Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The presidential committee on relief materials has
initiated the distribution of relief materials to persons displaced by attacks in Adamawa State.
The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okwonjo-Eweala, who presented the materials, said they were meant to cushion the effect of insurgency on the victims.
The event took place at Bajabure displaced peoples camp in Girei Local Government Area of the state.
The minister said the gesture had no political undertone as being insinuated, adding that the victims were Nigerians and that government had the obligation to ease their suffering.
In his address, Mr Boni Haruna, Minister of Youth Development, said government was concerned about the victims.
“Government is very concerned and is bound to respond on issues in the North-East region of the country. It is making progress in the war against insurgency,” he said.
Borno
The Borno State chapter of the Christian Associa
tion of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday advised political and religious leaders in the country to examine their conduct and lead with the fear of God.
This is contained in a message delivered by Bishop Naga Mohammed at the October 1, Unity Prayer organised by the association in Maiduguri.
The association said God had freed Nigeria and Nigerians from the clutches of under-development, corruption and endemic poverty but expressed regret that the nation’s leaders had repeatedly held the country in captivity.
“God has given us freedom but the devil is usually out to snatch it from us through our act, especially most of our leaders. Nigeria got independence from the British colonial masters but we are not free from poverty and many problems,’’ CAN stated. It urged Nigerian leaders to purge themselves of selfish interest and seek truth so that the nation could be set free.
Ekiti
Former Head of State and All Progressives Con
gress (APC) presidential aspirant, General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), has urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the 2015 general election to stop what he referred to as “the tyranny of the Peoples Democratic Party in the country.”
Buhari, who was in Ado Ekiti, on Wednesday, to inaugurate the newly-constructed Ekiti Parapo Square built by Governor Kayode Fayemi, said it was time for Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands “and rescue themselves from bad governance and oppression.”
Buhari, who was a special guest of honour at ceremonies to mark the 18th anniversary of the creation of Ekiti State, lamented that Nigerians had “been traumatised by the PDP reign in the country,” saying it was time for them to make a change.
FCT
Senate President, David Mark, on Wednesday, cau
tioned politicians against inflammatory and treasonable statements, ahead the 2015 elections.
Mark, at a special church service to mark Nigeria’s 54th Independent anniversary at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja, added that unguarded statements could overheat the polity and create avoidable tension.
He insisted that ambitions of individuals were subordinate to national interest, adding that “Nigeria must exist as a nation first before we could pursue our individual ambitions.”
Mark also stated that those who had been seen fanning the embers of war must immediately desist as, according to him, Nigerians had a lot to gain by being united.
Kaduna
All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the
Kaduna State House of Assembly have endorsed General Muhammadu Buhari to contest the 2015 presidential election.
The APC members that constituted the opposition at the Assembly said they endorsed Buhari on behalf of their constituencies.
Minority Leader in the Assembly, Mohammed Ali, in company of other members of opposition, said many people fear General Buhari because they are beholden to corruption and greed, adding that many adore him because they believed he has the ability to turn things around.
“Never in the history of this nation have we come close to a failed state as it is presently experienced owing to the ineptitude of those charged with the responsibility of leading the nation but history has it that when General Buhari was the Military head of state, Nigeria blossomed as a nation while discipline was restored and Nigeria was respected worldwide, “ he said.
Kwara
The Project Director, Ambico Sendivian Limited, Mr.
Idowu Salawu, has said that the cause of the floods which had destroyed properties worth millions of Naira in Illorin, the Kwara State capital, was not because the federal government had abandoned the channelisation of the Asa River in Kwara State.
In an interview with our correspondent in Ilorin yesterday, he stated that it is incorrect that the Federal Government had abandoned the project, adding that the project is still on course and that the Federal Government had mobilized the company for the channelisation of the Asa River.
He blamed the flood on the heavy rains currently being witnessed as a result of climate change.
Ogun
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday de
scribed the death of Dame Remi Oyo, the former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) as painful.
Oyo, who was the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Obasanjo when he was president between 1999 and 2007, died in a London hospital on Wednesday at the age of 61.
Reacting to the death, Obasanjo said in a statement in Abeokuta that: “The sudden death of this thorough-bread journalist left a very sour taste in our mouths.”
He noted that Oyo, through her public service as his media aide, earned the recognition and admiration of many of her compatriots across the length and breadth of Nigeria.
“She was a dutiful and hardworking woman and did her very best to the end in the service of her fatherland.
Osun
In its quest to eradicate corruption in Nigeria, the Secre
tary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Akinsola Okebukola has tasked educationists to fight against corruption in the education sector.
The call was made at the 2014 Foundation Day Lecture of the Osun State University, with the theme: When will the Glory days of Nigerian Universities be here?
In his lecture, he stressed the importance of operating and maintaining a standard academic atmosphere. According to him, “the practical way of handling corruption is by including reward and sanction and rewarding good behaviour and punishing bad behaviour.”
Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) yesterday said
the implementation of the minimum standards for haulage at the ports would commence on October 2.
The Apapa Port Manager, Mr Anas Nasir, told newsmen in Lagos that the new haulage policy would be inaugurated at Lagos ports with an awareness campaign for truck drivers.
The NPA had earlier informed the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) of its intention to implement the policy.
“We are going to adopt a gradual approach in enforcing the minimum standards for operational trucks at the port following the association’s appeal. Being the last quarter of the year, there may be high demand for their services and it may harm their business if a number of them cannot operate, ’’Nasir said.
The port manager, however, noted that adopting a mild approach for now did not mean safety standards would be compromised.
Taraba
A Taraba group, DSK Project 2015, yesterday faulted
General TY Danjuma over his reported endorsement of the minister of state for Niger Delta, Architect Ishaku Darius as consensus candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Southern Taraba.
Director General of DSK Project 2015, Senator Abdulaziz Ibrahim, at a press conference in Jalingo said Gen. Danjuma was ‘misinformed’ by ‘Abuja-based politicians’ into endorsing Ishaku as against the earlier decision of the southern zone which chose Chief David Sabo Kente as its consensus candidate.
“While we respect General TY Danjuma as a national elder-statesman and distinguished military general of Taraba State extraction, we fear he has faulted as he allowed himself to be misdirected-through misinformation-by a group of politicians who are based in Abuja, who have no direct contact with the grassroots-our local populace in Taraba”, he said.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina (left) with the Deputy Head of Chancery, British High Commission, Josephine Guide, during the visit of Josephine to the ministry in Abuja, 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.”
