Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (BARUWASSA) says it has spent over N480 million in providing 300 water and sanitation facilities in the state in the last four years.
The Programme Manager of the agency, Malam Garba Magaji, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi last Monday.
According to him, the projects, funded by UNICEF, have been provided in 50 primary schools each in Dass, Kirfi, Darazo, Giade, Zaki and Dambam Local Government Areas of the state.
He explained that the projects involved the provision of 50 water and sanitation facilities in each of the six benefiting local governments.
Ekiti
Farmers in Ekiti State have appealed to the Federal Government to ban the importation of rice as part of efforts to boost local production of the commodity.
The farmers, under the aegis of the Association of Small-Scale Agro Producers in Nigeria (ASSPIN), made the appeal on Monday in Ado-Ekiti at the inauguration of the state chapter of the group.
Mr Mabinuori Adeleke, National Vice-President of the association, insisted that placing a ban on rice importation would encourage local rice farmers to boost production.
He said that rice farmers in the state were contemplating sponsoring a bill at the National Assembly to outlaw the importation of rice.
FCT
The FCT Fadama office has so far disbursed N94.2 million to community farming associations in the territory, for assets acquisition, input support and capacity building.
Mr Usman Adangara, the Information Officer, FCT Fadama III Project, disclosed this on Monday in Gwagwalada in an interview with newsmen.
He said the office had also registered 732 Fadama User Groups (FUG) and 61 Fadama Community Associations (FCA) in the territory.
According to him, 41 out of the 61 FCA have developed their Local Development Plans(LDPs), adding that 22 of the plans had been approved by the Local Fadama Committees (LFCs), headed by the area council chairmen.
Gombe
The Radiation Medicine Complex at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Gombe, was commissioned last Monday, with the Medical Director, Dr Aliyu Elnafaty, describing it as the most equipped and first of its kind in the country.
Elnafaty said on the occasion that the complex offered the latest technology in radiation and had been inspected by the regulatory authority and certified to meet the FMC’s compliance level.
He said the facility was long overdue, considering the prevalence of cancer-related afflictions in the North-East zone of the country.
“Before, patients with cancer had to travel to the National Hospital in Abuja or the Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital in Zaria for such services.
Kaduna
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) yesterday appealed to prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to be worthy ambassadors of the country.
Its Deputy Director in Kaduna, Mr Dennis Nwosu, told newsmen that the agency was undertaking an inspection at the airports to stop pilgrims from leaving the country with uncertified products.
He said only prescribed drugs for those on medication were allowed, and reminded the pilgrims that food and grains were prohibited.
“People can use this opportunity to smuggle illicit drugs which, when discovered, may tarnish the image of our country,” he said.
Kwara
A 38-year-old man, Tunde Isah, was last Monday arraigned in Ilorin for allegedly stealing a generator set worth N18,000.
The accused, of No 7, Ode Ajada, Agbaji area of Ilorin, was docked before an Ilorin Magistrate’s Court presided over by Mr Abdullahi Bello.
Isah pleaded not guilty to the one count charge of theft.
The magistrate granted him bail in the sum of N10,000 with two sureties in like sum.
According to the Police First Information Report (FIR), a complainant, Kehinde Ibrahim, of Olorunsogo, Gaa- Akanbi, Ilorin, reported the case to the police on October 17.
The report alleged that the accused came to the complainant’s shop to steal the generator worth N18,000.
Lagos
A motor spare parts importer, Osaretin Ehiogie, was yesterday arraigned in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a foreign-based Nigerian of automobile parts valued N6.2 million.
Ehiogie, 50, is standing trial before Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oyindamola Ogala of the Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Insp. Eshiet Eshiet, told the court that Ehiogie had a business deal with one Roland Lawrence, based abroad, to supply him (accused) motor parts for sale in Nigeria.
Eshiet said the accused collected the vehicle parts at the Apapa ports and sold them, but refused to remit the proceeds to the complainant.
The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was adjourned till November 15 for further hearing.
Nasarawa
The Federal Government has been called upon to provide orphans and vulnerable children with free education from the primary to secondary school levels.
The Secretary, Association of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (AOVC), Nasarawa Chapter, Mr Ibrahim Samaila, made the call in Lafia on Monday.
He said the state governments should make a special financial commitment to enhance the activities of the association.
Presenting a paper entitled “Overview of Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Nigeria” at a workshop, Samaila said that OVC constituted 31 per cent of the children population in Nigeria.
He said if nothing was done to curtail the situation, the number may double by the end of this year as projected by the UNICEF.
Samaila commended Gov. Akwe Doma for ensuring that such children were given hope and support in the society.
Osun
The Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo last Monday remanded two persons, Kasim Adegbite, 24, and Dele Johnson, 35, for allegedly dealing in Indian hemp.
Adegbite and Johnson were arraigned for unlawfully dealing in 330g and 6.8kg of cannabis sativa, popularly known as Indian hemp respectively.
Plateau
The Dutch government is “very concerned” about the peace and security situation in Nigeria, the Royal Netherlands Embassy said yesterday.
Mr Bert Ronhaar, the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, made the remark during a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Prof. Sunny Tyoden.
“The Dutch government has a policy of promoting peace and security across the globe and we are particularly interested in peace in Africa and our major concern is Nigeria.
“That is why we spend tax payers’ money to fund peace and security projects in Nigeria by facilitating the functions of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Management and Peace Building in the University of Jos,” he said.
Sokoto
Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, the Sokoto State Governor, has urged the Federal Government to revive the nation’s agricultural sector.
Wamakko made the appeal in Sokoto last Monday when he kicked off the distribution of a N1 billion agricultural loan scheme, under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme, the CBN-CACS of the Federal Government.
“The Federal Government has the wherewithal to revive the sector. This is being done in other parts of the world.
Yobe
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe said last Monday that his administration would collaborate with religious groups to combat the escalating incidences of cholera in the state.
Speaking at the launch of a N20 million education appealed fund in Damaturu, Gaidam said the role of religious leaders was significant and necessary in creating awareness on hygiene.
He said the outbreak of cholera in the state was caused by peoples’ ignorance about cleanliness and non-compliance with environmental laws.
Earlier, the leader of Islamic group that organised the launch, Sheik Haruna Gashua, said it was organised to expand mosques and provide opportunities to educate the people.
He appealed to Muslims to assist the government in ensuring peace and stability in the state.
Zamfara
A suspected cholera outbreak in Government Girls Secondary School (GGASS), Gusau, has killed at least two students of the school.
The infected students were kept in an isolated area within the premises where they received treatments from medical personnel from the state ministry of health.
Gov. Mahmud Shinkafi paid a sympathy visit to the school last Monday.
Addressing the staff and students, Shinkafi wished the patients quick recovery and prayed to God to avert future occurrence.
He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the dead.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
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