Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Borno State Police Command said it had put in place
all necessary machinery for peaceful conduct of the February general elections in the state.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Mr Clement Adoda, stated at a sensitisation meeting with officials of political parties in the state that the command was also looking at possibilities of seeking additional personnel from other states to beef up security during the polls.
The commissioner also said that the military could be drafted to provide additional support should the situation degenerate.
“The military is always on standby in every situation. “But if there is the need for the military assistance to civil authority during the elections, be rest assured of our preparedness to invite them,” Adoda said.
He said that the meeting was aimed at enlightening politicians on the need to avoid violence during the polls.
FCT
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have frowned at the
monumental fraud and looting of the oil treasury without significant action to identify, prosecute and punish culprits.
Convener of Protest To Power Movement (P2PM), Mr Jaye Gaskia, made this known in Abuja at a news conference recently.
The conference was jointly organised by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), P2PM and State of the Union Coalition (SOTU) to mark three years of fuel subsidy protest.
He said treasury looting could not have happened without the collaboration and protection of highly placed political officials.
According to Gaskia, the NNPC, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Product Pricing Regulation Agency (PPPRA), Federal ministries of Petroleum and Finance were not left out of the looting.
He said that no official had been implicated or disciplined on this issue.
He said any claim paid on subsidy since the downturn of oil prices in the international market would be regarded as fraudulent payment because the landing cost of fuel had reduced.
According to him, Nigeria is sufficient in producing refined oil in the country but our crude oil is being refined overseas due to corruption.
Kaduna
The Federal Government has said it had released N3
billion for disbursement to victims of 2011 post-election violence in Kaduna State.
The Vice President, Namadi Sambo made the disclosure at the 40th anniversary of Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, on the throne held at the Emir’s palace, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Sambo, who was represented by Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State, said the money which was already in the coffers of the state government would be disbursed to the affected victims accordingly.
He stressed the need for people to live in peace with one another to enable government at all levels to provide the dividend of democracy to the electorate.
While congratulating the Emir for attaining 40 years on the throne, Sambo attributed the success recorded by the Emirate to patience, fairness, justice and truthfulness.
Kano
The Kano State Government has approved over N17 mil
lion for the purchase of JAMB forms and training of candidates who will benefit from the forms, the Commissioner for Justice, Mr Maliki Umar, said.
Umar made the disclosure in Kano while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state’s Executive Council Meeting.
He said the council had also approved over N186 million for the upkeep of public and voluntary schools in the state.
He added that “the council also approved N2.1 million for renovation of dental centre and eye clinic at Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital.’’
Katsina
The Katsina State Inter-faith Committee has denied the
destruction of a Church in Matazu Local Government Area by the Katsina Urban and Regional Planning Development Authority (KURPDA).
The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Isah Dodo stated this in Matazu during a visit to the area.
He said that the committee was mandated by the state government to investigate and ascertain the true picture of the matter.
He explained that the affected area was a pathway between a school and staff quarters of the church.
Dodo further explained that the church decided to fence the school and the staff quarters, thereby, blocking the pathway which had been in existence for more than 20 years.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State branch of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breed
ers Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has commended the Kebbi Government for the establishment of the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
In a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Gwandu said that the new ministry would go a long way to boost livestock and fisheries production in the state.
The statement added that the new ministry would also boost family’s income, generate employment and improve nutrition in-take of the people of the state.
Ondo
The new Vice-Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin
University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, has assumed duty.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Francis Oyabade, led other principal officers and students of the institution to receive Ajibefun at the Senate Chambers where prayers were offered for a successful tenure.
The vice-chancellor, who was accompanied by his wife, Bosede, expressed gratitude to God for the appointmen,t and thanked Governor Olusegun Mimiko for appointing him to serve the state at another level after completing his tenure as the rector of the state polytechnic.
Ajibefun promised to justify the confidence reposed in him by driving the university toward fulfilling the vision and mission of its founding fathers.
Plateau
The Plateau State Head of Service (HOS) Ezekiel Dalyop
has described the biometric of the state workforce as ‘a huge success.’
Speaking with newsmen in Jos, Dalyop said the exercise which commenced in 2012 was tasking.
He said: “As a pioneering exercise, the biometric has not been easy but it has been a huge success in the sense that we have been able to identify clearly those who are genuine workers. “As at the state level, we have almost concluded the entire exercise.
“The report of the appeal panel on the exercise had been reviewed by another committee and has been submitted to the government.
Dalyop said the exercise was aimed at sanitising the state workforce, leave a legacy behind by identifying genuine workers.
“At the first count, we arrived at 11,000 workers certified as genuine, leaving about 6,000 plus workers who needed to answer questions raised by the committee.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State police command in has warned politi
cal parties against the illegal use of sirens.
Spokesman for the Command, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, gave the warning in a statement in Sokoto on Wednesday, following complaints about the use of sirens by some candidates.
The statement stated that “ in Sokoto State, only the governor, his deputy, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, CP, AIG, the Brigade Commander and the Sultan are legally allowed to use the sirens while on movement. Anyone outside this exclusive list who uses sirens does so illegally and stands to face the consequences according to the laws of the land.”
The statement also warned political parties against moving with youths wielding various types of weapons during their activities
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB) has commenced training of 150 teachers on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and its applications to education.
Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Kabir Mayanchi, who made the disclosure in Gusau, said the training was to assist the primary and junior secondary school teachers to improve their knowledge of ICT.
He added that the training became necessary considering the fact that majority of primary school teachers in the state lacked basic requirement of computer literacy.
The image maker expressed optimism that the training would enhance the quality of education and boost the acquisition of basic ICT skills by teachers.
President Goodluck Jonathan (left) receiving letter of credence from the new Ambassador of Guinea Conakry, Mr Gaoussou Toure, in Abuja recently
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.