Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The Benue State House of Assembly has directed a former
staff in the office of the deputy governor to retire N1.3 million back into the government’s coffers within one month or face the law. It also ordered the affected staff, Onah Iduh, to appear before it. The House which gave the directive at sitting in Makurdi, frowned at the N7.3 billion extra budgetary expenditure by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state and warned them against further unauthorised expenditures or risk sanction. The legislators’ resolution was based on report of the audited accounts of Benue State government, which was presented by the Public Account Committee headed by James Ochojila. The House maintained that MDAs should desist from extra budgetary expenditures, as only monies captured in the year’s budget should be expended.
Bauchi
The State Security Service (SSS) in Bauchi State has been
dragged to court over the non-payment of compensation for the land acquired for its training school. Hajiya Fatimah Ali filed a suit before the Bauchi State High Court against the SSS, over fencing of the land when it is yet to pay compensation to owners. The defendants in the suit include Director of the school, Alhaji Ja’afar, Abdulrahman Yamida and Sani Abdullahi Mohammed. Counsel to the complainant, Barrister Idris Jibo, told the court that initially, the land was sold to individuals and that when the training school indicated interest to acquire it, the owners entered into an agreement with the SSS. Jibo, who said the institution started developing the plot of land without paying his clients, urged the court to restrain it from further work on the land. The judge, Justice Abdulkadir Suleiman, granted the prayer and adjourned the suit to September 17.
Borno
The Shehu of Borno State Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar
Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi yesterday urged Muslims in Borno State to begin a three -day fasting from today to September 6, 2014.
A statement signed by the Secretary of the Borno Emirate Council, Zanna Laisu Kazalma, quoted the Shehu as saying that the call was in view of the security challenges confronting the state and other states and the need for spiritual intervention. The Umma was equally urged to offer special prayers in all Mosques and recite Khalimat Shahada ‘La Ilaha Illallah’ continuously during the fasting period. The Shehu advised that every Muslim individually and collectively should offer Sadaqat to the needy and underprivileged, especially to the internally displaced persons in various camps. In the same vein, he urged the Christian community in the state not to relent in their continuous prayers for peace and security in Borno and Nigeria.
FCT
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Usman Jubrin
has accused oil companies of complicity in oil theft.
He spoke in Abuja yesterday while receiving the managing directors and chief executive officers of oil companies operating in the country. He said the situation had warranted mentioning names of the oil companies and other major stakeholders involved in the act. “We cannot pretend that the oil companies do not have a hand in some of these illegalities: some of the companies have left their oil wells open for years without sealing them up. “It has become very worrisome that we have not been able to check this and I personally believe that it has gotten to a point that instead of pointing accusing finger at each other, we shall be mentioning names including the major stakeholders,” he said “Why are we denting the image of this country? We must meet, discuss and curtail the oil theft. If any of my personnel is involved, he will be dealt with in accordance with the existing laws,” the Navy boss added.
Gombe
Not more than nine babies including twins have been
delivered at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Gombe by pregnant women who fled the Boko Haran crisis in Borno State. The women who delivered the babies are among the over 1, 624 displaced persons in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno State following Boko Haram insurgents attack. The Senior Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Gombe Operations office, Ali Kadiri Moses gave the figures in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi. Kadiri said: “There are a lot of pregnant women in the camp.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Director of the National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Mr Elisha Meck Sabo has appealed to residents of the state to avoid rumours of an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease in the state after the management of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria yesterday admitted that one of its students was under examination after showing symptoms similar to those of Ebola. A statement from the university’s Public Affairs Directorate on behalf of the ABU/ABUTH Joint Committee on the Ebola Viral Disease said the clarification became necessary as rumours spread on the outbreak of the disease. ”The committee wishes to categorically state that there is indeed a reported case of a student of the university who on Monday, September 1, 2014 took himself to the ABUTH Shika to complain of fever, body pains, diarrhoea and vomiting, and he had been on and off with the sickness for two weeks before. From the examination carried out on the patient it was found that all the symptoms discovered are commonly seen in patients with other medical conditions.
Kano
Suspected killer of late Kano hotelier, Alhaji Ganiyu Akanbi
Bello, has arraigned before a Kano State Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting at No Man’s Land. The suspect, Abubakar Abdurrahman Sadiq, 26, resident of Badawa quarters in Nassarawa Local Government Area of the state was accused of killing Alhaji Ganiyu Bello, owner of GAB Centre for Excellence Hotel on June 5, at his residence. The accused person, who once worked as a receptionist in one of the deceased hotels, was said to have gone into Alhaji Ganiyu’s residence to steal. It was further alleged that before the suspect could carry out the act, the deceased woke up and engage him in a fight. Source said that it was during the fight that the accused stabbed the deceased. The accused was charged with criminal trespass, armed robbery and culpable homicide, offences contrary to Sections 348, 298 and 221 of the Penal Code. Police prosecutor, Haziel Lidapuwa, said the accused person pleaded guilty to all the three-count charges preferred against him. Presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Hassan Ahmed ordered that the accused person be remanded in prison and adjourned the case to October 10.
Niger
The Zungeru Hydroelectric Dam Community Relations
Committee (CRC) has called on communities hosting the ongoing dam project to cooperate with the federal government to ensure completion. Spokesperson of the committee, Salman Yusuf, in a statement said efforts are on to tackle cases of omission of names and underpayment of compensation to owners of land acquired for the project. “We are appealing to the host communities for their understanding and cooperation as the authorities have noted with seriousness the observed cases of omission of names, underpayment and delay experienced in the banks in the compensation exercise. We are assuring the beneficiaries that the issues will be looked into with a view to making needed amendments,” he said.
Plateau
National Chairman, Council of Ulama of Jammatul Izalatul
Bidia Wa Ikamatus Sunnan (JIBWIS) Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir has said that education is a critical tool for revolution
Jingir, who spoke yesterday in Jos, when he presented prizes to winners from Plateau State of the just concluded Quranic competition organized by JIBWIS, said education is the foundation of any positive change and develop-ment in the society.
Jingir said education and dis-cipline are the best legacies that parents and guardians can give to their children.
“Whoever invests in the education of his children has double rewards; first reward is for making your children responsible and development of the society. Secondly, Almighty Allah will reward you. I urge all parents to provide sound Islamic and western education to their children,” he said.
Sokoto
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Senator
Umaru Tambuwal has lost his mother, Hajiya Fatima Attahiru yesterday at the age of 97 after a protracted illness.
Fondly called Mama Ashibi, the late Hajiya Fatima is survived by three children, many grand and great grandchildren. She was buried in Tambuwal after funeral prayers attended by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Others dignitaries included Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko of Sokoto, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and others. Wamakko and the sultan prayed Allah to grant her eternal rest and give members of her family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Yobe
There were fears in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital yes
terday following information reaching the town that Boko Haram insurgents had encircled it.
There was no security confirmation to that effect but residents of villages and towns around the city said they saw the insurgents in some strategic locations.
Our correspondent reports that residents of Damaturu were confident of security measures earlier put in place by the Soldiers Special Operation team. But with the annexation of southern Yobe and the growing rife in Bama, Gwoza and other parts of the states, fear has taken over the town.
A resident from Sassawa, a few kilometers Northeast of Damaturu said the insurgents were freely carrying out activities in the area.
“They preach, extort and kill anyone who resists them, there is no security in the area. And they always threaten that we should stay in the village or else they would meet us in Damaturu”, he said.
Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State (right) speaking to newsmen on Ebola virus on his arrival from Lesser Hajj in Lagos recently. With him are, his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Hakeem Bello (left) and Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba. Photo: NAN
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.
