NEWS
UN pledges Support for Benue Durable Solutions for IDPs

The United Nations (UN) has pledged to support the successful implementation of the launched Durable Solutions Action Plan for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Benue.
Mr Malick Fall, United Nations (UN) Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, disclosed this on Friday during the launching of the 5-year action plan in Makurdi.
The N853bn action plan would be implemented in three-pronged approaches to tackle the crisis: return, integration, and resettlement.
The humanitarian coordinator said that the UN was in full support of the durable solutions and would be implemented beyond the state, the country, and even in Sub-Saharan Africa.
He stated that the launching of the action plan was a powerful affirmation of a collective commitment to support the resilience of the people of Benue, foster sustainable solutions for IDPs, and promote long-term development.
“The UN will stand in full solidarity with the people of Benue and the people of Nigeria in general. We are committed to supporting the successful implementation of this state plan by providing resources, technical assistance, and others.
“Today we launched a plan that focuses on practical, community-based solutions to address the unending crisis of displacements that this country has witnessed in the past years.
“This plan underscores the importance of self-reliance, recovering, and affirming the belief that displaced individuals are not just victims but agents of their own recovery,” he said.
He added that the plan would not only solve the displacement problems in the state but also address the problem of climate change and economic recovery.
According to him, Benue is blessed with fertile land, and with adequate support, it will become the cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural production.
“The innovative farming technique pioneered by the cooperatives by the IDPs reflects the state’s agricultural promises.
“The key aspect of the action plan is agricultural recovery. Benue is known in Nigeria as the food basket of the nation, but it can regain this position as a cornerstone of national agricultural production with the right support.
“IDPs, farmers cooperatives are demonstrating remarkable resilience and innovations, providing what is possible when displaced individuals are given the resources to build their livelihood and future themselves.
“Let me remind you here that supporting people is not charity work. It is an investment for sustainable development.
“Seeing that the largest part of the budget plan is allocated to livelihood generation strengthened my belief that the reintegration of IDPs is mostly an investment for development,” he said.
The UN coordinator in Nigeria further said the decision of the state action plan to include host communities into the integral part of finding solutions offers a more reliable way of finding lasting solutions to the crisis.
He said beyond economic recovery, the state must prioritise unity and reconciliation and social cohesion because conflicts and displacements usually divide the communities, so reconciliation becomes essential for the success of the plan.
Report says that the UN coordinator was accompanied by over 20 humanitarian partners and members of the diplomatic community to the state.
(NAN)
NEWS
2 policemen injured in fight against armed robbers in Kano
By Aminu Garko
Two Policemen, AbdullahiIbrahim and Yahaya Saidu, have sustained injuries during a fierce fight with a gang of armed robbers in Kano.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa, in Kano, yesterday.
“The Kano State Police Command responded to a distress call on April 22, 2025, at about 1pm regarding an armed robbery syndicate led by a wanted notorious suspect, Halifa Baba-Beru of Gwammaja Quarters, Dala LGA.
“The gang was reportedly wielding dangerous weapons and attacking innocent people at Gwammaja Quarters in Dala LGA, Kano.
“Upon arrival, the police team was attacked by the hoodlums, leading to a fierce fight.
Two officers, Abdullahi Ibrahim and Yahaya Saidu, sustained injuries, ” Kiyawa said.He said that the principal suspect, Baba-Beru, also sustained serious injuries, adding that all the injured parties were rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano.
According to Kiyawa, the suspect died at the hospital while receiving treatment, just as the officers were treated and discharged.
He said that the command had launched an investigation into the incident and had intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing suspect’s accomplices.
Kiyawa said, “We assure the public that we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served.
“The command commends the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the operation.
“We remain committed to protecting lives and property in Kano State and urge the citizens to continue supporting our efforts by providing valuable information and intelligence.
“The command appeals to the public to report any suspicious activities or information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect’s accomplices.” ( NAN)
Education
FG Releases ₦50bn to University Unions

By Tony Obiechina Abuja
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, ha announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities for the settlement of earned allowances as promised by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This landmark development stands as yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
According to a statement by Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Folashade Boriowo on Wednesday, the move reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, and human capital.
The statement quoted the minister as saying Minister as saying, “This intervention is not just a financial transaction—it is a reaffirmation of our President’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youth and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
” By prioritizing their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education.”
The Minister expresses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across Nigeria’s federal institutions.
Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history—a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community.
The President reiterated that, “The youth are the heartbeat of our country. Their future is extremely important to me and my administration. Keeping our children in school is not negotiable. It is my commitment that strikes in our institutions will soon become a thing of the past—forever.”
The Minister has also pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education, comparable to global standards.
“This announcement marks a significant step in the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reinforces the Federal Government’s determination to make the Nigerian education sector a shining model for Africa and the world”, the statement added
Education
Earned allowances: FG releases N50bn to varsity unions

By Funmilayo Adeyemi
Abuja, April 23, 2025 (NAN) Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has announced the release of ₦50 billion by the Federal Government to the academic and non-academic staff unions of federal universities.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday by Director Press, Federal Ministry of Education, Folasade Boriowo.
Alausa said that the money was for settlement of earned allowances, as promised by President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, this ‘landmark development’ stands as yet another testament to Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s education sector.
“It reflects the administration’s bold resolve to transition the nation from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy through strategic investments in education, infrastructure and human capital.
“This intervention is not just a financial transaction, it is a reaffirmation of our president’s belief in the capacity of Nigerian youths and the invaluable role that academic and non-academic staff play in nurturing them.
“By prioritising their welfare, we are laying the foundation for a future where every Nigerian child receives highly qualitative and globally competitive education,” he said.
The minister expressed the president’s heartfelt appreciation to both academic and non-academic unions for their sustained trust in his administration and for fostering an atmosphere of peace and cooperation across the country’s federal institutions.
“Notably, the country is currently experiencing one of the longest uninterrupted academic sessions in recent history.
“This is a feat attributed to the mutual understanding and shared commitment between the government and the university community,” he said.
Alausa pledged to continue working collaboratively with all stakeholders across the education value chain to ensure that every Nigerian child had access to quality education comparable to global standards.