IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Abia State Government has issued a stern warning to school heads and principals, threatening dismissal for anyone found collecting unauthorized fees in public schools, in violation of the state’s free education policy.

Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu, speaking after the weekly Executive Council meeting, reiterated that education is free from primary to JSS3, while students in SS1 to SS3 are only required to pay a reduced fee of ₦3,300.

He emphasized that routine school expenses are now covered by government imprest funds, eliminating any excuse for illegal levies, and warned that offenders risk losing their jobs.

Kanu also announced reforms in the education sector, including training for 2,200 teachers by the Education Reformation and Innovation Team (ERIT) and the conclusion of teacher recruitment interviews for 7,000 qualified applicants and 180 persons with disabilities.

In a separate development, the state is set to unveil a policy promoting Made-in-Abia products, aimed at boosting local content and economic resilience. The initiative will prioritize locally sourced goods and services, aligning with Abia’s efforts to cushion the effects of national and global economic challenges. 

The United States imported $643.1 million worth of goods from Nigeria in the first two months of 2025, just ahead of new tariffs set to take effect on April 9 under the Trump administration.

While the tariffs have sparked concerns over potential trade impacts, key Nigerian exports like oil and minerals are exempted.

Data from the US International Trade Commission shows a 32.4% drop in customs-based imports year-on-year, falling from $951.6 million in 2024. Despite the decline, Nigeria’s trade balance improved, shifting from a $158.8 million deficit to a $44.3 million surplus.

Total trade between both nations in the period stood at $1.33 billion, underscoring strong bilateral ties amid evolving trade policies. 

Egyptian volleyball giants Al Ahly have advanced to the quarterfinals of the Championship after a commanding 3-0 victory over Cameroon’s Mayo Kani Evolution (MKE), with set scores of 25-17, 25-19, 25-15.

Al Ahly made their intentions clear from the start, dominating the first set 25-17 with fast-paced play and exceptional ball distribution. Although MKE showed resilience, with solid backcourt defense to keep several balls in play, the Egyptian side remained in control.

The second set saw both teams exchange a series of errors, including hitting and serving mistakes. Despite the tight contest, Al Ahly pulled away in the final moments to clinch the set 25-19, extending their lead in the match.

In the third set, MKE put up a strong fight, keeping things competitive early on. However, Al Ahly’s well-executed plays and their ability to exploit gaps in MKE’s defense gave them a 13-10 lead. With a series of precise spikes and a strong finish, Al Ahly wrapped up the set 25-15, securing their place in the quarterfinals.

Al Ahly’s impressive performance underscores their championship pedigree as they move forward in the competition. 

Several state governors are reportedly blocking local government chairmen from opening Central Bank accounts, a key step in implementing the Supreme Court’s ruling on LG autonomy. Nearly nine months after the court granted LGs financial independence, many governors are accused of intimidating chairmen to maintain control over federal allocations.

Only Delta State has submitted LG account details, as most states cite pressure from governors and CBN’s stringent requirements as reasons for the delay. Some governors even rejected proposed compromises, such as receiving 50% of allocations post-CBN transfer.

While some states like Nasarawa and Jigawa claim progress, local government workers across the country say funds are still routed through state-controlled joint accounts, undermining full autonomy. Stakeholders warn that failure to implement the ruling threatens the financial independence of Nigeria’s 774 LGAs.

An 18-seater Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number KTG 283 XA crashed into the crowded Damagum market in Yobe State, resulting in the deaths of a pregnant woman and four others, and injuring 19 people.

Confirming the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Yobe, Livinus Yilzoom, said the crash occurred on Sunday evening as the victims were leaving the market.

He clarified that the five individuals who died were not passengers in the vehicle but pedestrians standing by the roadside, waiting to cross.

Founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc, Pascal Dozie, is dead. He died on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the age of 85. The financial guru died a day before his 86th birthday. Born on April 9, 1939 in Egbu, Owerri, Imo State, Dozie founded Diamond Bank before its merger with Access Bank.

In a statement, President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dozie family, the business community, and all Nigerians on the passing of the elder statesman, entrepreneur, and banker. The president celebrated Dozie’s vision and contributions to Nigeria’s economic architecture, describing them as an enduring legacy.

“As the founder of Diamond Bank and the pioneer Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he was at the forefront of two of the most transformative sectors in Nigeria’s development journey: banking and telecommunications,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said. Tinubu lauded Dozie as “a rare breed business leader whose wisdom, humility, and pioneering efforts laid a foundation upon which many continue to build. His passing is a profound loss to the private sector and Nigeria”.

The president extended his condolences to his wife, children, and extended family. He called upon the Nigerian private sector to honour Chief Dozie’s memory by upholding the values of integrity, innovation, and nation-building, for which he was renowned.

“Chief Dozie, a steadfast believer in Nigeria’s vast potential, was pivotal in shaping the financial services industry and expanding access to mobile connectivity nationwide. His influential leadership extended well beyond corporate boardrooms.