As part of efforts to actualize the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government, the Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, and Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, have laid the foundation for the Gombe Ultra-Modern Abattoir.
The facility is a key component of the Gombe Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone and is designed to enhance livestock value chains, boost food security, and create employment. The abattoir will process 500 cows, 1,000 sheep/goats, and 3,000 poultry daily.
The Minister described the abattoir as a “game changer” for livestock development in the Northeast, adding that the Federal Government will collaborate with the state to establish Jewel Feedlot Estates to support consistent animal supply.
He noted that Nigeria consumes only 360,000 tons of beef annually—far below demand—and emphasized that the government will drive the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) to boost production and modernize the sector.
Maiha stressed the need for world-class facilities and skilled personnel at abattoirs to meet international standards, highlighting improvements in animal health services, indigenous breed development, and control of zoonotic diseases.
Feedstock supply to the new abattoir will be sustained through commercial ranches, out-grower schemes, pasture production, and revitalized grazing reserves, with the ministry committed to supporting Gombe in transforming the livestock economy.
The Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, reaffirmed the state’s focus on transforming agriculture and livestock through strategic policies, investments, and inclusive programs.
He explained that millions of animals have been vaccinated, and intercommunity peace initiatives have improved relations between herders and farmers. He also revealed that the state has partnered with the World Bank’s L-PRES project for grazing reserve demarcation and improving water access in Wawa-Zange.
The Federal Government has flagged off the 2025 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) entrance examination into Federal Technical Colleges nationwide.
A total of 30,000 candidates participated in the examination, which aims to equip Nigerian youth with industry-relevant skills and reshape the country’s approach to human capital development.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, described the examination as a strategic tool for determining individual strengths and aligning them with specific trades.
In a statement, the Registrar noted that the examination will help identify candidates’ skills and match them with suitable vocational areas such as electrical installation, tailoring, or solar maintenance.
Mohammed emphasized the significance of TVET in reversing Nigeria’s overdependence on imported skills, products, and services, pointing out that artisans, craftsmen, and technicians are the backbone of any country’s GDP.
He added that the era of paper qualifications is gradually phasing out. The focus now is on “what can you offer?” and the government aims to create an enabling environment for certified technical talents to practice and thrive locally.
Mohammed further stated that the government plans to provide starter packs and potential access to business loans for students who complete the TVET program. He added that the initiative is not just about skills acquisition but also about job creation and economic empowerment.
According to him, candidates can either be employed by the government or establish their own businesses with support structures in place upon completion.
A selection committee comprising principals of Federal Technical Colleges, NABTEB officials, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Education will oversee the admission process. The committee will determine which candidates proceed to the next stage after the release of examination results within 21 days.
The NABTEB Registrar also revealed that the government plans to digitize the examination process, making it paperless. The initiative is expected to streamline the process and improve efficiency. The government is committed to providing a platform for Nigerian youth to acquire practical skills and become productive members of society.
The Federal Government has announced plans to rehabilitate the Wawa-Zange Grazing Reserve in Gombe State as part of broader efforts to revamp Nigeria’s livestock sector.
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this during an inspection tour of the reserve, highlighting the government’s commitment to transforming grazing reserves into modern, sustainable livestock hubs.
The rehabilitation will focus on key infrastructure, including roads, healthcare and veterinary facilities, classrooms, solar power, and water supply for both humans and animals.
Spanning 144,000 hectares and currently accommodating over 5,000 herders, Wawa-Zange is seen as a strategic asset deserving of full development to meet modern standards for grazing reserves.
Plans also include the establishment of breed improvement centres and pasture cultivation initiatives aimed at reducing seasonal herder migration. The Minister emphasized the importance of turning the reserve into a model of sustainability that supports both productivity and environmental responsibility.
In addressing the farmer-herder dynamic, the Minister proposed a collaborative, non-confrontational approach. Rather than evicting farmers encroaching on the land, he assured that the government will implement shared land-use practices, fostering mutual benefits such as crop residue feeding for livestock and manure fertilization for crops—thus promoting peaceful coexistence and increased agricultural productivity.
The Gombe State Government expressed full support for the initiative, with the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Barnabas Malle, highlighting the urgent need for improved amenities.
The Wawa-Zange project is part of the National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS), under which 417 grazing reserves nationwide will be rehabilitated, with the aim of enhancing food security, creating jobs, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification.
The Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the German International Cooperation (GIZ) have pledged to establish grazing facilities in rural communities across Nigeria. This initiative aims to promote sedentary livestock production systems and enhance the country’s livestock industry.
In a statement, the grazing facilities will be equipped with micro earth dams and boreholes to ensure all-year-round grazing for animals, with emphasis placed on pasture and breed production to enhance quality dairy products.
The initiative also includes fodder production, which will be taken to the livestock centers to encourage sedentary livestock production.
In her remarks, the First Secretary and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Republic of Germany, Dr. Karin Jansen, expressed GIZ’s commitment to enhancing livestock production in Nigeria.
She noted that integrating livestock development into peace-building efforts is crucial, adding that the proposed local government grazing reserves are a significant initiative.
She also said that the establishment of demonstration ranches in key states could prove beneficial, allowing herders to experience modern alternatives firsthand. “This initiative may shift perceptions and foster long-term behavioral change. The German Government stands ready to deepen its partnership with Nigeria in livestock production and its value chain.”
The partnership between Nigeria and Germany aims to promote livestock development and enhance the country’s livestock industry. By working together, both countries can achieve their goals and improve the livelihoods of livestock farmers and communities. The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s economy and food security.
A total of 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo have participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal Government Colleges.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this while monitoring the examination exercise at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada in Abuja.
The minister expressed satisfaction with the organization and conduct of the examination, and emphasized that the general turnout reflects ongoing public trust in the unity school system.
In his remarks, the Registrar, National Examination Council (NECO), Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, revealed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of candidates with over 15,000 registrations, while the Republic of Togo had the lowest, with 17 candidates.
Prof. Wushishi highlighted efforts to support children with special needs, with the provision of braille materials and support personnel, noting that no challenges were encountered during the conduct of the examination.
The Director, Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, assured that admissions into unity colleges will be guided by merit, state quota, and exigency, with the latter addressing the needs of children of civil servants. The examination, conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO), was lauded for its smooth execution.
The New Delhi-Vienna and Mumbai-London flights were about to enter Iranian airspace when Israel launched its attack, forcing the planes to turn back.
On Friday, global airlines cancelled or rerouted flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, and other Middle Eastern destinations after multiple countries shut down their airspaces in response to Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Airspaces over Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria were closed following the strikes, which targeted military and nuclear facilities in Iran. Israel stated that Tehran had launched drones in retaliation.
Emirates, the largest airline in the Middle East, announced it had cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran following the escalation.
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of Qatar and one of the region’s largest airlines, said it had “temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to (the) current situation in the region”.
Air France confirmed the suspension of its Tel Aviv operations “until further notice” after Israel closed its airspace.
“Air France is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in real-time,” a spokesperson for the airline told AFP, adding that “the safety of its customers and crews is its absolute priority”.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group said it was halting flights to Tehran through the end of July and extended its suspension of services to and from Tel Aviv for the same duration.
Air India diverted or recalled 16 flights operating between India and destinations in London, Canada, and the United States “due to the emerging situation in Iran”.
The New Delhi-Vienna and Mumbai-London flights, which were on the verge of entering Iranian airspace, were ordered to turn back to their departure cities, according to aircraft tracking service, Flight Aware.
In the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi Airport warned that “flight disruptions are expected through today (Friday)” due to the Israeli military action.
Dubai Airport also announced delays and cancellations caused by the closure of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced its readiness to enforce the ‘drill or drop’ policy targeting dormant oil licences.
Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of the NUPRC, revealed this during a recent meeting with a delegation from the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG) at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the commission, Komolafe stressed that oil and gas operators must either commence production within a defined timeframe or forfeit their licences. He explained that the initiative is designed to rejuvenate Nigeria’s oil sector, optimise asset usage, and increase government revenue.
“Komolafe also discussed the implementation of the ‘drill or drop’ policy, which requires operators to either begin production within a specified timeframe or relinquish their licenses. This policy aims to revitalise the oil sector, ensure optimal use of assets, and boost government revenue,” the NUPRC chief executive was quoted.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, has consistently pledged that the ‘drill or drop’ policy will be enforced. He stated that the government would reclaim idle oil wells from operators who fail to utilise them.
At the meeting, Komolafe welcomed the visiting delegation and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to maintaining a favourable business climate for industry stakeholders. He highlighted major policy reforms introduced since the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, including the automation of key regulatory procedures such as licensing and permit issuance.
These reforms, he said, have helped reduce red tape and improved efficiency within the sector.
The IPPG delegation was led by its Chairman, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, who is also the Chairman of Waltersmith Group, a prominent indigenous oil and gas company.
“The visit was a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between the commission and indigenous producers. It also served as an opportunity for the IPPG to formally express its appreciation to the NUPRC for the critical role it played in facilitating the recent divestment of assets by international oil companies.
These divestments, which were closely overseen by the commission, have enabled a significant transfer of upstream oil and gas assets to indigenous operators. This transition marks a pivotal shift in Nigeria’s energy landscape, creating new opportunities for local companies to scale up operations,” it was stated.
During the engagement, IPPG reaffirmed its support for the commission’s ‘Project One Million Barrels Incremental’ initiative, which is focused on increasing the nation’s daily crude oil output. The group also underlined its dedication to both oil and gas development as part of its long-term strategy.
On the early morning of June 12th, 2025, a series of coordinated Israeli airstrikes hit multiple military and suspected nuclear-linked sites across central Iran marking one of the most significant escalations in the decades long hostilities between the two nations. The strikes come after months of growing tension, covert operations, and mutual cyberattacks that have destabilized the already fragile Middle East security architecture.
The Israeli airstrikes on June 12th, 2025, did not come out of a vacuum, they are the result of years of mounting pressure, proxy battles, and strategic brinkmanship between Israel and Iran.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated over years with Iran supporting militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, and Israel conducting preemptive strikes and sabotage operations. In 2025, Iran’s advancement to near-weapons-grade uranium enrichment and alleged involvement in assassination plots and regional drone attacks pushed Israel to act.
These developments, combined with rising hardline leadership in Tehran and a more aggressive Israeli defense posture, set the stage for the June 12th airstrikes the most open and direct military confrontation between the two in recent memory.
Casualties Due To The Airstrike
Iranian state media confirmed that at least 39 people were killed and over 120 injured in the strikes, many of them military personnel stationed near Isfahan and Natanz. The Iranian government has not publicly disclosed whether its nuclear facilities were damaged, but satellite imagery and initial Western intelligence suggest several missile defense systems and weapons storage sites were destroyed.
Hospitals in the region are reportedly overwhelmed, with emergency response teams working under disrupted power grids. Iran has declared three days of mourning for the victims and vowed “swift and decisive retaliation.”
Why Was There An Airstrike?
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim the operation was a direct response to what they called “an imminent Iranian threat” involving drone swarms and missile transfers to proxy groups operating in Syria and Lebanon. In recent weeks, Tehran had increased its missile shipments to Hezbollah and the Houthis, while also accelerating its uranium enrichment efforts according to IAEA reports.
Analysts point to a failed assassination attempt on an Israeli diplomat in Baku and an intercepted shipment of Iranian drones in the Red Sea as potential triggers for this preemptive strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benny Gantz said in a televised address, “We will not wait for another October 7th. Our red lines are clear we act to prevent, not to avenge.”
Public and Social Media Reactions
Iranian citizens, many already fatigued by years of sanctions and domestic unrest, flooded social media with scenes of smoke plumes rising over residential areas and military compounds. The hashtag #WeAreUnderAttack trended across Persian-language platforms, with users expressing both outrage at Israel and frustration at their own government’s handling of foreign policy.
Meanwhile, in Israel, reactions were mixed. Some praised the government’s “decisiveness,” while others warned the operation could spiral into full-scale war.
A post on X by user, VividProwess read: “I’m speechless. I knew Israel was capable of much more, but what we saw here will be recorded in the history books of wars. The deception, the airstrikes, the intelligence, Mossad’s inside job it’s insane. Iran is utterly humiliated. God bless Israel.”
I’m speechless. I knew Israel was capable of much more, but what we saw here will be recorded in the history books of wars.
The deception, the airstrikes, the intelligence, Mossad’s inside job—it’s insane.
Another X user HilzFuld tweeted: “So are we (and the media) going to completely ignore the fact that the only casualties from Israel’s attack on Iran were terrorists with zero collateral damage or civilian deaths? Interesting how that works, huh?”
So are we (and the media) going to completely ignore the fact that the only casualties from Israel’s attack on Iran were terrorists with zero collateral damage or civilian deaths?
U.S. President Kamala Harris has called for “restraint and de-escalation,” while the EU has called an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
What Next’s For Both Countries
Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert and warned that retaliation is “not a question of if, but when.” Hezbollah and other Iranian-aligned militias have also signaled readiness to launch attacks on Israeli interests regionally.
Regional airspaces remain partially closed, oil markets are reacting with volatility, and diplomatic hotlines between Washington, Riyadh, and Ankara are reportedly in near-constant use.
With both Iran and Israel unwilling to back down, the region now faces its most dangerous confrontation in years. The question remains: will this remain a limited exchange or will it ignite a broader war neither side claims to want?
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national during a counter-terrorism operation carried out by Nigerian troops in Borno State.
The suspect, whose identity has not been made public, claimed to be a miner. However, he is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine the circumstances surrounding his presence in an area of ongoing military operations.
This incident comes just days after the military disclosed the arrest of four Pakistani nationals in the region, who were allegedly involved in training terrorist elements.
Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, revealed that five terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators were also apprehended during coordinated military operations conducted between June 5 and 7, 2025, in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
“In addition to the arrest of five terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators, our troops detained a Chinese national claiming to be a miner,” Kangye said. “Items recovered from the suspects include a vehicle, a motorcycle, several mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and the sum of ₦10,000.”
Kangye raised questions about the foreign national’s presence in a high-risk operational zone.
“Whenever individuals are arrested, especially foreigners, they often deny involvement in illicit activities,” he said. “But we must ask: what was he doing in an area where military operations were ongoing?”
He assured that a full investigation is in progress to uncover the suspect’s motives and any potential connections to terrorist groups.
“The Chinese national remains in custody and is being thoroughly interrogated. Once investigations are complete, we will provide comprehensive details—including how and why he was found there, and whether he was acting alone or in concert with others,” Kangye added.
Addressing allegations that military forces are slow to respond to distress calls during attacks, particularly in remote communities, Kangye rejected such claims as inaccurate.
“Such assertions are misleading,” he said. “People must understand that our troops are not stationed in every village. In some cases, incidents happen 10 to 15 kilometres from the nearest military post.”
He explained that operational logistics—such as identifying the appropriate unit, assigning commanders, and preparing vehicles and supplies—affect response times.
“It’s similar to a hospital treating patients based on the severity of their conditions. If you’re not aware of internal priorities, you might feel overlooked. But it doesn’t mean no action is being taken,” he emphasized.
Kangye reiterated that all distress calls are treated seriously and assured the public of the military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and neutralizing threats.
“Let’s not be quick to accuse our troops of delays,” he said. “They are operating under extremely challenging conditions and are doing their utmost to respond whenever called upon.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday visited survivors of the deadly floods that claimed at least 78 lives in the Eastern Cape province, describing the disaster as a consequence of climate change.
During his tour of the affected areas, Ramaphosa met with residents whose homes, schools, roads, and health facilities were engulfed in mud and floodwaters. Many people in this impoverished region have been left with nothing.
Rescue teams continued going door to door, searching for both victims and survivors. Many people were trapped in their homes as the water surged in during the night. Some managed to escape to their rooftops, where they waited for hours to be rescued.
Ramaphosa visited the site where a school bus was swept away, resulting in the deaths of at least six children and three adults. Four children were still unaccounted for at the time of the visit.
He also met a woman who had lost her mother and at least two young nephews. The woman, overcome with emotion, wept as the president listened to her.
“This is a catastrophic disaster which is caused by climate change,” said Ramaphosa, noting that the floodwaters had risen more than four metres (13 feet) high.
“During winter, we expect cold as well as snow here in the Eastern Cape. Now that we are confronting floods, this goes to show the severity of the issue of climate change.”
While snow and rainfall are expected in winter, the coastal areas of South Africa experienced what Ramaphosa described as “unprecedented” weather conditions on Thursday.
According to the Green Climate Fund, South Africa is highly vulnerable to climate variability and change, which has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
The official death toll stood at 78 as of Thursday, but authorities warned the number could rise. Bodies were still being recovered from a nearby river as of Friday morning.
The city of Mthatha, located roughly 800 kilometres (500 miles) south of Johannesburg, was among the hardest hit. This area also includes Qunu, the birthplace of former President and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.
The South African Red Cross Society reported that at least 3,500 households were impacted, with many people taking shelter in community halls.
On Thursday, AFP journalists witnessed a rescue team retrieve four bodies—some of them children—from a one-roomed house. The scene was filled with debris, and emotional locals looked on in grief.
“When we came out of the house, the water was above the knee, all the furniture inside was floating,” Sopiseka, a survivor, told AFP.
Ali Sablay, a representative of the disaster relief organisation Gift of the Givers Foundation, said the number of people needing assistance could rise significantly.
“The homes are fragile; they can collapse anytime. Food is contaminated, so people need to be evacuated,” said Sablay.
Local officials confirmed that at least 20 health facilities and 58 schools sustained damage during the floods.
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