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VP SHETTIMA TO NEDC MANAGEMENT: Posterity Will Judge You Fairly For Investing In Education, Green Technology

VP SHETTIMA TO NEDC MANAGEMENT: Posterity Will Judge You Fairly For Investing In Education, Green Technology
** Demands enhanced stakeholders’ collaboration in promoting ASSEP project
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said posterity will judge the North East Development Commission (NEDC) fairly for going beyond infrastructure development to investing in education and green technology through the Accelerated Senior Secondary Education Programme (ASSEP).
He described ASSEP as the actual game changer in the age and time, pointing out that education is the greatest leveller through which even a son of a peasant could become a celebrated icon.

Senator Shettima spoke on Thursday during a meeting with the management team of the NEDC, who came to brief him on the level of work on the ASSEP project at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said, “I want to commend the management of NEDC, the ministry, and, of course, Dr. Masha for doing an awesome job and promoting ASSEP. There are two things that the North East Development Commission is committed to that posterity will judge them kindly.
“Yes, intervention in infrastructure is good, but this ASSEP and the likely investments in green technology will fully change the landscape.”
The Vice President applauded generative platforms introduced by ASSEP, like the Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, saying they are going along in “revolutionising the learning experience, offering numerous benefits for students, educators and institutions because of enhanced engagement and motivation.”
He continued: “We can truly leapfrog into the industrial age. From 100 teachers, we’re able to reach 600 hundred teachers in 71 institutions. I think of all the areas of intervention by the NEDC; none titillates my imagination, none captivates the spirit of the times greater than this ASSEP.

‘It is truly a game changer because, in other parts of the world, they are investing in digital educational tools because of the numerous benefits they offer. From improved knowledge retention to personalised learning to increased accessibility, VR headset enables students to engage in remote learning.
VP Shettima implored the NEDC, the Federal Ministry of Regional Development and other relevant stakeholders to collaborate among themselves to ensure efficiency.
His words: “And of course, there is the possibility of enhanced collaboration among all the relevant stakeholders, improved assessment and evaluation, and of course lastly, they imbue the students with soft skills for future careers in technology, in healthcare and engineering.
“I want to thank you. You may be buffeted with a lot of criticisms; uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. It (NEDC) is one of the most buoyant organisations in the country, and people expect the NEDC to be like drunken sailors on a spending spree, but the MD is a very difficult man.
“In the Nigerian context, when you are described as a difficult man, it means you are a stickler to rules and regulations. The Minister is a very humble man; he is not an overbearing person, and I have seen the rapport between them. I will urge you to work as a team.”
Noting that by investing in education, NEDC is writing its name in gold, the VP further urged the commission and the ministry to maintain the tempo in driving the ASSEP to wriggle the North East from poverty.
He stated: “The base of poverty in Nigeria is found in the North. And if the North East of Nigeria were to be treated as a country, we would be poorer than Chad; we are poorer than Niger. The North East of Nigeria is poorer than Afghanistan. It’s one of the poorest places on earth.
“The World Bank described the North East of Nigeria, the Republic of Chad, the Darfur region of Sudan, the Republic of Niger and Northern Cameroon as some of the poorest places on earth, hence the emergence of militant organisations like the Janjaweed militia and Boko Haram.”
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, said ASSEP is an initiative aimed at enhancing secondary education across the region, which aligns with the administration’s broader agenda to improve learning standards nationwide.
“It is a cardinal objective of this administration, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to focus on capacity building, scholarships for indigent students, and the upgrading of essential education infrastructure and ICT tools. This is why we are here today—to kickstart this crucial segment of ASSEP,” he stated.
On his part, the Managing Director of NEDC, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, highlighted the commission’s intervention in the educational sector with a specific focus on human capital development across the region.
He said the NEDC has commenced the process of reviving teacher training/education in the region and has established a unit within the commission to handle training and capacity building across the educational ecosystem.
The NEDC boss said, “We reviewed and harmonised the training modules that we have in the northeast. We have already engaged a consultant to start the training of teachers. Most importantly, we have already signed an MOU with the National Teachers Institute in Kaduna. In addition, we have established teachers’ training centres across the northeast so that the training will be a continuous process.
“As of today, we have already established the mega schools in the northeast – one per senatorial district. We have also established 18 ICT training centres; we have built halls, laboratories and other facilities across the northeast,” he added.
Highpoint of the meeting was the presentation of the VR headsets to the Vice President by the NEDC MD and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Regional Development Programmes (Office of the Vice President), Dr Mariam Masha.
VP SHETTIMA TO NEDC MANAGEMENT: Posterity Will Judge You Fairly For Investing In Education, Green Technology
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Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State

Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State
By Zagazola Makama
The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and gun-running, following the arrest of a fleeing gang member and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
According to police sources, the operation was a follow-up to the earlier apprehension of Mohammed Bello, a notorious kidnapper and arms dealer.
Acting on intelligence obtained from Bello’s confession, the police extended their investigation to Rivers State, where they tracked down and arrested one Chedeye Mohamed.
Mohamed, a native of Kogi State, had been hiding in the Trailer Park Area of Onne, Port Harcourt. Upon interrogation, he led detectives to a bush near the trailer park, where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
The suspect confessed to carrying out kidnappings and armed robberies in Ughelli, Agbarho, and other parts of Delta State before retreating to Port Harcourt for cover after each operation.
Delta Police Arrest Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 in Rivers State
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Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State

Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State
By: Zagazola Makama
A 21-year-old man, Victor Lorjaal, has been arrested for allegedly macheting his mother and elder sister to death at Aba Ele Camp, Itaji Ekiti.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on March 25, 2025.
The suspect’s brother, David Ioyzain, reported to the police that Victor attacked their mother, Mrs. Victoria Lorjaal, and their sister, Brenda Lorjaal, while they were picking charcoal on the farm.
David stated that he heard his mother screaming for help and rushed to the scene, only to find both victims lying lifeless with deep machete wounds. After the attack, the suspect fled but was later found at home with blood stains on his forehead, nose, and legs.
The community members apprehended Victor and handed him over to the police. Officers visited the crime scene, documented evidence, and recovered the bodies, which were deposited at General Hospital, Ayede.
Police sources said that the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.
Man Arrested for Killing His Mother and Sister in Ekiti State
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Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity

Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity
By: Michael Mike
The Afro-Caribbean Investment Summit, have marked a significant step in strengthening the ties between the two regions; Africa and the Caribbean, with a focus on sustainability, economic diversification, and collaboration for shared prosperity.
The historical event which took place in Abuja Nigeria, was organised by Aquarian Consult, in partnership with the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis, with theme, ‘bridging continents: Africa and the Caribbean, a partnership for prosperity.’
The event brought together political, business, and academic leaders from both Africa and the Caribbean to discuss the potential for deeper economic partnerships and long-term development.
Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrence Michael Drew while delivering his keynote address highlighted the deep-rooted connection between Africa and the Caribbean.
He described Africa not just as a distant relative to the Caribbean but as the “mother” of the region.
He called for a shift from occasional discussions to a more structured, sustained collaboration in economic, cultural, political, and spiritual areas.
Drew emphasized that both regions must chart a course toward greater cooperation, recognizing their shared stories, challenges, and potential.
He highlighted the importance of addressing climate change, noting that the Caribbean, like many parts of Africa, has already felt the devastating effects of global warming.
Drew presented the geothermal energy project in Nevis as a model for sustainable energy, aiming to reduce the region’s dependency on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy solutions. He proposed that this effort could serve as a model for both African nations and small island developing states across the globe.
“The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of global supply chains, especially in the food sector. In response, St. Kitts and Nevis has been investing in modernizing its agricultural systems with a focus on climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming techniques.
“We call on Africa’s agricultural expertise to partner in these efforts, joint research, farm exchanges, and technology partnerships could revolutionize food production for both regions.
“We need reform in our financial systems to support innovation and economic growth. Young entrepreneurs, women, and small businesses often struggle to access the capital needed to bring their ideas to life. It is importance we create innovative financial instruments, such as diaspora bonds and microfinance programs, which could foster economic independence and growth across the Afro-Caribbean bloc.”
Former President of Mauritius, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, also emphasized on the structural challenges facing Africa. She noted that while Africa is home to vast natural resources and a growing youthful population, it accounts for a disproportionately small share of global trade and GDP.
Gurib-Fakim highlighted the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a critical step toward creating a unified market that could unlock Africa’s manufacturing potential.
However, she warned that Africa’s economic transformation would only be possible if the continent invests in science and technology and addresses its skills gap in order to meet the demands of the modern economy.
Gurib-Fakim also stressed the importance of education reform to drive innovation and entrepreneurship. She criticized the continent’s educational systems, which she argued “limits the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in knowledge-based economies.”
For her part, Ms. Aisha Maina, General Managing Director of Aquarian Consult, emphasized the concept of a “Global Africa,” referring to the shared identity and common heritage of people of African descent around the world.
She declared that the time has come for the Global South to invest in itself, reject externally imposed development metrics, and create its own standards for growth.
Maina called for greater collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean, not just in trade but in innovation and entrepreneurship.
She stressed that “both regions must come together, leveraging their collective strengths, to overcome historical divisions and forge a path toward mutual prosperity.”
Also, Prof. Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, President of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afrexim Bank), reinforced the need for institutionalized cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
He highlighted the shared history of colonization and displacement, but also the immense potential for the two regions to collaborate on a global scale.
Oramah emphasized the role of Afreximbank in facilitating trade and investment, urging both regions to harness their natural resources and intellectual capital to build industries that can compete on the global stage.
Oramah concluded by stating that the unity of Africa and the Caribbean could form one of the world’s most powerful political and economic blocs, with the capacity to shape global affairs.
The summit, he said, “was a step toward creating a structured, organized framework for Afro-Caribbean collaboration, with the goal of increasing trade, innovation, and sustainable development.”
Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit Charts Path for Stronger Economic Ties, Shared Prosperity
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