NEWS
Gov Abdulrazaq hails rising tax awareness among youth as Kwara public schools win big at 2024 edition of quiz competition
•GDSS Gaa Akanbi, other winners get huge cash rewards, urged to do more Kwara State Tax Club Quiz Competition (2024 edition) ended on Thursday, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq presenting the overall winner, Government Day Secondary School Gaa Akanbi, with the first cash prize of N2.5 million and a trophy in appreciation of their excellent display.Governor Abdulrazaq said the increasing popular participation in the quiz underscores the rising popularity of the programme and its impacts on public understanding of taxation and the link to socioeconomic development. A total of 154 Kwara-based public and private secondary schools took part in the contest out of which six made it to the grand finale. The two students of the GDSS Gaa Akanbi, who participated in the contest, went home with N400,000 personal cash. Their counterparts from the other schools also got different cash prizes for their efforts, ranging from N300,000 to N200,000. Their teachers also got cash rewards for their hard work. Other finalists were Government Secondary School Lafiagi, which won N1.5 million as first runners-up; and second-runners-up Eucharistic Heart of Jesus Model College Asa Dam which won N1 million); Kwara College of Education Model Secondary School Oro came fourth; Anglican Boys’ Academy, Oro placed fifth; and Shepherd Secondary School Lafiagi came sixth. Each of the winners got trophies to celebrate their efforts and achievements in the keenly contested competition.The Governor said the event underlines the importance of financial literacy and the role young minds play in shaping the economy.He said the Tax Club Quiz Competition is not just a contest but an educational platform that nurtures a crucial cultural legacy and empowers young minds with knowledge about taxation, finance, and economics. He said the government will continue to invest in the education and empowerment of the youth so that they can become responsible citizens who contribute to the well-being of the society.Commending the KW-IRS for introducing a virtual dimension to this year’s quiz competition, AbdulRazaq said the innovation enabled the students to participate online from the comfort of their respective schools. “This is in line with the State’s strategy on full adoption of technology and to ensure that students are further exposed to the use of ICT for examinations in line with global best practices,” the Governor said. “Our world is changing rapidly, and the economic landscape is evolving. As we navigate these changes, it is essential that young people are well-informed about the principles of taxation, financial management, and economic development. “By participating in events like this, you are equipping yourselves with the skills and knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and contribute to the prosperity of our state.”The Governor thanked the teachers, parents, and mentors who have played significant roles in guiding and supporting the young talents.At the event were top government officials including House of Assembly Chairperson on Finance and Appropriation Hajia Fatimah Arinola Lawal; Chief of Staff to the Governor Prince AbdulKadir Mahe; Special Adviser and Counsellor Sa’adu Sallau; Commissioner for Education Sa’adatu Moddibo Kawu; Commissioner for Communication Bola Olukoju; Commissioner for Youth Development Shehu Ndanusa Usman; Chairman KW-IRS Mrs Shade Omoniyi; Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Prof Sheu Raheem Adaramaja; and Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission Taoheed Bello; among others.It was also attended by Emir of Ilorin, Dr Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, who was represented by Balogun Alanamu Ilorin Dr Abubakar Usman Jos; Olupo of Ajase Ipo Oba Ismaila Yahaya Alebiosu; and Olomu of Omupo, Oba Yakubu Buhari.Moddibo, for her part, said beyond academic benefit, the competition has instilled in the participants a sense of civic responsibility, sharpened their critical thinking skills, and expanded their horizons.The event attests to the administration’s commitment to fostering an informed, responsible, and future-oriented citizenry, she said. Chairman of KW-IRS, Shade Omoniyi, said the competition is not just a movement but a platform that serves as a beacon of hope and enlightenment for the younger generation. “By engaging our young ones early, we are planting seeds for a future generation that will champion accountability, transparency, and economic growth,” she said.”For the first time in the history of the Tax Club Quiz Competition, we conducted the preliminaries using a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, allowing students to participate from the comfort of their respective schools.
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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