In Minna this week, golf clubs are being swung with purpose, and it is not just about scoring under par—it is about lifting lives. The Golf and Tour Charity Association of Nigeria (GTCAN) has kicked off its 2025 tournament season in the Niger State capital, but the real win is not on the scorecard. It is in their mission to give back while playing the game they love. “We don’t just play golf. We leave an impact everywhere we go,” said Brigadier General Mustapha Oneyiveta (rtd.), the Minna Chief Coordinator of GTCAN, during a press briefing. GTCAN is a growing…
Author: Tina George
Globally, many people do not understand that the long-term impact of tobacco consumption affects males and females differently. In many ways, it affects women more significantly than men. According to experts, depending on the part of the body, while it may take months or years for the residue of tobacco (nicotine/cotinine) to clear from a man’s system, it can take even longer in women. For example, takes up to 12 months for the residue to clear from hair. Understandably, more women than men tend to maintain longer hair without frequent cuts. Additionally, in women of reproductive age, it takes about…
ASHENEWS reports that Nigeria experienced a significant 119,400 data breaches in the first quarter of 2025, placing it 34th on the global list of most affected countries, according to a new report by cybersecurity firm, Surfshark. The report estimates that roughly one Nigerian account was compromised every minute during Q1 2025. It also stated that over 13 million passwords were leaked alongside, placing more than half of those affected at risk of identity theft or other cybercrimes. The global analysis shows a dramatic 93 per cent drop in leaked accounts, falling from 973.7 million in late 2024 to just 68.3…
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, has dispelled speculations of a rift with his Deputy, Yakubu Garba, insisting their relationship remains “perfect and harmonious.” Speaking to journalists shortly after the 2025 Workers’ Day Parade at 123 Quarters in Minna, the Governor described reports of a fallout between him and his deputy as “false and untrue,” emphasizing that they remain united in their leadership. “Rumours will remain rumours. My relationship with my deputy is perfect and very harmonious. We are a team, they can’t break us,” Bago said. “Our focus is on the goal, and we will…
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State government has treated more than two million people for malaria and distributed nearly 200,000 insecticide-treated nets to pregnant women and children under five in the past year. Dr. Bello Tukur, the Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, announced this during a press briefing in Minna on Monday to mark the 2025 World Malaria Day. The global theme for this year’s commemoration is “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Re-ignite,” with the slogan “Stay Committed.” Tukur revealed that a total of 2,165,699 persons with confirmed malaria cases received free treatment using Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs).…
ASHENEWS reports that a review of Niger State’s agricultural budget between 2020 and 2024 has shown that the state consistently failed to meet the 10 per cent budgetary allocation target agreed upon by African heads of state under the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). The Director of Research and Development of IBB University, Lapai, Professor Lawal Alimi Folorunsho, who led the budget analysis and review, disclosed that the highest allocation during the period was 7.2 per cent in 2021, with other years recording even lower figures. Worse still, he revealed that less than 30 per cent of the already…
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger Christian Youth Forum (NCYF) has applauded Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for approving the reintroduction of Christian Religious Knowledge (CRK) in public schools across Niger State. Describing the move as bold and timely, the group said it reflects the governor’s commitment to inclusive governance and efforts to foster unity among the state’s diverse religious and ethnic communities. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Joshua Ndace, on April 7, the NCYF noted that teaching CRK would help instill moral values, mutual respect, and spiritual growth in students. “This initiative is a significant step towards fostering moral…
ASHENEWS report that the immediate past President of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Engineer Elizabeth Jumoke Eterigho, has called on women engineers to harness innovation and technological advancement to drive solutions to societal challenges and influence national development. Delivering a keynote address titled “Innovation for Change: The Role of Women Engineers in Shaping the Future” at the inauguration of the second Chairman of the APWEN NNPC Limited Chapter, held at Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja, Eterigho emphasized that women must move beyond traditional roles to take up leadership positions in engineering and innovation spaces. “With only…
ASHENEWS reports that Honorable Joshua Audu Gana, the House of Representatives member for Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Constituency, has stirred controversy after telling his constituents that their demands for constituency projects will not make him resort to stealing. Addressing PDP stakeholders on Tuesday in Mokwa Local Government Area, Gana dismissed criticisms over his performance, stating that he is not God and cannot fulfill all expectations. His remarks came in response to dissatisfaction expressed by party stakeholders, including PDP Local Government Chairman Alhaji Suleiman Kupanti. Gana argued that many of the expectations placed on him were beyond his legislative responsibilities, emphasizing that governance is…
ASHENEWS reports that a Journalist and Founder of Saf-She Enterprise, Safiya Yaman, has distributed foodstuff to 60 families from various parts of the Minna metropolis in Niger state under her Ramadan Support programme. Yaman who is a Journalist serving with Prestige Radio during the Ramadan Support programme said that the initiative was born out of the zeal of giving support to the needy. She said that beneficiaries were drawn from Maitumbi, Bariki Sale, Kpakungu, Tayi Village and Tunga area in Minna. According to her, the Saf-She Enterprise is geared towards supporting the less privileged especially to feed the poorest of…