News
‘Our Voices Unheard,’ Governors’ Wives Lament Underrepresentation
Spouses of the 36 State Governors of the federation on Wednesday called for greater visibility and communication capacity to support their social intervention work, saying their efforts often go unnoticed despite complementing state developmental programmes.
They aired their grievance at a media and leadership retreat in Abuja.
The retreat, tagged “Leading With Impact”, brought together wives of governors from across the 36 states to explore strategic communication, media engagement, and narrative building.
It was facilitated by Emmy Award-winning journalist and former CNN Africa Senior Editor, Stephanie Busari, through her firm, SBB Media.
Addressing journalists, Ogun State First Lady Bamidele Abiodun, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, lamented that despite being wives of elected governors, they are often the intersection of compassion and influence.
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In her address, Abiodun emphasised that First Ladies across states work tirelessly to support communities, yet their voices are too often underrepresented or unheard of altogether.
She therefore urged her colleagues to use the training to work on changing the narrative and strengthening their abilities to communicate with clarity, confidence and conviction.
She said, “We each have stories that can move policy, shape perception, and inspire change, not just in our countries but across the continent. It’s about learning how to share our work with the world, not just through speeches but through strategy.
“It’s about embracing the truth that our visibility is not vanity, it is responsibility. We ought to support what the governors do, and usually, what we do is in the social space, like working with women, children and enhancing lives, things that the governors may not be able to identify, or even if they identify, they may not be able to reach those areas.
“So, what we plan to do, what we would like to do as a body and individually, is to be strengthened in those areas of communicating with people—not only communicating with them, but reaching them effectively.”
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Earlier in her speech, Busari asserted that First Ladies who are traditionally seen as ceremonial figures are increasingly at the centre of social intervention, advocacy, and policy mobilisation across sectors such as maternal health, education, gender-based violence, and economic empowerment.
She, however, lamented that many of these contributions go underreported or undervalued, largely due to limited access to structured media training or public strategy support.
“We realise that the work that they do is so vital with women, children, health, maternal mortality, things that are affecting so many aspects of our community. Like she rightly said, these are areas that the governors may not have oversight over.
“That is their role. It’s their role also to make sure that you, as members of the press and the general community, know about these things most especially the resources that people can access in their communities”, she said.
News
UPDATED: Renowned Evangelist, Uma Ukpai, Is Dead
Renowned Nigerian evangelist and spiritual leader of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai, is dead.
This was confirmed in a statement on Monday by his family, who said he passed away on October 6 2025 at the age of 80.
The family described his passing as a “glorious transition” from a life of devoted service to eternal rest.
Ukpai, widely recognised as a spiritual general and founding father of faith, dedicated over six decades of his life to evangelism, dynamic teaching of the Word, and prophetic demonstrations of God’s power.
READ ALSO:BREAKING: Rev Uma Ukpai Is Dead
His ministry impacted millions of lives in Nigeria and around the world, shaping destinies and nurturing spiritual growth across generations.
“He was a faithful soldier of the cross who devoted his life to spreading the gospel with passion and integrity.
“His teachings, prophetic insights, and mentorship have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire believers for years to come,” his family said.
Over the course of his ministry, Ukpai became known for his fiery evangelistic campaigns, transformative teachings, and commitment to empowering both clergy and lay leaders.
READ ALSO:Umahi Fires Back At Makinde Over Lagos-Calabar Highway Cost
Beyond his spiritual work, he was also celebrated as a loving husband, devoted father, and mentor to countless individuals who regarded him as a guide in faith and life.
The family expressed gratitude for the life and work of Ukpai, highlighting that while they mourn his physical absence, they rejoice that he has “finished his race and is now resting in eternal praise.”
They assured the public that details of his obsequies would be shared in due course.
Ukpai’s ministry, spanning over sixty years, leaves behind a profound spiritual and social legacy, with churches, educational initiatives, and humanitarian efforts that continue to influence communities globally.
His life, the family said, was a testament to the biblical truth that “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
News
JUST IN: FG Enforces No-work-no-pay On Striking ASUU Members
The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of federal universities across the country to strictly enforce the “no work, no pay” policy against members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities currently participating in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The directive was contained in a circular dated October 13, 2025, and signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, according to The PUNCH.
The circular was copied to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Permanent Secretary of Education, Pro-Chancellors of all federal universities, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the Executive Secretary of the NUC.
READ ALSO:ASUU Declares Two-week Strike, Orders Members To Down Tools On Monday
According to the circular, the Federal Ministry of Education expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the continued industrial action by ASUU despite repeated calls for dialogue, stressing that government would no longer tolerate non-compliance with extant labour laws.
“In line with the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation, the Federal Government reiterates its position on the enforcement of the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in respect of any employee who fails to discharge his or her official duties during the period of strike action,” the circular reads.
The minister directed all vice-chancellors of federal universities to immediately conduct a roll call and physical headcount of all academic staff in their institutions.
He also instructed them to submit a comprehensive report indicating staff members who are present and performing their official duties, and those absent or participating in the strike.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: ASUU Issues Ultimatum To FG Over Unresolved Issues
Alausa further directed that salary payment for the period of work stoppage be withheld from those who fail to perform their duties.
He clarified that members of the Congress of University Academics and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics, who are not part of the strike, are exempted from the directive and will not face any salary deductions.
The minister also tasked the National Universities Commission to monitor compliance with the directive and submit a consolidated report to the ministry within seven days of receiving the circular.
“Please, treat this matter with utmost urgency and a deep sense of responsibility in national interest,” Alausa urged the university heads.
READ ALSO:ASUU Directs Members To Begin Nationwide Strike Education
The federal government had threatened to enforce the policy amid the ongoing nationwide strike by the lecturers.
The lecturers on Sunday declared a total and comprehensive warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.
ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.
Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).
News
BREAKING: Rev Uma Ukpai Is Dead
Rev. Uma Ukpai, an international evangelist who is the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, is dead.
Rev. Uma died at the age of 80.
READ ALSO:Head Of Mormon Church Is Dead
More details…
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