By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ten passengers have reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen along the Owo-Ipele-Benin Highway in Ondo State.

Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated that seven persons were kidnapped by the assailants.

Sources in Akure, the Ondo State capital, revealed that the travellers were returning from a South-South state and heading to Akure when the gunmen struck.

Their commercial vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside, prompting other drivers to raise the alarm.

Odunlami assured the public that further details would be provided as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, it was gathered that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims and are demanding ransom for their release.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Government has unveiled the National Broadband Alliance, a new initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s digital infrastructure and boosting connectivity across the country.

The initiative was unveiled on Tuesday in Lagos by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who was represented by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida.

In his address, Tijani stated that NBAN would significantly enhance broadband penetration, which has grown from just 6 per cent in 2015 to approximately 42 per cent as of October 2024.

To support this agenda, the government is leveraging a Special Purpose Vehicle to deploy 90,000 km of fibre backbone across the nation, connecting underserved and rural communities to high-speed internet

He said the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises innovation, technology, and collaboration as key drivers of national prosperity.

Tijani stated that the expansion would not only improve access to reliable broadband but also empower Nigerians, particularly in rural areas

While the progress made in broadband penetration is commendable, we recognise that much more needs to be done to ensure every Nigerian can enjoy the benefits of reliable, high-speed internet,” Tijani said.

The minister also emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders in achieving the goals set out in the National Broadband Plan (2020–2025).

According to him, these collaborations will be essential in overcoming infrastructure development challenges and making broadband affordable and accessible for all Nigerians.

“These targets reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring that broadband is accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Nigerians. However, we are also aware of the challenges ahead.”

Tijani stressed that achieving the government’s targets—70 per cent broadband penetration by 2025, a minimum internet speed of 25 Mbps in urban areas, and broadband access for 80 per cent of the population by 2027—will require sustained efforts.

“Achieving these goals will require more than just the efforts of the private sector. It will require a holistic approach that includes strategic partnerships with donors, investors, and other key stakeholders in accelerating the rollout of critical infrastructure,” he added

Tireless Senator Manu Haruna again embarks on massive distribution of essential hospital across Taraba Central Senatorial District.

This is coming barely three months after, the Senator Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly quickly checkmated an outbreak of cholera in his district by supplying test equipment to curtail spread.

The distribution entails hospital equipment, beds, examination gynaecology tables and other critical healthcare facilities, across the 54 wards of Taraba Central.

This initiative, sponsored by Senator Manu Haruna, in collaboration with(NPHDA) and aims to enhance healthcare services in the senatorial district by equipping health centers with the necessary medical infrastructure.

The distribution of these vital hospital items underscores Senator Haruna’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services.

By prioritizing the health sector, Senator Haruna continues to demonstrate his dedication to the well-being of his constituents and the overall development of Taraba Central.

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