NEWS
Nigeria Needs Bridge Builders, Unifiers – Osinbajo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, has said that Nigeria needs not just achievers, but men and women who are bridge builders and unifiers.
The vice president said the nation needs people who will see its ethnic diversity as a source of strength, and not as a point of difference.
Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke at the turbaning ceremony of some prominent persons in Bida Emirate, Niger State.
In Bida, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, in a show of goodwill and appreciation, conferred on the vice president the “Garkuwan Yamma Nupe”, which means – the Defender of Nupe Kingdom.
“I am short of words to express our gratitude to the vice president. It shows the concern you have for all Nigerians irrespective of who they are and where they come from,” Abubakar said.
The traditional ruler turbaned four prominent public officials including Musa Abdullahi, a member of the House of Representatives, who was made the Gwarzon Nupe, and another member of the lower chamber, Bako Kasimu, who became the Zarman Nupe.
Others were Engr. Muhammed Haruna, who was turbaned as the Dan Turakin Nupe – he is a member of the Niger State House of Assembly, and Dr Suleiman Sheshi, the Chairman of the Bida Local Government Council, who was given the title, Maina Nupe.
Osinbajo expressed his appreciation on the traditional ruler’s goodwill and congratulated all who were honoured at the event.
“The Etsu Nupe has wisely chosen today to celebrate excellence and selfless service.
“They have all brought competence, commitment and character to the positions of responsibility entrusted to them.
“And this is evident from all we know and what has been said about them.”
In his remarks afterwards, Osinbajo said that the conferment of the titles was a fresh call to service to the Bida community and the nation.
He restated the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing security nationwide.
“Our country needs men and women who understand that all men and women, regardless of race and faith, deserve to be treated equally, fairly and justly.
“We will continue to work with key stakeholders and the people to effectively tackle the current insecurity challenges in order to achieve a peaceful and prosperous society.
“This we promise to do to the glory of the Almighty and for the benefit of the people who elected us into office.
“Many sons and daughters of Nupe land have risen to prominence in Nigeria in both the pre- and post-independence era, making significant contributions to national development.”
The vice president said that that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration recognised the strategic importance of Nupe-land in national development.
According to him, a few weeks ago, the Federal Executive Council approved the reconstruction of key roads in Niger State.
He said the administration understood that in order to sustainably improve the standard of living of the people, it must address the persistent socio–economic inequalities by ensuring that people are gainfully engaged in legitimate economic activity.
The vice president celebrated the culture of the Nupe people and their contributions to national development over the course of the nation’s history.
Osinbajo was welcomed to Bida by Governor Abubakar Bello and was also accompanied on the trip by Sen. Sani Musa (APC, Niger East). (NAN)
NEWS
NCS Cautions Nigerians against Breach of US Visa Terms

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has issued a public advisory urging Nigerians to use U.S. entry visas responsibly, following concerns raised by the United States government over visa misuse.The NCS emphasized that Nigerian travelers must adhere strictly to the purpose stated in their visa applications, warning that engaging in activities inconsistent with their visa classification could lead to revocation.
It reminded the public that security screening by U. S. authorities continues beyond the point of entry, and that visa holders remain under regular monitoring.The agency also reiterated the importance of complying with U.S. immigration laws, including import/export regulations. Travelers were further reminded to declare any cash in excess of $10,000 or its equivalent at entry or exit points, and to avoid carrying any prohibited items in their luggage.NCS advised all passengers to maintain lawful conduct both within Nigeria and abroad, cautioning that fraudulent acts committed in any country could result in legal consequences under both Nigerian and U.S. laws.Assuring continued collaboration with the U.S. Mission in Abuja, the NCS stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure Nigeria avoids inclusion in any future visa restrictions, thus safeguarding the travel rights of Nigerians with legitimate purposes for visiting the United States.NEWS
Enugu to Establish Universities of Education, Agriculture – Gov Mbah

From Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, says his administration is poised to establish two new universities as part of his administration’s efforts to entrench the state as a knowledge centre and diaspora innovation hub.
Mbah stated this at the State House, Abuja, on Monday during the launch of Diaspora Bridge Platform, a digital innovation for connecting Nigerian professionals in the diaspora with local tertiary institutions for collaboration in research, teaching, innovation, and capacity building.
The platform seeks to leverage on the expertise of Nigerians abroad to promote national development goals in education, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM-M).
The governor added that apart from the ongoing construction of 260 Smart Green Schools that would take off in September, his administration had consistently dedicated over 33 per cent of the state’s budget to education, well aware that human capital remained the true measure of the wealth of any nation.
“Enugu State is ready to host and lead diaspora collaborations. In addition to expanding our seven public tertiary institutions, we are establishing two new universities soon – the Enugu State University of Education and Technology (ESUET), and the Enugu State University of Agriculture and Technology (ESUAT).
“Because innovation is the language of the 21st Century, we are also establishing eight Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across Enugu State – one in each Federal Constituency.
“Our vigorous investment in innovation in Enugu State tertiary institutions is intended to complement our modest effort to reform our pre-tertiary Basic, TVET, and Senior Secondary education system, drive innovation, and leverage Artificial Intelligence, Simulation, and Virtual and Augmented Reality to ensure applied learning in ways that exceed the milestones of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Through our Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation (CELI), we are making skill development the focus of our education transformation. We are talking about foundational, life, digital, and job-specific skills for industry, innovation, technology, science, and medicine. When you think STEM-with Double MM (STEMM), think of Enugu State, come to Enugu State, give Enugu State a chance,” Mbah stated.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for the Diaspora Bridge initiative to leverage Nigeria’s diaspora communities, describing education as “the single most important sector upon which our nation’s socio-economic fate depends.”
He extolled the initiative answered to “an urgent call to reconnect global expertise with local purpose.”
“For years, our understanding of the role of the Nigerian diaspora has mostly been via the basic economic lens of their remittances.
“Seldom do we also contemplate how to galvanise their support towards causes with more enduring ends, beyond medical outreaches that are often few and far between.
“Our various diaspora communities across the world represent Nigeria’s most critical human resource. What has been lacking is a formal platform where their expertise and collective financial clout could be wholesomely tapped.
“Today, we take the important first step towards that goal under the banner of the Diaspora Bridge, convened by the visionary Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa,” he stated.
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NEWS
SON Intensifies Effort Towards Eradicating Substandard Electrical Product in Nigeria

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is intensifying efforts towards eliminating the circulation of substandard electrical products in the country.
The Director- General of SON, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, said this at a Stakeholders Sensitisation Forum for manufacturers, importers and vendors at the Zuba Electrical and Electronics Market on Monday in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Driving Economic Growth in the Electrical/Electronics Sector through Standards and Quality Assurance.
Okeke was represented by Dr. Marline Waziri, North Central Coordinator for SON.
He commended members of the Abuja Electrical Materials Dealers’ Welfare Association for their efforts towards ensuring standards in the subsector.
He applauded the association’s recent decision to prohibit the sale of fake and substandard electrical items among its members.
The director-general described the decision as a bold and patriotic move that aligns with SON’s mandate on standardisation and consumer protection.
“This engagement is particularly significant as it reflects our collective responsibility to ensure that only safe, quality and standard electrical materials are distributed and sold across Nigerian markets,” Okeke said.
He said that the workshop was designed to enlighten stakeholders on SON’s regulatory tools, including product registration, authentication and market surveillance strategies.
“These mechanisms help genuine businesses thrive, protect consumers and promote confidence in Nigeria’s manufacturing ecosystem,” he said.
The SON boss also reiterated the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy,” which he said promotes the patronage of locally made and approved products that meet quality benchmarks.
“By choosing standard electrical products, you are not only protecting lives and property but also strengthening local industries and boosting job creation,” he said.
According to him, the collaborative initiative is expected to significantly reduce the circulation of substandard electrical and electronic products in Abuja and environs, while also improving compliance and revenue generation.
Okeke, however, said that the fight against fake products could not be shouldered by SON alone, calling on market leaders, distributors and consumers to join hands in upholding the values of quality and safety.
“The eradication of substandard products is not a task for SON alone. It requires the active partnership of stakeholders like you, dealers, distributors, consumers and the general public.
“Your understanding, cooperation and commitment are essential to safeguarding lives and property, boosting investor confidence, and enhancing the reputation of your businesses,” he said.
He urged participants to take full advantage of the workshop and remain committed to the ongoing national campaign against substandard goods.
Vice President, Zuba International Electronic Market, Chike Nwasa, urged the Federal Government to provide the dealers with guidelines on how to go about their business and ensure standardisation of products.
Nwasa also called for government intervention in the area of infrastructure, especially the access road to the market.
Secretary of the Association, Godwin Hassan expressed excitement over the sensitisation exercise, describing it as timely and enlightening for market stakeholders.
Hassan commended SON for engaging directly with traders to explain the difference between standard and substandard electrical products, which he said would help dealers make better-informed purchasing decisions.
The secretary called for sustained collaboration between SON and the association to curb the incidents of fire outbreaks and death in the country.
He urged the government and the media to intensify public awareness on the dangers of substandard products.
He reaffirmed the market’s commitment to supporting the fight against fake electrical goods and promoting quality standards across the country.
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