The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education system through the National Education Data Initiative (NEDI), describing accurate data as a critical tool for improving planning, transparency, and service delivery in the sector.

Officials say the initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in the areas of human capital development and social investment.

Speaking at the workshop, government representatives noted that the initiative is being advanced through the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

They explained that improving access to credible educational information would help strengthen accountability and ensure better educational outcomes for Nigerian children.

Participants stressed the strong link between education, family stability, child protection, and national development, noting that every educated child contributes to a stronger and more prosperous society.

The workshop also coincides with activities marking the International Day of Families and preparations for the 2026 National Children’s Day celebration.

Officials described the workshop as more than a technical engagement, saying it serves as a platform for collaboration towards building an inclusive, responsive, and people-centred education system.

According to them, properly identifying, supporting, and educating children remains essential to achieving peace, productivity, and sustainable national growth.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, emphasized the importance of data in solving national challenges, particularly in education and correctional services.

He said that data-driven policies had helped the Ministry of Interior significantly reduce the number of inmates in correctional facilities since 2023, and explained that reliable statistics revealed underlying social issues affecting inmates, including poverty and food insecurity, adding that proper analysis and understanding of problems are necessary for lasting solutions.

Ojo however described education as the foundation for national development and called for broad support for the NEDI initiative to help build a new Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved the appointment of Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Maryam Babangida National Centre for Women Development (MBNCWD).

The President also constituted the Governing Council of the Centre for an initial term of four years.

According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the appointment takes effect from April 18, 2026, in line with the provisions of Section 7 (1) and (3) of the National Centre for Women Development (Amendment) Act, 2023.

The letter conveying the appointment was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON.

Governing Council Members

President Tinubu approved the following as members of the Governing Council:

• Princess Joan Jummai Idonije — Chairman
• Ms. Lois Auta — Member
• Hon. Jamila Sarki — Member
• Aisha Baiyee — Member
• Hon. Jumoke Okoya-Thomas — Member
• Hon. Princess Anne Agom-Eze — Member

President Tinubu congratulated Ms. Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi and all members of the Governing Council on their appointments and wished them success in their new roles.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has commissioned the newly constructed Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV Turn-In Turn-Out transmission lines at the Ihovbor Transmission Substation, Edo State. The event took place today, 14th May, 2026.

MD/CEO Engr. Dr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz described the project as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and improving transmission network reliability nationwide.

He said the 14km double-circuit line links the existing Benin/Ajaokuta 330kV route to the Ihovbor substation, creating two new routes that increase operational flexibility and resilience in the Benin corridor.

“The project has increased the operational flexibility of the transmission network and strengthened the resilience of power delivery within the Benin corridor,” Abdulaziz said. “It grants TCN the ability to more efficiently evacuate power generated by the Azura Power Plant and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company facility, alleviate transmission bottlenecks, and enhance system reliability.”

He noted that the additional 600MW evacuation capacity will allow distribution companies access to more bulk electricity for customers nationwide. The circuit which was energised on 23rd April, 2026, has been in service since, with customers of distribution companies already benefiting from the project.

Abdulaziz explained that TCN’s mandate is to transmit power from generating companies distribution load centres. “Our job is to transmit the power from the generators to the load centers. It is the responsibility of distribution companies to offtake and distribute to customers. With this project, distribution companies will have more bulk power available for industries and residential customers” he said.

He reaffirmed TCN’s commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure to meet current demand and prepare for future growth, and called on host communities to support efforts to protect installations against vandalism.

On his part, the Managing Director of Energo Nigeria, Predrag Mihel, said the project involved 30 towers and twin Bison conductors capable of supporting up to 1.5GW from the NIPP and Azura plants. He credited its completion to strong collaboration between TCN and ENERGO.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager Engineering, Engr. Mojid Akintola, said the project was awarded in 2017 but faced challenges with right of way and funding, which have now been resolved.

He thanked the Ihovbor host community, contractor Energo, and the entire TCN team, particularly the MD/CEO, for making today’s commissioning possible.

The General Manager of Benin Region, Engr. Charles Iwuamadi said that the project adds over 600MW of wheeling capacity to the region and clarified that TCN is only a bulk transporter of electricity, does not distribute electricity to end users. Distribution companies directly interface with electricity consumers.

Representing the Enogie of Ihovbor/Evbueka, Mr. Elliot Imafido commended TCN on the project but appealed that indigenes of the community be prioritised in employment and also that electricity supply to the host community be improved.