Events

Royals, Leaders Unite To Strengthen, Sustain Nigeria’s Security

Published

3 weeks ago

August 1, 2026

Preport

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Traditional rulers, religious leaders, security chiefs and policymakers on Friday came together to find ways of building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable security framework.

They came together at the maiden National Citizens Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Project 774 Network in Abuja.

The event had its theme, “Our Security, Our Duty: Citizens Standing with Our Troops to End Terrorism, Banditry and Kidnapping.”

The stakeholders all agreed that lasting peace in Nigeria required moving beyond crisis response to fixing its root causes.

The Convener of Project 774, Mohammed Ibrahim, said that the core beauty of the project lies in its ability to bring all sides together.

“Wherever you find a gap between leaders and citizens, the only thing to do is unite both sides for a common cause. I am happy we have people with a genuine desire to take this country forward as one,” he said.

Drawing from experience, he recalled how commitment to nationhood went beyond official titles.

“You do not need to be a governor, minister or ambassador to serve this nation.

“All you need is the heart of one who loves Nigeria, and the will to act from wherever you stand,’’ he said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s immense potential, saying Nigeria is one of the greatest countries in the world.

According to him, it is the only nation where the land holds wealth that can fund all we need.

“We have the resources; what we need now is the unity and will to channel them toward solutions that lift every citizen,’’ he said.

Chief Convener, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, said that the name “774” stands for the nation’s total number of local government areas.

Sanusi said the summit moved beyond reacting to crises to building lasting systems where every Nigerian contributes to peace.

The traditional leader also decried a widening class divide and fading sense of shared citizenship.

“Security works best when it belongs to everyone. We have become a highly divided society where a small wealthy minority lives in exclusive estates, cut off from the struggles of the majority.

“We have forgotten that every blessing is meant to be shared, and that prosperity should reach down to the most vulnerable,” he said.

He further highlighted drug abuse as a silent driver of violence.

“Many of those carrying out these atrocities are not in their right minds; they are under the influence of hard drugs.

“Insecurity anywhere is a threat to everyone everywhere. We must share information with security agencies, rebuild moral values in our communities, and work together to reclaim our nation,’’ he said.

Guest Speaker, Professor Sunday Lugard of the Faculty of Law, University of Jos, said that sustainable security thrived on partnership.

Lugard recalled how security experts had long foreseen the dangers facing the nation and called for a fundamental shift towards a citizen-centric approach to security governance.

“Laws and operations are important, but trust and active participation make them work.

“When communities stand with their troops, we close gaps that criminals exploit,” he said.

He urged delegates to use the summit to design clear, safe systems for communities to feed intelligence to police, military and the judiciary, and to ensure that every citizen can contribute without fear.

“Security is not just what the government does for us; it is what we build together, from the village up to the centre,” he said.

He also emphasised the need to deploy indigenous security services.

“Our people trust us. We will use that standing to foster cooperation, promote peace and ensure that every community becomes a partner in protecting our nation,” he said. (NAN)

Related Topics:leaders Nigerias Royals security Strengthen Sustain Unite

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Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

Published

3 days ago

August 19, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

Entertainment

Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.