WEC SOFT TALK

29/09/2025

Wike Flag Off Second Airport Road Runway

18/09/2025

You Against Crime calls For Community Security Outreach

16/09/2025

WEC SOFTTALK
16th September, 2025

EDUCATION:

NESR Rolls Out revised Basics, Senior Secondary School Curricula.

By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

The Federal Ministry of Education, through the National Education Sector Renewal Initiatives (NESRI), has rolled out the revised Basic and Senior Secondary School Curricula, following extensive nationwide consultations that brought every critical stakeholder to the table.

The review was led by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) under the supervision of the Ministry. It adopted both competency and outcome based approaches to strengthen the curricula. The reform was not a rushed exercise but a step-by-step and participatory process designed to guarantee inclusivity, national ownership, and international relevance.

The journey began with a nationwide needs assessment in 12 states to identify gaps in the system. It was followed by dialogues across the six geopolitical zones, where learners, teachers, parents, civil society groups, employers, religious and traditional leaders, policymakers, and development partners all contributed their perspectives. Their input helped shape a new curriculum framework that reflects national policies, development priorities, and the aspirations of society.

This framework was formally ratified at the 68th National Council on Education (NCE) meeting held on 10th October 2024. The meeting, chaired by the Honourable Ministers of Education, also had in attendance Commissioners of Education, SUBEB chairmen, professional bodies, civil society organisations, and development partners, ensuring legitimacy and broad acceptance.

Curriculum design and development were carried out by subject specialists, teacher educators, industry practitioners, and curriculum experts across the country. The work followed four technical stages: content selection and standardisation, drafting, critique and refinement, and final editing.

Since the NCE approval, the Ministry has implemented the curricula in phases over the past nine months. This included piloting in selected schools, orientation for teachers, and nationwide training delivered both physically and online to prepare educators for effective delivery in classrooms.

The revised curricula combine competency and outcome based approaches to ensure learners are better prepared for the challenges of today and tomorrow. They are designed to meet Nigeria’s developmental needs while aligning with global standards. The details are available on the website of NERDC: www.nerdc.gov.ng

The Ministry assures Nigerians that, with due diligence observed and all stakeholders carried along, the revised curricula will continue to be implemented seamlessly across schools. Learners will be better equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to national development.

WEC SOFTTALK
16th September, 2025
Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

10/09/2025

CUBBING FAKE NEWS

Defence Minister Bags DICAN Prestigious Award, Pledges Support On Fight Against Disinformation, Fake News

WEC SOFTTALK
10th September, 2025

By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

The Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said the fight against disinformation, misinformation and fake news targeted against Nigeria is one that requires all hands to be on deck.

He disclosed this in Abuja shortly after receiving the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, DICAN award of excellence on strategic security policy formulation for national and global peace.

The Minister was one among few distinguished Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Chairman NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, Founder Air Peace, Allen Onyema, among 14 others recognised for their strategic support to national and global peace efforts.

H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar who applauded DICAN for taking the initiative to organised an event with the theme “Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Strategy Amidst Global Security Challenges, Strategic Misperceptions, and the Age of Disinformation: The Role of Diplomacy, Intelligence, and Media in Shaping National and Global Stability” described the move by DICAN to support government's effort in repositioning the largest African nation in the global map as "highly patriotic."

He noted that the international conference was a timely response to the growing need for informed, cross-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and global interests.

"A lot of fake news is out there distorting the image of our country
and you (DICAN)are bent on correcting, that is very good.

"As Nigerians we have no other country but Nigeria and we have to really correct the bad image that
has been really pushed out there by people who are not patriotic," he said.

The Minister appreciated the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria for its forward-thinking programmes as well as the award on strategic security policy formulation for national and global conferred on him.

"I thank you for the award and God's willing we'll continue to support you to continue to do the good work you are doing.

"Once again thank you very much for this visit and for all you have been doing for our dear country," the Minister concluded.

Earlier, DICAN Chairman, Idehai Frederick said the association is bent on making a difference as a specialised group of journalists by enhancing the capacity of its members to be able to identify Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) which is a threat to democracy, Disinformation, fake news among others for the seek of accurate and well informed reporting.

He however, called on government at all levels, the diplomatic community, civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders to support the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) through capacity building, resources and tools to actualise its vision of equipping its members with the requisite knowledge and skills to identify and tackle the endemic cancerous monster of disinformation for the overall good of Nigeria, Africa and the World.

He noted that Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), was the first journalists beat association's globally to put together a Diplomatic/Security International Conference that brought together Nigeria’s diplomatic community led by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS H.E. Gautier Mignot, security stakeholders, policy experts, civil society organisations and scholars.

WEC SOFTTALK
10th September, 2025
By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

30/08/2025

WEC SOFTTALK
30th August, 2025
By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

Ukraine Exhibition In Nigeria Showcases 3yrs
Of Resilience Amid War with Russia, Condemns Recent Attack

The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has condemned the recent killings of civilians by Russia after launching missiles and drones.

The Embassy frowned at the attacks while hosting the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN) in Abuja to an exhibition that showcased series of most striking photographs taken during the war, reflecting the resilience of the Ukrainian people, their struggles and their hopes with the theme "Three Years of Resilience: Ukraine In Photograph."

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Ivan Kholostenko who spoke virtually from Kyiv said the assault, carried out on the night of 28 August 2025, claimed at least 18 lives, including four children the youngest not yet three years as well as damaged the premises of the European Union Delegation in Kyiv.

Describing the strike as a violation of international law, he said, “The killing of children is the gravest of crimes, one that requires firm international condemnation and accountability. Russia is a terrorist state, and we call on all countries and international organizations to formally recognize this status. We urge our partners across Africa to intensify pressure on Russia.”

The solemn ceremony earlier had a Condolence Register opened in memory of those killed in recent attacks, followed by a diplomatic dialogue with Nigerian journalists.

Ukraine’s Consul, Mr. Oleksii Samillo, praised Nigeria as a “like-minded nation” that is open, hardworking, and development focused, while underscoring Ukraine’s determination to continue contributing to global partnerships despite the ongoing war.
“We are open like Nigeria. We are ready like Nigeria. We are developing our country, even as we continue to defend it,” he said. “Despite the challenges, we are still contributing from agriculture to IT and industrial collaboration.”

He further pointed out Ukraine’s long history and cultural identity, “Kiev was founded more than 1,500 years ago. We adopted Christianity in 988, and for over a thousand years, our culture has reflected this heritage. Ukraine’s independence declared in 1991 continues this historic tradition.”

The event also featured a tribute to the victims of Russia’s recent missile strike. "We are free. We are Ukrainians,” Mr. Samillo declared, his voice steady with emotion.

As part of the exhibition, journalists viewed authentic pictures, artifacts, banners, and patches sent from the frontlines symbols of Ukraine’s ongoing resistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The war, now in its third year, has caused thousands of civilian deaths, displaced millions, and drawn widespread international condemnation.

Mr. Idehai Frederick, Chairman of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), pledged the media’s support in ensuring accurate, fair, balanced and professional coverage of Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in Nigeria.

“We’re committed to international best practices in journalism, fairness, balance, and professionalism,” he said. “Our association includes every major media outlet in Nigeria, and we’re ready to support diplomatic efforts to make the world a better place.”

Mr. Idehai also emphasized the need for collaboration in countering disinformation. He announced that plans were underway for a training programme for Nigerian diplomatic correspondents on how to identify disinformation and fake news to foster stronger cooperation with the diplomatic community.

“What we need is a partnership proper, collaborative partnership,” he stressed. “Together, we can amplify the truth, support development, and build lasting relations.”

WEC SOFTTALK
By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

24/08/2025

Group Urged NNPCL To Work For Nigerians

12/08/2025

FCTA Development Control Clears Shanties In UTC

18/07/2025

WEC TV NETWORK
18th July, 2025

*N-774: SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL CHANGE BEGINS WITH STRATEGIC ACTIONS AND LEADERSHIP AT LGAs - BAGUDU*

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has said that sustainable change begins with strategic actions and collaborative leadership towards Government efforts in addressing the problems of food and nutrition security at the Local Government Level.

Bugudu made this remark while speaking at the 2-day Stakeholders' Workshop on the implementation of the Nutrition 774(N774) Initiative, with members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) National Executive Council (ALGON-NEC), yesterday, in Niger State.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, stated that the workshop was to provide a veritable platform for the stakeholders to develop clinical pathways that would eventually translate to improving nutrition outcomes at sub-national levels as well as leverage on the ALGON NEC’s experience in policy advocacy and implementation in shaping a collective roadmap to catalyze innovation and foster partnerships between sectors and the ALGON.

Speaking further, Bagudu mentioned that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning was committed to coordinating the implementation with the Office of the Vice President to ensure effective delivery of the framework at both National and Sub-National levels.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, reiterated that "Towards sustainable human development under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the N774 initiative sticks to a similar truth: Development is most meaningful when it begins at the grassroots" He stressed that the program was conceived as a strategic response to one of the gravest, yet, least visible challenge confronting Nigeria as a country - malnutrition. He pointed out that "This is not just a health challenge; it's an economic impediment, an educational barrier, and a silent threat to national productivity and security."

"Our economy cannot thrive when a significant portion of its future workforce is denied the foundational right to adequate nutrition. It is for this reason that the Nutrition 774 initiative was launched to ensure that every local government area becomes a center of coordinated action against malnutrition." If malnutrition is most prevalent at the grassroots, then solutions will logically be anchored there as well, he underlined.

Admonishing the Local government leaders, Hadejia said: "You are the fulcrum of this effort, and the success of this framework depends on your commitment to institutionalizing nutrition governance"

In his remarks, the National President of ALGON, Engr. Honourable, Bello Lawal, reaffirmed the Association's commitment to supporting the Nutrition 774 Initiative being a flagship program under the President's Renewed Hope Agenda. Recognizing the critical role local governments play in addressing malnutrition and improving nutritional outcomes, he assured that ALGON was poised to drive impactful interventions at the grassroots level. These, he said, include participating in the development of the N-774 Implementation Framework and Roadmap, advocating for nutrition-specific budget lines and sustainable local funding sources and coordinating awareness sessions for State and Local Government Chairmen.

Also speaking, the Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF- Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, commended the Office of the Vice President, Federation Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and most especially, ALGON NEC for their leadership and steadfast commitment to making nutrition a national and local development priority.

She asserted that the world could not win the fight against hunger without Nigeria at the forefront, as such, the meeting underscored the Nutrition Stakeholders' shared urgency and responsibility. ''Local Governments (LGAs) are on the frontline of implementation" She stressed.

"The Nutrition 774 Initiative presents a unique opportunity to: Decentralize nutrition governance, strengthen local financing mechanisms, and deliver tailored, measurable and community-level impact"

Hajeebhoy therefore noted that the workshop also provided Learning opportunities from Success stories like the Jigawa’s Masaki Programme. She explained that Jigawa State’s Masaki Programme provides a scalable community-driven model. She also advised ALGON and the Office of the Vice President to undertake a learning visit to observe the programme in action.

Her words: We encourage other LGAs to adapt similar models, tailor it to their local context to fast-track progress.

During zonal presentations on achievements recorded so far on N774, the North- West region unanimously said: it had appointed technical nutrition focal persons across the states, created nutrition budget lines in all the local governments, established experience sharing and collaboration between development partners and strong monitoring and evaluation system with good personnel capacity

Under Water Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH), the South- West zone said they had enlightened the community to increase private sector involvement in building private toilets and enacted laws against offenders involved in open defecation.

In terms of education, the zone also claimed that they hope to integrate nutrition education in all primary schools in the first quarter of 2026 and promote healthy eating among children, home grown feeding, conduct school- based nutrition programmes and other activities.m

WEC NEWS
BY Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

18/07/2025

WEC TV NETWORK
July 18th, 2025

Minister Urges Youth To Embrace 2025 UN World Youth Skills Day

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Nigerian youth to seize the opportunity of skill development as a transformative tool for national growth and personal empowerment.

Speaking through her Special Assistant (Technical), Princess Jummai Idonije, at the opening ceremony of the 2025 United Nations World Youth Skills Day, the Minister emphasized the critical importance of equipping young Nigerians with practical, future-focused skills.

The event, held at the FCT Department of Mass Education, Karu Site, Abuja, brought together educators, development partners, and hundreds of young people in a celebration of creativity, innovation, and capacity building.

“This year’s celebration is both timely and urgent,” the Minister stated. “With over 151 million young persons under the age of 35 — nearly 70% of our population — Nigeria holds immense potential. But this potential must be harnessed with the right education, values, and skillsets to truly drive national development.”

Reaffirming the foundational role of education, she highlighted literacy, numeracy, digital fluency, and civic awareness as the essential platforms for empowerment. She also underscored the Ministry’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to advancing gender-responsive programmes that foster youth entrepreneurship in areas such as tailoring, clean energy, agro-processing, ICT, and business management.

“Skills acquisition is not a backup plan,” she said. “It is a bold, visionary step forward.”

She further urged young Nigerians to recognize and utilize tools already in their hands — notably, their mobile phones — as gateways to digital enterprise. “With the right mindset, you don’t need capital to start; you need vision.”

Emphasizing agriculture as both innovation and leadership, she pointed to urban gardening, food processing, and climate-smart farming as key areas where youth can tackle urgent food security and environmental challenges.

The Minister also called for stronger collaboration between organizers, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, and the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD), to ensure greater access to mentorship, empowerment pathways, and startup support for youth across the Federal Capital Territory and beyond.

Citing a recent regional survey where Nigerian youth ranked highest for creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurship across 10 African nations, she noted, “This is both an affirmation and a call to action.”

In a powerful message to the youth, she encouraged them to stay focused and productive during the holiday period. “This long break is not for idleness. It is a chance to sharpen your skills, define your future, and build something meaningful.”

“As we mark the 2025 World Youth Skills Day, let it ignite in us a renewed commitment to equip, mentor, and uplift our youth,” she concluded. “Let us build a future where every young Nigerian is empowered to shine.”

The event kicked off a week of skill-building workshops, exhibitions, and mentoring sessions aimed at positioning Nigerian youth as agents of innovation and enterprise.

WEC NEWS
By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

20/06/2025

20/06/2025

WEC NETWORK
NEWS
20th June, 2025

By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

FG CHARGES WORKERS ON WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY

The Federal Government has urged workers to enhance their productivity in their workplaces, to enable them contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, stated this at the 2024 Ministerial Service Award for Labour Sector Award in Abuja. emphasizing the critical role of individual and workplace productivity in enhancing national productivity.

The Minister noted that there could be no meaningful and sustainable development without concerted efforts to institutionalize productivity, and productivity advancement structures at all levels of governance.

He said: “Against this premise, the place of productivity as a veritable tool in the achievement of our national priorities, and indeed the actualization of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration cannot be overemphasized.

"I, therefore, encourage us all here to put in our best at our various workstations, for that is where we contribute our own quota in the sustainable productivity growth and development of Nigeria."

Dingyadi described the award ceremony as a clear indication of government’s commitment to not just appreciating hard work and dedication, but also to rewarding excellence with tangible incentives for its human resources.

According to him, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, the government recognises the people as the nation’s greatest resource.

Dingyadi stated that excellence grows when it is acknowledged and appreciated, adding that recognition of service, inspires more productivity.

The Minister said: "Today we commemorate the Nigerian Public Service and celebrate our officers who have distinguished themselves in various capacities in the course of carrying out the duties assigned to them.

He stated that over the years, the Public Service has given priority to reward and recognition policies and practices, noting that these have the tendency to create a thriving workplace environment where officers feel valued, motivated, and engaged, as well as to enhance individual and organization productivity.

The Minister reminded the workers, as public servants, that the award is embedded in the Federal Civil Service Strategic Implementation Plan (FCSSIP-25), a programme that has repositioned the Civil Service for maximum effectiveness and efficiency.

He noted that the recipients of the awards were identified and carefully selected in 2024 on merit, and expressed the hope and expectation that other officers would be motivated by the ceremony to qualify for the 2025 awards, and the years ahead.

Dingyadi commended the awardees for setting a standard, not only in performance but also in vision and purpose, and urged them to “be resolute to remain relevant in the path of excellence.”

The Minister emphasised that the ceremony should not just be a celebration, but a cause to strive more and to build a future where everyone would be valued and empowered to give their best for maximum productivity.

"You remind us that even in the midst of challenges, one can still make a difference and emerge victorious through perseverance. Your recognition today is not a destination but a milestone on a continued journey of service,” he said.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, remarked that the ceremony was to honour the awardees for their dedication, creativity, and integrity in performing their functions.

She applauded the spirit of collaboration and purposefulness within the Ministry and its parastatals, reminding everyone that their shared mission is to serve the nation with excellence.

"This spirit of unity and purposefulness is encouraging and should continue to manifest in our day-to-day activities. We are all colleagues, and our mission is one. We are to give Nigerians the best of service,” she said.

Permanent Secretary, Labour and Employment, Salihu Usman, while congratulating the awardees on their dedication and efficient service delivery, remarked that they represented the best of the civil service.

Usman noted that the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to performance management, staff welfare and merit-based recognition, and also reflected the Renewed Hope Agenda, which has at its core, "a strong and responsive civil service that delivers tangible impact."

In a welcome address, Director, Human Resources Management, Catherine Bulus, encouraged the awardees to be motivated by the recognition to take on greater challenges and achieve more.

The Ministry honoured 40 officers with the Ministerial Service Award for efficiency in service delivery. The awardees were drawn from both the Ministry and its agencies - Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and National Productivity Centre (NPC).

WEC NETWORK
NEWS
By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka

17/05/2025

WEC TV NETWORK
NEWS

16th May, 2025

FG, STATES, LGCs SHARE N1.681 TRILLION April 2025 REVENUE

The Office of the Account General of the federation says, a total sum of N1.681 trillion, has been shared to federal, state and local government being April 2025 Federation Account Revenue.

The revenue was shared at the May 2025 Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) meeting held in Abuja, where N1.681 trillion total distributable revenue comprised distributable statutory revenue of N962.882 billion, distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue of N598.077 billion, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) revenue of N38.862 billion and Exchange Difference N81.407 billion.

In a communiqué issued by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicated that total gross revenue of N2,848.721 trillion was available in the month of April 2025. Total deduction for cost of collection was N101.051 billion while total transfers, interventions, refunds and savings was N1066.442 billion.

According to the communiqué, gross statutory revenue of N2,084.568 trillion was received for the month of April 2025. This was higher than the sum of N1,718.973 trillion received in the month of March 2025 by N365.595 billion.

Gross revenue of N642.265 billion was available from the Value Added Tax (VAT) in April 2025. This was higher than the N637.618 billion available in the month of March 2025 by N4.647 billion.

The communiqué stated that from the N1,681. 228 trillion total distributable revenue, the Federal Government received total sum of N565.307 billion and the State Governments received total sum of N556.741 billion.

The Local government Council received N406.627 billion, while the sum of N152.553 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting State as derivation revenue.

On the N962.882 billion distributable statutory revenue, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N431.307 billion and the State Governments received N218.765 billion.

The Local Government Councils received N168.659 billion and the sum of N144. 151 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

From the N598.077 billion distributable Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue, the Federal Government received N89.712 billion, the State Governments received N299.039 billion and the Local Government Councils received N209.327 billion.

A total sum of N5.829 billion was received by the Federal Government from the N38.862 billion Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL). The State Governments received N19.431 billion and the Local Government Councils received N13.602 billion.

From the N81.407 billion Exchange Difference, the communiqué stated that the Federal Government received N38.459 billion and the State Governments received N19.507 billion.

The Local Government Councils received N15.039 billion, while the sum of N8.402 billion (13% of mineral revenue) was shared to the benefiting States as derivation revenue.

By Joseph Moses Mawunyinka