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More Than 100 Women and Children Abducted by Bandits in Maburya Community, Niger State

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  More than 100 women and children have reportedly been abducted by armed bandits in Maburya community, Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. According to an eyewitness and resident of the community, the bandits invaded the area after tracing residents to their usual hiding places on top of a hill in the village. The attackers were reportedly searching for men in the community, but when they could not find them, they turned their attention to the women and children. The resident explained that although the majority of the abducted women were subsequently released, the bandits reportedly took six teenage girls with them to their hideout in neighbouring Zamfara State. The girls, according to the source, were allegedly taken to serve as shepherds for the bandits' livestock. The resident appealed to the Niger State and Federal Governments to urgently intervene and secure the release of the six girls, who have reportedly remained in captivity. Bandits reportedly behead res...

NELFUND Slams Tertiary Institutions for Raising Fees, Delaying Student Refunds

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  NELFUND Condemns Tuition Fee Hikes, Refund Delays by Tertiary Institutions The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has criticised what it described as unethical practices by some tertiary institutions in the implementation of the Federal Government's Student Loan Scheme. The agency accused the institutions of delaying or refusing to refund students who had already paid their tuition fees before NELFUND disbursed the loan funds. The Fund also raised concerns over reports that some institutions have arbitrarily increased tuition fees and other charges, warning that such actions undermine the purpose of the student loan programme introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to improve access to higher education. In a statement issued on Monday, NELFUND's Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, said the scheme was created to remove financial barriers to higher education, not to impose additional hardship on students through unfair institutional pr...

FG Approves Major NYSC Reforms After 53 Years

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NYSC MEMBERS FG Approves Major NYSC Reforms After 53 Years The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a far-reaching reform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), marking the first comprehensive restructuring of the scheme since its establishment in 1973. The reforms, approved during Monday's FEC meeting in Abuja, are designed to transform the NYSC into a modern, skills-driven and productivity-oriented institution that supports the Federal Government's economic development agenda. One of the most significant changes is the introduction of civilian leadership for the NYSC. While the scheme will now be headed by a civilian, the military will continue to provide security support for corps members across the country. To facilitate the implementation of the reforms, the FEC directed the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to amend the NYSC Act and other relevant regulations to provide the necessary legal framework. Announcing t...

Bosso Constituency: Why Architect Abubakar Gwanna Deserves a Second Term

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Arch. Abubakar Gwamna Legislative responsibilities demand a leader who is charismatic, articulate, grassroots-oriented, and, above all, open-minded—someone committed to the development of the constituency rather than personal gain. Architect Abubakar Gwanna has consistently demonstrated these qualities. As the member representing Bosso Constituency in the Niger State Assembly, he has, over the past three years, delivered on the core expectations of effective representation. It is therefore not an exaggeration to highlight some of his achievements and make a case for his re-election. Architect Gwanna stands out as one of the most vocal and active members in the Assembly. He contributes meaningfully to debates, promotes the image of his constituency, and consistently advocates for the rights and needs of his people. Through the sponsorship of impactful bills, he has also contributed to the broader development of the state. Beyond the chamber, he remains deeply connected to the grassr...

Engr. Mustafa Bello Appointed as Zenith Bank Board Chaiaman

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Engr. Mustafa Bello fnse   Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Engr. Mustafa Bello as Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective immediately. The appointment follows approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ratification by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on May 5, 2026. Engr. Bello’s appointment reflects the Bank’s commitment to continuity, stability, and effective governance. It underscores Zenith Bank’s enduring focus on strong corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight. He joined the Board in December 2017 and has served on several key committees, including the Board Audit and Compliance Committee, Board Governance, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, and as Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee. With over four decades of experience across the public and private sectors, Engr. Bello brings extensive leadership expertise and a deep understanding of governance and regulatory frameworks. His track recor...

FUT Minna Announces Date for Its 39th Matriculation Ceremony

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Federal University of Technology, Minna The management of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, has announced Monday, 16th February 2026, as the date for the matriculation ceremony of newly admitted students. According to a circular issued and signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academic), Mrs. Omolola O. Alhassan, the ceremony will take place at the university’s permanent site, Gidan Kwano, along the Minna–Bida Road. The event is scheduled to commence at 9:30 a.m. at the University Convocation Square. All invited guests are advised to arrive at the venue before 9:30 a.m., as entry will not be permitted after the academic procession begins.

AA Rano Unveils Plan for Nigeria’s First Unmanned Fuel Stations Amid Workers’ Opposition

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A A RANO Filling Station  Petrol station workers operating under the banner of the Concerned Petrol Station Workers have rejected AA Rano’s plan to introduce what it describes as Nigeria’s first fully automated, unmanned fuel stations. The workers cautioned that implementing the initiative without proper safeguards could aggravate unemployment and heighten insecurity nationwide. AA Rano recently disclosed plans to deploy the automated stations this January, explaining that the outlets would run a 24-hour self-service fuelling system.  The company said the stations would use contactless payment solutions, real-time monitoring, and automated dispensing technology, removing the need for pump attendants. Reacting to the announcement, the convener of the group and labour rights advocate, Comrade Ibrahim Zango, voiced strong concerns over the proposal. In a statement released in Kaduna on Thursday, Zango warned that many young Nigerians currently employed as petrol station attendant...