Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A 33-year-old prison warder, Kenneth Jinge, has
been remanded in prison by a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court over alleged murder of a Road Safety Officer, Mr Aloysius Oguakwe.
The accused is facing a charge of culpable homicide punishable under Section 222 of the Penal Code Laws of Benue.
The Prosecutor, Mr James Zungwe, told the court that the wife of the deceased, Uzoamaka Oguakwe, reported the matter to the ‘B’ Division police station, Makurdi, on March 18.
According to the wife of the deceased, the accused, who is their neighbour at BNARDA office, Makurdi and a staff of Nigeria Prison Service, had engaged her husband in a fight on that fateful day.
Borno
The Borno State Government has donated N10 mil
lion to the State contingents to the 2014 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Dutse in March.
Governor Kashim Shettima announced the donation while receiving members of the team in his office in Maiduguri, the State capital.
Shettima said the gesture was in recognition of the superlative performance of the team at the competition which made the state proud.
He said the money should be shared equally among the seven members of the team who won laurels and their coaches.
Ekiti
A socio-cultural women group,‘Elegbe-Ulu‘, in Oye
Local Government Area of Ekiti State has advised politicians to abstain from what would spark off violence and disharmony in the state.
The leader of the group, Mrs Bolaji Omoleye, gave the piece of advice in an interview with newsmen in Oye-Ekiti.
Omoleye, who was reacting to utterances by some politicians recently, said that such could result into violence, attacks and counter attacks among party loyalists.
According to her, it is the wishes of every woman in the state that the forthcoming governorship election is conducted under peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
FCT
A Public Health Physician, Dr Baba Ahmed has cautioned
Nigerians against excessive intake of alcohol to prevent chronic liver cirrhosis, dementia or mental disorder.
Ahmed, who works with the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) told newsmen in Abuja that alcohol addicts were at risk of contracting Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease.
According to Wikipedia an online dictionary, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, there is no cure for the disease, which worsens as it progresses, and eventually leads to death.
Parkinson disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, while dementia is a serious illness affecting a person’s brain and memory.
Gombe
The federal and Gombe State governments have provided
farm inputs to 16,000 rice farmers to boost dry season farming in the state, an official has disclosed.
The Programme Manager of the Gombe State Agricultural Development Programme (GSADP), Mr Ishaya Ngale, made this known to newsmen in Gombe recently.
Ngale said while the Federal Government supplied 25kg rice seeds and three bags of fertiliser to each farmer, the state government supplimented with water pumps, free tractor services and fertiliser.
According to him, the state government has 20 clusters of rice farmers spread across Funakaye, Kwami, Yamaltu/Deba and Balanga local government areas.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has pledged to
work closely with the Corporate Affairs Commission to strengthen its capacity to register all existing businesses in the state.
The state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Joshua Uchissa made the pledge in Kaduna at a workshop on business registration organised by CAC and GEMS3.
The workshop had as its theme: “Promoting Business in our Country”.
Uchissa said the state government had since put in place relevant machinery to fast track the registration of businesses, to boost the confidence of investors.
Kwara
The acting Director of the Centre for Peace and
Strategic Studies, University of Ilorin, Dr Mahfouz Adedimeji, has urged the Federal Government to establish a Ministry of Peace in the country.
Adedimeji, who made the call while receiving national leaders of the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), said current developments in the country had made such a ministry imperative.
The SPSP is a non-governmental organisation committed to promoting peace and conflict resolution.
Adedimeji also said conflicts could be resolved by war, court and dialogue, adding that efforts were not being made to resolve issues through a peace ministry.
Lagos
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has
urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to shun truancy and other forms of anti-social behaviour that would jeopardise their future.
Fashola stated this at the closing ceremony of the three-week orientation programme for the Batch A members at the NYSC camp at Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
He urged the corps members to be good ambassadors of the NYSC by engaging in productive activities
The governor, represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Wale Ahmed, also implored employers in the state to assign challenging duties to corps members deployed to their organisations.
Nasarawa
The Chairman of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Govern
ment in Nasarawa State, Mr Akolo Amed, said corruption and indiscipline must be rooted out in order to build a virile country.
He made the observation in Nasarawa-Eggon during his maiden meeting with workers of the local council.
The chairman said that it was the responsibility of all Nigerians to help in building a strong, virile country by doing the right thing at all times.
Amed, who blamed indiscipline for the pervasive corruption in the country, cautioned leaders to always be prudent and patriotic in their conduct in order to inspire their followers.
Niger
The Federal Government has expressed its readi
ness to partner with Niger, Kogi and Benue governments to establish three crop processing zone.
Regional Director, North-Central, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr Sunday Edibor, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that the move was to ensure food security not only in the zone but also a way of making various crops available in the country.
“The Federal Government has created three staple crops processing zones in the three states to ensure food security in the country,’’ he said.
Ogun
An Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State has
remanded two men, Godwin Edeh, 27, and Edeh Destiny, 30, for allegedly stealing a Bajaj tricycle worth N125,000.
The Magistrate, Mrs Titi Bello, directed that the accused be kept behind bars, pending the time their bail would be considered.
The accused are facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has sent
a bill to the state House of Assembly seeking the establishment of a Special Offences Court.
In a letter dated December 1, 2013 which accompanied the bill to the Assembly, the governor explained that the court would handle various environmental offences in the state.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, read the letter at plenary in Osogbo.
“The State Executive Council at its meeting on December 1, 2013, considered and approved a bill for the establishment of State of Osun Special Offences Court,” the letter stated.
L-R: Lagos Stae Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, Secretary to State Government, Dr Ranti Adebule, Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris and Governor Babatunde Fashola, inaugurating Lagos State Expanded School Eye Health Programme in Lagos, recently. Photo: NAN
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.”
