Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The lack of improved toilets in households and public places in Mubi-North local government area of Adamawa, is a major threat to public health in the area, an environmentalist, Mr Jika Hayatu, has said.
Hayatu, an Assistant Director, Health Education and Women Affairs in the council, told newsmen in Mubi on Monday, that the lack of adequate toilet facilities in households exposed residents to diseases.
He expressed concern over the indiscriminate disposal of waste and defecation in open places in the area.
“The rate of defecation in open places is alarming and a major health problem,” Hayatu said.
He said the council had embarked on an enlightenment campaign to sensitize communities on the need to build improved latrines and to ensure proper waste disposal.
He said that 10 health educators and sanitary inspectors had been deployed for the exercise.
Bauchi
Security personnel on Thursday night, rescued a seven-year old girl, Jamila Ahmed, kidnapped two weeks ago in Bauchi.
The suspected captors of the girl, four men and two women, along with their two babies, were arrested by the security agents.
Briefing newsmen on the rescue operation, the Bauchi State Director of the State Security Service (SSS) said on Thursday night in the state capital, that SSS operatives, soldiers and the police undertook the mission.
Jamila is the daughter of a former Executive Secretary of the Corporate Affairs Commission, Alhaji Ahmed al-Mustapha.
She was kidnapped while being conveyed to her school, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University International School, Bauchi, two weeks ago.
The SSS director, who refused to disclose his name, said his men initiated the operation while the military and police gave them cover.
Ekiti
The University of Science and Technology, Ifaki-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Tuesday, banned male and female students from cohabiting.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Oye-Bamidele,
announced the ban while addressing a forum of parents at the institution’s temporary site in Ifaki-Ekiti.
He said investigations conducted by the authorities showed that some students had formed the habit of abandoning hostel accommodation on campus in preference for rented apartments in the town.
According to him, the male and female students live together off-campus to engage in unhindered sex.
The VC said such practices were contrary to the state government’s ideals of making the institution a world class university.
He maintained that the university would not allow children from different sexual and parental backgrounds to live together in the same room for any reason.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday in Abuja, urged the African Development Bank (ADB), to give greater support to the development of public infrastructure in Nigeria.
Jonathan, made the appeal at a meeting with the President of ADB, Mr Donald Keburuka and other senior officials of the bank, at the State House.
Jonathan said that the Federal Government, would particularly welcome ADB’s support for improvements in Nigeria’s power sector.
He commended the ADB for making support for the development of critical infrastructure in African countries the main focus of its operations.
Keburuka assured Jonathan that ADB would support his administration’s efforts to boost economic growth and development in every possible way.
According to him, the bank recognises the fact that Nigeria is the main driver of economic development in the West African sub-region.
He praised efforts being made by the Federal Government to achieve better management of Nigeria’s oil resources.
Gombe
The National Environmental Standard Regulation and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has called on the people to be alert and report suspicious dumping to law enforcement agencies.
Dr Williams Arabs, the North East Zonal Director of NESREA made the appeal in Gombe recently.
This followed the discovery of 20 jute bags containing rotten fish deposited in Wuroyoli village of Akko local government area of Gombe State on November 13.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has attributed the scarcity of water being experienced in some parts of the state to insufficient power supply from the national grid.
The government also identified the current rehabilitation at some water works across the state as also one of the reasons for the shortage.
The General Manager of the Water Board, Malam Hassan Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday.
Mohammed was reacting to complaints by the residents on the scarcity of water supply in various parts of Kaduna Metropolis.
He said the rehabilitation work resulted in the under utilisation of facilities to adequately provide water to the residents.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State-owned radio and television stations have reopened after RATTAWU and NUJ called off their three-day warning strike over improved remuneration.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television and Theatre Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) had called the strike on Monday, demanding an increased salary package due to the hazardous nature of the profession.
Malam Abubakar Chika, the Kebbi State Chairman of RATTAWU, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the call-off was sequel to a directive from the national headquarters of the union.
Chika warned members who failed to resume duty immediately that they “will have themselves to blame”.
He said the union had signed an agreement with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on the implementation of enhanced salary for members.
“The NUJ, RATTAWU, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity as well as the commission have signed an agreement for salary increment and members have resumed duty,” the chairman said.
Kwara
Chief Bode Oyedepo, the sole administrator of Kwara State Road Maintenance Agency (KWARMA), has pledged the organisation’s commitment to the reconstruction of all deplorable roads and drains in the area.
He made the pledge on Tuesday in Ilorin, in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
Oyedepo said that Governor Bukola Saraki was concerned about the deplorable condition of roads in the state, adding that officials of the agency were currently on an inspection tour of the roads to determine the urgency of the repairs needed.
He promised that the roads would be rehabilitated to boost economic activities in the state.
Oyedepo said some of those already identified for urgent rehabilitation in the next few weeks included Adewole Kano Road, Sawmill Garage Road and Adabata Road in Ilorin.
Lagos
The Chief Executive Officer, Ijodee Dance Centre, Laidi Adedayo, said on Tuesday that dance could be used to promote unity in Nigeria and the world.
Adedayo told newsmen at the venue of the 5th edition of TRUFESTA in Lagos that, “dance provides interpersonal peace, unity and a sense of purpose in the society.’’
TRUFESTA is an annual dance festival which features training of dancers as well as workshops for professional dancers from Nigeria and abroad.
Ogun
Chief Theophilus Adenaike, President, Ijebu-Ode Grade II Customary Court, has advised parents to rededicate themselves to the task of ensuring proper parental care and upbringing of their children.
He gave the advice in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen stressing that proper upbringing of children would stabilise the society. Adenaike explained that the only way parents could do this was by staying together and resolving their differences amicably, rather than seeing divorce as the last option to any marrital disagreement.
He observed that many children had become wayward due to the lack of proper training and care by parents who, in most cases were already separated.
Adenaike noted that divorce always had negative effects on children’s upbringing, asserting that “a better society can only be achieved when children are brought up by both parents”.
“Divorce destabilises the society. When a marriage is dissolved, children from such union will not have access to proper parental care because they will be left with one of the parties, which is not good, he declared.
Osun
The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, has urged states which have yet to implement the National Gender Policy, to do so without further delay.
The President’s wife made the plea during the launch of her project, Women for Change Initiative (W4CI) in Osun.
She noted that although Osun produced the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, as well as having a female deputy governor, women were still under-represented in the state.
She said: “I must point out that Osun State is among the six states in Nigeria with a female deputy governor. This is heartwarming and most commendable. However, women are still under represented in the state.
“Osun State has no female representation in the Senate and it has only one female member in the House of Representatives and one in the State House of Assembly. In summary, the state is yet to implement the National Gender Policy on 35 per cent representation for women in governance, the first lady.”
Plateau
Representative Joseph Gumbari, an aspirant to the Senate, has promised to work towards more Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Southern Kaduna, if elected in 2011.
“The economies of China, India and the so-called Asian Tigers were the same with Nigeria’s economy in the 1960s. In fact, Nigeria’s economy was better than those economies.”
“But such countries had since gone past Nigeria because they embarked on deliberate policies that developed their MSMEs, they also made sure that such policies were sustained to fruition,’’ Gumbari said on Monday.
He spoke at the launch of a Women Traders’ Cooperative Society formed by a group of petty traders of Southern Kaduna origin in Plateau.
Gumbari promised to advocate a strong state policy toward an autonomous MSMEs commission empowered to seek local and international funds to establish strong enterprises.
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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