The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised alarm that the high rate of open defecation in Niger State is fueling cholera outbreaks. Just as the organization delivered critical medical and sanitation supplies to the state to support ongoing response efforts. During the handover at the Chanchaga Cholera Isolation Center in Minna, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Teresa Fama, revealed that 46 per cent of households in Niger State lack toilets, leaving human excreta to wash into rivers, open wells, and other water sources. This, she warned, is the biggest driver of the disease urging households to build…
Author: Tina George
The Chairman of Paikoro Local Government Area in Niger State, Aminu Yandayi, is facing strong criticism from residents after he distributed bowls for selling grains—locally called mudu—to women as part of an agricultural empowerment initiative. The gesture, which the chairman described as support for rural women farmers, has sparked outrage among youths in the area, who see it as an insult to the dignity of the beneficiaries and a mockery of empowerment efforts. In an open letter titled “Open Letter of Disappointment to Paikoro Local Government Chairman”, dated July 23, 2025, concerned citizens expressed their frustration over what they called…
Imagine a future where every young person in Africa can use the internet and new tech to their full potential. That is the big dream, and it is super close to coming true! By Justina Asishana But to get there, there is the need to teach Africa’s young people all about computers and the internet, starting right in their own neighborhoods. This important message was loud and clear at the 2025 Internet Governance Forum, where African leaders pushed for everyone to learn digital skills to help Africa catch up in the fast-paced tech world. Peter Keane, National Coordinator for Liberia’s…
By Justina Asishana [ASHENEWS] July 5, 2025 – A visit to Oslo, Norway is often marked by scenic fjords and rich Nordic culture—but for me, one particular stop left a lasting mark on my soul: the Nobel Peace Center. Tucked within the elegant walls of the former Oslo West railway station, just steps away from the iconic City Hall and gazing out toward the city’s bustling harbour, the Nobel Peace Center is far more than just a museum. It’s a vibrant space for storytelling, reflection, and hope—a place where the world’s greatest peacemakers are remembered, and where visitors are inspired…
In a move to strengthen agricultural development through regional collaboration, officials from the Kaduna State Ministry of Agriculture have visited Niger State on a peer learning tour aimed at studying the state’s agricultural policies, coordination mechanisms, and successes despite ongoing security challenges. Leading the Kaduna delegation, Afonu Grace Giaya, Director of Administration and Finance in the ministry, said the visit was spurred by Niger’s impressive progress in agriculture. “Kaduna is growing fast in agriculture, but we believe there’s always more to learn. Niger State has made notable strides, and we want to tap into that knowledge, especially in managing agricultural…
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…
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…