NEWS
Minister Urges APC Information Commissioners to Drive Renewed Hope Message to Grassroots
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has called on Commissioners for Information from All Progressives Congress (APC)-led states to take ownership of the communication of the Renewed Hope Agenda, ensuring that its impact and opportunities are effectively delivered to the Nigerian populace, especially at the grassroots.
The Minister made this charge while addressing the Conference of Commissioners for Information in APC States, organized by the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) and held in Minna, Niger State on Thursday, July 10, 2025. In his keynote address, Idris described the forum as “Timely and strategic,” emphasizing its role in strengthening synergy among information managers of the ruling party.He commended the PGF, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, for sustaining the engagement platform and thanked Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State for hosting the event in his home state.“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not present mere slogans. He came forward with a practical Eight-Point Renewed Hope Agenda—a blueprint for national transformation, economic reform, and inclusive development,” the Minister declared.He highlighted several major strides by the Tinubu administration, including:The removal of fuel subsidy, redirecting funds to mega projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme benefiting over 900,000 Nigerians. A ₦1.5 trillion recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture.”Over 300,000 students enrolled under the Student Loan Scheme.”The establishment of the Ministries of Livestock Development and Marine and Blue Economy, targeting job creation and sectoral growth”The Minister also emphasized federal initiatives targeting youth empowerment, digital innovation, and technical skills, such as the Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Project Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and the i-DICE innovation programme.”The Creative Economy Development Fund offering up to $100,000 in grants.“These are not just statistics. They represent tangible opportunities for Nigerians. It is our duty to ensure that people understand them and know how to benefit,” he said.He urged Commissioners to return to their states armed with accurate facts, effective communication strategies, and renewed passion to inform and mobilize citizens to engage with government programmes.The Minister also disclosed ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Information to modernize national communication systems, retool the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and launch targeted campaigns around the Renewed Hope pillars. “Together, we must ensure that the message of Renewed Hope is not just heard, but felt across every community,” Idris concluded.The conference brought together top media executives, public information strategists, and government officials from across APC states, all unified in a mission to build a coordinated communication architecture for the administration’s reforms and results.Governor Mohammed Umar Bago declared the conference open and declared that the All Progressives Governors are carrying out a silent revolution in their various states.Niger State Commissioner of information and strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, said the conference is aimed at countering misinformation and shape constructive public discourse.NEWS
Menstrual Hygiene: Stakeholders Seek Affordable Sanitary Products for Girls
A Non-Governmental Organisation, MAHCare Foundation, has called for increased awareness and support to address period poverty among women and girls in the country.
The President of the foundation, Maryam Musa, made the call during a “Walk for Her Dignity” awareness campaign in Kaduna on Saturday, organised to highlight challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene and access to sanitary products.
Musa said the initiative was to educate the public on the dangers of period poverty and the health risks associated with the use of unhygienic menstrual materials.
She added that “period poverty is not something to be neglected, it is something to be tackled. Sanitary pads are so expensive that many women and girls now use unhygienic products that affect their health, education and daily activities.
”She explained that the awareness campaign would continue beyond the walk, adding that the organisation planned to distribute sanitary products to vulnerable groups and communities.
She noted that the foundation was also promoting the use of reusable sanitary pads to support girls who could not afford disposable products.
“We educate them on how to properly manage reusable pads because not everybody can afford disposable ones. We are also trying to correct misconceptions that sanitary products are against religion or culture”, she said
She added that women and girls should understand that using sanitary pads was important for their health and hygiene.
Sahura Maidoki, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said the campaign was necessary to educate communities on menstrual hygiene and end the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Maidoki stressed the need to involve men in menstrual hygiene education, noting that “some parents failed to educate their daughters on proper menstrual care.
“We also have issues with some men because they do not educate their children on the importance of taking care of themselves during menstruation.”
She explained that sensitisation talks would help people to understand the importance of providing sanitary pads for their daughters and wives and ensure that menstruation was not seen as a barrier for the girl-child.
A Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) advocate, Doris Zakama, who spoke at the event said many girls, especially those in rural communities, lacked access to menstrual hygiene products and adequate education on menstrual health.
Zakama urged the government to subsidise menstrual hygiene products, make them affordable for girls and women struggling with rising cost of living.
NEWS
One Year into OPay’s N1.2 billion 10-year Scholarship Initiative, What’s Next?
Getting into a tertiary institution is only half the journey. Staying in school, paying fees on time, and having the right support system can be the bigger challenge. Over the past year,
OPay has stepped into that gap, not just as a fintech company, but as a partner in the ambition and aspirations of thousands of students.
Through its long-term scholarship initiative, OPay has committed N1.
2 billion over 10 years to support outstanding and indigent students across more than 20 partner tertiary institutions nationwide. What began as tuition support has grown into something more profound, a structured investment in young people who have the capacity but need financial backing to stay focused on their studies.In campuses from Ife to Zaria and Calabar, OPay scholarship beneficiaries have shared stories of relief and renewed confidence. For many, the scholarship meant their parents no longer had to borrow money for school fees. For others, it meant more time in the library and less time worrying about part-time work. In a country where education remains one of the strongest ladders to upward mobility, this kind of support goes beyond money; it restores dignity and hope.
But OPay’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) journey is not stopping at the scholarship initiative.
Building on the strong foundation already laid, OPay is launching OPay Scholars, a bold expansion that moves from financial support to full career development. The 2026 edition will introduce OPay Futures and a National Innovation Challenge, where students can propose practical solutions to real-world problems. It will also feature a focused webinar session and a bootcamp led by industry experts, providing scholars with direct access to knowledge in technology, entrepreneurship, and career growth.
Most notably, the 2026 edition will create a structured career development pathway, culminating in a grand finale of OPay’s second annual Empowering Futures Conference.
This platform will not only celebrate academic excellence but also spotlight creativity, leadership, and innovation among Nigerian students.
At a time when many young Nigerians are asking, “What next after school?”, OPay is helping to answer that question. By combining financial aid with mentorship, exposure and opportunities for innovation, the company is positioning education as both a safety net and a springboard.
OPay’s impact over the past year proves one thing clearly: when businesses invest consistently in people, communities grow stronger. And in 2026, OPay Scholars is set to support ambitions and actively shape the future, one student, one idea, and one opportunity at a time.
NEWS
Benue Not Owing Workers’ Salary – Odey
By Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Benue State government has debunked reports in some sections of the media including DAILY ASSET NEWSPAPER over alleged owing of Workers’ Salary.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Odey who refuted the media claims on Sunday in Makurdi said the state government was only carrying out workers verification exercise, which according to him, they will be paid accordingly after the conclusion of the exercise.
Odey, who said the state government remains committed to the welfare of workers, urged media organizations to always verify the sources of their information before going public.


