Nation
THE STATES
Benin
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor
Osayuki Oshodi, resumed work Monday after almost three months absence due to ill health.
It would be recalled that Prof Oshodin, until yesterday, was last seen in the institution’s campus in May, fuelling speculations about his health and calls for the appointment of a successor.
Amidst such speculation, Prof Oshodin, who wore a grey suit, yesterday made a surprise appearance at the institution’s Senate building at about 11:00 a.m. to attend a meeting of the appointment and promotion board of the university amidst shouts of joy by senior staff of the university who welcomed him.
Meanwhile, three associations in the university’s branch of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Education and Associated Institutions (NASU) Monday berated calls by some sections in the university for the appointment of a substantive vice-chancellor for the institution because of the absence of Prof Oshodin.
SSANU, NAAT and NASU, who were represented at a press briefing at the institution by Comrade John Osaretin Alile, Comrade S.M. Momoh and Joel Idonije respectively, noted that it smacked of mischief for anyone to claim that the absence of the vice-chancellor had created tension and slowed down activities within the university.
Ekiti
The current wave of policy change across some states
controlled by the All Progress Congress (APC) has been attributed to the defeat suffered by the party in the June 21 governorship election.
The Minister of State for Works, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye who spoke yesterday, commended the people of Ekiti State for “liberating Yoruba people from bondage”.
Adeyeye, who briefed journalists in his Ise-Ekiti country home, said the reversal of tuition fees from over N300,000 to N25,000 by Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and the planned review of the ban on Okada in the state was an “act of deceit propelled by the fear of an impending rejection by the people in 2015.”
The minister said he was proud to be part of the June 21 governorship election, which according to him has forced the APC governors to embark on “desperate review of anti-people policies. Ekiti people can now hold their heads high having liberated the South-west from oppression”.
FCT
An Abuja-based group, Service Integrity Group, has faulted
a news report purportedly insinuating that the new Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Danladi Kifas, was not qualified to be appointed into the exalted position because he was allegedly indicted by a probe panel.
A statement issued by the Coordinator of the group, Mallam Sherrif Abdulahi, said: “Our attention was drawn to a news-report purported to insinuate that the new Head of Service of the Federation, Mr Danladi Kifasi , was indicted by a panel and therefore not qualified to hold public office.
“We affirm that Mr. Kifasi was cleared of any purported indictment as early as March 2006 and was also given clean bill of health by the Attorney General of the Federation in July 2006.
Kano
Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Deputy to Governor Rabiu
Musa Kwankwaso of Kano state has broken his silence over his ambition to govern Kano after 2015, saying he is interested in the guber-race.
Ganduje during a meeting with Kano Correspondents Chapel Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said his willingness to subject himself to succeed his boss, if given the chance was borne out of his large wealth of experience and urge to build on the gigantic legacies of Governor Kwankwaso.
Ganduje, however, stated that he would be willing to wait until the Kwankwasiyya political movement of the Kano All Progressive Congress (APC) decides who will carry the flag.
Ours is a party that has just been put in place. The APC it is a merger party. So, I will urge you to wait until the time when there will be news or no news. I am interested, but I have not declared, we are still consulting, Ganduje added.
Kebbi
The office of the Permanent Secretary at the Government
House in Birnin Kebbi was gutted by fire yesterday.
Sources at the Government House told our reporter that the incident which occurred at about 4:40pm affected files and documents inside the permanent secretary’s office. An official said there was no injury or loss of life.
“The Head of Civil Service, Alh Baballe Umar Yauri, just visited the scene and a committee will be set up to investigate the cause of the fire. He will also talk to the press later,” he said. Unconfirmed sources said the fire was caused by an electrical surge.
Kogi
The traditional ruler of Itoduma community in Ibaji Local
Government Area of Kogi State, Ogah Attah, David Ademu Onate, has called on Governor Idris Wada to provide the community with electricity.
Chief Onate made the call yesterday in an interview with newsmen at Itoduma community, shortly after a reception organized in his honour.
Onate said “people of the area had been fighting for an autonomous traditional ruler, and that now that they had gotten one, they would now fight for development.
Onate, who was crowned on October 14, 2013 by Attah Igala, Michael Ameh Oboni 11, called on the people to remain peaceful and united.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has suspended,
Tanko Tunga, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker for six months.
Our correspondent reports that Tunga was suspended for violating the Assembly’s rules.He was also accused of attempting to snatch the mace and insulting his colleagues.
Tunga has been placed on half salary for the duration of his suspension.
Also, the state house of assembly directed its Clerk, Ego Maikeffi, to write the National Judicial Council (NJC) reporting Chief Judge, Justice Suleiman Dikko, for violating Section 188.
Niger
The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) will
train 8,000 professional welders with a view to replacing expatriates working in similar capacity in the oil and gas industry.
Executive Secretary of PTDF, Mr. Femi Ajayi, said this yesterday while flagging off an entrepreneurship development training programme for trainees of the welders in Minna, Niger State.
”The skills gap audit and several reports since 2011 have identified fabrication as the area with the highest potential for Nigerian content development. Yet, it is one in which the least capacity development has been recorded over time.
Ondo
Many more lives in the Niger Delta region would be
touched through the programme and projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, (NDDC) as its funding improves.
The Ondo State Representative on the Governing Board of the Commission, Barrister Benson Amuwa, said this while speaking at the flag- off of the Free Medical Programme in Igbobini, Ese Odo Local Government Area and Igo, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
During the programme, which was organised in collaboration with Universal Medical Foundation and Pro-Health International, over 6,000 residents of the riverine communities of Ondo State received free medical services.
Barr. Amuwa urged the people to cooperate and support the medical teams to work effectively, promising that NDDC is determined to bring healthcare to the doorstep of the people.
Oyo
Former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja,
has decried the omission of his name on the voters’ registration list.
Ladoja expressed his disappointment when he visited Ward 3, Ibadan North Local Government area of the state, where he went to collect his permanent voter card.
Commenting on the development, Publicity Secretary, Accord Party, Dr Nureni Adeniran, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve upon the process, so as not to deny eligible voters their rights.
Adeniran also urged the people yet to register to avail themselves of the opportunity.
Taraba
The Taraba State House of Assembly has resolved to
investigate the N10 billion loan procured in 2012 for the construction of four kilometres roads in each of the 16 local councils of the state.
Charles Maijankai had in a motion told the House that the roads were poorly done and prayed that a committee be set up to investigate utilisation of the funds.
He recalled that the House in 2012 approved the sum of N10 billion for the road projects, which were handled by Taraba State Road Construction Agency (TARCMA) and PW Company.
The motion was seconded by Muhammad Gaayam at a sitting which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Adamu Tanko Maikari.
Contributing to debate on the motion, former speaker of the House, Istifanus Haruna Gbana, said the contractors compromised standards in handling the project, adding that those concerned should be summoned.
The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector.
Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state.
According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government.
Speaking on the recent approval of employment for staff of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nwagor described the development as a clear demonstration of continuity and progressive governance in Rivers State.
He explained that the recruitment exercise was initiated in 2023 during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike when Hon. David Akah served as Chairman of RSUBEB, while the current administration approved and implemented the names that were earlier forwarded for employment.
The Commissioner noted that the process reflects the commitment of successive administrations to sustaining policies and programmes capable of strengthening the educational system and improving service delivery within public schools.
He stressed that governance achieves greater impact when beneficial policies are sustained irrespective of political transitions, adding that the approval of the employment exercise would help address manpower needs within the basic education sector.
Dr. Nwagor , a proud son of Etche Ethnic Nationality with includes Omuma further assured the visiting journalists that the Ministry of Education remains open to collaboration with media organizations, especially the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists, in advancing educational advocacy, public enlightenment, and youth-oriented development programmes.
He commended the group for promoting professionalism, responsible journalism, and community development initiatives through its activities across the state.
The Commissioner particularly praised EEPJ for conceptualizing a pet project focused on combating drug abuse among youths in selected secondary schools in Etche and Omuma local Government Areas describing the initiative as timely considering the growing concerns over substance abuse and its negative impact on society.
He pledged the support and participation of the Ministry in the anti-drug abuse campaign scheduled to hold in the second week of June 2026.
According to him, tackling drug abuse requires collective action involving government institutions, the media, parents, schools, religious bodies, and civil society organizations.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of EEPJ, Elder Akujobi Amadi said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the media and the education sector while also recognizing the Commissioner’s contributions toward educational development and public service in Rivers State.
The group reiterated its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that would promote quality education, youth empowerment, and societal development across the state and pronounce him a worthy patron of the Association. A recognition that will be celebrated in due time.
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board port Harcourt has trained 1,000 newly recruited teachers to raise standards in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
The two-day orientation and capacity building programme held in Port Harcourt introduced the teachers to civil service rules, classroom management practices, and professional conduct expected of educators in the state.
The state Commissioner for Education Dr. Peters Nwagor told the new intakes that teaching demands more than academic qualifications and called for discipline, diligence, and a strong commitment to service, describing the profession as noble one that is central to the development of the state.
The recruitment, he said, reflects the government’s investment in children and long-term development. “Education is the foundation of societal progress, and basic education is where that foundation is laid,” Nwagor stated.
He reminded the teachers that they would shape the values and character of pupils during their most formative years. He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education through training, resources, and an environment that allows teachers to perform effectively.
Nwagor also directed RSUBEB to reject transfer requests from rural to urban schools. He said the newly employed teachers have an obligation to serve where they are posted and help strengthen education in those communities.
In his opening remarks,the RSUBEB Chairman ,Hon. Sam Oge explained that the recruitment process began in 2023 under the previous board , adding that after assuming office, he consulted widely and secured Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval to complete the exercise.
Oge said the selection was competitive, with 1,000 candidates chosen from more than 5,000 applicants. He urged the teachers to treat the opportunity seriously and avoid lobbying for reposting.
He warned that those seeking to change their postings would not be entertained. All teachers, he said, must resume at their assigned schools immediately.
The former RSUBEB Chairman Ven. Dr. Fyneface Akah, who delivered the keynote address, described the orientation as the teachers’ formal entry into the civil service. He encouraged them to be creative, purposeful, and open to learning on the job.
Akah stressed that teachers have a role in restoring values lost to moral decline. He urged them to model national values and see their work as a calling with lasting impact on society.
He thanked both past and present state governments for approving the recruitment, noting that the exercise would improve access to quality basic education across Rivers State.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and psychosocial wellbeing of workers engaged in the ongoing Ogoni cleanup project, as the world marks the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP joined the global community in commemorating the annual event themed, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment for All,” noting that workplace safety must go beyond physical protection to include mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Zabbey highlighted that since the commencement of the Ogoni cleanup in 2017, following recommendations by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Project has made significant strides in environmental restoration while maintaining a strong health and safety culture.
According to him, HYPREP’s interventions across remediation sites, shoreline cleanup operations, mangrove restoration efforts, and construction locations have consistently incorporated robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) systems.
He said the Project also recorded a major safety milestone, surpassing nine million man-hours without a fatality—an improvement on its earlier achievement of five million man-hours, and attributed this feat to strict adherence to safety protocols, effective monitoring, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.
Despite these gains, the Project Coordinator stressed the growing importance of addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace. Citing global data, he noted that hundreds of thousands of deaths annually are linked to work-related psychosocial factors such as excessive workload, poor work organisation, harassment, and job insecurity.
To tackle these challenges, he said HYPREP has strengthened staff welfare systems, promoted open communication, and integrated psychosocial risk assessments into its safety framework.
According to him, the Project also conducts regular awareness programmes aimed at fostering a healthier work environment.
HYPREP further disclosed that measures have been put in place across its offices and project sites to ensure reasonable work schedules, adequate rest periods, and access to both medical and psychological support services.
Zabbey emphasised that collaboration with contractors and host communities remains key to sustaining safety standards, noting that workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
Reiterating the human-centred nature of the Ogoni cleanup initiative, he called on all stakeholders to prioritise psychosocial wellbeing as an integral part of workplace safety, while continuing to uphold vigilance and mutual support across all levels of project implementation.
