NEWS
FG Commends TETFund’s Broker Relationship Between Academia, Industry
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for proffering solutions to the missing link between academia and the industry.
Mamman made the commendation in Abuja on Tuesday during a press conference on the TETFund Research Exhibition, scheduled to hold in November 17.
The minister said intense and wide consultations were ongoing with institutions and organisations that could partner with and support TETFund.
This he said was to drive interest and encourage organisations and individuals to participate and identify technologies with a view to establishing enterprises and/or enhancing the performance of existing businesses.
The minister expressed confidence in the fund for recognising the imperative need to enhance the linkages of these impressive academia performances to industry and the day-to-day life on the average Nigerian.
“This is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President, which mainly aims at “rebooting” the economy through the massive generation of jobs, creation of wealth and the improvement of the general welfare of Nigerians.
“It is also to see and use such technologies for establishing viable enterprises for the provision of goods and services with net effect of massive generation of jobs, creation of wealth,” he said .
Mamman added that to implement the mandate, TETFund had further established a Research Fair Sub-Committee under the NRFS&MC in July 2024, to serve as the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
According to him, the committee are to urgently take stock of all research output technologies from Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Research Institutes and others, and document them.
“They are to also screen and select candidate technologies to be showcased at the research fair with emphasis on technologies that will immediately impact upon and grow the national economy.
“To cluster selected technologies into sectors to ease exhibition and catalyse the interest of potential investors and entrepreneurs.
“To identify, collaborate, reach out to and closely work with all relevant stakeholders (business support, funding and IP management) for success and effectiveness of the fair,” he added.
He added that financial institutions, funding agencies and venture capitalists had been identified to provide funding to the promising organisations, individuals and entrepreneurs who source technologies to establish enterprises.
He also said that the Call Circular inviting the Institutions and individuals to submit their technologies as entries to the fair had been finalised and would be released today.
He urged researchers, inventors and creators who expressed interest to showcase their technologies, to participate free of charge in the fair.
The Chairman, TETFund research fair committee, Mr Umar Bindir, promised to take the bull by the horn to deliver on the mandate of the president in the area of research.
On his part, the TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, expressed the appreciation of the federal government for the commencement of the project through the media briefing.
Echono pledged the readiness of the fund to harness the potential recorded in the area of innovation and creativity in tertiary institutions.
He called on private investors to take advantage of the fair to showcase their works, leading to job creation in the country.
The event, which is set to bring together researchers, inventors, and creators to share their cutting-edge projects and visionary ideas, will take place at Eagle Square, Abuja.(NAN)
NEWS
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.
The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.
During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.
Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.
The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.
The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.
Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens
NEWS
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
By David Torough, Abuja
Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.
Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.
The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.
The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.
From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.
Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.
Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.
Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
NEWS
Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.
A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.
“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.
Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”
The PPRO did not disclosed further information.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.
He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.
He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

