It has been more than four months since a trailer veered off the road and crashed into a drainage channel in Kutigi, Niger State. Yet, for residents of the quiet community in Lavun Local Government Area, time has stood still. The accident, which happened on January 30, 2025, left a trailer abandoned in a drainage channel, raising fears of erosion and flooding as the rainy season intensifies. With the rainy season well underway, those fears have turned into frustration and anger. The accident was serious enough when it happened. Now, it is becoming something else entirely, a warning sign of…
Author: Tina George
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Government has trained and equipped 50 youths with essential skills in livestock entrepreneurship. This is part of the state’s broader effort to promote agriculture and reduce youth unemployment. Speaking during the two-day training held across the state, the Director of Animal Production in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Mohammed Abbas, said the programme was designed to address the knowledge gap among young people already involved in livestock farming. “Many of our youths are engaged in livestock keeping but lack the basic knowledge required to make it a profitable venture,” Abbas said. “We’re…
ASHENEWS reports that a wave of outrage has swept through Gaba community in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State following the controversial decision by Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago to grant state pardon to eleven individuals convicted for the murder of seven Gaba indigenes. In a strongly worded open letter signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Gaba Development Association, Isah Baba and made available to ASHENEWS, the community accused Governor Bago of subverting justice and undermining the judiciary by using the powers of state pardon as a political tool. “This action will earn you the reputation of being…
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…
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…