NEWS
Gov Abdulrazaq putting Kwara youth to productive enterprise, First Lady Tinubu says on visit to Garment Factory
▪︎ Gov commends First Lady over N350m support for Film Factory
▪︎ Tinubu launches campaign to end new HIV, Syphilis infections
▪︎ Says Kwara breaking new grounds in devt as three-day state visit ends
Nigeria’s First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu ended her three-day working visit to Kwara on Thursday with a tour of the Garment Factory, another signature project of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and the biggest of its kind in the country.
She interacted with workers of the factory, telling them to make the most of the foresight of the Governor by working hard.
“What your Governor has done is to create opportunities for enterprise and productive engagement of youths and women. I want you to work hard and become successful. I’m here purposely to encourage you to make this a huge success for yourself and for your state,” she said in Yoruba language.
She later gave the hundreds of workers a stipend of N20,000 each for “your lunch”.
Her aircraft left the tarmac of the Gen Tunde Idiagbon International Airport at exactly 2:22p.m., followed shortly by the wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima and other members of her entourage.
The third day of the visit began with a launch of the Free to Shine Campaign, an initiative of the Organization of African First Ladies (OAFLAD) that is mobilising support to end new HIV infections and protect children and women.
The first two days of the visit were spent inaugurating different iconic projects of the Abdulrazaq administration, leading the groundbreaking ceremony for another one, and visiting a few others.
Some of these projects included an ultramodern Intensive Care Unit; Dr. Amuda Aluko Ward; Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover; and Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari Flyover. The First Lady also had a dinner at the remodelled Flower Garden, an activity that holds a symbolic importance in how the Governor has made positive turnarounds for many state facilities.
She had on Tuesday launched an ICT Community Centre executed by the NITDA in collaboration with her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI).
On Wednesday, she flagged off the construction of the Oluremi Tinubu Hospital, a major project of the government, and toured the Ilorin Innovation Hub, an imposing facility which already attracted important partnerships from tech giant IHS Towers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The First Lady also visited the Sugar Factory Film Studio, commending the Governor for his transformative agenda and pledging a donation of N350m to support the production of a movie inspired by local cultural legacies and values.
Speaking at the Free to Shine programme in the morning, Tinubu said the campaign was designed to significantly reduce the number of new HIV and other new infections among women of reproductive age, prevent mother-to-child transmission, and to guarantee that every child born with HIV receives the necessary treatment and support to strive.
She said Nigeria shares the highest burden of the spread of HIV in sub-saharan Africa, particularly among the youth, women, and children, adding this was partly as a result of the rise in population.
“To complement the Free to Shine campaign, I have also decided to advocate for the triple elimination of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis. This campaign will be held across the six geopolitical zones of the nation,” the First Lady said.
Governor AbdulRazaq, for his part, commended the First Lady for championing the OAFLAD Free to Shine Campaign to end new infections in children and ensure that mothers stay alive.
“Three days ago, we received reports about a significant shift in global HIV/AIDS policies and funding. This change will have far-reaching effects in Africa, and we must act swiftly to minimise its impact on millions of Africans living with HIV,” he said.
The Governor pledged the support of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to raise awareness, mobilise resources, and ensure that people living with HIV receive the care they need to live healthy, productive lives.
He applauded the President’s wife for donating N350M as support for the state’s Sugar Factory Film studios, a gesture driven by her love for the project and its ongoing movie production that focuses on restoring local cultural values
Kwara State First Lady Amb. Olufolake AbdulRazaq said the Free to Shine campaign is a fine strategy to co-lead a continental effort to end new HIV infections in children and keep mothers alive, applauding the OAFLAD and the African Union for adopting it.
She acknowledged the outstanding roles of African First Ladies, particularly Nigeria’s First Lady, in building awareness and harnessing political commitment to HIV/AIDS response and the broader health and development agenda on the continent.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate said the Tinubu administration has spent a lot of money on testing and treatment for many Nigerians who are suffering from HIV/AIDS, Syphilis and Hepatitis.
He said at least 1.5million HIV/AIDS’ patients in Nigeria are currently under treatment, adding that the statistics indicates that tremendous progress is being made when compared to what obtained in the early 2000.
Country representative for World Health Organization (WHO) Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo said the campaign aligns with the 78-point resolutions of member states, committing to the 2022-2030 Global Health Strategies.
For the elimination of these three diseases, attention must be paid to comprehensive prevention, testing, and treatment services for women, children, and their families, according to Pate.
UNICEF Country Representative Ms
Cristian Munduate said they are proud of Nigeria’s dedication to HIV/AIDS elimination over the years, and pledged their continued support and robust partnership to eliminate the disease, especially the mother-to-child transmission.
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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