Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Gombe State Water Board, says the state will meet the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) of providing potable water and basic sanitation to half of the population before 2015.
The board’s General Manager, Alhaji Isa Mohammed, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi recently.
Mohammed, who was in Bauchi to witness the launching of Bauchi State Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Policy, said the state had short-term and long-term policy toward achieving the MDGs objectives.
“We have short term solution and part of the short-term is all the boreholes are undergoing reticulation and about 70 per cent of the boreholes are functional and undergoing repairs.
Borno
Fifty persons have returned to Maiduguri after a three-month extensive training on agriculture in Thailand.
The group, comprising 41 males and nine female departed home in November for the course aimed at preparing ground for agricultural revolution in the state.
Receiving the group, Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, the Deputy Governor of the state, commended them for their dedication to study while in Thailand.
Mustapha explained that they were sent for training in Thailand so that the state would be among the top food producers in the country.
FCT
A member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, says granting local government councils autonomy is not a solution to their problems.
Onyejeocha (PDP-Abia), the Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja recently.
She said that the problem inhibiting the development of local government areas in the country was not who kept the money allocated to the councils, but how it was managed.
“Is the problems about who keeps the money or who gives out the money?
Gombe
The Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, has enjoined stakeholders to follow proper channels to register their products with the agency.
Orhii made the call at the interactive session with the stakeholders in Gombe last Friday.
He said that following due process in the registration of products would assist the country in ensuring quality products for the consumers.
According to him, the purpose of the meeting is to interact with the stakeholders on the challenges facing them in the state and to look for a way forward.
Kaduna
The Federal Government is planning to establish mega universities to address admission constraints among Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan said last Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The President said this at a special convocation and launching of N50 billion Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Phase II Development Fund at the university’s main campus, Samaru, Zaria.
Jonathan was represented by Vice President Namadi Sambo.
He said that when established, each of the mega universities would absorb more than 200,000 students.
Kano
The Kano State Government has assured residents of provision of a healthy and safe environment.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, made the promise at the end of this month’s sanitation exercise in Kano.
Abbas said that the government would, however, require the support and cooperation of the people to make a success of the programme.
“The main objective for introducing this exercise was to change the attitude of people on the issue of health. The governor is very concerned in seeing that health is improved tremendously through personal sanitation and hygiene.”
Kwara
The Elerin of Erinle, Oba Abdulganiyu Ibrahim Olosooku, has appealed to parents to always encourage their children and wards who wish to participate in sporting activities.
Olosooku made the appeal recently at Erinle, Kwara, while honouring the U-15 Moje Queen FC of Erinle that represented Nigeria at a soccer tournament in Germany.
The monarch said the team’s feat overwhelmed him with joy, noting that many of such success would come the community’s way.
He commended their parents for releasing them for the tournament in spite of the misgivings of some of his subjects.
Lagos
Vincent Adekoya, an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon, last Sunday in Lagos advised against the use of car-piece and exposure to noisy environment to prevent hearing loss. Adekoya, a lecturer at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, (LASUTH), gave the advice in an interview with newsmen to mark International Day for Ear and Hearing.
He said that 90 per cent of hearing loss could be prevented because most of the causes were usually acquired due to ignorance or negligence.
According to him, some pregnant women use drugs indiscriminately during the first three months of baby formation and this can affect the baby’s hearing ability.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government is to purchase 2,000 computer laptops for distribution to its civil servants, Mr Andrew Affi, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, has said.
Affi however, told newsmen on Saurday in Lafia that the laptops would not be given out free of charge.
“Any civil servant who is interested will be given one for N135,000 and will be expected to pay up the money within 18 months,” he said.
Niger
Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger has dissuaded the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) from making the killing of two students of Nasarawa State University to degenerate into national problem.
Aliyu gave the advice on Friday in Minna when he met with the NANS’ Director of Exchange programmes, Mr Olusina Oyebisi, who presented a document to him on the issue.
According to him, if the issue is not resolved it may affect the entire education sector of the country.
It would be recalled that two students of the university were allegedly killed by soldiers, while protesting against water scarcity on the campus and its environs on February 25.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo last Saturday identified lack of quality leadership among other factors as major hindrances to development in Nigeria as well as other African countries.
Obasanjo, who acknowledged that Nigeria and Africa had enormous potential, said it was only quality leadership that could bring such to realisation.
He spoke in Abeokuta during the final of Africa Region Intercollegiate Debate on Human
Security Africa, organised by Centre for Human Security, (CHS), an arm of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library.
Some University and secondary schools from secondary schools from Nigeria and other African countries participated in the debate.
Plateau
The Special Task Force (STF) maintaining security in Plateau said there was an attempt by some miscreants to bomb a mosque in Jos recently.
This is contained in a statement signed by the STF Media Officer, Capt. Salisu Mustapha, on Saturday in Jos.
It stated that the attempted attack on the mosque took place at about 8.30 p.m.
The mosque, the statement added, was located on the Bukuru expressway in Jos South LGA.
According to the statement, the miscreants threw a hand grenade into the mosque but it failed to detonate and thereafter, they fired shots in the air and escaped.
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.”
