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.

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.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has charged chairmen of the eight local government areas in the state to key into his administration’s effort to boost agriculture, ensure food security and job creation.Diri said his administration was committed to boosting food production through large scale farming across communities in the state.

The Governor, who identified agriculture as a major pillar of his administration’s agenda, also spoke of the need to explore the state’s potential in the sector and enhance its value chain for job and wealth creation thereby diversifying the state’s economy. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as giving the charge on Monday during a meeting with the council chairmen in Government House, Yenagoa.He tasked the chairmen to work closely with relevant ministries such as Agriculture and Natural Resources, Marine and Blue Economy, Lands and Survey and that of Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs to establish demonstration farms under the supervision of his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.The Bayelsa governor particularly charged the heads of the third tier of government to identity crops that they had comparative advantage as well as go into vegetables, fruits, aquaculture and poultry production.He equally directed the council chairmen to establish personal farms while supporting local farmers by serving as off-takers of their produce to enhance food production.He emphasised the need to revive existing farms as well as acquire large expanse of land towards actualising the government’s vision and make lasting impact in the sector.”Now we are working with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and they are establishing Fish Terminals, beginning with Bayelsa State. We want to see how far that will go.”So, we are looking at how from one fish terminal, all our local governments will also have fish terminals as we project into the future.”I already directed all chairmen to own farms and maybe fish farms. Like I said, fishing is compulsory for all of you in all our local government areas.”I want to see government officials involved in farming so that you are giving what you already have. The next time I will meet with you, I want to hear about the farms that you own,” he said.In separate remarks, the council chairmen, Tariye Leilei (Kolokuma/Opokuma), Jeremiah Golden (Ogbia), Alice Tangi (Sagbama), Bulodiseyi Ndiwari (Yenagoa), Target Segibo (Southern Ijaw) and Isaac Onniye (Ekeremor) assured that they would establish demonstration farms and implement government’s vision.They also spoke about their plans, the challenges and what they were doing individually and as chairmen to revive and boost food production in their areas.The chairmen lauded the governor’s vision for agriculture and food security in the state.