Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola, has
commenced a special education programme for 21 Chibok girls under its scholarship programme.
The President of the university, Dr Margee Ensign, said this in an interview with newsmen in Yola recently.
Ensign said the specialised intensive programme was to prepare the girls to do well in their JAMB examination that would enable them commence full academic programme in the university. She also said that the university’s Peace and Community Development Programme had been very effective in promoting peaceful coexistence and giving assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
“ Our peace initiative is beginning to get international recognition. I was asked to brief some United States policy makers on the initiative,” she said.
FCT
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre
(CISLAC) said it would train about 50 Journalists on the reportage of the 2015 general elections.
The Programme Officer of the group, Mr Salawudeen Hashim, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Hashim said that the journalists would be drawn from different media outfits, including social media across the country. He said the two-day training programme would commence in the first week of February.
He said the event would feature in-depth reportage of the elections and avail participants of the opportunity to share experience.
Katsina police warn candidates, supporters against inflamatory statements
Katsina
The Commissioner of Police in Katsina State, Alhaji
Muhammed Hurdi, has warned candidates and political party supporters in the state to desist from making inflammatory statements during and after the forthcoming elections.
Hurdi gave the warning during a meeting with political parties, candidates, security agencies and party supporters in Katsina. He said the police would deal decisively with any person no matter how highly placed, if found disrupting the peace. “The command advises the politicians to call their boys to order and make them behave as gentlemen.
“We have been monitoring the campaign activities and we are not happy with the utterances of many politicians in the state.
Kaduna
The presidential candidate of the All Progressive
Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, t has pledged to bring about positive change in Nigeria within two years in office, if elected.
Buhari, who made the pledge while addressing his supporters in Kaduna, said the APC administration would reverse the current state of economy, insecurity, unemployment and corruption in the country.
“We pledge to you, that if given the mandate, we will bring about positive changes in the lives of Nigerians within two years,” he said.
“Our desire for change has not diminished, that was why in all the elections we participated we never asked people to take the law into their hands.
“We have always pursued our grievances over the elections at the tribunal.
“I believe in democratic governance, and as long as I am alive, I shall continue to struggle for the good of all Nigerians,” he said.
Kwara
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji
Abubakar Baraje has chided Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State over alleged inflammatory comments on the health status of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.
Baraje in a statement made available to newsmen in Ilorin said the governor’s comments were capable of igniting crisis in the country. He called on the Inspector General of Police, INEC Chairman, SSS and other security agents to take appropriate action to stop such “inflammatory statements originating from Fayose.”
Baraje, a former national chairman of PDP, described the statement credited to the governor as “not only reckless, uncalled for, but a statement that can cause anarchy and crisis in the country.
He noted with dismay that the comments were made few days after President Goodluck Jonathan and the APC presidential candidate signed a non-violence peace agreement.
Lagos
A tourism lecturer, Mr Wale Odeyemi, has urged par
ents and guardians to ensure that indigenous languages were spoken in homes for children to have basic understanding of their languages.
Odeyemi, who is the Zonal Head, National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), Lagos Campus, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
The lecturer, who said that indigenous languages were on the verge of extinction, added that “most parents do not speak their indigenous languages at home; some believe the language is inferior to English.
“In as much as parents try to expose their children to civilised standard of living, it will be wiser to teach the children the indigenous languages to inculcate their cultural identity in them.
“Language is the cultural identity of a people which must be guided, no matter one’s social status. Our indigenous language gives us a sense of belonging.
Niger
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has pledged to
tackle economic woes bedeviling the people of Niger State.
Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the APC Presidential Candidate, made the promise his campaign at rally in Minna.
“Niger state is known as the power state because of its dams that provide electricity to the country. “These are also resources that will be used to revive the agricultural sector of the state and its neighbours. We will address transport, rural health, education as well as unemployment,” he said. “It is the responsibility of the government to provide security for all its citizens. We will discourage corrupt practices as well as prudently manage available resources.
Osun
A medical practitioner, Dr Kayode Oyebode, has
warned Nigerians to guard against an outbreak of Bird Flu.
Oyebode, who gave the warning in an interview with newsmen said cases of the epidemic had been recorded in some states, including Lagos and Kano.
“To prevent the spread of such epidemic, our people must be careful with the way they eat chickens and other birds to avoid being victims of the deadly disease.
‘’Bird Flu is a deadly disease mostly contracted from birds. The disease, which could be contracted from eating chickens, kills as fast as Ebola disease.
‘’ People must be enlightened on the danger of eating birds with such a disease and also be informed on ways to prevent an outbreak of such a disease,’’ Oyebode said.
Oyo
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) solicited the support of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, in its bid to conduct free, fair and credible elections. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Amb. Rufus Akeju, made the call for support at the palace of the monarch in Oyo during an advocacy visit.
Akeju, who told the monarch that the advocacy visit was to sensitise the public on the need for peaceful elections, said.
“We need your help to deliver credible, free and fair elections to the people.
“You are the one that will mobilise the voters to come out to vote.
“We also need you to help tell the voters not to engage in violence and rigging and to comport themselves during the polls.’’
Taraba
The Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Sani Danladi,
said the state government would pay over N300 million as outstanding salary arrears to the lecturers of Taraba University, Jalingo “within the shortest time possible”.
Danladi said this in Jalingo at the commissioning of Taraba University staff quarters.
He said the payment was necessary to boost the morale of the lecturers for effective service delivery.
“I am aware that there are still some outstanding financial commitments to academic staff and other organisations. Government will redeem these commitments within the shortest time possible,“ he said.
From Left: Alhaji Lamidi Ajadi; Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and his Ssg, Alhaji Ismael Olalekan-alli, at the Agodi Eid Prayer Ground during the Eid-el-fitr prayers in Ibadan recently.
The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation has raised concerns over the growing rate of binge drinking among Nigerian youths, attributing the trend largely to the widespread availability of sachet alcohol.
The group’s position follows the recent move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.
In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Nurudeen AbdulRaheem, and National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, the organisation declared its full support for NAFDAC’s decision, describing it as a timely and necessary public health intervention.
AbdulRaheem noted that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ?100, has made excessive drinking more accessible, particularly to young people and minors. According to him, the affordability and small packaging of such products have worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.
He explained that binge drinking involves consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within a short period, typically within two hours, a practice that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications as well as legal and social problems.
The SB National Coordinator cited global health data indicating that alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually worldwide and remains a major contributor to road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.
While acknowledging concerns from industry stakeholders over the economic implications of the ban, AbdulRaheem maintained that public health considerations must take precedence.
“Public health and the protection of young lives must come first,” he stated, adding that Islamic ethical values, like many societal norms, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.
The organisation urged NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain resolute in implementing the policy while also providing transition support for businesses that may be affected by the ban.
According to the group, the enforcement of the ban represents a significant step toward promoting a safer and healthier society.
By Favour James
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully concluded its Seafarers Training Programme for 100 Ogoni youths, positioning them for opportunities in the competitive global maritime industry.
The beneficiaries, who underwent four months of intensive training at Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt, received their certificates during a close-out ceremony held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by top management staff of HYPREP, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning of Charkin Maritime Academy, the Head of the Seafaring Department, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, and other dignitaries.
Addressing the graduates, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the ceremony as a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the young beneficiaries.
He said the graduation symbolises vision, resilience, and hope — hope translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for Ogoni youths.
According to him, the passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s mandate to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills and certifications acquired.
“These skills and achievements should not end here but serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and Nigeria,” he stated.
Prof. Zabbey noted that the seafaring programme is significant not only to the beneficiaries but also to HYPREP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.
He explained that by equipping the youths with globally relevant maritime skills, HYPREP is opening alternative income opportunities while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other environmentally harmful practices. He added that the initiative aligns with the directives of the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces the Project’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
Commending Charkin Maritime Academy as a dependable training partner, Zabbey described the institution as one of the foremost maritime training centres in the country.
“This partnership has delivered high-quality results today, and we intend to expand it as we intensify efforts to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for the Ogoni people,” he said.
He expressed confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress, noting their resilience and commitment to peace in the area. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of youths and women in Ogoniland.
The Project Coordinator likened knowledge and certificates to fuel in a vehicle, stressing that they are meant to propel the graduates toward greater heights.
“We hear your voices calling for restoration, and today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development, as evidenced by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is 93 per cent completed,” he added.
He emphasised that HYPREP’s approach integrates all projects and interventions toward achieving environmental sustainability and long-term development in Ogoniland.
Also speaking, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwahia, said the graduates had gained not only technical maritime skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence to compete globally.
He described their graduation as the beginning of a new journey and noted that the UNEP Report emphasised that environmental restoration must be complemented by sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and youth empowerment.
“Without empowering people, restoration cannot be complete. Programmes such as this maritime training represent practical steps toward creating employment pathways, dignity, and long-term community stability,” he said.
Engr. Igbinomwahia added that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited remains committed to supporting environmental recovery, human capacity development, and sustainable economic opportunities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.
Highlighting the importance of discipline and safety, he urged the graduates to be ambassadors of professionalism and integrity.
“The sea you are about to enter is vast and sometimes challenging, but it is also full of opportunity. Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your constant companion, and let your character speak for you wherever you go,” he advised.
Similarly, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning at Charkin Maritime Academy, Captain Joseph Awodeha, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Charles Wami, emphasised discipline and safety as critical to career success in the maritime sector.
The Head of the Seafaring Department, Captain Jonathan Hammond, urged the graduates to remain humble and disciplined, noting that such virtues are essential for career growth.
In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, Barrister Dornu Baridan, commended the beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the
rigorous selection process and completing their training as seafarers.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Rivers State, has elected 14 member executives to lead the organization for the 2025/2026 year. Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, is the 23rd chairman.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Engr. Ishmael A. Branch Secretariat, 3 Benard Carr Street (Waterworks Yard), Port Harcourt, attracted members of the engineering profession from within and outside the state.
Other elected executives include:
Engr. Samuel H. Kwelle, MNSE – Vice Chairman
Engr. Dr. Promise Jumbo, FNSE – General Secretary
Engr. Priye P. K. Lawson, MNSE – Assistant Secretary
Engr. Patrick O. Udegbunam, MNSE – Treasurer.
Others are Engr. Hilda D. Batubo, MNSE – Financial Secretary
Engr. Bowei M. Dauseighe, MNSE – Technical Secretary
Engr. Charles O. Okwakpam, MNSE – Assistant Technical Secretary
Engr. Agnes Komolafe, MNSE – Membership Secretary
Engr. Dike N. Livingstone, MNSE – Publicity Secretary
Also elected are Engr. Ayebaye Daniel Wanatoi, MNSE – Welfare Secretary
Engr. Oribiokpomari I. Comfort, MNSE – Internal Auditor
Engr. Dr. Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, FNSE – Immediate Past Chairman
Engr Dr Hachimenum Amadi, FNSE (Ex-Officio)
In his a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Frederick Anabraba, urged the new executive to maintain high ethical standards and move the association forward.
In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, promised an inclusive administration and teamwork, focusing on collaboration with stakeholders. He had begun building partnerships with Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.
The highlight was the inauguration lecture, “Engineering Solution for Security, Energy Access and Sustainable Development,” delivered by Engr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.
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