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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The African Union Commission has commended the Federal
Government for proper management of the more than two million Internally Displaced Persons in the North East.
Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union Commission, Dr. Aisha Abdullahi,  made the commendation during an inspection visit to Malkohi IDPs camp in Yola recently.
Abdullahi, who led the officials of the commission to the camp, said that they were impressed with the way and manner Nigerian government was actively intervening in all aspect of humanitarian assistance to the IDPs.
“I have travelled to many parts of the continent but this is the only place (Nigeria) I find government at federal and state levels are actively intervening in all aspects of assisting and helping the IDPs.
“This is very unique for the Nigerian government”, she said.

Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has announced the 2016 Hajj
fares for all intending pilgrims in the state.
Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, Executive Secretary, State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board announced the fares in Bauchi in an interview with newsmen.
Hardawa said that the state government has approved N1,028, 68.92 as minimum fare, N1, 077, 318.92 for medium fare and N1,175, 818. 92 as maximum fare.
Hardawa said that all intending pilgrims from the state had already made minimum deposits of N850, 000.
He said that intending pilgrims wishing to pay for the minimum fare would pay a balance of N178,068.92, while those wishing to pay for the medium and maximum fares are expected to pay N227,318.92 and N325,818.92 balance respectively.
Hardawa said that all the intending pilgrims were expected to complete payment in their respective registration centres before the end of Ramadan Fast to enable the board complete necessary arrangements.

Borno

The Nigerian Army, said it relocated the 2nd Commanding
Officers’ Workshop from Enugu to Maiduguri to further enhance its operations against Boko Haram terrorism in the North-East.
The Chief of Training, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, and Logistics, Nigerian Army Headquarters Army, Abuja made the clarification at the closing of the workshop in Maiduguri.
“The workshop was supposed to be held in Enugu, but in the wisdom of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), we decided to relocate it to Maiduguri.
“This is because we want to apply ourselves to the anti-insurgency operation that we are conducting here,” Umaru said.
He expressed optimism the participants would add value to the anti-terrorism war at the end of the workshop.
“The set of officers are from 82 Division in Enugu and its environs.

FCT

The Federal Government has announced the dissolution
of the Executive Management of Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria Limited.
Notice of the dissolution is contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Babachir Lawal,  in Abuja.
He then directed the Managing Director of the company, Mr James Olotu, to handover immediately to Mr Chiedu Ugbo, who had been appointed as Acting Managing Director of the company.
According to the SGF, all Executive Directors of the company and the General Manager, Audit, are to handover immediately to the most senior officers in their respective departments.

Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the
Nigerian Army headquarters had adopted holistic approach in addressing the infrastructural decay in its barracks and other institutions across the country.
Buratai said this while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after inaugurating two newly built blocks of hostels for students of the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State.
He said the infrastructure gap in the barracks would require consistent intervention over a period of time for the situation to improve.
Buratai said the present Army command under his watch had embarked on massive renovation of existing structures as well as the construction of new buildings to ameliorate the situation in the barracks.
Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government has announced the portfolios
of the seven newly appointed members of the StateExecutive Council that were sworn-in last week.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Press secretary to the governor, Abubakar Dakingari and made available to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to the statement, Alhaji Maigari Abdullahi Dakingari is Commissioner of Higher Education ; Alhaji Abubakar Besse, Commissioner forYouths and Sports and Alhaji Zailani Yauri for Budget and Economic Planning.
Others are, Alhaji Umar Usman Kambaza,Commissioner for Health ; Alhaji Musa Kalgo, Information and Culture ;Alhaji Muhammad Gado, Environment and Alhaji Garba Dandiga, Ministry of Agriculture.

Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has renamed the
Kogi State University, Ayangba , after the late first civilian governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu.
Bello announced the change in the name of the 15- year-old university during a statewide broadcast to mark his victory at the state governorship election petition tribunal.
He said that naming the university was the ultimate honour that could be done to the memory of the late colourful politician who ruled the state twice as the civilian governor from 1991 to 1993 and 1999 to 2003.
Audu himself established the university in 2001 and named it Prince Abubakar Audu University but his successor , Alhaji Ibrahim Idris changed the name to Kogi State University in 2004.
Justifying his decision to restore the university to its original name, Bello said that Audu laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the state.

Kwara

A cleric, Rt. Rev. Philip Adeyemo, has called for the election
of a leader with high humility and genuine spiritual intent as the next president for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Adeyemo told our correspondent in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that the need for a leader who could not be easily subjected to unwarranted external influence informed the call.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the incumbent CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, ends in July paving way for the election of a new leader.
Adeyemo, who is the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran Diocese, Kwara State, noted that anybody who aspired for any position must be spiritually, ethically and theologically sound.
He decried the situation where CAN administration was polarised along political affiliations and undue government interference contrary to laid down rules and regulations.
According to him, such a person should have nothing less than two-third of churches in Nigeria under its close supervision and should be a disciplined man who can pass the “temptation of money’’.
Lagos

The Comptroller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Command
of the Nigeria Customs, Lagos, Mr Benjamin Aber,  has urged officers of the command recently trained by the military to bring to bear on their jobs the skills acquired.
Speaking on the four-week just concluded capacity building training for 65 officers of the command, Aber noted that the training would enhance the officers’ jobs.
Aber told our correspondent that the training would help to sharpen the skills of the command’s enforcement officers.
“The officers were trained on weapon handling, assembling and range to enable them to combat smugglers’ activities.
“Since I resumed at the KLT command, I introduced a format to make the command the best that others will emulate,” he said.

Niger

The Niger State House of Assembly, has dismissed
insinuations that it is a rubber stamp of the executive arm of government in the state.
The Speaker, Ahmed Marafa, made the statement in Minna while speaking to newsmen on the activities of the Assembly in the past one year.
Marafa said the House was made up of legislators with conscience and high integrity, adding that nobody was interfering with or controlling the affairs of the House.
“In our one year in office, we have proved beyond reasonable doubt that the eighth legislature is an assembly with a difference.

Ogun

The Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). has arrested two members of a syndicate which specialises in pipeline vandalism on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The command also recovered a total of nine vehicles and seven motorcycles from the suspects as well as 3,000 jerry cans in an operation at Oluwo-Ifote village in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the two male suspects were aged 33 and 21.
It was gathered that other members of the syndicate fled when NSCDC operatives stormed a thick forest in Oluwo-Ifote where fuel was being scooped from a vandalised NNPC pipeline.

Plateau

A Jos High Court has granted bail to Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, a
former governorship aspirant in Bauchi State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had on Thursday arraigned Adamu before Justice Yakubu Dakwak of State High Court II on charges of conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.
Also charged along with Adamu was his company, Solid Unit Nig. Ltd, for allegedly collecting the sum of N23, 431, 000 from one Olajide Olaleye, for the supply of iron ore and zinc which were not delivered.
The prosecution counsel, Mr Banjamin Manji, told the court that the action of the accused contravened section 8 (a) and punishable under section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Law of 2006.

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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

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The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.
It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.
The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions:  M – Meeting the People  E – Educating the People  D – Discussing with the People  I – Involving the People  A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.
People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.
Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.
Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.
Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.
Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.
The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.
By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.
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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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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

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