Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Hundreds of youths in Mubi, Adamawa, State are now going into commercial motorcycling to beat the unemployment scourge.
The trade, locally called “achaba”, is increasingly becoming popular among the jobless youngsters in the area in spite of the high rate of accident and other risks associated with it.
According to a survey in Mubi, most of the motorcyclists are graduates and high school dropouts who took to the business after being idle for many years.
The investigation showed that the motorcyclists are making brisk business due to the absence of taxis and city bus services in the area.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspected criminals in the past two months, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Abdul-Majid Ali, has said. Ali made the announcement in Bauchi while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command between September and this month. He named culpable homicide, conspiracy, mischief and theft as some of the offences allegedly committed by the suspects who are currently in police custody.
FCT
The University of Abuja on Thursday said the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) accreditation for clinical stage was being awaited to promote its 500 level students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
Prof Olatunde Ajagbonna, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the university stated this in Gwagwalada in an interview with newsmen.
He said the delay in advancing 500 level students to clinical stage of their course followed challenges in getting the National Universities Commission (NUC) and VCN accreditation for the stage.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Police Command has beefed up security in the state, following threats by the dreaded Islamic group, Boko Haram.
Mobile policemen were seen in large numbers at various check points in Dutse confiscating motorcycles without registered number plates.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP. Abdu Jinjiri, told newsmen in Dutse on Monday that officers and men of the police were at the checkpoints for their normal routine duty.
Jinjiri said the command had earlier warned motorcyclists without registered number plates not to ply any of the roads in the state.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has called on pilgrims to pray for peace, development and growth of the nation while in the Holy land.
More than 1,400 the pilgrims had been flown to Saudi Arabia.
Yakowa, who paid a visit to the temporary Hajj camp at the International Trade Fair and Investment Centre, Rigachukwu, Kaduna, also urged them to be good ambassadors of the country.
“Pray for Kaduna State so that the unfortunate and unnecessary post-election crisis that we witnessed in the state would never occur again. Pray for peace and pray for the government”, the governor urged the pilgrims.
Kogi
The Kogi State government has approved the expulsion
of 56 students of the state College of Education, Ankpa, for their involvement in the Aug.16, bloody violence in the institution.
The Ministry of Information, in a release in Lokoja said that the council also approved the immediate dissolution of the college’s governing council.
Dr Tom Ohikere, the commissioner for information was quoted in the release as saying that the council’s decisions followed the critical consideration of the report of a seven-man panel of enquiry set up on the incident.
Lagos
The Lagos State Government is to commence the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of individual homes in the Badagry-Central Local Government Area on Thursday, to rid the area of mosquitoes.
Dr Adeyanju Oyetoyan, the council’s Medical Officer, told newsmen in an interview that the objective of the exercise was to control malaria in the area.
Last month, the local government distributed 112,000 Long Lasting Insect-Treated Nets to residents of the area.
Oyetoyan said that the objective of the programme was to stem malaria attacks in four local government areas of Badagry-Central, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin and Ikorodu.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State says it will collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Administration on its High Capacity Bus project, aimed at de-congesting the heavy traffic on the Keffi-Abuja road.
The Deputy Governor, Mr Dameshi Barau, disclosed the plan on Thursday in Lafia when a team of the Task force on Traffic Management and officials of the African Development Bank (ADB) paid him a visit.
Barau said the state government was planning a rail line project, which would link the state with the FCT as part of the efforts aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the route.
Ondo
Former deputy to ex-Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Chief Abiodun Aluko, has commended the latter for his decision to return to the PDP. Aluko told the newsmen in Akure that the return of Fayose to his former party was a welcome development to the party in the state.
He also lauded the former governor for toeing the path of reason and truth by retracing his steps back to the PDP which he said was the party to beat in the state come 2014.
Plateau
Constable Nelson Eric, a soldier serving with the military Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau, is to be tried for allegedly shooting and injuring one Alfred Adams, a pastor. The STF said in a statement last Thursday in Jos that Eric would be tried for “misapplication of firearms’’.
The statement signed by its media officer, Capt. Charles Ekeocha, said that the “ugly“ incident, which took place in the premises of the University of Jos, was “regrettable’’. “We thank the students of the University for listening to the voice of reasoning by not taking the law into their hands.
Sokoto
Supporters of Sen. Abubakar Gada have said the former lawmaker had remained a bona fide member of the party since 2003.
Gada represented Sokoto East Senatorial Zone in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.
He had since indicated his intention to contest the March 10, 2012 gubernatorial poll after failing to clinch a second term ticket with his defeat by the incumbent, Sen. Ibrahim Gobir (PDP-Sokoto).
Addressing a news conference, Alhaji Umar Sadik , the Special Assistant to Gada, said the former lawmaker had contributed immensely to the growth of the party at all levels.
“As a senator, he distributed thousands of motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles free as well as 3,000 water pumping machines while he dug over 3,000 tube wells among others.
“ We are strongly behind his candidature come March 10, 2012 to contest as governor in the state,’’ he said.
Taraba
The Chairman of Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Bubajoda Mafindi, has expressed surprise at Monday’s protest by primary school teachers in Jalingo. Mafindi told newsmen in Jalingo that the board was in constant touch with representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the issue of salary. The chairman said the state government agreed to pay the new minimum wage to all workers, pointing out that the delay in its implementation for teachers was due to the decision to use the bio-metric system.
He said the money for the September salary of teachers based on the old rate was intact, adding that this was rejected for the new wage.
“The protest took me by surprise because we have been in constant touch with the NUT representatives.
Sixteen law faculties from universities across the Niger Delta region have gathered in Port Harcourt for the 2026 Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Moot and Mock Trial Competition.
The competition opened on Monday at the Nigerian Law School, Port Harcourt Campus. The Chairman of the NDDC Governing Board, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to strengthening legal education and human capacity development as key drivers of sustainable growth in the region.
Mr. Ebie said legal advocacy plays a strategic role in shaping confident and competent legal minds that can address the challenges confronting the Niger Delta.
He explained that the moot court competition was originally conceived as an annual programme but was suspended for about eight years. He added that the current Governing Board revived it and that the 2026 edition marks the third consecutive year it has been held.
The Board Chairman also highlighted the commission’s Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Programme. He said 200 indigent students from the Niger Delta, aged below 40, are selected annually for one-year postgraduate programmes abroad.
According to him, “The NDDC spends about $40,000 per beneficiary, in addition to a pre-departure grant of approximately ?6.5 million to support related expenses.”
He disclosed that 51 beneficiaries graduated with distinctions in 2023, while 59 recorded distinctions in 2024. Due to the high number of applications, more than 10,000 for only 200 slots, the commission introduced a domestic postgraduate scholarship. Under it, 1,000 deserving students receive ?5 million each to pursue postgraduate studies in Nigerian institutions.
Beyond scholarships, Mr. Ebie said the NDDC is investing in university infrastructure, particularly student accommodation. He cited the construction of a 200-bed hostel at Niger Delta University, Amassoma, and disclosed plans for similar projects at the University of Benin and the University of Delta, Abraka.
The commission further linked the moot and mock trial competition to its broader efforts to use law and legal advocacy to address development challenges in the Niger Delta. It recalled its recent Law and Development Summit, which brought together civil leaders and experts to examine the relationship between law and sustainable development.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged law students to deploy their skills for regional development. Represented by the Director of Finance and Administration, Hon. Boma Iyaye, he described moot court competitions as critical platforms for equipping aspiring lawyers with practical advocacy skills.
Delivering the keynote address, retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Mary Ukaego Odili, urged students to embrace moot court competitions as a veritable platform for building confidence before entering legal practice. She said such contests bridge the gap between classroom learning and the realities of courtroom advocacy.
In a goodwill message, the 30th President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Olumide Akpata, commended the NDDC for the initiative. He advised the competing students that the competition was more than winning a trophy. “As you participate, learn to research thoroughly, think independently, listen carefully, speak confidently, and argue respectfully,” he stated.
By Akujobi Amadi
PORT HARCOURT
Former Councillor of the Oyigbo Legislative Assembly, High Chief (Hon.) Godson Chukwudi Oyegorom, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Haggai International School of Divinity, an affiliate of Open University, USA.
Oyegorom was among the graduands honoured during an epoch-making graduation and empowerment ceremony held at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Oyigbo, Rivers State, where more than 200 beneficiaries also received training and empowerment in various skills.
The ceremony attracted friends, relatives, in-laws, community leaders and other well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating students.
Speaking during the presentation of certificates to the graduands, the Director-General of Haggai International School of Divinity, Prof. Kotoye, said the programme, which commenced two years ago, had successfully produced graduates in different areas of academic and skills development.
According to him, the programme was structured in two phases, with participants graduating with Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well as acquiring practical skills in various fields.
Prof. Kotoye urged the graduating students to focus on personal growth, capacity building and contributing meaningfully to the development of society.
He expressed satisfaction with the quality of graduates produced by the institution, noting that they had been properly tested, groomed and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make positive contributions to society.
The Director-General said the establishment of Haggai International School of Divinity in the Garden City had contributed to educational advancement in Rivers State while empowering youths to excel in various areas of human endeavour.
He expressed confidence that the graduands would live up to expectations by applying the knowledge and skills acquired towards achieving their personal aspirations and contributing to the development of society.
Prof. Kotoye also commended the member representing Oyigbo Constituency in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Prince Gerald Oforji, for his support towards the success of the programme.
He disclosed that the lawmaker contributed more than 60 per cent of the resources deployed for the empowerment and skills acquisition component of the programme, describing his contribution as worthy of commendation.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Dr. Godson Oyegorom expressed gratitude to God for enabling him and his colleagues to successfully complete the programme.
Oyegorom described the attainment of the PhD as a major milestone for him and his family, attributing the achievement to the grace of God, dedication, hard work and passion.
He noted that the accomplishment had brought immense joy to the Oyegorom family, particularly as he had followed in the footsteps of his elder sister, who he said was the first PhD holder in their kindred.
“I am happy that the academic journey which started two years ago has finally come to fruition. This was achieved through dedication, hard work and passion,” he said.
He encouraged youths to remain dedicated and committed to their education, personal development, God and the service of humanity.
The former councillor also thanked members of the Oyigbo Ex-Councillors Forum, friends, family members and other well-wishers for their support and solidarity throughout his academic journey.
Nation
NCSU Applauds Fubara For Project Commissioning …Urges Assembly To Pass 2026 Appropriation Bill
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Rivers State Council, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for commissioning several landmark projects initiated by his administration, despite the political challenges that have confronted the state in recent times.
The union also called on members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill earlier presented by the governor.
Chairman of the NCSU, Rivers State Council, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, made the position known during an interview in Port Harcourt.
Osumah said the union was pleased that the Fubara administration had continued to deliver and commission projects across the state despite the political challenges it had encountered.
He described the development as “soothing, heart-warming and commendable,” noting that the completion and commissioning of the projects demonstrated the governor’s commitment to delivering on his promises to the people of Rivers State.
According to him, it is worthy of celebration that Governor Fubara has remained focused on governance and ensured the completion of several major projects that are now being commissioned across the State.
He assured the governor of the support and solidarity of civil servants, saying members of the NCSU would continue to attend commissioning ceremonies across the State to identify with the administration and celebrate its achievements.
Osumah, who also doubles as Secretary of the Joint National Public Negotiating Council (JNC), Rivers State Council, said such support was equally a demonstration of the workers’ appreciation for what he described as the administration’s positive interventions in the welfare of civil servants over the past three years.
“We want to tell him boldly, clearly and in unequivocal terms that we are solidly behind him. Wherever he goes and wherever he pitches his political tent, that is where we will go. The civil servants are truly happy with him,” he said.
The NCSU chairman also commended Governor Fubara for what he described as his peaceful disposition and commitment to the welfare of workers in the State.
On the prevailing political situation in Rivers State, Osumah expressed satisfaction with the relative peace and political stability in the State, stressing that a peaceful environment was essential for meaningful development.
He therefore appealed to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to take advantage of the current peaceful atmosphere to expedite the passage of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, and applauded them for coming to terms with the Governor.
He noted that the passage of the budget would ultimately facilitate the overall development of the State.
According to him, the passage of the budget would also provide the necessary financial framework for the governor to complete and commission other ongoing projects initiated by his administration before the end of his tenure in 2027.
While appreciating the lawmakers for accepting and receiving the Appropriation Bill for consideration, Osumah urged them to reciprocate Governor Fubara’s stated willingness to work with the Assembly and the Rainbow Coalition by giving the bill speedy consideration and passage.
He maintained that a harmonious working relationship among the executive, legislature and other stakeholders would further strengthen peace and create the right atmosphere for the continued development of Rivers State.
The NCSU chairman reiterated the union’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote workers’ welfare, peace, stability and sustainable development in the State.