AIT

Africa Independent Television, AIT’s climate correspondent, Nkoli Omhoudu, has been selected among 16 journalists from low- and middle-income countries to report from the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31, in Antalya, Türkiye. The fellowship, under the Climate Change Media Partnership, CCMP, will provide selected journalists with access to briefings, expert guidance and high-level engagements during the climate negotiations.

Several Traditional rulers in Katsina State have commended the military, Police, Department of State Services, DSS, and local vigilante groups for foiling another attempt by armed bandits to carry out a mass abduction in Bakori Local Government Area of the state. The state Government had, penultimate week, hailed security agencies for foiling a mass abduction at Gidan Iyado, Kakumi Ward, in the same local government area.

The Rena Development Initiative is advocating greater emphasis on communication and public speaking skills in youth development, saying young people must be equipped to speak for themselves, represent others and contribute to community development.

Confrontations between Vehicle Inspection Officers and some motorists in Plateau State have brought their operations into focus. Following the incidents, the Plateau State Government suspended roadside activities of the officers and commenced consultations with stakeholders. For weeks, videos of confrontations between Vehicle Inspection Officers and motorists have circulated on social media in Plateau State.

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, has called for full publication of the Nigeria-United States critical minerals framework signed in New York in September 2026, saying Africa’s resources must finance Africa’s development and not reinforce dependency.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has approved the pardon, release and commutation of sentences of 13 inmates as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary. The Governor’s approval was make pursuant to his constitutional powers under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and followed consultation with the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has called on African governments and engineers to prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure as the continent prepares for rapid population growth. Momoh made the call in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he addressed the 27th Convention and International Infrastructure Conference of the Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers.

Insecurity has dominated reflections as Zamfara State marks 30 years since its creation, with past and present leaders renewing calls for peace and an end to the security challenges confronting the state. The anniversary, which coincided with Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, also recorded a milestone with the arrival of the first commercial flight at Gusau International Airport.

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is seeking to improve the delivery of skills, employment and entrepreneurship programmes to young Nigerians, with greater attention to implementation and coordination. The priorities emerged from the Ministry’s 2026 Ministerial Retreat in Abuja. The focus here is on closing the gap between government youth programmes and the young Nigerians they are designed to reach.

The Kabiru Turaki led interim leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has rejected President Bola Tinubu’s declaration that Nigeria has crossed its economic “Red Sea,” arguing that the President cannot cast himself in the role of Moses. The rival PDP faction backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike struck a different tone in its Independence Day message, telling Nigerians not to despair and insisting that the country’s future remains bright.