Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
A pastor of the Christ Embassy, Mr. Henry Idugboe, has sued an old generation bank in the country (name withheld) to court over allegations of negligence and breach of trust, seeking the sum of over N100 million compensation as damages he suffered owing to the financial institutions negligence.
He instituted the action before an Asaba High Court following the decision of the bank to honour cheques of Stephen Iduogbe and Sons Limited (second plaintiff), which did not carry his signature as required by the mandate card.
According to the mandate card issued to the bank, Idugboe, who is incharge of the Suleja branch of the Christ Embassy, is a compulsory signatory to all transactions made by Stephen Iduogbe and Sons Limited, a firm used to operate the Iduogbes family business.
Piqued by the bank’s alleged deposition to honour cheques of the family company, which did not contain his mandatory signature, the pastor has beseeched the court.
Benue
State chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, is under intense pressure from the Ohimini local government chapter of the party over the senatorial bid of General Lawson Onoja.
Agbo has been accused of anti-party activities, factionalisation of the party and illegal adoption of Onoja for the 2011 Benue South senatorial seat.
In a communiqué issued by some leaders of the party in the local government, led by Col. Idu Enonche (rtd), who addressed a press conference at the weekend in Otukpo, the stakeholders claimed that Agbo’s alleged endorsement of Onoja was illegality.
They also maintained that the so-called caucus meeting held at Onoja’s Otukpo residence during which he was allegedly endorsed was illegal and excluded key members of the party from the local government.
The communiqué, which was signed by 21 prominent PDP members from the area, accused Agbo of factionalising the party in Ohimini.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Government is to establish a School of Mid-wifery at Orun-Ekiti in Ise-Orun Local Council of the state, the state governor, Mr. Segun Oni has said.
A statement yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Wale Ojo-Lanre, said Ono, who made this known at Ise-Ekiti while commissioning a hospital building donated by Hon. Titi Akindahunsi of the House of Representatives said students of the school would make use of facilities of the general hospitals at Ise and Emure for their practical work.
Oni, who explained that the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ado-Ekiti could not presently meet the admission requirement of the people of the state, said government would totally transform general hospitals at Ise and Emune, preparatory for the take-off of the proposed School of Mid-wifery at Orun-Ekiti.
Gombe
Gombe State Governor, Danjuma Goje, has said that the outstanding sign-on fees for Gombe United Football Club would soon be paid.
Goje, who spoke at the grand finale of Sarkin Yakin Gombe Football tournament, said plans have been concluded to settle all the arrears owed the club.
To this end, he asked the club to consolidate on their past performances whereby they have recorded success at both national and continental fiesta adding that the government was poised to boost their morale.
The governor also promised to provide a bus for the team with a view to addressing their transport problems, adding that the gesture was to show the commitment of the state towards sports development.
He further expressed the determination of the government to identify hidden talents who could become future Okochas and Kanus in the international football encounters.‘
Kano
Parents in Kano State have decried the increasing deviant attitude among the youth, blaming the situation on their access to the internet and satelite television contents.
Salihu Ahmad, a resident of Gwangwazo quarters in Kano, told the newsmen that youths have unrestrained access to foreign values through the internet.
He noted that government in collaboration with parents, must check the trend and prevent young people from becoming radicals.
Umar Muhammed of far away area of the city said: “I face a lot of problems controlling my five male children because of peer influence.”
He said all his children are males and keeping them at home has been a very difficult task.
He added that they behave in ways that conform to the unwholesome attitudes of their friends.
Another resident, Habibu Ismail, described the situation as “very disturbing” saying youngsters, especially boys, prefer football and other naughty behavour to study.
He, however, advised parents to join hands and watch over their children for effective results instead of allowing them to be transformed by negative external influence.
Kaduna
Former Governor of Kaduna State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi has tasked Nigerians to assess the performance of public office holders at various levels by the quantum of facilities they provide to Nigerians.
Makarfi was apparently disturbed by the self-assessment by public office holders who roll out dubious statistics of performance to deceive the electorate.
According to the former governor, who spoke in Kaduna in an interview at the weekend, the nation’s electorate should monitor how the allocation of funds to all governments at various levels are utilised, otherwise the problem of non-performance among public office holders will continue.
“This has really been the problem that has been confronting us… of course in terms of performance of government, it has been uniformly above average. The task of the last action of the National Assembly in extending expenditures on the 2009 appropriation to 31st March, which means the budget performance will be about 75 to 85 per cent can be realised.”
Lagos
A fire incident in Lagos at the weekend claimed the life of 85-year-old Alhaja Afusat Orisunmibare at Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos.
The inferno, which broke out at the victim’s family bungalow at No.14 Odugate street. Ikorodu, reportedly choked the aged woman to death.
Lagos police command’s spokesman, Frank Mba, who disclosed this, added that another elderly woman, Mrs. Abeni Kamson, sustained serious injuries in the incident and “was rushed to the general hospital where she is being treated.”
He added: “the aged woman has already been buried according to Islamic rites. The fire is suspected to have been caused by candle light.”
Ogun
All on-going road projects in Ogun State will be completed before the present administration quits office in 2011.
The Director of Information and Site Publicity Secretary of the Ogun State Road Management Agency (OGROMA), Abiodun Awere, gave this assurance in a recent press statement.
Awere quoted the Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, who is also the Special Adviser to the governor on Works and Infrastructure, Kehinde Osikoya as saying that efforts are on to complete on-going road projects in line with the year 2010 budget of the state government.
“The road projects completion include Ayetoro road in Abeokuta, dualisation of Ondo road in ijebu-Ode, dualisation of Obafemi Awolowo road, Ikenne, dualisation of Ilo-Awela road, Alisiba road in Sango Ota and some roads in the Ojodu Abiodun/Berge axis”, he said.
Osun
Action Congress (AC) in Osun State has called on the police and other security operatives investigating the gruesome murder of Jonathan Ogundere, one of the lawyers to Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in the on going trail of the April 14, 2007 governorship election to make their preliminary findings public.
The party in a statement signed by its Director of Research and Strategy, Sunday Akere, said the development would assist in clearing the air on the insinuation that the killing has political undertone.
The party said it is surprised that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is lacking political motives to the incident.
Akere said the party decided to break its earlier resolve not to join issues with the PDP on the incident which it described as unfortunate, adding that, the “PDP is seeking to win undeserved sympathy and distract the security operative from digging deep into the root of the matter to conceal facts and cover ups”.
Plateau
Ahead of the 2011 general elections in Nigeria, members of Plateau State Youth Vanguard have appealed to the electorate to turn their back on failed and fraudulent politicians.
The group said its advice was prompted by the unfolding ugly political drama in the state where past leaders who threw Plateau into avoidable crisis and looted the treasury were set for a comeback.
Meanwhile, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State has charged the people of the state to remain faithful to its cause in the New Year by being peaceful with all.
Jang, who spoke during the cross-over service of the EBOMI prayer city in Jos, Plateau State, said he had rededicated the state to God in the New year. He assured that God had taken control of security in the state and as such peace had returned to Plateau.
Zamfara
Over 100 patients with Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) have been treated and empowered by Zamfara State government, wife of the state governor, Hajiya Saratu Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, has disclosed.
The governor’s wife made the disclosure at the weekend in Gusau, the state capital, while receiving delegates of a non-governmental organisation, Engender Health, a partner of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/AQUIRE FISTULA.
She also said the state in collaboration with USAID, had taken necessary measures to improve on maternal and child healthcare delivery.
According to her, in addition to free treatment given to the VVF patients, they were also empowered with new skills to make them self-reliant.
Hajiya Shinkafi further explained that each of the discharged VVF patients received a new sewing machine and N10,000 as start up capital for their sewing trade.
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The Amaewhule family of mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has cautioned members of the public against entering into any land transaction involving a disputed property known as “Ada Oro Fam Land,” located behind the OPM Church along Airport Road.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi
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