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Send Your Kid To School or get jailed – Gombe govt cautions parents
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Gombe State government says it would send parents and guardians to jail for not sending their children to schools.
Babaji Babadidi, Chairman, Gombe State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, said this on Monday at the inauguration of the 2025/2026 School Enrolment Campaign at Amada in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
He said that defaulting parents could face a two-month jail term under Section 19(2) of the SUBEB Amendment Law 2021.
Babadidi said the measure was necessary to ensure that every child has access to quality basic education.
“Every parent should ensure that his child or ward attends and completes primary, junior and senior secondary education.
“Any parent, who contravene Section 19(2) of the law commits an offence and is liable, upon conviction, to pay a fine or serve a one-month prison sentence.
“Subsequent convictions also attract a substantial fine or imprisonment for a term of two months,” he said.
Babadidi said prior to this enrolment campaign, the state government adopted a carrot approach by providing free education.
“However, if we fail to meet our target of enrolling 400,000 students into primary schools this session, we will revert to the stick approach by enforcing the law.”
The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Aishatu Maigari, said the state has over 700,000 out-of-school children.
According to Maigari, the North-East region accounts for 15 per cent of Nigeria’s 18.2 million out-of-school children.
“We cannot sit and fold our arms while our children remain out-of-school. We will ensure every child is enrolled. Every child will receive quality education, and also learn a trade, which does not necessarily mean working for the government.
“An educated person can become an employer of labour through skills and entrepreneurship acquired in school,” she said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has approved the confirmation of appointment of 1,659 staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The 1,659 whose appointments were confirmed were among the 2,281, who sat for the confirmation examination conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission on February 28, 2026.
In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, as saying that some of the workers who sat for the confirmation were employed as far back as 2016 and 2019.
“2, 512 candidates were invited to present themselves for confirmation examination but only 2,281 turned up for the examination.
“A total of 224 officers were absent, fueling suspiction that they could be ghost workers.
“Some of the workers, who sat for the confirmation were employed as far back as 2016 and 2019, while others were
employed shortly before Wike assumed office in August 2023,” he said.
The FCT Civil Service Commission has also concluded plans to conduct both the 2025 and 2026 promotions as approved by the Minister and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to renewing the Hope of FCTA workforce.
Candidates are advised to visit the Commission’s website, www.fctcsc.abj.gov.ng to check the status of their names.
…celebrates Nigerian women
..hail their resilience, sacrifices
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated women, particularly Nigerian women on the occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President praised Nigerian women for the sacrifices they make for families and in building the society.
Akpabio said he is a practical example of the beneficiary of the wonders of women saying mothers are the best gift God has given man.
“Today, I join the globe to celebrate our mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, colleagues, and friends who wake up each day and work to make the world a better place. Your relentless efforts can never go unnoticed.
“I am the biggest beneficiary of the love, care, compassion and sacrifice of a woman. My mother gave her all to raise me up to become what I am today.
“I remain ever grateful and appreciative of what our women and mothers go through in raising their children, supporting the family and building societies.
“I congratulate the Nigerian Woman on the auspicious occasion of this year’s International Women’s Day. I respect and cherish your strength, resilience and invaluable contributions to our nation.
“As a legislature and in consonance with the theme of this year’s celebration, “Give and Gain”, we are committed to pushing for robust investment in our womenfolk in all spheres of life, especially female participation in the economic and political processes of our nation.
“On behalf of my family, constituents, the Senate and 10th National Assembly, I congratulate all women and wish all our mothers, sisters, daughters and aunties a blessed and peaceful celebration. May your efforts never go in vain”.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Authorities reported that the man inflicted severe injuries on himself, including mutilating his genital area, damaging his throat, and stabbing his body with a sharp object. Investigators also suspect he may have tried to cut off one of his arms during the disturbing episode.
Officials said the exact object used in the incident has not yet been identified, and the circumstances that led to the act remain unclear. Law enforcement authorities noted that the motive behind the incident is still under investigation. It is also not yet known whether the individual was under the influence of any substances or dealing with a mental health issue at the time of the event.
Officials said the exact object used in the incident has not yet been identified, and the circumstances that led to the act remain unclear. Law enforcement authorities noted that the motive behind the incident is still under investigation.
Wike Confirms Appointment of 1,659 FCTA Workers Employed In 2016, 2019
IWD:Mothers are the best gift God has given man-Akpabio
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