Nation
THE STATES
Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Sani Sidi (right) and Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State (2nd right), sympathising with the victim of Gombe ‘s multiple bomb explosion, during their visit at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Gombe on Friday. Photo: NAN
Adamawa
The police in Adamawa State have arrested four sus
pected kidnappers believed to be terrorising the residents of Yola and its environs.
A statement by Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Othman Abubakar, said two AK 47 rifles and sixty rounds of ammunitions were found with the suspects at the time of arrest.
It said they were responsible for the recent kidnap of Adamawa House of Assembly member, Alhaji Usman Adamu and Sarkin Tsafta of Adamawa, Alhaji Aliyu Aminu.
It added that the gang was also responsible for the kidnap of Wilson Gundiri, brother to Marcus Gundiri, governorship candidate of SDP in the last general elections.
The statement said the suspects were undergoing investigation at the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Bauchi
Governor Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State has
urged journalists working in the state to always abide by the ethics of their profession.
The Governor made the call in Bauchi when a delegation of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him.
He advised them to shun reports that would mislead members of the public and threaten the peace of the state
The governor pledged to provide the necessary support that would enable journalists discharge their duties without hindrance.
On the payment of weigh-in allowances to staff of state-owned media outfits, the governor said that he was yet to be briefed on the issue by the appropriate authorities.
Benue
The Chairman, Benue NGO Network, (BENGONET), Mr
Justin Gbagir, has advised Governor Samuel Ortom to conduct an audit of civil servants in Benue State to weed out ghost workers and reduce monthly wage bill.
Gbagir newsmen in an interview in Makurdi that the current wage bill of N3.7 billion being incurred by the state was unacceptable.
He said the audit would determine the actual staff strength of the state, saying that a lot of administrative lapses in the last regime in the state, might have been responsible for the huge amount.
He commended Ortom for his management of the resources of the state, urging him to continue the good work.
“What he (Ortom) has done shows an improvement over what we witnessed in the past eight years in this state.
FCT
The Department of State Services (DSS) has reassured
Nigerians of its readiness to check activities of criminal gangs in the country.
This is contained in a statement by the department, signed by Mr Tony Opuiyo in Abuja
It assured Nigerians that it would not relent in its efforts to checkmate the activities of any criminal gang that terrorised innocent citizens across the federation.
The statement urged members of the public to volunteer useful information that would assist the service in apprehending criminal gangs, promising that such information would be treated with ”utmost confidentiality and dispatch”.
It said that any suspect arrested by the service would be arraigned in courts in accordance with the law, adding that efforts were on to apprehend fleeing members of some kidnap gangs and others hiding across the country.
It disclosed that it had arrested some criminals in some states across the country.
Gombe
Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, has do
nated undisclosed amount of money to 48 victims of the recent Gombe bomb blast admitted at the Federal Teaching and Specialists’ Hospital (FTH), Gombe.
Jibir member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal constituency of Gombe State, Hajiya Aisha, presented the money Saturday in Gombe,on behalf of the First Lady.
Jibir told the victims that she was sent by the president’s wife to commiserate with them and give them a token assistance.
“The president’s wife was told about your conditions and being a caring mother, she decided to assist.
“The amount is just a token to help relieve you of the suffering you are encountering.
“She also prayed for the soul of those that lost their lives in the blast, to rest in peace,” she told the victims.
Jigawa
Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State has said
that it immunised 111,372 children against polio virus during the recent round of polio immunisation.
The Manager, National Programme on Immunisation for the area, Alhaji Suraj Muhammad, told newsmen in Dutse last Sunday the council received 121,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines and used 119,040.
He said 150 non-compliance cases were recorded out of which 142 cases were resolved and eight cases pending.
Muhammad said that the non-compliance cases would have resulted in the non-immunisation of 282 children, but its resolution led to 272 children being immunised.
Kebbi
The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Atiku,
has donated drugs and food stuff to people living positive and drug addicts in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi state.
The donation was presented in Zuru to Sani HIV/AIDS Trust Fund, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) established by the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Gomo II.
Atiku told the Emir that the donation was to reduce hardship faced by the victims, make them have a sense of belonging, as well as erase the pain of stigma.
She pledged to sustain her support to the victims and other under privileged members of the society, calling on other privileged persons to do same.
In his remarks, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sani Gomo II, commended the donor and called on other members of the public to emulate her by providing employment, material and financial support to the victims.
Lagos
The National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria
(NAPTAN) last Friday urged state governments indebted to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to pay up, to avoid jeopardising the children’s future.
NAPTAN’s National Coordinator Babs Animashaun made the plea in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
WAEC had on July 27, threatened to withhold results of thousands of students from 19 states, who participated in the May/June WASSCE, over non-payment of their registration fees.
WAEC said that the affected state governments were indebted to the council to the tune of over N4 billion.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has of
fered employment to 10 persons out of 40 persons living with HIV/AIDs who had just concluded a skills acquisition programme in the state.
Al-makura announced the gesture last Saturday in Lafia at the 5th graduation of beneficiaries of the programme, trained at Mother and Child Care Enhancement Foundation, a pet project of Mrs Salamatu Umaru-Almakura.
About reports that 40 beneficiaries were trained in different skills, including tailoring, knitting, hairdressing, interior decorations and catering.
He said that providing employment to people living with HIV/AIDs was to give them a sense of belonging as well as to improve their standard of living.
Plateau
The Transition Interim Chairman of Bokkos Local Gov
ernment of Plateau State, Mr Luka Makut, has urged workers to be committed and diligent in the discharge of their duties.
Makut gave the charge in Bokkos as he took over the mantle of leadership of the council.
”As workers, you are the engine room of the council, therefore, it behoves on you to be diligent and hardworking to assist me in my quest to transform the area.
”I need your cooperation in my drive to ensure that Bokkos Local Government becomes one of the well-developed councils in Plateau, ” he said.
The new council boss pledged to do his best in improving the living conditions of the good people of Bokkos.
According to him, the little resources of the area will be fully utilised to transform the council and to give workers welfare priority attention.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has warned
middlemen to steer clear of fertilisers purchased by the state government.
Tambuwal spoke in Bodinga Local Government Area when he inaugurated the sale of the 6,600 bags of NPK and Urea brands of fertlisers allocated to the council area.
Represented by Alhaji Mainasara Ahmed, Permanent/Clerk of the House of Assembly, Tambuwal said that 3,975 bags of fertilisers would be sold only to small-scale farmers.
He said that the remaining would be sold to large-scale farmers, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, and civil servants who engage in farming activities.
Tambuwal warned that the state government would not fold its arms and allow some unscrupulous and unpatriotic elements to prevent the genuine farmers from getting the subsidised commodity.
According to him, the NPK and Urea brands will be sold to the farmers at the highly subsidised prices of N1,700 and N1,800 per bag, respectively.
Zamfara
Over 10,000 people have been treated and discharged
in Sokoto State in the past two years under free medical treatment programme of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN).
The National President of the Association, Dr. Salisu Isma’il, stated this recently in Gusau while fielding questions from newsmen in Gusau, as part of activities of the 16th National Scientific Conference and National General Meeting of the association.
Dr. Isma’il said that the beneficiaries comprised men and women in Sokoto metropolis and some neighbouring local government areas.
“The treatment was part of the assistance rendered by the association as we always work towards assisting patients, especially those without the means to foot the bills of their medical treatment.
“We also organise seminars and workshops on health related issues for our members and other community members, conduct enlightenment campaign with the aim of improving knowledge and understanding of the people on health related issues”, he said.
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.