News
Sudan Crisis: 1,519 Nigerian Students Leave Khartoum For Port Sudan – FG
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
The Federal Government said about 1,519 stranded Nigerians in Sudan are expected to leave the capital Khartoum via hired buses to Port Sudan and other designated border points for their onward evacuation to Nigeria.
This development followed the extension of another 72 hours ceasefire agreement reached between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Para-military Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.
The Port Sudan is a port on the Red Sea in Eastern part of Sudan and the Capital of the State of Red Sea.
The Permanent Secretary with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Sani Gwarzo, confirmed this while briefing newsmen on the situation with Nigerian students in Sudan on Sunday in Abuja.
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Gwarzo, who is the chairperson of the federal government situation room, on the evacuation exercise, explained that the stranded students are expected to leave on April. 30.
He said government had already secured 31 buses in addition to the reserve buses kept in case of unforeseen circumstances.
“We have given the bus company our word that under no circumstances shall they leave anybody on ground; even if it is one more person that is remaining let them activate our reserve list and bring out the new buses.
“And I spoke to the student leader and the Embassy in this regard, so we are expecting each bus will carry 49 persons and if you calculate this number times 31 buses it will give you the number of persons to be evacuated today,” he said.
READ ALSO: Sudan: 7,000, Including Nigerians, Stranded At Egypt Border
The federal government also clarified the controversy over the 1.2 million dollars used to hire buses for the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from Khartoum to the designated border point.
“Do you know how much it takes to hire a bus from Khartoum to the border?, is 30,000 dollars per bus and you times it by 40 buses, that is where 1.2 million dollars comes into.
“ So, we transfer the first tranche of the money approved by federal government, which is 400,000 dollars, to them as deposit if you take our 400,000 dollars what does it come to you is 1/3 of the total sum.
“ So, they gave us 13 buses times 30,000 dollars it will give us 390,000 dollars believing that will continue with the evacuation, but they stopped giving us buses that our money has expired.
”But, they kept the remaining 10,000 dollars and told us that our money has finished untill we complete the remaining balance because we are meant to understand in Sudan there is nothing like you deposit money until assignment is done before you complete the remaining balance.
READ ALSO: First Set Of Stranded Nigerians In Sudan Arrive Egypt
“We started transferring the remaining balance in tranches and believe me you don’t transfer money to Sudan directly, you have to get somebody who knows the company who will transfer and give them cash then go into agreement.
“And the transport company threatened that they will not move on with the evacuation process and whoever thinks that 1.2 million dollars will be enough to move people from Khartoum to the border and airlift them to Nigeria is being economical with the truth,” he said.
Gwarzo further explained that the federal government had to enter into agreement with the transport company to ensure due process were followed in the transfer of the funds.
“We signed an MoU with them and at every stage we report this to DSS and NFIU so that they can monitor the movement of the money.
”And the company too should know that in Nigeria if you transfer money from government account, it does not go direct because it has a dashboard that it can be seen.
READ ALSO: Sudan: Nigerians Stranded In Desert, Lament After buses’ Fuel Finished
“We had to alert the DSS and NFIU before we send this money, though in the process the money got delayed by the Central Bank System and this is what they call swift electronic cash transfer system, it got delayed,” he said.
According to him, that is the hitches they experienced in the first phase of the evacuation exercise.
He therefore emphasised that the federal government is more interested in the safety and successful evacuation of the trapped students.
Gwarzo said while government is doing its best to evacuate them, he also urged the media to report subjectively as the health and safety of the evacuees and the emotional feelings of their parents are at stake.
(NAN)
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News
Federal Government Issues Flood Alert In 11 States
Published
9 hours agoon
September 14, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Flood Early Warning Centre (FEWS CENTRE) has issued a warning in 11 states over possible heavy rainfall that may lead to flooding between 14th and 18th September, 2025.
In a flood prediction notice dated Sunday, September 14, 2025 and signed by the Director, Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department of the ministry, Usman Abdullahi Bokani, the federal government also advised some communities in the flood plain to evacuate.
Bokani identified the states and corresponding communities as Adamawa – Ganye, Natubi; Benue State – Abinsi, Agyo, Gogo, Ito, Makurdi, Udoma and Ukpiam; Nasarawa – Agima, Rukubi and Odogbo; and Taraba – Beli, Serti and Donga.
READ ALSO:FG Predicts Heavy Rainfall, Flood In Seven States
Others include Delta – Umugboma, Umukwata, Abraka, Aboh and Okpo-Krika; Niger – Rijau; Kebbi – Ribah; Kano – Gwarzo and Karaye; Katsina – Jibia; Sokoto – Makira; and Zamfara – Kaura Namoda, Shinkafi, Maradun, Gusau, Anka and Bungudu.
“Also, due to the rise in the water level of the River Gongola, River Benue, and Niger, communities on the flood plain of
River Gongola up to Numan, the flood plain of River Benue and River Niger up to Lokoja are advised to evacuate,” the advisory read.
The statement further urged relevant stakeholders to kindly take note as it welcomed feedback from relevant stakeholders and state government representatives on its platform.
News
IPI Raises Alarm Over Rising Media Repression In Nigeria
Published
9 hours agoon
September 14, 2025By
Editor
The International Press Institute (IPI), a global body committed to protecting press freedom and the free flow of information, has raised the alarm over the recent cases of media repression in Nigeria.
President, IPI Nigeria, Mr Musikilu Mojeed, raised the concern at a dinner organised by the institute, to honour one of its members and a retired Director, Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria (VON), Hajia Hadiza Hussaina Sani, in Abuja on Saturday.
LEADERSHIP reports that the dinner was organised to honour the media icon for her dedication and service, after clocking mandatory retirement age of 60 years.
It was also gathered that the identical twin sister of the celebrator, Hajia Ameena Hassana Sani, equally retired meritoriously from the services of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as a Director.
Speaking at the event, IPI president Mojeed, who is also the Editor-in-Chief of Premium Times, cited the recent “disturbing” instances of banning of live political programme in Kano State and the arrest of a journalist in Ekiti State.
“Akwa Ibom State Government recently evicted Channels TV crew, a journalist and a cameraman, from the press centre inside Government House, Uyo.
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“The repressive action was taken, over the publication of a video clip, where the governor, eventually confirmed he is defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“A journalist with FIJ, Sodiq Atanda, was recently arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
“A former “ThisDay” employee, Azuka Ogujiuba, was reportedly arrested and harassed by the Police for doing her job.
“Every single day you wake up, it is one form of harassment or the other against the media,” he said.
Mojeed called for continued advocacy to protect press freedom and promote independent journalism.
He stressed that efforts to protect journalists’ rights and promote independent journalism are crucial in Nigeria’s media landscape.
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Mojeed said Sani’s retirement came at a critical time when the media sector in Nigeria is facing numerous challenges, including harassment, arrests, and censorship.
He noted Sani’s significant contributions to IPI Nigeria, including her role in organising its World Congress in Nigeria in 2018, as well as her subsequent active participation in various committees.
Mojeed appealed to the celebrator to continue advocating for press freedom and supporting the work of IPI Nigeria, emphasising that her expertise and experience are invaluable to the organisation.
The Director-General, VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, expressed gratitude to IPI Nigeria for recognising Sani’s contributions, stating that the gesture also reflected positively on the entire VON team.
He described Sani as a professional journalist who seamlessly transitioned from traditional journalism to modern digital practices, leading the digital department with innovation.
According to the DG, Sani’s leadership in the digital space kept VON at the forefront of public media institutions and global competitiveness.
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He commended her experience, passion, and love for journalism, which he said, enabled her to excel in her role and serve as a role model for younger journalists.
The VON DG emphasised that, “journalism is a marathon, not a sprint”, and Sani’s long-standing career is a testament to her dedication and commitment to the profession.
Malam Garba Shehu, former spokesman to late President Muhammadu Buhari, described the retirement of Sani as a significant loss for the organisation but a potential gain for other sectors of the journalism profession.
Shehu praised her as “a strong and young professional with much to contribute to journalism.”
He highlighted her unique qualities, particularly her social responsibility, selflessness, and commitment to helping others to succeed.
According to him, Sani embodies the principles of servant leadership, a concept often touted by politicians but rarely exemplified.
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“Her legacy as a role model for young journalists and a champion of socially responsible journalism will continue to inspire others in the field,” he said.
Abdulwaheed Odusile, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), commended Sani’s dedication and expertise, which he said, have earned her recognition and respect in the industry..
On her part, Sani expressed gratitude to God and her family for their support throughout her 34 years career in public service.
While reflecting on the challenges and rewards of her time in service, she highlighted the importance of dedication, clear vision, and family support.
Sani emphasised the need for media professionals to adapt to new technologies and appreciate their impact on the industry and the society
She stressed that telling a good story starts with understanding oneself and one’s audience.
Despite retiring from active public service, she assured to remain active in the media space, pursuing research, teaching, writing, and lecturing.
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“It has been a very difficult, challenging, interesting and rewarding 34 years in service.
“It’s not easy. You have new and great ideas, but some people don’t understand, so they find it a bit difficult to agree with you.
“But if you are consistent, if you have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and you are dedicated and resolute, the sky is not the limit.
“I have pulled out from active public service, but have not retired. My brain is still exceptionally active, and I plan to utilise it.
“I’ll be doing a lot of research work and writing, and I won’t get tired of seeing myself in the media space,” she stated.
News
FG Specifies TRCN, NTI’s Roles In Teaching Profession
Published
9 hours agoon
September 14, 2025By
Editor
The Federal Government has announced major clarifications on the roles and responsibilities of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) and the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI).
The clarifications, according to a statement on Sunday by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade was part of reforms to strengthen the teaching profession, streamline education delivery, and ensure high-quality learning for every Nigerian child.
Under the new framework, the NTI will return to its core mandate of in-service teacher training and continuous professional development at the foundational, basic, and post-basic levels, while the TRCN will focus exclusively on regulating the teaching profession and licensing qualified teachers nationwide.
Announcing the reform, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa said the move reflects the Ministry’s aggressive agenda to restructure its agencies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope mandate towards providing the highest standard of education across the country.
READ ALSO:FG Revokes 5% Telecom Tax On Voice, Data Services
Also, in line with this reform, the Federal Government has introduced new welfare terms and operational guidelines for both agencies covering teacher licensing and registration, professional development requirements, monitoring and compliance mechanisms, teacher welfare and benefits, as well as curriculum and professional practice standards.
“Going forward, no teacher will be allowed to stand before a Nigerian classroom without proper registration and licensing by TRCN. This ensures that every child is taught by competent, professional teachers who meet the highest standards,” Alausa said.
The Minister explained that both agencies now have new operational guidelines to enhance governance, oversight, and accountability.
Key provisions for TRCN include mandatory teacher registration and licensing, digital integration with the national Education Management Information System, and strict enforcement of ethics and discipline within the profession.
READ ALSO:FG Gazettes New Tax Reform Laws
For its part, the NTI will serve as the national implementing body for distance-based teacher training programmes, while ensuring its courses align with approved standards and frameworks.
Alausa described the reform as “a big day for the Nigerian child,” emphasising that the restructuring will sustain ongoing progress in teacher quality and educational outcomes.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to embedding professionalism in teaching, expanding access to continuous professional development, and enforcing compliance across all levels of education.
“This reform is about results and sustainability. It is about building a future where Nigerian children are taught by the best, prepared for the best, and supported by the best. We are consolidating progress to ensure sustainability, capability, and accountability in our teaching workforce. It is Renewed Hope in action,” the statement said.
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