
The Plateau State Association USA Incorporated, in partnership with Saphira Global Centre for Social Development, has increased trauma healing efforts for victims of attacks in Plateau State. A psychological trauma and resilience awareness training, themed “A Day of Healing and Hope,” was held in Jos for 38 households from communities affected by recent violence. Dr. Barth Shepkong, National President of Plateau State Association USA Incorporated, stated that the intervention addresses the neglected emotional and psychological aspects of crisis response, providing a safe space for victims, especially women and children, to express their emotions. He described the training as a pilot for continuous intervention, with plans for palliative support including finances and food items to follow the trauma sessions. Mrs. Yil Fomwul-Gonsum, Executive Director of Saphira Global Centre for Social Development, emphasized the importance of addressing neglected psychosocial support for survivors. She noted that the partnership was timely and that while it was a one-day program, it was designed for sustainability with plans for future activities. The 38 beneficiary households were selected through community structures in collaboration with youth leaders. Plateau communities have experienced multiple attacks in 2026, resulting in hundreds killed and thousands displaced since January.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadAs companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence, professionals with expertise in large language models LLMs, deep learning, and AI strategy are earning high salaries, impacting the traditional role of university degrees in the global job market. A May 2026 report by GoHumanize indicates that LLM expertise is the most valuable AI capability, with nearly 57,000 active job listings and average annual salaries approaching $200,000. Deep learning ranked second with over 67,000 job listings and average salaries around $179,000, followed by computer vision specialists earning about $184,000 annually. AI product management also emerged as a lucrative non-technical pathway, with average salaries near $195,000 per year. The report challenges the notion that a traditional computer science degree is the only path to high-paying tech careers, noting that employers increasingly value portfolios, open-source contributions, certifications, and practical experience over academic credentials. Retired AI researcher John Sanders cautioned against exaggerated claims about AI's current capabilities, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of information. Software Engineer Jeromy Stewart highlighted that effectively using AI systems requires its own expertise, including prompting, workflow design, model selection, and system integration, suggesting that the most valuable skill is rethinking work processes with AI.

Operation Hadin Kai's Joint Task Force North East announced the arrest of several suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP logistics suppliers in Borno State as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations. Lt Col Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for Operation Hadin Kai, stated that these successes were achieved under Operation Desert Sanity V. Intelligence-led and surveillance operations in Borno and Yobe states led to these arrests. Among those apprehended was Girema Aliko, 40, a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP logistics supplier, intercepted at Benisheikh Market while transporting 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit. Aliko reportedly confessed to supplying fuel and other logistics to terrorist elements. In a separate operation, Mohammed Bulama, 25, a suspected logistics supplier and informant, was arrested in Maiduguri. An absconded soldier, Private Umar Bema, was also apprehended in Maiduguri, with investigations linking him to criminal activities. Troops also arrested a suspected kidnapper in Biu Local Government Area and another suspected terrorist logistics supplier along the Gubio axis. In Adamawa State, two suspected ISWAP members were arrested. The military also reported a Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter surrendering with two children due to sustained military pressure. Additionally, troops discovered deserted terrorist enclaves and recovered ammunition in the Damboa axis, and 13 detainees were handed over for further investigation. Uba affirmed that these operations have significantly

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the World Bank and Ekiti State Government, has initiated the disbursement of community investment funds to 1,500 women's groups in Ekiti State. This initiative, part of the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up Project, aims to support business expansion and economic growth for 25,000 women involved in various economic activities. Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on poverty reduction, job creation, and economic dignity for Nigerians, particularly women. The project addresses structural barriers women face in accessing finance, technology, and markets. The World Bank Task Team Manager, Mr. Michael Ilesanmi, highlighted that the program will benefit five million women nationwide, with 150,000 women in Ekiti State initially. Governor Biodun Oyebanji expressed gratitude for Ekiti's selection and pledged to expand the program across the state, urging beneficiaries to use the funds wisely for productive ventures. The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, noted that each participating women's affinity group would receive N1.65 million to support their livelihoods.
Must ReadDr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, has urged state governors to provide more funding for health workers to prevent Ebola from entering Nigeria, amidst concerns about its resurgence in other parts of Africa. Speaking at the Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Lecture in Lagos, Dr. Idris emphasized that while the Federal Government has implemented measures like strengthened monitoring at airports and contact tracing, state governments need to enhance capacity building and funding for prevention efforts. He stressed that the NCDC cannot manage the burden alone and is engaging with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to advocate for stronger health sector support. Dr. Patrick Chukwuma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine, highlighted the role of travel medicine in preventing the importation of dangerous viruses. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, noted the state's vulnerability due to air travel and its collaborative preventive measures. Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, affirmed the state's readiness to prevent, detect, and respond to any potential Ebola threat, despite no reported cases in Nigeria, and called for vigilance from healthcare workers and the public.