Category: Local

Gusau, Zamfara State – The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum has commenced its 7th strategic meeting of the year in Gusau, Zamfara State, reaffirming the party’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy across PDP-controlled states. Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, declared that PDP governors remain focused on good governance, development, and improving the lives of citizens in their respective states. Speaking during his opening remarks at the meeting held at the Zamfara State Government House, Governor Mohammed emphasized that “governance is about positively impacting lives and bringing development to the people.” He praised the host governor, Dauda Lawal, for his efforts in transforming Zamfara across various sectors. “We are pleased to be in Zamfara, not only for this strategic meeting but also to see firsthand the progress being made under Governor Dauda Lawal’s leadership,” he said. The 7th session of the PDP Governors’ Forum brought together several party leaders and stakeholders. Governors in attendance included Senator Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Ademola Adeleke (Osun), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Kefas Agbu (Taraba), Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa), and host Governor Dauda Lawal (Zamfara). Also present were Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees Senator Adolphus Wabara, Senate Minority Leader Senator Abbo Moro, and former Gombe State Governor Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, among other key figures. Key issues on the agenda include preparations for the party’s forthcoming National Convention, deliberations on the report of the National Zoning Committee, and the ongoing review of the PDP Constitution. The meeting is expected to shape the strategic direction of the party ahead of future elections and strengthen internal structures for improved performance.

Abuja, Nigeria – The Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN) is set to collaborate with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to provide capacity-building opportunities for Corps Members through specialized training in digital content creation, storytelling, and mentorship. The President of the DGN, Mr. Uche Agbo, made this known during a courtesy visit to the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja. Mr. Agbo stated that the Guild aims to develop a structured framework that would allow Corps Members to explore and showcase their creative potential. He emphasized the DGN’s commitment to nurturing young Nigerians passionate about the film and creative industries. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the DGN plans to launch the first phase of the programme with sensitization campaigns during NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide. “The Directors Guild is committed to investing in the creative talents of Nigerian youths. We believe this partnership with NYSC will provide Corps Members with the tools and mentorship necessary to thrive in the creative sector,” Agbo said. In response, Brigadier General Nafiu expressed appreciation to the DGN for identifying the NYSC as a strategic partner in youth development. He highlighted NYSC’s longstanding role in national integration and capacity building over the past 52 years. “We are always open to partnerships that add value to the lives of Corps Members. This collaboration with the creative industry aligns perfectly with our Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme,” General Nafiu noted. He also emphasized the intelligence and creativity of Corps Members and underscored the importance of empowering them with relevant industry skills. The NYSC DG assured the DGN that the proposal would receive due consideration.

Retired federal employees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are set to enjoy a significant relief, as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a ₦758 billion bond to offset outstanding pension liabilities and implement long-delayed increments. Under the new arrangement, retirees will receive an additional ₦32,000 monthly pension, ensuring compliance with the National Minimum Wage Amendment Act 2024 and its consequential adjustments. The increment applies across key sectors—including education, health, security, and the Armed Forces—irrespective of individual retirement savings. According to the directive issued on August 6, President Tinubu ordered the “prompt implementation of long-overdue pension increases and a minimum pension guarantee” to provide a safety net for vulnerable retirees. The National Pension Commission (PenCom) confirmed that, once the National Assembly concurs, proceeds from the bond will be released to settle beneficiaries. PenCom’s Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, explained that the ₦758 billion allocation would be shared across three categories: ₦253 billion for accrued rights of workers employed before the CPS began in 2004 or near retirement at the time; ₦387.5 billion to clear pension arrears dating back to 2007; and ₦107 billion for the Pension Protection Fund, designed to boost pensions for low-income earners. She described the intervention as a “long-overdue step” to restore confidence in the CPS and address nearly two decades of unpaid pension adjustments. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) had previously confirmed that the adjustment would translate to an extra ₦32,000 monthly for retirees, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners struggling under the weight of inflation and rising living costs.

Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has appointed a Chinese national, Mr. Li Zhensheng, as Economic Adviser to the state government. The announcement came during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre in Bauchi on Thursday. Governor Mohammed said the move would position Bauchi as an emerging hub for international cooperation, with the partnership expected to boost investments and drive infrastructure, agriculture, education, healthcare, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and trade facilitation. He revealed that a Bauchi State Representative Office will be established in China to coordinate project implementation and ensure timely delivery. He noted that the agreement aligns with the diplomatic framework between Presidents Xi Jinping of China and Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, aimed at deepening relations at both national and subnational levels. The MoU provides a broad cooperation framework, with individual project agreements to be developed in due course. Mr. Zhensheng, who chairs the China Global Promotion Cooperation Research Centre, pledged the Centre’s commitment to mobilising global resources to support Bauchi’s economic transformation. He said the collaboration would deliver modern infrastructure, create jobs, enhance skills, and improve livelihoods in the state.