Nation
THE STATES
Chairman, Tribunal of Inquiry into Collapsed Buildings in Lagos, Mrs Abimbola Ajayi (left), presenting the report of the tribunal to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State last Monday.
Photo: NAN
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State last Mon
day charged auditors to curb corruption in the country by living up to their responsibilities.
Suswam gave the charge in Makurdi at the National Conference and Annual Meeting of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Department in Nigerian Universities (CHIADINU).
The governor said that corruption was affecting private or public sectors, reminding them that it was only auditors that could stem the ugly trend.
He also enjoined them to evolve strategies at checking misapplication of funds in all public and private organisations. .
In his keynote address, Prof. Richard Anao, said that the prolonged ASUU strike had far-reaching implications on the country’s university system.
Borno
The Borno State Government has appealed to the
United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) to include women victims of gender violence in its humanitarian service in the state.
Governor Kashim Shettima made the appeal while receiving Mrs Victoria Achenfon, the UNFPA country representative, in his office in Maiduguri.
Shettima said the gesture would help in rehabilitating women who suffered different kinds of gender violence due to the current security challenges in the state.
“Several young women have suffered different kinds of gender violence due to the insurgency facing the state.
FCT
The Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja,
Rt. Rev. Anselm Umoren, has called on Christians to be grateful to God in spite of the challenges around them.
Umoren gave the exhortation in his homily at the Harvest Thanksgiving and Bazaar of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Gwarinpa, Abuja last Sunday.
He said the fact that they were alive was worthy of celebration, adding: “you may have food but not alive to eat.
“Let everything be an expression of all that God has given to you. If you are grateful, God will bless you for appreciating His blessings in your lives,’’ he said.
Jigawa
Thousands of youths under the umbrella of National
Volunteer for Lamido 2015 took to the streets of Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, protesting the arrest of two sons of Jigawa state governor, Sule Lamido, by officials of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), last week.
The two sons, Mustapha and Aminu Sule Lamido, were arrested last Thursday at their residences in Kano for alleged N10 billion money laundering.
Efforts by Governor Lamido and his associates to see that the EFCC released the two accused on bail proved abortive.
The state coordinator of National Volunteer for Lamido 2015, Malam Musa Gambo Guri, who addressed the crowd in Dutse, said the arrest was political, aimed at tarnishing the image of the governor.
Kaduna
Not less than 3,500 intending pilgrims from Kaduna
State will depart Kaduna for Abuja to perform this year’s Christian pilgrimage in Israel.
The Chairman, Board of Directors, Kaduna state Christian Pilgrims Board, Mr Buba Lamido, made the disclosure in Kaduna State at a sensitisation programme for the intending pilgrims.
He advised them to adhere to religious regulations in Israel, eschew extravagance and pray for Nigeria.
He said that the pilgrimage was meant to transform the moral and spiritual lives of Christians and urged the intending pilgrims to report cases of illness to the board before their departure from Abuja.
Kano
The Kano State Government has sponsored 251 senior
civil servants for the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON) workshop and examination to enable them to acquire quality administrative and managerial skills.
The state’s Head of Service, Dr Umar Minjibir, disclosed this at the launch of the 19th Batch ASCON workshop and examination at the Murtala Mohammed Library, Kano, last Monday.
He also said that the state government had sponsored 10 officers from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning to pursue a master’s degree programme at the Regional Centre for Training in Aero Space Surveys (RECTAS), Oyo State
In his remarks, the Director-General of ASCON, Mr A. A. Peters, who was represented by a Director, Dr Tahir Fagge, said that the two-week management workshop would broaden the intellectual scope of the participants.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has established a shelter belt
covering 140 kilometres as part of the ongoing regional Great Green Wall afforestation programme, an official said last Monday.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Katuni Sanusi, made the disclosure in Birnin Kebbi in an interview with newsmen.
Sanusi also said the programme was executed under the SURE-P projects scheme and in conjunction with the Federal Government.
He said the efforts made by the state in this regard had helped it in recording remarkable progress in the area of environmental protection.
“In addition to the established shelter belt, an additional 84 kilometres of shelter belt had been established in desert-prone areas,” the permanent secretary said.
Sanusi however advised the public against cutting down trees, in view of their long-term benefits, warning that violators would be prosecuted.
Kwara
The Kwara State University, Malete, has matriculated
1,127 new students.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, in his address, said that the new students were part of the 9,500 candidates, who applied for admission into the university.
He stressed that the university had academic excellence, institutional integrity, equity and diversity as its core values.
He said that these core values would serve as a catalyst for the intellectual growth and personal development of the students.
Lagos
No fewer than 135 buildings collapsed in Lagos in the
last seven years, the state’s Tribunal of Enquiry on Building Collapse said lastMonday.
The chairperson of the tribunal, Mrs Abimbola Ajayi, said this while presenting the tribunal’s report to Governor Babatunde Fashola in Ikeja.
The tribunal was constituted by the state government on May 20, following the spate of collapsed buildings in the state. It had a mandate to unravel the causes of the problem and come up with recommendations within three months.
Ajayi said that 130 cases were recorded before the tribunal was inaugurated while five buildings collapsed after it was set up.
Niger
The Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment
Programme (SURE-P) has set aside N15 billion to pay allowances of unemployed graduates participating in its Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS).
Head of its GIS, Mr Akubo Adegbe, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna during an interactive session.
Adegbe said each of the 50,000 participants to be recruited for the internship programme would earn N25,000 monthly.
He said the scheme was aimed at providing participants with requisite experience in various disciplines preparatory to securing jobs.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State last Mon
day called for proactive measures toward eradication of quackery and ethical misconduct in the media industry.
Amosun made the call in Abeokuta at the 2013 Press Week organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun council.
The governor was represented by Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy said that journalists were crucial to the national stability, good governance and promotion of democratic ideals.
Amosun advocated collaboration between leadership of NUJ, Nigeria Police and the State Security Service (SSS) in tracking down fake practitioners.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Sokoto State
Chapter, has introduced a programme for the free treatment of 2,000 diabetic patients monthly.
The programme tagged: “Collaborative Community Health Programme’’ was flagged off on Sunday at Gagi, near Sokoto in Sokoto South Local Government Area.
The programme will cover the 23 local government areas in the state.
It was jointly organised by the state chapter of the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Aid Group of the Jama’atul Nasril Islam and the Minarat Science Academy, Gagi-Sokoto.
Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.
The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_
The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.
The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.
Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.
Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.
On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.
In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.
Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.
Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.
“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.
Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.
She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.
By Kevin Nengia
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.