Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Commissioner of Information in Adamawa, Alhaji Abdurrahman Jimeta, has described the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Adamawa as “a dead party” that did not know how to mount an opposition to government policies and programmes.
Abdurrahman, who was reacting to ACN allegation that the state PDP led government has not delivered and was living on borrowed time, said the people of Adamawa knew better.
Abdurrahman said the past administration of Boni Haruna, who is now the state ACN leader, constructed only 300 classrooms in eight years whereas Gov Murtala Nyako who spent four years now had built 4,000 classrooms.
“We have awarded contract for the construction of road networks, transformed agriculture through the introduction of commercial agriculture to empower the people alongside other numerous projects.
“On issues of security and workers salaries ACN is trying to play politics with the issues; everybody knows security is a general problem and that Adamawa is far better in the North East if you talk of security problems.
Bauchi
Some residents of the area marked for the construction of the proposed Bauchi International Airport have accused the government of not compensating them for their lands.
A representative of the residents, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim of Durum Ward, told newsmen in Bauchi on Wednesday that in 1982, some government officials visited the area and wrote down their names.
Ibrahim said that none of the land owners had been paid, adding “We urge the government to tell us who was paid the money in our community so that we can confront him’’.
Also speaking, Malama Hadiza Umar, who said she was representing her mother, said the family had not received any compensation and urged the government to assist them.
“I am here to represent my mother because she is very old and unable to be here; we are asking the good government of Bauchi State to please pay us the compensation,’’ she said.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has said the happiness and aspirations of many families across the world had been dampened by natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods.
Jonathan made the statement at the 39th World Congress on Military Medicine in Abuja.
He listed the natural disasters as earthquakes and landslides in Haiti, China, Spain, India, Turkey as well as floods in Brazil, Philippines, Colombia, South Africa, South Korea and Thailand.
The President was represented on the occasion by the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal, Oluseyi Petinrin.
“There is no gainsaying that many nations in the world are presently grappling with problems of emergencies and natural disasters. The earthquakes and landslides that occurred in 2011 in Haiti and China as well as those in Fukushima, Spain, India and Turkey.
Gombe
The Emir of Pindiga in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, Alhaji Adamu Yakubu has helped in resolving the problem of resistance among the people to polio vaccines in two districts.
Yakubu told newsmen on Sunday in Pindiga that he with the assistance of traditional rulers and opinion leaders in the districts, including Kashare, were able to re-orient the people to participate in polio immunisation.
He attributed the problem of resistance by the people to communication gaps between the traditional rulers and their subjects.
“We organised awareness campaigns several times in this emirate in order to reach out to the people and we were able to make them understand the importance of immunisation.
Jigawa
The Economic Adviser, Cross River State Planning Commission, Dr Ndem Ayara, has urged state governments to make laws that will establish State Planning Commissions and Bureau of Statistics.
Ayara gave the advice in Dutse on Monday in an interview with newsmen in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
He said that a law establishing the Commissions should make the governors as the chairmen of the commissions to ensure effective implementation of the plans.
“First of all, you need a law that establishes the state planning commission which will put the governor as the chairman.
“The second is that the backbone of planning is statistics and also we need to have law for your state bureau of statistics and those two laws in Cross River State have been passed,” the economic adviser said.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has banned the collection of any form of levy by heads of Primary and Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in the state, an official has said.
Alhaji Sodangi Diggi, the Secretary of the Board, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, on Tuesday, that the state government had declared all levies illegal.
“Education at those levels are free and no one should collect any form of levy.“
He warned that violators of the new directive would be penalised.
Kogi
Ahead of the December 3 governorship elections in Kogi, INEC on Monday warned its officials against receiving “strange gifts” from any quarter.
The INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, gave the warning in Okene at a two-day training programme for supervisory presiding officers recruited for the election.
He advised them to exercise self-caution, saying that desperate politicians would attempt to reach out to them before and during the election.
Jega urged the officers to partner with INEC to deliver a free and fair election in the state, saying that the perception of the commission as a credible electoral umpire must be sustained.
The INEC Chairman, who was represented at the event by the national Commissioner in charge of training, Prof. Lai Olurode said the commission intended to improve on the standards achieved in the April elections.
Kwara
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Kwara, Mr Yusuf Salam, said 17 lives were lost, while 20 persons were injured in motor accidents in the state during the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Salam told newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday that most of the accidents were as a result of careless and reckless driving.
He said the command had taken measures to ensure that the rate of accidents were drastically reduced during the Christmas.
“The corps will improve on its efforts and enforcement level. We are introducing more mobile courts to ensure that people violating traffic rules are instantly brought to book.
“During the period, we will encourage the use of rest areas. We will encourage road users, especially motorists, the drivers, at least, when they travel for long period, to rest.
Lagos
Speaker of the House of Representative, Aminu Tambuwal, on Saturday in Lagos defended the inauguration of a Constitution Review Committee by President Goodluck Jonathan.
The committee was charged with the responsibility of advising the President on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
Tambuwal made the defence while fielding questions with journalists at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos.
He described the setting up of a committee by Jonathan on constitution review as highly proactive in the dynamic Nigerian polity.
Ogun
The prevailing under-development in Nigeria’s rural communities has been identified as a major threat to the country’s national security.
The Commandant General, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ade Abolurin made the observation in Abeokuta on Monday at the commencement of the 2011 Press Week of the Ogun State Chapter of the NUJ.The theme of the event is “Democracy and National Security”. Abolurin spoke on “Grassroots Development: a Prerequisite to National Security’’.
The NSCDC boss said that information had shown that many of the apprehended terrorists and hoodlums were people who migrated from rural areas to the cities for better living conditions.
Abolurin stressed that there were sub-standard living conditions in the grassroots, due to inadequate provision of electricity, bad roads, poor transportation system and a lack of health facility.
He noted that the situation had resulted in poor health, high infant and maternal mortality, high level of disease, low level of education, chronic poverty and high rate of rural-urban drift.
“The fact that life in the grassroots is nasty and brutish further leads to petty thievery and drug abuse among the adults and youths.
“Many of the youths in the grassroots migrate to the urban areas to get better life, but because many of them are not academically suited for jobs in the urban areas, their life styles are not better than what they are at the grassroots,” he noted.
Osun
The Osun Government is to recruit caterers and food vendors for its elementary school feeding and health programme, known as ‘O-Meal.’
The Operations Officer of the programme, Mrs Olubunmi Ayoola said in a statement in Osogbo on Monday that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had pledged to improve the programme, which was introduced by his predecessor, retired Brig.-Gen. Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Ayoolasaid the state government was prepared to re-organise the programme to ensure that it had the desired impact on the school system.
She said arrangements had been concluded to recruit candidates, who possessed the Ordinary National Diploma in Catering and Hotel Management, as caterers and food vendors.
According to the statement, applicants must also possess at least the West African School Certificate (WASC) or General Certificate of Education (GCE) in Home Economics.
Although the number of those to be recruited was not stated, job seekers have started to submit applications for employment under the ‘O-Meal’ Programme.
The programme is expected to cover all elementary schools in the 30 local government areas of the state.
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The Amaewhule family of mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has cautioned members of the public against entering into any land transaction involving a disputed property known as “Ada Oro Fam Land,” located behind the OPM Church along Airport Road.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi
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