The Nigeria for Women Project has empowered over 75,545 women in Niger State by forming 3,601 Women Affinity Groups and providing N60,000 grants. The project, piloted in Agaie, Gurara, and Wushishi local government areas, aims to improve women's livelihoods and discourage unethical businesses. Beneficiaries have received training on financial inclusion, education, and gender-based skills. The grants have enabled women to enhance their businesses, such as the Tufa Rice Processing and Marketing Collective, which has improved its market presence. Community leaders have recognized the project's significant impact on women's socio-economic status.

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has praised the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) for electing Engineer Margaret Aina Oguntala as its first female president in its 65-year history. APWEN President Elizabeth Eterigho highlighted this as a significant step towards gender equality in engineering. The article emphasizes the importance of this milestone for women engineers in Nigeria and calls for support for Oguntala's tenure. Other newly elected female executives were also congratulated.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) will soon acquire flying boats to transport examination materials to riverine areas, as announced by the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman. This initiative aims to address logistical challenges and prevent examination leakages. NECO has also commissioned five projects, including 70 examination logistics vehicles, a data center, and a scanning center, to enhance the delivery and security of examination processes. The Registrar of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, highlighted the importance of these projects in ensuring timely delivery of materials and faster result processing. Additionally, new NECO state offices are being constructed to further support the council's mission.

The Catholic Diocese of Minna plans to offer trauma healing programs for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and victims of terrorism in Niger State, addressing post-traumatic stress disorder. Rev. Father Dauda Musa Bahago, Coordinator of the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), emphasized the need for mental health support beyond just food provisions. The Diocese has been providing relief materials and medical services through Divine Mercy Hospital and is appealing for support to provide mental and psycho-social assistance to IDPs.

Niger State in Nigeria has reported 2,209 pregnant women and eight infants testing positive for HIV/AIDS from January to October 2023. The state's Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare, Dr. Tukur Bello, revealed that 34,898 individuals are currently receiving HIV treatment. The HIV prevalence rate has dropped to 0.7 percent. The eight infants with HIV were born to parents who did not use antenatal services. Major HIV transmission drivers include key populations such as sex workers, inmates, LGBTQ+ individuals, and drug users. Challenges such as early sexual debut, inadequate pre-marital HIV screening, and deliveries by unskilled attendants contribute to new infections. The state has 37 healthcare facilities offering comprehensive HIV services and community teams to prevent mother-to-child transmission.

Col. Sani Bello, founder of the Sani Bello Foundation, expressed his preference for philanthropy over birthday parties, highlighting the joy he finds in the smiles of beneficiaries of his Foundation's free medical outreach. The Foundation's 'Free Surgical Festival' has been running for ten years, offering surgeries for various conditions. Dr. Thot Dogo Joseph reported that nearly 500 patients received operations during the latest event, and over 13,000 surgeries have been performed since the program's inception. The Foundation also renovated medical facilities and provided treatment for non-surgical illnesses. Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Zhanif Jarfa, expressed profound gratitude for the life-saving medical assistance they received.

The House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, led by Honorable Martins Esin, visited the Niger state NYSC Camp and called for urgent renovations due to the dilapidated state of facilities. Esin emphasized the importance of the NYSC as a symbol of national unity and the need for a conducive environment for corps members. The Committee has contacted Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, who promised interventions starting January next year. The Niger state NYSC Coordinator, Alidat Olayinka, listed several challenges at the camp, including inadequate accommodations and infrastructure, with the state government committing to address these issues by January 2024.

Ten people died in a boat accident in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria, when their boat capsized due to water hyacinth, strong waves, and tree grafting. The boat carried 34 passengers, including 20 males and 14 females. The Niger State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident, stating that 24 survivors had been identified and only one body had been recovered so far. The search for the remaining bodies is ongoing.

Ten people died in a boat accident in Shiroro local government area of Niger state, Nigeria, when their boat capsized due to water hyacinth, strong waves, and tree grafting. The boat carried 34 people, and 24 survivors have been identified. The deceased include Farida Muntari, Sharhabila Sagir, Abubakar Sadiq, Na’ima Ibrahim, Amina, Safaratu Ibrahim, Sadiq Ibrahim, Rafiya Yakubu, and two unidentified victims. Six drivers were also on board. The Niger Emergency Management Agency confirmed the incident and stated that one body has been recovered while the search for the remaining bodies continues.

The Niger State government has partnered with a private company to introduce 500 Suzuki and Toyota Hiance buses to the state's transportation sector through a Public-Private Partnership. The buses will be provided to transport associations and used to offer reduced transportation rates to residents. The initiative aims to alleviate transportation difficulties exacerbated by rising fuel prices and is part of the state Governor Mohammed Umar Bago's development agenda.

Mothers with newborns at the Jumai Babangida Neo-natal hospital in Niger State were distressed by the enforcement of an NLC-directed indefinite strike, fearing for their infants in incubators. Their appeals to the Niger state NLC chairman, Comrade Idris Lafene, were successful, allowing those with critical conditions to stay. Meanwhile, the Minna General Hospital, state secretariat, agencies, and educational institutions were shut down, affecting students and the general public.

Abubakar Hussaini, a 25-year-old handicapped beggar, was arrested for sexually exploiting three minor girls in Minna. He admitted to having sex with the girls, aged 12 to 14, who approached him for money, and paid them N1,000 each afterward. The incidents occurred behind Zarumai Model School. The Niger State Child Rights Agency has taken the girls under care for rehabilitation and medical attention, while Hussaini has been arraigned for prosecution.

A terrorist attack in Allawa ward, Shiroro Local Government of Niger State, resulted in the death of one person, Dantala Gyara Miya, and the disappearance of four soldiers. The soldiers went missing after responding to distress calls during the attack, which also saw the destruction of armoured vehicles, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. The attackers ambushed villagers heading to the market, leading to the fatal shooting of a passenger. The District Head, Alhaji Ibrahim Allawa, confirmed the surprise attack on the community.

Comrade Kayode Agbeyangi, Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has warned former president Alhaji Tajudeen Baruwa against presenting himself as the current president of the union. Agbeyangi accused Baruwa of attempting to blackmail the Minister of Labour and Employment, Solomon Lalong, and of casting aspersions on former union president Alhaji Najeem Yasin. The warning follows a media report where Baruwa criticized the labour minister's handling of the union's internal crisis. Agbeyangi emphasized that the union has moved on with new leadership following a delegate conference on October 25.

The main suspect in the murder of Dr. (Mrs) Fumilola Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, has been arrested. The suspect, known as Joy, was turned over to the police by her mother and is alleged to have confessed to the crime, with two accomplices still at large. The victim, who was also a pastor at the Voice of Mercy Ministry, was stabbed to death in her Minna residence. The church has issued a statement through Pastor Bolaji Olanipekun, calling for justice and a thorough investigation by security operatives.

Governors across Nigeria have expressed unanimous support for the Supreme Court's affirmation of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential election. They praised the judiciary for its adherence to the law and emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in moving the country forward. The governors highlighted Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and called on opposition leaders to join in the efforts to develop the nation. The judgment is seen as a significant moment for Nigeria's democracy, reinforcing the trust in its institutions and the President's leadership.

Security personnel raided a suspected terrorist's home in Minna, engaging in a two-hour gun battle before arresting his family. The terrorist used a rocket launcher to escape, leaving behind his wife and children. The raid, which occurred on Monday night, led to the discovery of guns hidden in the ceiling. The terrorist had moved into the neighborhood a year prior, and the state government and security agencies have not commented on the incident.

The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, announced the dismissal of 32 judicial staff by the Niger State Judicial Service Commission due to corruption. During the 2023/2024 legal year commencement, she highlighted the judiciary's caseload, with 3,418 pending cases and 486 newly filed. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago emphasized the judiciary's crucial role in justice and stability, urging continued commitment to justice, fairness, and ethical conduct. He acknowledged the judiciary's resilience despite challenges and called for innovative strategies to expedite case resolutions.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2023 Internal Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, with 61.60 percent of candidates achieving five credits and above, including English and Mathematics. The council identified 93 schools involved in mass cheating and recommended blacklisting 52 supervisors for poor supervision and misconduct. The Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, announced the results and noted that sanctions would be applied to the erring schools. A total of 1,196,985 candidates sat for the exams, with 1,543 candidates having special needs.

A day-old baby was found abandoned in the Tayi area of Minna, Niger State. Residents discovered the baby after hearing his cries and contacted the Niger State Child Rights Agency, which has since taken the child to a state orphanage for safekeeping. An investigation to identify the mother is ongoing.

Uba Sani, the Governor of Kaduna State, has expressed concern over the 680,000 out-of-school children in the state, describing the situation as alarming and unacceptable. He called for support from all stakeholders to reverse this trend to combat insecurity and illiteracy. During a meeting with senior citizens and elders, he briefed them on his administration's efforts, including the construction of over sixty-two new secondary schools funded by a $28 million Kuwait fund. The elders pledged to collaborate with the government on various state matters.

Thirty-one villagers from Tsohon Kabula and Zagzaga communities in Niger State were abducted by terrorists, with the attack occurring around 7 pm. The incident highlights the escalating insecurity in the region, with Senator Mohammed Sani Musa describing the situation as alarming and calling for urgent government intervention to restore normalcy and address the food security crisis caused by the displacement of farmers.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has vowed to publicly prosecute and disgrace any official caught embezzling public funds, aiming to restore public trust in the government. He announced the launch of the Niger State Agricultural Development Fund and plans to create state-level anti-corruption bodies. The state government will provide financial incentives to encourage farming, including N1 million for the first 1,000 youths who join the initiative. An agreement with One Hectare One Family will supply one million banana seeds to benefit local farmers.

The federal government, through the Ministry of Youth Development, plans to redesign the scope of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to better address post-service realities for corps members. Minister Ayodele Olawande emphasized the need for skill acquisition and youth engagement. The Niger state NYSC coordinator highlighted challenges such as inadequate facilities and infrastructure at the orientation camp.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) will soon acquire flying boats to transport examination materials to riverine areas, enhancing logistics and reducing examination leakages. The Minister of Education, represented by the Permanent Secretary, emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening NECO. The commissioning of 70 new logistics vehicles, a data center, and other facilities marks significant progress in NECO's operations. The Registrar highlighted the benefits of these developments, including faster result processing and improved data security. New state offices are also planned, aligning with the President's agenda to improve education.

Niger state governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, has warned youths against protesting the decision to site the IBB University Teaching Hospital in Minna, threatening to arrest both protesters and their parents. The governor emphasized that university teaching hospitals are often located away from the main campus and assured the provision of potable water to several local government areas.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N613,994,801,697 into law shortly after its passage by the State House of Assembly. The budget saw an increase of N719,999,999 from the initial proposal. Bago emphasized the importance of legislative scrutiny and accountability, warning that non-compliant officials would be dismissed. Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji noted the budget increase was to address critical needs and credited the planning commission for involving the legislature in the budget preparation.

A newborn baby boy was found dead in a carton with its placenta still attached in the Fadikwe area opposite the Kure ultramodern market in Minna. Passersby discovered the baby and alerted the Niger State Child Rights Agency, which confirmed the baby's death at the hospital. The Agency has informed the GRA Police station for an intensive investigation to identify the mother. The baby was subsequently buried by the Agency's staff.

Niger State reported 2,209 pregnant women and eight infants tested positive for HIV/AIDS between January and October 2023. The state has 34,898 people currently receiving treatment for HIV, with a prevalence rate of 0.7 percent. Major drivers of the epidemic include key populations such as female sex workers, persons in correctional centers, and those who abuse drugs through injections. The state has identified challenges like early sexual debut and poor pre-marital screening for HIV. Efforts to combat mother-to-child transmission include comprehensive HIV services at 37 healthcare facilities and community-level teams.

Five suspects were arrested by the Niger Police Command for possessing a human skull, which they confessed to exhuming for a money ritual. The suspects, including Isah Mohammed and Abdullahi Usman, were directed by an Islamic cleric to obtain the skull. They were apprehended en route to deliver the skull in Minna. The police intercepted them during a routine patrol, leading to further arrests. The case is under investigation for diligent prosecution.

A newborn baby was found abandoned in the Tayi area of Minna, Niger state. The discovery was made by local residents who noticed the baby a few hours after he was left in the bush on Saturday evening. The identity of the mother remains unknown, and the condition of the baby at the time of recovery has not been detailed in the report. The incident has brought attention to the issue of child abandonment in the region.