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FG To Establish More Gemstone And Jewellery Centres To Boost Mining Entrepreneurship And Value Addition
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing additional gemstone and jewellery-making centres nationwide as part of efforts to promote entrepreneurship in the mining sector and enhance local value addition.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement during his visit to the Laurel School of Mining in Abuja on Friday. He praised the centre for its exemplary role in training jewellery and gemstone makers and expressed satisfaction with the high-quality jewellery produced, noting that the products are comparable to international standards.
In a statement released by his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake highlighted the importance of transforming raw materials, such as gold and sapphire, into finished jewellery, emphasizing that this value addition significantly contributes to industrializing the mining sector, creating job opportunities, and boosting revenue generation.
The minister also reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing production at the centre and disclosed plans to establish more facilities across the country following the commencement of the 2025 budget implementation. He stressed the potential of the jewellery-making sector to meet both local and international demand, positioning it as a key source of foreign exchange earnings.
Alake expressed optimism that illegal mining operators might transition to formal production through the centre, which would provide skills and employment opportunities for the youth, thereby supporting the country’s industrialization efforts.
Tope Adebanjo, MD/CEO of Laurel School of Mining, thanked the ministry for its continued support and highlighted the ongoing Batch 4 Advanced Master Class training, emphasizing the positive impact on developing entrepreneurs in the gemstone and jewellery sector. He urged the minister to continue supporting the centre’s initiatives to maximize the utilization of its equipment and create wealth and employment.
In response, the minister encouraged Adebanjo to present a comprehensive proposal to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, to facilitate further development of the centre.
The Laurel School of Mining, a professional training facility, focuses on mining, exploration, and manufacturing of high-quality gemstones and jewellery, with support from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
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Kwara Teachers Threaten Statewide Strike Over Unmet Welfare Demands.
According to Nivo News, teachers in Kwara State are threatening a statewide industrial action following the government’s failure to address long-standing welfare concerns. The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) criticised the state for neglecting issues affecting educators despite repeated engagements over the past two years.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a letter addressed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on November 13, 2025, and acknowledged by the Governor’s Office on November 17, the NUT demanded the implementation of the 27.5% Teachers Specific Allowance (TSA) for TRCN-certified teachers and 21% for non-certified teachers, as well as compliance with the National Harmonised Teachers Retirement Age Act, 2022. The correspondence, signed by NUT National President Comrade Audu Titus Amba and Secretary-General Dr Clinton Ikpitibo, highlighted the government’s inaction as a source of growing frustration among teachers.
The union expressed dismay that while salary improvements were extended to medical workers, nurses, and judiciary staff, teachers’ demands were left unaddressed, leaving educators feeling undervalued and demoralised. The NUT warned that the delay in implementing the TSA and retirement age reforms had pushed teachers to the brink of industrial unrest.
The union urged an emergency meeting with the governor before December 13, 2025, emphasizing that prompt government action could still avert a strike. Copies of the letter were sent to key state officials, including the Acting Head of Service, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, and relevant labour organisations.
The NUT cautioned that continued inaction could trigger a strike capable of disrupting academic activities statewide, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention to resolve the crisis peacefully.
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Activist Accused Of Stealing Kidnapping Ransom Sparks Edo State Outcry.
A public dispute has surfaced involving self-styled security mediator and activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the family of a kidnapped couple in Edo State, following allegations that Gwamnishu misappropriated part of the crowdfunded ransom.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The tension stems from the abduction of Mr. and Mrs. Segiru from their Aviele community home near Auchi on November 22, 2025. The family had reportedly raised ₦20 million, plus an additional ₦50,000, to secure their release.
Abdulganiyu Oseni, the elder brother of the kidnapped wife, accused Gwamnishu, who had offered mediation through his Safe City Volunteer Foundation, of diverting funds for personal gain. Oseni claimed that Gwamnishu remitted only ₦5.4 million to the Auchi Area Police Command before allegedly fleeing, putting the couple’s lives at risk. He described Gwamnishu as a “thief” and insisted that the diversion led to the release of only the wife.
Gwamnishu, however, has strongly denied the allegations, stating that his involvement was purely technical and not financial. He said he assisted in tracking the ransom money using technology to support security agencies, and claimed his service was free. According to him, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million, which the family negotiated down to ₦20 million. He maintained that the kidnappers only released the wife and refused the husband because the money was “not complete,” though he asserted the kidnappers did not physically count it.
Gwamnishu also suggested that the family compromised the operation by questioning his strategy in front of police officers and engaged in a “blame game” after the partial release. He invited authorities and journalists to investigate and stated his willingness for a public inquiry, while emphasizing the safety of the husband, who remains in captivity.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said the police would provide a full report once investigations were concluded.
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Osimhen And Iwobi Lead Emotional Tributes As Troost-Ekong Retires From Nigeria.
Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi have paid heartfelt tributes to Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong after the defender announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a decade-long career with Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The 32-year-old Troost-Ekong confirmed his decision on Thursday, concluding a career that saw him earn 83 caps and score eight goals, including appearances in two Africa Cup of Nations finals. His retirement comes just days before Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON campaign in Morocco.
In response to the news, Osimhen expressed his admiration on , praising Troost-Ekong as a mentor both on and off the field. The Galatasaray striker wrote: “It’s been an honour sharing the pitch with you, Skippo. Your guidance, humility, and professionalism inspired us all to strive for excellence. Thank you for everything you’ve given to the team and Nigeria. Wishing you greatness ahead. You’ve earned it. Legend forever.”
Iwobi echoed similar sentiments in an interview with SportyTV, describing the mood in camp as emotional following the announcement. The Fulham midfielder emphasized Troost-Ekong’s enduring influence on the team, saying, “Obviously, it is a sad one for us because he is a big part of our team. But at the end of the day, I wish him well, he is a brother, he has helped Nigeria and me.”
Iwobi added that even in the later stages of his career, when his playing time was limited, Troost-Ekong remained pivotal to team morale and cohesion. “He was still a big part of our team, his voice, the way he was leading us and the way he made sure the togetherness in the team was very high and very strong,” he said.
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, Troost-Ekong chose to represent Nigeria after featuring for the Netherlands at youth level. He made his senior debut on 13 June 2015 against Chad in an AFCON qualifier. His five goals in the Africa Cup of Nations remain the highest ever scored by a defender in the competition. Troost-Ekong’s final appearance for Nigeria came as a late substitute against Gabon on 13 November 2025.
Troost-Ekong currently plays for Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League.
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