Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Coordinator, Adamawa/Taraba National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), on Friday, Mr Sa’ad Bello,said there were currently less than 10,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa camps.
Bello told newsmen in Yola that there were, however, about
170,000 IDPs residing in host communities across the state.
He said that “there is significant reduction of IDPs living in camps in the state; the number reduced from over 60,000 to less than 10,000.
“At the peak of the insurgency, the agency recorded over 480,000 IDPs residing in host communities but now, there are about 170,000 IDPs living within the host communities.”
The coordinator explained that the departure of many IDPs from camps led to closure of four camps out of the nine in the state.
On IDPs feeding and accommodation, he said it was being handled by NEMA, in collaboration with other humanitarian agencies.
He said each camp also had a clinic, where the IDPs were being attended to, while those with serious ailments were being referred to Yola Specialist Hospital or the Federal Medical Centre, Yola.
He said “we also provide children with educational centres such as primary and Junior Secondary Schools.”
Bauchi
Director-General of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari, in Bauchi on Monday called for synergy between his agency and the media in tackling some of the security challenges of the country.
Making the call when he visited the Bauchi Zonal Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abari said joint effort in sensitizing members on the need to shun acts that could jeopardize the unity and peaceful coexistence of Nigerians, was desirable now, than ever before.
According to him, the roles of the media have gone beyond the traditional “education, entertainment and enlightenment”, but have encompassed a greater challenge of “agenda setting” for the people.
He said that security challenges resulting from disagreements among people on issues that could otherwise be peacefully resolved, to other wider security issues, had made it paramount to intensify sensitization efforts, not only for people to embrace dialogue, but also become security conscious.
Borno
Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) on Sunday donated relief materials for the upkeep of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Borno.
Speaking while presenting the materials, Managing Director of NPA, Mrs Hadiza Bala-Usman, said that the gesture was aimed at bringing succour to the IDPs who were in need of help.
“The presentation of these items is aimed at supporting the Borno State Government in taking care of the IDPs.
“The NPA believes that there is the need to sustain its corporate and social responsible to the society,”
” We have noted with concern, the situation in the North-East and we are here to provide support to the State Government towards the upkeep of the displaced persons,” she said.
Bala-Usman, who is also a member of the ‘Bring-Back-Our-Girls’ group, commended the military for rescuing some of the Chibok school girls abducted by insurgents.
She expressed optimism that the remaining 195 students of the school still held in captivity, would also be rescued.
“I am an advocate for the rescue of the Chibok girls and I believe that the military has the capability to rescue our girls.
FCT
National Vice-Chairman (South-South) of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Ogidi, said outcome of Thursday’s stakeholders’ meeting revealed that National Chairman, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff, lacked capacity to lead the party.
Ogidi stated this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, last Sunday
He said that walking out on former President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, Board of Trustees (BoT) members and other prominent party leaders at the Abuja meeting “revealed the character of Sheriff and spoke a lot about him”.
According to him, Sheriff’s conduct on that occasion was not just disrespect for Jonathan but a proof that he cannot be trusted.
Sheriff had told newsmen that he walked out of the meeting convened by Jonathan to find solution to the party’s leadership crisis because he was not allowed to address the session in his capacity as national chairman.
Kaduna
Sourthern Kaduna Muslim Umma Development Association, has called on the Federal and Kaduna State Government to compensate victims of the 2011 post election violence.
The group is also pushing for fair treatment on issues affecting Southern Kaduna.
The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Adamu Kagarko, said in Kaduna on Sunday, while inaugurating sub-committees for the 30th anniversary of the association, the people have suffered long years of neglect.
He said that the association would push for the compensation and protection of all people in the area.
“We should get fair treatment on issues affecting our people,” he said, adding that in spite of the committees set up on the 2011 crisis and other conflicts in the area, “we have not been getting fair share in terms of reward and punishment.”
Kogi
The Kogi State House of Assembly has called on the State Government to establish a comprehensive health centre in the assembly premises for legislators and staff.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Alfa Rabiu (APC-Ankpa II), at plenary session in Lokoja on Friday.
The assembly, through the motion adopted by a voice vote, urged the state government to properly equip and post enough and qualified manpower to the health centre.
Soliciting support for the motion, Rabiu said the existing clinic in the assembly established by the 5th Assembly was incapacitated by dearth of equipment, medical and health personnel.
He said the clinic, in its present condition, lacked good facilities and equipment to provide the basic health needs of the legislators and staff.
Kwara
A group, The Concerned Citizens of Kwara State Yoruba (TCCKSY), has called on Gov.ernor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, to send a bill to the House of Assembly that would curtail the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
The group in a communiqué issued on Sunday, in Ilorin, at the end of its quarterly meeting, decried destruction of farms by cattle of the herdsmen.
The communiqué was signed by the group’s Chairman, Mr Michael Ologunde.
Ologunde said the bill was necessary in order to cut the wings of herdsmen that use their cattle to destroy crops during grazing.
Ologunde advised the state government to curb the activities of the herdsmen before they escalate and result to killings.
He also appealed to the state government to quickly address the suffering and hunger the people were passing through.
Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State last weekend said celebrating the state at 50 years amounted to celebrating Nigeria’s unity as Lagos provided the platform that kept the nation together.
Ambode stated this in Lagos at the opening of a drama exhibition entitled, “Wakaa the Musical” as part of 50-day activities heralding the May 27 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
Lagos State was created on May 27, 1967 via State Creation and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 14 of 1967, which restructured Nigeria into a federation of 12 states from former four regions.
Represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, the governor said Lagos was a land of opportunities which offered Nigerians the chance to succeed in their vocations and endeavours, and deserved to be fittingly celebrated.
Oyo
Rev. EmmanueI Agboola of the Faith Baptist Church, Ibadan, has urged Nigerian leaders to imbibe the leadership style of humility and service that Jesus Christ portrayed while on earth.
Agboola made the appeal while delivering a sermon at a church service to mark the celebration of the Palm Sunday.
Palm Sunday is celebrated by Christians across the world to commemorate the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.
Agboola said that Jesus entered into Jerusalem riding on a young donkey.
“This was the Messiah that the Jews were anxiously waiting for, saviour that would bring back the glory of Israel.
“They expected him to rid their nation of oppressors, restore the kingdom of Israel and rule benevolently.
Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday, urged communities in Riyom local government area of Plateau to maintain the prevailing peace in the area by living in harmony.
Buratai gave the advice, while inaugurating a medical centre built by the army for troops of the Operation Safe Haven at Tigi in the local government and civilians in the community.
He said the centre was cited in the village as part of army efforts to enhance good relations between the people, communities in neighboring Kaduna State bordering the town and troops keeping the peace in those areas.
Communities in the area had witnessed ethno-religious and herdsmen/farmers clashes in the recent past.
“We must learn to live in peace and be our brother’s keeper, ” he said and urged the people to take advantage of the centre in addressing some of their health challenges.
Sokoto
A member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State (APC-Soskoto),Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, on Sunday, distributed empowerment materials to no fewer than 1,000 women and youths.
The materials distributed to one hundred groups, each with ten members include: sewing and grinding machines, as well as generators.
Similarly, the lawmaker donated N 30,000 to each of the groups, amounting to N3million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dasuki, who is representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, said that the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of some of the members of his constituency.
He said: “The gesture is part of efforts to fulfill our promises to the electorate.
“This is to reduce poverty, curb unemployment and youths’ restiveness, among other socioeconomic malaise.”
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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