Kano State governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has launched a monthly grant scheme for women in the state.

The scheme

The governor unveiled the programme at the Open Theatre in Government House, Kano, on Monday, 9 November 2026. Under the scheme, 5,200 women across the state will each receive ₦50,000 a month. The governor's chief press secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, said in a statement on Tuesday that the aim is to give women the means to start or expand businesses and reduce their dependence on others for income.

The governor's message

Yusuf urged the women to put the money into productive ventures rather than consumption, and said his government had put safeguards in place to ensure the funds reach the intended beneficiaries. He said transparency, fairness and accountability would guide the programme.

Background

The scheme comes as the federal government rolls out its own ₦50,000 monthly relief payments to selected households under the National Emergency Relief and Stabilisation Intervention.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 19,236 Nigerians were killed in road crashes between January 2023 and September 2026.

The figures

The FRSC's Abia State Sector Commander, Ngozi Ezeoma, told journalists on Monday, 9 November 2026, that there were 37,789 road crashes in the period, in which 118,720 people were injured. She said the figures came from the FRSC's Road Traffic Database Management System, and that speeding and human recklessness remain the biggest killers on Nigerian roads.

Remembrance day

She spoke ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, which the United Nations marks on the third Sunday of November. She said the command would visit crash victims in selected hospitals as part of the commemoration.

Background

Last week, actor Kunle Afod complained about the slow emergency response to a crash on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, although the Ogun State Government disputed his account.

Nigerians planning to fly home for Christmas and the New Year are facing steep fares, with return tickets on some domestic routes reaching ₦822,000.

The fares

According to checks reported on Monday, 9 November 2026, major carriers including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet have listed much higher fares for December 2026 and early January 2027, especially on routes linking Lagos and Abuja to the South-East and South-South. Air Peace listed a Lagos–Anambra return ticket between 24 December and 2 January at about ₦676,000, with the outbound flight at ₦341,500 and the return at ₦335,500. An Abuja–Anambra return costs about ₦677,000, and Lagos–Owerri about ₦671,000. The highest return fares found reached ₦822,000.

Why fares rise

Demand for flights to the South-East and South-South surges every December as many Nigerians travel home for the holidays, weddings and other ceremonies. Airlines say the high cost of aviation fuel, foreign exchange for maintenance and leasing, and a shortage of aircraft push up prices.

Background

Last week, one-way economy fares for flights around 20 and 21 December were reported at up to ₦337,500, increases of as much as 208 per cent. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission previously accused some airlines of price-fixing during the 2025 festive season, which the airlines denied. Many travellers turn to road transport instead, despite security concerns on some highways.

What it means

Travellers are being advised to book early to avoid the highest prices.

Reaching 100 years of age is no small blessing, and for the family of former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka, it is a moment truly worth celebrating.

A century of life

The former minister's father has reached the remarkable age of 100, and family members have come together to celebrate his birthday and the gift of long life.

Photos from the celebration show the centenarian seated on an ornate chair in flowing white traditional attire, with coral beads around his neck, a red cap resting on his lap and a walking stick in hand.

Just imagine living for an entire century. The things he must have witnessed, the changes Nigeria has gone through, the generations he has watched grow, and the countless memories gathered along the way.

A special blessing

For his children, grandchildren and other loved ones, having their father around at 100 is something truly special. Many families would give anything for such an opportunity.

Happy 100th birthday to Papa Chidoka! May his remaining years be filled with peace, good health and happiness.

Over to you

Are you fortunate enough to have a parent or grandparent who has reached 90 or even 100 years? Share your story.