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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Pro-motion (NOTAP) is to promote the teaching of science and technology in primary and secondary schools.

NOTAP Director General, Umar Bindir, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Yola, Adamawa State.

Umar said NOTAP would ensure this through the introduction of story boards that would show pupils and students how some products were made.

“For instance Maggi cube is made from soya beans. So we asked Nestle to give us a story board that shows the stages in picture of how soya beans was transformed to Maggi cube,’’ Umar said.

He explained that such practical approach and change in teaching methodology would help in reforming the education sector for positive results.

Bauchi

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has dismissed a media report that his government had set aside N3 billion for the creation of new chiefdoms.

Fielding questions with newsmen in Damaturu, Yuguda said the report was baseless and described it as a deliberate negative report to ridicule his administration.

Yuguda was in Damaturu to pay a condolence visit to Gov Ibrahim Geidam, who lost his wife last week.

He said that the reason for the creation of the chiefdoms was to accord special rights and privileges to people who demanded for them, to ensure peaceful co-existence among the diverse cultural and religious groups in the state.

Yuguda noted that the state had experienced political and religious crises within the last two years, making it imperative to find ways to ensure lasting peace and harmony.

Borno

Alhaji Baba Garbai, the Borno Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, says the state government is to establish a skills acquisition centre for farmers in Damboa.

Garbai, who announced this on Sunday while inspecting projects in Damboa Local Government Area, stated that farmers would be trained in modern farming technology at the centre.

He said that the state government was determined to give agriculture top priority so as to boost food security.

The commissioner advised parents and guardians to enroll their wards in schools in order to enable them contribute to national development.

He also urged the caretaker chairman of the local government, Alhaji Abu Hong, to embark on the provision of social amenities and execution of developmental projects.

FCT

Defence Minister, BelloMohammed in Abuja has restated Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces were properly settled after years of meritorious service to the nation.

Mohammed stated this at the end of an entrepreneurship training organised for senior military officers by the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in collaboration with EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, the minister said the current agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan had placed emphasis on transformation.

Mohammed said the training was meant to assist the officers to attain self development when they disengage from service.

Kaduna

The 1986 Old Students Association of Alhudahuda College, Zaria, has donated books worth more than N250,000 to the institution.

Alhaji Shehu Yunusa, the Secretary-General of the association, told newsmen at its silver jubilee meeting in Zaria that the gesture was to encourage students of the institution to embrace the reading culture and maintain the good reputation of the college.

He said that in addition to the donation, the association also planned to renovate the college Mosque to make it an ideal place of worship.

“We are here to show appreciation to the college that brought us to limelight, because whatever we become in life, the institution is central to it.

Katsina

The Police Command in Katsina State says it has arrested eight alleged car snatchers in Katsina metropolis in its renewed effort to fight crime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.

Mohammed said that the suspects were nabbed at different times in the metropolis and gave their names as Bello Abdulkadir, Salisu Sirajo, Santanu Abubakar, Bashir Kabir alias Sanfolo, Ismaila Usman, Tasi’u Abdullahi and Musa Bala.

The commissioner said that the suspects had confessed to stealing cars in Katsina and its environs for sometime, adding that the command had been on their trail.

He said that the suspects also claimed to have taken some stolen cars to Kano for sale, adding that they were helping the police to track the receivers of the stolen cars.

Kwara

The Kwara government says it will continue to partner with the Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) in a bid to boost the economy of the state.

The State Commissioner for Commerce and Cooperatives, Alhaji Saka Onimago, disclosed this in Ilorin on Saturday while launching the prospectus for the fifth Kwara Trade Fair.

Onimago reiterated the state government’s commitment to take the state to the next level of development, saying that government has concluded arrangement to employ another set of 2,000 youths.

He said the development could only be achieved through the co-operation of the private sector of the economy.

Onimago thanked the KWACCIMA for acting as a catalyst in driving the economic development of the state through the organisation of annual trade fairs.

Lagos

Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, former Head of the Civil Service, has charged Nigerians to encourage creative work by Nigerians such as Prof Cyril Onwumechili to enhance national development.

Afolabi made the call in Lagos during the presentation of Onwumechili’s autobiography entitled, “Coming a Long Way”, which he reviewed.

He noted that Onwumechili, who became a professor at the age of 30 after studying to the doctorate level through

scholarships from his early days at Kings College, Lagos, was propelled by hard work and support from his uncle.

Afolabi observed that the professor became a vice chancellor of the University of Ife (now OAU) in 1978, the only known non-Yoruba VC of the institution.

Dr Alex Ekwueme, a former Vice-President, who was chairman of the occasion, said the work of the erudite professor was worth reading.

He described Onwumechili as a bright and productive scholar who had impacted on lives and the scientific landscape of Nigeria.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says it spent about N3 billion on community development projects within the last 30 months.

Mr Clement Faboyede, the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, said this in an interview with newsmen in Akure.

Faboyede said the initiatives were primarily to take development to the grassroots, adding that more than 200 “quick-win” projects had been completed in the 18 local government areas of the state.

He also said the state government recently approved N400 million for more projects to be executed in some communities

The commissioner said no fewer than 30 projects had been earmarked in some local government areas, including Akure and Ose areas.

Sokoto

Illela Local Government Council of Sokoto State plans to spend not less than N100 million on various developmental projects, its Chairman, Alhaji Garba Sabon-Gari, has disclosed.

Sabon-Gari told newsmen in Illela on Saturday that the projects would cover rural roads and water supply, health, education, power supply and economic empowerment.

“The estimates have been forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government for its final approval and nothing less than N100 million will be approved finally by the ministry.

“ These projects are aimed at further improving the living standard of the people and to fulfil our various campaign promises.’’

Taraba

Taraba is partnering with the North-East Zonal Office of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) to train fish farmers on the production of fingerlings.

Mr. Anthony Jellason, the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.

Jellason said that the state government had provided the agency with access road to its new office along Kona Road, to enable it to effectively discharge its duties.

He noted that the state was blessed with abundant of fish resources through its rivers and natural ponds scattered across the 16 local governments.

“When given the training, it would not only equip the farmers with the technical knowhow- in fish production, but also improve their occupation, boost their economy and provide direct and indirect employment opportunities to young school leavers.”

Zamfara

A female Zamfara pilgrim to this year’s hajj in Saudi Arabia (names withheld) has died, according to an official of the state’s 2011 Hajj Committee, Alhaji Jabiru Riko.

Riko disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau recently.

He said that the middle-aged woman died in the holy land after a brief illness, adding that she had been buried in Saudi Arabia, according to Islamic rites.

The committee member said the transportation of the state’s pilgrims had been completed on Thursday, adding that all 5,500 pilgrims were transported in 11 flights from the Sokoto International airport.

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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

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The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.
It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.
The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions:  M – Meeting the People  E – Educating the People  D – Discussing with the People  I – Involving the People  A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.
People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.
Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.
Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.
Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.
Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.
The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.
By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.
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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

 

Amadi Akujobi

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