Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
The Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, says that she has no plan to contest in the forthcoming governorship election in Bayelsa State.
A statement signed by Dr Levi Ajuonuma, the Group General Manager (Public Affairs) of NNPC, on Wednesday in Abuja, described the speculation about the minister’s intention to contest in the polls in some quarters as baseless.
“The publication is not only misleading but it is 360 degrees different from the reality on ground.
“The fact is that Alison-Madueke is seriously occupied with the ongoing reform agenda in the oil and gas industry, which is an integral part of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation programme,’’ the statement said.
Jigawa
The National Association of Jigawa State Students (NAJISS) has concluded arrangements to begin extra lessons for secondary school students to halt mass failure in examinations in the state.
The President of NAJISS, Malam Ibrahim Sule, said during a courtesy call on the Chairman, Yankwashi Local Government, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, that the association was worried by the failures recorded by the students, especially in WAEC and NECO examinations.
Sule said the gesture would complement the efforts of the Jigawa Government and other stakeholders in reducing examination failures and revamping the education sector in general.
Kaduna
National and State Assembly Election and Petitions Tribunal in Kaduna has concluded the recounting of votes for seven local government areas under Kaduna North Senatorial District.
Makarfi, the immediate former senator representing Kaduna North Senatorial District, is challenging the return of Sen Yusuf Datti by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the April polls for the district.
Makarfi is alleging electoral malpractice which included ballot boxes stuffing by the CPC and other criminal activities which were a violation of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
To prove the allegations of ballot box stuffing contained in his petition, Makarfi tendered 53 ballot boxes for the seven local government areas.
Kano
A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain in Kano State Gambo Dan-Pass on Tuesday called on governors in the northern part of the country to focus on youth empowerment to check the growing rate of unemployment in the region.
He said: “There is an urgent need for governors in the north to concentrate on job creation to reduce redundancy, frustration, restiveness and poverty among our youths.”
Dan-Pass told newsmen in Kano that empowering the youth was necessary if the region was to make any appreciable progress in economic growth and development.
“If the north is to make significant progress in economic development, our leaders must empower the teeming number of unemployed youth that are parading our streets,” he said.
Kebbi
The Bagudo Local Government in Kebbi has earmarked N45.6 million for the construction of a veterinary clinic to curtail animal diseases.
The Sole Administrator, Alhaji Samaila Bagudo, told newsmen in Bagudo on Monday that the large concentration of herdsmen in the area had exposed 20,000 livestock to various diseases.
He added that when completed the centre would also facilitate rapid response to outbreak of animal diseases.
Bagudo reiterated the determination of the council to provide adequate livestock drugs for the health of the animals, pointing out that the council would embark on awareness campaign to educate herdsmen on symptoms of livestock diseases and how to prevent them.
Kwara
The Kwara Government says it has started payment of compensation to more than 700 people, whose land were acquired for the new Government Reservation Area at Budo-Osho, Ilorin.
The Director-General of the state Bureau of Lands, Mr Tope Daramola, told newsmen in Ilorin that payment would commence on Wednesday at the premises of the Bureau for Lands in Ilorin.
Daramola pointed out that those to be compensated included customary land owners, landed property owners, developers and other interest on the plots of land acquired.
He said, “A breakdown of the list of beneficiaries as contained in the list shows that 17 customary land owners, 21 plantation owners, 46 property owners and 143 land purchasers are to benefit.
“Prominent families on the list of beneficiaries include the Budo Osho, Awesu Adepoju,Alagbon, Agbaje, Budo Tapa, Bayero and Dikko families.”
Lagos
Dr Ish-aq Akintola, an Islamic scholar and university lecturer, says the Federal Government’s devotion of “a meagre six per cent” of the nation’s budget to education in the country is not encouraging.
Akintola told newsmen in Lagos that the government as well as school owners, needed to show more commitment to the provision of qualitative education.
“What do you expect from a human developing sector of the economy to which only six percent of the budget was allocated?‘’
Akintola urged the government to accede to the UNESCO’s recommendation that developing countries should devote 26 per cent of their budget to education.
“Acceding to the UNESCO’S recommendation would allow proper training of teachers, provision of basic educational facilities, funding of research programmes and other basic necessities required for educational development.’’
Nasarawa
The Osana of Keana in Nasarawa, Sen. Emmanuel Oyatikpo- Elayo on Tuesday honoured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman, North Central, Mr Yusuf Ayitogo and six illustrious sons of the area with traditional titles.
Our correspondent reports that Ayitogo was honoured with the title of Ubangarin Keana, while Amese Ogiri and Sabo Ari were given the titles of Bunu and Majin of Keana Kingdom respectively.
Other sons honoured include Mr Amegwa Aritogo as the Okinawe Kha-Keana, Mr Idi Orume-Sabo as the Magajin-Gari Karama of Keana, Mr Jerry Woziri-Elayo as Oyiahosa Kha of Keana and Abiri Owuntoshi as the Leke Kha of Keana.
Speaking at a brief ceremony, the Osana of Keana said that the traditional institution honoured those who had contributed to the Keana Kingdom, the state and country and indeed humanity.
Sokoto
Sheik Yusuf Alibawa, a Sokoto State based Islamic scholar, on Monday tasked politicians to eschew violence in their activities, to maintain the state’s peaceful environment.
Alibawa told newsmen in Sokoto that there was a need for politicians to always exhibit high sense of political maturity during and after the 2012 governorship election in the state.
He urged political leaders to evolve methods that would end violence and thuggery among the political class.
“They must sensitise their followers to realise that seeking elective positions must not be seen as a do-or-die affair.”
Aliwaba also called on parents not to allow their children to be used as political thugs during and after the polls.
Zamfara
A total of 1,007 prospective pilgrims from Zamfara have been transported to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj.
Alhaji Yakubu Mafara, spokesman of the state pilgrims Welfare Agency, announced this in Gusau in an interview with newsmen.
He said the pilgrims were from Anka, Maradun and Gummi Local Government Areas.
He urged the next batch to depart on Wednesday to arrive at the airport on time for necessary procedure.
Mafara expressed the hope that the 5,857 pilgrims from the state would be transported without any hitch.
He urged them to be law abiding and ensure that their conduct in Saudi Arabia was guided by the country’s laws.
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.”
