Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State said
that 33 aspirants had indicated interest to contest the governorship election on the platform of the party in 2015.
The Benue State Chairman of PDP, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, told newsmen in Makurdi that the party’s primaries must be free and fair.
Agbo said that all members of the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party had resolved to ensure that all candidates were given equal opportunities.
“33 aspirants have so far indicated their interest to contest the party’s governorship ticket in the forthcoming election.
Ekiti
No fewer than 21 political parties will participate in the
Ekiti State governorship election coming up on June 21.
The Ekiti State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission,(INEC) announced this in a statement in Ado-Ekiti recently.
Speaking to newsmen on the list, the spokesman of the Commission in the state Taiwo Gbadegesin said the list might not be final as some more might still show interest while some that had already indicated interest might choose to opt out.
He said INEC would not give special preference to any of the political parties, saying a level playing ground would be accorded all of them in every of its activities and actions.
FCT
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administra
tion and Control (NAFDAC) has warned the public against indiscriminate consumption of energy drink for health reasons.
The Director, Pharmacovigilance and Post Market Surveillance Directorate of the agency, Mrs Adeline Osakwe, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to her, energy drinks are supplements that contained high caffeine and carbohydrate which are made to make a person hyper active.
“The effect of the caffeine in energy drink makes people to get high, to be stimulated and of course, it makes the person’s heart to beat faster”, he said.
“It can have adverse effects, especially when the person over uses them and it accumulates in the system. The caffeine in it can lead to increase in blood pressure.
Jigawa
The National Agency for Food And Drug Administra
tion and Control (NAFDAC) has threatened to close down any packaged water factory that failed to comply with water quality standard.
The state Director of the agency in Jigawa State, Mr Olaniran Olakunle, gave the warning at a meeting with members of the Association of Table Water Producers (ATWAP) in Dutse.
Olakunle said that NAFDAC would not spare any manufacturer of packaged water who produced unclean water.
”The penalty for not complying is closure of the factory and withdrawal of NAFDAC licence,” he said.
He explained that the agency had introduced Annual Monitoring of Water Quality Standard and Compliance for all water manufacturing facilities across the country.
Kaduna
No fewer than 50 journalists with different eye diseases
have benefited from free eye screening in Kaduna State.
The free eye screening was organised by the Kaduna state chapter of Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) recently.
The screening was to assist journalists overcome challenges associated with sight to enable them discharge their duties more effectively.
Mrs Juliana Oyoyo, the state chairperson of NAWOJ, said the free screening was to help journalists who used computers daily in the course of their work to correct whatever challenges they might have with their eyes.
Kebbi
The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office
in Kebbi State says it has executed 152 projects in 21 local government areas in the state.
The Consultant of the projects, Dr Balarabe Isah, made this known to newsmen in Aleiro Local Government Area when he inspected the projects.
He said that 122 projects were newly constructed while 30 were rehabilitated.
“The projects comprised solar-powered boreholes for water supply to rural communities and construction of staff quarters for staff at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres.”
Isah said that the projects were 100 per cent completed, especially, water supply projects, adding that 90 per cent completion was recorded in the provision of staff quarters that had yet to be furnished.
Kwara
The Landmark University, Omu-Aran in Kwara State
is to partner with the British Council for educational development, Mrs Ngozi Osueke, the institution’s Corporate Affairs Officer, has said.
Osueke told newsmen in Omu-Aran that discussions on modalities and platform for the partnership was almost concluded.
According to her, the partnership became necessary for the institution to expand the scope of its academics and more importantly its agrarian revolution initiative.
“The university, in order to expand its major focus on its agrarian revolution, is currently working out the modalities for an all encompassing partnership with the British Council.
Lagos
The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS)
said it sealed 15 companies in the last two weeks for failing to remit N34.7 million personal income taxes of their workers.
The Head, Distrain Unit, of LIRS, Mrs Folasade Coker-Afolayan, said this last Sunday in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
She said that the tax liabilities were for period ranging from one year to three years.
Coker-Afolayan reiterated that tax payment was a civic responsibility of citizens whose proceeds were being used by government to provide the infrastructure.
“Tax is a major source of government revenue. It enables government to provide infrastructure and improve citizens’ standard of living,” she said.
Ondo
The police have arraigned a 52-year-old man, Osagbeue
Chuks, in an Akure Magistrates’ Court for impersonation, unlawful possession and theft of books from Ondo State High Court library.
The prosecutor, Insp. Martins Olowofeso, alleged that the accused stole the books on March 12 from the library in Akure.
“The accused stole 12 copies of different volumes of the Nigeria Supreme Court case books valued N400,000, property of Ondo State High Court of Justice.
He said that the accused impersonated a lawyer in order to gain access to the library.
Ogun
Ogun State Government has begun the distribution of
Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) to residents across the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, said that community members had been given net cards during a nine-day household mobilisation held between February 21 and March 1.
He said that the collection of nets would be between March 15 and 19 at respective distribution points across the 20 Local Councils Areas of the state.
Our correspondent reports from some distribution points that residents thronged the venues in large number queuing to collect the nets.
Oyo
The Group Managing Director, Odu’a Investment Com
pany Ltd., Mr Adebayo Jimoh, has called for the adoption of “we-can-do-it” mind-set of the Koreans as a means of developing the nation’s human capital.
Jimoh made the call, while delivering the Distinguished Alumnus Lecture organised by the University of Ibadan Alumni Association, Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that the lecture was entitled: “Challenges of Human Capital Development”.
He said that in addition to educating the people, the promotion of an entrepreneurship culture would assist the nation in becoming a technological base driven nation.
Plateau
President Goodluck Jonathan has commended Governor
Jonah Jang, for his strides in transforming Plateau.
Jonathan, represented by Vice President Nnamdi Sambo, gave the commendation in a thanksgiving service to mark the 70th birthday of Jang in Du, Jos South Local Government Area recently.
He said that the achievements of Jang had impacted positively on the lives of the people of Plateau.
“Jang has transformed the state through various projects in the health, agricultural, education and in the construction of roads, and in the construction of the very first flyover in the state”, he said.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.
-
News12 hours agoNLC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Electoral Act Amendment
-
Maritime10 hours agoOver 6,223 Seafarers Abandoned In 2025 – Says ITF
-
Maritime9 hours agoCustoms Hands Over Seized Cannabis Worths N4.7bn To NDLEA
-
Politics9 hours agoI DEFECTED OUT OF CONVICTION …NO ONE COULD’VE IMPEACHED MY LATE DEPUTY ~ DIRI
-
News12 hours agoTinubu Embarks On Two-Day State Visit To UK, March 18
-
Politics9 hours agoWe’ve Not Recognized Any PDP Faction — INEC
-
Environment7 hours agoRivers State Government Suspend Fire Service Collection Levies
-
Education9 hours agoFG commends FUET over historic beginning as VC lament over poor funding

