By Our Correspondent

The Edo Government says it has intensified measures through various innovative programmes to ensure full and prompt implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state.

Mrs Edesili Okpebholo, the wife of the governor, communicated this on Monday in Abuja at the 2025 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards dinner, an event organised in collaboration with the United Nations and other stakeholders.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SDG Short Film Challenge is an initiative aimed at inspiring creativity and storytelling around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Mrs Okpebholo said the government had embraced the spirit of action and innovation, working to accelerate implementation of the SDGs in the state.

She said that more than 3,000 rural women had been empowered through various programmes including the provision of clean energy facilities, agricultural production, health, education training and film production.

“I will begin with our most recent project regarding SDG 7, Clean Energy, in which we provided clean stoves to rural women.

“I have always said that for you to make impact, it must start from the rural woman; we have done a lot of education of the girl child, I believe in the total woman, empowering her financially, in her health and mentally.

“So, in my office, we are in agreement with all SDG goals , but as I said, it has to do with the total woman, the complete woman so that is what we do as a project, to care for our people.”

The Edo first lady said the state government had some months ago, toward expanding its creative economy, entered into a strategic partnership with a German film academy.

“This collaboration aims to equip emerging filmmakers with world-class training, modern film production techniques, and access to advanced professional film production equipment.”

She said the state would continue to support the film industry practitioners in their movie production, especially on films and cinema shows that promote SDG goals.

“As first lady of the state, I have the privilege of championing several initiatives that speaks directly to our shared commitment to sustainable development.

“Particularly in the areas of empowerment, financial, mental independence, for women, through the Better Life and Care Foundation, which is my pet foundation, and project, we have changed the way we see life.”

According to her, Edo Government has transformed the lives of numerous women and girls, providing them with tools and confidence to pursue their dreams and become pillars of their communities.

She said the efforts aligned with various goals of the SDG, adding that she personally believed in full empowerment of the woman gender.

“Our vision is clear and simple, a future where everyone, every child, every community is in a safe, sustainable, and prosperous environment,” she said.

She urged film makers to continue to utilise their creativity and voice as a force for the good of the nation as they work toward a better and prosperous future.

The Edo first lady said achieving the SDGs goals was not the responsibility of government alone, saying that it required the collective effort of all citizens.

She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with partners, including platforms like the promoters of SDG short films challenge programme to ensure inclusive, sustainable, and impactful development.

On her part, the Queen Consort of Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, said film makers ‘were sustainable change agents, wielding one of the most powerful tools.

She said the most powerful person was the storyteller, describing film makers’ as powerful sustainable development change agents.

“With these films, you have done something revolutionary; you have given these big global goals, human faces, turning them into practical, creative pathways for ordinary people to understand, contribute to, and drive change.”

She called on governments and international development agencies to invest in storytelling to accelerate implementation of SDGs.

“We need the filmmaker in Kano, who can tell the story of climate resilience in Hausa or the animator in Enugu who can explain gender equality to a 10 year old in a way that will make her focus in attaining her dreams,” she said.

NAN reports that high point of the event was the presentation of awards of excellence in SDGs implementation to Mrs Okpebholo and Olori Ivie Atuwatss III .

Awards and cash gifts were also presented to winners for various categories of short films such as best indigenous film and animation, on SDG goals among others.

The 2025 SDG short film challenge and awards provides a national platform for emerging filmmakers and storytellers from across Nigeria to showcase compelling short films that highlight community actions, policy impacts and local innovations.

The short films are designed to show case voices of change, driving progress towards the SDGs.

It is organised in collaboration with the United Nations, FreshNEWS Multimedia Networks Ltd and other key stakeholders.

By Our Correspondent

The Senate on Tuesday at plenary mandated its Committee on Basic and Secondary Education to summon the Minister of Education and heads of other relevant agencies over what it described as a sudden implementation of a new curriculum and registration guideline issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

This followed strong reservations expressed by Senators during debate on motion over the sudden implementation of the new curriculum and registration guideline issued by WAEC.

They warned that the move could cause widespread failure among students scheduled to sit for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The motion, sponsored by Karimi Sunday-Steve, highlighted an abrupt and “ill-prepared” policy change by the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC. He said while leading the debate, that the new guideline requires all SS3 students nationwide to adopt a new curriculum originally planned to take effect in two years’ time, for candidates currently in SS1 and billed to write WAEC in 2027–2028.

Karimi noted that the shift had led to the removal of subjects such as Computer Studies, Civic Education and other pre-existing courses from the WAEC syllabus for the May/June 2026 examination, despite students’ years of preparation, warning that most students would now be left with only six examinable subjects instead of the required minimum of eight and maximum of nine.

The Senate, he said, must act in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which places the welfare of citizens at the centre of governance, and Section 18 which mandates government to ensure equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.

Contributing to the debate, Adams Oshiomhole, who seconded the motion, condemned what he called a “culture of anarchism” in policy implementation. He faulted the introduction of a new curriculum without adequate teachers, laboratories, equipment or proper notification to parents and schools.

“You cannot wake up overnight and say that in June students will be examined in a subject they have not been taught,” Oshiomhole said. “Intentions are not enough. Proper homework must be done.”

He urged the Senate to invite the Minister of Education and relevant agencies to provide evidence of preparedness before such a major policy shift is allowed.

Similarly, Idiat Oluranti Adebule supported the motion but noted that major educational decisions must pass through the National Council on Education involving all state commissioners. She called for a wider investigation into the entire proposed curriculum review.

Senator Solomon Adeola also backed the motion, observing that many of the newly introduced subjects including cosmetology, fashion design, garment making, livestock farming, GSM repairs and solar installation, were highly practical and required facilities most schools do not have.

After extensive deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio ruled that the Minister of Education, heads of relevant education agencies, and the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education should meet to address the concerns raised.

Akpabio noted that the Senate had already adopted one of the prayers regarding exclusion of current SS3 students but agreed that full engagement with the ministry was necessary before any final directive.

“These are very weighty issues,” he said. “We cannot risk mass failure in the 2026 WAEC examinations. The relevant committees should invite the Minister immediately and report back within two weeks.”

The Senate insisted that the matter must be resolved before the end of the year to safeguard academic future of students nationwide.

By George Mgbeleke

Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development,Dr.Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, has in a message brimming with gratitude and renewed optimism for the people of Isuikwuato and the entire Abia North region, praised the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi for approving and commencing the long-awaited reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Federal Road, a deplorable highway that has for years strained Economic and social life across communities in Abia and Ebonyi States.

Uturu–Afikpo corridor, widely regarded as one of the most strategic routes in the Southeast, serves as a major artery for commerce, agricultural exchange, inter-state trade and student movement between the two states. Years of neglect had turned the road into a nightmare for motorists, traders and residents.
Today’s intervention, Dr Ogah noted, “marks not just a project launch but a restoration of dignity, safety and Economic vitality for thousands who depend on the route daily.”

Reacting to the development, Dr Ogah described Minister of Works action as “a turning point for the hopes of our people,” applauding the Minister for his trademark blend of engineering excellence, responsive Leadership and compassionate Governance. He noted that the swift approval reflects Umahi’s National commitment to infrastructure renewal and his determination to ensure that no region is sidelined in the Federal works agenda.

According to Ogah,“This is a masterstroke of statesmanship. Sen.Umahi has once again proven that he is a builder of both roads and trust. He has given our people a reason to believe again.”

He further appealed to residents and host communities to cooperate with contractors and safeguard ongoing work to ensure timely and quality delivery.
Ogah reaffirmed his personal dedication to championing more infrastructural improvements across Abia, stressing that development thrives when leaders and citizens work in synergy.

He concluded that the reconstruction of the Uturu–Afikpo Road will unlock Economic opportunities, enhance security, ease movement, and restore regional pride.

Ogah emphasized that Sen.Umahi deserves the heartfelt appreciation of Ndi Abia for this transformative and long-overdue intervention.