, identified as Ali Haruna, was reportedly attacked by his son, Usman, at the Shango area of Chanchaga Local Government Area on Monday.
Sources said the incident occurred behind a primary school in the community during a family dispute.
Usman was said to have intervened during an alleged altercation between his parents, in which his mother was reportedly being maltreated by the deceased.
In the process, the son allegedly struck his father, causing him to collapse and slip into a coma.
Haruna was rushed to the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Specialist Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Residents of the area said there had been long standing reports of domestic violence within the family.
When contacted for confirmation, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has thrown the Shango community into shock, while investigations are expected to commence into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Pope Leo XIV commemorated the first anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Francis, as he addressed worshippers in Equatorial Guinea yesterday.
The pontiff paid tribute to his predecessor’s commitment to the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in society.
As he flew from Angola to Equatorial Guinea, Leo said Francis had given “his witness, his words, and his gestures.
He did so by truly living close to the poorest, to the least, to the sick, to children, and to the elderly.”
In tribute, Leo said, “Let us thank the Lord for the great gift of Francis’ life to the whole Church and to the whole world.
”As Pope, Francis headed the Catholic Church from 2013 to 2025. He died at the age of 88.
The current pope, who was the curia cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a U.S. and Peruvian citizen, was then elected to succeed him.
Equatorial Guinea is the final stop on the pope’s 11-day tour.
Africa is one of the regions of the world where the Catholic Church is growing.
There are currently around 290 million Catholics living on the continent, and this could rise to more than 700 million by the end of this century, forecasts suggest.
From Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government has confirmed a case of COVID-19 and swiftly activated its public health emergency response mechanisms to contain any potential spread, health authorities announced.
Making the disclosure in Calabar, The State Commissioner for Health, Dr.
Henry Egbe Ayuk, Tuesday at a press briefing assured residents that the situation is under control and that there is no need for panic, he saidHe said the confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived Nigeria about a month ago and works in a company at Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The patient, who initially presented mild symptoms, was later admitted to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, where samples were collected and the infection confirmed.“The patient is currently receiving care at the state’s designated isolation and treatment centre and is responding well to treatment,” the commissioner said.
He emphasized that the government deliberately delayed public announcement until all diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid misinformation, adding that the state remains vigilant in disease surveillance and response.
Ayuk noted that global interconnectedness continues to expose populations to infectious diseases, stressing that COVID-19, like other outbreaks, is not peculiar to Nigeria.
“We are living in a world of mobile populations, and public health threats can easily cross borders. What matters is the capacity to detect and contain them promptly, and that is what we are doing.
“The state is safe. There is no cause for alarm, but we must all play our part in preventing the spread,” Ayuk reiterated.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that this is the first officially recorded COVID-19 case in Cross River since 2022, attributing the low visibility of recent cases to widespread vaccination and the prevalence of mild or unreported infections.
She explained that COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and respiratory distress in severe cases often resemble malaria, which may contribute to underreporting.
“With even a single confirmed case, it qualifies as an outbreak, and that is why we immediately activated the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC),” Ekpenyong said.
She disclosed that rapid response teams have been deployed to Akamkpa LGA, while contact tracing and line-listing of exposed individuals are ongoing. Identified contacts are being monitored daily within the virus’ incubation period of two to 14 days.
WHO State Coordinator, Dr. Olatunde Rebecca, highlighted the importance of sustained surveillance, risk communication, and provision of testing materials. She also warned against misinformation, describing it as a key factor that can worsen outbreak outcomes.
“COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces. Preventive measures such as hand hygiene, use of face masks, and physical distancing remain critical,” she said.
Rebecca added that efforts are underway, in collaboration with national health authorities, to determine the specific strain involved in the current case.
Son Kills Father While Defending Mother in Niger
ShareFrom Dan Amasingha, Minna A tragic domestic incident has left a 60-year-old man dead after he was allegedly assaulted by...
Man City, Inter, Chelsea, Juventus Face Off in Hong Kong for Preseason
ShareEnglish and Italian football giants Manchester City, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Juventus will square up for pre-season friendlies in Hong Kong in August, the clubs...
Pope Leo XIV Pays Tribute to Predecessor on Anniversary of His Death
SharePope Leo XIV commemorated the first anniversary of the death of his predecessor, Francis, as he addressed worshippers in Equatorial Guinea yesterday. The pontiff paid tribute to his...
Labour Party Fixes National Convention April 28
ShareThe Labour Party has fixed its national convention for April 28 in Umuahia, Abia. The party also officially released the list of chairmen and members of its electoral sub-committees for the forthcoming...
Cross River Confirms Case of COVID-19
ShareFrom Ene Asuquo, Calabar The Cross River State Government has confirmed a case of COVID-19 and swiftly activated its public health emergency response mechanisms to contain any potential...
Nigeria Imports 61.7m Barrels US Crude In Two Years
ShareNigeria imported about 61.7 million barrels of crude oil from the United States between January 2024 and January 2026, underscoring...
FG Slams 13-Count Charge against Alleged Coup Plotters
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against...
Tinubu Restructures Economic Team, Drops Wale Edun, Dangiwa
ShareBy Tony Obiechina and Raphael Atuu, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved a minor reshuffle of the Federal Executive Council,...
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged...
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent...