Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State Director of Environment, Mr Daniel
Iorshagher, has advised Nigerians to plant trees in order to control environmental degradation, desertification and climate change challenges in the country.
Iorshagher said last last Thursday in Makurdi, that trees serve as measures against the growing effects of climate change, desertification and other environmental challenges.
He noted that the felling of trees for firewood and illegal logging had impacted negatively on the environment, adding “We depend much on wood for cooking and other furniture needs at the expense of the oxygen it would give us. “If trees are removed excessively, we would be producing an imbalanced environment in the country.’’
The director said that the ongoing deforestation had exposed the state to environmental hazards.
Gombe
Residents of three communities in Yamaltu/Deba and
Kwami Local Government Areas of Gombe State, have been cut-off from the rest of the state following the collapse of the Lubo bridge.
The bridge, located in Yamaltu/Deba council, collapsed on Tuesday, after several hours of rain.
The affected communities include Diffa, Lubo and Kinafa in Yamaltu/Deba Local Government, as well as Daban Fulani in Kwami Local Government.
Motorists, passengers and pedestrians from the communities are facing difficulties travelling in and out of the area, as the situation had forced them to detour through Gaji-Bauchi-Malam Sidi road to reach Gombe, a resident, has said.
Kogi
The Chairman of the Board of Federal Medical Cen
tre, Lokoja, recently commended the Kogi State Government, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, on its free medical scheme for rural dwellers.
Abubakar, who gave the commendation when he led members of the board on a courtesy visit to Gov. Idris Wada.
He said that the scheme had helped in bringing quality healthcare to the doorstep of people at the grassroots.
He urged the government to sustain the scheme, considering that its benefit was not quantifiable and also commended the governor for opting to receive treatment in a local hospital when he was involved in an auto accident on Dec. 28, 2012.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its assistance to the hospital and pleaded with the governor to help in fast-tracking the release of the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for the hospital’s permanent site.
Wada in his response expressed satisfaction with the services being rendered by the hospital and promised that the issue of C of O would be addressed very soon.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Culture and Tour
ism, Allhaji Gambo Lawal, last Thursday said that the fourth coming state cultural festival, was designed to promote peace and unity among diverse ethnic and religious groups in the state.
Lawal said in an interview in Kaduna that the festival scheduled to commence on August 26, would bring together different cultural groups to show case their rich cultural values and promote tourism.
The commissioner, commended the state government for sponsoring the festival, saying that the best performing groups and individuals would receive awards.
He disclosed that seven standing committees had been inaugurated, including security committee, to ensure the success of the event.
The state cultural festival has run for over three decades and remains one of the key tourism events in the state.
Kwara
An Economic and Financial Crime Commission
(EFCC) counsel, Mr Wahab Shittu, has called for establishment of more anti-corruption agencies instead of merging the available ones.
Shittu said in Ilorin that unless everybody was enlisted in the fight against corruption, getting rid of the societal defect might be a mirage.
The legal practitioner, who is also a lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos, noted that ”corruption remains the only impediment to the development of Nigeria”.
He urged the government to show more political will and monitor each of the stages of a fight against corruption to prevent compromise and he alleged that each of the stages of process in litigation against corrupt practice, investigation, prosecution or adjudication was being compromised.
“If we must win the battle against corruption, we will need to monitor the monitors. “Police that conduct investigations must be monitored so that they do not compromise; lawyers that prosecute and judges that adjudicate need monitoring too,” he said.
Lagos
Rear Admiral Ibok Ibas, Flag Officer Commanding, West
ern Naval Command, Lagos, has said Nigerian Navy would collaborate with the navies of other African countries to tackle insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
Ibas told newsmen in Lagos last Thursday that maritime security challenges facing African countries required regional collaboration and support to overcome.
Ibas announced that an international conference of all African navies and maritime experts to discuss best ways to secure African waters and trade would be hosted by Nigeria from August 27 to August 28 in Lagos.
The naval chief said the conference was expected to provide credible and sustainable solutions to the various challenges.
Niger
No fewer than 2, 000 students of the Niger State College
of Education, Minna and some community members were on Wednesday screened for malaria as part of efforts to curb the disease.
The college Chief Nursing Officer, Alhaji Sani Sanda, said in Minna that out of the number, 150 tested positive to malaria parasite, including three lectures.
He said that the patients who were referred to the school clinic had been treated as the state Ministry of Health had supplied drugs to the clinic to support the programme.
He said that 50 pregnant women received free treated mosquito nets, while members of the neighbouring community also benefited from the rapid malaria test and treatment.
Sanda commended the state Ministry of Health for the free testing kit, drugs and the nets made available, adding that the college and the ministry would intensify the sensitisation of the general public to the dangers of malaria and also curb maternal mortality rate.
Osun
Patients with orthopaedic problems have been advised
to visit hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment instead of rushing to traditional bone setters.
The former Head, Orthopaedic Department, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTH), Ile-Ife, Prof. Lawrence Oginni, gave the advice during an interactive session with members of the institution’s Newsletter Editorial Board recently.
Oginni also advised patients coming to the hospital to cultivate the habit of patience to allow medical personnel to carry out necessary investigations instead of believing that nothing was being done during investigation.
He noted that it was this feeling of neglect which patients have that was making the traditional bone setters to persuade them to withdraw from orthodox treatment.
Plateau
Senator Gyang Pwajok of Plateau State has declared that
Nigeria’s collective survival was being challenged by current security challenges and warned politicians against “playing politics with sensitive security matters’’.
Speaking at the dialogue, sponsored by the Canadian Embassy, is organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, an international outfit, the Senator said that politicians would be “gravely mistaken’’ if they ever assumed that conflict would simply come to a halt “once APC, PDP, APGA or any other political contraption ascends to power at any level’’.
Pwajok regretted that Nigeria’s leaders had consistently disregarded early warnings and even outcries that foreign elements were involved in the Plateau crises, and expressed relief that the federal government had woken by closing up the porous borders.
The law maker advised communities participating in the mediation talks to have open minds and be frank in their submissions, and advised that memories of past sufferings, the presence of orphans and the plight of victims, should not obstruct forgiveness.
Zamfara
Zamfara State Hisbah Commission, has arrested 50 un
der aged girls caught frolicking in the night in Gusau, its Chairman, Malam Aminu Aliyu, has said.
Aliyu told newsmen in Gusau that those caught were mostly under 18, and daughters of some rich people in the city.
He said that following a tiff-off, officials of the commission raided various spots in Gusau, where the girls and their male escorts operate, to effect the arrest.
“The girls were meeting men to commit sinful acts, particularly at night”, he said, adding that the male escorts took to their heels on sighting the hisba officials.
The chairman disclosed that the the commission had written letters inviting the parents of the girls for counselling before their wards would be released to them.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state
The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.
Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.
According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.
“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.
Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”
The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”
He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.
“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”
The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.
“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”
He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.
“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.
Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.
He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.
Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.
Nation
RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”
The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.
He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.
“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,
He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.
Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).
He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region
MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives
This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, alongside Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent
The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.
MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans
“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.
According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.
They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.
The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities
Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.
He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.
Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.
” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.
The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area
While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .
“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.
“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.
“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.
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