Nation
THE STATES
Benue
The women wing of Christian Association of Ni
geria (CAN) in Benue State, last Thursday held a one day fasting and prayer session for children, youths and the conduct of peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Rev. Hannah Ikyernum, the chairperson, CAN women wing in Benue State told newsmen in Makurdi that the prayers were aimed at averting violence during the polls.
She said that since the youths and children were usually the worst victims during electoral violence, there was need to organise such prayer sessions to commit the political processes into the hands of God.
“ We have also discovered that in any political crisis, the death toll is usually high hence our resolve to pray against such death rate in our state and country,” she said.
Ikyernum appealed to parents to ensure that their children and wards were of good conduct.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has presented relief materials to widows of slain soldiers currently fighting the Boko Haram insurgency in Maiduguri.
The Director, Search and Rescue of the agency, Air Commodore Chris Otegba, presented the materials to Maj.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, the GOC of 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri.
Otegba, who represented the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Sani Sidi, said the action followed directives of President Goodluck Jonathan.
“We are here on the directives of President Goodluck Jonathan to present relief materials to widows of slain officers of the disvision.
“The idea is to lend support to the widows who lost their bread winners.
Ekiti
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency,
(NDLEA), Ekiti State Command, has warned secondary school students against drug abuse.
The Principal Staff Officer (PSO) in Charge of Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the command, Mr Peter Njoku, gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti.
Njoku spoke during a seminar organised for An-saru-deen Comprehensive High School students, Ado-Ekiti.
He said that hard drugs were dangerous to health of human beings, especially young people who were in secondary school.
He advised them not to take Indian hemp, cocaine, and other harmful substances that could damage their brain, kidney and lungs.
The PSO also urged the students to disconnect themselves from drug addicts, in order not to lure them into the business of peddling of hard drugs.
FCT
FCT Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Com
mission (FRSC), Mrs Susan Ajenge, has advised applicants of new drivers licence to patronise any of the 29 accredited driving schools in the territory.
Ajenge, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, also stressed the need for the applicants to learn driving skills and obtain the certificates, accordingly.
She said applicants could go to any of the 29 accredited driving schools closer to them in order to get adequate driving skills as well as certification.
“There are 29 accredited driving schools spread all over the territory at the service of the public who are interested in learning how to drive safely on the roads.
”They will ensure that their trainees have adequate driving skills before they issue them certificates, so that they will not put the reputation of their schools at stake.
Jigawa
The US-based National Health Institute (NHI) said it
would conduct a study on kidney diseases in Hadejia Local Government Area of Jigawa.
The NHI representative, Dr Akinlolu Ojo, said this when a team of medical experts paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, at his palace.
Ojo explained that the research would identify type of kidney diseases, causes and ways of prevention.
He said that the study would guide the institute in its plans to come up with a comprehensive intervention programme.
“We will carry forward research on kidney failure in Hadejia; this is sequel to a complaint to the institute by a native of the area on the high prevalence of the disease.
“The institute will develop an intervention project to address kidney problem in the area,” he said.
Kano
The Kano State Government has said it would collaborate
with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to export handmade products locally produced by women.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Dr Binta Jibril, said this while receiving the NEPC Zonal Controller, Alhaji Abdullahi Mamman, in Kano.
She said the collaboration would help in marketing the products within and outside the country.
“Some indigent women are talented and specialised in various skills that attract investors from within and outside the country.”
Jibril, however, said most of the women were ignorant on how to export the products.
She said the recent bazaar and exhibition of handmade products organised by the ministry was aimed at showcasing them to investors.
Lagos
A 27-year-old man, Ibrahim Adeleke, who allegedly broke
into a pastor’s house at night and stole some valuables, has appeared in an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.
The accused, whose address is unknown, is being tried on eight-count charge, bordering on felony, burglary, stealing and assault.
Prosecutor Mary Ajiteru, said the accused with others still at large, attacked the pastor, Abayomi Awolaja with an axe before carting away property valued at N77, 100.
She told the court that the accused committed the offences at No. 1A, Raji Fashola Ave., Unity Estate, Offin, Ikorodu, on June 28, 2014 at about 1.00 a.m.
He listed items stolen as a Nokia android phone, other phones, a driver’s licence and ATM cards, all valued at N77,100.
Oyo
A veterinary expert, Dr Mutiu Oladele-Bukola, has cau
tioned poultry farmers against contaminated chicken feeds.
Oladele-Bukola of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR and T), Ibadan, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
According to him, feeding is an important aspect of poultry rearing as it affects the health of the birds positively or negatively.
He, therefore, urged farmers to always give uncontaminated and well balanced feeds to the birds in order to get a befitting and healthy poultry.
He said “ready-made feeds that are already bagged should be given for the first four weeks of the chicken.
“Also, the chicks at that stage must be given foundation stock from reliable sources.’’
Plateau
The Plateau State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA) has said that 70, 000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are currently taking refuge in the state.
The SEMA Director of Administration, Mr Biser Longnam, told newsmen in Jos that the IDPs were from the Northeast states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa.
Longnam said that some of the displaced persons were from Nasarawa and Taraba states, who left their homes because of communal clashes in the communities.
“We have 70, 000 IDPs currently in the state, 36, 000 of them are taking refuge at different locations in Plateau North senatorial district.
“Some of the IDPs are camping in Namu in Quan’Pan Local Government Area and other places in the Southern part of the state,’’ he said.
Zamfara
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has commenced an awareness programme to sensitise stakeholders on the dangers of violence before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.
Assistance Head of NEMA’s Sokoto Operation Office, Mr Thickman Tanimu, said in Gusau that the outreach programme was to ensure orderliness during the polls.
Tanimu, who spoke at a workshop on election violence organised for youth, religious leaders and community-based organisations in Zamfara, said such awareness was critical to free, fair and credible polls.
He urged the participants to carry the message of peace, accommodation and respect for the electoral laws, in order to ensure peaceful and successful conduct of the general elections.
The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state
The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.
Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.
According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.
“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.
Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”
The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”
He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.
“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”
The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.
“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”
He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.
“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.
Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.
He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.
Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.
Nation
RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”
The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.
He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.
“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,
He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.
Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.
The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).
He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region
MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives
This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, alongside Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent
The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.
MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans
“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.
According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.
They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.
The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities
Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.
He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.
Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.
” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.
The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area
While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .
“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.
“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.
“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.
Chinedu Wosu
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