The National Conference of Directors and Chief Road Traffic Officers (VIOs) of the Federation held a press briefing in Jos ahead of its upcoming national conference themed “Enhancing National Security and Road Traffic Safety Through Effective Motor Vehicle Administration in Nigeria.”
The event, which took place at the Ministry of Information, Plateau State, opened and closed with the national anthem and brought together key officials from the transport sector to discuss safety, technology, and the state’s readiness to host delegates nationwide.
Speaking during the briefing, Hon. Jatau Davou Gyang, Commissioner for Transport, highlighted recent innovations in the state’s transport system including the introduction of City Metro Buses and new safety measures for commuters.
“The ministry has adopted safety measures in tracking the movement of motorcycles between the Bukuru–Jos metropolis, using QR codes for commuters to verify their riders’ details,” he said.
He also revealed that a situation room has been established within the ministry to monitor real-time activities of motorists at major roundabouts across the city — a move aimed at boosting both traffic management and public safety.
The Commissioner thanked the VIO leadership for choosing Plateau State to host this year’s conference, scheduled to begin on October 28, 2025, at Steffan’s Hotel, Jos.
Representing the National Chairman, Engr. (Sir) Paul Bepeh, the General Secretary Durojaye Babawale Olalekan commended Plateau State for its hospitality and readiness.
He emphasized the broader link between road safety and national security, describing motor vehicle administration as a foundation for a safer and more stable Nigeria.
“The administration of motor vehicles is far more than a matter of routine regulation,” he said. “It is a pillar of national security.”
Olalekan added that the upcoming conference would focus on improving vehicle registration, inspection, and enforcement processes through digital transformation and stronger interagency collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Jummia S. Adamu, appreciated participants and media representatives for their presence and partnership in promoting road safety awareness.
The press briefing ended with optimism and a renewed commitment from the VIOs to make Nigeria’s roads safer, more secure, and better managed for all.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc and Guinea Insurance Plc are among seven additional underwriting firms officially cleared and verified by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) as compliant with the Minimum Capital Requirements stipulated under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.
This final batch of approvals formally completes the nation’s insurance recapitalization exercise, bringing the total roster of fully capitalized operators in Nigeria to 48 insurance companies and two reinsurance companies.
Singer and actress Selena Gomez and her mother are being sued over their mental health startup, Wondermind. The plaintiffs in the lawsuit say they invested nearly $1.2 million in the startup, and are accusing Gomez of securities fraud and breach of contract.
They allege that the startup failed to deliver on its commitments without informing investors, and Gomez failed to market the startup after promising to do so. The news was first reported by Forbes.
Wondermind launched in 2021 and aimed to offer daily mental health resources to users. The lawsuit alleges that investors were unaware of the company’s troubles until a September 2025 story from The Cut uncovered them.
“Gomez purported to sign a contract obligating her to perform and then ignored it,” the complaint reads. “The partnerships did not exist. The initiatives never materialized. The app was never built. And for three years, while the Company quietly collapsed around them, not one of its founders, officers, or directors said a word to the investors whose money was funding the collapse.”
The investors allege that Gomez and Wondermind misrepresented the company’s finances and overstated the extent of Gomez’s involvement. The plaintiffs are seeking to recover their investments and legal fees.
Wondermind did not respond to our request for comment.