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Governor Muhammed Abubakar of  Bauchi State (left), receiving budget report from the  Chairman of Budget Review Committee and the State Head of Civil Service, Mr  Abdon Gin  in  Bauchi, yesterday.

Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), receiving budget report from the Chairman of Budget Review Committee and the State Head of Civil Service, Mr Abdon Gin in Bauchi, yesterday.

Bauchi
Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Nuhu Gidado, says youth
restiveness would be given priority in the life of this administration in the state.
Gidado stated this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
“There is no two ways about it, we will go into the issue of youth restiveness from day one.
Beyond youth restiveness, Gidado said, security of lives and property will also be accorded priority because without security, without peace, we cannot operate,” He said.
He said the new administration would explore the potentials of the traditional institutions in the state, by allowing it play its role to ensure the security of lives and property.

Ekiti
A 34- year- old driver , Adefisayo Ademola, has been
arraigned in an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing a Toyota Picnic valued at N1.3million.
The prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused person and one other now at large, stole the vehicle, with registration No. REL 358 AA, property of one Mr Segun Albert.
Atanegbe said that the accused committed the offence on June 20, 2015 at about 7 a.m. at Ayus Hotel, in Akure.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to Section 383 and punishable under sections 516 and 390(9) of Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

FCT
The new Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
recently hinted that his administration’s vision would be partly anchored on the dedication and discipline of officers and soldiers.
Buratai said this when he formally took over from his predecessor, retired Lt-Gen. Kenneth Minimah, as the 20th Chief of Army Staff in a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Though the new army chief did not make further comments about his vision and mission for the army, he assured his predecessor that the present level of discipline would be maintained.
Buratai praised his predecessor for leaving behind a reformed army that was again the pride of the nation.
He said the military under his command would strive to sustain the achievements of the previous army administration and even surpass them.

Gombe
Chief of Tangale in Gombe State, Malam Abdu Maisheru,
has stressed the need for communities in the state to organise forum to appraise mid-term performance of their political representatives.
The monarch made the remark in Biliri recently during a lecture organised by Mr Rambi Ayala, a member of Gombe State House of Assembly, representing Billiri East constituency.
Maisheru, who was represented by Mr Naamn Toyyo, the district head of Todi, said that such forum would enable elected political office holders to give account of their stewardship.
He specifically urged the people in his domain to create the forum for the assessment of the performance of their representatives at the state Assembly.
The monarch cautioned against blackmail and campaign of calumny against political office holders and urged his people to always engage in constructive criticism.

Kaduna
Governor  Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has  solicited
the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to strengthen healthcare services in the state.
El-Rufa’i, who made the call when he received officials of the World Bank in his office, said healthcare delivery remained a priority of the administration.
He disclosed that the government would forward a bill to the state House of Assembly to streamline activities of its Primary Healthcare Development Agency for effective service delivery.
The governor pledged that the administration would redeem its counterpart obligation to all donor agencies and intervene decisively in areas where resistance was recorded in polio immunisation.
Kebbi
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations
Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Kebbi State, has urged people in the state to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees, bush-burning and conversion of farmlands to filling stations.
The state coordinator of the agency, Malam Haliru Muhammad, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
According to him, such acts increase the menace of deforestation and desertification.
He said that government at all levels were exerting more efforts towards afforestation because of its benefit to the environment and human beings.
He urged citizens to emulate government by planting trees as well as encourage the growing of gardens in their courtyards and around their houses.

Lagos
The Director, Muslims Right Concern (MURIC),  Prof.
Ishaq Akintola, has  urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the problem of overcrowded prisons and enhance the living standards of the inmates.
Akintola, who made the plea in his Ramadan message in Lagos, said Nigerian prisons were notorious for being overcrowded, dirty, and unfit for human habitation.
“Contrary to international best practices, the Nigerian prison system has become an institution for the devaluation of Allah-given fundamental human rights,” he said.
The director felicitated with the leader of Nigerian Muslims, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for the Sallah celebration.

Nassarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), has cau
tioned its graduate trainees in Nasarawa State, against engaging  in acts capable  of rubbishing  the scheme.
NDE Director-General, Malam Abubakar Mohammed, gave the warning on Friday  in Lafia at the end of a one week training programme “Graduates Attachment Scheme (GAP).”
No fewer than 50 unemployed youths in the state took  part in the training, which was on a special accounting software “Peachtree.”
Represented by the agency’s Director of Special Public  Works, Mr. Monday Dalyop, he said that the training  was to enable  the unemployed graduates acquire skills for self  reliance  and to contribute their quota to national development.
Niger
Presidential candidate in the forthcoming elections of the
Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Dele Atunbi, has vowed to secure media salary structure? for journalists in the country.
Atunbi made the promise while campaigning at the Niger State council of the NUJ in Minna recently.
“If I become president, the media salary structure will be gotten with ease by virtue of our contributions to the development of the country,” he said.
Ogun
A housewife, Adetutu Kobiti, has urged an Ijebu-Ode Customary
Court in Ogun State to dissolve her four-year-old marriage to her husband, Gbenga, for alleged incessant physical abuse.
Adetutu, 29, also told the court that Gbenga was no longer providing for her and their three-year-old baby girl.
The petitioner said that her estranged husband resorted to violence any time she challenged him over his infidelity.
Adetutu, therefore, urged the court to dissolve the marriage and grant her the custody of the child but with the proviso that the respondent be responsible for the child’s upkeep, including her school fees.
Our correspondent reports that Gbenga was absent in court. The Court President, Mr Timothy Olufunwa, consequently adjourned the case till September 18 for further hearing.

Oyo
The Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved a seven-year-
old  marriage between Romoke and Adeshina and her husband Moruf, for threat to life and gross irresponsibility.
The Court President, Mr Ademola Odunade, held that any misunderstanding in a family that involved threat to the life of a partner was not worth it.
Odunade held that Adeshina’s plea to settle the rift between him and his wife was belated as he ought to have put his home in order before now.
“In the interest of peaceful coexistence, the husband and wife relationship between both of you has ceased to be henceforth.

Sokoto
Wamakko Local Government of Sokoto State, has distributed three
ambulances and 50 motorcycles, to boost healthcare delivery in the area.
The Caretaker Chairman  of the local government, Alhaji Ahmed Kalambaina, said in Wamakko that the items were procured under the Millennium Development Project (MDGs).
He said that the ambulances would serve  Fanare, Wamakko and Kalambaina communities, while the 50 motorcycles were for health workers and public enlightenment officers in the 11 wards of the area.
“These vehicles are provide d to ensure improvement in the provision of quality healthcare to the people.
Kaiambaina disclosed that apart from the vehicles, assorted drugs were also provided  to 12 Primary  Health Centres in the area for distribution free to the people.
Zamfara
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Zamfara State Com
mand, yesterday cautioned drivers in the state to avoid dangerous driving before, during and after the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri.
The Sector Commander Mr Amos Thilza,, told newsmen in Gusau that the command had received operational directive to that effect from the headquarters in Abuja.
He said that the command would do everything possible to ensure accident-free celebration in the state.
According to him, the operation will involve traffic control, especially at praying grounds; public enlightenment campaign on radio and television and at motor parks.
The official said that excessive speeding would be thoroughly checked, while the ban on the use of mobile phone during driving would be enforced during the operation.
He urged the public to cooperate with the FRSC during the period, and also solicited the collaboration of other security personnel, to ensure the protection of lives and property.

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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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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

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Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

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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

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City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

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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.

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