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First Lady Remi Tinubu Secures Qatar Foundation’s Pledge to Tackle Nigeria’s Out-of-School Children Crisis

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By Prosper Mene

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has secured a firm commitment from the Qatar Foundation to support efforts aimed at curbing the nation’s alarming out-of-school children crisis.

The pledge, announced during high-level meetings in Doha, targets Nigeria’s estimated 15 million out-of-school children, the largest such figure globally and focuses on reforming the Almajiri education system through integrated Islamic and formal schooling.

The announcement was made  at the conclusion of a four-day working visit to Qatar, where Senator Tinubu, leading a Nigerian delegation, engaged with the Qatar Foundation’s leadership, including its Founder, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al-Missned. The foundation, renowned for its global education initiatives, has pledged to collaborate with Nigeria’s Ministry of Education on establishing model schools that provide safe, holistic learning environments.”These schools will host and care for the children in a safe learning environment, which will include a mosque for worship, incorporate skills acquisition, and offer boarding facilities for students, as well as residence for Imams and caregivers,”

Senator Tinubu stated during the meeting. “This holistic approach will allow children to acquire both formal and Islamic education free from exploitation while equipping them with life skills that empower them to build their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”The Qatar Foundation also committed to supporting the training of teachers and handlers to ensure high-quality outcomes in these institutions. Yousif Al Na’am, CEO of the foundation, accompanied Senator Tinubu on a tour of the organization’s headquarters, highlighting ongoing projects like Qatar Education City—home to over 40 schools and universities and the Qatar National Library.Senator Tinubu praised Sheikha Moza’s “global leadership and humanitarian record,” particularly the foundation’s role in advancing education access worldwide.

Her visit to the Qatar National Library earlier in the trip further underscored Nigeria’s ambitions; the First Lady expressed optimism that Nigeria’s own National Library project—recently bolstered by N20 billion in funding, would draw inspiration from its Qatari counterpart to become a “modern, digitized facility equipped to cater to the knowledge-building needs of all Nigerians.”Accompanying Senator Tinubu were key government officials, including Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed; and Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education, Dr. Muhammad Sani Idris.

 

 

 

 

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Nobel Peace Prize Winner Machado Dedicates Award to Venezuelans and Trump

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By Prosper Mene 

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless fight against dictatorship, becoming the first Venezuelan and the sixth Latin American to receive the honor.

In a heartfelt dedication, she credited the suffering people of her country and U.S. President Donald Trump for their unwavering support in the battle for democracy.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the award in Oslo, praising Machado’s “civilian courage” in a “brutal, authoritarian state” under President Nicolás Maduro. At 58, the former legislator and presidential candidate has unified a fractured opposition, demanding free elections and human rights amid Venezuela’s deepening humanitarian crisis. “This recognition of the struggle of all Venezuelans is a boost to conclude our task: to conquer Freedom,” Machado said in a statement posted on X.

Machado’s win came amid speculation that Trump might receive the prize for brokering a recent Gaza ceasefire and ending global conflicts. The White House criticized the decision as “politics over peace,” but Machado quickly turned the spotlight on Trump. “I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela and to President Trump for his decisive support of our cause!” she wrote on X.

Trump reportedly called to congratulate her, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a longtime ally who nominated her last year, reposted her tribute.

Her journey has been marked by peril: disqualified from the 2024 election, Machado has faced threats, exile threats, and crackdowns, yet she rallied massive protests in Caracas. Allies like Rubio hailed her as the “Venezuelan Iron Lady,” while former lawmaker Julio Borges called the award a testament to her moral leadership.

While Venezuela struggles with economic collapse and migration waves, Machado urged global leaders to stand firm: “We are on the threshold of victory and today, more than ever, we count on President Trump, the people of the United States, and the democratic nations of the world.

“The dedication highlights unlikely transatlantic ties, with Trump’s administration imposing sanctions on Maduro and striking suspected drug-smuggling vessels. Despite the praise, it’s unclear if Machado can attend the December 10 ceremony in Oslo due to safety concerns, joining past laureates like Aung San Suu Kyi who were barred.

 

 

 

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Kaduna School Feeding Programme Boosts Kids, Women, and Farmers

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By Prosper Mene 

Kaduna State’s school feeding programme is doing more than just feeding kids, it’s changing lives. The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, backed by over N4 billion yearly, provides free daily meals to over 730,000 primary school children, while creating jobs for women and supporting local farmers.

Dr. Fauziya Buhari-Ado, the Governor’s aide leading the programme, was honored at the 2025 Humanitarian Bootcamp in Nairobi, Kenya. She praised Governor Uba Sani’s vision, saying, “This programme improves kids’ nutrition, keeps them in school, empowers women, and helps farmers earn more.”The meals, made with local crops like rice and beans, have boosted school attendance by up to 20% in some areas. Farmers benefit too, as the programme buys their produce, giving them a steady income. Over 7,000 women work as cooks and vendors, gaining skills and financial independence. Aisha Mohammed, a cook from Zaria, said, “This job helps me pay my kids’ school fees and start a small business.”Despite challenges like rising food prices and insecurity, the programme is a success, with plans to expand further. Community groups like the Kaduna Mothers for Accountability (KM4A) ensure transparency by monitoring meal quality and supplies.

Partnerships with organizations like ActionAid and the World Food Programme are helping to strengthen the initiative, with training for cooks and better supply chains.Looking forward, Kaduna aims to include more climate-smart crops and use digital tools to track supplies, ensuring the programme lasts. For many, the daily school meal is more than food, it’s a step toward breaking poverty’s cycle, empowering women, and building stronger communities across the state.

 

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AgroTech Giant Launches Massive Training Initiative for Two Million Rural Women on Climate-Resilient Farming

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By Prosper Mene 

In a move to combat climate change’s toll on smallholder farms, global agribusiness leader GreenHarvest Solutions announced today a landmark program to train two million rural women across sub-Saharan Africa in climate-smart agronomy techniques.

The five-year initiative, dubbed “Women Rooted in Resilience,” aims to equip participants with tools to boost crop yields, conserve water, and adapt to erratic weather patterns, potentially transforming food security for millions.

The program kicks off in Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, where women make up over 70% of the agricultural workforce but often lack access to training and resources.

“Rural women are the unsung heroes of our food systems, yet they’re hit hardest by droughts and floods,” said Dr. Aisha Nkosi, GreenHarvest’s Chief Sustainability Officer, at the virtual launch event attended by UN Women and World Bank representatives. “By empowering them with knowledge on drought-resistant seeds, soil health, and sustainable irrigation, we’re not just saving farms, we’re building resilient communities.”Funding comes from a $150 million consortium including the Gates Foundation, USAID, and private donors, with initial pilots already underway in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

There, 5,000 women farmers have begun hands-on sessions using mobile apps for weather forecasting and agronomy tips, delivered via SMS in local languages. Early feedback is promising: Participants report 20-30% yield improvements in maize and sorghum trials, alongside reduced input costs through better pest management.GreenHarvest, which specializes in seed production and distribution, draws from its success with partners like Kamano Seed in East Africa, where similar trainings have recruited hundreds of women into climate-smart seed networks.

The firm plans to scale via community hubs, partnering with local NGOs like Village Enterprise to integrate agronomy mentorship and microfinance.

“This isn’t charity, it’s smart business,” Nkosi added. “Trained women farmers mean stable supply chains and healthier markets for everyone.”Experts hail the ambition amid rising climate threats.

UN Women’s data shows sub-Saharan women farmers yield 20-30% less than men due to unequal access, but programs like this could close the gap.

In Zimbabwe, similar UNDP-backed efforts have already empowered thousands of women with irrigated plots and market linkages, shifting them from subsistence to commercial farming.

Challenges remain, including digital divides and cultural barriers, but GreenHarvest is addressing them with offline training modules and male ally workshops.

By 2030, the program eyes expansion to South Asia, targeting 500,000 more women.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Kano Police Bust Vehicle Smuggling Ring: Female Suspect Nabbed with Stolen Hilux

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By Prosper Mene

Kano State Police Command has recovered a stolen Toyota Hilux van and arrested a female suspect attempting to smuggle it across the border to Niger Republic, authorities announced today.

The dramatic bust unfolded on October 6 along Airport Road in Nassarawa Local Government Area. Operatives from the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) intercepted 35-year-old Adama Hassan from Deba LGA in Gombe State. She was caught red-handed trying to conceal the white Hilux, which had been stolen earlier from an undisclosed location in northern Nigeria.

The vehicle’s intended route: straight out of the country for black-market sale.”We acted on credible tips and technical leads to track the vehicle,” said Police Public Relations Officer SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa in a statement. “Hassan’s arrest prevents a major loss and disrupts a potential smuggling network.”During interrogation, Hassan confessed to receiving the Hilux from a male accomplice in Lafiyan Lamurde LGA, Adamawa State, who remains on the run. Police say the duo planned to fence the vehicle abroad, part of a rising trend in cross-border vehicle thefts plaguing the region. “Efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect and recover other stolen assets linked to this ring,” Kiyawa added.

The Hilux, valued at over ₦20 million (about $12,000 USD), is now in police custody at Bompai Headquarters. Its owner is urged to come forward with proof of ownership to reclaim it. Hassan faces charges of vehicle theft, smuggling, and conspiracy, with court appearance pending investigation wrap-up.

This recovery shows Kano Police’s aggressive push against auto crime, which has spiked 15% in northern states this year amid economic pressures.

Commissioner of Police CP Salman Dogo Garba praised the SIS team: “Our borders are no longer free game for thieves. Community vigilance made this possible.

 

 

 

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Florida Woman Wanted for Brutal Attack on Boyfriend

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By Prosper Mene

Florida Police are searching for 32-year-old Elena Vasquez after she allegedly attacked her boyfriend, Marcos R., 35, with kitchen shears, severely injuring his genitals.

The shocking incident happened Tuesday night in their Homestead apartment after a fight over cheating.

Neighbors heard screams and called 911, finding Marcos bleeding heavily. He told police Vasquez snapped after he admitted to a one-night stand. Doctors at Jackson South Medical Center are fighting to save him, but his condition remains critical.

Vasquez, a bartender, fled the scene in a red hoodie and jeans. Cops believe she’s headed to Tampa or Georgia. She’s 5’4” with dark hair, and police warn not to approach her. “This is a serious crime, possibly attempted murder,” said Miami-Dade Police Lt. Javier Ruiz.The case recalls the 1993 Lorena Bobbitt story, but experts say it’s a grim reminder of domestic violence. “These acts often come from pain and control,” said Maria Gonzalez of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Vasquez’s social media hints at jealousy, with posts about betrayal.

Marcos faces a long recovery, physically and mentally. Vasquez’s family urges her to surrender.

 

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CJN Kekere-Ekun Warns New CCT Chairman: ‘Don’t Compromise Your Office for Personal Gains’

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By Prosper Mene 

In a reminder of judicial integrit amid Nigeria’s ongoing anti-corruption drive, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun has urged the newly sworn-in Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Justice Mainasara Kog, to resist any temptation to trade public trust for personal or political advantage.

The admonition came during a formal swearing-in ceremony at the Supreme Court Complex in Abuja on Tuesday, where Kekere-Ekun administered the oath of office to Kogo, marking his official assumption of leadership at the tribunal. The CCT, a key anti-corruption body established under the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, is responsible for enforcing ethical standards among public officials, including probing asset declarations and conflicts of interest.”The trust placed in you is a trust on behalf of the nation, and it must never be compromised or traded for personal or political reasons,” Kekere-Ekun declared, emphasizing that Kogo’s ultimate loyalty must lie with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution, and the cause of justice not to any individual, group, or authority.

She further advised the new chairman to “uphold the law without fear or favour,” deliver firm and fair judgments, and ensure his decisions inspire public confidence in the tribunal’s independence.

Kekere-Ekun highlighted the high-stakes nature of cases before the CCT, which often involve “sensitive issues touching upon the very soul of public trust.” Her words appear to underscore broader concerns about external influences in Nigeria’s judiciary, particularly as the country grapples with perceptions of political interference in anti-corruption institutions.

Kogo’s appointment, announced by President Bola Tinubu in July, replaces Danladi Umar, who had chaired the tribunal since 2011. Umar’s tenure was marred by controversy, including a 2019 statement where he declared accountability only to the presidency, drawing widespread criticism for undermining institutional autonomy.

With Kogo’s induction, the CCT now operates at full strength with three members, including Justices William A. and another, enabling it to resume full adjudication of pending cases that had been stalled due to the leadership vacuum.

Legal experts view the CJN’s charge as a timely call for renewal at the CCT, an institution crucial to enforcing the Code of Conduct Bureau’s mandates. “This swearing-in is more than ceremonial, it’s a mandate for ethical revival in public service accountability,” said Dr. Aisha Bello, a constitutional law lecturer at the University of Abuja, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The event, attended by senior judicial officers and representatives from the Code of Conduct Bureau, signals the federal government’s commitment to fortifying anti-corruption mechanisms ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kogo, a seasoned judge with prior service in the Federal Capital Territory High Court, pledged in his acceptance remarks to lead with “unwavering integrity and impartiality,” though he declined to elaborate on specific cases.As Nigeria continues its battle against graft ranked 145th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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South Africa’s Defence Minister Steps in as Acting President During Ramaphosa’s Overseas Trip

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By Prosper Mene 

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has named Defence Minister Angie Motshekga as Acting President of South Africa while he travels to Ireland for a G20 meeting.

The appointment ensures smooth governance as both Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is on a peace mission in South Sudan, are out of the country.

Motshekga, a seasoned ANC leader and former educator, took on the role today under constitutional rules that allow the president to delegate duties. She will manage government affairs, including Cabinet meetings and urgent decisions, until Ramaphosa returns next week. This isn’t her first time as Acting President, she filled the role twice before in 2024 and 2025.

Ramaphosa is in Dublin to discuss trade, climate, and development, representing South Africa’s growing global role. Meanwhile, Mashatile is in Juba to support South Sudan’s peace process.

Motshekga, who has led the Defence Ministry since July 2024, is a trusted figure overseeing South Africa’s military, including peacekeeping missions.

The move highlights South Africa’s stable leadership within its coalition government. “Motshekga’s experience keeps things steady at home,” said political analyst Dr. Lwazi Mvovo. With Ramaphosa pushing for international investment and Mashatile aiding regional peace, Motshekga’s temporary role ensures the country runs smoothly.

Motshekga’s appointment shows confidence in the nation’s democratic systems. Her steady leadership in the defence sector, including managing budget challenges and supporting troops abroad, makes her a fitting choice to guide the country during this brief transition. The Presidency expressed gratitude for her service, emphasizing South Africa’s commitment to continuity and progress on both domestic and global fronts.

 

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Nearly 2 Million Young Women Worldwide Battle HIV, Demanding Urgent Global Action

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By Prosper Mene 

A recent revelation highlighting the uneven toll of the HIV epidemic, an estimated 1.9 million young women aged 15 to 24 are living with HIV globally, according to data from the Adolescent and Youth Health (AHY) initiative.

This figure, drawn from recent UNAIDS reports, underscores a persistent gender disparity in the AIDS crisis, where adolescent girls and young women account for nearly two-thirds of new infections among young people despite comprising just a quarter of the global population in this age group.

The statistic emerges from UNAIDS’ latest global HIV fact sheet, which paints a broader picture of progress tempered by profound challenges. As of the end of 2024, 40.8 million people worldwide were living with HIV, with women and girls representing more than half, approximately 20.2 million of that total. Yet, the burden falls disproportionately on the young: in sub-Saharan Africa, the epicenter of the epidemic, young women are up to 14 times more likely to acquire HIV than their male peers, driven by factors like unequal access to education, economic vulnerability, gender-based violence, and limited healthcare services.”This is not just a health crisis; it’s a human rights emergency,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a senior advisor with UNAIDS’ gender equality program. “These 1.9 million young women are our daughters, sisters, and future leaders.

Without targeted interventions, empowering girls with education, PrEP access, and stigma-free testing, we risk derailing the global goal to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”The numbers tell a story of fragile gains.

New HIV infections have dropped 40% since 2010, from 2.2 million to about 1.3 million annually, thanks to expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) reaching 31.6 million people by late 2024. AIDS-related deaths have plummeted 69% from their 2004 peak, with 630,000 lives lost in 2023. However, funding shortfalls loom large: only $18.7 billion was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries last year, 17% below the $21.9 billion needed annually to sustain momentum.

Experts point to success stories for hope. In Eastern and Southern Africa, where 85% of young women living with HIV reside, community-led programs like DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) have reduced new infections by 40% among participants through layered prevention, combining condoms, HIV testing, and economic support. Yet, gaps persist: about 5.3 million people globally remain undiagnosed, and young women in key populations, such as those in sex work or injecting drugs, face HIV prevalence rates as high as 13%.

As world leaders gather for the upcoming UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on HIV in 2026, advocates are calling for a “youth-first” strategy. This includes scaling up self-testing kits tailored for young women, integrating HIV services into sexual and reproductive health clinics, and addressing intersecting inequalities like child marriage, which affects over 700 million women alive today who wed before 18.

The path forward demands collective resolve. “We’ve halved infections and deaths before,” Ramirez added. “With investment in these young women, we can finish the job.” For now, the 1.9 million voices remind us: the fight against HIV is far from won, but it’s one we can and must win together.

 

 

 

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Enugu State Government Unveils Bold Initiatives to Slash Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates

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By Prosper Mene

In a push to combat one of Nigeria’s most pressing public health challenges, the Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating maternal and newborn mortality through targeted policies, infrastructure upgrades, and community-focused interventions.

Prof. Emmanuel Obi, the state’s Commissioner for Health, highlighted these efforts during the commemoration of the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, themed “Innovating for Safer Birth; A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality.” The event, held to align with the state’s broader health programs, underscores a multi-pronged strategy addressing preventable causes such as hemorrhage, severe anemia, sepsis, preeclampsia, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortions.

The state’s ambitious rollout includes the construction and equipping of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across all 260 wards, ensuring round-the-clock access to quality maternal care, including staff quarters and renewable energy sources for reliability.

These facilities are part of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s response to inherited high maternal mortality rates exceeding the national average of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. Early results are promising: In 2024, Enugu achieved a dramatic over 400% reduction in maternal mortality, a testament to the efficacy of these interventions, though officials emphasize that more work is needed to reach zero tolerance.

Complementing government efforts, First Lady Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah launched the “Mama Care Initiative” through her pet project, the Custos Care Foundation. This program has enrolled 1,701 expectant mothers from across the state’s 17 local government areas in a one-year health insurance scheme, providing comprehensive prenatal, delivery, and postnatal support, along with financial aid and foodstuffs.

“Our vision is to significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality in our state. It is unacceptable that in this era, women should lose their lives giving birth or that infants should not survive their first days due to preventable complications,” Mrs. Mbah stated, urging beneficiaries to utilize professional care at health facilities.

These state-level actions align with national goals, including the Federal Government’s pledge to cut maternal mortality by 20% and under-five mortality by 15% by 2027, supported by initiatives like the distribution of professional kits to midwives in Enugu.

The upcoming Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week will roll out simultaneous services at public facilities statewide, offering a critical opportunity for widespread implementation.

Enugu’s initiatives signal a hopeful path forward, positioning the state as a potential leader in maternal health innovation in West Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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