Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigra
tion Service (NIS) has arrested 280 illegal aliens in the state.
The Comptroller of the service in the state, Mr Ubi Ikpi, told newsmen in Yola that the arrest was part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal aliens and enhance security.
“It is pertinent that we rid Adamawa of miscreants because it is very possible they can compound the security situation in the country since they don’t have valid papers and identifiable places of abode,” Ikpi said.
He said those arrested were from neighbouring African countries, adding that they would be documented and screened for subsequent deportation.
He urged the general public to support and cooperate with the command by identifying and reporting illegal aliens and criminals to the appropriate authorities.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Chapter of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) says it has embarked on a campaign to sensitise and warn its members against engaging in election malpractice.
The union’s Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi .
Adamu explained that NURTW would play a critical role in the coming general elections, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said that the union would transport all INEC staff and election materials to the various polling units across the country.
“Because of the vital role we have to play, there was the need to consistently sensitise our members and warn them against being used by politicians to divert election materials or participate in any form of election malpractice or violence”, he said.
Benue
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has de-
cried the poor usage of crash helmets and seat belts by motorists in Benue State.
The Sector Commander of the commission in the state, Mr Habu Daudu, told newsmen in Makurdi that most motorists preferred to pay fines to the use of such protective devices.
“Most motorists in Benue and indeed, most states in the Northern parts of the country, prefer to pay fines instead of using helmets,” Daudu said.
He attributed the trend to “attitudinal problems”, stressing that most of the time, “it is discovered that some even have the helmets but will deliberately leave them at home”.
The sector commander, therefore, advised motorists to always use such protective devices to safeguard their lives in times of accidents.
He also warned drivers in the state to avoid making phone calls while driving.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested 29 persons for allegedly hawking petrol on roadsides in the state.
The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr Muhammed Gidado, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
He said petrol hawking had been identified to be the cause of frequent fire outbreaks in parts of the state.
Gidado said that selling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in open places in the state had been banned.
“This measure is informed by the public outcry on the practice which often causes fire outbreak and artificial scarcity of fuel.’’
He said 25 persons suspected to have engaged in roadside hawking of petrol and five filling station managers were arrested by his men.
“The 29 suspects were nabbed at different locations in Dutse and its environs after three weeks warning against such practice”, he said.
Kaduna
More than 70, 000 farmers in Kaduna State have ben
efited from the World Bank-assisted West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP).
WAAPP’s Desk Officer in the state, Mr Umar Bashir, disclosed this in Kaduna in an interview with newsmen.
Bashir explained that the programme involved the distribution of quality seeds to farmers to enhance agricultural production.
He said that more than 56, 918 kilogrammes of seeds were produced and distributed to farmers under the programme in the last one year.
Bashir said the project also involved community multiplication programme in which farmers were selected to produce seeds for distribution to communities.
Katsina
A Senior Magistrates Court in Katsina State has or
dered a 65-year-old man, Sale Sani and two others standing trial for raping a 10-year-old girl, to be remanded in prison custody.
The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Nafisat Lawal had fixed March 10 for the mentioning of the case after the police had formally charged the three for allegedly raping the girl.
The two others involved in the rape case are Bala Mati and Abdulkarim Bawale, all aged 55.
The prosecutor, Insp. Hashimu Musa told the court that the three old men committed the offence at Muduru village in Mani Local Government of Katsina State.
Musa said that the victim’s father Malam Lado reported the case to police on January 23, accusing the three of luring his daughter and raping her at Mati’s house located in the village..
He said that the police subsequently arrested the accused persons and transferred the case to the state Criminal Investigation Department for further action.
Kogi
Fifteen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kogi
State have received N70 million soft loan to expand their operations.
The loan, which was given under the Kogi State/Bank of Industry N2 billion Matching Fund for SMEs, will attract five per cent interest with payback period of three years.
Distributing the cheques to the beneficiary companies in Lokoja, Governor Idris Wada said that the gesture was in line with his administration’s transformation agenda to industrialise the state and create jobs for its teeming youths.
Wada described small and medium scale enterprises as the engine room for rapid industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
He said the government would continue to rely on the sector in its quest to alleviate poverty and generate employment for the people.
Nasarawa
The traditional council in Akwanga Local Government
Area of Nasarawa State, will set machinery in motion to investigate all plots of land sold in controversial circumstances in the area.
Residents, who are involved in the illegal act would be prosecuted, Chief Samson Gamu-Yari, the Chun-Mada of Akwanga, has warned.
Gamu-Yari, who is also the chairman of the traditional council in the area, gave the warning in Akwanga while addressing Village and District Heads.
“We will set machinery in motion to investigate lands sold in controversial circumstances and make sure that all those involved in the illegal act are brought to book.
“This meeting was called to address land disputes that occurred in Gwanje Village which led to the death of two persons; including a police officer,” he said.
Oyo
The Oyo State branch of the All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the state government to involve stakeholders in the agriculture sector in its policy formulation.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Olumide Aina, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said politicians were usually involved in formulation of agricultural policies rather than the actual farmers in the state.
“Majority of government policies were not evolved by experts, rather they were the products of politicians who call themselves farmers but know nothing about farming.
“But if stakeholders in the agriculture sector are carried along in policy formation, we are sure that agricultural problems will be half-solved, if not completely solved,” he said.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Police Command says it has com
menced a 24-hour patrol of all schools across the state to protect lives and property.
The Spokesman of the command, Mr Al-Mustapha Sani, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
“This is part of sustainable and proactive measures by the command to ensure that all schools across the state are more secure.
“It is also to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning in the schools,’’ Sani said.
He said the command had recently organised a seminar for school principals, headmasters and proprietors of private schools on the need to be security-conscious.
“They can also go a step further by engaging the personnel of reputable private security guards in this direction,’’ the police spokesman said.
Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan-Kuka (left), with Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, during inauguration of the Governing Board of Nasarawa State University in Lafia recently. Bishop Kuka is the Chairman of the Board.
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.”
