Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
As part of efforts to surmount the spate of insurgency,
violence and crises bedeviling the North eastern part of the country, the Federal Government under the ‘Presidential Initiative for North East’ has selected hundreds of youths from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states that constitute the region for training on how to seal and package grains into sacks with the use of machines.
The program which was in collaboration with the international firm ‘LINTEX International Limited’ has trained the beneficiaries to become professional sealers and packagers who can work in any food production company within and outside the nation.
Speaking yesterday during the closing ceremony of the training in Bauchi, the Chief Executive Officer of LINTEX International, Alhaji Bashir Dantata represented by Mr Adeagbo Sultan explained that the program was aimed at mitigating the rate of poverty and youths restiveness which make them to perpetrate crimes or indulge into insurgency activities.
Benue
Benue State women, under the aegis of the Southern
Women in Action Group (SWAG), have called for power shift to the Idoma-speaking area of the state in the forthcoming governorship election in the interest of fair play and justice.
National President of the group, Mrs. Ene Ibenu, who made the call at a briefing in Makurdi, the state capital, said the demand was premised on the principle of rotation and equity.
According to her, “what we are saying is that since the creation of Benue State some 38 years ago, nobody of Idoma extraction has assumed the leadership of the state as governor.
Borno
A senior official of the traditional rulers council of Gwoza town in Borno State has disclosed that members of the Boko Haram sect are having a field day in territories they have captured and have turned the sacked Emir’s palace in Gwoza to their headquarters.
He said the militants are now relocating from their camp in Sambisa forest in Borno State to the territories they have annexed in the northern region.
According to witnesses, their move is predicated on unabated territorial conquests by the insurgents who have occupied the army base in Gamboru town in Borno State which they took over on Monday.
FCT
The FCT Primary Health Care Development Board says
plans are underway to build toilets in strategic locations in Abuja.
Dr Matthew Ashikeni, Director, Disease Control Department of the board, announced this at the National Task Group and Sanitation meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
Ashikeni explained that the move was designed to ensure improved sanitation in the city with emphasis on reducing open defecation in FCT.
Ashikenu blamed open defecation on lack of functional sanitation facilities in public places in the city.
Kano
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration
and Control (NAFDAC) has sealed off seven shops and confiscated contraband food products worth millions of Naira in Kano.
The NAFDAC Assistant Director (Enforcement), Mr Shaba Mohammed, disclosed this in Kano on Thursday in an interview with newsmen.
Our correspondent reports that six of the affected shops were located at the popular Singer Market, while the other shop was situated at Galadima area in Sabon Gari.
He explained that the operation was conducted recently to measure the level of compliance to regulation, particularly on food products.
Katsina
Barring unforeseen circumstances, General Muhammadu
Buhari would declare for the presidential race within the next few days as he rounds off his nationwide consultations, his political aide has disclosed.
The former head of state and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is not new in the race as he has been consistently contesting for the presidency since 2003 when he ran against the then president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo under the platform of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).
Buhari also contested in 2007 and in 2011 against the late President Umaru Yar Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan respectively but lost in the three elections.
Kogi
Kogi State Governor, Idris Wada, has vowed to stamp out
political thuggery in the state.
Wada who made this known, yesterday, while addressing the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, supporters during the “Thank You Visit” to Ajaka, headquarters of Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, said his government would not tolerate any act of indiscipline from any one.
Wada warned that anybody caught in act of hooliganism would face the wrath of law no matter how highly placed, advising parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs in the state.
Kaduna
Members of the Down Quarters Community in Kaduna
South Local Government area of Kaduna State have protested the setting up of an Ebola quarantine centre in the area.
They vehemently kicked against the proposed project, saying that government was not sensitive to the negative implication of locating such project in the midst of the community.
But the state government through the Deputy Governor, Nuhu Bajoga, said the government would go ahead with the project. He said the government could not afford to take the centre far away from the people in case there was an outbreak “so that the patient will not die on the way.”
Lagos
Lagos State Government has organised training for no fewer
than 1000 of its secondary school teachers in the effective use of ICT across the education curriculum.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye said at the opening of the workshop in Lagos that it was the beginning of a series of many capacity building interventions and activities for teachers in the state public secondary schools which the state government was putting together.
She described high quality education as one of the major planks of national development, saying developed nations across the world paid great attention to their educational service delivery as they did not only invest in physical infrastructure but also in the human infrastructure at all levels.
Nasarawa
The violent feud involving Eggon and Fulani communities
in Nasarawa State took another dimension yesterday when Fulani attackers invaded Tudun Adabu, an agrarian town, in the morning which led to hours of fierce fighting leaving casualties on both sides.
One of those who fled the area when the Fulani were said to have invaded at about 10am, Esla Jatau, said there had been rumours since Monday morning of the impending attack by Fulani herdsmen, so women and children were evacuated before they struck about 10am.
Unlike their attack on Akunni and Ikposogye where they had a field day destroying homes and property because the residents of the villages had deserted their homes, the Fulani met stiff resistance from Tudun Adabu youths who engaged them in exchange of fire lasting several hours.
Ogun
The Ogun State protem chairman, Peoples Democratic
Movement, Mr.Isiak Gbadamosi, has said the party will not form alliance with any other political party in order to win any elective positions in 2015.
He said this at the party secretariat at Olomore, Abeokuta while briefing journalists on the activities of the party registered in 2013.
The protem chairman who was in company of other officials of the party which include the protem secretary, Mr. David Adeife, senatorial chairman, Ogun-West, Mr. Muhammed Adeyemi among others, said the party would not even consider an offer from the Peoples Democratic Party, which is an offshoot of the PDM.
He said, “We will not form alliance with any other political party. Any party that want to join us must submit its certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission and come under the PDM.
Plateau
Plateau State Commissioner for Justice, Mr Edward Pwajok,
has said that the report of the Justice Bola Ajibola Commission of Inquiry into the 2008 Jos crisis would soon be released.
Pwajok told newsmen in Jos recently that: “Government has concluded deliberations on the report and shall soon make it public.’’
Our correspondent reports that the commission was set up by the state government in November 2008, after the devastating crises in Jos that claimed many lives.
“The State Government set up the commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of that crisis; it was expected to identify persons responsible for it and recommend sanctions, among other things.
Former Lagos State Miliary Administrator, Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (right), declaring for Adamawa State governorship in Yola, recently.
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.