
The Kukah Centre is conducting a week-long training for 300 personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps. This initiative, part of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria SPRiNG programme implemented by Tetra Tech International Development, focuses on Standard Operating Procedures, human rights protection, and alternative dispute resolution. Participants are drawn from all 34 local government areas of Katsina State. The training addresses the ongoing violence in Nigeria, particularly in the North-West and North-Central regions, and the increasing reliance on community-based security outfits. The Katsina State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Dikko, commended the organisers, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained. Ukoha Ukiwo, Team Lead of the SPRiNG programme, highlighted its focus on improving service delivery in peace, security, and justice institutions, promoting women and youth participation, supporting livelihoods, and addressing farmer-herder conflicts. SPRiNG has also partnered with the Katsina State Government on capacity building for traditional rulers and female traditional leaders, and supported ministries in conflict management. The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, described the training as timely. Project Manager Bamber Terseer stated the project aims to strengthen community security structures and enhance coordination among security actors. Commander-General of the
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Jetour Nigeria has solidified its position as the exclusive representative for the Jetour brand in Nigeria, following its 2022 appointment by Jetour International. This clarification came after the company hosted the “Jetour Experience” in Lagos, where it unveiled its nationwide dealership structure and addressed market ambiguities regarding distribution rights. Since 2022, Jetour Nigeria has managed the importation, distribution, and provision of manufacturer-backed after-sales services for the brand's entire vehicle range in the country. The company's growing influence was recognized at the 2026 Jetour Global Conference, where it received the “Market Share Leadership Award 2025” for its dominance in the African market. To enhance nationwide service delivery, Jetour Nigeria operates through a network of seven authorized dealers: Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era Autovehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe Plc, TAB Autos Limited, and Mandilas Motors. These partners are the only entities authorized to sell and service Jetour vehicles in Nigeria. Kemi Adeola, a representative of Jetour Nigeria, stated that the “Jetour Experience” clarified where the Jetour brand resides, emphasizing the company's investment in a structure that guarantees genuine parts, expert technicians, and valid warranties through official channels. Anguo Yuan, Vice President of Jetour International, visited and commended the Nigerian team for its rapid expansion and infrastr

The Edo State Government has signed an agreement with a Chinese firm for a 10 million metric tonnes cement plant, a project expected to generate employment and boost industrial and economic growth in the state. Prince Kassim Afegbua, the State Commissioner for Information, announced that the plant will significantly contribute to the state's economy. He stated that the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration is moving beyond rhetoric, with tangible development visible across Edo South, Central, and North senatorial districts through ongoing infrastructure projects, civil service reforms, and increased revenue generation. Afegbua attributed improved funding to increased federal allocations following fuel subsidy removal and growth in internally generated revenue, now averaging between N9.5bn and N10bn monthly. The government has also implemented wide-ranging reforms, including the digitization of governance through a new e-governance platform to enhance transparency and efficiency. Civil service reforms include the employment of over 1,000 workers and addressing stalled promotions. Infrastructure investments cover road rehabilitation, school upgrades, and healthcare improvements, with 35 primary healthcare centers completed and equipped. Security efforts involve strengthening collaboration with agencies and deploying local intelligence. The administration plans to introduce 100 Compressed Natural Gas buses, with 50 offering free services, and continues to invest in agricu
Must ReadDermatologists are observing an increase in skin cancer cases, which they attribute to skin-bleaching practices. They warn that the prolonged use of lightening products exposes individuals to various health risks. Previously rare among Black populations, skin cancer is now being recorded more frequently in clinics. Experts note that many bleaching creams contain harmful substances like steroids, hydroquinone, and mercury, which can damage the skin's protective barrier and heighten vulnerability to ultraviolet radiation. Prolonged use of these products may lead to abnormal skin changes, delayed wound healing, and, in severe cases, cancerous growths. According to the World Health Organisation, skin cancers are the most common group of cancers diagnosed globally, with over 1.5 million new cases estimated in 2022. Professor of Medicine and Dermatology, Madubuko Roli, stated that a growing number of Nigerians are presenting with skin complications linked to prolonged bleaching and unsafe cosmetic practices. Roli, a Consultant Physician/Dermatologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, also mentioned cases of non-cancerous skin growths, such as seborrhoeic keratosis, linked to years of bleaching. Beyond bleaching, dermatology clinics are also seeing an increase in complications from tattoos, including keloids, infections, and in severe cases, transmission of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV due to improper instrument use. Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Ehiaghe Anaba urged
Must ReadExperts warn that Nigeria is at risk of a worsening public health crisis due to its escalating plastic waste problem. Stephen Ochigbo, a Professor of Polymer Chemistry at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, highlighted that over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in Nigeria, with more than 70 percent ending up in landfills and water bodies. This indiscriminate disposal, driven by poor systems and reliance on single-use packaging, contaminates water sources, clogs drainage systems, and contributes to flooding and disease outbreaks. Ochigbo noted that plastics, many of which are non-biodegradable and petroleum-based, persist in the environment for hundreds of years. He urged chemists to research biodegradable alternatives like cellulose, starch, and proteins, and called for stronger waste management, stricter policy enforcement, and increased public awareness. Additionally, Ochigbo stressed the need for scientists to develop methods to convert polluted water into safe drinking water, as inadequate management of wastewater and contamination from crude oil exploration, open defecation, and mining activities reduce access to clean water. Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin, a public health systems specialist, corroborated these concerns, stating that poor waste management is already fueling disease outbreaks such as cholera and typhoid in densely populated cities like Lagos. He emphasized that proper waste disposal and drain clearance can reduce disease cycles an