Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Commanast of Royal Jordnian Air Force (RIAF), Maj.-Gen. Yousef Al-Hnaity last Tuesday said he was impressed with Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to contain the Boko Haram insurgents in North East.
He gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Yola where he accompanied the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar to inspect facilities at Yola Base of NAF which also housed the headquarters of the Air Component of “Operation Lafiya Dole”.
The RJAF chief said “NAF has what it takes both in manpower and facility to check the activities of insurgents.
“I am very happy to be here. What I saw here today actually impressed me and I am delighted”.
Borno
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) says it have trained 7,169 teachers in Borno State to instigate the shortages of teachers caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima on Communication and Media Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau made this known as a statement last Saturday in Maiduguri.
Gusau said that the figure was disclosed when the Director of the USAID’s Educaiton Crisis Response Project (ECR), Mr Ayo Oladini, paid a courtesy visit to the governor in Maiduguri.
He said that the training was provided sequel to the advocacy by Shettima to encourage support toward rebuilding and rehabilitation of the education sector ravaged by the insurgency.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers who had been terrorising the residents of Kazaure Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesman, SP. Abdu Jinjiri who paraded the suspects before newsmen in Dutse last Wednesday said the suspects were arrested along Kazaure-Daura road.
Jinjiri said that they were apprehended after they had blocked the road and robbed motorists of their money and other valuables.
He explained that the suspects hailed from Kusada, Kankiya and Malumfashi Local Government Areas of Katsina State.
“On September 22, our officers in Kazaure Local Government area received a distress call that there were some armed robbers who blocked the Kazaure-Daura road and were robbing motorists”, he said.
Kaduna
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar says discipline is the bedrock of a fighting force without which there can be no cohesion and team spirit.
Abubakar made this assertion at the graduation of Young Officers Course 10 held at the Military Training Centre in Kaduna.
Represented by AVM Muhammad Abdul-Wahab, NAF Secretary, Abubakar charged the 25 young officers to uphold high standard of discipline and loyalty that the service was known for.
“To whom much is given, much more is expected. You have been equipped both in character and skills for the duties ahead of you.
“You must, therefore, justify the resources that have been invested in you by doing your duties diligently and professionally at all times”, he said.
Kano
The Kano State Police Command says it has nabbed 10 suspected armed robbers who have been terrorising Kano residents.
The command’s spokesman, DSP. Magaji Majiya made this known in a statement in Kano last Wednesday.
Majiya said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the metropolis by the State Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) within the last one month.
He said two of the suspects were arrested on August 19 for conspiring with two others now at large to rape a female resident of Hotoro Quarters and robbed the victim of some items.
Majiya listed the areas where the suspects were arrested to include Hotoro Quarters, Dorayi Babba, Emir’s Palace Road around central prison and Rijiyar Zaki, among other.
Kogi
The organised labour in Kogi State has appealed to the Federal Government to direct relevant humanitarian agencies to send relief materials to the state to assuage the plight of the state government workers on strike.
Olakunle Faniyi, Kolawole James and Isah Abubakar, all Secretaries of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC) respectively made the appeal in a statement.
They made the statement available to journalists in Lokoja.
They said the appeal became necessary because the situation of workers in the state had become worse, compared to the condition of Internally Displaced Persons (idps) in various camps.
Lagos
Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate for Saturday’s Eti-Osa Constituency I bye-election in Lagos State, Mr Arobiewe Abogun has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Abogun told newsmen at the conclusion of voting in his Igbo-Efon Community that the election was ‘reasonably peaceful’.
He said that although he heard of some disturbances in some areas, such cases were isolated.
Abogun said that an election should not be a do-or -die affair, promising to accept the outcome of the election.
“In my domain here, the conduct of the exercise was peaceful and credible, and it is fair. I commend INEC and everybody for that”, Abegun said.
Nasarawa
A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Beautiful Gate Handicap Centre has donated tricycles to 45 persons living with disabilities in Nasarawa State.
The founder of the organisaiton, Mr. Reim Rise presented the tricycles to the beneficiaries last Friday in Obi, Obi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Rise said the gesture was part of the organisation’s contributions toward the alleviation of the suffering of the physically challenged in the state.
He said that the tricycles would assist the beneficiaries to move from one place to another.
Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command last Friday said it had deployed 2,500 security personnel to provide security during the nation’s 57th Independence celebrations in the state.
The commandant of the corps, Mr Philip Ayuba disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
Ayuba said that already plain cloth security personnel had been deployed to Minna, Suleja, Kontagora and Bida to beef up security ahead of the celebrations.
He said that the command was collaborating with sister security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the festivities.
Oyo
Justice Joyce Abumaleek of the Federal High Court, Ibadan has dismissed the application asking the court to decline jurisdiction filed by one Festus Adeyemi in the N8 billion CBN currency scam suit.
Citing various aspects of the law, Abdumaleek said that the court had been fully empowered by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), the EFCC Act and the Nigerian constitution to entertain cases like this.
“ It is not an abuse of court process for the EFCC to go ahead with this case and this court has jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
“The application asking this court to decline jurisdiction is hereby dismissed,” the judge ruled.
Abdulmaleek adjourned the case till October 25 for further trial.
our correspondent reports that Adeyemi, the fifth accused person, had through his counsel, Mr Babatunde Akinola, asked the court to decline jurisdiction on the matter.
Plateua
The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung has called for radical reform in the Nigerian criminal justice system.
Dalung made the call last Saturday in Jos when he celebrated his 54th birthday with inmates of the Prison Command in Jos.
The minister said the call became necessary to strengthen criminal justice and ensure justice to all accused.
“There is need for radical reforms in our criminal justice delivery system.
“You cannot keep somebody in prison for years without trial and at the end of the day, do justice to the person.
“There is urgent need for speedy dispensation of cases in our courts, for justice to be done,” he said.
Dalung, a former prison officer, advised prison inmates to be of good behaviour when they eventually gain their freedom.
Taraba
The Chairman, Presidential Committee on North East Initiative (PCNI), Retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, has urged the people of Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State to eschew violence and build peace to foster development.
Danjuma made the call at a Peace Building Town Hall meeting organised by Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) in partnership with UN High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) in collaboration with PCNI in Gembu, Taraba State.
The PCNI chairman cautioned that the resuscitation of the Mambilla Hydro-Power project by President Muhammadu Buhari would be stalled if the people failed to build peace.
Represented by Brig.-Gen Habila Vintenaba, the Chairman, Security sub-committee of PCNI, Danjuma appealed to the various ethnic groups on the plateau to give peace a chance to enable government to execute the hydro power project for economic development of the country.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.