In a major milestone for Nigeria’s housing sector, the Governor of Kaduna State has commissioned a 100-unit mass housing estate developed by Family Homes and executed by Karmod Nigeria, marking the first-ever large-scale prefabricated housing project in the country.

Completed in under six months, the innovative project demonstrates the power of modern prefabricated construction to deliver high-quality, affordable homes at record speed, a sharp contrast to traditional building methods that often take years.

Each of the 100 units in the estate is designed for a lifespan exceeding 50 years with routine maintenance. The development features tarred access roads, efficient drainage systems, clean water supply, and steady electricity, ensuring a modern and comfortable living environment for residents.

According to Family Homes, the project represents a new era in Nigeria’s mass housing delivery, proving that cutting-edge technology can accelerate the provision of sustainable and cost-effective homes for Nigerians.

“With prefabricated technology, we can drastically reduce construction time while maintaining top-quality standards,” said a spokesperson for Family Homes. “This project is a clear demonstration of what’s possible when innovation meets commitment to solving Nigeria’s housing deficit.”

Reinforcing this commitment, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State emphasised the alignment between the initiative and the state’s broader vision for affordable housing.

“The Family Homes Fund’s Social Housing Project aligns with our administration’s commitment to the provision of affordable houses for Kaduna State citizens. Access to safe, affordable and secure housing is the foundation of human dignity. We have been partnering with local and international investors to frontally address our housing deficit,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Mr Ademola Adebise, Chairman of Family Homes Funds Limited, noted that the project embodies inclusivity and social progress.

“The Social Housing Project also reflects our shared vision of inclusive growth, where affordable housing becomes a foundation for economic participation and improved quality of life.”

Karmod Nigeria, the technical partner behind the project, utilised its extensive expertise in prefabricated technology to localise the process, employing local artisans and materials to enhance community participation and job creation.

Industry experts have described the Kaduna project as a blueprint for future housing initiatives nationwide, capable of addressing the country’s housing shortfall more efficiently and sustainably.

With this pioneering development, Kaduna State takes a leading role in introducing modern housing technologies that promise to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape.

About Karmod Nigeria

Karmod Nigeria is the local subsidiary of Karmod Prefabricated Technologies, a global leader in modular and prefabricated building solutions. With decades of experience in over 130 countries, Karmod specialises in delivering durable, energy-efficient, and rapidly deployable housing, commercial, and institutional buildings tailored to local needs.

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), in partnership with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PICTT), has granted the sum of N229 million to 14 awardees of the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her 2.0) initiative.

Speaking at the awards ceremony held at the Agency’s headquarters today, Thursday, 6th November 2025, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, stated that DELT-Her represents an opportunity platform through which women can turn bold engineering ideas into solutions that change the world.

The NASENI boss stated that out of the 9,925 project proposals, 14 women engineers emerged as awardees, receiving N229 million in grant funding to advance their innovative projects across critical sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, health, mobility, digital security and environmental sustainability.

He said NASENI believes that gender inclusion is not charity, it is strategy, as every woman empowered through DELT-Her represents new capacity for the nation’s technology and manufacturing ecosystem with a unique perspective that drives better designs, smarter products and more human-centred innovation.

According to him, “the first edition of DELT-Her in 2024 ignited a movement by empowering six outstanding female engineers with N70.5 million in grant support to develop pioneering innovations. This year, DELT-Her 2.0 attracted 9,925 project proposals, compared to just 120 applications in the previous year.”

Halilu added that “from mentoring 30 school girls in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2024, the programme scaled in 2025 to reach over 150 girls across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa and the FCT, providing mentorship, bootcamps and fabrication kits that have inspired them to develop their own prototypes.”

In his opening address, Chairman of PICTT, Dr. Mohammed Dahiru commended the awardees, noting that their dedication, ingenuity and resilience exemplify the potential of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “As we honour these milestones, let us recommit to sustaining this momentum, ensuring that DELT-Her continues to bridge gaps and drive national development,” he remarked.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on NASENI, Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Senate to the ideals represented by NASENI, including indigenous production, local content development and gender inclusion in science and technology. “We believe that a nation that builds its technology builds its destiny, and a nation that empowers its women secures its future,” he added.

In her remarks, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Udoka, commended NASENI and PICTT for their foresight and dedication. She noted that their initiatives align meaningfully with the Federal Government’s broader commitment to promoting technological independence, industrial growth, gender inclusion and national competitiveness.

Goodwill messages came from the Postmaster-General and CEO, the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Engr. (Ms) Tola Odeyemi, Executive Director, Business Devt, Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Hon. Stella Okotete, Special Assistant on ICT to the President, Fawaz Amodu, representatives of the President, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), the Minister of State for FCT, the DG of PenCom, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation and the DG of NIMC.

With great joy and appreciation to God Almighty, I join thousands and associates of Journalism to celebrate the birthday of one of my best friends, Pastor Mrs. Ann Godwin who by the grace of God has distinguished herself not only as an Amazon but as an exceptional journalist and a wonderful Lady of God.

I could still recall that on my arrival in Rivers State about 18 years ago, I monitored this lady both as a friend and father and can assert that she is an exceptional, simple, gentle, and a workaholic who, no matter how tasking any assignment given to her may look like, she does it with joy and laughter.

Watching this lady from my days as the Media Consultant to the Prince of Nigeria Delta Politics, Prince Tonye TJT Princewill as far back as 2007 and how this little lady then as a struggling Journalist with the Guardian Newspaper who by today have become the Bureau Chief of the same Newspaper, I concluded that She whom God is interested upon must surely shine and beam her light to the entire world.

Very humble, brilliant, beautiful and committed to any task assigned to her, who answers my call for any press briefing no matter how choked her time is. By her antecedents and feats have succeeded to reaffirm my faith in God that with Him, I can achieve whatever it is that I desires in this world..

When she decided to marry a Pastor, I was wondering what future holds for such a young lady but today because of her faith in God she and her husband are pastoring one of the leading churches in Rivers State.

What amazes me about this lady is her ability to conquer a lot of grounds at such a short time, becoming not only an International Lady but a multiple Award-Winning Journalist, South-South Bureau Chief of Guardian Newspaper Nigeria.

Apart from all these, she is a respected Media Coach/Mentor, an Educationist, Public Speaker, and Community and Executive Director of StepUp4women, a platform which she uses to turn around the lives of many women in Nigeria.

Eze recalls when this indefatigable lady won the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Special Recognition Award. The NUJ stated that the award is given to journalists who consistently, throughout their careers, have brought great honour and pride to the NUJ and the journalism profession, in addition to contributing to the greater good of society.

NUJ further stated that Ann by 2022 emerged as the first prize winner of the prestigious Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism-Female Leadership Programme award and have made significant positive impacts that have led to system improvements and enhanced the citizens’ quality of life.

NUJ further highlighted that her recent work, titled ‘At UPTH’s ICU, Horror, Nightmare as Caregivers Exploit Sick and Dying Patients’, revealed the horrible experiences patients endure at the hospital’s ICU ward and exposed the challenges with oxygen supply to patients.

The report attracted the Federal Government’s attention a few weeks later, leading to the completion of four oxygen manifold piping facilities in various locations within the hospital. These facilities now cover 100 beds, delivering gas directly to patients from the manifold.

In her appreciation, Rev. Mrs Godwin expressed her profound gratitude to the NUJ for the award and for acknowledging the impacts of her work, expressing delight that the NUJ committee and executives found her work and impact worthy of the prestigious award.

According to her, “I pursue my work out of passion, and I am propelled by the social responsibility theory, which encourages individuals to discharge their civic duties to improve the quality of life for the people.”

She added that the award would encourage her and other journalists to remain courageous and bold in discharging their civic duties with high professionalism and dexterity, continuing to make significant impacts in society and improving people’s quality of life.

“Journalists should not be deterred from embarking on outstanding works that will bring the desired impact in society, irrespective of the daunting challenges we face in the country.”

“In present-day Nigeria, where the economy is in an anemic state, institutions are weak, infrastructure is collapsing, and growth is stunted, we need courageous journalists who will firmly uphold ethical standards, shed light in dark areas, and through unbiased and professional reporting, change the narrative and rebuild the country.”

Godwin, a media coach, said the recognition has inspired her to strive for excellence in all her work for the good of the profession and society at large.

Godwin has also received an Award of Excellence from Advancing Women in Business (ADWIB) for her contribution to the growth of journalism practice and the impact of her reports on women in the South-South region and the nation at large.

I must state that I thank God for causing me to pass the great path of this great golden lady, whose impact on anybody that crosses her golden path is always infectious

I pray God not only to bless her new age but to grant unto her greater and better years ahead IJN

Happy birthday, the little girl of yesterday that have become Mama General to many other great mothers in Rivers State

Congratulations and God bless

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has called on the Federal Government to collaborate with the United States and other international allies to decisively tackle terrorism in Nigeria.

Senator Dickson made the call while expressing deep concern over the continued reign of terror and destruction unleashed by jihadist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, ISIS, al-Qaeda, and emerging splinter groups like Lakurawa and Wulowulo, which have terrorised the country for nearly 15 years.

He emphasized that while Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected by all, the government must equally demonstrate the resolve to cooperate with friendly nations to eradicate terrorist networks that have killed thousands of Nigerians across religious and ethnic lines.

“For almost 15 years, these murderous groups have unleashed unimaginable havoc — bombing places of worship, killing traditional rulers, kidnapping school children, and seizing territories where they impose taxes and laws of their own. This is a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and should no longer be tolerated,” Dickson said.

The senator lamented that despite repeated interventions by the National Assembly and numerous proposals to the Executive, the problem of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency has continued to spread beyond the Northeast to other parts of the country, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Taraba, Niger, and even the Middle Belt and southern Kaduna regions.

He described the situation as a national emergency that requires international collaboration, noting that past administrations failed to address the crisis effectively, thereby fueling suspicions of state complicity.

“We must be honest with ourselves that the killings have gone on for too long. Government and security forces have been overwhelmed. We need help! No nation can confront terrorism in isolation. We must therefore work with our allies and partners to defeat this menace once and for all,” he added.

Senator Dickson also recommended that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu strengthen diplomatic relations with neighbouring countries and appoint ambassadors to fill existing diplomatic gaps, which he said have hampered Nigeria’s foreign policy engagements.

He further urged President Tinubu to work closely with former U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. government, and other global partners to mobilize coordinated efforts aimed at flushing out terrorists and restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.

“It is time for Nigeria to take decisive steps, both locally and internationally, to end this reign of terror. Our people have suffered enough,” he concluded.

….. Varsity Endows Chair, Presents Book On Bayelsa Gov
….. Diri: It’s Motivation For Greater Service

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, have lauded Governor Douye Diri’s remarkable strides in the education sector through transformative initiatives.

According to a press release on Thursday, November 6, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Daniel Alabrah, they described his administration’s reforms and investments in the sector as visionary in driving a knowledge-based economy.

They gave the commendation at the formal Book Presentation/Launch, Public Lecture and Institution of a Professorial Chair on Leadership and Good Governance in honour of Senator Diri at the University of Lagos on Wednesday.

They said his book, “Leadership Chronicles of Governor Douye Diri”, which was edited by Prof. Hope Eghagha and Sola Ojewusi under the UNILAG Consult, and the endowment of a professorial chair in the Department of Political Science, was not only tribute to the Bayelsa governor but also a masterclass in leadership.

Shettima, who was represented by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, said the book captured the spirit of Diri’s leadership style, which he said was “refreshing, deliberate and deeply attuned to the oaths and aspirations of his people.”

Hamzat, who also spoke on behalf of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Diri’s stewardship in Bayelsa in about six years had been characterised by a rare blend of compassion and competence and demonstrated that meaningful progress could be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness and relentless effort.

l congratulate Governor Douye Diri on this well-earned honour. This celebration is a testament to your unwavering service, exemplary character and steadfastness to the principles of good governance. Bayelsa and Nigeria stand proud of your achievements and the inspiring values you uphold.

“This book captures the spirit of his leadership, core values and courage that define his path. It reminds us that leadership is not about self-aggrandisement but about the lasting impact we forge through lifting our communities and fostering peace and creating opportunities where none existed. It is more than a tribute in leadership transformation that he brings to the lives of his people.”

Shettima expressed the hope that the book would serve as a beacon to inspire leadership across the country to lead compassionately and courageously.

The keynote speaker and Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, described Diri as a great Nigerian, who has demonstrated in spirit and in letter the essence of leadership.

Mutfwang congratulated the Vice Chancellor and UNILAG Consult for documenting Diri’s achievements, which he described as a befitting and prestigious honour.

According to him, the Bayelsa governor has demonstrated quality leadership in virtually every facet of development, particularly in areas of education, healthcare delivery, security and the ongoing effort to light up the state through its independent power project.

He equally stressed the need for Bayelsans, the Ijaw nation and the South South to unite and foster peace and development in the region.

“Several people have had the opportunity to be in leadership and have been forgotten. But l know that when Governor Diri vacates the scene, the drums will still be beating.”

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Folasade Ogunsola, said the book provided an opportunity to examine ideas, experiences and reflections of a leader serving in one of Nigeria’s most complex and dynamic regions.

She noted that the Bayelsa governor’s public life offered valuable insights into governance, conflict management and the search for peace and development in the Niger Delta.

Ogunsola said the professorial chair in honour of Diri aligned with the institution’s mission to be a global centre of excellence in education, research and innovation.

She commended the Bayelsa governor for investing in knowledge, as it was one of the most enduring contributions any public servant can make to society.

Responding, Governor Diri said the honour would spur him and his team to work harder in the service of the state.

He noted that the recognition was not only for him but was for the entire Bayelsa, and expressed appreciation to the VC, the institution’s management and the editorial team for acknowledging and compiling his administration’s achievements.

“Those in positions of authority must be accountable to the people and earn their trust, without which confidence in governance will inevitably wane. It is in that spirit that l accept this book, which seeks to honour not only me but the entirety of Bayelsa State.

“I accept to support the professorial chair and encourage scholarship that would be beneficial not only to Bayelsa State but also to Nigeria.”

The book was reviewed by veteran journalist and anchor of the programme, Journalists Hangout, on Television Continental (TVC), Mr Babajide Kolade-Otitoju.

More than one billion naira was pledged at the event as donations by national and state assembly members, government agencies, corporate organisations, members of the state executive council, local governments, private individuals and youth bodies, among others.

Dignitaries at the well-attended event included serving and former national and state assembly members, as well as Senator Sunday Katung representing Kaduna South, the immediate past deputy governor and chairman, Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd).

Also present were the National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali, Chairman/CEO of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, who was the chief launcher, CEO of Pelfaco Limited, Chief Gesi Asamaowei, CEO of Century Energy, Mr Ken Etete as well as the Managing Director, Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Ebitimi Amgbare, and former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe.

Others were the chairman, Bayelsa State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Bubaraye Dakolo, former All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Chief David Lyon, Managing Director, Monimichelle Construction Limited, Mr Ebi Egbe, as well as the Ijaw Ladies Association and various Niger Delta and Ijaw groups based in Lagos.

The stage is set for the fifth edition of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 5.0), scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos.

The conference will commence at 9:00 AM (WAT), bringing together Africa’s foremost technology leaders, innovators, regulators, and investors to discuss the theme:
“AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

As Africa continues to deepen its digital transformation agenda, AfriTECH 5.0 will explore how artificial intelligence (AI), indigenous innovation, and sovereign technologies can accelerate the continent’s quest for digital autonomy, security, and sustainable growth.

Distinguished Speakers and Thought Leaders

This year’s edition will feature a lineup of prominent industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators including: Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC); Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd; George Agu, MD/CEO, ActivEdge Technologies Ltd., Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Limited; Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications; Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN); Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, and Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh, CEO, Afrorgy Financial Services Ltd.

Other speakers are; Happiness Obohia, CEO, Tizeti Cybersecurity; Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbabaie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week; Mr. Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Coach; John Itodo, AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets, amongst others.

These speakers will provide insights on how Africa can leverage homegrown technologies and AI-driven systems to strengthen its digital sovereignty and competitiveness.

“AfriTECH 5.0 promises a robust and interactive agenda featuring, Keynote Presentations from industry regulators and global tech leaders; Goodwill Messages from government representatives and policy influencers; a Fireside Chat hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, focused on decentralized systems and blockchain innovation; Panel Discussions addressing data governance, fintech inclusion, cybersecurity, and the AI economy; a Tech Exhibition, showcasing innovative digital products and solutions from leading companies, and the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating organizations and individuals driving excellence in Africa’s digital ecosystem”, said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-convener of AfriTECH 5.0.

AfriTECH 5.0 is supported by a coalition of technology enablers and sponsors including; Platinum sponsor: Digital Encode Limited.

Others are Gold Sponsors; itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, Afrigo Payment Financial Services Limited, Tizel Cybersecurity ActivEdge Technologies, Galaxy Backbone Ltd, while the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) is a supporting partner.

Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) is a premier annual event dedicated to driving conversations and collaborations around Africa’s digital transformation.

The platform connects stakeholders across policy, technology, and business to shape the continent’s tech-driven future.

Participation at AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is required and can be done via the link: www.africatechallianceforum.africa.