YOUNG innovators have been urged to leverage digital technologies to tackle food security challenges and drive sustainable development across Nigeria and Africa.
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STAKEHOLDERS in the environment sector have urged youths to harness waste-to-wealth opportunities, particularly in plastic waste management, to drive economic growth and address environmental challenges.
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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue supporting the federal government and security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Oyintiloye, who made the appeal while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, expressed optimism that the nation’s current security challenges will become history with the support of all stakeholders.
He noted that the federal government is intensifying efforts to tackle all forms of criminality and ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
According to him, “the government is deeply concerned about the prevailing security situation and is taking decisive steps to end all forms of insecurity.”
Oyintiloye said the resolve by President Bola Tinubu during his Democracy Day address, declaring zero tolerance for terrorists and their collaborators, was a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to restoring peace.
The former lawmaker added that the ultimatum issued by the President to bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terrorism to surrender or face the full force of the law signals that their days are numbered.
“We share the pain of parents, families, and relatives of victims currently devastated by mass abductions, especially of schoolchildren, and the ongoing killings by terrorists. It is a tragic situation, and no one would wish such experiences on themselves or their loved ones. We truly feel their pain.
“However, we must remain hopeful and continue to support government efforts to rescue those in captivity and bring perpetrators to justice.
“Intelligence and security operatives are actively working to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible for acts of violence. No criminal element will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the nation.
“The government is doing everything within its power to secure the release of abducted victims and end the senseless killings across the country,” he said.
Oyintiloye expressed confidence in the professionalism, competence, and dedication of Nigeria’s security personnel, noting that they possess the capacity to flush out criminal elements and restore lasting peace.
“If necessary, service chiefs should review and adjust their operational strategies without hesitation, as time is of the essence,” he added.
He also called on state governors to complement the President’s efforts by providing adequate support and resources to security agencies within their jurisdictions.
While acknowledging the President’s constitutional role as Chief Security Officer of the country, Oyintiloye emphasised that governors and local government chairmen are closer to the grassroots and must take proactive measures to strengthen local intelligence and maintain peace.
He stressed that no nation can achieve meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity, noting that economic growth, infrastructure development, investment, and social services thrive only in a peaceful environment.
“A nation with a strong and effective security system is better positioned for accelerated development, economic prosperity, and sustainable social services,” he said.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information, and continue to pray for peace, unity, and progress in the country.
Nigeria will overcome insecurity — Osun APC chieftain, Oyintiloye
A 41-year-old Sao Paulo Brazil based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for importing shirts and towels impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from the South American country into Nigeria.
Abugu was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos upon arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia aboard an Ethiopian Airways flight on Thursday 11th June 2026. A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed.
In his statement, the suspect claims he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy food stuff in bulk for his restaurant.
Meanwhile, a 60-year-old woman Chidimma Sunday and a 28-year-old man Abubakar Usman, both persons living with disability have been taken into NDLEA custody in Abia and Rivers state respectively following their involvement in illicit drug trade. While Chidimma was nabbed with 1.8kg skunk by Umuosu vigilante group in Umuna Autonomous community, Isialangwa North LGA Abia state and handed over to NDLEA on Wednesday 10th June, Abubakar was arrested at Rumuokoro Port Harcourt Rivers state with 400 grams of skunk, 5 grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, 5 grams of swinol and 18 grams of diazepam during a raid by NDLEA officers on Tuesday 9th June.
THE atmosphere was filled with worship, thanksgiving, and renewed spiritual commitment as members of the Church of God Nigeria gathered from across the country at the church headquarters in Beyaruka, Ibadan, for a landmark event that combined inauguration, ordination, and retirement ceremonies.
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Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has commenced the screening of luggage, to ensure that they conform with the prescribed kilograms and to fish out any contraband.
The Chairman of the Luggage Screening and Weighing Sub-Committee, Professor Muhammadu Mustapha Gwadabe, said that the exercise started on Thursday night.
A statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said that Prof Gwadabe commended Kaduna State pilgrims for complying with the airline’s directives.
The Sub-Committee Chairman also said that the Agency has made available scales for pilgrims to weigh their luggage, on all the floors of the building, before coming for the official screening.
He said that the luggage of passengers on the first flight have already been successfully screened and their two 23 kilograms bags are being evacuated from the pilgrims’ residence.
Prof Gwadabe reiterated that pilgrims are allowed only 23 kilograms for each of their two bags, while their hand luggage should not exceed eight kilograms.
The Sub-Committee Chairman also pointed out that passengers are not allowed to carry sharp objects and liquids of any kind in their check-in bags, warning that large amount of perfumes is not allowed onto the aircraft.
Prof Gwadabe who also disclosed that the return flight will now commence on June 16, as against the previous date of June 15, called on the pilgrims to be patient.
The Sub-Committee Chairman advised them to use the extra day to pray for themselves, their families, Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
THE Christian Conscience group has called on President Bola Tinubu to take urgent measures to strengthen and safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, while also prioritising the security of lives and property.
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Under the bright morning sun, a group of excited pupils gathered on the dusty playground of Yahaya Abdulkareem Primary School in Sokoto.
Some hopped enthusiastically in a sack race, struggling to keep their balance as classmates cheered them on. Nearby, another group formed a circle, clapping and singing while others competed in reading games that tested their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Laughter echoed across the school compound as children ran, jumped, and celebrated small victories with infectious excitement.
For the children, it was a day of fun and friendship. For teachers and education experts watching closely, it was something much deeper.
It is a practical demonstration of how play helps shape young minds, build confidence, and prepare children for lifelong learning.
To many onlookers, it appeared to be a day of simple fun. But Blessing Okechukwu, an education expert, said what happened during the International Day of Play celebration organized with support from the European Union (EU) was far more significant.
She said that behind every game, every dance step, and every reading exercise was a powerful lesson about how children learn, develop, and prepare for the future.
As governments and development partners such as the EU intensify efforts to improve educational outcomes in Northern Nigeria, play is increasingly being recognized as one of the most effective tools for nurturing children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development.
According to Aliyu Isa, a Physical and Health Education teacher at the school, for years, play was often viewed as a distraction from learning. Today, however, educators and child development specialists regard it as one of the most important ingredients of quality education, particularly during a child’s formative years.
According to him, play stimulates brain development, strengthens memory, improves concentration, enhances creativity, and helps children develop critical problem-solving skills.
“It also encourages teamwork, communication, and emotional intelligence, a skill that is increasingly important in the modern world”
“Children learn best when they are actively engaged. Play creates an environment where children become curious, confident, and eager to learn” he added
The significance of play-based learning is gaining renewed attention at a time when Sokoto State is grappling with one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with the Sokoto State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), convened a high-level advocacy and media dialogue on strengthening Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and improving access to quality education in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
The initiative, supported by the European Union, emphasized the need for greater investment in early childhood education as a foundation for lifelong learning and development.
Speaking during the dialogue, the Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, Dr. Michael Juma, stressed the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to quality early childhood education.
He noted that strengthening ECCE is essential to improving learning outcomes and creating equal opportunities for children across the region.
Beatrice Sababa, Education officer with UNICEF explained that play-based learning sits at the heart of Early Childhood Care and Education because it helps children acquire literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
According to her, research has shown that the period from birth to eight years is critical for brain development.
“During these years, children form the cognitive and emotional foundations that influence their educational performance, health outcomes and productivity throughout life,” she said.
Education stakeholders in Sokoto have described ECCE as the “great equaliser” capable of transforming the future of vulnerable children.
THE CHALLENGE IS PARTICULARLY URGENT IN SOKOTO STATE.
According to the Chairman of SUBEB, Alhaji Umar Nagwari Tambuwal, about 66.4 per cent of school-aged children in the state are currently out of school.
He revealed that the state government, with support from UNICEF, has identified and documented a significant proportion of these children for targeted interventions aimed at bringing them back into learning.
“To address the crisis, the state government plans to significantly expand Early Childhood Care and Education centres across the state, while UNICEF has committed support for additional centres,” he said.
He added that the government has also launched initiatives aimed at equipping Almajiri children and out-of-school girls with digital skills and learning opportunities.
For child psychologist Aisha Abdullahi, however, expanding access to education alone is not enough. The quality of learning experiences matters just as much.
She said schools that integrate play into teaching methods often record better participation, improved attendance, stronger literacy outcomes and greater emotional well-being among pupils.
Through games, storytelling, music and interactive activities, children are encouraged to think independently, collaborate with others and develop confidence in their abilities, she added.
“Play also serves another critical function of protecting children’s mental health. In communities facing poverty, displacement, insecurity and other social challenges, opportunities to play can help children manage stress, build resilience and maintain a sense of normalcy,” she explained.
Child-friendly learning spaces that combine education with recreation have become an important component of educational interventions supported by UNICEF and its partners, particularly for vulnerable children affected by conflict and displacement.
Abdullahi also stressed that parents and caregivers have an important role to play in promoting children’s development through play.
“It does not necessarily require expensive toys or sophisticated equipment. Simple games, storytelling, songs and everyday interactions can provide valuable learning opportunities for children”
As Sokoto State continues efforts to tackle the out-of-school crisis and improve educational outcomes, stakeholders believe that investing in play-based learning could be one of the most effective strategies for ensuring children remain engaged in school and develop the skills needed to succeed in life.
“What may appear to be simple childhood fun on a playground today could, in reality, be laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future tomorrow” said Abdullahi.
Beyond Fun: How Play Helps Children Learn is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared that his administration is on high alert against rising security threats across the country, unveiling plans to deploy technology-driven solutions to strengthen the state’s security architecture and protect lives and property.
Governor Abiodun made the declaration during the All Progressives Congress (APC) Strategic Meeting held at the Presidential Lodge, Ibara, Abeokuta.
Describing the growing menace of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country as deeply concerning, the governor assured residents that his administration would take proactive steps to prevent criminal elements from gaining a foothold in the state.
“We are rising to the occasion of insecurity by deploying technology to safeguard the lives of our people. We will not wait for anyone to come and attack us,” Abiodun said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents through strategic investments in security infrastructure, enhanced collaboration with security agencies and sustained community engagement.
“As a government, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection of lives and property across Ogun State. Through strategic investments in security infrastructure, collaboration with security agencies and community engagement, we remain committed to maintaining Ogun State as a secure, peaceful and investment-friendly destination,” he stated.
The governor said special attention was being paid to the security of schools and educational institutions, noting that children represent the future of the state and must be adequately protected.
According to him, the government has intensified security measures around schools through increased surveillance, deployment of security personnel to strategic locations, stronger inter-agency collaboration and the deployment of modern technology to monitor vulnerable areas.
He said the interventions are aimed at deterring criminal activities and ensuring that educational institutions remain safe and conducive environments for learning.
Governor Abiodun also disclosed that while his administration has made significant investments in infrastructure development, greater emphasis would now be placed on human capital development and social intervention programmes designed to cushion the effects of prevailing economic challenges on residents.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of the people and ensuring that the dividends of democracy are felt across all segments of society.
He also commended members of the APC in Ogun State for conducting peaceful and crisis-free primary elections, describing the exercise as a demonstration of political maturity, unity and discipline.
“Our primary was inclusive, transparent and fair. We sat down, discussed and chose our candidates without rancour. Though many contested, only one person could emerge. Those who stepped down for others are the unsung heroes of this process,” he said.
Earlier, Ogun APC Chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi, commended party members for their exemplary conduct during and after the primaries, noting that the strategic meeting was convened to strengthen preparations and mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun declares high alert over rising insecurity nationwide
THE Authority of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, has announced Friday, June 19, 2026, for the final burial rites of its immediate past President, Pastor Abraham Olukunle Akinosun, who passed on March 22, 2026, at the age of 81.
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