Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Most Nigerians observed last Monday, that democracy has proved to be the best system of government that has come to stay in Nigeria.
They spoke with newsmen across the country, although some expressed mixed feelings about the performance of democracy in the last 18 years.
For instance, Prof. Chika Aliyu, an economist, commended the Federal Government on the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (ERGP), as President Muhammadu Buhari marked second year in office.
Aliyu, a lecturer at the Usman Dan Fadio University, Sokoto, said the government did very well by coming up with the plan to take the country out of recession.
According to him, the ERGP aims at making significant progress to achieve structural economic change with a more diversified and inclusive economy in five key areas by 2020.
Kaduna
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State, has advised youths to insist on participating in electoral processes that determine Nigeria’s leaders.
“Youths must be fully involved in the electoral process, they must obtain voter’s cards and ensure they voted, so as to have a say in who governs them,” Mr Joel Adegboyega, Chairman, youth wing of the body, said in Kafanchan last Monday.
Adegboyega, who expressed optimism that youth participation would guarantee good governance, spoke during a stakeholders’ meeting on security and governance, organized by CAN.
He stressed the need for youths to also register and be members of political parties through which they could contest leadership positions.
“The continuous voter’s registration exercise is in full swing. It is an opportunity for us to be part of politics. We should not just be spectators and analysts,” he declared.
Katsina
The Da’awah Committee in Katsina State, an Islamic group, said it had educated 300 persons who recently embraced Islam on good conduct, brotherhood and tolerance.
The Chairman of the committee, Sheikh Salisu Bakori told newsmen last Tuesday in Bakori that, during the three-day seminar, the converts were sensitised on Islamic law, good neighbourliness and support to the needy.
According to him, most of the converts were from the 27 local government areas of Katsina State and some from Kudan, Giwa and Hunkuyi Local Government Areas in Kaduna State.
Bakori, said apart from the religious teachings, the 300 converts also had various sessions on skills acquisition, to empower them to be self reliant.
He noted that, poverty had been a major cause of restiveness, as such it was important to encourage all Muslims to learn trades so as to earn decent living.
Kogi
The Kogi State government says it has completed payment of salary to 95 per cent of its workers that were cleared in the just concluded staff screening and verification.
The state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, made the assertion last Monday in Lokoja, in a statement issued to mark this year’s democracy day celebration.
” I can confirm that people are still getting payment alerts as we do our best to meet the May 31 Time line which we set for ourselves to complete all payments,” the governor said.
Bello, said that government was deploying integrated staff and payroll automation solutions to consolidate the gains from the screening in line with the ongoing civil service and pension reforms.
With the conclusion of the exercise, he assured workers and pensioners of prompt payment of salary and pensions.
Kwara
Traditional rulers from Kwara South Senatorial District last Monday, said the country made substantial progress in the last two years of its democratic governance.
The traditional rulers made this known, in their separate messages to mark the Democracy Day in their palaces in Omu-Aran, Egosi and Rore.
The traditional rulers are the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, Elegosi of Egosi, Daniel Dada and Onirore of Rore, Oba Ezekiel Oyewole.
Ibitoye of Omu-Arab community, said that the nation’s achievements through sustainable democratic transition could not be over emphasised.
Lagos
Government must amend the laws against Gender-Based Violence(GBV), in the country to make them more effective and quickly bring culprits to book.
Mrs Ibiduni Alakija-Ladapo, the Deputy -Director, Occupational Health Department, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Lagos.
Alakija-Ladapo, a consultant on child, adolescent and women’s health, said that, such an amendment would help to reduce gender-based violence against girls and women.
She said that violence against these groups was deeply ingrained in cultures around the world.
If there were laws against its practice in Nigeria, the issue would have been a thing of the past by now, Alakija-Ladipo said.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, has warned politicians in the state to desist from acts capable of breaching the peace in the state or face the wrath of the law.
Al-Makura, gave the warning last Monday in Lafia, during an interactive session with the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders, including political appointees and legislators across the state.
He noted that, the state belonged to all citizens and that it behoves on all to work towards its growth and development rather than engage in acts capable of causing disharmony.
“No politician should take this administration for granted or mistake our diplomatic posture for weakness as government is ready to deal with mischief makers in whatever form they exhibit their tendencies,” he said.
He charged politicians to play by the rule and avoid hate speeches and campaign of acrimony, thereby, overheating the polity.
Ogun
Two persons were confirmed dead in a road accident involving a blue Toyota Corolla car and a Toyota picnic bus at Olodo area, on Abeokuta/Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.
Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), in Ogun State, confirmed the accident to newsmen in Abeokuta last Tuesday.
Akinbiyi, explained that the accident occurred on Monday evening due to wrong overtaking by the driver of the Toyota Corolla car.
He stated that the two vehicles had three occupants each, saying that the dead were the drivers of both vehicles.
Akinbiyi said, “The accident involved a Toyota Corolla car with registration number KSF 846 EF and a Toyota picnic bus with registration number RLG 61 AA.
“The driver of the Toyota Corolla car tried to overtake the Toyota picnic space bus, which resulted in collision that led to the crash.
“The vehicles had three passengers each when the accident occurred, three male and three female but the drivers of both vehicles died in the accident.”
Ondo
Some politicians in the South West have called for the protection of the country’s democracy, saying it has come to stay.
Mrs Morenike Alaka, the new Caretaker Chairperson, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State urged politicians to protect the nascent democracy.
She gave this advice in an interview with newsmen last Monday in Okitipupa while reflecting on the Democracy Day celebration.
“Our politicians have a huge task of protecting our nascent democracy, because we do not have any other place than Nigeria.
She urged all Nigerians to continue to pray for the leaders to enable them pilot the affairs of the country to the expected heights.Oyo
Oyo
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen. Sule Kazaure, on Monday visited the 2017 Batch A Stream 1 corps members at their camp in Iseyin, Oyo State.
Report that, the visit was in continuation of the director general’s working tour of NYSC orientation camps nationwide.
Kazaure, who interacted with the corps members, also assessed the ongoing construction of hostels in the camp.
He urged the corps members to add value to their lives through the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC, especially its skills acquisition programmes in order to be self reliant.
Kazaure also advised them to accept the culture and tradition of their host communities.
He called on the corps members to avoid unnecessary journeys and night parties while shunning indecent dressing and corruption.
Kazaure also urged the corps members to comply with the rules and regulations put in place throughout the service year, adding that, those faithful would be rewarded.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Government, said it inherited twenty eight road projects worth N33 billion, from its predecessor, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu said, last Monday.
Reports that Aliyu, who also oversees the Ministry of Works, disclosed this in Sokoto, at a news briefing to mark Governor Aminu Tambuwal two years in office.
He said that, the administration had inherited twenty eight road projects worth about N33 billion, from its predecessor.
Aliyu enumerated them to include the 445-kilometres Balle-Kurdulla-Niger republic road, awarded at N 4.5 billion and has reached 69 per cent completion.
Others include the 52-kilometres Gidan Sale-Tidibale-Maillalle road, awarded at N2.9 billion, which has reached 81 per cent completion, among others.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state
The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.
Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.
According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.
“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.
Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”
The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”
He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.
“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”
The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.
“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”
He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.
“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.
Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.
He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.
Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.
Nation
RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”
The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.
He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.
“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,
He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.
Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).
He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region
MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives
This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, alongside Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent
The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.
MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans
“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.
According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.
They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.
The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities
Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.
He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.
Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.
” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.
The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area
While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .
“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.
“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.
“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.
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