Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Chairman of the Bauchi State Board of Internal Revenue, Alhaji Mu’azu Usman, said yesterday that tax payers would soon get Tax Payers Identity Card (TPI). Usman said this while briefing newsmen in Bauchi on the activities of the board.
He said that the exercise would be conducted in all ministries, departments and agencies across the state.
The Chairman said that vehicle registration in the state had been successfully automated while electronic tax payer registration would commence on July 1.
Usman said that the registration would be achieved under the National Tax Payer Identificiation project for which the state government had approved the payment of N110 million as counter part funding.
He said that the state government had generated N5.53 million from January to date. The Chairman said that as part of the government efforts to bring tax authority closer to the people, seven motor licensing authorities were being constructed while the board would be computerised.
Benue
The Federal High Court in Makurdi last Thursday ordered the Commissioner of Police in Benue and one Insp. Joseph Obande to pay N8 million to the family of the late Peter Okeke as compensation.
Insp. Obande and the commissioner were sued by one Mrs Ifunanya Okeke over the death of her husband.
The late Okeke had been arraigned before a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged criminal conspiracy and abduction.
However, he was granted bail by the magistrate because of ill health but the Investigation Police Officer (IPO), who is now the first defendant, obtained a warrant of remand and took the deceased to the prison.
Mrs Okeke, who testified before the court, said that the prison authority declined to remand her husband because of his condition but Obande went ahead and detained him in a police cell where he died.
Ekiti
Some members of the PDP in Ekiti State have opposed the use of the zoning formula in determining the party’s candidate in the 2014 governorship election in the state.
The members, operating under the aegis of the PDP Unity Forum, said yesterday in Ado-Ekiti that the arrangement would produce an unacceptable candidate.
The Coordinator of the group, Chief Ebenezer Arogunmasa, told more than 3,000 party faithful at a meeting of the party that PDP must field a popular candidate capable of confronting the ruling ACN.
He advised all intending aspirants to work hard and win the confidence of the people rather than relying on zoning.
Arogunmasa also urged the party to place more emphasis on the popularity of candidates in future elections instead of zoning which he described as “obnoxious.’’
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government said that about 8,000 fruit seedlings had been earmarked for schools and communities for this year’s tree planting campaign.
The state Director of Forestry, Mr Anthony Kachiro, said that the initiative would help to promote government forest reserves.
Kachiro said that the state government had spent the sum of N7.5 million on landscaping along major roads in Kaduna metropolis.
He said that the landscaping guidelines were reviewed after unknown youths destroyed the trees planted along major ways in Kaduna during the January subsidy protest.
He urged interested stakeholders to register their names with the state Ministry of Environment to be able to access seedlings for tree planting Campaign.
Lagos
The Social Workers League, a human rights group, yesterday blamed the continuing insecurity in some parts of the country on mass poverty and high level of illiteracy.
In a statement signed by its coordinator, Mr Baba Aye, the league said that economic under-development had also encouraged discontent among some youths who were being used to cause havoc in the society.
“For about one week, many Nigerians have been killed in Kaduna and Yobe states. “There is the need for the Federal Government to do all within its power to guarantee the safety and security of Nigerians,’’ it said.
Nasarawa
The Police in Nasarawa State have arrested a man for allegedly killing his wife, Cecilia Magaji for ritual purposes. Also arrested with the suspect in connection with the crime is a witch doctor
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Cornelius Ocholi, confirmed the arrest of the two suspects in Lafia.
He said the suspects, detained at the homicide department of the state Criminal Investigative Department (CID) were alleged to have conspired to ensure the sudden disappearance of the deceased and her subsequent death.
Ocholi said that preliminary investigation into the incident indicated that the woman was killed when she went to reconcile with her estranged husband.
He said that the incident occurred on June 16, at the Nene Village in Lafia Local Government Area of the state. The couple, blessed with four children; two boys and two girls, were separated for almost 20 years, before the suspect started reconciliation moves earlier this month.
Ondo
The traditional ruler of Aro community in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Joseph Osho, has called for the establishment of industries to tackle youth unemployment.
Osho said last Thursday in Aro that job creation should not be left to government alone.
“Let us all agree that no government can shoulder the responsibility of providing our teeming youths with jobs and this is the reason why able hands should develop the economy by establishing industries.
“ When this is done, social vices such as armed robbery, stealing, kidnapping, 419 and yahoo-yahoo in the country would be drastically reduced,’’ he said.
The monarch also advised youths to engage in profitable work, rather than engage in criminal acts.
Osun
The Non Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) branch, last Thursday embarked on a protest to press home their demands for improved welfare.
NASU members led by the Secretary, Mr Gabriel Sani, barricaded major roads on the campus while students and visitors were forced to trek.
Sani said that NASU embarked on the protest due to the insensitivity of the university administration to the plight of workers.
According to him, NASU has observed all trade dispute procedures by giving the administration 14, 21 and seven days ultimatum following the appeal from the National Headquarters of NASU.
“The administration did not respond positively to avert the industrial crisis; the workers will continue with the strike and demonstration until the management look into our demands and respond positively,’’ he said.
Plateau
A Jos based welding company, Williams and Co., has trained 80 youths “free of charge”, as part of its corporate social responsibility, according to its Chief Executive Officer, Mr William Emadago.
Emadago, who hails from Delta State, told newsmen in Jos last Thursday that the free training was his little way of giving back to Plateau for “making me what I have become today”.
The welder said that his goal in life was to affect the society “positively”, while providing for himself and his family. He, however, said that he charges N20,000 from trainees from other states.
According to him, the trainees go through a mandatory period of three to five years, depending on their abilities, adding that the long training period was to ensure quality.
“Before I give them certificate, I make sure they know the job well. This has yielded fruits as many of my former apprentices are doing very well in various parts of the country.”
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Sokoto
Business Manager of PHCN Marina unit in Sokoto State, Alhaji Haruna Mohammad, last Thursday solicited the support of the Sokoto Sultanate Council to recover the debts owed by consumers in the state.
Mohammad said in Sokoto that the assistance required from the sultanate and religious leaders would enable the unit to recover the outstanding N1.2 billion owed by consumers.
He said it would also ensure effective service delivery in the area.
“Our people in this part of the country have for long developed a listening culture to traditional and religious leaders. We will take that advantage to recover our debts as well as ensure prompt payment of bills, he said.
He said that the unit was determined to recover the debts and urged the public to cooperate with the company.
Yobe
The National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki, said the Federal Government was committed to working with all stakeholders to bring a final solution to the prevailing security challenges in the country.
Dasuki stated this last Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, at the Government House in Damaturu.
He said that “government is committed to bringing to an end the security challenges and there is the need to put heads together to bring a final end to the situation, as we want to go back to normalcy and, move forward”.
Dasuki said that there would be no development, employment and progress in the face of violence, adding, “I do not see how anybody is benefiting out of this”.
Responding, Gaidam, urged the Federal Government to consider the option of dialogue and negotiation to provide solution for the security challenges.
The University of Port Harcourt Women Association (UPWA) on Thursday staged a vibrant and memorable edition of its Annual Inter-House Sports Competition at the University of Port Harcourt Sports Village, drawing an impressive turnout of pupils, parents, staff and invited guests.
The event, organised by the UPWA International Group of Schools, brought together children from the pre-nursery, nursery and secondary sections in a colourful celebration of youth athleticism, discipline and teamwork. The arena came alive with cheers and excitement as pupils, clad in their various house colours, marched in a ceremonial parade before proceeding to compete in a wide range of track and field events, relays, novelty races and other team-based activities designed to promote physical fitness and healthy competition.
Declaring the competition open, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, commended UPWA for sustaining a tradition that continues to nurture young talents beyond the classroom. He noted that sports remain a critical component of holistic education, helping to build resilience, confidence, leadership skills and social interaction among children.
In her remarks, the President of UPWA, Professor Udeme Georgewill, expressed appreciation to parents, teachers and members of the organising committee for their dedication and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the programme despite prevailing economic challenges. She described the event as a reflection of unity and collective effort within the school community.
“This is the first time White House is emerging overall winner, and that shows remarkable improvement and great sportsmanship,” she said. “We all had fun. It is not easy putting an event like this together considering the economic situation, but we are grateful to the parents for being part of this journey. The excitement everywhere is truly heartwarming.”
The competition featured spirited participation from the various houses, including Purple House, San Chicago Red House and White House, with pupils demonstrating strength, speed, coordination and teamwork. Parents and supporters filled the stands, cheering enthusiastically and adding colour to the spectacle, while teachers ensured orderliness and safety throughout the proceedings.
Professor Georgewill emphasized that the true essence of sports lies not merely in winning trophies but in participation and personal growth. “Sports is not just about winning. It is an avenue for growth, discipline and opportunity. The fact that a child is able to participate is already a win. Losing this year does not mean you cannot win next year. Keep trying,” she encouraged, urging pupils to see both victory and defeat as stepping stones to greater achievements.
She further observed that while there are many competing interests in the Nigerian sports sector, consistent grassroots investment remains essential for discovering and nurturing future champions.
The colourful ceremony culminated in medal presentations, trophy awards and group photographs, with UPWA executives, including Vice President I, Professor Adedamola Onyeaso, joining the participating teams to celebrate the day’s achievements.
The annual inter-house sports competition continues to stand as one of UPWA’s flagship events, reinforcing its commitment to balanced education, character formation and the promotion of healthy lifestyles among its pupils.
Nigeria’s quest for national greatness may remain elusive if educational policies continue to suffer poor implementation, Prof Nathaniel Abraham has warned, declaring that education remains the strategic compass capable of steering the country toward sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
The respected scholar made this assertion while delivering the 206th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt at its Abuja Centre of Excellence. His lecture, titled, “The Rudderless Ship and Its Major Rescuer,” employed a striking maritime metaphor to illustrate the state of the nation’s educational system and, by extension, its development trajectory.
According to Prof. Abraham, the rudder, though a small and seemingly insignificant component located at the rear of a ship, determines the direction, stability, and safety of the entire vessel. Without it, even the most magnificent ship with powerful engines and sophisticated equipment will drift aimlessly and is at risk of wreckage. He likened this crucial component to educational policies in a nation’s governance structure, arguing that policies serve as the guiding mechanism that determines whether a country reaches its intended destination or wanders endlessly without direction.
In his analysis, he noted that Nigeria possesses abundant human and natural resources and is not! lacking in intellectual capacity or policy formulation. However, he emphasised that the country’s recurring challenge lies in weak implementation, inconsistency, and a culture of cutting corners.
He recalled that at independence in 1960, Nigeria stood shoulder to shoulder with several nations that are now classified among the world’s leading economies. The difference, he maintained, is not destiny or potential, but discipline and adherence to policy execution.
“What made them move forward was discipline and the will to implement policies the way they were designed. For as long as we trivialise our educational policies, we will continue to drift. But the moment we commit to proper implementation, Nigeria is destined for greatness,” he stated.
Prof. Abraham stressed that education remains the foundation upon which every other sector stands. He argued that a properly structured and effectively managed educational system produces competent manpower, ethical leadership, innovation, and national cohesion. Conversely, a poorly managed system weakens governance, slows economic growth, and undermines social stability.
Delving into higher education administration, the Professor identified funding as a critical coordinate of effective university management. Drawing from his scholarly publications in international journals, he explained that adequate and well-managed funding directly impacts teaching quality, research output, infrastructure development, staff motivation, and global competitiveness of universities.
He described the current funding situation in Nigerian universities as grossly inadequate, noting that without intentional and strategic financial investment, reforms may remain theoretical.
“Funding is very poor. If we address it deliberately and commit to doing it right, the transformation will be evident,” he affirmed.
Beyond funding, he called for collective responsibility in rebuilding the education sector, urging policymakers, administrators, lecturers, parents, and students to play active roles in restoring value and credibility to the system.
He emphasised that education should not be seen as the exclusive concern of those currently within school walls, but as a national asset that shapes future generations and determines the country’s long-term prosperity.
Respondents at the well-attended lecture described it as both diagnostic and prescriptive, noting that Prof. Abraham not only identified systemic weaknesses but also offered a roadmap for reform. Some participants expressed optimism that the insights presented could serve as a blueprint for policymakers if carefully studied and adopted.
The event drew members of the academia, deans, the clergy, stakeholders, and guests from various sectors who commended the inaugural lecturer for what many described as a courageous and timely intervention in the national conversation on education.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Prof. Abraham was flanked by deans and colleagues in recognition of his contribution to scholarship and public discourse.
The 206th Inaugural Lecture once again highlighted the role of the University of Port Harcourt as a centre for intellectual engagement and policy advocacy. More importantly, it amplified a central message: without a functional “rudder” in the form of faithfully implemented educational policies, Nigeria’s journey toward development may remain uncertain. But with discipline, adequate funding, and unwavering commitment to policy execution, the nation can chart a new course toward enduring greatness.
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