VP Shettima To Chair National Economic Council Conference To Drive Inclusive Growth

By: Our Reporter

The Federal Government will on Monday convene the National Economic Council (NEC) Conference to strengthen Nigeria’s economic coordination and accelerate inclusive growth across all states of the federation.

Governors of the 36 states and key national stakeholders will attend the conference.

Scheduled for February 9 and 10, 2026, and holding at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the conference is being convened by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

The theme of the conference is “Delivering Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development: The Renewed Hope National Development Plan.” It is expected to produce far-reaching policy direction for the states as they align with the Federal Government’s long-term economic agenda.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and Secretary of the NEC, Dr. Deborah Oko Odo, the conference will address pressing macroeconomic priorities.

“The conference will focus on national economic issues aimed at encouraging economic growth and development across the country,” she said.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the National Economic Council, will preside over the two-day summit, which will feature deliberations on fiscal coordination, investment mobilisation, and shared development strategies between the federal and state governments.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, while other top government officials, development partners, and private-sector leaders are expected to participate in the conference as the federal government works to deepen its reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

VP Shettima To Chair National Economic Council Conference To Drive Inclusive Growth

Bandits Kill Seven, Abduct Catholic Priest, Ten Others In Southern Kaduna

By: Zagazola Makama

Bandits attacked the village of Karku (Ningi) in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Saturday morning, killing seven people and abducting a Catholic priest and ten others.

The Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan confirmed the kidnapping of its priest and ten others, following an invasion of the village around 3:20 am that initially left three people dead.

A village source confirmed the killing of four more people, including two security officers, with three members of a local vigilante group also reported missing. Four others were injured and rushed to the hospital.

The Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kafanchan, Rev. Fr. Jacob Shanet, stated: “With profound sadness, we announce the kidnapping of our priest, Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Asuwaye, the parish priest of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Karku… Fr. Nathaniel was kidnapped alongside ten (10) other people… This terrible event occurred at about 03:20 am (WAT) at his residence… At the time of writing this report, the incident has resulted in the killing of three people aside from those abducted.”

Another source, Mr. Yakubu J. Maigamo, National President of the Akurmi Development Association, who confirmed the total of seven killed, added: “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the brutal attack on our people… Our hearts go out to the families of those affected by this senseless violence.”

He stated they had identified five community members and two security officers among those killed, with three others injured. He urged federal and state governments and security agencies to take immediate action to rescue the abducted and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Bandits Kill Seven, Abduct Catholic Priest, Ten Others In Southern Kaduna

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs

The management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has conducted a free medical examinations as well as distributed free drugs to its staff in Gombe State Office, as part of its health advocacy to improve wellbeing of its employees and boost productivity.

As part of JEDC’s health initiative, a fitness walk was also organised on Saturday for all employees in Gombe State.

A fitness coach, Jauro Dauda, who led the walk urged officials of JED to prioritise regular exercise as part of efforts to maintain good health and boost productivity.

The exercise began at the company’s state headquarters, from where officials trekked to Pantami Stadium.

At the stadium, staff members participated in various physical exercises before returning to the office premises for medical examinations.

Speaking to participants, Dauda emphasised the need for a healthy lifestyle through eating nutritious foods and regular exercise.

“For you to function well, you need to keep your body fit. So I advise each and every one of you to create time at home. You can take your wife on a walk.

“The content of what we eat today can cause a lot of health issues like hypertension and diabetes. Knowing your health status is very important; knowing it is good to living long,” he said.

Also speaking, the Gombe State Operating Officer of JEDC, Rilwan Shehu, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and encouraged staff to sustain the culture of exercise beyond organised events.
“We are happy that we can exercise not only in the stadium; you can exercise at home,” Shehu said.

He added that the company operates an inclusive system that promotes unity among staff.

“We in JEDC operate an open-door policy; there is no junior or senior cadre. We do things together and we win together,” he said.

Jos DisCo offers Gombe Staff free medical care, drugs