IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Abia State chapter, has suspended its planned strike to allow continued negotiations with the state government.

The union, which had earlier issued an ultimatum over issues including salary structure, alleged premature retirements, and discrepancies in monthly imprest for school heads, said talks with government representatives are ongoing.

In a statement signed by NUT Secretary Nnenna Okonkwo, the union emphasized that Governor Alex Otti is not to blame for the teachers’ challenges and described him as teacher-friendly.

“In the spirit of good faith, we have agreed to temporarily withhold the strike to give room for further dialogue,” the statement said, while reaffirming the union’s commitment to teachers’ welfare and quality education. 

The Federal Government has designated the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, as the official alternative to Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the announcement during the launch of Overland Airways’ commercial operations from the Minna airport.

Keyamo highlighted the airport’s modern infrastructure and capacity to handle large aircraft, calling its underutilization over the years “a puzzle.”

“This is an international-standard runway capable of accommodating aircraft like the Boeing 747 and 777. It meets all physical and operational requirements,” he said.

He directed relevant aviation authorities, including the NCAA and FAAN, to take note of the new designation, which is expected to ease pressure on Abuja’s airport and improve air traffic flow in northern Nigeria. 

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appointed music star Innocent “2Baba” Idibia as Technical Adviser on Entertainment and Community Outreach.  

The appointment was announced in a video where Governor Alia praised 2Baba’s influence and support, stating, “You have the capacity to do more and help us chart a way forward.” 

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to the Federal Government for increased support to address ongoing attacks in the state, rejecting calls for a state of emergency.

Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show on Wednesday, Alia emphasized that the security crisis is manageable but requires urgent federal assistance.

“What we need now is emergency support, not a state of emergency,” he said. “We need help to push out armed invaders who don’t even speak our languages and restore our displaced farmers to their ancestral lands.”

Alia noted that while the FG has provided some assistance, including two armored tanks, more is needed to fully secure the state. He revealed that his administration had reduced the number of LGAs under attack from 17 to six, demonstrating the state’s capacity to manage the crisis with adequate backing.

The governor reiterated that many of the attackers are likely non-Nigerians and called for continued prayers and unity to restore peace across Benue. 

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s security strategy, directing service chiefs and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to intensify efforts in curbing nationwide violence.

Speaking at a high-level security meeting held Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu declared “enough is enough” amid recent killings in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and Kwara states. His directive was confirmed in a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

NSA Nuhu Ribadu, who briefed State House correspondents after the meeting, said the President called for a new, more collaborative approach involving communities, local governments, and state governors.

Ribadu emphasized Tinubu’s deep concern and active involvement, noting the President remained engaged with security matters even during recent foreign trips.

“The President made it clear—peace and security must be restored,” Ribadu stated. 

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged the National Assembly to pass a bill reserving 74 seats for women ahead of the 2027 general elections, aiming to boost female political representation and inclusive governance.

The call was made at a women-focused political leadership conference in Abuja, organized by NIPSS and IPAC’s Women Affairs Directorate. IPAC Chairman, Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, said the bill—currently pending—would guarantee women’s presence in federal legislature and called for increased advocacy to ensure its passage.

IPAC also pushed for the swift passage of the Electoral Offences Commission bill and proposed a single-day general election to reduce cost and improve logistics.

Former Minister Pauline Tallen urged political parties to allocate 50% of all positions to women and adopt the ‘Zebra Policy’ to alternate male and female candidates. She appealed to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to champion gender inclusion.

Currently, women hold just 4.2% of seats in Nigeria’s National Assembly.