Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
Motor Mechanic and Technicians Association of Nigeria (MOMTAN) has advised the Federal Government to intensify efforts toward globalisation by implementing relevant policies.
Globalisation is the free movement of goods, capital, services, people, technology and information.
It is the process by which the world is becoming increasingly interconnected as a result of massively increased trade and cultural exchange.
MOMTAN’s National President, Dr Oseni Suleiman, made the call during an interview with newsmen in Abuja in Abuja.
According to him, unbiased domestic policies can unleash the full force of agglomeration economies and giving rise to industrial clusters to emerge in metropolitan regions.
Jigawa
Executive Secretary, Jigawa Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Sani Babura, says the state government has disbursed N2.26 million to victims of Marmara farmers/herdsmen clash in Guri Local Government Area.
Babura made this known in an interview with newsmen in Dutse recently.
He said the amount was given to 60 people who lost their farm products and personal items as a result of the clash.
The SEMA boss stated that one person died, while houses and property worth millions of naira were destroyed during the incident.
Babura expressed sadness over the persistent clashes between farmers and herdsmen at Guri Local Government Area and some parts of the state.
Kaduna
A Consultant Haematologist at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Prof. Haruna Muktar, has urged the National Assembly to quickly pass the National Blood Transfusion Bill currently before it.
The consultant made the appeal in an interview with newsmen after a rally to commemorate World Blood Donor Day held at the main campus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State last Wednesday.
Muktar said, when passed, the law would guide the operations of blood transfusion services in Nigeria, thereby, saving the lives of millions of Nigerians requiring blood transfusion.
The consultant said the essence of the rally was to celebrate the day and encourage people to donate blood.
Kano
The Kano State Government has fed over 930,000 fasting Muslims, from first day of the month of Ramadan to date.
The Chairman of the Committee on Ramadan Feeding and Commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Government House, Kano recently.
He said that 250 people each from 186 centres across the state received food daily to break their fast.
“Feeding 250 people from each of the 186 centres will give their numbers to 46,500 daily, and if multiplied by 30 days of the month of Ramadan, the number rises to over 1.395 million people,” he said.
Garba also commended the state Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje for sustaining the yearly Ramadan feeding, despite the present paucity of fund.
Kebbi
Rice farmers and paddy rice dealers in Kebbi State have appealed to the government at all levels to tackle the menace of rice smuggling, saying, it is negatively affecting their businesses.
Some of the traders in Zuru paddy rice market told newsmen last Friday in Zuru that rice smuggling would hamper the country’s efforts to attain self-sufficiency in rice production.
A paddy rice seller in Zuru from Kano State, Malam Hashimu Salisu, who commended the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to boost agricultural production, said that rice smuggling was discouraging both rice farmers and traders.
“Before now, we were selling a 80kg bag of paddy for between N6,000 and N7,000 but now, it goes for between N9,500 and N12, 000.
Kwara
Some irate youths last Tuesday disrupted activities at the secretariat of Baruten Local Government Council of Kwara State over the composition of its new Transitional Implementation Committee (TIC).
The youths, who were mainly from Kosubosu, the council’s headquarters, had marched to the secretariat and chased away workers before locking up offices.
The Tide reports that the youths also lit a bonfire on the express way leading to the border with Benin Republic.
We learnt that the youths were dissatisfied with the reported substitution of one Umar Galadima who was in May appointed as a members of the TIC.
Lagos
A tenant, Patrick Ezenwa, 47, last Friday appeared in an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging his landlord’s property worth N350,000 after being told to quit.
The accused, who resides at Shomide Street, Agege, Ikeja, is facing a charge of wilful damage to property.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Ehemegbe, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 18 at the residence.
She said that the accused intentionally damaged the doors, windows, toilet and bathroom before moving out of the house.
Ehemegbe said that the landlord, one Destiny Emeka, who is the complainant, had asked the accused to move out because he refused to pay rent for a whole year.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) alleged recently that Principals of two secondary schools had diverted NECO fees paid by students.
Its Commandant, Lawan Bashir, told newsmen in Lafia that students of the affected schools – Government Secondary School (GSS) Wakama and GSS Shekkina – did not realise that their fees had been diverted until the examination started.
“It was after the examination started that the candidates knew that they had not been registered.
“Their parents promptly reported the diversion to the Area Inspectorate Offices of Education in the affected locations, who brought the matter to us,” he said.
Ogun
A 21-year-old man, Adeleke Tunde State, was last Friday charged before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun for allegedly breaking into a house and attempted to steal.
Tunde, who lives at No. 26, Damola St., Atan, Ota, is facing a two-count of burglary and attempting to steal.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 7, at about 4.50 p.m. at Akari Estate, Atan, Ota.
Gbesi said that the accused was caught by residents in the area breaking into the house of one Funke Oyeneye, with the intention to steal.
Ondo
An Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, last Friday ordered the remand of two men for allegedly stealing an unregistered Hajoue Suzuki motorcycle valued at N200, 000.
The defendants- Segun Akintudire, 22, a radio mechanic, and Kehinde Olufemi, 26, a welder are of no fixed addresses, denied committing the offence.
They were docked on a two-count charge of felony and stealing.
The Magistrate, Mr Banji Ayeomoni, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison and adjourned the matter until June 23, for hearing of their bail application.
A tailor, Monsuru Sabitu, 26, who bought the motorcycle from the two defendants was also arraigned in court.
Sabitu pleaded not guilty to the charge of receiving a stolen item, and was granted N200, 000 bail, with a surety in like sum.
Plateau
A Jos Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday sentenced a 73-year-old man, Gabriel Kehen to two years imprisonment for attempting to rape an eight-year-old boy.
Kehen was charged with attempting to have canal knowledge of the boy through an unnatural means.
Magistrate Yahaya Mohammed, who sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty and begged for leniency, did not give him an option of fine.
The Presecutor, U.L. Ocho, had told the court that the incident occurred on April 26.
Ocho said Angela Bakun of Tudunwada reported that the septuagenarian lured her grandson, into his house to rape him.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government, has released N422 million for the payment of tuition fees of its indigenes, studying at some local and foreign institutions.
This information is contained in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Nura Maikwanci, Ministry of Higher Education and issued to newsmen in Sokoto last Friday.
It said that students at Baze University, Abuja, got N118 million while N257 million was paid for the 2015/2016 academic session to students studying in various institutions in Sudan.
In the same vein, the statement said N47 million was paid as tuition and upkeep allowance for students studying in Uganda.
According to the statement, the gesture is in view of the State Government’s commitment to encourage the state indigenes to pursue higher education in various fields within and outside Nigeria.
“It is imperative for the benefiting students to concentrate more on their studies; to justify the huge resources being expended on them by the government”.
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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