From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Niger State Government is to host the first peace and security summit on Wednesday to brainstorm on the way forward on the security challenges confronting the State.Commissioner for Homeland security, Brigadier General Abdullahi Bello Mohammed, rtd made this known while speaking on the pre-summit media chat in his office on Monday.

He disclosed that the security situation in the State has improved in recent months, but the administration of Governor Umaru Bago will not rest on her oars until every part of the state is secured. “As you all can testify, the security situation in the state has improved in the past few months and weeks, but will are pushing forward”Before now it was like we take three steps forward and five steps backwards, we are now committed to halting that trend”It is now forward ever, and backward never by the current administration”The Homeland Commissioner however attributed his poor relationship with the media to what he called the persistent failure of media houses to manage security information.He noted that, security information management involves systematically collecting, analyzing and sharing and impacting on public safety.According to him, media practitioners should imbibe effective management which enables swift decisive making proactive action to enhance community preparedness.”I am appealing to the media that they should manage information proficiently and accurately in accordance with ethics of information reporting.”

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The family of a first class traditional ruler in Kogi, held captive by kidnappers, has appealed to spirited individuals and corporate organizations to help them complete the N50m ransom demanded.

The Obalohun of Okoloke community of Yagba West local government, Kogi state, Pa.

Dada James Ogunyanda was abducted from his palace by 2AM last Thursday and forcefully led to an unknown destination.

Source from the palace, who contacted DAILY ASSET on phone, debunked the media report that the ransom has been negotiated down to N12m.

“As at yesterday Sunday we had, as family members, raised the sum of N25m, but the kidnappers are insisting on N50m.

They originally demanded N100m.

“Our major frustration as a family is that government people and politicians who are our friends and cousins have abandoned us in the struggle to save the life of the traditional ruler, especially members of the national assembly from Kogi West and of Kabba origin. Some of them have even blocked our lines and we are no longer accessing help from expected quarters.

“We are highly worried because the life of our king is deteriorating. That was why we struggled to sell our belongings to raise N25m. We could have made up the N50m if we had had any help from our politicians.

“I therefore use this medium to appeal to all highly spirited individuals and corporate organizations to help make up the N50m. The life of our king is in danger; we need help from anywhere possible, journalists, bankers, teachers, traders etc.

“We call on Senator Dino Melaye, Senator Sunday Karimi, Hon Leke Abejide, Hon Faleke, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Oduagham and other politicians from the state and local government chairmen to help us raise this fund, the entire family are in distress over the welfare of our king who was abducted since 5 days ago.

“We are also pleading with all pastors and Imams not to relent in their prayers for God’s intervention”

“We are also appealing to the security agencies to intensify their efforts to rescue the old man alive and unhurt. We value him so much. We are praying that God will give the security agencies upper hand in their work to rescue all victims in captivity”

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged the three tiers of governments to increase investments in primary healthcare across Nigeria.At the event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter, to commemorate the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, in Abuja, Mahmoud emphasized the critical need to strengthen primary care systems to address the growing health challenges faced by communities.

Highlighting the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” Mahmoud underscored the essential role family doctors play in supporting mental health and fostering resilience amidst global adversities such as climate change, social instability, and economic uncertainty.She described family doctors as frontline caregivers uniquely positioned to deliver continuous, person-centered care that promotes early intervention and holistic support.According to her; “Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities.”She, however, praised their enduring relationships with patients as vital for proactively managing mental health issues and chronic diseases.Addressing the complex health landscape marked by pandemics, chronic illnesses, and mental health crises, Mahmoud reiterated that robust, accessible primary healthcare is more important than ever.She also canvassed for training, recruitment, and retention of family physicians-especially in underserved and hard-to-reach regions.The Minister stressed the importance of recognizing and valuing family medicine within health policy and practice frameworks to ensure sustainable health outcomes.She hailed family doctors as unsung heroes working tirelessly in clinics, rural health posts, urban centres, and conflict zones to deliver equitable healthcare.While welcoming participants, the chairperson of Society of Family Physicians, FCT-Keffi chapter, Dr. Blessing Chukwukelu, stated that Nigeria faces unique challenges, including limited access to mental health services, stigma, and shortage of mental health professionals.She observed that in view of these challenges, family doctors could bridge the gaps by conducting initial mental health screenings, raising awareness, and providing basic psychological support.Chukwukelu further noted that integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial, and family doctors could play a vital role in promoting mental wellness.She said; “As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of family medicine.”Recall that the date, May 19th, was chosen to align with the founding of WONCA in 1972, a landmark event that sought to unite and empower family medicine practitioners on a global scale.