Nation
THE STATES
Bornu
Participants at a workshop on Sunday in Maidiuguri, called on media owners to expose journalists to training on conflict reporting.
A communique issued at the end of a workshop in Maiduguri on Reporting Conflict, also called on media owners to provide capacity building and exposure particularly in the area of conflict and violence reporting.
They also called on journalists to strive hard to ensure that they discharge their duties in professional manner.
The participants called on regulatory agencies, like the Nigeria Press Council (NPC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to be more proactive to ensure adherence to best practices.
They called for the immediate passage of the Freedom of Information Bill by the National Assembly.
“The National Assembly should expedite action in the review of the NPC and the enhancement of Journalism Practice Bills.
“We also call on employers to ensure that only professionals are employed in media related agencies and departments,” the participants said.
They urged the NUJ to be more proactive in the defence and protection of its members.
“Journalists should be in the vanguard for the promotion of peace.
“Women should be encouraged to develop more interest in the practice of journalism,” the participants added.
They also advised journalists to give more prominence to issues related to women and children in their stories.
They commended the Justice Development and Peace Commission Ibadan, the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation Abuja for organising the event.
Ekiti
Governor Segun Oni of Ekiti on Sunday donated N1.5 million to some farmers who engaged in FADAMA farming at the Hausa settlement along Ado-IjesaIsu road, Ado-Ekiti.
The 30 farmers received the sum of N50,000 each.
Oni, who was impressed by their farming methods, said the donation was aimed to help them boost their business.
“The state government has approved the disbursement of the sum of N50,000 each to all the 30 farmers in this settlement.
“The amount is to be disbursed immediately by the commissioner of Agriculture.
“Please do not use it for frivolities but make sure it is used to boost your financial base,” the governor charged them.
He assured them of adequate government support and protection at all times.
“If anybody is disturbing your farming activities make sure you inform the government on time for us to take appropriate actions”, Oni stated.
The desire of government, Oni said, was to ensure that the settlement served as a centre where fresh farm produce could be bought all year round.
Responding, the Leader of the farmers, Malam Ahmed Adamu, who said that they have been farming in the area for the past 17 years, promised proper utilisation of the money.
Adamu while commending the governor for the gesture, assured that the farmers would always cooperate with the state government in all its policies and programmes.
Jigawa
The Federal Government is to begin discussions with its development partners in the Education sector, for financial assistance.
Education Minister Ruqayyatu Rufai told newsmen in Dutse on Sunday that this became necessary because the government could not depend solely on what was budgeted for the sector alone.
The issue of funding for the education sector, she said was a major challenge confronting the sector.
Rufai, however, said that the problem would be addressed through collaboration and partnership.
She also said that the ministry would embark on the recruitment of more qualified teachers and training of some others within the next few months.
“A good teacher can teach even under a tree and student will comprehend. But if we provide infrastructure and instructional materials alone without training, we have not changed anything.
“In this regards, improvement of technical education would also receive government’s attention to address problem of unemployment,” she said.
Kaduna
The Nigeria Union of journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, has set up a contact committee in Zaria axis to sanitise the profession.
The Tide’s source reports that the committee was set up to promote ethical conduct among members as well as protect and promote the interest and welfare of members.
The committee has Alhaji Aminu Ishaq-Abbas of Nigeria Television Authority as chairman while Bello Habib of Leadership Newspapers is Secretary.
Other members are Mohammed Lawal of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and Abubakar Danyaro of KSMC.
Speaking at a meeting in Zaria, the state’s NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Idris, said the committee would liaise with the state council.
“The committee will remain the eyes of the state council to bridge the communication gap,” he said.
While appealing to members to be just and transparent, he advised journalists to be diligent, disciplined and humble in discharging their responsibilities.
In his acceptance speech, Ishaq-Abbass promised to carry the members along by seeking their advice.
Katsina
The Katsina state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has prosecuted 63 persons, including a married woman, for various drug-related offences in five months.
The NDLEA commander in Katsina, Alhaji Ahmadu Garba disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina on Sunday.
He said that the 63 persons have since been convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court Katsina.
Garba said that among those convicted by the court, was a married woman, Abu Sale, who was arrested in possession of Indian hemp in Katsina metropolis and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.
He disclosed that the command had during the period, arrested 154 suspects including the convicts for possession of various illicit drugs.
According to him, the command had seized a total of 63.1 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs such as Indian hemp and other psychotropic substances from the suspects.
He also said under the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) activities, a total of 124 clients were counseled and rehabilitated, while aggressive campaigns against drug abuse were conducted during the period.
Kebbi
The Emir of Yauri in Kebbi, Prof. Muhammad Zayyanu, has called on Governor Saidu Dakingari to provide amenities in Yauri Emirate.
Zayyanu, who led a delegation of title holders and top government functionaries from the area on a visit to the governor on Friday in Birnin Kebbi, said his domain lacked roads and a comprehensive water supply system.
He called for an immediate rehabilitation of the only dam in considering the relevance of water to human beings and animals.
The Emir lamented that in spite of the passage of the River Niger through his domain, water had not been adequately provided for the people.
Zayyanu prayed for the repose of the soul of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who was father-In-law to the governor, who also lost a senior brother recently.
The governor assured the people of the emirate that amenities would be provided, stressing that he would personally monitor and ensure that the area got the amenities on time.
He commended the role played by traditional rulers in the protection of lives and property in the state.
According to him, the role played by the emirate in ensuring security in the area is worthy of emulation.
Lagos
The Aholu of Kweme Kingdom in Badagry, Sejiro James, said on Friday that the rate of unemployment in Nigeria was responsible for the involvement of youths of the area in smuggling.
James, who was speaking on his third anniversary, told newsmen that there was the need for the Federal Government to empower youths, especially in Badagry and other border areas.
“We are not known to be smugglers in my kingdom, but unemployment has forced my people into the business.
“But if the government gives our people job opportunities and a sense of belonging, they will not go into this vice and they would be contributing more meaningfully to the national project,” he said.
James called on banks, corporate bodies and licensed agents within the kingdom to employ indigenes as part of their social responsibility.
The monarch pledged the support and corporation of his people to the Federal Government.
Osun
The Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) has awarded scholarships to 26 students of the institution.
Alhaji Ahmed Popoola, National President of the association said this at a public lecture and presentation of scholarships at the University of Ile-Ife on Sunday.
The association released N1.4 million to the beneficiaries.
The award is under the UNIFEMGA Scholarship and Indigent Endowment Fund instituted in 2009.
Popoola said 10 of the awards were based purely on merit while 16 others were for those in need of financial support.
He said that the association had given 35 scholarships awards in the last two years as well as paid the tuition fees of five students in the 2008/09 academic session.
According to him, this brings the total sum spent by the association to date to over N1. 8 million.
According to him, the objective of the association is to raise the fund to at least N20 million.
Alhaji Femi Abass, a veteran journalist, who delivered a lecture on “Nigeria at 50: Confronting the Realities”, called on Muslims to embrace western education to complement Islamic knowledge.
He urged governments in the country to place emphasis on education to boost mass literacy and the economy.
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