Nation
THE STATES
Niger
The Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar has said that “the death of former First Lady, Maryam Babangida has created a wide vacuum which will be too difficult to fill”.
Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Bida, Niger State, on the tenise of Maryam, the royal father described her as a very courageous woman whose main focus was the Nigerian woman. He said her pet project; the “Better Life For Rural Women” touched all spheres of women endeavour in the country. Through the programme, the Etsu Nupe added, “the ever elegant Maryam made Nigerian women to know their rights better, just as it empowered them fully.
Ekiti
The wife of Human Rights Activist, Falana, Mrs Funmu Falona has commended the Ekiti State government for giving the Evelu Angela Adebayo Motherless Babies Home, Iyin-Ekiti, a face lift, saying the government’s gesture is encouraging.
Mrs Falana also awarded scholarships to over 60 indigent students of IIawe-Ekiti, her country home, in various tertiary institutions across the country.
She said this would enable them to have equal access to education, like their counterparts from wealthy homes.
The scholarship scheme and the presentation of gifts to the orphanage are annual events being mid-wifed by Femi and Funmi Falana Foundation.
Plateau
Plateau State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Sarah Yusuf on Tuesday declared that no fewer than 492 retired military men in the state died in 2009.
The Commissioner who disclosed this at a press conference to mark 2010 Armed Forces Remembrance Day stated that 58 of them died during the last Jos crisis while the others, as a result of various diseases.
According to her, based on available data on the retired soldiers, there are 975 Ex-military men in the state adding that in 2009, 89 migrated from the state for one reason or the other.
On the significance of the day, Yusuf said it has been specially dedicated by government to commemorate the nation’s fallen heroes and to also show appreciation to those still living.
Kwara
Former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (CIBN), Samuel Kolawole on Monday died in his hotel room at the Kwara Hotels, Ilorin.
Kolawole, who was also a former managing director of the defunct Trade Bank Plc, was said to have died moments after he developed some health related complications in his room.
The bank guru who hailed from Etan in Osi local government area of Kwara state was said to have checked in the hotel room on Sunday.
Borno
House of Representatives Minority Leader, Muhammed Ali Ndume has said that only civil revolution can wrest power from the Peoples Democratic party , PDP, back to Nigerian masses in 2011.
Ndume also dubbed the President Yar’Adua’s seven point agenda as “a complete nonsense that was unilaterally designed by one man to achieve nothing.”
According to him, ‘It is not going to be an issue of the opposition taking over government in 2011, power will be taken away from the PDP through a massive revolution – a civil revolution, a political revolution, because people are fed up with the way PDP is ruling this country with impunity without recourse to the yearnings and aspiration of the Nigerian masses.”
He said the revolution might not be realised on party lines but will surely come through the revolt of the short changed masses who are going to go to the polls to vote out the PDP government.
Kano
New Leadership of Kano Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has pleaded with the Commissioner of Police to probe the attack of its chieftain Halipu Ahmed Goso in Gwarro Local Government in Kano.
Goso is former Managing Director of Federal Radio Corporation, Kaduna Office.
Party leader in the state, Faruk Iya on Tuesday led the executive members on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Plice, Mammau Ibrahim Chafe and told the Commissioner that there was need for him to take the attack seriously so as to prevent a recurrevence.
The new Exco of PDP is happy with Kano State police Command and would do every thing possible to assist efforts of the command in maintaining a peaceful political atmosphere in the state.
“So far we have no reason to accuse the Police of any wrong droing or bias in their assignment”, Iya said.
Osun
Following the death of one of its lawyers Pa Jonathan Ogundere, Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) offered the award of N5 million as reward for any member of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the killers.
State Deputy Chairman of the Party Chief Ojo Williams who disclosed this at a Press Conference in Osogbo, also asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. Ogbonna Onovo to set up a special panel to investigate the remote issues of the lawyer’s death.
Besides, the Nigerian Bar Assocation (NBA) Osogbo state branch has petitioned the Director of state Security Services (SSS) and the Inspector General of Police, demanding thorough investigation into Ogundere’s murder.
Kwara
Speaker of Kwara State House of Assembly, Hon. Babatunde Mohammed has called for a measure to check incessant violence by religious sects in the country.
Muhammed made the call, Tuesday, while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin on activities of the House and other national issues.
He described the fresh sectarian crises in Bauchi State as unfortunate adding that frequent outbreak of such crises in recent times was worrisome.
He also said the crises were inimical to democracy and development of the country and urged the appropriate authorities to find a way out of the problem.
FCT
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Adamu Aliero has said the FCT administration will not compromise the standard of education in the territory.
The Minister who threatened to shutdown 124 schools charged education administrators to proffer concrete solutions to the problems confronting the sector.
Aliero also directed 124 primary schools to upgrade their facilities and infrastructure in line with the standard set by the education secretariat or be closed down. Aliero spoke on Tuesday, while awarding certificates of accreditation to (9) FCT schools at the second Ministerial Town Hall meeting for private schools in the FCT.
Oyo
Governor Alao Akala of Oyo State has warned this year’s intending pilgrims to Jerusalem not to make any attempt to abscond or engage in drug trafficking.
Akala handed down the warning, Tuesday, while addressing the pilgrims at the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Christian Wing) Complex, Total Garden, Ibadan.
The Governor urged them not to see their trip to the holy land as a jamboree, but as one that would enhance spiritual rebirth and moral reform of society.
“You should see yourselves not only as ambassadors of the state, but also as architects of spiritual rebirth and moral reforms of the society,” he declared.
He reminded them of the theme of this year’s pilgrimage as “Pilgrimage as a tool for national change,” which, he said, called for fervent prayer for the fatherland, their state and their family.
Adamawa
Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Jibril has said that Nigeria needs to amend some provisions of the 1999 constitution if the country must move forward.
Aminu, noted that the constitution is full of flaws and technicalities that have negated the process of nation building and smooth democratic governance.
The lawmaker, who represents Adamawa Central in the National Assembly, pointed out that in as much as the constitution is weak in certain sensitive areas that border on the country’s socio-economic and political advancement, there is need for Nigerians to learn how to follow and obey provisions of the constitution of the country.
Speaking to selected journalists in his Yola residence, Monday night, Aminu said that the problems of the country should not only be blamed on the inadequacies of the 1999 constitution, but on Nigerians whom he accused of not obeying the laws of the land.
Nation
HYPREP Reaffirms Support For Ogoni Youths …Organises Workshop For Undergraduates

In pursuit of its strategic human capacity development initiatives, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has restated its commitment to supporting Ogoni youths to maximally benefit from its projects and programmes that align with their visions and aspirations.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication during the second edition of the international career enhancement and employability workshop organised by the Project for undergraduates and fresh graduates of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Port Harcourt, assured the participants of its commitment to continually initiate programmes that support their visions and aspirations.
He noted that the workshop reaffirms the Project’s commitment to inclusiveness and continuous skills development, as strategic pillars in its efforts to restore and improve livelihoods in Ogoniland.
He said the workshop was aimed at equipping the Ogoni youths with relevant career skills and empower them with employability tools, to ensure that HYPREP’s gains extend beyond remediation into long-term transformations, stressing that the Project is committed to supporting their dreams.
”HYPREP is committed to supporting your dreams through targeted initiatives, such as this workshop and we will explore ways to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
I want to emphasise that this workshop is not just about enhancing your career prospects; it is also about building a community of young people and equipping you to make a positive impact in your communities. As you benefit from HYPREP’s interventions (and the experiences of the facilitator), I challenge you to take the message of peace and constructive engagement to your communities and live accordingly,” he said.
Zabbey further assured that HYPREP would continue to stand with Ogoni youths by supporting their aspirations through targeted workshops and broader livelihood initiatives that prioritise their development, noting that the Project believes in them and remains committed to creating platforms where their potential can be nurtured and realised.
The Project Coordinator enjoined them to continue to contribute to the success of HYPREP.
The second edition of the career enhancement and employability workshop had Dr Akanimo Odon and Dr Chioma Okonkwo as facilitators, while the participants were drawn from the four Ogoni local government areas.
Among other modules, participants at the two-day workshop were provided with tips on ways to explore opportunities in seemingly challenging situations, discover themselves, convert hobbies and interests into passion and profits through three career e-routes and understand the power of networks and partnerships.
Participants were also given useful nuggets, career resources of time and skills, and career resources of funding, especially how to access foreign scholarships and funding.
At the closing, HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, urged the participants to earnestly pursue their passions and commit to their dreams.
Meanwhile, the participants expressed gratitude to HYPREP for organising the workshop, which they described as impactful and transformative.
HYPREP has continued to be intentional in its efforts to prioritise human capacity development in Ogoni through such workshops and trainings. This year, the Project will be rolling out trainings in high demand skill areas like mechatronics, underwater welding, commercial diving, full-stack development and GIS, targeting the youths as major beneficiaries and giving them a fair head start and comparative advantage in a highly competitive environment.
Nation
NIPR Practitioners Urge To Go Beyond Traditional Media Relations To Strategic Leadership Functions
The Public Relations practitioners across Nigeria have been charged to go beyond the perceived roles of media relations and protocol services to strategic leadership functions that is crucial to shaping and transforming the nation.
In his message at this year’s (2025) World Public Relations Day, with the Theme: ” Building Bridges, Navigating Polarisation” In Port Harcourt, The National President of the Nigeria Institution of Public Relations Dr. Ike Neliaku expressed delight to address members and guests on this special day, pointing out that the day offers a an opportunity to reflect on the journey over six decades since Public Relations formally birthed in Nigeria.
He maintained that this year’s world Public Relations day gives opportunity to members to reflect on the actions and inactions towards the development of the profession and to boldly develop new frontiers for a greater institution.
The NIPR president explained that the values of Public Relations particularly in areas of fostering relationship, strengthening leadership and advancing good governance remain a key -through effective and goal- oriented communication.
Earlier, The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, (RSU) Prof. Isaac zep-Obipi being represented by the Deputy VC admin Prof. Victor Akujuru throw challenge to NIPR members to rebranding and portray the state in good light, standing that RSU remains a state owned institution that have not witness any strike in the passed fifteen years.
Also in his speech, the state chairman NIPR Rivers Chapter Rev. Francis Asuk described world Public Relations day as a day set aside to pay attention to the works of public relations globally indeed that relationship is important that the world is crying about in rebuilding relationship due to the collapsed of the value systems at family, society and world level of human existence.
” At the highest level of human existence relationship has become imperative for all practitioners to come together and build bridges to navigates those Polarisation” he said.
In a related development,the keynote speaker Rev (Fr.) Prof. Walter C.Ihejirika, said the media has a lot to do especially on its role of enlightenment to the public about the role and function as a key element in the development of a better society.
Prof. Ihejirika who is the Dean faculty of Communication and Media Studies , University of Port Harcourt, stressed that when media practitioners navigate on the area of strategic communications with a goal, then the public will be better informed and know that they have a responsibility for the large society, “because if the large society is not good, the organization cannot function effectively.”
Nation
Alumni, Others Launch Campus Care Initiative In Port Harcourt
The Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter in partnership with Rotary Club of Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt Downtown and Nigerian Immigration Service have launched Campus Care Initiative at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Rumuola Port Harcourt.
Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in the inaugural edition of the Campus Care Initiative, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic the Chairman of Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter (MUAARIV) Dr Iheanyichukwu Wopara said that the program is aim to empowered the youth of Nigerians and also to give them the right direction in life.
He said Campus Care Initiative is a testament to the association commitment to giving back to the society and empowering the next generation of leaders.
According to him the program is designed it demands across all sectors, physical health, mental health, sexual health and even the environment adding that the focus of the Association is to give back to the society the best way they can.
” We have been carrying out different humanitarian activities and outreach which includes medical outreach and the girl child campaign.
” We gave academic support to three students and also three international passports, free medical outreach, pads to girl child and condoms to the boy child and there is also introduction to ICT training that will commence soon in the campus, “he said.
Kiadum Edookor
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