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Natasha Pays N27.5m To Register 2,500 SMEs For Students, Distributes Business Kits

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The chairman, Senate Committee on Local Content, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commenced the empowerment of tertiary institution students from Kogi Central with multipurpose business carts.

She equally flagged-off free Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration of 2,500 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the district totaling N27,500,000.00 for students.

The senator’s chief press secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.

The initiative, according to the statement, is part of Natasha’s continued efforts to drive innovation in governance and impact the lives of indigent students of Kogi Central origin in tertiary institutions across the country.

The statement reads in part: “It also makes it possible for students, market women, and other business owners to register their businesses with the CAC at no cost.

“The distributed business empowerment carts are aimed at fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship among the students.

“The initiative is designed to equip them with the skills and resources necessary to start and grow profitable businesses, ensuring that they contribute positively to society after graduation.

“This proactive measure will help reduce dependency on government support and ease societal burdens.

“The flag-off of the free CAC business registration also helped the students to register their businesses on the spot.

“Other business owners were also helped to register their businesses with certificates of registration presented to them on the spot.

“With the flag-off, the CAC business registration across Kogi Central will commence in each of the constituency offices in the five local government areas to capture 2,500 SMEs.

“The registration, which would have cost N11,000 each, was paid for by the lawmaker, covering the total cost of N27,500,000 for the registration of all 2,500 SMEs.”

Speaking during the programme, Natasha said, she has been a social entrepreneur, advocating for self-reliance and skills for sustainable development before becoming a political reformer.

She emphasised the importance of learning about the ecosystem of a business, adding it has become necessary for business owners to register their businesses as it is the foundation of any legal business to acquire the right benefits.

She disclosed the 2,500 businesses that will be registered by the CAC are already taken care of by her office.

She explained that the business carts are given to the National Association of Ebira Students (NAES) in the selected institutions to run the business and support the students who are underprivileged in their midst.

The lawmaker gave each of the beneficiaries start-up fund and a token for their transport to their various destinations.

The CAC team led by CAC FCT Zonal Office, Mr Bello Muftahu Esq, said they were around to carry out the business registration as part of the fulfilment of the law, adding that such businesses will have legal recognition and allow them to access government and private grants and loans.

He prayed to God to continue to enrich the lawmaker for the good initiative she brought to her people.

The beneficiary institutions include: Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Federal College of Education, Okene,
Bayero University, Kano,
Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa and Kaduna State Polytechnic.

The business kits consist of multipurpose business carts and clean cooking kiosk PRO.

The multipurpose business carts, consist of: clipper, barbing mirror, plexi glass frame, branded umbrella parasol, box cooler/warmer, 50 watts solar panel, 3 in 1 USB charging cable, rechargeable night lamp, 36AH battery (installed), solar charge controller, dual USB charging port, triple circuit isolator/lvd, and barbing chair.

The clean cooking kiosk PRO, on the other hand consists of; Main cooking frame with cabinet, side cooking frame, 12 watts solar charger, 6kg gas cylinder, sideboard, burner support, industrial cooking burner, grilling burner bowl, grilling burner with gas control valve and hose, oven burner with gas control valve, storage cabinet, grilling mesh, and branded umbrella parasol.

In attendance were: Member representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Abdulrahman Abdulmaleek Danga, member representing Ogori-Magongo in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, former House of Representative Member, Alhaji Abdurahman Badamasiu, Provost Federal College of Education, Okene, Dr. Umar Hassan, and a representative of CAC, Mr. Muftahu Bello.

Others are Secretary General of Ebira Peoples Association, Baba Abdulrazaq, PDP Deputy Party Chairman, Alhaji Yahaya Karaku, representative of SMEDAN, Mrs. Mohammed Alami, market women, artisans and farmers, among others.

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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

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A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

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The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

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