NEWS
NCS Airport Command Generates N144.2bn in 10 Months

The Murtala Muhammed Airport Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), says it generated N144.2 billion in import duties and other charges between January and October 2024.
The Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Micheal Awe, disclosed this at news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said that the revenue generated represented a 94 per cent increase compared to the N74.
28 billion collected in the same period of 2023, reflecting a progressive difference of N69. 9 billion.He attributed the growth to enhanced trade facilitation, improved stakeholder compliance, effective law enforcement and strategic resource deployment.
Others, he noted, included interagency collaboration, efficient cargo clearance and intelligent risk management strategies.
The comptroller said that the command also intercepted contraband worth N3.32 billion imported into the country from Canada, Turkiye, among others, between July to October.
“In comparison to the revenue collected in the same period in 2023, which stood at N74.28 billion, this clearly shows a progressive difference of N69.9 illion, depicting 94 per cent increase.
“The efforts to combat illicit trade yielded impressive results, with total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of seized items amounting to N3.32 billion between July and October 2024.
“The seized items contravened some of the provisions of the extant laws as enshrined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCS Act) 2023.
“These items include, 23 pieces of Walkie-Talkies; 175 pieces of Military helmets; 50 pieces of drones; 10 packs of Canadian Cannabis Sativa and 250 pieces of live turtles.
“Others are, seven packages of 200mg & 225mg of Tramadol Hydrochloride; 1.5kg of Pangolin Scales and 0.2kg of Porcupine Pins,” Awe said.
He also said that the command implemented initiatives such as streamlined clearance procedures, enhanced cargo inspection and examination to boost revenue collection, facilitate legitimate trade and curb smuggling.
Awe said that the command also introduced improved intelligence gathering and sharing, in collaboration with other security agencies and regular stakeholder engagements.
He assured that the command would enhance trade facilitation measures, strengthen anti-smuggling efforts, improve stakeholder engagement and leverage on technology for efficient operations.
“I express appreciation to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and his management team for their unwavering support in carrying out official tasks effectively.
“I also commend officers and men of the command for their hard-work and dedication towards achieving this great feat.
“Kudos to our stakeholders, including importers, exporters and clearing agents for their cooperation and compliance to extant laws,” Awe said. (NAN).
NEWS
Gov Adeleke, Osun PDP Caucus Endorses Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the leadership caucus of the the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.They assured of working for the success of the re-election bid of the President, who is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the country.
They made this known on Monday at the Osun State PDP Leadership Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo. Similarly, following extensive consultations, debates, surveys, opinion sampling from traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, retirees, religious leaders, market men and women, interactions with members of the PDP and the general public across major towns and villages in Osun State, on issues pertaining to recent political development in the state, the Leadership Caucus of Osun PDP hereby reviewed as follows: “That all politics is local, and as such, the feelings and aspirations of voters and party members are critical to decisions on party affiliations.”That the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the APC, which did not originate from the Governor in the first instance. Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”That the state governor, the state government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.”Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve as follows:”That the PDP in Osun State recognizes the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. “Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 Presidential election.”That PDP in Osun State re-affirm it’s adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 Governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.”That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state and that, the state governor is enjoined to forge ahead with governance and implementation of the administration’s five point agenda.”NEWS
Kogi Promises to Reposition Basic Education System

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi state government has promised to reposition its basic education system as part of its desire to enhance effective learning and providing solid foundation for Children’s education.The state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones gave the assurance during the 2025 matriculation ceremony of new students at the Kogi State study Centre of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Lokoja.
The Commissioner also restated government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at providing quality education at all levels of learning. Jones emphasised the importance of teacher training, noting that the future of children lies in the hands of teachers.Represented by the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Omolayo Berikisu Onozare, Jones appealed to the matriculating students to remain committed to their academics.He highlighted Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s significant budgetary allocation to the education sector, stressing that the training of teachers cannot be compromised under any guise.The Director General and Chief Executive of NTI, Professor Sadiya Daura, said the institute’s programmes were designed to equip students with necessary skills for national growth and development.Represented by the Kogi State Coordinator of NTI, Alh Tijani Yusuf, Daura warned students against indiscipline, emphasising the institute’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.She urged them to strive for impact in their lifetime after training.On his part, the Director News and Publications, Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Samuel Atuluku, expressed concern about the “get rich quick syndrome” among young people.Atuluku appealed to parents to ensure proper discipline of their children and wards to change the narrative and secure a greater future for them.The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to new students enrolled in NCE, Bachelor Degree, and Postgraduate Degree programs in Education.The event marked a significant milestone for the students, who are expected to benefit from the institute’s programs designed to equip them with necessary skills for national growth and development.NEWS
C’River, NIGCOMSAT Train 200 Youths on VSAT

By Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) through collaboration is training about 200 youths drawn across the 18 local government areas of the StateIn his remarks at the training workshop in ASUU building, University of Calabar, the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science, technology and Innovation Dr.
Justin Beshel, emphasized that the training of these youths on VSAT technology will advance technological development and create employment for the 200 youthsHe stressed that Cross River is shifting from being the civil service State to a digitally incline State, taking advantage in the demands in the global Space of technology, stating that the 200 youths were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state through online registrationAccording to Beshel, “These youths are meant to be trained on Very Small Aperture Terminal(VSAT) and also in space technology”. He stressed further that there is a high demand of labour in this sector and the state is trying to catch- in to create the man power that is needed internationally, maintaining that partnering with NIGCOMSAT, “the youths are brought to be empowered through innovation in satellite technologyIn her opening address, the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton- Idehen who spoke in the event through the programme Coordinator, Maureen Neekwe said the program in cross river is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting – edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communicationShe emphasized that the program is designed to foster innovation, enhance technical skills, while creating opportunities for youths in the ever- evolving space – tech industryNeekwe maintained that participants in the workshop will gain practical experience in setting up and configuring VSAT systems.