News
EU to invest €5.4 million euros on teachers’ training
EU to invest €5.4 million euros on teachers’ training
…reiterates commitment to quality education in Northwest Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) has announced the investment of an additional €5.4 million euros in building the capacity of teachers in the Northwest.
This is in line with its commitment of reducing the high number of out of school children in the region by improving access to quality education and empowering youths in the region,
EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen made the disclosure in Abuja at the official launch of the €4O million intervention programme on education and youth empowerment in North Western Nigeria through the Global Gateway initiative.
She disclosed that the additional fund was to ensure teachers get the necessary and upgraded skills and learning needed to nurture students armed with requisite knowledge to become an army of solutions to the many challenges confronting Nigeria and the continent in general.
The EU Commissioner said: “Actually, this component is complemented by a €5.4 million euros separate programme that we signed today, which is dedicated to teachers for aiming to build their resilience and capacity in challenging environments. We have to remember that there is no education without teachers and that’s why we also have to invest in teacher training.
“The third objective of our programme is really that it empowers youth with the skills they need, providing vocational education as promoting behavioral change campaigns to challenge harmful social norms and empower girls.
Urpilainen also added that the European Union was set to provide vocational education and training for Nigerian youths in order to equip them with the necessary skills required to excel in the labour market.
She said: “This ambitious programme launched today has been designed with Nigerian authorities to ensure the ownership and an adequate response to the local needs. The EU is not only targeting the youth through this specific programme, it is also bringing the youth to the driving seat and this is why as the EU, we set up the Youth Sounding Board, also here in Nigeria, as well as in many countries to make sure that what we do is for the youth but also by the youth.
“We have to include young people in the decision making, we have to create spaces and structures where young people feel that they are visible and they watch this and this is precisely what the European Union is doing.”
Urpilainen while noting that Nigeria was not only the economic powerhouse on the continent and the most populous country in Africa, but the country was also a strategic partner of the EU in the West region, described education as the most transformative sector with ability to change the fortunes of a country.
She explained that the programme would focus on lifting out of school children off the streets to get the required education, especially girls through various components aimed at achieving one objective; access to quality education and youth empowerment.
She said: “Education is the most transformative sector in which we can invest and it is the cornerstone for creating resilient societies and finding solutions to the biggest challenges of our time.
“So the EU investment on access, skills and quality education and youth empowerment in Northwestern Nigeria brings actually all these different components together. It will be deployed in the Northwest Nigeria.
“The programme which we are launching today supports access to education for out of school children with a specific focus on bringing and keeping girls in schools. It also includes direct assistance to families cash, cash, transfers, social protection, income generation, gifts and indirect assistance through agricultural practices. I think it’s important that we are able to provide access to education each and every child in Nigeria so no one is left behind.
“Another talk and overall objective of our programme is that it really promotes validated teaching and learning in targeted schools. So it will support child centred medical, sexual reproductive health racial gender equality training and support community based and state level capacities to deliver on education.”
Speaking on behalf of the Northwestern states, Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi while appreciating the EU for helping the region tackle the menace of out of school children, said they were committed to making education in their respective states a priority and have decided to invest heavily in the sector.
He said: “The Northwestern states have the highest population in the country, we are more disadvantaged when it comes to education so this support is coming at the right time.
“For each of us education is a priority and we have decided collectively and individually to invest in education and we are ready to change the narrative in next four years.
“This support has come at the right time and I assure you that this support will go a long way in helping us to revamp education in our various states. This intervention we will utilize in the best way possible and I assure you that the outcomes would be something commendable to improve our educational system and other aspects of social development.”
On his part, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, warned that any attempt to downplay education would cost the country a fortune in terms of welfare and security.
” If our youths are not properly catered for, trained and empowered, we are toying with the future of the country. Not catering for them will allow poverty to grow, insecurity to foster.”
Mamman who urged state governors to focus on prioritising education and youth empowerment, disclosed that the soon to be released education sector roadmap covers same objectives of the European Union in revamping the sector.
“Our focus is shifting to basic education, out of school children, adolescent girls who needs to be trained and empowered.
“Our government is ready to commit 25% of the budget on education, all the President needs according to him is policies that will justify that budget and that is what we are working on.”
EU to invest €5.4 million euros on teachers’ training
Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have recovered an unexploded ordnance (UXO) during a routine patrol in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Military sources told Zagazola on Tuesday that the discovery was made at about 1:10 p.m. on Saturday at Tse Orkpen, near Ukpiam, by troops of Sector 1 of the operation.
The sources said the troops spotted the unexploded ordnance while conducting a patrol and immediately secured the area to prevent any danger to residents.
According to the sources, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was subsequently deployed to the location and safely recovered the device.
The recovered unexploded ordnance has been taken into military custody for further action, while security agencies continue efforts to clear operational areas of explosive remnants that could pose a threat to civilians and security personnel.
Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue
Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have secured 27 cattle after responding to a report of farmland destruction in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Military sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Monday at Taagbe Village.
The sources said troops of Sector 3, Operation Enduring Peace, were deployed to the area following reports that cattle were grazing on farmlands, resulting in the destruction of crops.
Upon arrival, the troops found 27 cattle grazing unattended, with no herders present at the scene.
According to the sources, the cattle were moved to a safe location to prevent further damage to farmlands and to facilitate appropriate administrative action.
The sources added that security personnel remain on alert in the area to forestall any breakdown of law and order, while efforts are ongoing to identify the owners of the cattle and address the incident through the appropriate channels.
The intervention forms part of ongoing measures by security agencies to contain farmer-herder disputes and maintain peace in communities across Plateau State.
Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau
News
NADCEL 2026: 4 BRIGADE CONDUCTS 10KM ROUTE MARCH, PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, AND NAOWA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN BENIN CITY
PRESS RELEASE
NADCEL 2026: 4 BRIGADE CONDUCTS 10KM ROUTE MARCH, PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, AND NAOWA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN BENIN CITY
As part of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2026, Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army successfully conducted a series of civil-military and operational activities, including a 10-kilometre route march, public speaking engagement, free medical outreach, and Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) educational outreach in Benin City, Edo State.
NADCEL is the Nigerian Army’s foremost annual event dedicated to commemorating its establishment, evolution, achievements, and the sacrifices of its personnel in the defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The celebration traces its origin to 6 July 1967, when the Nigerian Army commenced active military operations during the Nigerian Civil War following the firing of the first shot at Garkem in present-day Cross River State. Since then, 6 July has been observed annually as Nigerian Army Day, symbolising the Army’s resilience, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to national service.
Activities marking NADCEL 2026 at 4 Brigade commenced on 26 and 28 June 2026 with Juma’at prayers and an Interdenominational Church Service held at GRA and Ekehuan Cantonment respectively. The religious activities were attended by officers, soldiers, and personnel of other security agencies in Edo State. Special prayers were offered for the continued success of the Nigerian Army, the safety of serving personnel, the well-being of retired veterans, and the repose of the souls of fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
On Friday, 3 July 2026, the Commander 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, led officers and soldiers on a 10-kilometre NADCEL route march through major streets of Benin City as part of activities commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army. Speaking with journalists at the end of the exercise, the Commander stated that the route march was aimed at creating public awareness of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration while demonstrating the Brigade’s operational readiness to discharge its constitutional responsibilities. He further disclosed that this year’s celebration was unique as the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General W Shaibu NAM had directed all commanders to reassure Nigerians that the Nigerian Army remains fully committed to confronting emerging security threats within their respective areas of responsibility.
Following the route march, the Commander, accompanied by officers and soldiers, proceeded to Edo College Benin City, for a public speaking engagement with the school’s management and students. During the programme, a documentary highlighting the history and evolution of the Nigerian Army was screened, while students were enlightened on the various career opportunities in the Nigerian Army.
The students expressed appreciation to the Brigade Commander for the enlightening engagement, noting that they had gained valuable knowledge about the Nigerian Army and its operations. In his remarks, the Principal of the College, Mr Justice Aigbe, thanked the Brigade for organising the programme themed, “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army.” Highlights of the event included an interactive question-and-answer session during which the Commander addressed students’ questions, as well as the unveiling and presentation of educational books provided by Army Headquarters to the students.
On Saturday, 4 July 2026, Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun led staff officers, personnel of 4 Brigade Medical Centre to Amufi and neighbouring communities in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State for a free medical outreach. The outreach formed part of the Brigade’s activities for NADCEL 2026 and provided free medical consultations, eye screening, reading glasses, dental care, essential drugs dispense, health education, laboratory investigations, including malaria parasite tests, hepatitis B and C screening, retroviral screening, blood sugar tests, and blood pressure checks, among other healthcare services.
Addressing beneficiaries, the Brigade Commander stated that the outreach reflected the Nigerian Army’s commitment to improving the well-being of Nigerians beyond its constitutional responsibility of defending the nation’s territorial integrity. He added that the initiative forms part of the Brigade’s non-kinetic operations aimed at strengthening relationships with host communities and appreciating critical stakeholders for their continued support to military operations.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Ohen of Amufi Kingdom, Chief Iyi-Ewuare Asenogua, expressed profound appreciation to the Nigerian Army for bringing quality healthcare services to the community, noting that over 3,000 beneficiaries received free medical treatment during the exercise. Similarly, the Chairman of Ikpoba Hill Youth Forum, Mr Kingsley Osemwingie, described the outreach as a demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s concern for the welfare of the people, adding that the initiative had significantly improved access to quality healthcare for residents of the community.
On Monday, 6 July 2026, the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 4 Brigade Chapter, Mrs Mariam Aina Balogun, led executive members of the Association to Army Day Secondary School, Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, for a NAOWA Educational Outreach as part of activities commemorating NADCEL 2026. The outreach, which was aimed at promoting educational development and supporting learning among students, was attended by teachers, students, and members of the school community. During the event, educational materials, including customised exercise books, pens, pencils, and erasers, were distributed to over 500 students to encourage academic excellence and support their educational pursuits.
Kennedy Anyanwu
Captain
Assistant Director Army Public Relations
4 Brigade Nigerian Army
Benin City
NADCEL 2026: 4 BRIGADE CONDUCTS 10KM ROUTE MARCH, PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT, FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH, AND NAOWA EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH IN BENIN CITY
Troops Arrest Senior Corrections Officer Over Alleged Arms Trafficking in Enugu
Troops Recover Unexploded Ordnance During Patrol in Benue
Troops Secure 27 Cattle After Responding to Farmland Destruction Report in Plateau
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