NEWS
Revenue Collection Tears Commissioner, Director General Apart in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The ministry of education and knowledge management and the Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA) in Benue State has been characterized by accusations and counter-accusations over revenue collections from private and public schools in the State.While the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management claimed that only his ministry is saddle with the responsibility of collecting charges and dues from schools on behalf of the State government, the Director General of Bureau for Education Quality Assurance, is insisting that the executive order establishing the Agency has empowered it to engage in the collection of all charges.
The Commissioner of Education and Knowledge Management, Pst. Frederick Ikyaan and the Director General (DG) Bureau for Education Quality Assurance (BEQA), Dr Terna Francis are at the centre of the fight.In a series of letters exchanged between the two top officials, they all insisted on the collection of the revenue on behalf of the government.In a letter to education stakeholders in the state, titled “Strong Directive” which was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Helen Nambativ for the commissioner, Ikyaan categorically told the schools not to conduct any financial transaction with the bureau.He also directed the stakeholders to resist every attempt by BEQA staff to confiscate the Federal and Benue State Government approved school records, stressing that the bureau has no power to do so.But in a swift response to the ministry’s letter, Dr Terna Francis, DG, BEQA stated emphatically that the bureau was not under the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management.Francis in his letter titled “Re: Strong Directive” said the bureau was established by the governor through Executive Order issued on 8th December 2023, published and gazetted in the same year.He said according to the order existing Quality Assurance Departments /Directorates under the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, along with other Departments performing quality assurance functions within the Benue State Education Sector, shall be merged into BEQA, which will continue to carry out its functions.”The order also empowered BEQA to produce and circulate all school records and guidelines and my directive was in line with the Executive Order.”It is essential to understand that when a Governor makes a public pronouncement or issues an executive order, public servants and all responsible are expected to comply without challenge.”Executive orders are official documents and laws that outline the policies, procedures, or actions the Governor wishes to implement. Challenging or attempting to alter an executive order can lead to serious consequences”, Terna stated.NEWS
Police Reunite 35 Rescued Kidnapped Victims with Families

The Police Command in Niger, says it has reunited 35 rescued kidnapped victims and survivors with their families in Niger.
This is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, on Tuesday in Minna.
According to the statement the rescued victims consist of 16 women and 19 children.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in Niger, Adamu Elleman, represented by the DCP investigation, Ibrahim Adamu, said the victims were from Kagara, Tegina and Agwara.
According to the CP, the victims had been in custody for some period for counselling and deradicalisation processes before handed over to their Council Chairman of Rafi LGA and relatives.
He appealed to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing actionable information on criminal activities.
NEWS
Turkish Embassy Pledges Partnership with Asset Media Group

By Donald Andoor, Abuja
The Turkish Embassy in Nigeria has pledged a working relationship with the Asset Media Group and Nigeria’s media in general to further boost long lasting diplomatic and trade relations existing between the two countries.
Head of Political Office, Embassy of the Republic of Turkiye, Muzaiffer Hakan Tok who was exchanging views with the management team of Asset Media Group in Abuja, yesterday recalled the robust diplomatic, trade and cultural relationship between Nigeria and Turkiye.
While stressing the cordial relationship existing between the two nations over time, he said there was need for media practitioners to be further enlightened about those things that were common and binding between the two nations.
He applauded the people of Nigeria and the government for the hospitality accorded Turkish nationals in the country.
Earlier, Dr. Cletus Akwaya, Proprietor of Asset Media Group, owners of the Daily Asset Newspaper and Asset Television, said the visit was to explore ways of media partnership with the embassy.
He appealed to the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria to initiate avenues for exchange of visits between journalists of the two countries to enable them to enlighten and educate the public about opportunities that abound in the country.
The diplomatic relations between the two nations started when Turkey opened an embassy in Lagos in 1962. The embassy was moved to Abuja in 2001 after Nigeria’s proclamation of Abuja as the new capital.
On the other hand, Nigeria has an embassy in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the two countries are members of a group of eight developing nations, code named D-8.
The delegation of the Daily Asset Group included Donald Andoor, Chairman Editorial Board and General Manager of Asset Television, Ayami Sunny Ayami.
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.