NEWS
INEC Recognizes Youth Party as 19th Political Party in Nigeria
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By Jude Opara, Abuja
The number of political parties in the country has increased to 19 as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday announced that henceforth it will recognize the Youth Party (YP) as a duly registered party.
A statement in Abuja, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Barr.
Festus Okoye said the development was in line with the ruling of the Supreme Court that the Commission erred in deregistering the party.Okoye said the decision to restore the political party status of the YP was part of resolutions reached at the end of the meeting of the Commission on Thursday.
“It will be recalled that the Youth Party (YP) was registered on 16th August 2018 by virtue of the judgement of the Federal High Court delivered on 16th October 2017.
“Following the Commission’s decision to deregister some parties in accordance with Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Youth Party approached the Federal High Court and secured an Order restraining the Commission from deregistering it.
“On appeal by the Commission, the Court of Appeal set aside the Order of the Federal High Court and on further appeal by the party, the Supreme Court set aside the deregistration of the party.
“Based on the judgement of the Supreme Court, the Commission interfaced with officials of the Youth Party on the modalities for its operation based on the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 and the Regulations and Guidelines of the Commission.
“Consequently, the Commission has recognized the Youth Party (YP) as the 19th Political Party in Nigeria with all the rights and privileges accorded political parties in Nigeria”.
It could be recalled that INEC had earlier deregistered all political parties that failed to win one councillorship seat in the 2019 general elections.
NEWS
Leah Must Be Free Now – CAN
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By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
Over seven years since the abduction of Leah Sharibu by Boko Haram insurgents, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said it will continue to stand in solidarity with her family and all who continue to bear the pain of her absence.
This was contained in a statement issued by CAN signed by Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and made available to journalists in Abuja. The statement reads, “Leah’s courage and steadfast faith in the face of unimaginable adversity remain a beacon of hope and inspiration to us all. “Her prolonged captivity is a painful reminder of the insecurity plaguing our nation and the urgent need to protect the fundamental right to freedom of religion. We call on the Federal Government to redouble its efforts to secure Leah’s release and that of others still held captive. No sacrifice is too great to bring our daughter home. We also appeal to the international community to lend their voices and resources to this cause. “CAN urges all Nigerians, especially the Christian faithful, to unite in prayer and action for Leah and for peace in our land. Let us transcend denominational lines and work as one body to advocate for justice. We remain hopeful that Leah will soon return to her loved ones, and we assure her family of our unrelenting support. “To the government, security agencies, and all stakeholders, we charge you to act decisively to end this scourge of violence and restore safety to our nation. CAN will continue to speak for the voiceless and champion the cause of peace and unity in Nigeria. “May God Almighty grant us the strength and wisdom to see this through. Thank you, and God bless Nigeria”.NEWS
Senator Dickson Hails Uba Sani as Nigeria’s Best Governor on Healthcare at Daily Asset Awards
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Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, as the best-performing Nigerian governor in healthcare delivery.
The commendation came during the Daily Asset Newspaper Annual Awards held in Abuja yesterday.At the prestigious event, Uba Sani was honored alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima and business magnate Aliko Dangote, further underscoring his remarkable contributions to governance. Speaking at the ceremony, Dickson lauded Uba Sani’s transformative strides in the health sector, particularly his commitment to expanding healthcare access and upgrading medical infrastructure across Kaduna State. He emphasized that such efforts set a benchmark for other leaders to follow.The senator also took a moment to acknowledge the media’s vital role in Nigeria’s democracy, describing journalism as one of the only professions explicitly recognized in the nation’s constitution. He urged journalists to uphold the highest standards of their profession, reminding them of their responsibility in shaping public discourse and holding leaders accountable.”The media is a sacred institution in our democracy. It is the only profession expressly mentioned in Nigeria’s constitution, which is a testament to its importance. Journalists must live up to their calling as the conscience of society,” Dickson stated.The Daily Asset Newspaper Annual Award event attracted dignitaries from various sectors, recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions making significant contributions to national development.NEWS
FG Bolsters Tech. Educ. with tTraining for North-West Teachers
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The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening technical education in Nigeria through capacity building initiatives for educators.
This was emphasised at the closing ceremony of a three-week training programme for 243 Technical Teachers and Instructors (TTIs) in the North-West Zone.
It was organised under the Innovation Development and Effectiveness in the Acquisition of Skills (IDEAS) Project.
Report says that it is a World Bank-assisted initiative domiciled in the Federal Ministry of Education.
The event, which held at Kaduna Polytechnic, wad declared open by
the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Mrs Boriowo Folashade, Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
He highlighted the importance of equipping teachers with digital literacy, pedagogical skills, and trade-specific knowledge.
Alausa stressed that the rapidly evolving global economy necessitated a skilled workforce, making technical education a key driver of economic and social progress.
“You have been privileged to receive training on basic digital skills, pedagogy, and trade-specific techniques.
“As you return to your schools and centers, we urge you to empower your students with the knowledge gained here,” he said.
According to him,the IDEAS project aims to bridge the skills gap and enhance teacher professionalism.
It also aims to improve the employability of technical graduates through pre-service and in service training.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to modernising education by upgrading curricula, improving facilities, and supporting educators.
In her remarks, the IDEAS Project’ Coordinator, Mrs Blessing Ugu, represented by a Deputy Director Mrs Ihioma Chidebere, described the training as a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s technical and vocational education sector.
She urged the participants to apply innovative teaching methods and share best practices to elevate the standard of technical education in the country.
Similarly, the Rector of Kaduna Polytechnic, Dr Suleiman Umar, represented by the Deputy Rector (Academics), Dr Grace Bila, commended the initiative for equipping teachers with modern instructional techniques and industry-relevant skills.
“This training has strengthened our human resource capabilities and will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s industrialization,” he said.
The rector also urged the participants to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective institutions.
Umar also advocated continuous innovations and collaborations to sustain the extant technical education reforms being vigorously pursued by the Federal Government. (NAN)