Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government said it would promote health
tourism by inaugurating Adamawa-German Diagnosis Centre at Yola in 2013.
Governor Murtala Nyako made this known in Yola while receiving a traditional ruler, the Gang Wari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, who paid him homage.
Nyako said that the development would not only improve health service delivery in the state, but also generate revenue and reduce high cost of foreign health tourism.
“Latest high medical facilities including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and laboratory diagnostics facilities are provided at the centre and will start operation very soon,” Nyako said.
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has described the
death of the Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rashid as a great loss not only to Dukku, Gombe State, but to the northern Nigeria as a whole.
He said that the late Emir had contributed immensely to the peace and unity of the region and the country as a whole while he was alive.
In a statement, Yuguda said that the fatherly advise of the octogenarian monarch would be missed by all.
“At times like this when the country is going through political transformation, advise from elder statesman like the late Emir was needed in order to shape the political future of the country.’’
Ekiti
One Emmanuel Ene last Thursday appeared before an Ado-
Ekiti Magistrates’ Court charged with stealing jewellery and money belonging to one Ojo Oke at Anisulowo Hotel, Ado-Ekiti, in Ekiti State.
Police prosecutor, Caleb Leranmo told the court that the accused committed the offence on November 30.
“The accused stole jewellery worth N1 million, 25 pounds sterling and 400 dollars, property of Ojo Oke, in the hotel.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Emmanuel Adedeji, prayed the court to grant his client bail, saying that he would not jump bail.
FCT
The Police in Abuja last Thursday arraigned a commercial
bus preacher, Chukwuemeka Okere, 36, before a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged cheating and being in possession of stolen items.
Police prosecutor, Eze Okechuckwu told the court that on December 10, Okere, who resides in Nyanya Gwandara area of Abuja, lured Zamani Zuneya of Garki II, Abuja, to a hill in Kubwa under the pretence of preaching to her.
“While praying for Zuneya on the hill, he stole her bag containing two cell phones and N15,000.
“During police investigation, one of the cell phones was recovered from the accused,” he told the court.
Gombe
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Gombe
recently said that four persons died in an accident during Christmas celebrations in the state.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Kuteb Galadima, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen.
Galadima, who attributed the accident to over-speeding, stated that it occurred on Christmas Day at Lafiyawo Village in the Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Galadima explained that the accident involved a Peugeot 406 car with the registration number: RBC 861 AA, which hit a tree a few kilometres outside the state capital.
Kaduna
The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kaduna
State, recently pledged to support Governor Mukhtar Yero in the restoration of peace and unity in the state.
A delegation of the party, comprising the Senator representing Kaduna Central, Sen. Sani Saleh, its state Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Yaro and other members gave the pledge while on condolence visit to the governor in Kaduna.
Saleh said the visit was to commiserate with the family and people in the state over the “sudden and shocking” demise of the late governor.
Kogi
The Legal Aid Council said that it provided free
legal representation to 5,063 persons in Kogi between 1993 and 2012.
A Senior Legal Officer in the council, Mrs Flora Imo, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Lokoja.
She said that the free legal representation was in criminal and civil cases in High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts spread across the state.
The officer said that the council had also offered free legal advise to people and facilitated granting of bail to a number of suspects.
Kwara
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin,
Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, recently said the institution would integrate sign-language into its academic system.
Ambali said this when staff and students of the Centre for Supportive Services for the Deaf (CSSD) visited him as part of activities to mark the International Day for the Disabled.
The vice-chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, Prof. Yisa Fakunle, said the university was doing what it could to support the centre.
Ambali, who gave an assurance that the university would ensure effective functioning of the centre’s equipment, said the introduction of sign-language was to foster effective lecture delivery.
Lagos
An economist, Dr Henry Boyo, recently advised
the Federal Government to pursue people-oriented policies in 2013 to reduce cost of living of Nigerians.
Boyo, the Chief Executive of Technol Systems Ltd., told newsmen in Lagos that many of the economic policies of government in 2012 were “not too people friendly“.
“The monetary profile of any country depends on its monetary policy model.
“In 2012, inflation ate up substantial part of people’s earnings in Nigeria, “ he said.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State said the secu
rity threat by the Boko Haram group in the northern part of the country had stalled development in the region.
Aliyu made the remark during an interactive session with journalists at his residence in Minna.
He said that insecurity caused by the sect in the North had made it difficult for investors to invest in the region for fear of losing their investments.
“I am not satisfied with the slow pace of development in the northern region, but under my leadership as chairman of Northern Governors’ Forum, we have given the region good leadership.
Osun
The Osun Commissioner for Health, Mrs Temitope Ilori,
says the state government has invited a team of ophthalmologists from Saudi-Arabia to carry out free eye surgery in the state.
Ilori, who announced this last Thursday at the treatment centre at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo, said more than 2,000 people had been registered for the exercise.
She explained that the team would comprise of 20 experts from Saudi-Arabia and indigenous medical doctors on the ground.
The commissioner urged residents to register their names and ensure they were screened so as to ascertain their day of appointment and the condition of their visual problems.
Oyo
The Oyo State Government has collaborated with the Uni
versity of Ibadan on joint inspection of all public schools in the state.
The inspection is to ensure quality control, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Adetokunbo Fayokun, has said.
Fayokun, in a statement issued in Ibadan said that the state had begun to reap the dividends of the education summit organised earlier in the year.
She said that some of the recommendations made by the summit had been implemented, adding that there was improvement in the education sector in the state.
Plateau
Senator. Gyang Pwajok (PDP- Plateau North), has filed an
appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, against the December 20, nullification of his election by an Abuja Federal High Court.
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Adeniyi Ademola, while delivering judgment in a matter filed by the Congress for Progress Change (CPC) against INEC and PDP, had nullified the October 6 by-elections and asked Pwajok to “stop parading’’ himself as senator.
The CPC had approached the court to determine whether the first respondent, INEC, had the power to reject the names of its candidate for the by-election.
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
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.