WAFFI TV | Feature

Rivers Assembly Tells Fubara To Submit Commissioner Nominees, Prepare Budget

The Rivers State House of Assembly has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara to promptly submit the names of Commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation. At its first plenary following the end of the six-month emergency rule, the lawmakers also directed the Governor to commence the preparation of an Appropriation Law to cover the remaining part of the year. These resolutions were adopted during Thursday’s sitting presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule.

9/18/2025, 2:20:02 PM

FG Allocates N300bn To Power Teaching Hospitals, Varsities

The Federal Government has earmarked **N300 billion** to ensure stable electricity supply in teaching hospitals and universities nationwide. Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and member representing Bichi Federal Constituency, announced this on Wednesday during the unveiling of a solar hybrid intervention project at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano. Speaking through the News Agency of Nigeria, Bichi explained that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to end recurrent power outages in critical sectors, particularly healthcare and tertiary education. He noted that the allocation will fund renewable energy installations, prioritizing institutions that deliver essential services to Nigerians. “This intervention is designed to guarantee uninterrupted power for hospitals and universities so doctors can save lives and students can learn without disruption,” Bichi said. He added that the projects would ease the burden of high electricity costs on government institutions, boost efficiency, and promote the adoption of clean energy. Bichi praised the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for driving the initiative and disclosed that the Energy Commission of Nigeria, alongside other relevant agencies, would oversee timely implementation. He also commended President Tinubu for approving special budgetary provisions to tackle power challenges in tertiary hospitals and universities. On the AKTH solar power project, Bichi explained that the intervention followed appeals from Chief Medical Directors of teaching hospitals during the preparation of the 2025 appropriation bill. He recalled that in November 2024, the CMD of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, among others, raised concerns about the rising cost of powering critical health facilities, sometimes reaching **N200 million monthly** on electricity and diesel. He said the matter was escalated to the National Assembly leadership and later to President Tinubu, who ordered the inclusion of funds for solar hybrid projects in the 2025 budget. Bichi further confirmed that about N300 billion was allocated in the budget to support electricity supply across all federal universities and teaching hospitals, with beneficiaries including Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Bayero University Kano, Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, and Nasarawa Hospital. Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of AKTH, Prof. Abdulrahman Sheshe, noted that the project would significantly enhance service delivery at the hospital.

9/18/2025, 9:15:25 AM

FG Returns History To Basic School Curriculum

The Federal Government has reinstated Nigerian History as a compulsory subject in the basic education curriculum to promote national identity, unity, patriotism, and responsible citizenship. The Federal Ministry of Education disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday. “For the first time in decades, Nigerian pupils will study History continuously from Primary 1 to JSS3, while SSS1–3 students will take the new Civic and Heritage Studies, integrating History with Civic Education,” the statement read. “Primary 1–6: Pupils will learn about Nigeria’s origins, heroes, rulers, culture, politics, economy, religions, colonial rule, and post-independence governance. “JSS1–3: Students will study civilisations, empires, trade, European contacts, amalgamation, independence, democracy, and civic values.” According to the Ministry of Education, this reform is a priceless gift to the nation, reconnecting children with their roots while inspiring pride, unity, and commitment to national development. The ministry has unveiled the revised curriculum and outlined plans to retrain teachers, provide learning materials, and enhance monitoring. History was first removed from the primary and junior secondary school curricula in the 2009/2010 academic session following the launch of the New Basic Education Curriculum in 2007. The official reasons cited for its removal included students’ lack of interest in the subject, limited career opportunities for History graduates, and a shortage of qualified teachers. In 2017, the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council announced plans to reintroduce History into the primary and junior secondary curricula starting from the 2018/2019 academic session. By 2022, the Federal Government began the first phase of a teacher training programme to restore History as a stand-alone subject in the basic education curriculum.

9/18/2025, 9:07:55 AM

FG Pays Out N330bn Cash Transfers To Poor Nigerians~ Edun

The Federal Government has disbursed N330 billion in cash transfers to poor Nigerians through the National Social Safety-Net Coordinating Office. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, revealed this while addressing the press in Abuja on Tuesday. He explained that the National Social Register currently contains about 19.7 million poor and vulnerable households, covering more than 70 million individuals. The cash transfers, he noted, are funded from an $800 million World Bank facility. According to him, the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s measures to cushion the impact of rising prices caused by the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira. He said, “This is part of plan by Mr. President to get the social protection programme that he had in mind to help the poorest and most-vulnerable through the difficulties caused by the increase in the price level, as we all know, as part of the necessary reforms that were put in place. “We are pleased to report that the social protection programme, the putting in place of a safety-net to help people, to cope with the rising price level is now firmly back on track. “Of the 20 million households on the Social Register, covering about 75 million Nigerians, the programme was for 15 million households, covering 75 million Nigerians, 8.5 million households have now been paid at least one tranche of the funds that were promised to them- N25,000 Naira. “They have two more payments to go. Some have received two, and some have received three. And following from that, because what has been put in place is a very robust system. “People are identified biometrically by their NIN- National Identity Number. Secondly, they are paid digitally through their bank accounts or their mobile wallets. So it’s a very robust and sustainable system.” The minister added that household yet to be paid would receive theirs before the end of the year. “The expectation is that the other 7 million or so households will be paid by the end of the year,” he said. Edun described social safety net as an important aspect of every modern economy. He said, “What Nigeria now has is a robust system of reaching whichever targeted set of people that we want to reach to help the poorest and the most vulnerable on a long-term basis.” Inclusion in annual budgets The minister indicated that special funds would be provided in federal government budgets, going forward, to manage the programme sustainability. His words, “We expect that there will be the ability to budget each year for assistance for people to be paid directly to help them at any given point in time with an intervention. “So Nigeria now has the basis for a modern social protection system that was the promise of Mr. President. That is what he is now putting in place. Alongside all the other improvements in the economy, there is the creation and the establishment of a very robust system of reaching the poor.”

9/18/2025, 6:45:43 AM

FG Approves Chinese Language In Nigerian Secondary School Curriculum

The Federal Government has approved the inclusion of the Chinese language (Mandarin) in the Senior Secondary School curriculum nationwide. The announcement was made by the Education Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Danlami Hayyo, during the inauguration of a Chinese Corner at Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja. The project was sponsored by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as part of its corporate social responsibility. Dr. Hayyo noted that the FCT Education Board had already introduced Mandarin in some schools before the curriculum review, describing the initiative as visionary. He explained that Chinese is the most widely spoken language globally and has become essential in commerce, education, and tourism. “Our decision to embrace Chinese education and culture is a wise step,” he said. With the new centre in Tudun Wada, Abuja now has 14 Chinese Corners across secondary schools in the territory. Hayyo added that these centres have further strengthened educational and cultural ties between Nigeria and China.

9/17/2025, 1:59:33 PM

IYC Accuses Police, Itsekiri Of Fueling Tension In Warri

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone, has accused the Warri Area Command of allegedly colluding with Itsekiri youths to oppress the Ijaw people and undermine peace in the oil-rich city. The allegation follows the removal of banners bearing the image of HRM King Couple Oromoni, the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, which were reportedly torn down by Itsekiri youths accompanied by police officers. The development triggered protests, as Ijaw youths stormed the Area Command demanding the banners’ immediate retrieval and replacement. In a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Nicholas Tamaradenyefa Igarama; Secretary, Ebi Joshua Olowolayemo; and Information Officer, Comrade Tare Magbei, the IYC accused the police of siding with the Itsekiri to provoke unrest in Warri. The group alleged that the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, and Warri South Council Chairman, Isaac Weyinmi Agbateyiniro, masterminded the act as part of a “decoy to cause war.” “This condemnable act, orchestrated under the orders of Itsekiri leadership and executed by Warri South Council Chairman Wayemi Agas, is a direct provocation and an insult to the Ogbe-Ijoh Kingdom,” the IYC said. The council described the removal of the Pere’s image as a violation of the fragile peace in the region and warned that the Ijaw people’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness. “We call on the Delta State Government, security agencies, and well-meaning Nigerians to intervene before the situation escalates. Any further attempt to desecrate the image or authority of our king will be met with stiff resistance,” the statement read. The IYC further demanded a public apology from those involved and a firm assurance from the Warri Area Command that such “partiality and connivance” would not recur.

9/17/2025, 7:30:44 AM

Pensioners Threaten Nationwide ‘Naked Protest’ Over Unpaid Benefits

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned of a nationwide naked protest on October 6 if the Federal Government fails to implement pension increments and palliative payments. National Chairman of the coalition, Mr. Mukaila Ogunbote, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press briefing in Lagos. Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), said pensioners had given the government until the end of September to settle arrears, increments, and palliatives. He cautioned that failure to meet the deadline would compel retirees to take to the streets unclothed as a symbolic act to expose government neglect and press home their demands. Ogunbote recalled that in October 2023, President Bola Tinubu approved N35,000 for workers and N25,000 for pensioners as palliatives. While workers received theirs within a month, pensioners were still waiting nearly a year later. He added that workers had since benefitted from ten months of additional palliatives, whereas pensioners’ plea for six months’ worth remained ignored. According to him, Tinubu also directed an upward review of pensions by N13,000, but the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General had yet to implement the directive. “When we enquired, we were told our N32,000 increment was omitted from both the 2024 and 2025 budgets. This is injustice,” Ogunbote declared. Mr. Fashola Oluwo, a retiree from the Federal Ministry of Information, called for accountability, urging that officials who failed to implement the President’s directive be questioned. He lamented that despite the approved increment, pensioners continued to struggle, as the amount was insufficient to cushion the rising cost of living in Nigeria. According to him, many retirees could no longer afford essential medication, while some had even died waiting for their entitlements. Also speaking, Mrs. Dupe Ogunniyi, a pensioner from the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), appealed to the First Lady to intervene with the President on behalf of retirees. She explained that many pensioners were burdened with supporting unemployed graduate children and depended solely on their pensions for survival

9/17/2025, 7:25:55 AM

NiMet Predicts Three day Thunderstorms, Rainfall Nationwide

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thunderstorms and rainfall across various parts of the country between Monday and Wednesday. In its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet said isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected on Monday morning in Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Adamawa, and Taraba states. The afternoon and evening are likely to bring more thunderstorms across the northern region, with a risk of flash floods in Adamawa, Taraba, and Gombe. For the central region, cloudy skies with sunny intervals are forecast for Monday morning, with moderate rains anticipated in Niger, Kogi, Kwara, the FCT, and Benue. Thunderstorms are expected later in the day across most of the region. In the southern states, cloudy conditions with moderate rains are expected on Monday morning in Ekiti, Ondo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River. Moderate rains are likely across much of the region later in the day. On Tuesday, northern states will see cloudy skies with sunny breaks, while Borno, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, and Adamawa will experience isolated thunderstorms and moderate rains in the morning. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms are expected across Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Taraba. The central region will have cloudy skies with sunshine intervals in the morning, alongside moderate rains in Kogi, Niger, the FCT, Kwara, and Nasarawa. Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are forecast for Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and the FCT. For the south, cloudy skies with chances of moderate rain are expected in Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Delta during the morning. Later in the day, light to moderate rains will spread across most parts of the region. By Wednesday, the northern region will experience cloudy skies with sunshine intervals, alongside slim chances of thunderstorms and light rain in Sokoto and Zamfara. Isolated thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Sokoto by afternoon and evening. In the central region, cloudy skies with sunshine intervals are forecast on Wednesday morning, with light rains likely in the FCT, Kogi, Kwara, and Niger. Later in the day, thunderstorms with moderate rains are expected in Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger. Across the southern states, cloudy skies are expected on Wednesday morning, with moderate rains likely later in the day. NiMet advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall, while farmers were urged not to apply fertiliser or pesticides immediately before rainfall to prevent nutrient loss. The agency further urged residents to secure loose objects, disconnect electrical appliances, and avoid tall trees during storms. Airline operators were also advised to obtain airport-specific weather reports for effective planning, while residents were encouraged to follow updates on NiMet’s website: [www.nimet.gov.ng](http://www.nimet.gov.ng).

9/15/2025, 10:27:26 AM

Ozobo Hails Otuaro For Sending 142 PAP Scholars Abroad

Renowned Niger Delta activist, Comrade Ozobo Austin, popularly known as the King of the Dragons, has lauded Dr. Dennis Burutu Otuaro, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), for deploying over 142 beneficiaries to pursue postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, while others have been placed in Nigerian universities. Ozobo described Dr. Otuaro as a detribalised, accommodating, and high-performing administrator who has given the amnesty programme a facelift after years of mismanagement by previous administrations. He urged critical stakeholders and Niger Delta youths to support Otuaro’s reforms and programmes, stressing that his leadership was already yielding positive results. “Dr. Otuaro is ever ready to address genuine concerns regarding the Amnesty Programme. He should ignore campaigns of calumny by sponsored detractors because the well-meaning people of the Niger Delta are solidly behind him,” Ozobo said. He further congratulated the successful scholarship recipients, urging them to use the opportunity to build their future and avoid actions that could jeopardise their stay abroad. Recall that Dr. Otuaro had earlier emphasised that the beneficiaries were carefully placed in competitive and professional courses to contribute to the socio-economic growth of the region, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Laptops were also distributed to support the scholars in their academic work overseas. At the flag-off ceremony, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to PAP for the opportunity and pledged to be worthy ambassadors of their families, communities, and the Niger Delta. Officials, including Edgar Daniel, Technical Assistant to the PAP Administrator, and Dr. Charles Ariye, Head of PAP’s Education Department, sensitised the students on cultural, diplomatic, and academic challenges of studying abroad. Ozobo’s commendation, observers note, underscores the positive transformation of PAP under Dr. Otuaro’s leadership, with human capital development now at the forefront of the programme.

9/15/2025, 10:01:45 AM

PAP, NCC Forge Partnership on Ex Agitators’ Empowerment

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has opened talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to create employment and empowerment opportunities for its beneficiaries, including trained ex-agitators. During a courtesy visit to the NCC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, PAP Administrator, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, said the collaboration would strengthen the programme’s post-training empowerment drive. He noted that thousands of beneficiaries, who had completed formal education and vocational training under the PAP, possess the skills required to contribute meaningfully to national development if given the opportunity. > “We are on a mission to seek support and collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to see how some of them can be engaged so that they can contribute their quota to national development,” Otuaro said. He revealed that over 18,000 people have been trained through the scheme in various professional fields, including information technology, with some attaining doctorate degrees. According to him, these human resources represent an asset that can boost both Niger Delta development and the nation’s economy. In his response, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, pledged the commission’s commitment to providing fair opportunities while ensuring digital connectivity for all Nigerians. He, however, stressed the need to protect digital infrastructure from vandalism to sustain connectivity and support ongoing national development.

9/15/2025, 7:20:24 AM

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