AP Global News

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

PAWECA DG Backs Tinubu, APC For 2027, Urges Shift From "Religious Politics"

The Director General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency, PAWECA, Dr. Michael Zira, has pledged to mobilize support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in Adamawa in the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Zira made the commitment while hosting members of a political group, Renewed Hope for Greater Nigeria, RHGN, at his office in Yola.

The DG said he would work with like-minded groups to advance the administration’s agenda, stressing the need for Nigerians to move away from what he described as “religious politics” and embrace issue-based politics anchored on policy, capacity, equity, fairness and justice.

Commending the Tinubu administration for what he called “meaningful development,” the PAWECA boss said the country requires unity and collective effort to consolidate gains, pledging to support the group in every way possible to achieve the purpose for which it was established.

Dr. Zira urged Nigerians to eschew divisive tendencies and work together to unite the country.

Earlier, the Adamawa State Coordinator of RHGN, Mrs. Lydia Michael, said the visit was to formally introduce the group to the DG and seek support for its forthcoming inauguration in the state.

Mrs. Michael explained that RHGN officials from the national headquarters are touring the 36 states to inaugurate state leadership structures ahead of 2027.

The group presented kits to Dr. Zira as a symbol of partnership as a grassroots mobilization platform aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
AP

24/08/2026

PAWECA DG Urges Adamawa Voters To “Repay” Fintiri With Support For 2027 Senatorial Bid

The Director General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency, PAWECA, Dr. Michael Zira, has called on Adamawa residents to reciprocate Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s developmental strides with political support, urging citizens of the Adamawa Senatorial Zone to vote massively for the Governor in the 2027 general elections.

Dr. Zira made the call during an interview with journalists and while appearing on ABC Yola’s socio-political programme, _Taba Kidi Taba Karatu on Monday.

He said the Fintiri administration has recorded measurable progress in poverty reduction, citing data by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, NBS, that shows the state’s poverty index dropped by 14 percentage points from 74% to 60% in 2025.

According to him, the administration’s direct social intervention has also yielded impact at the grassroots.

He noted that N15.5 billion has been disbursed to beneficiaries across the state, with over 300,000 citizens receiving N50,000 each.

Dr. Zira stated that no governor in the federation has undertaken such a direct cash intervention to this scale, adding that the initiative has stimulated economic activity at the community level.

On human capital and traditional institutions, the PAWECA boss described the creation of seven new chiefdoms by Governor Fintiri as a landmark decision that will have lasting benefits for the beneficiary communities.

Dr. Zira further expressed confidence that the All Progressives Congress, APC, will record victory in the 2027 elections in Adamawa, attributing the anticipated outcome to what he called the administration’s visible projects and people-oriented policies.

He urged citizens to rally behind the government and sustain support for programmes aimed at wealth creation and poverty reduction across the 21 local government areas of the state.
AP

24/08/2026

N20m Ransom Demanded As Bandits Abduct Kwara Monarch And Two Others

Suspected bandits struck two communities in Kwara State over the weekend, kidnapping a traditional ruler and two women and demanding millions in ransom, the latest in a wave of insecurity gripping Kwara South.

The King of Igbesi, Oba Moses Iwedunmoye I, was abducted from his palace in Oke-Onigbin town, Isin Local Government Area, at about 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, according to palace sources.

The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, confirmed the monarch’s abduction, stating he was the sole royal target, though other residents were reportedly attacked during the raid.

Less than 24 hours earlier, gunmen invaded Dabu community in Ifelodun LGA and kidnapped Iya Ayoka, the first wife of the Baale of Dabu.

The Kwara South Development Forum, KSDF, said she was taken on Friday night.

In a separate case, kidnappers are demanding N20 million for the release of Fasilat Babatunde, 23, who was abducted from Wande community in Ifelodun on July 15.

KSDF Secretary, Olasehinde Oluwatoba, said in a statement yesterday that the abductors had gained access to Babatunde’s TikTok account and were using it to post messages and contact her family with ransom demands.

The forum called on both the federal and Kwara State governments to secure the immediate release of Ayoka, Babatunde and other victims still in captivity, citing renewed fear across Kwara South despite recent security deployments.

The attacks came as Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd), Special Adviser on Security Matters to the Sokoto State Governor, urged political, traditional and religious leaders to unite against banditry, warning against politicizing the crisis.

In a statement issued yesterday, Usman said bandits target citizens irrespective of party affiliation and called for public cooperation with security agencies through timely intelligence sharing.

Residents and community leaders in Kwara South said the spate of kidnappings has heightened anxiety, with many calling for stronger coordination between local vigilantes and state security forces to curb further incursions.
AP

22/08/2026

"Adapt or Become Irrelevant" — Nigerian Broadcasters’ President Urges Shift To Digital Journalism

The President of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, SNB, Professor Umar Pate, has called on broadcasters to abandon outdated analogue practices and embrace digital innovation, warning that competence in new media is now the foundation of credibility in journalism.

Prof. Pate made the call while addressing members of the SNB Yola Chapter at the state's Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Secretariat.

He said the rapid evolution of technology has made digital knowledge and skills non-negotiable for media professionals.

According to him, broadcasters who fail to upgrade risk losing relevance in an industry being reshaped by streaming, social media, and data-driven storytelling.

“Truthfulness, competence, relevance and dynamism are the critical components of credibility in broadcasting today,” Pate stated. “A digitally inclined knowledge base is the bane of modern broadcasting. Without it, the practice will continue to suffer setbacks.”

The former Vice Chancellor urged members to collectively reposition the profession by investing in training, digital tools, and economic empowerment.

He said the future of broadcasting depends on professionals who can combine intellectual capacity with public trust.

“Success in this era is a function of two variables: Aptitude — your intellect and brilliance — and Attitude — your ability to build rapport with the people around you,” he added.

Pate also called on members to participate in the SNB’s forthcoming National Conference scheduled for September 2026 in Bauchi, describing it as an opportunity for networking, capacity building, and exposure to global best practices in digital broadcasting.

He stressed that rejuvenating Nigeria’s broadcast sector requires a deliberate shift from obsolete systems to platforms that reflect current technological realities and societal needs.
AP

19/08/2026

Fintiri Picks Prof. Tukur To Lead APC’s “Renewed Hope” Drive In Adamawa Ahead Of 2027

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has named Professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur to head the state’s campaign structure for the 2027 general elections, tasking him with mobilizing grassroots support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Tuesday, Governor Fintiri announced the appointment of Prof. Tukur as Director General of the newly formed Adamawa Renewed Hope 2026 Movement, ARH 226 M.

The platform is designed to coordinate political mobilization across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas and align Adamawa’s APC base with the federal government’s agenda ahead of the polls.

Describing the appointment as well-deserved, Fintiri said Prof. Tukur was chosen for his blend of academic excellence, governance experience and record of community engagement.

The Governor said the former Vice Chancellor’s integrity and intellectual depth would be critical in rallying party faithful, stakeholders, women and youth groups into a united front for victory at both state and national levels.

“Professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur brings to this assignment impeccable academic pedigree, proven leadership qualities, and a deep commitment to democratic ideals. His wealth of experience in governance, scholarship, and grassroots mobilization made him the right choice to drive this critical assignment,” Fintiri stated.

The Governor directed the new DG to work closely with party leaders and stakeholders to expand the Movement’s reach and deepen engagement at the ward level.

He also called on all APC members and supporters in Adamawa to rally behind Prof. Tukur and the ARH 226 M to ensure the party delivers a resounding win in 2027.

Prof. Tukur, a respected academic and public administrator, is expected to immediately begin consultations and statewide mobilization ahead of the election year.
AP

19/08/2026

Action Against Hunger inaugurates social protection knowledge management champions in Adamawa

A two-day workshop in Yola has challenged officials across Adamawa State to treat knowledge as a critical government asset, warning that decades of experience are being lost each time senior officers leave service without passing it on.

Organized by Action Against Hunger in collaboration with GIZ, the training at City Green Hotel brought together Management Focal Persons and Knowledge Management Champions from Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the state.

Facilitator Mr. Obinna Richfield Anah of International Development Stories, IDS, took participants through the DIKW progression — Data, Information, Knowledge and Wisdom — and tasked them with realigning how MDAs think about and use what they know.

He said most organizations focus on collecting data but fail to convert it into knowledge that can drive decisions.

Anah exposed the group to the problem of “lost institutional memory” and introduced the Knowledge Management and Learning, KML, operationalization initiative.

Participants were trained to identify both tacit and explicit knowledge within their institutions, apply basic knowledge capture techniques, and distinguish between lessons learned, good practices, stories and other forms of knowledge.

The workshop also stressed why KML matters for Social Protection, linking better knowledge sharing to faster, smarter and more accountable service delivery.

By the end of the sessions, participants demonstrated a strong grasp of the DIKW framework and were charged to serve as KM Champions in their MDAs, with responsibility for capturing knowledge from programs and embedding learning into daily operations.

Organizers said the goal is to move Adamawa’s public service away from information hoarding and toward a culture where learning and knowledge sharing become standard practice.

As part of the initiative, the organizers unveiled the Adamawa Social Protection Knowledge Hub, a digital repository designed for uploading and downloading critical information to strengthen knowledge management in the state.
AP

18/08/2026

"No More Waiting For White-Collar Jobs" — PAWECA DG Tells Adamawa Youths To Skill Up, Start Up

The Director General of the Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Agency, PAWECA, Dr. Michael Zira, has sent a wake-up call to youths in Adamawa challenging them to learn a skill, start a business, and own your future.

Dr. Zira gave the charge when members of the APC Unity Forum, Adamawa Chapter, led by Coordinator Rabiu Aliyu Wapanda, paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Yola.

"Government Jobs Alone Won't Cut It"
According to the PAWECA boss, the world of work has changed.

_"Young people can no longer sit and wait for government or office jobs. Those who learn, work hard, and build themselves will be the ones winning tomorrow,"_ he said.

Dr. Zira disclosed that PAWECA has already enrolled over 10,000 youths aged 18-40 across all 21 LGAs and 226 wards of Adamawa in technical and vocational training in addition to thousands more already graduated.

The DG urged youths to seize every opportunity available to learning a skill which, according to him, opens the door to a better tomorrow.

The beneficiaries are learning market-ready skills designed to help them *earn, launch small businesses, and become financially independent* — not just job seekers.

Earlier, APC Unity Forum Coordinator, Rabiu Aliyu Wapanda, commended Dr. Zira for his fairness and for delivering real impact to Adamawa people.

He also spotlighted the Fintiri Business Wallet, saying the program has lifted many beneficiaries and transformed lives.
AP

17/08/2026

Reignite Your Fire”: LYF Yola Diocese Told to Fight Drug Abuse, Spiritual Decline

The Lutheran Youth Fellowship, LYF, Yola Diocese has been challenged to reawaken its moral and spiritual strength to rescue the fellowship from decline.

Guest Speaker, Rev. Zechariah Ayuba, gave the charge on Sunday during the 2026 LYF Youth Day at LCCN Trinity, Police Barracks Yola.

The event was held in line with the International Youth Day and themed _“Sensitization on the Effect of Drug Abuse on Mental Health and Pathway.”

Drawing from Romans 9:16, Rev. Ayuba urged LYF members nationwide to unite and resist forces seeking to divide them.

He called on the youths to seek God’s mercy and restore the fellowship’s “former glory.”

The event featured sensitization sessions on substance abuse with representatives of Kurna Aid Foundation and C-HOPE educating members on the health and social dangers of drug use.

Mr. Henry Femi Ojo, Founder of Femenni Development Initiative and former board member of UN Media and World Innovation, warned that drug abuse destroys the future of the youth, urging them to shun immoral and self-destructive lifestyles and embrace productivity.

National LYF President, Bro. Innocent Edmond, said this year’s youth week that is in view, adopted _“Faith Over Fear” as its theme to inspire members to rise above social, political, and economic intimidation.

Yola Diocese LYF President, Bro. Holmand Salati, said the gathering was designed to mobilize youths for the International Youth Day marked every August 12.

He noted that the Diocese marks Youth Day on the first Sunday after August 12 annually, with a focus this year on drug abuse and its consequences.

District Pastor of Karewa, Rev. Zechariah Ali, represented by Lay Leader Mr. Abel Asatcha, urged the youths to remain united with the church.

He recalled when LYF members were known for “high moral standards and spiritual vigour” and charged them to return to lives of holiness and obedience.

A member, Henarubi Zidon, described the sensitization as “instructive and timely.”

The event drew youth leaders, partner NGOs, and clergy who pledged to continue mentoring young people toward faith-driven and drug-free living.
AP

14/08/2026

HARAF Graduates 45 More Youths in Adamawa, Total Trained Hits 90

The Executive Director of Hope and Rural Aid Foundation, HARAF, Mrs. Galaxy Thami, has urged another set of 45 graduates of its livestock, vegetable, and crop production program to safeguard the knowledge acquired and transfer it to others in their communities.

This bring the total number of the trained graduates in both Girei and Fufore Local Government Areas to 90.

Represented by the Head of Programmes, Mr. Abel Bake, Mrs. Thami gave the charge during the graduation ceremony and food demonstration for Cohort-One beneficiaries of the Livelihood Empowerment Project in Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa State.

The project, themed “Thrive & Rise”, is funded by the Hilton Foundation and implemented by HARAF as part of efforts to build resilient livelihoods for youth and vulnerable groups in conflict-affected communities of Northeast Nigeria.

Participants received training in four core components: goat production, poultry, fishery, and crop production.

The project aims equip beneficiaries with technical skills and enterprise development for self-employment and income generation.

Stakeholders at the event commended HARAF for the quality of training delivered, urging graduates to apply the skills judiciously to improve their livelihoods and contribute to food security.

Livelihoods Officer, HARAF, Mr. Abiodun Kolapo, gave an overview of the project and Cohort-One achievements, conducting guests on a tour of project sites managed by the beneficiaries.

Some of the graduates shared testimonies on how the training had transformed their livelihood prospects, pledging to mentor others and leverage the skills for economic independence.

The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to graduates and a group photograph to mark the milestone.
AP