Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Teachers in Mubi Local Government of Adamawa State has resumed work, following the suspension of the seven-week old strike by the chapter’s NLC.
The workers had in September embarked on an indefinite strike to press for the implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.
The strike had paralysed government business and closed down public schools and clinics.
Our correspondent, who went round various schools in Mubi, reports that most teachers had reported to work as early as 7:30 a.m.
The situation was the same at the General Hospital, Mubi as doctors and other health personnel were seen attending to patients.
However few workers reported to work at the Mubi Local Government Secretariat and other government’s offices in the area.
At Sabon-Pegi Primary School, teachers and pupils were seen cleaning classrooms and the school premises.
Some of the teachers, who spoke to newsmen, commended the state government and NLC for amicably resolving the crisis.
Bauchi
Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) has opened training workshop for pioneer staff on the management of community radio stations in the state.
The Managing Director, Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed, said that the creation of the radio stations was aimed at educating the citizens of the state and to inform them appropriately.
He added:”The creation of the stations is a courageous act by the state government under Gov. Isa Yuguda to raise the socio-political consciousness of the rural communities through effective broadcasting at the grass roots.’’
He said that five stations were already selected to be inaugurated and that they had produced a comprehensive documents with details on structure and schedules of duties of each worker on a community radio station.
He added that the training was also a stepping stone for the series and continuous training and re-training of the staff that would manage the stations.
He said that the participants would be exposed to the rudiments of leadership and management, programmes production, news gathering techniques at the grass roots, as well as appreciation of local cultures and cultivating good public relations.
Borno
The Borno Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Christopher James, in Maiduguri on Thursday advised motorists to drive with caution throughout the ‘ember months’.
James, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen noted that most of the road accidents recorded across the country took place during the ember months.
“Many people want to travel for celebration at this period and drivers do not consider their vehicle loading capacity and overload them which often resulted in accidents,” he said.
He also attributed lack of maintenance as one of the causes of road accidents, pointing out that some drivers did not examine and service their vehicles before putting them on the road.
FCT
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the door to the central store of its Lagos office where some Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines and other items got missing was not broken.
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman,Mr Kayode Idowu told newsmen on telephone that the stealing might have been carried out in the night.
INEC on Tuesday uncovered the theft of 1,388 DDC machines, 2, 986 internal hard discs and 644 computer batteries.
Idowu said indications of the theft were first noticed on Oct. 16 while the quantity of items involved was determined through an in-house audit concluded on October .24.
Gombe
A lawmaker, Alhaji Manu Swa, has pledged to support Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in reactivating the Balanga Dam to enhance development in the state.
Swa, who won last Saturday’s by-election for the Balanga/Billiri Constituency , made the promise while speaking with newsmen in Gombe.
He noted that the dam, built for irrigation purposes, had been under-utilised for a long period of time, hence the decision by the state governor to extend water supply to Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Kumo towns.
Kano
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to victims of this year’s flood disaster in 14 local government areas of Kano State.
The items donated included 1, 200 bundles of roofing sheets, 1, 800 bags of cement, 4,000 pieces of plants, 200 package of zinc nails and 200 bags of nails.
Others were 1, 200 bags of rice, 600 bags of maize, 300 bags of guinea corn, 200 bags of millet, 200 bags of beans, 800 cartons of cereals and 2,000 pieces of blankets.
Speaking while presenting the items to victims of the disaster in Tarauni local government area in Kano, the Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Sani Sidi, said the gesture was to alleviate the sufferings of the affected persons.
Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Yusha’u Shu’aibu, the Sidi said the items were donated based on the assessment conducted by NEMA officials in the zone in August.
Kwara
The Kwara House of Assembly on Wednesday decried the deplorable condition of federal and other feeder roads within the state.
The Assembly, in a resolution on a matter of urgent public importance raised by Mr Kamal Fagbemi
(Oke-Ogun constituency), noted that the Ajase-Ipo/Offa/Erin-Ile federal road had become a nightmare for road users due of its deplorable state.
He said that the condition of the road leading to Osun boundary, had provided undue advantage for armed robbers to harass motorists and travellers.
He urged the lawmakers to summon the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to explain the reason for the delay in rehabilitating the road for which funds had been released to them.
“The road is in a sorry state and has crippled the economic activities of people of the affected areas,” he said.
Lagos
General Manager, Technical Services, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr Jeleel Olubori has suggested partnership among state governments to ensure effective waste management.
Olubori made the call in a paper he presented at the two-day conference tagged “Sustainable City Development, Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy,” jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja.
In his paper, titled ‘Waste Management in Developing Countries’, Olubori said that Lagos State had a lot to offer other states in terms of technical support and human capacity development on best practises in waste management.
He said that the state operated an integrated waste management system that has made it a model in the country.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunboh Fayokun, has urged technological institutions to assist in developing solar energy to complement government’s efforts at resolving the energy crisis facing the nation.
He made the call in Ibadan at a “Distinguish Service Award” ceremony in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Fayokun said technological institutions should be able to develop a cheap solar energy that would not only serve their need, but also serve their immediate neighbours.
He said if the institutions were able to develop their own energy supply, it would open the door of economic prosperity, and make them less dependant on government for financial support.
Fayokun commended the founding fathers of the polytechnic for their foresight, saying that the institution had become an octopus in educational matters in the country.
Sokoto
Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two people, Anas Aliyu, 24, and Bilyaminu Tafida, 23, of the state Polytechnic for allegedly stealing one Honda civic car with registration number AY 696 BWR.
The suspects were paraded at Marina Police station by ASP Mustapha Isa, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) last Wednesday.
He said that the car was stolen at Dan Fili in Sokoto metropolis and taken to Argungu in Kebbi State.
Isa explained that the command had adopted sensitive security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of criminals in the state.
He added that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation of the case.
Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrate Court handling a case of alleged missing genitals, heard on Wednesday that the accused had made a false claim.
Testifying before Magistrate Umar Abdulnasir, Dr. Adebiyi Adewale, who conducted the medical examination, told the court that the accused, Idowu Olatunji, was tested twice and found that he had had intercourse twice with his wife after the alleged incident.
Ola conducted the examination told the Olatunji, a banker, had on September 2, alleged that Saminu Turaki, a journalist, formerly reporting for the National Life newspapers, mysteriously stole his manhood shortly after the two of them had a handshake in the banking hall.
Turaki escaped being lynched due to the quick intervention of a combined team of the police, civil defence and the bank’s security.
He was later taken to the Gusau Police Station while the banker was taken to the Gusau Federal Medical Centre for examination.
The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation has raised concerns over the growing rate of binge drinking among Nigerian youths, attributing the trend largely to the widespread availability of sachet alcohol.
The group’s position follows the recent move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Nurudeen AbdulRaheem, and National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, the organisation declared its full support for NAFDAC’s decision, describing it as a timely and necessary public health intervention.
AbdulRaheem noted that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ?100, has made excessive drinking more accessible, particularly to young people and minors. According to him, the affordability and small packaging of such products have worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.
He explained that binge drinking involves consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within a short period, typically within two hours, a practice that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications as well as legal and social problems.
The SB National Coordinator cited global health data indicating that alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually worldwide and remains a major contributor to road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.
While acknowledging concerns from industry stakeholders over the economic implications of the ban, AbdulRaheem maintained that public health considerations must take precedence.
“Public health and the protection of young lives must come first,” he stated, adding that Islamic ethical values, like many societal norms, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.
The organisation urged NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain resolute in implementing the policy while also providing transition support for businesses that may be affected by the ban.
According to the group, the enforcement of the ban represents a significant step toward promoting a safer and healthier society.
By Favour James
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully concluded its Seafarers Training Programme for 100 Ogoni youths, positioning them for opportunities in the competitive global maritime industry.
The beneficiaries, who underwent four months of intensive training at Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt, received their certificates during a close-out ceremony held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by top management staff of HYPREP, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning of Charkin Maritime Academy, the Head of the Seafaring Department, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the graduates, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the ceremony as a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the young beneficiaries.
He said the graduation symbolises vision, resilience, and hope — hope translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for Ogoni youths.
According to him, the passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s mandate to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills and certifications acquired.
“These skills and achievements should not end here but serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and Nigeria,” he stated.
Prof. Zabbey noted that the seafaring programme is significant not only to the beneficiaries but also to HYPREP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
He explained that by equipping the youths with globally relevant maritime skills, HYPREP is opening alternative income opportunities while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other environmentally harmful practices. He added that the initiative aligns with the directives of the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces the Project’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
Commending Charkin Maritime Academy as a dependable training partner, Zabbey described the institution as one of the foremost maritime training centres in the country.
“This partnership has delivered high-quality results today, and we intend to expand it as we intensify efforts to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for the Ogoni people,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress, noting their resilience and commitment to peace in the area. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of youths and women in Ogoniland.
The Project Coordinator likened knowledge and certificates to fuel in a vehicle, stressing that they are meant to propel the graduates toward greater heights.
“We hear your voices calling for restoration, and today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development, as evidenced by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is 93 per cent completed,” he added.
He emphasised that HYPREP’s approach integrates all projects and interventions toward achieving environmental sustainability and long-term development in Ogoniland.
Also speaking, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwahia, said the graduates had gained not only technical maritime skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence to compete globally.
He described their graduation as the beginning of a new journey and noted that the UNEP Report emphasised that environmental restoration must be complemented by sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and youth empowerment.
“Without empowering people, restoration cannot be complete. Programmes such as this maritime training represent practical steps toward creating employment pathways, dignity, and long-term community stability,” he said.
Engr. Igbinomwahia added that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited remains committed to supporting environmental recovery, human capacity development, and sustainable economic opportunities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.
Highlighting the importance of discipline and safety, he urged the graduates to be ambassadors of professionalism and integrity.
“The sea you are about to enter is vast and sometimes challenging, but it is also full of opportunity. Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your constant companion, and let your character speak for you wherever you go,” he advised.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning at Charkin Maritime Academy, Captain Joseph Awodeha, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Charles Wami, emphasised discipline and safety as critical to career success in the maritime sector.
The Head of the Seafaring Department, Captain Jonathan Hammond, urged the graduates to remain humble and disciplined, noting that such virtues are essential for career growth.
In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, Barrister Dornu Baridan, commended the beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the
rigorous selection process and completing their training as seafarers.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Rivers State, has elected 14 member executives to lead the organization for the 2025/2026 year. Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, is the 23rd chairman.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Engr. Ishmael A. Branch Secretariat, 3 Benard Carr Street (Waterworks Yard), Port Harcourt, attracted members of the engineering profession from within and outside the state.
Other elected executives include:
Engr. Samuel H. Kwelle, MNSE – Vice Chairman
Engr. Dr. Promise Jumbo, FNSE – General Secretary
Engr. Priye P. K. Lawson, MNSE – Assistant Secretary
Engr. Patrick O. Udegbunam, MNSE – Treasurer.
Others are Engr. Hilda D. Batubo, MNSE – Financial Secretary
Engr. Bowei M. Dauseighe, MNSE – Technical Secretary
Engr. Charles O. Okwakpam, MNSE – Assistant Technical Secretary
Engr. Agnes Komolafe, MNSE – Membership Secretary
Engr. Dike N. Livingstone, MNSE – Publicity Secretary
Also elected are Engr. Ayebaye Daniel Wanatoi, MNSE – Welfare Secretary
Engr. Oribiokpomari I. Comfort, MNSE – Internal Auditor
Engr. Dr. Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, FNSE – Immediate Past Chairman
Engr Dr Hachimenum Amadi, FNSE (Ex-Officio)
In his a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Frederick Anabraba, urged the new executive to maintain high ethical standards and move the association forward.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, promised an inclusive administration and teamwork, focusing on collaboration with stakeholders. He had begun building partnerships with Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.
The highlight was the inauguration lecture, “Engineering Solution for Security, Energy Access and Sustainable Development,” delivered by Engr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.
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