NEWS
Gov AbdulRazaq speaks on personal devt, use of new media, as Kwara holds youth summit
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Tuesday charged Nigerian youth to make informed decisions in their pursuit of personal development, and be guided that whatever their decisions are will impact on the larger society.
Speaking in Ilorin at the 1st Kwara Adolescents and Youth Intellectual Summit 2024, the Governor noted that the demography is most significant for the country considering their numerical strength, asking them to always engage in productive ventures.
“As you move from adolescence to youth and full adulthood, I want you to make informed choices and take full responsibility for who you want to be and the kind of country you would like to call your fatherland. That is why this conference is about empowering tomorrow, transforming perspectives, healing minds, and shaping governance,” the Governor said this through Commissioner for Water Resources Usman Yunusa Lade who represented him.
“Whatever decisions you make about education and personal development, hard work and honesty, ethical values, protecting family name, and productive use of your time will determine who you become tomorrow and whether our country will be greater than it is.
“As digital natives, we admit that you understand technology and you want to make the most use of the opportunities it offers. Make your virtual communities more conducive for all to coexist, devoid of bullying and other toxic behaviours. Importantly, please note that there is life outside of the new media. Explore the physical world where things are more real and the veils behind the screens are nonexistent”.
Graced by the Kwara First Lady Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, state parliamentarian and Cabinet members, the Summit was themed: “Empowering Tomorrow, Transforming Perspectives, Healing Minds and Shaping Governance”. It featured several segments of high interests including lectures and technical sessions.
The programme was organized by the Ministry of Youth Development and the Office of Special Adviser on Youth Engagement, Hon Muhammed Attairu.
AbdulRazaq enjoined the younger persons to shun drug abuse, violent crimes or membership of secret cults, and negative obsession with or misuse of social media.
He commended the Commissioner for Youth Development Nafisat Musa Buge and her team for putting the programme together, while also thanking other personalities that contributed to its success.
“I want you to take time to reflect on the theme of this conference. Create a mutually supportive circle of friends. Multiple ethical opportunities exist on the internet or social media. Grab them. Explore agriculture. Learn from one another. Seek help when you need it, and take bold steps to become a better person who will be known and remembered for their positive accomplishments. You can do it!,” AbdulRazaq added.
The session was equally attended by the House of Assembly member Hon Rukayat Shittu; Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge; National Youth Leader for APC, who is one of the Keynote speakers, Hon. Dayo Israel; the 14-year old Deputy Speaker for Nigerian Children Parliament, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Zannu Sumonu; and CEO Lahmad Concept Ltd Ahmed Lawal; among other dignitaries.
Amb Mrs. AbdulRazaq, for her part, assured the youth that her office will continue to promote programmes that will assist them to realize their potentials and become instruments of positive changes.
“As you evolve as adolescents and youth I enjoin you to stay true to your dreams and aspirations, being a generation that grew up in the digital age, with access to more information and connectivity than ever before, use this as a positive tool to give you unique perspective and set of skills that will be invaluable,” she said.
Buge, in her remarks, said the conference was to encourage the creativity, ingenuity and freedom of youth, and to provide an enabling environment and structure for self expression, self analysis and self actualization.
“The state of our youth remains the best indicator of a healthy or disintegrated society. It is also recognized that the youths are the cornerstone of the Nation and are particularly sensitive, energetic, active and potentially productive,” she said, thanking the Governor for investing in youth.
Hon. Israel advised the youth to be focused and determined while pursuing their dreams, citing what he had gone through as student and a former member of the Nigerian Children Parliament.
“If you are focused and determined, no matter the challenges, you will get there and the sky is the beginning of your success”.
NEWS
Africa Caught Off-guard as Idris Elba Stuns with FIFA World Cup Message
SuperSport viewers across Africa were left stunned when normal programming was suddenly interrupted by Hollywood star Idris Elba, who delivered a message saying “Everything else can wait.”Millions of DStv and GOtv viewers across Africa experienced the surprise interruption during prime-time viewing on 15 April 2026 at 7pm, including in the middle of live sport broadcast. Screens abruptly went black before a countdown appeared, followed by a familiar silhouette.It was Idris Elba.Ten Of Us NowThe award-winning actor addressed Africa directly with a message celebrating a historic football moment. Ten African nations have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most ever.“There are ten of us now,” Elba said in his unmistakable gravelly voice. “I honestly don’t care which one of us wins. I just want to see African football light up the world stage.”“My mum is from Ghana, my dad is from Sierra Leone. But my heart is African,” said Elba, a global superstar who remains deeply connected to the continent. “That’s why I’m watching. Every. Single. Game.”Africa’s Greatest World Cup?The FIFA World Cup 2026™, hosted across Mexico, Canada and the USA, will see Africa represented by Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire and DR Congo.It is a milestone tournament, and SuperSport on DStv and GOtv is positioning itself as the home of every kick, goal and celebration.“History doesn’t always tell you when it’s going to happen,” Elba continued. “But I’m here to tell you where it may happen. SuperSport. Only on DStv and GOtv. Everything else you thought you were going to be doing… it can wait.”Energetic Big Brother Mzansi star Smash Afrika and the ever-stylish host of Big Brother Naija, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, are also starring in the wider DStv and GOtv FIFA World Cup campaign.Every Match, Every ScreenAll 104 FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches will be available live on SuperSport across DStv, DStv Stream, GOtv and GOtv Stream.Viewers can follow the tournament through satellite TV or stream on phones, laptops and smart TVs, depending on their preference and connectivity.Coverage will also include local language options, including pidgin, making the tournament more accessible to audiences across the continent.The World Cup kicks off on 11 June 2026 with the opening ceremony in Mexico City, live on SuperSport. From the opening match to the final, fans across Africa will be able to follow every moment.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Receives Nigerian Air Force Delegation in Gusau to Strengthen Security, Combat Terrorism
Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal P.hD, received a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Air Force during a strategic visit aimed at strengthening ongoing efforts to combat insecurity across the state.
The visit featured a presentation and inspection of key military air assets, including a combat-equipped helicopter designed for rapid response and real-time operations.
The Governor, alongside top government officials and security chiefs, was briefed on the aircraft’s capabilities, operational features, and its role in tackling banditry and other security challenges.
During the session, Air Force personnel demonstrated key features of the aircraft, including weapon systems and surveillance technology, highlighting its effectiveness in reconnaissance and combat missions.
Governor Lawal expressed strong interest, inspecting the equipment and asking questions about deployment and coordination with ground forces.
He commended the Federal Government and Air Force leadership for their commitment to restoring peace in Zamfara and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting all security agencies through collaboration and strategic initiatives.
The visit marks a significant step toward enhancing aerial surveillance and rapid response capabilities in Zamfara, reflecting renewed progress in addressing insecurity in the state.
NEWS
Governor Dauda Lawal Approves 120-Day Rapid Intervention Plan to Revamp Zamfara’s Educational Sector
Governor Dauda Lawal has approved a 120-day Rapid Intervention Action Plan aimed at addressing systemic failures in Zamfara State’s education sector.
The Governor presided over the State Executive Council meeting on Monday at the Government House in Gusau, where key decisions were taken.
During deliberations at the 65th Council meeting, issues related to education, health, works, and other sectors were discussed and approved.
The Council endorsed a 120-day rapid intervention plan built on prior diagnostic activities conducted by the Ministry of Education and the Education Quality Assurance Agency (EQAA). The plan, presented by the overseeing Commissioner for Education, Abdulmalik Abubakar Gajam, includes payroll audits, school mapping exercises, and infrastructure assessments. It proposes targeted, time-bound interventions across governance, infrastructure, digital transformation, teacher development, and student welfare.
The Council also approved the formation of a joint committee to immediately assess all illegal or unapproved structures built around schools in the state, with a view to relocating them and securing school environments. The committee will be led by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST).
Additionally, the Council approved a single, unified Education Sector Bill (covering Early Childhood Care Development Education to Tertiary level), to be developed in consultation with stakeholders including agencies, institutions, civil society, traditional rulers, and development partners. A draft bill will be presented to the State House of Assembly for enactment within the emergency timeframe.
The Governor further approved the transfer of non-teaching staff—such as messengers, labourers, gardeners, cooks, guards, drivers, health workers, and artisans—from the Ministry’s payroll to appropriate MDAs (CPG, MoH, Establishment) or private firms.
Among other important issues, the Council approved the composition of the Zamfara State Steering Committee on the State of Emergency on Education and authorised the Committee to constitute a Technical Working Group (TWG) and co-opt stakeholders including the NUT, UNICEF, UBEC, traditional and religious leaders, private school proprietors, and CSOs.
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