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PDP Suspends NEC Meeting For Akwa Ibom First Lady’s Burial

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Umar Damagun - PDP Chairman

The Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, has suspended its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting initially schedule for Thursday next Thursday.

The party in a statement on Thursday by its National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu said the decision was taken so that the party’s officials could attend the funeral of Patience Umo Eno, the wife of Akwa Ibom state governor who died on September 27.

The late Akwa Ibom First Lady died in August, and the funeral rights, according to the state governor will take place between November 27 and 29.

The PDP scribe apologised for the shift in the party’s NEC meeting, saying the party had no other option after its attention was drawn to the Mrs Umo Eno’s funeral.

The statement reads: “At its meeting of Wednesday, the attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) was drawn to the programme of events of the funeral ceremony of Mrs. Eno, which coincide with the scheduled dates of activities for the 99th NEC meeting. After due consideration, the NWC, recognising the need for party leaders to commiserate with Governor Eno, hereby notify NEC members that the 99th NEC meeting will now be held on a date that will be communicated to members in due course.”

“All NEC Members should please note the change of date and be guided accordingly. The NWC sincerely regrets inconveniences this change of date will cause distinguished members of NEC.”

The party had in October 23 postponed the NEC meeting to November amidst the leadership crisis rocking Nigeria’s main opposition party.

Ogun: Where’s N214bn LG Funds? Gov Abiodun and Adebutu Bicker

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Amidst the battle for the soul of the State, the 2023 Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Oladipupo Adebutu has accused the state governor, Dapo Abiodun of mismanaging billions belonging to Local governments in the Gateway State.

The governor cannot account for a whopping N214 billion that accrued to the local governments, the PDP chieftain said. There are 18 local governments in the state.

Adebutu made the allegation on Thursday in Abeokuta, the state capital during a press conference, accusing Governor Abiodun of trying to silent him because of his penchant for transparency.

Reacting, the state government said the PDP candidate is a drowning man who is trying to unleash his anger on the governor after he was roundly rejected by the people of the state during the last governorship election.

Adebutu, the magazine recalls, lost the 2023 governorship election to the incumbent.  He had earlier lost the election to Abiodun in 2019.

According to Adebutu, Governor Abiodun has failed to account for over N200 billion which accrued to the LGAs in the last five years, the PDP candidate called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the governor to order saying the “reason they have been pursuing me and want to shut me up is because they are stealing the local government money.”

The PDP candidate also accused the state government of being responsible for the violence during the recent local government election in the state wondering why the federal government has kept quite when people are being allegedly ‘killed’ because of power.

Adebutu said: “President Bola Tinubu should call Governor Abiodun to order because the way the governor has conducted himself in the last week, particularly over the LG poll is quite condemnable.

“If under a Yoruba presidency, the President will sit down and watch his people being killed and maimed because they want to exercise their franchise and vote the candidates of their choice, it will be very sad. The truth is that the governor is destroying whatever goodwill is left of the APC in the Southwest.

“The reason they have been pursuing me and want to shut me up is because they are stealing the local government money. They don’t want the stealing of our patrimony to stop.”

In its reaction to the allegations, Governor Abiodun’s spokesman, Kayode Akinmade described Adebutu as a spent politician who is trying to drag the state governor down with him.

There was no way such humungous amount could have been mismanaged by the governor, Akinmade said, asking, how the state government has been able to pay salary of LGAs workers after the alleged disappearance of the N214 billion.

He wondered how Governor Abiodun could have mismanaged the funds when he is not a signatory to the local government accounts.

If the allegation is true Akinmade, said,“That means, conceptually, that the said local governments did not pay any salaries and did not execute any projects in those five years, and it says a lot about a governorship candidate whose own running mate described him as a complete disaster.

“The fact is that at no time did Governor Abiodun touch a dime of LG funds in Ogun State, but Adebutu has to entertain his crowd.”

The issue of local government funds has remained a vexed issue in the country following allegation that the state governors are tampering with what is meant for the LGAs.

The apex court in the country, the Supreme Court in July, as part of the federal government’s efforts to stop the malaise had, in a landmark ruling ordered that funds accruing to the LGAs from the Federation Account be paid to them directly.

BoT Suspends ACF Chairman, Osuman, For Criticizing President Tinubu’s Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Mamman Mike Osuman - ACF Chairman

By Ayodele Oni

For criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Board of Trustees, (BoT) of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has announced the suspension of Mamman Osuman, its national chairman.

Bashir Dalhatu, chairman of the BoT of ACF, and Murtala Aliyu, the secretary, who announced the suspension on Thursday, also accused the chairman of issuing an unauthorised statement.

Osuman had criticised northern leaders for not finding solutions to the challenges facing the region.

He queried the roles the governors and lawmakers from the region are playing towards improving the economic hardship inflicted on the people by the policies of President Bola Tinubu.

He reportedly announced the support of the forum for a northern candidate in the 2027 general election.

The ACF said Osuman did not consult with other leaders and members of the forum before making the statement.

A statement by the BoT read “The attention of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has been drawn to widely reported statements credited to Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman, (SAN), Chairman, ACF National Executive Committee (NEC), which were made during the meeting of the NEC, held on Wednesday, November 2024, at ACF Headquarters, Kaduna.

“In particular, Mr. Osuman was quoted as saying that the North will back a northern candidate for the presidency come 2027.

“The statements were made by the NEC Chairman without consulting or discussing with other leaders and members of the ACF and thus reflected Mr. Osuman’s personal opinion only. ACF rejects Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman’s statements in their entirety.

“For this reason, the leadership of the ACF’s Board of Trustees (BOT) and that of its NEC has decided to place Mr. Mamman Mike Osuman on suspension with immediate effect. A committee has been constituted for further investigations.”

Nigeria Ranks 7th Globally for International Students In The United States

By
The Source
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Nigerian student enrollment at U.S. colleges and universities rose to 20,029 students in 2023/2024, marking a 13.5 percent increase from the previous year, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Education Exchange.  This places Nigeria as Africa’s leading source of international students and 7th globally.

The report reveals that U.S. colleges and universities host a record-breaking 1,126,690 international students this year, marking an all-time high for international enrollment. This milestone aligns with the 75th anniversary of the Open Doors Report, the leading benchmark for international educational exchange in the United States. Notably, Nigeria with 20,029 students, reinforces its position as the top sending country from Africa and the 7th largest globally.

Nigerian students bring a wealth of diversity, perspectives, and academic excellence to U.S. universities, enriching the educational experience for all students.  Nigerian scholars are known for their strong academic backgrounds and commitment to advanced education, with over 55% pursuing graduate-level studies in the United States.

The growth in Nigerian students choosing to study in the U.S. reflects both the strong U.S. commitment to high-quality education and the growing interest of Nigerian scholars in international academic experiences. It also highlights the importance of people-to-people connections that deepen understanding and strengthen bonds between Nigeria and the United States.

Sub-Saharan Africa’s student mobility grew by 13% in 2023/24, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing region for the second year, following an 18% increase in 2022/23. The influx of Nigerian students is a testament to the robust educational ties between the U.S. and Nigeria.

The Open Doors Report, an annual publication of the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, was released at the beginning of International Education Week, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education. This week is dedicated to promoting global awareness and inspiring future leaders worldwide to study in the United States.

For the latest information on studying in the United States, follow our social media pages: @USInNigeria @EducationUSANigeria

Jigawa Appoints 120 Special Assistants To Boost School Monitoring

By
Ayodele Oni
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Umar Namadi - Governor of Jigawa State

By Ayodele Oni

Jigawa State Government has commenced a three-day training programme for 120 Special Assistants on Education to enhance their capacity for school monitoring and improve learning outcomes.

Speaking at the opening session of the programme, the Senior Special Adviser to Governor Umar Namadi on Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Hudu, stated that the workshop was organized to equip the appointees with the skills needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities.

According to him, education is one of the top priority sectors in Governor Namadi’s 12-point agenda, designed to make Jigawa State great.

He added that several policies and programmes have been implemented to revitalize the sector.

“Monitoring is one of the key aspects for improving schools management and learning outcome.  This made Governor Namadi in his wisdom to appoint minimum of two special assistants on education in each of the 27 local government area of the state.”

Alhaji Hudu further explained that, in every local government, there are Special Assistants on Basic Education and also for senior secondary education.

He said, the aides are all expected to assist in monitoring the projects and learning activities at the schools of their jurisdiction.

“We gathered them today, to train them on what they are expected to do, how to do it  and also to tell them that, the work given to them doesn’t have any political inclination.

“They are on assignment for building the future of Jigawa state, therefore they must be proactive, just, simple and firmed in monitoring the schools and given back report to designated body”

Alhaji Hudu pointed out that, a portal will be created for the SA’s to be sending their reports electronically without necessary for them to travel to the state  capital for submitting their reports.

Atiku Accuses National Assembly Of Aiding President Tinubu’s Lust For Loans

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

By Ayodele Oni

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarm that Nigeria is sinking further in debt, indicting the National Assembly of becoming an accomplice.

He also expressed worries over recent report released by the World Bank, showing Nigeria as the third most indebted country to the International Development Association (IDA).

This comes amid the latest approval by the National Assembly of President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow an additional N1.7 trillion.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, described the request as a shortfall in the 2024 budget through Euro Bonds.

According to Atiku, this loan proposal is particularly concerning because it is benchmarked at the exchange rate of 1 USD to N800, whereas the current exchange rate from the Central Bank of Nigeria stands at over N1,600 to 1 USD.

The statement, titled “Tinubu’s loans bone-crushing to Nigerians, bringing insufferable pressure on the economy,” it reads “The recent report released by the World Bank, showing Nigeria as the third most indebted country to the International Development Association (IDA), is very concerning.

“This report is coming just when the government has already sent a proposal to the National Assembly signalling an intention to borrow an additional N1.7tn being shortfall in the 2024 budget through Euro Bonds.

“What makes this particular loan proposal even more concerning is that it is benchmarked at the exchange rate of 1 USD to N800, whereas the current exchange rate from the Central Bank of Nigeria stands at over N1,600 to 1 USD.

“Nigeria is sinking further in debt, and the National Assembly has become an accomplice once more. Tinubu had, in July this year, boasted that the FIRS and Customs under his watch have collected all-time high revenues to finance the Budget.

“Why then are they still borrowing? There is something that they are not telling Nigerians, even as they are being crushed by a combination of their failed trial-and-error policies and loan rackets.

“These Tinubu’s loans are bone-crushing to Nigerians and bringing insufferable pressure on the economy, especially when they are not properly negotiated and utilised.

“It is concerning that the voracious appetite for these humongous loans is powered by corruption and not for infrastructure and development needs. A report by Budgit, a budget watchdog, has disclosed that the 2024 Budget is a mess because of the level of pork associated with it.

“I feel a sense of personal agony seeing that just a few years after the administration of President Obasanjo took our country out of foreign indebtedness, we are today back at the top spot in the same conundrum. It is time that we apply more caution and apply arithmetic to the loan frenzy.”

National Grid Collapse: NEC Constitutes Committee To Address Power Sector Challenges

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
TCN - Transmission Line - Power

By Ayodele Oni

The National Economic Council (NEC) has moved to reinforce implementation of the National Electrification Strategy, with the setting up of a committee to address challenges in the power sector.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant, Office of The Vice President, in a statement, stated that this is also in a bid to end the incessant collapse of the nation’s power grid.

The formation of the committee was among decisions taken by NEC at the end of its 146th meeting on Thursday chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The committee headed by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, is to work towards deepening states’ engagements within the Electricity Reform Act 2023 and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Members of the committee include Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

Others are Ministers of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change; Special Adviser to the President on Power; Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

Following a presentation by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), NEC observed that Nigeria needs a reformed and diversified electricity system, noting that by empowering states, accessibility and affordability of electricity can be enabled, ensuring that all regions effectively meet their specific energy needs.

Earlier in his address, Vice President Shettima maintained that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.

He outlined issues before the Council that require urgent attention to include energy infrastructure, human capital development, creative industries, fiscal strategy, industrial innovation, and long-term development planning, describing them as foundational to the transformation Nigeria needs.

Shettima explained that it is for this that experts and stakeholders from some of the critical sectors have been invited to share their insights and contributions.

“The past few months of collapses in our national power grid compel us to reinforce the pace with which we are adopting and implementing the National Electrification Strategy. Energy access is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is the oxygen of economic growth.

“Our blueprints must, therefore, strive to expand access, empower rural communities, and drive productivity, especially for MSMEs.

“I hope that our discussions today will inspire solutions to light up homes, power businesses, and fuel Nigeria’s industrial future.

“Whatever path we agree upon, it is clear that a private-sector-led distributed renewable energy generation approach is essential to increasing electricity access for households and small enterprises alike.”

The Vice President also urged the Council to take Nigeria’s creative industry seriously, saying it presents an avenue to redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.

According to him, “new technologies have not only amplified the global appeal of our arts, crafts, and culture but also opened up revenue streams and job opportunities for Nigerians.

“Our music, films, art, and cultural heritage are not just global symbols of Nigeria’s soft power but also vital engines of economic growth. We cannot afford to relegate the promise of turning creativity into wealth, empowering our youth, and positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and cultural excellence,” he added.

Meanwhile, the position of governors on state police will be ready by the next NEC meeting.

Kano Returns Released Hunger Protest Minors Back To School

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Underaged or Minors Protesters

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Kano State authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024 pledged to ensure that all the minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protest in kano will be assisted to complete their educational pursuit.

This is even as they  called on parents and guardians to collaborate in the efforts to revive the educational fortunes of their children.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who spoke at  the formal hand over of about 76 minors from the State to their  parents,also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention which paved the way for the released of the children.

The Source reports that the Police had late last month provoked public outrage with its prosecution of minors arrested across the country during the hunger protest that rocked the country from August 1 to 10 2024.

Out of the over 132 minors docked for treasonable charges, 76 are from Kano

Since returning to the ancient commercial city, they had been resident at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, where they were treated for various ailments contracted while in detention .

Represented by his Chief of Staff , the Kano State Governor stated that the State Government is committed to ensuring that the released minors are fully integrated into the society.

According to him, assisting them to complete their education, is one sure way of preparing them to be useful to themselves and the  society.

He, therefore, cautioned  parents against being a stumbling block to the efforts aimed at reviving the children’s  educational pursuits .

” I want to call on parents to complement the Government’s efforts towards ensuring these children ( minors) are properly educated to enable them contribute towards the development of the state.

“Both the Federal and state Governments have to also work to ensure that our children are educated”, he noted.

Further speaking, Governor Yusuf informed that the Commission for Education has been directed to accord the children all necessary logistical support needed for them to complete their education.

He, however, warned parents against turning the fate of the children into a money making venture.

He warned that any parents caught using the children to solicit funds from persons and groups will be dealt with accordingly.

The Commissioner for Education added that a final year undergraduate among the minors, will be assisted to complete his studies, while another, a holder of NCE Certificate will be offered employment in the State Civil Service.

Before, the handing over ceremony, the released minors all received a clean bill of health, according to Dr Abubakar Yusuf, the State Commissioner for Health.

N47.9 Trillion Budget: Bold Plans Or Fiscal Gamble For Nigeria In 2025

By
The Source
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Bola Tinubu

The 2025 federal budget for Nigeria would definitely face numerous uncertainties that could hinder its success. At N47.9 trillion, it represents a 35% increase over the N27.5 trillion 2024 budget, signaling the government’s intention to drive aggressive spending. However, significant challenges such as overoptimistic oil production targets, exchange rate instability, heavy reliance on borrowing, and revenue collection inefficiencies raise doubts about its feasibility. As of August 2024, Nigeria’s budget deficit was 7.6 percent of GDP which was higher than the approved target of 3.8 percent. This was due to the country’s fiscal deficit as continued to increase.

 

The 2025 budget conceivability assumes an oil production target of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd) and a crude oil benchmark price of $75 per barrel. While the price aligns with global averages, the production target is highly optimistic. Historical data shows that Nigeria has struggled to meet similar targets due to persistent oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and infrastructure degradation. l would have suggested $68 per barrel and whatever the excess, above this price would be a plus. In fiscal planning, setting realistic revenue expectations is crucial for sound budgetary management. The approach of setting low revenue expectations with the aim of surpassing them can be viewed as prudent, as it creates a buffer for fiscal flexibility and reduces the likelihood of disappointment. However, overestimating revenues and then failing to meet those targets is generally considered a risky strategy for several reasons.

 

In 2023, Nigeria’s average daily production hovered around 1.2 to 1.4 mbpd, far below OPEC quotas. Meeting or exceeding the 2.06 mbpd target would require substantial reforms in oil sector security, transparency in operations, and investments in infrastructure. Without these, the oil revenue assumptions underpinning the 2025 budget risk being significantly overstated, potentially widening the deficit. The budget projects an exchange rate of N1,400 per dollar, significantly lower than the current rate of approximately N1,650. Reducing the Naira exchange rate from N1,600 to N1,400 is a desirable goal for Nigeria, as it would stabilise the economy, reduce inflationary pressures, and improve the purchasing power of citizens. However, achieving such a reduction is complex and would require significant structural changes. 

 

Achieving this target will require bold interventions, including: Increasing Foreign Exchange (Forex) Liquidity. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would need to tighten monetary policy and prioritise interventions to stabilise the naira. If these measures are not implemented, exchange rate volatility could erode the dollar value of budgeted expenditures, undermine purchasing power, and inflate the cost of servicing foreign debt. The 2025 budget proposes N13.8 trillion in new borrowing, equivalent to 3.87% of the projected GDP. This raises concerns about debt sustainability as Nigeria’s public debt continues to grow.

 

 A significant portion of revenue is already allocated to servicing debt, crowding out investments in critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Given that much of Nigeria’s debt is denominated in foreign currency, exchange rate depreciation will further increase the cost of debt servicing, worsening fiscal pressures. The success of the 2025 budget would depend heavily on achieving ambitious revenue targets, particularly from non-oil sources. In 2024, non-oil revenue was projected at $4.69 billion, falling short of expectations. Without major reforms, the 2025 revenue targets may also prove elusive.

 

We should expand the tax base and improving collection mechanisms these are essential for increasing non-oil revenue. The rich should pay more and tax net should be expanded to address this issue. Reducing dependence on oil requires investments in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, alongside supportive policies to encourage private sector growth. Addressing corruption and inefficiencies in revenue collection agencies will enhance government earnings.Failure to meet these revenue targets would create a funding gap, necessitating further borrowing or austerity measures.

 

 Nigeria’s inflation rate, currently among the highest in Africa, poses a significant challenge to the 2025 budget’s implementation. Rising prices erode purchasing power, increase the cost of goods and services, and reduce the real value of public spending. The government’s projection of 6.4% GDP growth in 2025 is highly ambitious, given Nigeria’s current economic challenges:

Issues such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and weak institutions continue to stifle economic growth. Persistent security challenges, particularly in the northern and oil-producing regions, discourage investment and disrupt economic activity. Unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s private sector requires consistent policies, reduced regulatory hurdles, and improved access to credit. While growth is achievable with targeted reforms, the government must adopt a realistic outlook and address these structural barriers.

 

 Several risks could derail the 2025 budget, including, revenue shortfalls, overestimated oil revenues and slow non-oil revenue growth could result in larger-than-expected deficits. Continued naira depreciation will inflate the cost of imports, debt servicing, and capital projects. The success of economic reforms depends on strong political will, which may be undermined by resistance from vested interests or public dissatisfaction.

 

 The 2025 federal budget represents an ambitious effort by the President Bola Tinubu government to stimulate economic growth and address critical challenges. However, its success hinges on the resolution of long-standing issues such as oil production inefficiencies, exchange rate instability, over-reliance on borrowing, and inadequate revenue generation. Without bold and sustained reforms, the budget risks falling short of its objectives, exacerbating fiscal pressures and undermining public confidence. To ensure success, the government must prioritise transparency, fiscal discipline, and policies that promote economic diversification and resilience.

 

 Olufemi Aduwo 

Permanent Representative of CCDI to, United Nations 

 

Chairman, AU -countries group, Civil Society Policy Forum (CSPF) of World Bank, A working member of World Bank independent integrity Group.

Email: [email protected]

www.ccdiltd.org  

 

NB: Centre for Convention on Democratic Integrity Ltd/Gte is registered in Nigeria with Corporate Affairs Commission as a non-profit and also in State of Maryland, United States as Center for Convention on Democratic Integrity lnc, as Federal tax-exempt non-profit organisation  

 

Senator Ubah: Anambra Orders Closure Of Schools

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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0
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah
Late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of the Friday November, 22,  burial ceremony of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the Anambra State Government has ordered all public schools in Nnewi, in Anambra South District to be shut down.

The State Government said this is to avoid pupils and students being caught up in a possible crossfire between State and non- State actors during the burial .

The Source reports that the Senator that represented the Anambra South at the National Assembly who died  at a London medical facility  on July 27, 2024,  began his final journey with a valedictory session by the Senate on Tuesday.

He will be buried on Friday at his country home in Umuanuka Village, Otolo in Nnewi in Anambra South Senatorial Zone.

There are growing fears that unknown persons are aiming to use the burial as a launch pad to  unleash mayhem on the State.

Already, a nebulous group had early this week warned against bringing the late Senator’s corpse to the South-east for burial.

Only on Wednesday  evening November 20, the police and local vigilante operatives were engaged in exchange of sporadic gunfire resulting from mistaken identity.

The clash which took place at the Izuchukwu Junction on the Nobi/Nnewi Road was  as a result of the vigilante members mistaking police operatives for unfriendly forces .

The Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, SP, noted that the attack was not  linked to non state actors whose earlier threat had provoked security agencies and locals to be on alert .

“The attack was not linked to non state actors or any attempt to disrupt the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah”, Ikenga stated.

According to him, Police operatives were on an investigative mission when the clash broke out between the two friendly security agencies .

The shootings he further informed, led to the razing of a police operational vehicle-a Toyota Venza which was set alight by gunfire.

“Two innocent bystanders were injured and taken to the hospital ” he noted .

Although the police authorities said they have drafted operatives of the state’s Joint Security Forces JSF to provide adequate security before, and during the burial of the late Senator, apprehension over a possible disruption of peace remain palpable.

A circular from the state Ministry of Education on Thursday, November 21, directed all schools in the Zone to remain closed till Tuesday 26, November ..

Consequently, parents and guardians have been  called upon to keep their wards at home, and adopt all necessary measures to prevent pupils and students from  wandering on the streets throughout the period of the burial.

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