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I’ll Increase Investment in Technology to Drive Development- Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari
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By Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday, in Abuja said that channelling more investments in Nigeria’s technological sector, and opening up space for creativity and innovation with digital skills would play a significant role in providing jobs for youths and growing the economy.

President Buhari said this when he received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, Luis Filipe Ribeiro Da Silva Barros, at the State House.

The president noted that the wave of technological growth across the globe had provided more opportunities for development for countries, especially for the economies willing to retool and build capacities in areas of need.

“Technology has come to stay and, as a country, we are exploring opportunities for advancement, especially in providing jobs for our teeming youths,’’ he said.

The President said “many hands in the country are willing and waiting to be meaningfully engaged’’, urging the ambassador to focus on building stronger economic ties with Nigeria that will be mutually rewarding.

In his remarks, the Portuguese ambassador said he had already discovered start-up companies in many parts of the country, assuring of partnerships that will enhance the capacity of the small businesses especially in areas of agriculture, academics, vocational skills and security.

The Ambassador congratulated the President for winning a second term in office, promising to push bilateral relations with Nigeria to “new levels’’.

Receiving Letters of Credence of the High Commissioner of Jamaica to Nigeria, Esmond St Clair Reid, President Buhari said that he was pleased with the growing community of Nigerians in the country, and the harmonious ways they have been conducting themselves, and exploring opportunities in businesses.

The president assured the High Commissioner of Nigeria’s support in improving bilateral relations.

The Jamaican High Commissioner to Nigeria told the President that the growing community in Jamaica had been very active in academics, like the Maritime University, adding “we look forward to broad cooperation because there’s a lot we can do together in areas of tourism, craft and skills transfer under your leadership.’’

President Buhari, who received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of Indonesia, Dr Usra Hendra Harahap, said trade relations between both countries should be improved, appreciating the country for always standing by Nigeria in international affairs like the recent election of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, as President of 74th General Assembly.

In his remark, the Ambassador of Indonesia said his country will be willing to have stronger relations with Nigeria on security, trade and crude oil importation.

“Nigeria’s oil is top quality, with less sulphur content, so we are deeply in need of supply,’’ he said.

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Anyanwu Faction Calls for Implementation of Peace Committee Report

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Three members of the Samuel Anyanwu Faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who filed suit to stop the PDP conversation have called for the implementation of the recommendations of the party’s reconciliation Committee to bring lasting peace to the party.

They are Barr.

George Turna (PDP South-South Zonal Secretary), Hon.
Amah Abraham (PDP Chairman Abia) and Hon Austin Nwachukwu (Imo Chairman).

Addressing a news conference on Friday, the trio stressed that state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention due to hold on Saturday and Sunday in Ibadan.

“Principal among our concerns was the conduct of state congresses. We believed that, by our procedures, state congresses ought to have been concluded in almost all states — or at least a substantial number — to form the bulk of delegates to the national convention.

“We looked forward to guidelines; none were issued. We expected a timetable; we couldn’t find any. We sought information on procedures, including purchase of forms; nothing was made available.

“Out of these frustrations, we approached the court to seek answers. It is now public knowledge that we obtained judgment in our favour, delivered by Honourable Justice James of the Federal High Court on 31st October 2025,” they said.

They denied acting as proxies to stop the PDP convention or tonundermine the party’s progress.

“We urge the leadership to quickly implement the recommendations, which will address our concerns and restore order. Many members are frustrated because the party is in disarray.

“We deserve commendation for having the courage to challenge illegality. We are guided strictly by the rule of law.

“If we truly love the PDP. We are ready to sit with anyone who respects the law. Political situations involve give-and-take. When we reach that bridge, we will cross it,” they added.

The trio made made available recommendations of the committee set up by the PDP BoT to reconcile the factions:

“Going ahead with the convention at this time must be subject to favourable legal status and disposition of INEC.

“However, considering the multiple court orders and judgements INEC is not likely going to monitor the Convention.

“Accordingly, an all inclusive Care Takers Committee (CTC) is recommended because a failed convention will incapacitate tenability of the party to field candidates at all levels nationally.

“For this to be effected, all the NWC should reverse to status quo ante immediately.

“Suspension orders should be lified and all parties brought together for genuine reconciliation.

“BOT must be given its prime position to be able to mediate and guide processes within the Party. On her part, the BoT must be seen to be neutral always.

“The constitution of the Party must be amended to accommodate some key issues.

“The intention to grant the Governors Forum status of an ORGAN of the party by constitutional amendment should not be done at this time.

“Above all, the Party constitution must be upheld always. Parly supremacy and discipline is core.

“There is therefore the need for the BoT , NWC, Governors Forum, and all critical stakeholders to come fogether and resolve all these issues to allow for a successful hitch free convention going forward.”

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Reps Move to Suspend 2026 WAEC’ Computers-base Exam Policy

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The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned computer-based examination policy billed to commence in 2026.

The call was sequel to adoption of a motion by Rep. Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary on Thursday.

Nwogu, while moving that motion explained that WAEC is a body saddled with the conduct of higher education entry qualifying examinations for students of Senior Secondary Schools.

He said that higher education institutions made it mandatory for any candidate seeking admission to have at least five credits including English and Mathematics in WAEC or its equivalent.

The lawmaker observed that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result portal was shut down due to technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education planned to conduct the 2026 WASSCE in March, using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

“We are disturbed that in spite of the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting more than 70 per cent of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that there is no going back.

“Cognisant that computer-based examination requires a fully furnished hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“Aware that about 25,500 schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted simultaneously for four months starting from March to July.

“Also aware that most schools in the urban areas and talk less of schools in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers and as a result they have not used computers before,” he said.

Nwogu said that unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than nine subjects including practical, objectives, and theory questions.

He said that it was wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Examination body should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 academic year.

The rep said that the 2026 WAEC result of students, considered to be leaders of tomorrow will be devastating if the CBE policy is allowed to commence as it will lead to massive failure, frustration, drug abuse among other social vices.

The house urged the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its state counterparts to include the recruitment of computer teachers and all necessary infrastructure in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets.

The Green Chamber also resolved that proper monitoring of adequate provision in private schools must be done before commencement of the policy in 2030.

The house mandated the Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services among other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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Bayelsa Female Automobile Service Provider Appeals to NCDMB for Retainership

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG) and Managing Director of Fudons Automobile Nig Ltd, Yenagoa, Nursere Doris Ndoboke has appealed to the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to consider her company for Retainership in Automobile repair.

Speaking with journalists in Yenagoa on Wednesday, Nursere Doris Ndoboke expressed concerns over delayed Retainership agreement with NCDMB after rendering Automobile Services to the board for about ten years only to be pushed aside from the system for no reasons.

Hence, she is calling on the Executive Secretary to intervene and consider her company for Retainership.

“I am already in the industry and can’t be pushed outside like that.

Kindly intervene to restore my only source of livelihood for we have served NCDMB for 10 years as an automotive engineering company certified by COREN.

“We have created several employment opportunities for Bayelsans with over 10 staff on our company payroll. In addition, we regularly engage students on IT attachment/training, Association of Professional Women of Nigeria (APWEN), Niger Delta University (NDU), Federal University Otuoke (FUO), Federal Polytechnic EKOWE, other tertiary institutions and even train apprentices without any state government’s support.

“I ventured into a male dominated business for survival because I have 15 years of working experience in the automotive industry in Port Harcourt. Please, my only source of livelihood can’t be taken away from me in my own state. Please, justice should be done speedily to do the needful.  I am a local content that NCDMB should build my capacity.

“Fudons Automobile has all the certifications to operate in the Oil and Gas industry, e g. NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications as Automobile Services provider, NUPRC LICENSE to operate in the Industry of which NCDMB is propagating for Women inclusivity in the OIL and Gas industry.

It is a sad commentary that Nursere Doris Ndoboke, a female entrepreneur and Managing Director, her own automobile services firm, could be facing such challenges in securing a retainership agreement with NCDMB despite providing quality services for 10 years.

Fudons Automobile has been a trusted service provider to NCDMB, offering automobile repair services.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is also the Bayelsa State Secretary of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas (WEOG), promoting women’s participation in the oil and gas industry.

Our findings indicate that despite much appeals, NCDMB has not responded to Fudons Automobile’s application for a retainership agreement despite meeting the required certifications and qualifications.

Nurse-ere believes she is being pushed out of the system due to her gender, as she operates in a male-dominated industry.

Nursere Doris Ndoboke is worried about the silence from NCDMB officials on her request for Retainership after 10 years of business engagement with the organisation. The other issue is about her outstanding payments, amounting to over N15 million which is affecting her company’s operations while she has created jobs for over 10 Bayelsans in addition to carrying out manpower training and development programmes.

The company provides training and IT attachments to students from various institutions.

Fudons Automobile holds the necessary certifications, including NCDMB NOGIC JQS Certifications and NUPRC LICENSE.

We hope that the Executive Secretary will listen to her appeals and consider Fudons Automobile for retainership, as her company is making meaningful contributions to the local community and the oil and gas industry.

This situation further highlights the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries and the need for support and inclusivity in the oil and gas sector.

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