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The Senate, yesterday, broadened its investigation into the Safe Schools Initiative (SSI), extending the probe to key education and social intervention agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, and the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA).

The lawmakers also granted the Senate ad-hoc committee investigating the initiative an additional three weeks to conclude its assignment, saying that a wider inquiry is necessary to fully assess the management of education-related intervention funds and student welfare programmes.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Committee Chairman, Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), under Orders 41 and 51 of the Senate Standing Orders 2026 (as amended).

Kalu said the committee’s preliminary findings showed that the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative was closely linked to several agencies responsible for education financing, student support and humanitarian interventions.

According to him, investigating the programme in isolation would leave critical gaps in the Senate’s oversight function.

He said that the expanded mandate would enable the committee to produce a comprehensive report capable of strengthening accountability, improving transparency and ensuring that intervention funds achieve their intended objectives.

However, the investigation will further cover TETFund’s security and infrastructure interventions in tertiary institutions, NELFUND’s loan disbursement processes, administrative efficiency and student access framework, as well as UBEC’s interventions in the basic education sector.

Kalu said that the committee needed additional time as some critical aspects of the investigation, including planned visits to key locations, had yet to be completed.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, following a voice-vote by the lawmakers, who unanimously approved the request, granted the committee a three-week extension.

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to sustain their support for him by coming out peacefully to vote during the governorship poll, assuring them that every lawful vote will count.

The governor made this disclosure during a campaign tour of communities in Isokan Local Government Area of the State.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, Adeleke, while addressing residents, appreciated the traditional institution and the people of Apomu and Ikoyi for their steadfast support over the years.

Adeleke, who assured them that his administration will continue to deliver people-oriented projects and inclusive governance across every community in the state, reaffirmed that his administration will continue to focus on expansion of infrastructural amenities to improve the quality of living of the residents.

He also said the administration will improve education, strengthen healthcare delivery, create economic opportunities and ensure that every part of the state benefits from the dividends of democratic governance.

“My administration will continue to deliver people-oriented projects and inclusive governance across every community in Osun State.

“My administration will continue to focus on expanding infrastructure, improving education, strengthening healthcare delivery, creating economic opportunities and ensuring that every part of the state benefits from the dividends of democratic governance.

“I urge residents to sustain their support by coming out peacefully on August 15 to vote. Every lawful vote will count,” Adeleke said.

In separate remarks, the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi and Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Taofeek Morenigbade offered prayers for Adeleke’s victory at the poll.

The royal fathers also commended the governor’s developmental strides across State and expressed confidence that the people will once again renew his mandate at the polls.

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The Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) has issued a seven-day flood advisory, warning of a medium flood risk in 17 states between July 21 and July 27.

The agency said the alert followed rising water levels at key river monitoring stations, increasing the likelihood of localised flooding along river channels and floodplains.

NIHSA Director-General, Umar Mohammed, disclosed this in National Flood Advisory (Alert No. NFA-2026-200) issued on Tuesday.

He said the affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

According to Mohammed, river levels at Saminara on the Karam River, Waya Dam Site on the Waya River and Amber on the Amber River had exceeded watch and warning thresholds.

He said 16 gauging stations nationwide were recording elevated river stages, placing nearby communities at risk of localised flooding.

Mohammed urged state governments, local authorities and residents of flood-prone communities to take precautionary measures immediately.

NIHSA said Bauchi had the highest exposure, with 1,841 communities, 145 schools, 101 health facilities and eight markets identified as vulnerable.

The agency also identified vulnerable communities and public facilities in Edo, Imo, Kaduna, Plateau and Benue states.

Mohammed urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs), local governments and community leaders to activate emergency response plans.

He recommended relocating residents, livestock and valuables from floodplains to safer locations.

He also advised emergency agencies to pre-position food, medical supplies and water treatment materials in areas likely to be affected.

The NIHSA boss called for community mobilisation through early warning volunteers and local communication channels to ensure timely dissemination of flood alerts.

He cautioned residents against walking, driving or riding through flooded roads, bridges and fast-flowing waterways.

Mohammed further urged authorities to clear blocked drains, culverts and waterways to improve water flow and reduce flooding.

He advised the public and relevant agencies to monitor daily flood updates and advisories issued by NIHSA.

(NAN)