Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The TY Danjuma Foundation (TYDF), has donated roofing
materials worth N5million to residents of Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Presenting the materials, the Team Leader, Mr Gima Forje, said that it was in fulfilment of the foundation’s promise to the people after its assessment tour of the ravaged communities on May 25.
He said that during the tour, the foundation met with relevant stakeholders in the area, stressing that it was from there that they arrived on needs of the area.
‘’We carried out an assessment visit to the area, held discussions with members of the community, local government chairman and community leaders.
‘’The report of the assessment determined the type of intervention the foundation has provided,’’ he said.
Borno
The Borno State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil
Defense Corps (NSCDC) say it has arrested four butchers for allegedly selling the meat of dead animals to Maiduguri residents.
State Commandant of Corps, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, told newsmen that the suspects, who had confessed to committing the crime, were arrested at the Murtala Square area in the state capital.
“The culprits have been selling dead livestock to innocent unsuspecting people.
“They normally go around and pick dead animals from the outskirt of the town and sell same to the public.
“Some of these animals died from tuberculosis, bacterial pneumonia or even brucellosis, which can pose dangerous health challenges when consumed.
“Even if you have the licence to operate in an abattoir, the veterinary doctors must ascertain that the animals are safe for human consumption”.
Ekiti
Two men, Ibrahim Mohammad and Usman Haruna who
allegedly stole 16 cows, have been brought before an Ado Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, Mohammad, 30 and Haruna, 26, are facing a charge of stealing to which they have pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Caleb Leranmo told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 3 at about 2.00 a.m. at Ilafo Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area.
He alleged that the accused stole 16 cows valued at N1 million, property of Mr Yusuf Abdullahi.
The offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti 2012.
Counsel to the accused, Mr Timilehin Omotosho, urged the court to grant them bail on liberal terms with a promise that they would not jump bail.
FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and
Financial Crimes,Sen. Chukwuka Utazi, has reiterated the committee’s resolve to support the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in its anti-graft war.
This is contained in a statement issued by Head of Media, EFCC, Mr Wilson Uwujaren and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
The statement quoted Utazi as having given the assurance when members of the committee visited the acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu.
Utazi stated that one of the committee’s priorities was to ensure that the commission’s headquarters was completed and made conducive for officers to carry out their duties effectively.
“We understand that EFCC is short changed in the 2015 budget; we will ensure that the building is completed.
“We will get all you need to work better, contained in the 2016 approved budget,’’ it stated.
Kaduna
A haematologist, Dr Abdul-Aziz Hassan, says Nigeria
needs about 1.7 million units of donated blood per annum.
Hassan, the Head of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, made the assertion at a programme to commemorate the World Blood Donor Day in Zaria.
The consultant haematologist, who spoke to newsmen on the sidelines of the programme, said 100 million units of blood were donated across the world annually.
According to him, more than 60 per cent of this figure is, however, collected in the developed countries.
Kano
A 32-year-old man, Suleiman Umar, who allegedly impreg
nated his 13-year-old niece, has been remanded in prison on the order of a Kano Magistrates’ Court.
Umar, who lives at Yan Kifi Village in Kunchi Local Government Area of Kano, is being tried for impregnating his niece.
The Chief Magistrate, Maryam Sabo, said the accused should be kept behind bars until the next date of adjournment.
Earlier, Prosecutor Shuaibu Musa told the court that a man, Dauda Muhammad of the same address reported the case at Kunchi Police Station in Kano on April 18.
According to him, the accused about five months ago had carnal knowledge of the 13-year-old daughter of his older brother, Muhammad.
Lagos
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nige
ria (AMSLN) has urged government at all levels to provide adequate security for all categories of health workers.
The National President of the association, Alhaji Tosin Raheem, made the call at a “Day of Tributes and Prayer’’ for the Acting Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Medical Laboratory Council of Nigeria, late Mrs Olufunke Omotuyi,.
The event was organised by the Lagos State council of the association and LUTH chapter in honour of the late Omotuyi in Lagos.
According to him, law enforcement agencies must ensure safety of every individual in the country, especially the health workers.
Our correspondent reports that the late Omotuyi was killed by assailants at about 4 a.m on June 8, at her residence in Apo Quarters, Abuja.
Niger
Former Head of State, retired Gen. Abubakar Abdulsalami
has urged the Federal Government to dialogue with militant groups in the Niger Delta.
Abdulsalami gave the advice when he received members of the Niger State House of Assembly who visited him on his 74th birthday in Minna.
“All we need to do is to sit down on a round table and discuss these problems.
“Even if you fight a war and win, you must sit down with the people you conquered. The insecurity we are going through now is uncalled for.
“For the Boko Haram, nobody knows what they want. The Avengers are now out, what are they avenging?’’, he asked.
Ogun
The Ogun State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM)
has advised parents and guardians of students in public secondary schools to desist from engaging their children and awards in part-time education.
TESCOM Chairman, Mrs Olabosipo Ogunsan, gave the advice during an unscheduled assessment tour of some secondary schools in the Remo Zone of the state.
Ogunsan said that if parents should encourage their children to engage in trade apprenticeship during school session, this would distract them from concentrating on their studies.
Osun
The Osun House of Assembly passed seven bills in the
last one year, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr Bosun Oyinloye,has said.
Oyintiloye disclosed this in Osogbo on Thursday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the bills were expected to impact positively on the living conditions of the people and the state’s economy.
According to him, the bills are Public Procurement Bill, Land Use Charge Bill, and Primary Healthcare Development Board (Establishment) Bill and the Street Trading and Illegal Market (Prohibition) Bill.
Others are Micro-credit Agency Bill, Conservation Fund (repeal) Bill and the 2016 Appropriation Bill.
Oyintiloye noted that each of the bills was linked to revenue generation, blockage of revenue wastage and theft as well as sustaining transparency in governance.
Oyo
A lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Mrs Christiana
Nwankwo, has recounted her experience in the hands of a land agent, Alexander Okoya, who allegedly defrauded her of N4.23 million.
Testifying before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel of Ibadan High Court, Nwankwo told the court that Okoya sold 1.054 hectares located around University of Ibadan to her at N4 million and was paid N230,000 as commission.
She added that Okoya claimed to be a land and estate agent of repute, adding that the money was paid in two instalments.
“A group of my students and I wanted to use the land as a small laboratory.
“My lord, after I made all the payments, I demanded to see the land owner, but Okoya lied to me.
“He first said that the owner lives in Lagos and later said that he had been rushed to London due to his sickness.
Plateau
Prof. David Wonang of University of Jos has
recommended the use of organic manure to tackle “root-knot nematodes, a disease affecting roots of crops.
Wonang gave the recommendation at the 80th Inaugural Lecture of the university in Jos.
The lecture is titled: “Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne species) Farmers Silent/Unseen Enemies: Implications on food Security and Stability in Nigeria.’’
Wonang described root crop disease as a major cause of food shortage in developing countries.
“It has been generally difficult to quantify the amount of economic losses caused by root-knot nematodes, especially in developing countries where crops are rarely grown as mono crops.
Nation
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
Nation
NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
Nation
Nile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
The Nile University of Nigeria has successfully hosted the maiden National Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter, drawing scholars, policymakers, and media professionals to examine emerging global communication trends and Africa’s positioning within them.
The two-day conference, themed, “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” took place from March 24 to 25, 2026, at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja. The event marked the first national gathering of the ICA Nigeria Chapter since its inauguration in March 2023, making it a historic milestone for communication scholarship on the continent.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Jacob Suemo, described the conference as a “clarion call to reimagine Africa’s place in the global communication landscape,” emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
The conference convened leading international scholars, including ICA President, Prof Thomas Hanitzsch and REACH Committee Chair, Prof Noshir Contractor, alongside other notable academics such as Prof Srivi Ramasubramanian, Dominique Brossard, and Prof. Raka Shome. Representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya also participated, reinforcing the global outlook of the gathering.
Participants engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations addressing critical themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change communication, media systems, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions reflected the broader aim of the conference to interrogate how global communication shifts affect African societies, institutions, and development pathways.
A key highlight of the conference was a strategic panel session titled, “Is Africa Ready for ICA26?” which assessed the continent’s readiness for deeper global engagement ahead of the ICA International Conference scheduled for June 2026.
The event featured over 50 research presentations from scholars across Nigerian institutions, showcasing diverse perspectives on communication research and practice. It also attracted major stakeholders in government and media, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Press Council. Discussions underscored the importance of strategic communication in national development and Africa-driven narratives in global discourse.
A major outcome of the conference was the leadership transition within the ICA Nigeria Chapter. Professor Desmond Okocha emerged as the new Chair, succeeding the founding Chair, Dr. Ekaete George. The transition was described as a step toward consolidating the association’s growth and expanding its influence across Nigeria’s academic and media landscape.
Organised in collaboration with academic institutions including Bingham University, University of Cross River State, Nasarawa State University, and the University of Calabar, the conference also featured participation from the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) as a partner and sponsor.
The ICA Nigeria Chapter noted that the conference provided a vital platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and policy dialogue, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global communication research and practice.
The second edition of the ICA Nigeria National Conference is scheduled for March 2027, building on the success of the inaugural event.
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