Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A former member of the House of Representatives, Emmanuel
Bello, has joined the race for the Adamawa State governorship seat as he picked the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form yesterday in Abuja.
Bello who represented Gombi/Hong Federal Constituency from 1999 to 2003 said he is in the race to better the lot of the Adamawa people who have been suffering from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors since 1999.
“If you look at our state, it has been degraded. The PDP government of Nyako degenerated the state in such a way that the roads are degraded, the health and education systems have collapsed. No system is working in Adamawa.
“Unfortunately, the security situation is not helping matters, and for that reason, we sat down and thought over it and said ‘look, if APC is the party of hope, it’s the progressive party that wants to unite Nigerians; it’s the party that wants to bring about change, then we should aspire under the APC in order to find a lasting solution to our state,” he said.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has directed
that 1,000 bags of processed wheat and maize as well as assorted drugs should be delivered to people who are trapped at Banki, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.
Usman Zanna, a member of the Agric Transformation Committee of the state government, said the governor gave the directive following reports that the people in Banki had run out of food and could not go to Bama because Boko Haram insurgents had blocked the road.
It was gathered that the people could not also cross over to villages in Cameroon as a result of stringent measures put in place by the Cameroonian authorities, which include closure of the border to contain the spread of Ebola virus.
Ekiti
Ekiti State governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has set up
a nine-man transition committee to do underground work for his smooth take off on October 16.
Fayose had also lamented the debt profile of the state under Governor Kayode Fayemi, saying it was “worrisome and disturbing.”
He also warned those with political ambition in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 against name-dropping, saying “nobody in the party has been slated for any appointment, except two people he promised to be given on concessional grounds.”
Inaugurating the committee in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, yesterday, Fayose regretted that Fayemi’s government had plunged the state into huge debt, to an extent that members of the public would have to be sensitised about situations on ground, because of high expectations.
Kaduna
A former Minister of State for Aviation, Felix Hassan Hyat,
has declared readiness to contest for the governorship election in Kaduna State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Hyat, who hailed from Southern Kaduna, told journalists, that he would contest the governorship because Southern Kaduna, was morally entitled to fly the PDP ticket in 2015 in comparison with previous precedents in the state.
He flayed the endorsement of the incumbent governor, Mukhtar Yero saying it cannot stand because it was not done with consultations.
Lagos
The Federal Government has announced a direct assistance
of N200 million to Lagos State government, to enable it to successfully curtail the spread of Ebola virus disease in the state.
Government had recently set aside the sum of N1.9 billion for the 36 states of the federation to combat the disease, following its importation into the country by the index case patient, the Liberian-American, the late Patrick Sawyer.
Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Presidential Villa, on Wednesday.
Niger
Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, has said
state governments across the country are struggling to survive financially, as a result of low returns from the federation account.
Governor Aliyu, who is the chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), said for several months now, the allocation to the states had been on the downward trend, which had hampered developmental strides of the administrations.
Aliyu spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, recently, after inaugurating the Board of the Niger State Transport Authority, which has former secretary to the Niger State government, Mohammed Adams Erena as chairman and the Local Government Service Commission’s retired Permanent Secretary, Mr Peterson Kaura, as member.
The governor specifically said that in the last allocation, the state lost well over N100 million, a trend he said had been on since late last year.
Osun
Some students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU),
Ile Ife, have expressed worry over the large population of ceaseless migratory fruit bats, which have been living in various parts of the university community, including academic areas, for decades.
The university re-opens on Sunday, August 24.
Bats are one of the primary sources of contracting Ebola and the fruit bats are members of the Pteropodidae family of bats, which act as pollinators and seed dispersers and are said to be found in primary or maturing secondary forests.
One of the students, Sodiq Oyeleke, on Wednesday, captured the panic being expressed by his colleagues on the possible temporary shutdown of the school by the Federal Government, in an effort to stop the spread of Ebola.
Sokoto
There was a protest in Sokoto yesterday by some youths
believed to be supporters of the PDP against the collection of a N3.6b loan by the state government, resulting in the destruction of four vehicles, one of which was completely burnt.
The state government had said the loan would be used for the completion of some ongoing projects in the state, but the PDP alleged that it was meant to finance the 2015 election campaign.
The demonstration started at the roundabout close to Binji Pharmacy and ended at the state House of Assembly. Our source explained that problem started when some of the some youths started throwing stones at passing vehicles, smashing their windscreens.
It was gathered that a vehicle of the Government House press crew was also attacked.
“We were just passing through the area on our way back to the Government House with our official vehicle when they attacked us with stones. We came back with one of the stones which hit me on the back”, a member of the press crew said.
Taraba
The federal government yesterday said it is poised to
improve maternal and child healthcare services in Taraba State through its SURE-P/MCH Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.
Executive Director of National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Muhammad stated this in Jalingo during the inauguration of a 12-man- committee that would ensure smooth execution of the programme in the state.
He said the committee members drawn from among key stakeholders were expected to ensure adequate co-ordination and implementation of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme in the state.
The NPHCDA Executive Director, who was represented by Dr Isah Jidda, urged the committee members to ensure effective advocacy, community sensitisation and mobilisation of pregnant women to access the programme.
Yobe
Yobe State House of Assembly yesterday endorsed
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam as the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate for the 2015 election, saying the move is to demonstrate the level of confidence it has on the governor.
The 24 members at a special sitting dismissed alleged plans to impeach the governor and passed a vote of confidence on Gaidam.
Alhaji Sirajo Wakil, representing Bade East, standing on a matter of urgent public importance, said it’s necessary for the assembly to make it’s position clear on the allegations that some legislators met in Saudi Arabia during the lesser Hajj “and perfected plans to impeach the governor.”
He said it was also reported that money was given to some of its members to facilitate the impeachment, saying “the House needs to make its position clear that the allegation is false and baseless.” Wakil then moved a motion for a vote of confidence on Governor Gaidam to dispel the rumour.
Zamfara
Zamfara Central Senatorial district Youth Forum has
endorsed member representing Gusau/Tsafe federal constituency, Engr. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau as the right candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
The chairman of the forum, Mallam Abba Muhammad said that they had decided to rally round the lawmaker in his bid to grasp the PDP ticket for the governorship election in the state going by his sterling leadership qualities.
“Ibrahim has impacted positively on the lives of the people he is representing at the National House of Assembly especially in the areas of women empowerment, health care deliveries, education, rural water supply and other infrastructures,” he added.
He then called on the people of the state especially the youth to support the candidacy of Ibrahim Shehu so that their promising future would be guaranteed through job creation and other poverty elimination strategies.
L-R: President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Heads of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, at the National Council of State meeting in Abuja, recently.
The River State Commissioner for Education, Dr Peters Nwagor has called on media practitioners in Rivers State to deploy their various communication platforms toward promoting government programmes and policies aimed at achieving sustainable development in the education sector.
Dr. Nwagor made the appeal when members of the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists (EEPJ) paid him a courtesy visit in Office in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner emphasized the strategic role of the media in shaping public perception, promoting government initiatives, and supporting policies capable of improving the quality of education and human capital development in the state.
According to him, constructive media engagement remains essential in creating public awareness on educational reforms, students’ welfare, infrastructural improvements, and other interventions being implemented by the state government.
Speaking on the recent approval of employment for staff of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nwagor described the development as a clear demonstration of continuity and progressive governance in Rivers State.
He explained that the recruitment exercise was initiated in 2023 during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike when Hon. David Akah served as Chairman of RSUBEB, while the current administration approved and implemented the names that were earlier forwarded for employment.
The Commissioner noted that the process reflects the commitment of successive administrations to sustaining policies and programmes capable of strengthening the educational system and improving service delivery within public schools.
He stressed that governance achieves greater impact when beneficial policies are sustained irrespective of political transitions, adding that the approval of the employment exercise would help address manpower needs within the basic education sector.
Dr. Nwagor , a proud son of Etche Ethnic Nationality with includes Omuma further assured the visiting journalists that the Ministry of Education remains open to collaboration with media organizations, especially the Etche Ethnic Practicing Journalists, in advancing educational advocacy, public enlightenment, and youth-oriented development programmes.
He commended the group for promoting professionalism, responsible journalism, and community development initiatives through its activities across the state.
The Commissioner particularly praised EEPJ for conceptualizing a pet project focused on combating drug abuse among youths in selected secondary schools in Etche and Omuma local Government Areas describing the initiative as timely considering the growing concerns over substance abuse and its negative impact on society.
He pledged the support and participation of the Ministry in the anti-drug abuse campaign scheduled to hold in the second week of June 2026.
According to him, tackling drug abuse requires collective action involving government institutions, the media, parents, schools, religious bodies, and civil society organizations.
Earlier in his remarks, the leader of EEPJ, Elder Akujobi Amadi said the visit was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the media and the education sector while also recognizing the Commissioner’s contributions toward educational development and public service in Rivers State.
The group reiterated its commitment to supporting policies and programmes that would promote quality education, youth empowerment, and societal development across the state and pronounce him a worthy patron of the Association. A recognition that will be celebrated in due time.
The Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board port Harcourt has trained 1,000 newly recruited teachers to raise standards in public primary and junior secondary schools in the state.
The two-day orientation and capacity building programme held in Port Harcourt introduced the teachers to civil service rules, classroom management practices, and professional conduct expected of educators in the state.
The state Commissioner for Education Dr. Peters Nwagor told the new intakes that teaching demands more than academic qualifications and called for discipline, diligence, and a strong commitment to service, describing the profession as noble one that is central to the development of the state.
The recruitment, he said, reflects the government’s investment in children and long-term development. “Education is the foundation of societal progress, and basic education is where that foundation is laid,” Nwagor stated.
He reminded the teachers that they would shape the values and character of pupils during their most formative years. He pledged continued support from the Ministry of Education through training, resources, and an environment that allows teachers to perform effectively.
Nwagor also directed RSUBEB to reject transfer requests from rural to urban schools. He said the newly employed teachers have an obligation to serve where they are posted and help strengthen education in those communities.
In his opening remarks,the RSUBEB Chairman ,Hon. Sam Oge explained that the recruitment process began in 2023 under the previous board , adding that after assuming office, he consulted widely and secured Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approval to complete the exercise.
Oge said the selection was competitive, with 1,000 candidates chosen from more than 5,000 applicants. He urged the teachers to treat the opportunity seriously and avoid lobbying for reposting.
He warned that those seeking to change their postings would not be entertained. All teachers, he said, must resume at their assigned schools immediately.
The former RSUBEB Chairman Ven. Dr. Fyneface Akah, who delivered the keynote address, described the orientation as the teachers’ formal entry into the civil service. He encouraged them to be creative, purposeful, and open to learning on the job.
Akah stressed that teachers have a role in restoring values lost to moral decline. He urged them to model national values and see their work as a calling with lasting impact on society.
He thanked both past and present state governments for approving the recruitment, noting that the exercise would improve access to quality basic education across Rivers State.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and psychosocial wellbeing of workers engaged in the ongoing Ogoni cleanup project, as the world marks the 2026 World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, and signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, HYPREP joined the global community in commemorating the annual event themed, “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment for All,” noting that workplace safety must go beyond physical protection to include mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Zabbey highlighted that since the commencement of the Ogoni cleanup in 2017, following recommendations by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Project has made significant strides in environmental restoration while maintaining a strong health and safety culture.
According to him, HYPREP’s interventions across remediation sites, shoreline cleanup operations, mangrove restoration efforts, and construction locations have consistently incorporated robust Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) systems.
He said the Project also recorded a major safety milestone, surpassing nine million man-hours without a fatality—an improvement on its earlier achievement of five million man-hours, and attributed this feat to strict adherence to safety protocols, effective monitoring, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.
Despite these gains, the Project Coordinator stressed the growing importance of addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace. Citing global data, he noted that hundreds of thousands of deaths annually are linked to work-related psychosocial factors such as excessive workload, poor work organisation, harassment, and job insecurity.
To tackle these challenges, he said HYPREP has strengthened staff welfare systems, promoted open communication, and integrated psychosocial risk assessments into its safety framework.
According to him, the Project also conducts regular awareness programmes aimed at fostering a healthier work environment.
HYPREP further disclosed that measures have been put in place across its offices and project sites to ensure reasonable work schedules, adequate rest periods, and access to both medical and psychological support services.
Zabbey emphasised that collaboration with contractors and host communities remains key to sustaining safety standards, noting that workplace safety is a shared responsibility.
Reiterating the human-centred nature of the Ogoni cleanup initiative, he called on all stakeholders to prioritise psychosocial wellbeing as an integral part of workplace safety, while continuing to uphold vigilance and mutual support across all levels of project implementation.
