Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government has announced the release of over 3,000 of its workers for in-service training in various institutions of learning in the country.
The Head of Service of the state, Mr Musa Kaibo, said this at the opening of a five-day workshop on “Plan And Budget Management At the State Level.”
The event was organised by the North-Eastern State Governments in conjunction with National Centre for Management Development, in Yola last Wednesday.
Kaibo said that providing quality knowledge and skills to civil servants to improve their capacity and efficiency was among the top priorities of the government.
The head of service also said that 6,962 staff were engaged in different training by the State’s University, Mubi in 2012.
Earlier, the Director-General of the centre, Dr Kabir Kabo, said the workshop was to bring together planning and budget officers at the sub-national levels of government in the country.
Benue
Following the recurring crisis between herdsmen and farmers in Benue State, a legislator has appealed to the Federal Government to deploy more soldiers to Makurdi, Guma and Gwer West Local Government Areas.
A former Speaker of the Benue House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Jime, who made the appeal on Wednesday in Makurdi, said the deployment would quell the crisis between farmers and herdsmen in good time.
Jime, who is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, said at a news conference that the measure would enable farmers to return to their homes to commence farming activities in earnest.
He expressed regrets that the crisis was happening when the rains have just begun for farming activities to take off in the affected areas, and commended Gov. Gabriel Suswam for restoring relative peace to the crisis torn areas.
In their remarks, the Chairmen of the three LGAs, Godwin Donko, Usar Adi and Eunice Mbajuwa stressed that the soldiers deployed to their local governments should ensure the safety of lives and property.
Kaduna
The Director of Education Quality Assurance Board in Kaduna State, Mrs Elizabeth Garba, says the state has recorded 44 per cent improvement in the 2012 WAEC examination.
She said the board was established by the state government to raise literacy level of students, which had been very low in spite of huge investment in the sector.
According to her, since the establishment of the board, the state has constituted compulsory self evaluation practises in all schools below tertiary level.
She said the schools were being evaluated and screened before getting full accreditation that would qualify them to present candidates for external examination.
The director said that the board was also responsible for the evaluation and re-accreditation of schools at least once in every three years.
Kano
Kano State Scholarship Board said it would begin e-payment of scholarship allowances to students in various institutions of higher learning this year.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Usman Ririwai, said last Wednesday in Kano that the measure would check fraud among students and staff of the board and ensure transparency and accountability.
The executive secretary said the board had selected School for Rural and Community Studies Rano, for the pilot scheme, stating. “As soon as the pilot programme is completed, we shall commence the e-payment in all the institutions, where we have students.”
According to him, each student will be required to open an account with one of the commercial banks for the implementation of the programme.
Ririwai said the board had begun screening of fresh students to ensure speedy payment of their allowances, and added that the board would ensure prompt payment of the allowances to the students, to enable them to concentrate on their studies.
Kebbi
Top officials of Kebbi State Ministry of Education are invigilating students in the ongoing Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) to prevent examination malpractice.
The Birnin Kebbi Zonal Inspector of Education, Alhaji Shehu Wali, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday. Wali said that students from the public schools preferred to write the examination in private schools because they stood better chances of passing the examinations in the schools.
He said that such practice would be checked to forestall decay in the public schools and collection of examination fees.
The zonal inspectorate department, he said, would invigilate examination in all the schools within the zone to ensure that they comply with the rules of the examination.
Kogi
Six councillorship aspirants last Wednesday dragged the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to court, seeking an order to stop the May 4 Local Government elections.
The PDP chairmanship aspirant for Omala Local Government, Labaran Oyigebe, and the Attorney-General of the state, were joined as co-defendants.
The plaintiffs, Akpa Salisu, Amodu Omada, Josiah Achimugu, Zackari Abubakar, Karim Paul and Onuh Abraham, contested in the March 15 PDP council primary elections in Omala council.
They prayed the court to determine whether KOSIEC could validly conduct local government election in Omala Local Government as well as the entire 21 Local Government Areas.
Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has urged the newly appointed commissioners and Head of Service to see their appointment as a call to ‘selfless service and public trust’.
Al-Makura, who made this known when he inaugurated the commissioners in Lafia last Wednesday, said their appointment was in tandem with his administration’s vision, mission and programme of action.
According to him, it is aimed at providing good governance, enduring peace and development. “You should realise that your appointments are a call to selfless service. Indeed, the oath you have just taken is a litmus test to your public service career,” he said.
Niger
The Niger State Government says it will continue to accord priority to the education sector through provision of basic learning and teaching materials.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Saidu Idris, said this last Wednesday when members of the Amalgamated Union of Niger State-owned Tertiary Institutions paid him a courtesy call in his office in Minna, that education had remained the greatest source of empowerment in the world, adding that government would ensure that the sector received the desired attention.
The SSG, who observed that most of the infrastructure in the tertiary institutions in the state were in serious decay, assured that government would rectify the problem.
In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the union, Alhaji Abdullahi Hassan, commended the State Government for re-shaping the education sector and improving the welfare of staff of tertiary institutions in the state.
Osun
Violators of the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species) Regulations risk seven years jail term or N20 million fine, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has said.
A Regulation Officer with the agency, Mr Hena Emmanuel, while addressing facility managers at a forum in Osogbo tagged: “ Environmental Compliance and Enforcement,’’ last Wednesday, stressed the need to protect and preserve wild life in the environment so that the country could have something to show to the incoming generation.
Emmanuel also warned against the violation of the National Environmental (Control of Bush/Forest Fire and Open Burning) Regulations and advised the public against bush burning in order to protect the ecosystem.
Oyo
More than 50 illegal structures built on major roads in Sabo area of Ibadan have been demolished under the on-going urban renewal initiative of the state government.
Owners of the demolished structures were sighted last Wednesday removing valuables from the ruins of the structures while motorists experienced difficulties passing through the area.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Mr Lowo Obisesan, said that the government’s decision to demolish the structures was to boost sanitation in the area, and described the sanitary condition of the area as worrisome.
“ Before we started implementing the decision, we decided to carry the leaders and youths of the area along so that they will not start to have a wrong impression that we wanted to chase them away from the area,’ he said.’
Obisesan said that government had given owners of the demolished shops three different sites in Ibadan, adding that the sites are located at TCTC motor-park, Eleyele Water Works and the old airport acquired by government.
Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State would complete all ongoing projects in the state before the end of his second term in 2015.
The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Solomon Maren, who stated this on Wednesday during an inspection tour of some projects in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state said the pace with which the indigenous contractors were working had convinced him that the vision of the governor was realisable.
He said, “Our redemption Governor is determined to complete these projects before the expiration of his tenure in 2015, and I think the contractors are toeing the line.’’”I am highly impressed with the pace at which the indigenous contractors are handling these projects within the central zone, just within the last one month they mobilised to their various sites. “What we have seen here today is totally different from what we saw earlier in the southern zone, where some of the contractors have not even mobilised to site.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government has approved the release of N192.5 million to the State Independent Electoral Commission to ensure timely preparation for the June council elections.
The Special Adviser to State Governor on Political Affairs, Alhaji Maimala Buni, made this known in an interview in Damaturu on Wednesday.
“Government approved the funds to ensure timely procurement of ballot papers and all other necessary materials needed for the success of the election. “The commission on its part has commenced preparations, according to the time-table, for a successful and credible exercise,’’ he said.
Buni commended political parties in the state for their commitments to the election time-table and process, and disclosed that the stakeholders forum “has given politicians a true sense of belonging in the forthcoming election’’.
The Nigerian Army has passed out 384 female soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) following the successful completion of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in Giri, Abuja.
In a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, yesterday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Command, Giri, Abuja, Major Nsima Essien, said the passing-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf, as the Guest of Honour.
In his address, the Army Chief commended the female personnel for their dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the training exercise.
He described the successful completion of the exercise as an important milestone in their military careers and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.
He urged the newly trained soldiers to uphold the values of teamwork, courage, loyalty and professionalism, while applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the exercise to their military duties.
Shaibu emphasised the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in addressing contemporary security challenges before declaring the exercise closed.
Earlier, the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC), Colonel S. M. Ahmed, welcomed the special guest and other dignitaries to the ceremony.
Ahmed highlighted the significance of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in enhancing the physical fitness, military competence, discipline and operational readiness of the female personnel.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the authorities, instructors and other personnel whose efforts ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.
Highlights of the ceremony included obstacle-crossing demonstrations and weapons-handling exercises, during which the female soldiers demonstrated their ability to strip and assemble AK-47 rifles while blindfolded.
The demonstrations showcased the personnel’s physical endurance, confidence, weapons-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.
“A total of 384 female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in the exercise, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training (HQ DAPT), and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion, “ Ahmed said.
The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests.
Eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards presented by the Acting Commander of NAWC.
The event also featured a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the exercise.
The exercise forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen personnel development, improve military competence and enhance operational readiness in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.
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.
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