The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has received a N3.4 million surplus from Jaiz Takaful Insurance Ltd under an agricultural and investment insurance policy. Ibrahim Shehu, Managing Director of Jaiz Takaful Insurance Ltd, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja when he visited Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of NADF, to formally present confirmation of the fund’s entitlement. Shehu said the surplus arose from the 2024 financial year and was paid in fulfilment of an agreement reached with NADF when it subscribed to the Takaful cover. He explained that Takaful arrangements allow eligible participants to receive a share of the surplus generated…
Author: Newsdesk
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced plans to temporarily close the runway at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, from October 20 for essential repairs and resurfacing. This was contained in a statement by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Henry Agbebire, on Thursday evening in Lagos. According to Agbebire, the closure is tentatively scheduled to last about 25 days, subject to final confirmation. He said the planned intervention became necessary following the deterioration of sections of the runway, including potholes and extensive surface cracks worsened by recent heavy rainfall. Agbebire said the rehabilitation…
The Chairperson of Ojo Farmers Community, Lagos State, Mrs Mayriam Ali, has identified transportation as a major obstacle to farmers’ access to markets. Ali made this known in an interview with reporters in Lagos. She said many farmers had buyers for their produce but lacked affordable means of transporting vegetables from their farms to major markets. According to her, the situation sometimes forced farmers to depend on intermediaries or reduce the quantity of produce taken to markets. “Because of transportation, I have people buying from me at Mile 12 and Mushin, but the major challenge I have is the means…
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF), has called for the abolition of early girl-child marriage in Nigeria. The TCF made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child through the Girls Rights, Education and Protection (G-REAP) project, funded by the Ford Foundation. The event had as its theme “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights”. Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of TCF, Mrs Adetayo Erinle, acknowledged the existing policies already in place by the government to curb child marriage in Nigeria and commended the government…
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Jigawa has urged Nigerians to prioritise eye health through regular examinations and early detection of sight-threatening conditions. NOA State Director Mr Ahmed Ibrahim said this in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Sarah Ogodo, on Thursday in Dutse. The call formed part of activities to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, themed “Love Your Eyes.” Ibrahim said preventable blindness and visual impairment remain a public health challenge, particularly in rural communities where awareness of regular eye checks is low. “Many cases of blindness are avoidable if detected early and given proper medical attention,” he…
Prices of grains have reportedly crashed in Bauchi markets following the harvest of new crops in the state. A market survey conducted by reporters across markets in Bauchi on Thursday showed a decline in the prices of major grains over the past week. A measure of rice, previously sold for ₦1,800, now sells for ₦1,400, while a 100kg bag of unpeeled rice sells for ₦40,000. Maize is sold for ₦450 per measure, down from ₦550, while a 100kg bag now costs ₦35,000, against the previous ₦45,000. Millet currently sells at ₦1,400 per measure, compared with the former price of ₦1,700,…
The Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Chapter, Mrs Munirat Bello, has advised veteran journalists to adopt a nutritious diet for healthy ageing. Bello gave the advice on Thursday in Ilorin while speaking at a one-day sensitisation on healthy living organised by the Kwara chapter of the National League of Veteran Journalists (NALVEJ). The programme aims to promote wellness and prevent age-related ailments among veteran journalists. Bello, who spoke on the topic “Nutrition, Diet and Healthy Ageing”, said good nutrition is key to preventing and managing geriatric illnesses such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.…
The Malala Fund says it awarded $9.8 million in grants during the past year, including $2.95 million to organisations advancing girls’ education and rights across Nigeria, according to its annual report. The Fund disclosed this in its 2025/2026 annual report, made available to reporters on Thursday in Abuja. The report highlights investments supporting girls’ education, advocacy and policy reforms nationwide. According to the report, funding in Nigeria supported organisations working directly with girls and communities to strengthen rights, improve education financing, and help more girls access and complete schooling. Partners contributed to six major policy and implementation changes in Nigeria…
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 8,665 confirmed cases and 4,178 deaths, with transmission slowing in some areas but growing elsewhere. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said this on Wednesday during a news conference. He noted that contact tracing had improved significantly, with about 2,000 alerts reported daily and nearly five million people reached. He said clinical trials of Ebola therapeutics were progressing, with more than 600 people enrolled, while a vaccine trial was expected later in October. Efforts were underway to ensure equitable access. Ghebreyesus, however,…
Kogi State Security Adviser Commander Jerry Omodara said the state is leveraging satellite intelligence, local data and geographical information to strengthen security and prevent kidnapping, terrorism and other forms of insecurity. Omodara said this on Thursday in Abuja during an interview with reporters. He spoke on the sidelines of the 10th retired Brig.-Gen. Michael Agu Annual Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Institution of Space Engineers (NISEng). The lecture had the theme: “Reconnaissance Satellites and National Security: Applying Satellite Resources to Counter Multi-Dimensional Insurgency in Nigeria.” Omodara said satellite technology was critical to security because it enabled authorities to collect, process…