Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Bauchi State Police Command says it has spread its dragnet to apprehend kidnappers of an 11-year-old girl last Thursday.
The minor and daughter of former Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, was kidnapped on her way to school.
The spokesman for the Command, Mohammed Barau, told newsmen in Bauchi on Friday that the command received the information from Sadiya, mother of the girl at about 8.45 a.m. on Thursday
“On receiving the information, the Housing Estate Division of the command immediately visited the residence of Alhaji Ahmed Al-Mustafa where preliminary investigation was conducted,” he said.
FCT
The Police in the FCT say they have arrested a man (name withheld) for allegedly defrauding an Abuja-based motor company of five Toyota Prado jeeps worth N78 million.
SP Moshood Jimoh, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, who disclosed this last Friday to newsmen, said all the vehicles had been recovered from the suspect.
Jimoh said the suspect presented a “manager’s cheque” to the company to convince it that he had enough money in his account to pay for the vehicles and the company released them to him.
He, however, said that when the company discovered that there was no money in the suspect’s account, it lodged a complaint with the police.
Gombe
Mr Ado Solomon, the Director, National Orientation Agency in Gombe State, has cautioned politicians against using youths to perpetrate violence in the course of their electioneering.
Solomon gave the advice during the presentation of an award to the Chairman, Gombe Local Government, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, as the UN Ambassador of Peace in Gombe State.
He described Gombe as the most peaceful state in the North-East zone and called on politicians to sustain the prevailing atmosphere.
Solomom also called on the people to participate fully in the voter registration coming up soon.
Kaduna
An official of the World Bank has urged the Kaduna State government to remit the N45 million counterpart fund for Fadama III to fast track implementation of the programme.
Dr Lucas Akapa, the North-West Fadama III Task leader, made the appeal in Kaduna when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Gov. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa.
Akapa appealed to the government to prevail on council chairmen to remit their contribution of N46 million to enhance implementation of Fadama projects.
He noted that timely remittance of funds would enhance implementation of the programme, increase the income of Fadama users and add value to their lives.
Kano
A CPC gubernatorial aspirant in Kano, retired Brig.-Gen. Lawal Ja’afaru-Isa, has regretted that cholera, typhoid, malaria and meningitis are still ravaging the population in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Kano last Friday, Ja’afaru-Isa said it was unfortunate that the diseases, which had been eradicated in some parts of the world, were still rocking the state.
He said that the diseases had been claiming lives in parts of the state and questioned the healthcare programme of the authorities concerned.
Katsina
The Department For International Development (DFID) has selected three local government areas in Katsina State for the implementation of the Sanitation, Hygiene And Water in Nigeria (SHAWN) project.
Under the programme, the selected councils are expected to achieve 100 per cent coverage in sanitation, hygiene and water supply.
Alhaji Aminu Dayyabu, the SHAWN Desk Officer in Katsina, told newsmen Friday in Katsina that the selected councils were Bakori, Kaita and Mai’adua.
Kebbi
The Border Communities Development Authority (BCDA) in Kebbi State says insecurity can be addressed effectively if local policing and welfare of security personnel could be improved.
Mr Numoipre Wills, the Executive Secretary of the authority, said this at a sensitisation workshop on Friday in Kamba, Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi.
The workshop was jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Boundary Commission, BCDA and the Kebbi State Government.
Kogi
The Project Coordinator, World Bank Assisted FADAMA III Programme, Mr Musa Dalang, says the programme is capable of winning the war against hunger and poverty but through sustained efforts.
Dalang said this while speaking with newsmen in Mopa in Kogi at the Third Joint World Bank/FGN Supervision Mission to Kabba-Bunu and Mopa-Muro Local Governments of Kogi.
The coordinator assured farmers that with the level of capacity building and training imparted on farmers so far, operators of the programme were well equipped to guarantee the victory against hunger, diseases and poverty.
Lagos
Two commercial motorcyclists, docked last Friday in Lagos for allegedly stealing a motorcycle, have been remanded in Ikoyi Prisons pending when they would perfect their bail conditions.
The accused, Umaru Abubakar, 27, and Ali Abdulahi, 26, were arraigned at the Surulere Chief Magistrate’s Court for the alleged theft of a Bajaj motorcycle, valued at N99,000.
The duo, standing trial before Chief Magistrate Mrs Abiola Soladoye, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
Ogun
Suspected armed smugglers on Thursday at Idiroko Border, Ogun, killed a customs officer and left two of his colleagues seriously injured.
The deceased (names withheld) was an Assistant Superintendent serving with the Federal Operations Unit.
It was learnt that the deceased officer was run over by a vehicle in a convoy of five suspected smugglers’ vehicles that rushed through a customs barricade at Ajilete, near Idiroko Border.
Osun
As the dry season approaches, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has advised market women to guard against fire outbreaks.
Mrs Bolanle Ojo, a top official of the agency gave the advice last week Thursday, when she visited the Atakumosa Market Ilesa, to inspect 15 shops that were razed by fire.
She called on the people to always employ the services of experts for the wiring of their shops to prevent fire outbreaks.
Ojo posited that power surge due to illegal connections, might have caused the fire.
Oyo
The Registrar, Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), Dr Oyedele Oyediji has stressed the need for feed millers in the country to comply with international standards.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen last Friday in Ibadan.
Oyedeji identified problems hampering the effort of millers to form a viable National Feed-Millers Association as a major challenge in the country’s feed-milling industry.
“Several efforts have been made to revive the feed-millers association without much success.
Plateau
Governor Paulen Tallen of Plateau last Friday declared that she had “never insulted” her boss, Gov. Jonah Jang.
The two former political allies are locked in a fierce contest for the PDP ticket for the governorship election in 2011.
“A newspaper quoted me on Monday as declaring that I will push out Gov. Jang in 2011.
“The report quoted me as saying so many things that I could not have said; this is not fair at all.
“It is not right to pit me against my boss,” she told newsmen by telephone in Jos.
Sokoto
Former Sokoto State Governor and presidential candidate of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) in the 2007 general elections , Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa, has registered as a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
Bafarawa registered at the Gebe “B” ward of Isa Local Government Area of the state .
The former governor, who is also a presidential aspirant of the ACN, was registered by the chairman of the party at the ward, Alhaji Abdulrahman Dan-Amarya.
Bafarawa’s name is number one in the party’s register while his registration number is 1991801 ACN.
He later told newsmen after registering that, “ I am a founding member of the ACN because we have been discussing on the mega party issue over one year ago”.
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.”
