The Benue State Government has announced plans to establish 13 Digital Learning Centres (DLCs) in selected schools to improve access to technology-driven education.

The Executive Chairman of the Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Grace Adagba, disclosed this during the Federal Ministry of Education–Universal Basic Education Commission (FME-UBEC) Roundtable on Digital Resources in Abuja, Tuesday.

Adagba said that the initiative aligns with Governor Hyacinth Alia’s digital transformation agenda for the education sector.

She highlighted the state’s ongoing digital education programmes and reaffirmed SUBEB’s commitment to adopting digital innovations introduced by the Federal Ministry of Education and UBEC.

as National Total Hits 102,025Lagos State has recorded the highest number of new HIV infections in the country, according to fresh data from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, raising concerns about the ongoing challenge of controlling the epidemic despite years of prevention efforts.

A total of 102,025 new HIV infections were documented across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025, per the State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025. Lagos led with 10,430 new cases, followed by Rivers State (6,287) and Kano State (6,106).

Other states with significant new infections in the top 10 included Akwa Ibom (5,413), Taraba (4,854), Benue (4,804), Anambra (4,468), Kaduna (3,659), Adamawa (2,989), and the FCT (2,764). Several additional states reported over 2,000 new cases each, highlighting a concentrated burden in certain regions.

The report underscores that while Nigeria has achieved notable progress in HIV management compared to previous decades—through expanded antiretroviral therapy (ART) access and awareness campaigns—the 2025 figures indicate the epidemic is far from over. Health experts point to factors such as population density in urban centers like Lagos, high mobility, and gaps in consistent prevention and testing as contributors to the state’s leading position.

Officials and advocacy groups have called for intensified, targeted interventions, including scaled-up testing, education on safe practices, and sustained funding for treatment programs to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. Stakeholders warn that declining external support could reverse hard-won gains if not matched by increased domestic investment.

This data comes amid broader efforts by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and state agencies to strengthen surveillance and response strategies. Public health authorities urge Nigerians to prioritize regular testing, condom use, and adherence to treatment for those living with the virus.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has clarified that the Federal Government’s support for small-scale traders extends beyond ‘akara’ sellers to include tomato and pepper sellers across the country.

Speaking at an event, Mrs. Tinubu emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering various categories of informal traders and food vendors.

“Not only ‘akara’, FG also supports tomato, pepper sellers,” she stated.

The First Lady’s remark appears to address recent discussions and criticisms regarding government intervention programmes for petty traders. She highlighted that initiatives aimed at supporting small businesses cover a wide range of essential food items and vendors, including those dealing in tomatoes and peppers, which are staple commodities in Nigerian markets.

Mrs. Tinubu reassured citizens that the administration remains focused on inclusive economic support for vulnerable groups and market women. She noted that such interventions are designed to cushion the effects of economic hardship and promote self-reliance among small-scale entrepreneurs.

The statement has sparked reactions on social media, with many commending the First Lady’s direct engagement while others called for more visible and widespread implementation of the support programmes.