From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State is set to host the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, tomorrow.

According to the State Government, the visit promises to be a memorable and impactful visit for the people of the state, particularly women.

The visit forms part of the Renewed Hope Initiative, a nationwide programme dedicated to empowering women, strengthening families, and improving the wellbeing of vulnerable groups across the country.

While in Benue, the First Lady will engage with women and beneficiaries of the initiative as part of efforts to deepen its impact at the grassroots.

Governor Hyacinth Alia expresses his pleasure at the forthcoming visit and is looking forward to receiving the nation’s First Lady.

He describes the visit as another positive step in the collaborative efforts of the Federal and State Governments to improve the lives of citizens, especially women and families.

A major highlight of Senator Tinubu’s visit will be the commissioning of 10 newly completed roads in Makurdi, out of the over 45 delivered by the Governor Alia administration.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, the 10 roads, spanning a total of 11.5 kilometres, represent a significant investment in urban renewal and infrastructure development aimed at improving mobility, boosting economic activities, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The roads to be commissioned are: Ishaya Bakut Road (Dual Carriageway), Off Ishaya Bakut Road (Spur 1), Off Ishaya Bakut Road (Spur 2), Off Ishaya Bakut Road (Spur 3),  Abu King Shuluwa Road, Mama Mbateren Alia Street (Former Keke Napep Road), Dabo Plaza to Fashion Hub Road, Sir James Iorpuu Street, Tyagher Gbaa Street and Jato-Aka Road

Following the commissioning ceremony in Makurdi, the First Lady will proceed to Ihugh, where she will perform the commissioning and handover ceremony of the Community ICT Centre.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the Benue State Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Mrs. Scholastica Bensor, said all preparations have been concluded for a successful outing.

According to her, women across Benue State are excited and eagerly looking forward to welcoming Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Bensor therefore calls on women, community leaders, support groups, and members of the public to turn out in large numbers to receive the First Lady and demonstrate the warmth, hospitality, and unity for which Benue people are known.

The Kebbi State Executive Council has approved the extension of the retirement age for medical and veterinary doctors in the state civil service from 60 to 65 years, in a move aimed at addressing manpower shortages and improving healthcare delivery.

The decision was announced on Monday in Birnin Kebbi by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Alhaji Auwal Manu Dogondaji, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting.

Dogondaji said the policy also extends the years of service for affected professionals from 35 to 40 years, whichever comes first.

According to him, the approval followed efforts by Governor Nasir Idris to strengthen the health sector and improve civil service efficiency.

“Medical and veterinary doctors in the State Civil Service were previously required to retire at the age of 60 in line with the general public service retirement policy,” the commissioner said.

He noted that the health sector continues to face shortages of skilled personnel, migration of professionals, and rising healthcare demands.

“You will find that many doctors attain their peak clinical experience and specialization between the ages of 55 and 65. Forcing retirement at 60 results in the loss of highly skilled consultants, surgeons and specialists who are still fit and actively contributing to service delivery, training and mentorship,” Dogondaji stated.

The commissioner said the policy is designed to retain experienced professionals whose expertise remains critical to the state’s healthcare system.

He added that the measure aligns Kebbi with evolving national and global practices, noting that the Federal Government and several other states have adopted similar policies.

“The Federal Government and some states, including Kogi, Niger and Cross River, as well as several countries around the world, have extended the retirement age for medical professionals to between 66 and 70 years,” he said.

Dogondaji also said the extension would help curb the migration of experienced doctors to states with more attractive conditions of service.

He disclosed that veterinary doctors employed by the state government would also benefit from the new policy.

However, he stressed that officers retained beyond 60 years or 35 years of service must undergo annual medical fitness certification and maintain satisfactory performance ratings.

“Retention beyond 60 years or 35 years of service will be subject to annual medical fitness certification and satisfactory performance appraisal,” he said.

The policy is scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026.

Nigeria’s health sector continues to grapple with brain drain, as medical professionals migrate abroad in search of better working conditions and remuneration, placing pressure on healthcare systems across the country.

Observers say the Kebbi policy is expected to preserve institutional knowledge, strengthen mentorship for younger doctors, and reduce workforce gaps in critical healthcare and veterinary services.

The approval forms part of the state government’s broader efforts to improve public service efficiency and expand access to quality healthcare for residents.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has warned schools and supervisors against extorting candidates through unauthorised charges, describing the practice as unethical and illegal.

The council said this in a statement issued on Monday by its Public Affairs Department, signed by Moyosola Adesina, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC, Yaba.

WAEC said reports revealed instances where candidates were compelled to pay money under various pretexts, including script transportation, welfare packages and administrative fees.

The council also expressed concern over schools demanding payment for KAPEK calculators, noting that the materials were supplied free of charge to candidates nationwide.

According to WAEC, such practices undermine the credibility of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination and threaten public confidence in educational assessments.

The council directed proprietors, principals, supervisors and invigilators to desist immediately from collecting money from candidates or parents on behalf of examination officials.

It urged the public to report extortion attempts to designated Zonal Coordinators, Branch Controllers or through official communication channels provided nationwide.

The council stressed that candidates must not be subjected to harassment, intimidation or coercion before, during or after examinations.

“Immediate reports of any extortion attempt should be made to the Zonal Coordinator or Branch Controller, or via publicaffairs@waec.org.ng and hnowaeclagos@yahoo.co.uk.

“No harassment or intimidation of candidates in any form will be tolerated,” it stated.

WAEC warned that offenders risked severe sanctions, including derecognition, blacklisting, prosecution and referral to relevant authorities, while reaffirming its commitment to examination integrity.