The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State, as part of a broader national push to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, in Abuja by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, following a high-level engagement between its Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos.
Makama described Plateau as a “strategic and indispensable partner” in Nigeria’s national broadband plan, citing its expanding innovation ecosystem, strong educational institutions, and youthful population as key enablers of digital growth.
Despite these advantages, she noted that significant connectivity gaps persist across rural Local Government Areas, limiting access to digital services, education, and economic opportunities.
“Many communities remain excluded from the digital economy that could transform livelihoods. Bridging that divide is a shared responsibility, and the NCC is ready to play its part,” she said.
Makama emphasised that the Commission is working to align its regulatory tools with Plateau’s development priorities, particularly through support for the Right of Way policy and the deployment of the Universal Service Provision Fund to reach unserved areas.
In response, Governor Mutfwang welcomed the initiative and called for a shift from policy commitments to measurable outcomes, highlighting ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub and drive digital growth in the state.
The Lagos State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs through coordinated and simultaneous operations targeting cultism and illegal arms proliferation across Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Okoko, Ilasan, Ogba, and Iju areas of the State.
The operations resulted in the arrest of twenty-three suspected cultists, recovery of five (5) firearms and other incriminating exhibits.
During the operation in Ikorodu, four suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to cult-related activities. Preliminary findings indicate links to the Buccaneers Confraternity (Sea Lords).
In Lagos Island, nine suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a criminal hideout. In Ilasan, five suspects in connection with a cult-related killing of one Emmanuel Obioson were arrested. In Okoko, one suspect with ties to the Eiye Confraternity was intercepted in possession of a firearm.
Similarly, in Ogba and Iju areas, the operations led to the arrest of four (4) suspects involved in illegal cult gatherings, assault, and other related violent crimes. Weapons used in the attacks were recovered, and victims are currently receiving medical attention.
The suspects are: Shina Wale ‘m’ 36yrs, Kehinde Kareem ‘m’ 18yrs, Mohammed Aileru ‘m’ 18yrs, Bada Mujeeb ‘m’ 18yrs, Salam Kosoko ‘m’ 30yrs, Yusuf Anjorin ‘m’ 19yrs, Quadri Abubakar ‘m’ 21yrs, Lateef Salako ‘m’ 18yrs, Fawaz Bello ‘m’ 30yrs, Oyesola Olalekan ‘m’ age 36yrs, Ubaka Justice ‘m’ age 36yrs, Emmanuel Obekpa ‘m’ age 36yrs, Sodiq Ademola ‘m’ age 36yrs, Balogun Taofeek ‘m’ 33yrs, Azeez Owolabi ‘m’ age 28yrs, Meshack Obini ‘m’ age 24yrs, Fabulous John ‘m’ age 25yrs, Promise Israel ‘m’ age 28yrs, Bright Aniedi ‘m’ age 27yrs, Familola Fikayo David ‘m’ age 24yrs, Akeem Olamilekan ‘m’ aka Magali age 43yrs, Muiz Oyedele ‘m’ age 20yrs, Hamzat Sadiq ‘n’ age 19yrs
The exhibits include: Five (5) locally made pistols, one (1) toy pistol, fifteen (15) live cartridges, three (3) expended cartridges, one (1) Police camouflage face cap, one (1) Army camouflage face cap, one (1) jack knife with the pouch.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cultism and violent crimes.
He urges members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely and credible information through the Command emergency lines: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, 08039344870, and 09168630929.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has officially commenced today across Nigeria, with more than 2.2 million candidates taking part in the nationwide assessment exercise.
The examination, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), began on Thursday April 16, at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, as candidates sat for their scheduled sessions under strict supervision and updated examination guidelines.
JAMB disclosed that 2,243,816 candidates enrolled for this year’s examination, marking a 10.5 per cent rise compared to the 2.03 million candidates recorded in 2025.
To strengthen the credibility of the process, the board has introduced biometric authentication and live monitoring technology throughout the examination period.
According to JAMB, any candidate whose biometric data fails verification will be rescheduled for another date at designated centres.
Candidates were also instructed to print their examination notification slips from the official JAMB portal to confirm their exam dates, venue, and time, and to report at their centres at least one hour before their allotted session.
State-by-state registration data released by the board showed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of applicants with 381,814 candidates.
It was followed by Ogun with 137,156, Oyo with 122,662, Kaduna with 103,498, and the Federal Capital Territory with 102,961.