Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
No fewer than 4.5 million Nigerians have so far enrolled in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the North-East Zonal Coordinator of NHIS, Alhaji Ma’aji Abdu has said.
Abdu made the statement in Bauchi at the opening ceremony of a Forum for NHIS enrollees and other stakeholders.
He said that the scheme had been embraced by some state governments because of the success it had recorded since inception adding that there were 62 Health Management Organisations, who ensured that drugs were provided to enrollees on request.
He said that NHIS had a drug list, which providers referred to, adding that only generic drugs were allowed as against branded drugs.
The coordinator explained that the list was taken from the Federal Government essential drug list of the Federal Ministry of Health and therefore reliable.
Benue
A Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Mr Dan Ogo, has ordered a 20-year old farmer, Mtomga Atem, to be remanded at the Federal Prisons Benue for robbing a police officer.
Prosecutor Michael Ewoh told the court that the police officer, Cpl. Starkis Mwandirga, attached to Zaki-Biam Police Station reported at the station that he was robbed.
Ewoh told the court that the complainant stated that the accused and others now at large, who were armed with dangerous weapons, including guns, broke into his house and robbed him and his wife of their valuables.
He further said that the items stolen were one Nokia and Techno handsets all valued at N11, 500.00, a set of police uniform and his wife’s necklace valued at N2,500
He said the offence was contrary to Sections 97 of the Penal Code and 5(B) and 1(2) of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap. 398 law of the Federation of Nigeria, 1994.
However, when the case came up for mention, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has approved the establishment of 16 remedial schools in each of the 16 local government areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Funminiyi Afuye who disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti in an interview said the remedial schools would avail students, who failed the WAEC examination, the opportunity to be tutored again before sitting for another examination.
The commissioner said government was concerned about the large number of students in the state who fail public examinations each year, adding that it had decided to address the issue.
Afuye promised that the remedial schools would be established before the expiration of the current long holiday. He added that the government had also concluded arrangement to recruit experienced teachers for the proposed schools.
The commissioner urged teachers, parents and students to assist government in its determination to ensure that the state regained its lost glory in the education sector.
Gombe
The Gombe State police command has said that no life was lost in Wednesday’s night attack by gunmen on two anti-Kalare stations in the Gombe metropolis.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Fwaje Atajiri, said in Gombe that the two anti-Kalare stations were in Tudun Wada Pantami and Idi quarters.
He said that at about 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday unknown gunmen attacked the security operatives but were repelled after an exchange of gun-fire between them and security operatives.
Atajiri , however, said that a patrol vehicle belonging to the security operatives was burnt by the hoodlums, adding that three unexploded explosive devices were found at the scene of the incident.
“There was an exchange of fire and the gunmen immediately left because of our superior power.
“There was no injury on the part of our men and no arrest was made.’’
Atajiri called on the public to always provide information to security agents to rid the state of criminals, stating that the confidentiality of the informants would be guaranteed.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has approved N92.7 million for landscaping of the new Katsina Government House.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Mustapha Maikudi, made this known in Katsina at a news conference after the state’s Executive Council meeting.
Maikudi said that the government planned to do the landscaping during the rainy season and had awarded the contract to Emaculate Facility Managers.
The commissioner also said that the state government had approved N413 million for the construction of three township roads in Katsina metropolis.
Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court has dissolved a four-year-old marriage over allegations of neglect and care-free attitude of the husband.
Mrs Mujidat Oladimeji of Deeper Life Road, Ilorin, had approached the court to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Musibau, saying she was no longer interested in the union.
She claimed that her husband had neglected her and their three-year-old son since 2008 when they got married.
“ I got married to the defendant in 2008 and since then, there has been no rest of mind. We have been living separately since 2010 and he never cared how we were surviving. “ I have no more love and passion for him anymore,’’ she said.
The defendant, however, did not object to the prayer of the plaintiff and urged the court to grant her request. The judge, Mr Yusuf Abdulkarem, dissolved the marriage and issued a certificate of divorce to the plaintiff.
Kogi
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has emphasised the need for Nigerians to make use of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the nation’s social justice system to fast-track dispensation of justice.
Its Director in Kogi, Mr Ibikunle Medubi, made the call in Lokoja at a one-day workshop on capacity-building for senior orientation and mobilisation officers in Kogi.
Medubi said the ADR mechanism which simply meant, ‘arbitration outside the court system’ had proved to be an instrument to fast-track dispensation of justice in several places where it had been in practice.
The director observed that the expectations of Nigerians in accessing social justice might remain elusive until the ADR was fully adopted and mainstreamed into the justice delivery system.
Its Head of Social Justice, Mr K.C. Ogbedeagu, in his paper titled, “Social Justice and the Concept of Alternative Dispute Resolution” described social justice as the bastion of the Rule of Law.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has commenced the disbursement of N379 million to households affected by the construction of five major roads in Gwandu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Alhaji Hussaini Raha, who made the payment to the beneficiaries, in Gwandu, said alternative land would also be provided them.
He said that the ministry and traditional rulers in the area would work out modalities for the allocation of land compensation to those affected.
The District Head of Gwandu, Alhaji Mohammed Rasheed, commended Governor Sa’idu Dakingari for fulfilling his campaign promise of providing roads in the area and compensating the households affected.
Nasarawa
The Speaker of Nasarawa House of Assembly, Musa Ahmed – Mohammed, has said that PDP lawmakers were not planning to defect to CPC.
Addressing newsmen in Lafia, Ahmed-Mohammed said reports from some quarters that they were planning to leave the party were “false and malicious’’.
He said the reports were aimed at creating “disaffection among the PDP family’’ in the state.
“As the speaker of the Assembly, I know that the 19 PDP members in the House have never contemplated defecting to any political party in Nigeria.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government has urged intending pilgrims for the 2012 Hajj to promptly pay up the balance of their fares in order to guarantee their slots.
The Secretary, Ogun Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Sefiu Rasheed, who made the call while speaking in Abeokuta said that intending pilgrims, who had earlier made initial deposits, should balance up before Aug. 10.
Rasheed said that the state had approved the sum of N570, 000 as fare for the 2012 exercise.
“We arrived at the figure following careful considerations of the welfare and conveniences of the pilgrims. “This is part of the state’s commitment to the welfare of pilgrims from the state, particularly indigenes of Ogun,” he said.
He disclosed that the amount to be paid in the state was the cheapest in the Southwest Region. Rasheed further advised them to have not less than N108,750 and a maximum of N145,000 as the Basic Travelling Allowance for the exercise.
Plateau
The Plateau House of Assembly has elected Dem Daniel as its new Majority Leader. Daniel, a fresh PDP lawmaker, represents Riyom constituency in the House.
The new leader replaces Mr Gyang Fulani, the former Majority Leader, who died on July 8, in a stampede when gunmen attacked mourners at Maseh, a village in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Senator Gyang Dantong (PDP, Plateau North), died in that same stampede.
A top official of the House, who would not want to be named, said in Jos that Daniel became the choice because he is from the Plateau to which the post is zoned.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has directed its committees on Environment and Public Finance to investigate the N1.3 billion Ecological Fund released to the state by the Federal Government.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Garba Rikiji, gave the directive, saying that the money was received by the former governor, Mahmuda Shinkafi, after his predecessor Alhaji Ahmad Yarima, made the request in 2006.
Rikiji said further that the fund was meant for the repairs of the Gusau-Wanki Bridge which collapsed following a down pour in 2006. He added that records had shown that Shinkafi collected the money on behalf of the state during his tenure “but could not account for it.”
Earlier, a member of the assembly,Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, had moved a motion seeking the house to investigate the utilisation of the ecological fund.
The motion which was supported by another member, Alhaji Isah Abdulmumini, was unanimously adopted after deliberations.
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.”
