FENAC Secure Solutions Partners South African Firm to Revolutionize Smart Living in Nigeria

FENAC Secure Solutions, a leading provider of advanced home automation systems in West Africa, has entered into a strategic partnership with NICE Automation Systems, a South African-based manufacturer, to transform smart living and security solutions in Nigeria.

The collaboration is aimed at scaling up the deployment of intelligent gate and door automation technologies across homes and commercial properties in the country, offering improved safety, convenience, and power-efficiency.

Speaking on the development, JaQues Van Niekerk, a representative of NICE Automation Systems, described the partnership with FENAC as a pivotal step in expanding smart infrastructure in the region.

> “The collaboration between NICE and FENAC Secure Solutions has already laid the groundwork for innovation across West Africa,” Van Niekerk said. “Now, we're looking to deepen our impact in Nigeria by leveraging FENAC’s local expertise and customer reach.”

He emphasized that NICE products are designed specifically for the African environment, with unique features that address the continent’s infrastructural realities.

> “We understand the challenges many African countries face—especially when it comes to power supply,” he explained. “Our gate motors can run even without batteries, which is a major advantage in areas with frequent power outages.”

Van Niekerk added that NICE is currently the only manufacturer using lithium batteries in its gate motors, offering superior performance and longevity compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.

> “Lithium batteries are more durable, require less maintenance, and provide a longer service life—ultimately reducing costs for users,” he said.

 _Boosting Nigeria’s Smart Housing Landscape_ 

Through its partnership with NICE, FENAC is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s smart property space, offering cutting-edge security automation that aligns with modern housing needs.

Chuka Okafor, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FENAC Secure Solutions said the collaboration with NICE will accelerate the adoption of technology-driven solutions that support both residential and commercial development in urban and suburban communities.

The integration of NICE’s world-class technology through FENAC’s local network is also expected to improve after-sales support and system maintenance—areas often overlooked in imported automation systems.

While FENAC recently joined forces with Nigerian proptech company Px PropertyHub to expand its market footprint, the company says its primary focus remains on delivering secure, smart, and sustainable living experiences to Nigerian consumers.

Industry experts have hailed the development as timely, especially as Nigeria’s real estate sector shifts toward tech-enabled solutions for safer and more efficient living.

As part of the partnership agreement between FENAC Secure Solutions and NICE Automation Systems, no fewer than 20 technicians were trained and awarded with certificates on operational procedures by South African technology experts during a session held in Lagos.

Schools Resumption: Monitoring Teams Report Good Turn Out of Teachers/Students in Kano

The Kano State Ministry of Education's monitoring teams have reported a good turnout of teachers and students in primary and post-primary schools across the state on the first day of the 2025/2026 academic session. 

The teams observed that most schools had teachers and students present as early as 7:30 am, with minimal absenteeism.

A statement signed by the Director Public Enlightenment Kano State Ministry of Education Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru explained that Monitoring teams reported a good turnout of teachers and students in most schools visited.

The Statement disclosed that Teachers were found to be making early preparations for lessons, and school premises were clean and ready for the new academic session.

" We discovered that teachers make early preparation of their lesson plan, keep their schools premises cleaned for the smooth commencement of normal lesson" said the statement

The statement added that the State Commissioner Ministry of Education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda appreciated the turnout and urged principals and head teachers to maintain the momentum.

Dr. Ali Makoda assured of the government's commitment to boosting education standards in the state and thanked parents and guardians for their cooperation.

The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammed, led one of the teams and expressed satisfaction with the turnout, assuring that the government would provide maximum security to ensure student safety.

The Ministry of Education's monitoring exercise is a tradition on the first day of school resumption, aimed at ensuring punctuality and efficiency of staff. 

Sheikh Nuhu pledges to provide communication gadgets to Kano vigilantes command

The Kano state command of  Vigilante group has expressed it's commitment and determination towards safeguarding life and properties of communities in the state.

The state vigilante's commander Ambassador Shehu Rabiu dropped this hints while presenting a certificate of appreciate to the Saudi based businessman, Sheikh Nuhu Idris Saleh, represented by a veteran journalists and community leader. Ambassador Aliyu Lawan Saulawa held at the vigilantes headquarters, Kano.

The commander said that the appreciation letter was presented to Sheikh Nuhu for donating the security tools which  include one thousand of Gora,  500 pieces of rechargable touch light,  four solar panal, four batteries,  200 water proof  jackets and 100 whistles.

He said that the items would go along way in assisting the members of the vigilantes while discharge their responsibilities.

Ambassador Shehu Rabiu used the occasion to appeal to Sheikh Nuhu to assist the outfit with communication gadgets aimed at boosting the security network and immediate response.

While commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and other wealthy individuals for their commitment and support, he assured that the members of the vigilantes would continue to do their best in safeguarding and improve the security network in the state.

Receiving the appreciation letter on behalf of Sheikh Nuhu Idris Saleh Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Aliyu Lawan Saulawa thanked the command and assuring that he will forward their appreciate letter and request to the donor.

Ambassador Aliyu Lawan Saulawa who described security nowaday as a collective responsibility of everyone, urging other well to do in the society to support the command with a view to actualize the set objectives.

On the issue of communication gadgets. Saulawa assured that within few days, Sheikh Nuhu will provide the vigilantes with such facilities so as to enable them to continue to protect and safeguard the life and properties of the citizens.

Highlights of the event include presentation of the appreciation letter and award to the donor and group photography.

North West Development Commission Explores NWDC $200m Agricultural Investment With Global Partners

North-West Development Commission (NWDC) is exploring a major agricultural partnership valued at USD 200 million, in collaboration with Shanghai Integrated Infrastructure Development Limited (SIIDL) and Peerless Advisory Limited.

The proposed agreement is aimed at boosting commercial farming across the North-West region. Representatives of SIIDL and Peerless Advisory visited the Commission this week to signal their commitment and interest in working with NWDC.

If finalized, the initiative will transform key agricultural value chains including sesame, soya beans, rice, hibiscus, and wheat. The programme will also introduce modern mechanized farming equipment and farmer training schemes to boost productivity and strengthen food security.

SIIDL would act as the anchor investor, potentially providing up to 80 per cent of the project funding through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). At the same time, NWDC would contribute its share as counterpart support, including land allocation and facilitation of government approvals.

The NWDC leadership highlighted that this initiative aligns with the Commission’s long-term goal to unlock the agricultural potential of the North-West. It marks a significant step towards a transformative public-private partnership capable of creating a lasting impact for communities and the broader economy.

EFCC, Presidency Parley on Investment Promotion

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council have forged a stronger collaborative pact to improve on foreign direct investment drives into the country.

The agreement was made in Abuja on Thursday, September 4, 2025 when the Director General of the Council, Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, led his management team on a courtesy visit to the EFCC’s Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede at the Commission’s corporate headquarters.

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Adeyemi disclosed that the parley was necessary to evaluate the integrity of the investing members of the public preparatory to World Investment Summit to be hosted by Nigeria in November 2025.

“Nigeria will be hosting the World Investment Summit, the first of its kind in Africa. We have been traveling up and down to bring in foreign investors to support Mr. President. In the course of that, we met some people that really want to invest in Nigeria. But in spite of their willingness and readiness to work for Nigeria, we are being cautious, so as not to run into barbed wires. Some people want to bring in money to invest, but we don't have the intelligence to know whether the money they are bringing is to finance terrorism or any other negative thing. So, in order for us not to run into trouble in the course of doing our work, we deemed it fit to consult you. We need to partner with you, to collaborate to grow our economy. So, we are here to seek collaboration with your Commission so that we can together make Nigeria great again", he said 

Adeyemi also appreciated Olukoyede’s giant strides as the EFCC boss. “I want to appreciate the fantastic job you have been doing in this Commission. With my assumption of office a few months ago, I know what it is to be in a position of leadership. You, being at the center of this Commission, I sincerely pray that God Almighty will be with you”, he said. 

Olukoyede expressed delight at the opportunity to collaborate with the Council for the wellbeing of the economy and the country and extended a hand of fellowship to the Council.

“Thank you for making time to see us. Accept our hand of fellowship and collaborate with us. On our part as EFCC, one of the things we are trying to drive home with the instrumentality of this work is to grow the economy. When you are fighting corruption the aim is to build the economy and not to bring it down. We must find a balance between the fight against corruption and the sustenance of investment and attraction to foreign direct investments. Though we are trying to do that, it does not mean that we will tolerate financial crimes,” he said. 

Speaking on his resolve to spare no rogue investor in the anti-corruption fight, Olukoyede stated that, “As many as we know set up their businesses to destroy the economy, we will bring them down. We don't have any apology for that. Bringing them down will also help us build the economy because you can't set up your business to destroy the economy. So, we try to strike a balance and to see how we can interplay all the forces.

“Let us all ensure that we do the right things. If somebody sets out to scam the system, the long arm of the law will catch up with such a person. Let us always be conscious of that. On our part, we are ready to do the right things and to play by the rules.

Kano Reaffirms Commitment To Partner UNESCO, Korea On Technical and Vocational Education

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with UNESCO and the Republic of Korea on technical and vocational education through the Better Education for Africa's Rise (BEAR III) project. 

The State Commissioner of Education Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda gave the assurance Wednesday, during a meeting with technical team of the project which took place at his office.

Dr. Ali Haruna represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Alhaji Bashir Baffa Muhammed noted that the BEAR III project objectives aligned with present administration policies of empowering youth with practical, market- relevant skills that foster innovation and job creation.

He disclosed that as the meeting intends to examine reports on crop value chains and institutional capacity assessment, Kano State will stand at a better chance to benefit from the report outcome.

Dr. Makoda said the support given by UNESCO and the Government of the Republic of Korea to Kano in strengthening technical and vocational education training (TVET) remains a clear demonstration of their effort to enhancing economic activities in the state.

The Commissioner observed that the Technical and Vocational Education Training program has not been limited to education alone, but covered areas of empowering young people, strengthening their livelihood and ensuring sustainable economic growth

" Kano State Government is therefore ready to work with this project under UNESCO and Republic of Korea to enhance technical and vocational training more especially among our students of technical colleges " he stated.

He expressed confidence that with expertise at the meeting, a clear consensus would be reached on the priority crops to be used for agro processing program and the appropriate institutions for the project implementation.

Presenting the project overview and update from the last meeting, the project regional coordinator of BEAR III Manish Joshi said the overall objective of the project is to equip young people with technical and generic skills to access decent employment through strengthened TVET system.

Manish outlined some implementation updates of the project which includes among others; completion of the needs assessment of all technical colleges, conduct of seminar on improving work based learning and apprenticeship for agriculture produce and technology as well as conduct of strategic roundtable on career guidance and counseling.

In her remark, the Director Technology and Science Education, Federal Ministry of Education Dr. Olodo M.A noted that the meeting is more than about review report but to align the effort of the technical team to create resolution that would strengthen skill, transform agriculture and open opportunities for young people.

The Executive Secretary National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Professor Idris M. Bugaje represented by Prof. Diyauddeen Basheer Hasan said the Board is very keen at developing capacity of the beneficiaries through the use of the right curriculums that are applicable to Kano State.

" One good thing that I want to share with you is that we are looking more in to seeing developed curriculum in some certain areas which are much applicable to Kano, areas where we lay more emphasis on irrigation " he stated.

Kano Announces Resumption Dates for 2025/2026 Schools Academic Session

The Kano State Government has announced the resumption dates for primary and post-primary schools for the 2025/2026 academic session. 

According to a statement signed by Director of Public Enlightenment Ministry of Education, Balarabe Abdullahi Kiru, boarding schools will resume on Sunday, September 7, 2025, while day schools will resume on Monday, September 8, 2025.

Parents and guardians are urged to take note of the resumption dates to ensure total compliance.

The statement warned that defaulting students and pupils will face disciplinary action.

It quoted the Commissioner of the Ministry Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, Commissioner of wishing teachers, students, and pupils a successful academic session.

" I want to use this medium to reemphasize the Ministry's commitment to routine monitoring exercises to ensure staff punctuality and efficiency" said the Commissioner.

KHAIRUN University dedicates operational licence to late founder

Family of Founder of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN) through Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu, has described the approval granted by National Universities Commission of full operational license as a clear indication of the management's commitment and determination towards the upliftment of teaching and learning in the university.

Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu was speaking during the presentation of operational license to the famous University held at the university's premises.

He expressed excitement over the array of successes recorded within a short span of granting their request which he said would not be unconnected with the leadership skills commitment and zeal of the duo of Governing council's Chairman Professor Kabiru Isyaku and that of the management headed by Professor Abdulrashid Garba 

Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu assured the NUC's team that the university will continue to provide all necessary support and cooperation with a view to complementing the Federal government's efforts in improving teaching and learning countrywide.

In his remarks, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the university Professor Sani Zahradeen, described securing operational licence as part of the late founder of the institution Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu's positive legacies 

Professor Sani Zahradeen charged both the academic and non academic staffers of the university to redouble efforts aimed at making it second to none nationwide 

On his part, chairman of the Governing council, Professor Kabiru Rabiu who was highly overwhelmed, said with the rate of development, attained all hands must be on deck in order to ensure the university sustain its impressive progression.

Professor Kabiru Isyaku however applauded the NUC and all those who contributed directly or indirectly in reaching the feat.praying to God to reward them superbly 

Earlier, the university's Vice chancellor, Professor Abdulrashid Garba reechoed the commitment, cooperation and support by all and sundry, which he said played a significant role in ensuring the ends justify the means, which according to him will remain in the annals of history 

Professor Abdulrashid Garba moreover expressed undiluted gratitude to the members of the Board of Trustees, Governing council and the entire management staffers for their unflinching dedication, level of patriotism and sacrifice 

Highlights of the event include presentation of certificate, posthumous prayer for the deceased founder, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu and group photograph

NUC full operational licence excite KHAIRUN

The Family of Founder of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University (KHAIRUN) through Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu, has described the approval granted by National Universities Commission of full operational license as a clear indication of the management's commitment and determination towards the upliftment of teaching and learning in the university.

Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu was speaking during the presentation of operational license to the famous University held at the university's premises.

He expressed excitement over the array of successes recorded within a short span of granting their request which he said would not be unconnected with the leadership skills commitment and zeal of the duo of Governing council's Chairman Professor Kabiru Isyaku and that of the management headed by Professor Abdulrashid Garba 

Alhaji Anwar Isyaku Rabiu assured the NUC's team that the university will continue to provide all necessary support and cooperation with a view to complementing the Federal government's efforts in improving teaching and learning countrywide.

In his remarks, the Chairman Board of Trustees of the university Professor Sani Zahradeen, described securing operational licence as part of the late founder of the institution Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu's positive legacies 

Professor Sani Zahradeen charged both the academic and non academic staffers of the university to redouble efforts aimed at making it second to none nationwide 

On his part, chairman of the Governing council, Professor Kabiru Rabiu who was highly overwhelmed, said with the rate of development, attained all hands must be on deck in order to ensure the university sustain its impressive progression.

Professor Kabiru Isyaku however applauded the NUC and all those who contributed directly or indirectly in reaching the feat.praying to God to reward them superbly 

Earlier, the university's Vice chancellor, Professor Abdulrashid Garba reechoed the commitment, cooperation and support by all and sundry, which he said played a significant role in ensuring the ends justify the means, which according to him will remain in the annals of history 

Professor Abdulrashid Garba moreover expressed undiluted gratitude to the members of the Board of Trustees, Governing council and the entire management staffers for their unflinching dedication, level of patriotism and sacrifice 

Highlights of the event include presentation of certificate, posthumous prayer for the deceased founder, Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu and group photograph

NFF President Affirms NPFL Season Kickoff for August 22

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has reiterated that there will be no change to the kickoff date of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, which is scheduled to begin on August 22.

Speaking on Friday in Lafia while declaring open the NPFL 2025/26 pre-season seminar, Gusau described it as a positive development that the league calendar now aligns with that of European clubs. He urged stakeholders to maintain their support for the Gbenga Elegbeleye-led board, which achieved the milestone.

 “When we came on board, we had no choice but to opt for an abridged league. This paved the way for achieving uniformity, as our league ended in May last season. This season, too, we will start on August 22 as scheduled,” he said.

The NFF President praised the NPFL board for amplifying the league’s profile to the international community and for their commitment to adopting global best practices.

Earlier, NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye assured that the board will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to promote the league and attract sponsorship, promising to sustain the high standards set over the past two seasons.

The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, representing Governor Abdullahi Sule, commended the NPFL for choosing Nasarawa State as the host of the pre-season seminar and pledged continued support for football development in Nigeria.

The seminar brought together all 20 NPFL media officers, along with the league’s Chief Security Officer and the Chairman of the Supporters Club, for training sessions ahead of the new season.