General News
PANDEF DEMANDS SUPREME COURT RECONSIDER RIVERS STATE FAAC ALLOCATION DECISION
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed profound worry and dismay over the recent Supreme Court decision to halt the disbursement of funds from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to Rivers State. In a statement, PANDEF National Publicity Secretary, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, described the decision as a “judicial restraint” that will primarily affect innocent citizens of Rivers State, who rely on these funds for economic, social growth, and infrastructural development.
Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini stated that Rivers State, as a pivotal contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, should not be subjected to fiscal strangulation due to a political discord that remains eminently resolvable. “To deprive the state of its rightful allocations is to impose unwarranted hardship on a people who have consistently contributed to national sustenance,” he said.
PANDEF remains committed to fostering reconciliation, conflict resolution, and social cohesion across the Niger Delta. Chief Ominimini earnestly implored the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in the interest of economic stability, social justice, and national unity. He emphasized that the South-South region has remained a bastion of peace and an unwavering pillar of Nigeria’s economic survival.
The verdict, according to Chief Ominimini, constitutes a grave impediment to the peace-building initiatives spearheaded by PANDEF, particularly through the Obong Victor Attah-led Peace and Reconciliation Committee. PANDEF reaffirms its advocacy for dialogue, justice, and sustainable development, calling on stakeholders to ensure that the people of Rivers State are not unduly victimized by avoidable political contentions.
Chief Ominimini drew parallels with the withdrawal of local government funds to Lagos State during Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s administration as governor, which was widely condemned by Nigerians and the international community. He expressed shock and dismay at the repetition of such an event in the 21st century, urging the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision.
The Federal Government has announced plans to abolish the Junior Secondary School Common Entrance Examination and introduce a nationwide Learner Identification Number system to track pupils throughout their academic journey.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the proposal during an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, stating that the reforms are aimed at improving access to education and strengthening monitoring mechanisms across the country.
Under the proposed framework, the current common entrance examination will be phased out and replaced with a Continuous Assessment (CA) system. The minister explained that pupils would be evaluated based on their academic performance from primary one, allowing for seamless transfer of records when moving between schools.
Alausa said the reform is designed to address long-standing challenges in the transition from primary to secondary education, particularly the high number of pupils who fail to progress.
According to him, Nigeria has over 50,000 public primary schools with more than 23 million pupils, yet only slightly above three million transition to junior secondary school within the public system.
He described the gap as a reflection of limited access, noting that private schools cannot fully absorb the shortfall.
“The issue is simply lack of access,” he said, adding that the Federal Government is working with state governments to expand infrastructure and build more schools to accommodate the growing number of pupils.
To support the reform, the government plans to introduce a unique Learner Identification Number for every child from the primary school level. The number will remain with each pupil throughout their education, regardless of school transfers.
The system, the minister said, will enable authorities to track students’ progress and identify dropouts for timely intervention.
“If a child is expected to be in JSS1 and is not there, we will be able to determine the reason,” he added.
Alausa also revealed plans to revive the school feeding programme as part of efforts to boost enrolment and retention in public schools.
He noted that the programme may be placed under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education to improve monitoring and effectiveness.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government of Nigeria to strengthen the education sector, improve retention rates, and ensure more children complete basic education.
General News
Alue-Do Festival Assault: First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Condemns Attack on Women, Calls for Justice
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has strongly condemned the reported assault of women and girls during the Alue-Do Festival in Ozoro, Delta State, describing the incident as “horrific” and unacceptable.
Reacting to viral footage from Ozoro, the First Lady expressed outrage over scenes showing young girls being physically and sexually assaulted, as well as subjected to degrading treatment during what was meant to be a cultural celebration.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity, Mrs. Tinubu stressed that no tradition or custom should be used as justification for violating the dignity and rights of women and girls.
She commended the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force for making arrests in connection with the incident and urged authorities to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice.
The First Lady also called on victims to seek immediate medical and psychological support, offering prayers for their healing, peace, and strength in the aftermath of the ordeal.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and renewed calls for stricter measures to protect women and girls during cultural and public events across the country.
General News
World Water Day 2026: Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Gender Equity Through Improved Water Access
The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called for collective action to promote gender equality through improved access to water and sanitation, as the world marks World Water Day 2026.
In a message commemorating the day, Senator Tinubu highlighted this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equality Grows,” emphasizing the strong link between water access and gender equity.
She noted that in many communities, women and girls bear the burden of sourcing water, often trekking long distances to streams, a situation that negatively impacts their education, health, and economic opportunities.
“When we ensure safe, clean, and accessible water, we do more than quench thirst; we open doors for girls to stay in school, for women to pursue livelihoods, and for families to live healthier lives,” she said.
The First Lady urged Nigerians to work together to ensure equitable access to water resources across the country, stressing that improved water systems can drive social and economic development.
She concluded by encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of the global observance and reaffirm commitments toward building a more inclusive society.
“Let us work together to ensure that where water flows in Nigeria, equity truly grows,” she added.
World Water Day is observed annually on March 22 to raise awareness on the importance of freshwater and advocate for sustainable management of water resources worldwide.