Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Magistrate Court has remanded one Iboi
Sunday, 25, in prison custody for allegedly raping and strangling a 13-year-old girl to death.
Chief Magistrate Olanike Adegoke gave the order pending the outcome of the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
She adjourned the case to December13 for further hearing.
Prosecutor Sunday Onwuchekwa had told the court that the accused committed the offence on October 29, 2013 at Oshodi farm, Eyio -Ekiti in Irepodun/Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
FCT
Parents Consultative Association of Nigerian Universi
ties (PCANU) has commiserated with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over the death of its former President, Prof. Festus Iyayi.
The group conveyed its message in a statement signed by its President, Mr Donald Sobara, and issued in Abuja recently.
Sobara described the late Iyayi as a renowned academic and a respected human rights activist, who had been part of ASUU’s negotiating team with the Federal Government to end the struggle.
“We must put aside everything and mourn this great man of honour and integrity.
Gombe
President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to declare open
the second North-East Economic Summit scheduled for December 3 in Gombe, Gombe State.
Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the summit, Alhaji Bashir Bello-Akko, made this known when he interacted with newsmen in Gombe State.
Bello-Akko said preparations were in progress to ensure a successful summit.
According to him, two pre-summit conferences were held recently in Abuja to discuss issues that would be deliberated upon in the summit.
Kaduna
A total of 53 Cadets of the Nigeria Defence Academy
have joined the Special Elite Force after successfully completing a six-week basic airborne course at the Nigeria School of Infantry, Jaji, Kaduna State.
The Commandant of the School, Maj.Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the training was designed to “produce physically fit and skilled elite troops capable of being launched into battle field from an aircraft”.
Represented by Col Sani Audu, the commandant said the paratroopers had displayed high discipline and professionalism during the course.
Kano
The Joint Security Taskforce (JTF) has said it had killed
two suspected Boko Haram members at Gayawa in Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State.
This is contained in a statement signed by spokesman of the JTF, Capt. Ikedichi Iweha, and made available to newsmen in Kano State.
The statement stated that the suspects lost their lives during an early morning operation at Gayawa general area.
“A further cordon and search operation was conducted this morning at about 6.30 at Gayawa general area”, the statement said.
Kebbi
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council
(RMRDC), says it would upgrade its intervention programmes in agriculture and mining to boost industrial development in Kebbi State.
The acting Director-General of the council, Dr Hassan Ibrahim said this in Birnin Kebbi at the opening of a capacity building workshop with the theme“Harnessing Fruit Juice Processing and Packaging in Kebbi state.”
Represented by Mr Usain Wele, the director general said the RMRDC had in the past assisted stakeholders in the state to promote their trades.
Kogi
The Kogi State House of Assembly has resolved to con
stitute a delegation to go to Benin and commiserate with the family of the late Prof. Festus Iyayi.
The resolution came after the assembly adopted a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Alhaji Yakubu Yunusa, at plenary.
Yunusa had in the motion called for the constitution of a powerful delegation from the assembly to go to Benin and commiserate with the family of the late Iyayi.
“The late professor, who was a former President of ASUU and author, was a leader who devoted and sacrificed his all for the country.
Kwara
An Ilorin Magistrate Court has remanded the tradi
tional ruler of Tewu Village, in Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara State, Sinapatiagi Sule, for alleged inhuman treatment.
The monarch was arraigned on a four-count charge with his seven chiefs for criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, causing grievous hurt, and trial by ordeal.
The chiefs are Musa Lafia, Gunu Adamu, Muhammed Akpo, Usman Sabi, Sule Taku, Gunu Ibrahim and Amuda Tabe.
Prosecutor Adekunle Iwaleye told the court that the monarch invited the seven complainants to his palace for allegedly belonging to witches and wizards.
Niger
The Niger State Government has signed a N1.2 billion
Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with Soject Nigeria Limited for the upgrading of Brigi-Lapai gwari road in the state.
Alhaji Mu’azu Bawa, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure Development, who signed on behalf of the state government, said that the project was designed to ease traffic congestion in the area.
He said the initial design of the road project was surface-dressing as feeder road to cater for the villages within the area.
Bawa, however, said that the state government changed the design to make it a by-pass to accommodate more traffic.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has pre
sented a budget proposal of N210.21 billion for 2014 to the State House of Assembly.
Christened “Budget of Consolidation’’, Amosum said the 2014 was slightly lower than the 2013 figure of N211.86 billion and geared toward the actualisation of the administration’s mission to rebuild the state.
He said N117.51billion was earmarked for capital expenditure, while N92.70 billion would be for recurrent expenditure.
The governor said the expected revenue was N154.38 billion, while the capital receipt was N55.83 billion.
Ondo
A trader, Remi Lanre, has appeared before an Akure
Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
The Prosecutor, ASP. Pelumi Adejuwon, alleged that the accused committed the offence on November 18, at about 1 p.m. at Ilotin, off Ijoka road in Akure.
“She unlawfully assaulted one Cpl Cecilia Adebisi, attached to Oda Divisional Police Headquarters, Akure.
“The accused rough-handled the police officer by damaging her uniform, crest and wrist watch,” he said.
Oyo
A university teacher has called for the creation of more
employment opportunities for women to improve the health status of mothers and their children.
Dr Adetola Adeoti, lecturer, Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Ibadan, made the call at the National Policy Seminar on Health, Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction in Ibadan last Tuesday.
In her paper: “Child Health and Maternal Health Status and Demand for Health Care Services in Nigeria’’, she said “educated and employed mothers will not only be healthy but also have healthy children.’’
She said Nigeria experienced significant increase in economic growth in the last decade yet the health indicators were very poor particularly in the rural areas where poverty remained high.
Taraba
The Director, Public Complaints Commission in
Taraba State, Alhaji Sa’ad Mohammed, has said that the disparities existing in salaries of civil servants in the country were unfair.
Mohammed said this in Jalingo in an interactive session with the State-Based Federal Civil Servants in Taraba State.
“I cannot understand why people who graduated from the same school, department and at the same grade level, are receiving different salaries, simply because they are not working in the same organisations.
“Some earn even three times what their mates are earning elsewhere. Are there public establishments that are not important.”
He, however, said that the disparities had recently been bridged to some extent by the present administration, but stressed that the gap was still wide.
Nation
HYPREP Reaffirms Support For Ogoni Youths …Organises Workshop For Undergraduates

In pursuit of its strategic human capacity development initiatives, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has restated its commitment to supporting Ogoni youths to maximally benefit from its projects and programmes that align with their visions and aspirations.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication during the second edition of the international career enhancement and employability workshop organised by the Project for undergraduates and fresh graduates of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Port Harcourt, assured the participants of its commitment to continually initiate programmes that support their visions and aspirations.
He noted that the workshop reaffirms the Project’s commitment to inclusiveness and continuous skills development, as strategic pillars in its efforts to restore and improve livelihoods in Ogoniland.
He said the workshop was aimed at equipping the Ogoni youths with relevant career skills and empower them with employability tools, to ensure that HYPREP’s gains extend beyond remediation into long-term transformations, stressing that the Project is committed to supporting their dreams.
”HYPREP is committed to supporting your dreams through targeted initiatives, such as this workshop and we will explore ways to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
I want to emphasise that this workshop is not just about enhancing your career prospects; it is also about building a community of young people and equipping you to make a positive impact in your communities. As you benefit from HYPREP’s interventions (and the experiences of the facilitator), I challenge you to take the message of peace and constructive engagement to your communities and live accordingly,” he said.
Zabbey further assured that HYPREP would continue to stand with Ogoni youths by supporting their aspirations through targeted workshops and broader livelihood initiatives that prioritise their development, noting that the Project believes in them and remains committed to creating platforms where their potential can be nurtured and realised.
The Project Coordinator enjoined them to continue to contribute to the success of HYPREP.
The second edition of the career enhancement and employability workshop had Dr Akanimo Odon and Dr Chioma Okonkwo as facilitators, while the participants were drawn from the four Ogoni local government areas.
Among other modules, participants at the two-day workshop were provided with tips on ways to explore opportunities in seemingly challenging situations, discover themselves, convert hobbies and interests into passion and profits through three career e-routes and understand the power of networks and partnerships.
Participants were also given useful nuggets, career resources of time and skills, and career resources of funding, especially how to access foreign scholarships and funding.
At the closing, HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, urged the participants to earnestly pursue their passions and commit to their dreams.
Meanwhile, the participants expressed gratitude to HYPREP for organising the workshop, which they described as impactful and transformative.
HYPREP has continued to be intentional in its efforts to prioritise human capacity development in Ogoni through such workshops and trainings. This year, the Project will be rolling out trainings in high demand skill areas like mechatronics, underwater welding, commercial diving, full-stack development and GIS, targeting the youths as major beneficiaries and giving them a fair head start and comparative advantage in a highly competitive environment.
Nation
NIPR Practitioners Urge To Go Beyond Traditional Media Relations To Strategic Leadership Functions
The Public Relations practitioners across Nigeria have been charged to go beyond the perceived roles of media relations and protocol services to strategic leadership functions that is crucial to shaping and transforming the nation.
In his message at this year’s (2025) World Public Relations Day, with the Theme: ” Building Bridges, Navigating Polarisation” In Port Harcourt, The National President of the Nigeria Institution of Public Relations Dr. Ike Neliaku expressed delight to address members and guests on this special day, pointing out that the day offers a an opportunity to reflect on the journey over six decades since Public Relations formally birthed in Nigeria.
He maintained that this year’s world Public Relations day gives opportunity to members to reflect on the actions and inactions towards the development of the profession and to boldly develop new frontiers for a greater institution.
The NIPR president explained that the values of Public Relations particularly in areas of fostering relationship, strengthening leadership and advancing good governance remain a key -through effective and goal- oriented communication.
Earlier, The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, (RSU) Prof. Isaac zep-Obipi being represented by the Deputy VC admin Prof. Victor Akujuru throw challenge to NIPR members to rebranding and portray the state in good light, standing that RSU remains a state owned institution that have not witness any strike in the passed fifteen years.
Also in his speech, the state chairman NIPR Rivers Chapter Rev. Francis Asuk described world Public Relations day as a day set aside to pay attention to the works of public relations globally indeed that relationship is important that the world is crying about in rebuilding relationship due to the collapsed of the value systems at family, society and world level of human existence.
” At the highest level of human existence relationship has become imperative for all practitioners to come together and build bridges to navigates those Polarisation” he said.
In a related development,the keynote speaker Rev (Fr.) Prof. Walter C.Ihejirika, said the media has a lot to do especially on its role of enlightenment to the public about the role and function as a key element in the development of a better society.
Prof. Ihejirika who is the Dean faculty of Communication and Media Studies , University of Port Harcourt, stressed that when media practitioners navigate on the area of strategic communications with a goal, then the public will be better informed and know that they have a responsibility for the large society, “because if the large society is not good, the organization cannot function effectively.”
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
-
Business23 hours ago
NCDMB Promises Oil Industry Synergy With Safety Boots Firm
-
News20 hours ago
Rivers Police Arrest Notorious Cultist, Recover Sophisticated Ammunition
-
Niger Delta22 hours ago
Adopt African System Against Crime, Don Urges Security Agencies
-
News17 hours ago
Ibas Inaugurates RSIEC, Service Commissions, Healthcare Board In Rivers …Charges Appointees To Embrace Principles Of Service
-
Rivers21 hours ago
Monarch Cautions Youths Against Illicit Drug Consumption
-
Opinion23 hours ago
Why Reduce Cut-Off Mark for C.O.E ?
-
News20 hours ago
NIMASA Shuts Two Lagos Terminals Over Security Breach
-
Politics22 hours ago
Alleged Money Laundering: Fayose Has No Case To Answer, Court Tells EFCC