Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose,
has advised parents to train their children in the way of the Lord as prescribed in the Holy Bible.
Fayose gave the advice while presenting gifts to the first and second new born babies of the year at the Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti.
She congratulated the mothers and thanked God for granting them safe delivery and preserving the lives of the babies.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Kolawole Ogundipe, said that the first baby came to life at about 1:15 a.m. weighing 2.8kg and the second one came to life at about 1:50 a.m. weighing 3.8kg.
Jigawa
Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has
urged youth to be united and shun ethnic and religious divides for a prosperous country.
Lamido gave the advice when he received PDP youth from various platforms across the country that paid him a visit at his Bamaina village residence in Birnin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.
He explained that youth were vanguard of change who should ensure the country remained one for the betterment of their future.
According to him, there were still some irresponsible elders who preached hatred to divide them, to remain relevant in power.
Kaduna
The Interim Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Mr
Alexander Iya, has escaped an attack in Kogoro when a suspected armed youth who stormed his residence was apprehended.
The chairman, who confirmed the incident to newsmen said the suspect came to his house around 11am carrying locally fabricated weapons demanding to see him.
“Upon sighting the security personnel at the house, he jumped over the fence and made straight to my compound.
“ The suspect demanded to see me but unfortunately for him, I was not at home,” he said.
Iya, said the suspect thereupon vandalised his vehicle before he was chased and arrested.
Kano
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has expressed
confidence in the ability of President Muhammad Buhari to tackle to current economic challenges in the country.
The governor said this in Kano in his New Year message to the people.
Ganduje, who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Youth and Culture, Mr Mohammed Garba, also expressed optimism about year 2017, and prayed that it would be full of opportunities, blessings and happiness for all Nigerians.
He said the past year had indeed not been very smooth on account of the economic recession in the country.
Katsina
A joint committee of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria’s
Pastors in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State has urged Nigerians to ensure increased religious tolerance and embrace government’s anti-corruption efforts in good faith.
Addressing a special prayer session, the committee Chairman, Pastor Daniel Onyeka, urged Nigerians to live in peace with one another and engage in viable economic and social activities that would contribute to nation’s growth.
Onyeka described the economic recession facing the nation as a challenge, and urged Nigerians to ponder on their actions “to correct mistakes and avoid evils that attracted God’s wrath.”
He explained that the special prayer was organised for protection and success of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari and also to ask for God’s blessings to ensure peaceful country to overcome security.
Kogi
Some unknown gunmen have abducted a traditional ruler
in Kogi State, a family source said in Lokoja.
The monarch, whose name was given as Alhaji Isah Achuja, the Ohi of Ajaokuta, was returning from Lokoja, the state capital, on Saturday when his vehicle was intercepted on the Lokoja-Ajaokuta Road at gunpoint and the ruler taken to an unknown destination.
A member of the royal family, who did not want his name in print, told newsmen that an aide to the traditional ruler and his driver narrowly escaped being hit by the bullets of the abductors.
Kwara
The University of Ilorin (Unilorin) has produced an
automobile speed limiter that could be used by any vehicle including jeep, car, bus and truck.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, disclosed this in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen.
Ambali noted that the feat was in response to the challenge thrown at institutions of higher learning in the country by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Nasarawa
Stakeholders in Akun Development Area of Nasarawa
State, have passed a vote of confidence on President Muhammadu Buhari, for the positive intervention made to boost infrastructure in the country.
The stakeholders, who met in Ogba, Nassarawa Eggon Local Government, said Nigerians needed to be more patient with the Federal Government in order to realise the positive change they desire.
The stakeholders were in Ogba to felicitate with the Overseer of Akun Development Area, Mr Moses Malle over the New Year.
They agreed that Buhari and Governor Tanko Al-Makura were doing well in the areas of infrastructure development, security, fight against corruption, peace promotion, among others.
Niger
The Niger Child Rights Protection Agency say it has so
far received 1,085 cases of child violations since its inception in November 2016.
Director-General of the agency, Mrs Mairam Kolo disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna, adding that parents, guardians, neighbours, community reported cases such as child neglect, physical, psychological, sexual abuses to the agency while the agency discovered some during its sensitisation campaign.
She said that some cases reported to the agency were referred to the police for proper investigation and others to the courts directly.
The director-general, however, commended the state Governor, Abubakar Bello, for establishing the agency as part of his political will to end violence against children.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has con
firmed the death of three persons in a road accident involving a black Honda CRV Jeep and a white DAF trailer in the Sagamu axis of the Lagos /Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.
FRSC’s Sector Commander in the state, Mr Clement Oladele, gave the confirmation in an interview with newsmen in Sagamu.
He said that the accident could have been caused by overspeeding.
“The accident occurred around 2 pm and the rescue team were on ground to immediately manage the situation.
Osun
The Osun State House of Assembly has urged Nigeri
ans to be optimistic as the New Year will be a year of economic recovery.
The legislature gave the advice on Tuesday in Osogbo through a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.
Oyintiloye said the various programmes and policies which government had put in place would bring succour to Nigerians.
While acknowledging the tenacity and perseverance of Nigerians in the face of economic recession, he called on Nigerians to support government’s policies and programmes aimed at revamping the economy.
Oyo
The founder of the One Love Family sect, Satguru
Maharaji ji has called on the African Union (AU) to tackle the crises rocking some African countries before they get worse.
Maharaji ji made the call while addressing newsmen at the Satguru Maharaji ji Village in Ibadan.
The sect leader listed some of the affected countries as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Liberia, Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan.
He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to empower the EFCC to obtain detailed information on constituency projects executed by the National Assembly since 2007.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has lauded
road users in Plateau State for the low road crashes experienced during the Yuletide.
The Command’s Public Education Officer, Mr Andrew Bala, gave the commendation in an interview in Jos.
Unlike 2015 when high number of road crashes were recorded, only four road crashes were recorded during the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the state.
Bala said that no life was lost in the crashes.
The public education officer attributed the success to the resilience and total commitment of the officers and men of the command.
Yobe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDS),Yobe State command, says it will intensify intelligence, surveillance and protection to promote peace and security in the state in the New Year.
The Commandant of the corps, Dr Muhammad Fari, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
Fari said that the presence of NSCDC personnels in the 17 local government areas would scale up intelligence gathering and surveillance on movement of persons across the state to curb criminal activities.
He said the command would improve on proactive measures to check crime before they were committed.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
