News
FG unveils project to get 20 million kids back in school
Disturbed by the increasing rate of out-of-school children in the country, President Bola Tinubu has approved the commencement of the DOTS project to overhaul the education sector, increase enrolment and ensure the academic security of the nation‘s children.
DOTS is an acronym representing: Data Repository, Out-of-School Children’s Education, Teacher Training and Development, and Skill Development and Acquisition.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, made the disclosure on Friday in Shabu, a suburb of Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, while simultaneously performing the ground-breaking foundation laying ceremony of the National Examinations Council offices of Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos, and River States.
The minister narrated that the DOTS project was to tackle the paucity of coordinated, verifiable, and authentic data in all aspects of the education sector in Nigeria.
Sununu further explained that the new initiative would enable the Federal Government to track the progress of students, thus having a clear data-driven mechanism for interventions, especially concerning out-of-school children, girls, and those with specific learning disabilities, among others.
He said, “Out-of-school children represents a major thematic area in the eight points agenda of President Bola Tinubu, with priority focus on social welfare, health and education.
“Mr. President is of the believe that the over 20million out-of-school children we have now, represents a group of Nigerians that we have to pay attention to, otherwise miscreants can use them to cause and foment trouble in Nigeria.
President Tinubu also believes that for Nigeria to develop and continue to take its rightful position in the comity of nations, those group of over 20million citizens must be returned back to school, and ensure that they get proper education and the necessary skills to make them self-efficient and relevant in the society.” the minister added.
While commending the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule and the governors of the other six states for their continuous support to the educational sector, the minister expressed confidence that the seven new NECO offices will empower the examination body to serve the Nigerian people better.
On his part, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, explained that the landmark achievement was a demonstration of the support and commitment of the Federal Government, under the visionary leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
According to him, the new state offices in Nasarawa, Abia, Sokoto, Taraba, Jigawa, Lagos and Rivers States, alongside other magnificent edifices of NECO, would serve as beacons of excellence in the administration of examinations in Nigeria.
While expressing his gratitude to the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage (rtd) and the Sangarin of Shabu, HRH Mahammood Bwallah II, for their royal support for the project, Wushishi said, “This project is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural development within the education sector and is therefore part of the seven capital projects captured for NECO in this year’s budget appropriation.”
“As we look to the future, we envision a NECO that is not only a leader in the administration of examinations but also a catalyst for education transformation in Nigeria. We are committed to levearging technology and innovation to improve the quality and accessibility of our services.”
The Lagos State Government has sealed multiple buildings being constructed without planning permit in Lagos Island as part of the on-going clampdown on defaulters.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, who led the exercise reaffirmed government’s firm stance against illegal building constructions.
The affected properties that were sealed for lacking the requisite permits for building construction include: Number 7 Okesuna Street, 42/64 Okepopo Street, 11/15 Sunmonu Street, 22 Olushi Street, 8 Isalegangan Street.
Others are on Oroyinyin, Faji, and Omididun Streets, among others. While cautioning contravening building developers, Olumide said that it had become imperative for government to compel the right and positive attitude from the people towards physical planning laws, after months of gracious amnesty to buildings without planning permit.
According to him, the amnesty program provided an opportunity for property owners to regularise their building permits without facing immediate penalties.
“Unfortunately, many disregarded this initiative while it lasted and now proceed with illegal constructions that fail to meet structural, environmental, and safety standards.
“Our goal is to encourage compliance, ensuring that Lagos remains a safe and orderly city for all residents.
“The exercise will be extended to other parts of the State to ensure compliance.
“No doubt, unregulated developments pose significant risks to the built environment, including structural collapse, environmental degradation, and disruption to planned city layouts.”
The commissioner decried the spate of illegal building construction on Lagos Island, especially building on narrow strips of land that leaves no room for adequate setbacks and air spaces, as he ordered the stoppage of the ongoing construction on number 8, Isale gangan Street for its narrowness.
He warned residents, property owners and property developers of their civic duty to obtain necessary approvals before embarking on building construction, while urging owners of adjoining small parcels of land to seriously consider the land-pooling option to aid livable, organised and sustainable built environment.
Olumide highlighted the importance of whistleblowing on illegal constructions, saying that residents were encouraged to provide information that would assist the government discover physical planning contraventions at their infancy and act promptly in the interest of all to sustain the State’s development agenda as it relates to the physical planing sector.
Other officials on the operation exercise include: Permanent Secretary, Office of Physical Planning, Engr. Olumide Sotire, Directors in the ministry and top officials of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LASPPPA.
By Gloria Ikibah
The newly appointed European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, has reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in solidifying its position as a stabilizing force in Africa.
Ambassador Mignot expressed optimism about Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable nation built on a strong democratic foundation that upholds the rights of all its citizens.
The envoy stated this at a media luncheon with journalists in Abuja, acknowledging the vibrant role of the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) under the leadership of its Chairman, Yann Jigler.
He outlined plans to explore untapped opportunities for enhanced trade and investment, while launching new initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the partnership between Nigeria and the EU.
However, the Ambassador noted the absence of a formal agreement or structured dialogue framework between Nigeria and the EU on trade and economic issues.
He expressed the willingness of the EU to address this gap by fostering better economic relations and dialogue to remove barriers that hinder increased European investment and trade in Nigeria.
Ambassador Mignot further reiterated that EU relationship with Nigeria is anchored on shared values such as human rights, democracy, the rule of law, multilateralism, and adherence to international law. He underscored the importance of aligning mutual interests to ensure a stronger and more dynamic partnership.
A popular undertaker in Kogi state, Segun Adekoya has been killed by some yet-to-be-identified gunman.
It was gathered that Adekoya was killed on the Egbe-Ogbe-Ponyan road in Yagba East local government of Kogi state over the weekend.
The incident was said to have occurred on Saturday, January 25, at about 5 pm while the team of undertakers were returning to Egbe from a funeral in Ponyan community.
A source within the community said, “The undertaker group headed by Aegun Adekoya is loved greatly in the community, because of its quality service delivery at funeral or burial ceremony.
“He bought a well equipped ambulance on 24th December 2024, with the assistance of people to ease smooth operation of his chosen profession in the community,” the source said.
He, however noted that on Saturday morning the unfortunate incident took place as kidnappers carried out their activities in the area.
A motorcycle operator was also kidnapped during the incident.
The victim’s motorcycle is said to have been recovered from the scene in order to identify the owner.
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