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Plateau state government introduces monthly press briefing to highlight achievement

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By Asile Abel,jos

The Plateau State Government has began monthly Ministerial press briefing to inform citizens on government activities in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs)

The monthly briefing start with 4 Ministries held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Education Building, JD Gomwalk Secretariat, Jos, Plateau State.

Declaring the briefing open, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ashoms, stated that the event was a core mandate of the Ministry of Information and Communication, expected to bolster its vision for an enlightened, educated and informed populace.

He added that the event also corresponds with the present administrations idea of carrying citizens along in accordance with the first focal point of the Green Cap Policy Thrust, which is “Good Governance and Citizens Participation in Sustainable Development.”

“I therefore make due acknowledgment to the Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for his enthusiastic support and expedited approval.

“…It is this attitude that drives the vigorous activities across various sectors and across the state, turning it into a huge project site for massive infrastructural development and an incubator for robust public policy initiatives.” He added.

Office of the Head of Civil Service hit the ground running with their report, where they enumerated responsibilities, successes and challenges of the office to members of the media community.

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The Plateau State Head of Civil Service, Barrister Rauta Dakok, said the office is the engine room of government and the administrative machinery for implementing the State Government’s Policies and Programmes.

Some of the achievements she captured were the physical verification of staff and pensioners for the offset of Salary/Pension Arrears inherited from immediate past Administration.

She said the office also obtained approval for the release of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000.00) Monthly to settle arrears of pensions/gratuities and death benefits from 1986 to date, adding that promotions for deserving civil servants is almost up to date.

“The establishment of Information and Public Relation Officer Cadre Structure on SGL 08 – 17 and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) Cadre Structured on SGL 06 – 14 in the Schemes of Service.

Barr. Rauta said the implementation of recalled workers into the mainstream civil service whose employments were initially suspended is at about 80% completion

The Head of Service also highlighted some challenges faced by the office to includes Inadequate Office accommodation, shortage of manpower in view of batched retirement and non availability of copies of current Public Service Rules and other relevant Government documents.

Others she said are indiscriminate encroachment on lands adjoining to Government quarters by
unscrupulous persons and how retired civil servants are still holding unto Government quarters by preventing the
serving civil servants from enjoying same.

Also, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ephraim Usman gave a scorecard of his ministry within the 11 months of the “Time is Now” administration which includes payment of salaries and pension arrears from the previous administration at the LGAs level.

Ephraim said, “The ministry in collaboration with ALGON purchased 35 Hillux vehicles for operation Rainbow to strengthen the security architecture at the grassroots level.”

He said the ministry in conjunction with the 17 LGAs is working on digitalization of indigene forms and marriage certificates with link to NIN.

On Chieftaincy Affairs, the Commissioner said the ministry conducted the selection and coronation of the new Ngolong Ngas on first class status and also the selection of the new Mou Youm of Garkawa on second class status, noting that his coronation will soon take place.

Other ministries who gave their scorecards on the first press briefing were Ministry of Education, (Secondary) and Ministry for Women Affairs and Social Development.

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Arewa Rents Charts a Digital Future for Northern Nigeria’s Property Market”

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Arewarents.com, a property marketplace startup focused on Northern Nigeria, is positioning itself to transform how people rent, buy, and access short-let properties across the region through technology and innovation.

The startup pitched its idea today at the first Kano Startup Weekend, an event organized by the Kano State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (KASITDA). The event brought together startups, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders to showcase emerging solutions addressing real market challenges.

At the pitch, Arewa Rents presented its vision of building a centralized digital platform for property rentals, sales, and short-lets, designed specifically for the Northern Nigerian market. According to the Founder of Arewa Rents, Anas Y. Yusuf, the goal is to “create a single trusted platform where people can easily find verified properties without relying on scattered and unreliable sources.”

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Northern Nigeria’s real estate market remains largely informal, with property listings scattered across social media, local agents, and offline networks. This fragmentation creates inefficiencies, limits visibility for property owners and agents, and makes it difficult for renters and buyers to access verified properties in one trusted place.

Addressing this gap, Anas Y. Yusuf noted that Arewa Rents is “leveraging technology to bring structure, transparency, and trust into the property market, while making it easier for agents and landlords to reach serious clients.”

Arewa Rents is developing a technology-driven property marketplace that aggregates verified listings for homes, apartments, shops, and short-stay properties. The platform is designed to connect renters, buyers, agents, developers, and landlords more efficiently, while improving transparency in property transactions.

As the startup continues to build and scale its platform, Anas Y. Yusuf emphasized that the long-term mission is “to make property renting, buying, and short-let access in Northern Nigeria more efficient and accessible through a trusted digital marketplace.”

With its regional focus and marketplace-driven approach, Arewa Rents is emerging as a startup positioned to play a key role in the digital transformation of Northern Nigeria’s real estate sector.

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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FG Bans New SS3 Admissions Nationwide to Fight Exam Malpractice

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.

The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

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According to the ministry, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractices, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations. Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to prevent last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring confidence in public examinations nationwide.

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