Nation
THE STATES
Jigawa
A Jigawa State based NGO, the Association for the Ad
vancement of Women in Nigeria (ASSAWIN), has distributed uniforms and books to 151 pupils in Hadejia.
The Director of the organisation, Hajiya Aisha Babangida, said this while distributing the items to the beneficiaries in Hadejia.
Babangida said that school uniforms, books, bags, shoes and other instructional materials were distributed to children selected from 20 primary and junior secondary schools in the area.
She said that the gesture was to encourage enrolment and retention in school.
“This is part of the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) initiative to support the education of less privileged children.
“We had so far secured 36 birth certificates of children whose mothers could not do so following the death of their fathers,” she said.
Babangida explained that the organisation had also trained 40 mothers and children on various trades and provided them with economic strengthening equipment to enable them engage in productive activities.
Lagos
The Dredgers Association of Nigeria has urged the Na
tional Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to stop illegal dredging of sand in water ways across the country.
Executive Secretary of the association, Mr Richard Ntang, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Ntang said the “reckless” sand excavation had made the depth of water ways irregular and dangerous for transportation and aquatic activities.
He said NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals should effectively tackle the problem, especially in Lagos State.
“Unlicensed operators have caused havoc to the even depth of nation’s waterways.
“Unsafe dredging activities pose threat to the safety of lives and the environment because it can cause a canoe or boat to capsize at will.”
Kano
The Kano State House of Assembly has passed into law
the 2015 Appropriation Bill of over N210 billion as proposed by the state government.
Speaking after the passage of the bill, the speaker, Alhaji Ali Danja, thanked the members for working tirelessly towards the passage of the bill in time.
He said its early passage would enable the state government to implement people-oriented programmes.
During the sitting of the house, the Speaker also announced the receipt of 2015 budget proposal for the 44 local governments in the state.
It would be recalled that on February 3, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, Alhaji Sule Bichi, presented the committee’s report on the budget proposal to the plenary.
Bichi said the amount was not altered after a thorough screening by members of the committee.
Kwara
The wife of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara STate,
Omolewa, has appealed to women in the country to imbibe healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of having cancer.
A statement by Omolewa’s Press Officer, Mr Adeniyi Adeyinka, in Ilorin said she made the appeal to mark the World Cancer Day last Wednesday.
The statement said that women had been sensitised at the local level in Nigeria, especially on how to prevent breast and cervical cancers through public enlightenment.
“We are consciously providing basic screening centres in 28 communities spread across the geographical spread of Kwara,’’ it quoted her as saying.
The statement said the state had one of the most sophisticated diagnostic centres for cervical and breast cancer in Nigeria.
It urged all women to be conscious of living healthy lifestyles and to regularly go for checkup.
Nassarawa
Nassarawa State Universal Basic Education Board says it
has recently that it had not deducted the salary of primary school teachers to finance the election campaign of Governor Tanko Al-Makura.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Alhaji Abdulkarim Abdullahi said in an interview with newsmen in Keffi, that those peddling the rumour “do not wish the state well.”
He explained that the 20 per cent shortfall in the January salary of teachers of public primary schools in the state was due to reduction of funds received from the Federation Account.
Abdullahi, however, assured all teachers affected that the balance would be paid soon.
“I want to debunk claims in some quarters that the All Progressive Progress (APC) government in the state has deducted 20 per cent of primary schools teachers’ salaries to fund its campaign.
“This is not true; it is coming from those that do not wish the state well.
“I want to state, clearly, that the allegation is baseless, false and unnecessary as the board has not owed the salary of any teacher in the state.”
Niger
The Niger State Government says it will apply the full weight
of the law on anyone involved in political violence before, during and after elections.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Alhaji Abdullahi Wuse, stated this after the Executive Council meeting in Minna.
He said government was worried by the wanton intimidation, destruction and threat by some people in the build up to the elections.
“Council members decry the manner of political activities by some unscrupulous people since the campaigns began.
“Various judicial measures are already in place in our statute books. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of violence of any kind.
“We appeal to parents and guardians of minors to warn their children and wards in order to avoid being prosecuted for their children’s actions’’, he said.
Ogun
The Ogun State Hospital in Sango-Ota may give mass burial
to 205 unclaimed corpses in 2014 by the end of this month, an official said.
Head of Mortuary Attendants, State Hospital, Ota, Mr Kunle Babalola, gave the indication in an interview with newsmen in Sango-Ota.
Babalola said that the hospital would follow the due process before the mass burial.
According to him, the unclaimed corpses in the hospital mortuary include 95 males, 85 females and 25 children.
Babalola said that there was a stipulated period of between six months and one year within which claimers could come for the corpses before declaring them unclaimed.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government has in Akure announced
that the state has not recorded any case of Avian Influenza (bird flu).
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Lasisi Oluboyo, told newsmen that the state government had taken measures to prevent the spread of the disease to the state.
Oluboyo explained that the major causes of the disease include heat, and unhygienic water given to the birds.
The commissioner said that the state had been fortunate as rain had fallen to mitigate the hot weather and provide more water for farmers.
“We have had rainfall this year, it is a good thing because some of the causes of the virus are heat and unavailability of clean water.
“We have enlightened our poultry farmers to provide adequate clean water for their birds and ensure that their vaccines are given regularly. Prevention is better than cure,” he said.
Osun
Osun State Government has warned the residents
against dumping refuse in drains and streams to avoid flooding.
Deputy Director, Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES), Mr Gabriel Odesanmi, Ife Central Local Government, gave the warning in Ile-Ife in an interview with newsmen He said that the rains that fell recently flushed out waste dumped inside gutters, thereby causing majority of roads in Ile-Ife to be littered with refuse.
He said that the sanitarians had been educating the masses on the need to maintain personal and environmental cleanliness.
“We have tried all efforts to sensitise the people on how to keep their refuse properly and maintain personal and environmental cleanliness, but they refuse to yield to simple correction.
Oyo
Two artisans, a bricklayer and vulcaniser, have lost their
lives in the process of evacuating a septic tank at Oremeji area, Mokola, Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that the two men fell into the septic tank and died before help could get to them.
An eye witness, Mr Akamo Oladimeji, who identified the victims as Wasiu and Solomon respectively, explained that they were invited by the residents of the house to evacuate their septic tank.
Oladimeji said: “One of the deceased was trying to pour some chemicals into the soak-away before evacuation when he fell inside.
“While trying to rescue him, the second man fell inside as well.
“There was a third person with them but he escaped death because he had gone in search of a pumping machine they needed for the evacuation.”
Governor Umaru Al-makura (middle) and members of the governing board of Nasarawa State University, during their inauguration in Lafia, recently.
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The Amaewhule family of mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has cautioned members of the public against entering into any land transaction involving a disputed property known as “Ada Oro Fam Land,” located behind the OPM Church along Airport Road.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi