Author: Candid Reporters

The federal government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to start paying students attending technical colleges nationwide a monthly stipend of ₦45,000. The Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, who revealed this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the motive is to promote interest in technical education. According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu had allocated ₦120 billion grant to support students under the new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative, to be disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). He lamented that the interest in technical and…

Two years ago, Abia State stood at a crossroads, yearning for change — not just in words but in action. In answer to that cry, Providence gave us a leader not afraid to dream, to dare, and to deliver. Dr. Alex Chioma Otti stepped into office with a heart of service, a mind of innovation, and hands ready to build. Today, we are proud to say: he has not only met expectations — he has exceeded them. As the Executive Governor of Abia State marks his second anniversary in office, I, join the people of Abia and especially the good…

Today, the air is filled with joy, hope, and the radiant voices of our future — our children. As the world commemorates the 2025 International Children’s Day, I, proudly join every father, mother, teacher, guardian, and leader in Abia State and across Nigeria in celebrating the heartbeat of our nation — our children— our most sacred treasure and the living promise of a brighter tomorrow. The theme of this year’s celebration, “Tapping the Untapped Natural Treasure,” is more than timely — it is a clarion call to awaken the world to the power and potential locked inside every Nigerian child.…

Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. CANDID REPORTERS learnt that the renowned scholar confirmed the development in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025. According to Gumi, although he was granted a visa by the Saudi authorities, he was not allowed to proceed to Medina to commence his religious rites. “Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a…

The Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu has commenced the distribution of food items to vulnerable groups in Abia State as part of her Renewed Hope Initiative Social Investment Food Outreach Programme. Speaking at the event held at the International Conference Centre Umuahia, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti commended Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu for appreciating the pains many individuals and families are passing through in the face of economic challenges and providing succour to them. “Being the wife of the President has not stopped our dear First Lady from being mindful…

Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Abia state commissioner for youths Sports and Youth Development, has rolled out the state’s achievement as Abia state sets to mark two years anniversary in office come May 29, 2025. In an interactive section with newsmen on Friday in Umuahia, Ananaba said the ministry of sports has received tremendous support from Governor Alex Otti which he described as ‘‘avowed determination of this administration to achieve ‘A New Abia’ of our collective dream in line with His Excellency’s Manifestos’’ Which has led to the success achieved in sports within two years in office. Ananaba also hinted that with the…

The Department of State Services (DSS) has distanced itself from the controversial arrest of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, in Kenya, insisting its operations are limited strictly to Nigeria’s territorial borders. This emerged during cross-examination of a prosecution witness, with code name BBB, an intelligence officer from the DSS. The cross examination of the prosecution witness resumed shortly after by Paul Erokoro, who conducted proceedings on behalf of the defence.‎‎Responding to questions, whether the DSS can be influenced by politicians or ministers, the witness stated that the agency is under the office of the…

Abia State Government (ABSG), has approved the recruitment of lecturers of different categories to fill up vacant academic positions in critical areas of study in the Abia State University Uturu (ABSU). Also approved is the procurement of engineering equipment valued at N800 million for ABSU The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed these while briefing journalists Tuesday, in Government House Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti. He recalled that the Governor made a promise to renovate the Male Hostel and a few other structures in the university and…

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has expressed the readiness of his administration to partner with serious private investors to build the proposed Abia Stadium City to create a better future and boost the economy of Abia State. Governor Otti was speaking when he received in audience, a team of development partners led by the Managing Director, Irish Development Group (IDG) Mr. Nigel Neely, who came to present a master plan of the proposed Abia Stadium City in his office. The Governor said that his administration has been on the stadium project and is looking for those who not only…

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, has said that the only coalition he is interested in is the one against hunger, poverty, and the terrible state of healthcare and education in Nigeria. Obi made the statement amid growing rumours of a possible coalition among opposition leaders to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027 presidential election. Obi, who visited the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kubwa in Abuja on Monday, emphasised that he was not desperate for any position. “The only coalition I am interested in is the one against hunger, poverty, and…