Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Rapid Response Team on Lassa Fever is to liaise with private and public health institutions in the state for quick identification of cases of lassa fever in the state.
The Chairman of the team, Dr Robinson Yusuf, told newsmen in Bauchi that there was the need to be proactive in combating the disease.
According to him, health personnel must be tutored on the signs and symptoms of the disease for easy identification and isolation of affected persons.
“We will use the primary healthcare units in all the local government areas to ensure that information on the disease are passed to the grassroots, just as we are doing in the case of wild polio virus.’’
Yusuf listed the symptoms of the disease to include fever, nausea, sore throat, back pain, abdominal pain and vomiting of blood.
Ekiti
Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti have announced fees payable by students of the institution for the 2011/2012 session.
The Public Relations Officer, Mr Adeyemi Adejolu, told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday that “the display of fees payable in the institution had become necessary in order to avoid misinformation and mutilation of facts by students”.
He said HND I and ND I students of the School of Business Studies, except Office Technology and Management, would pay N20,350.
He also said that HND I and ND I students of the Department of Office Technology and Management, including those in the schools of Engineering; Environmental Studies and the School of Science and Computer Studies would pay N21,350.
FCT
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has described the current bombing in some parts of the country as the biggest threat to the nation’s security after the civil war, which ended in 1970.
He made observation on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference organised by the Homeland Secure, a non-governmental organisation, on the strategy to combat and prevent terrorism in the country.
Omeri, who was represented by an official of the agency, Mr John Tagwai, said that since 1999 the country had passed through many crises, adding that no democracy could thrive in crises.
Omeri said dialogue was the best option to resolve contending issues, and described as timely, the proposed conference on how to combat and prevent terrorism scheduled to take place between May 28 and May 30.
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the state government would work with Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) towards maintaining peace and ensuring women and youth empowerment.
Receiving members of I-Care Women and Youth Initiative, led by the initiator and wife of the Vice-President, Hajiya Amina Sambo, Yakowa said the government would cooperate with other stakeholders to bring about permanent peace in the state.
The delegation was headed by the the wife of Kaduna State Governor, Mrs Amina Yakowa, representing the wife of the Vice president and the Initiator of the NGO.
The I-care NGO was established to complement government’s effort at empowering women and youths.
Katsina
The Katsina State Senior Magistrates’ Court III has fixed March 26 for mentioning of a charge of rape levelled against a former police corporal.
Abutu Joseph is alleged to have raped a cripple and her daughter inside the Katsina Central Market Police Post on December 16, 2011 while on night duty.
The prosecution said the woman and her daughter, who came from a nearby village, were lured by Joseph to spend the night at the station to avoid being harassed, while searching for accommodation in the town.
The accused person allegedly raped the duo in the night and appealed to them not to reveal the matter.
At today’s proceedings, the police prosecutor, Insp. Hashimu Musa, told the court that the accused person was charged for rape and act of indecency, offences contrary to Sections 283 and 285 of the Penal Code.
Lagos
Some clerics have voiced their concerns over the total removal of roadblocks on the nation’s highways, saying that criminals were already taking undue advantage of the situation.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, the clerics said that the checkpoints should not be removed completely for security reasons, in view of frequent robbery incidences on the highways.
Mr Femi Asiwaju, Lagos State Vice President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, said that the Lagos-Ibadan expressway has recorded many armed robbery incidents in the past one week.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) meant well for Nigerians by dismantling the checkpoints, but that is not the solution; it is like abandoning the highways to the armed robbers again.
Nasarawa
The Branch Controller, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lafia, Alhaji Usman Bello, has identified Nasarawa as one of those with viable economy among the 36 states of the federation.
He stated this when members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by its Chairman, Mr Philip Gyunka, paid him a courtesy visit in Lafia.
Bello said that “between May 2011 and this February, the Lafia branch of the apex bank has mobilised N16.4 billion from the bank deposits in the state”.
He said the branch has also paid N2.3 billion to 17 deposit banks, which translated to N69 million withdrawals per week.
According to the CBN Branch Controller, the deposits have grown to N480 million per week.
Ogun
The wife of Ogun Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun, has advocated a paradigm shift to entrepreneurship education as an essential ingredient in accelerating economic growth and national development.
Mrs Amosun made the call on Tuesday in Abeokuta at the launch of Nigeria’s chapter of the Federation of Business Women Entrepreneurs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to her, most developed countries always encourage small and medium scale enterprises leading to increase in their Gross Domestic Products (GDP).
“Our youths and women should be encouraged to acquire one vocational skill or the other, irrespective of their educational qualifications.”
“Most of our children and women may not necessarily hunt for white collar jobs if they can acquire a vocational skill in order to earn a living.
Sokoto
A lecturer in Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Dr Shehu Sidi, has called on the Federal Government to initiate policies and programmes that will modernise farming methods in the country.
Sidi told newsmen in Sokoto that the use of modern farming inputs would ensure massive food production in the country.
He said that the country was blessed with vast land needed to produce various crops for local consumption and export.
He pointed out that, the current security challenges facing the country would be a thing of the past if government invested in Agriculture.
Taraba
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administra-tion and Control (NAFDAC) in Taraba says it will henceforth register water-sachet factories within 48 hours, its Coordinator, Mr Nnaja Nnaja, has said.
Nnaja said this in Jalingo on Tuesday at a news conference.
He said the accelerated registration was aimed at encouraging the people to invest in water manufacturing.
The coordinator explained that most of the brands of sachet water consumed in the state were manufactured outside Taraba, adding that the agency could only monitor the production of foods and drugs within the state.
“So, it is risky to buy sachet water produced in other states because we cannot monitor the production. Our mandate is Taraba and that is why we are encouraging citizens to produce water locally.”
Yobe
The Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, said on Tuesday that his administration has awarded N19.7 billion worth of contracts for the construction of road networks across the state in the last nine months.
He made this known in Damaturu at an interactive meeting with state’s elders, saying that the session was to inform the stakeholders about government activities.
Gaidam said that government also awarded N1.1 billion contract for the completion of Damaturu Regional Water Scheme as a panacea to water scarcity in the metropolis.
“The construction of 200-bed hospital in Damaturu has been completed. Similarly, the construction of 40-bed capacity amenity ward at the Specialist’s Hospital, Damaturu, has been completed at the cost of N140 million.”
The governor said that N700 million had been expended on school fees while all outstanding bursary allowances have been settled.
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.”
