Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Saturday Punch Editor, Bisi Deji-Folutile, Sunday Punch Editor, Toyosi Ogunseye, Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, The Punch Editor, Martin Ayankola, Controller of Publication, The Punch Newspapers, Adeyeye Joseph and Chairman, Editorial Board of the Newspaper, Segun Adediran, during the visit of the Minister to the Newspaper’s Head Office in Lagos, yesterday
Adamawa
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has organised a Christmas get-together for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returnees in Yola, Adamawa State.
Our correspondent reports that the IDPs were largely Nigerians that recently returned from Cameroon Republic.
Speaking during the party, Mr Sa’ad Bello, the agency’s Coordinator in the state, said that the gesture was to give hundreds of the IDPs a sense of belonging.
“This is to show our love and sense of belonging to the IDPs, majority of whom are women and children,’’ he explained.
Bello said the ceremony was organised in all the four major designated camps at Damare, Fufore, Girei and Malkohi camps.
Bauchi
The Secretary, Bauchi State Agency for Nomadic Edu
cation (BASABNE), Alhaji Musa Hardo, has decried the poor condition of most nomadic schools in the state.
Hardo told newsmen in Bauchi that most of the schools were operating under trees and make-shifts improvised buildings provided by their host communities.
According to him, the agency presently has 265 schools, with an enrolment figure of 50,65 pupils and 1,074 teachers respectively.
He, however, said only few of the schools had one block of two classrooms each.
The secretary noted that some of the schools with permanent structures were dilapidated and yearning for renovation and additional classrooms.
FCT
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep re
gret over the loss of lives following gas explosion at an industrial complex in Nnewi, Anambra State.
A statement issued in Abuja by the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president was greatly shaken and shocked by such large-scale loss of human lives in a single industrial accident.
The president extended his condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the government of Anambra over what he described as “this unfortunate tragedy on Christmas eve’’.
The statement revealed that President Buhari also commisserated with the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Musdafa, over the death of his mother, Hajiya Adda Gombeji, who passed away at the age of 87.
“He has placed a call to condole with the Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele, who has equally lost his own mother,” Garba said.
Gombe
No fewer than 35 inmates have regained their freedom
from Gombe Prisons following the payment of their fines by Gombawa Forum, an NGO.
Speaking at a forum to mark their release in Gombe, the Organising Secretary of the NGO, Malam Dahiru Saidu, said the gesture was to decongest the prison and reintegrate the inmates back to society.
He said the NGO paid fines totalling N300,000 on behalf of the inmates, adding that the gesture would equally reduce the burden on the prison authorities.
“Our aims and objectives are to improve positively on the lives of the people of Gombe State and to improve on the general living condition of the people to the best of our ability by advising government on its policies,’’ he said.
Jigawa
The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in
Jigawa State, Malam Usman Ya’u, has expressed joy over the State Government’s decision to continue payment of the 18,000 minimum wage.
Ya’u, who spoke with newsmen in Dutse said that the gesture would boost morale of civil servants in the state.
“As the head of NLC in Jigawa, I am very excited with the decision of the Jigawa State Government.
“This is because some state governors had a meeting where they said they cannot continue paying the minimum wage.
“So, on behalf of the entire civil servants of the state, I want use this opportunity to commend Badaru for his decision to continue paying the 18,000 minimum wage.
“It will go a long way in boosting our morale, It would also encourage service delivery in the state,” Ya’u said.
Kaduna
A group of Muslim women in Kaduna fed more than 500
Christian inmates in Kaduna prison in order to celebrate Christmas and to promote unity and togetherness among Nigerians.
The leader of the women group, Hajiya Maryam Abubakar, told newsmen in Kaduna that the gesture was to show love to Christians who were incarcerated.
Abubakar, who was received by officials of the prison, said that the food was cooked to join Christians in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
She addded that “we are here to feed inmates who are incacerated in the spirit of togetherness and to join them in celebrating the birth of our noble Prophet Isa.”
Kano
Marketers caught diverting petroleum products in Kano
State will henceforth pay a fine of N150 per litre of the diverted product.
Chairman of the Taskforce on Distribution of Petroleum Products in the state, Alhaji Rabiu Bako, said this during a news conference in Kano.
Bako said the measure was to check the continued fuel shortages being experienced in the state.
Bako, who is also the Commissioner for Commerce in the state, said marketers had not heeded to earlier warnings to desist from sharp practices.
“The decision followed series of warnings by the Task Force to oil marketers in the state to desist from sharp practices and illegal increases in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS),” he said.
He said any marketer found diverting petroleum products would be so sanctioned and also risk forfeiting such products.
Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has called on
Christians and Muslims to imbibe the spirit of peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad and Jesus Christ.
This is contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Abubakar Muazu, the Press Secretary to the governor.
According to the statement, the governor made the call as part of activities to mark this year’s Maulud Nabiyy and Christmas in the state.
He advised adherents of both religions to propagate their faith peacefully, devoid of acrimony and ill will.
He enjoined people to live in peace, love of one another and uphold forgiveness at all times, especially as that would ensure rapid development of society and mankind.
Lagos
A Consultant Urologist, Dr Oseremen Shadrach-
Aisuodione, said that the country did not have enough urologists to attend to the healthcare needs and services of Nigerians.
Shadrach-Aisuodione, who works with College of Health Sciences, University of Abuja, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that there were not enough urologists considering the large population and that the insufficiency needed to be addressed for better service outcomes.
According to him, there are few number of urologists in Nigeria, currently put at less than 300 in a country of over 170 million people.
Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command says it is ready to part
ner with local hunters to provide adequate security in the state.
The Police Commissioner in the state, Abdulmajid Ali, said this while addressing the hunters at Odeda Police Divisional Headquarters in Odeda Council Area of the state.
Ali said the police had concluded plans to incorporate the hunters and other relevant groups in its security network for more effective policing of the state.
He said no serious police formation would jettison or underrate the role of hunters in intelligence gathering and effective policing of the community.
He assured the hunters of adequate support and protection if they (hunters) were law-abiding and operated within the ambit of the law.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has commiserated
with the family of late Soji Akinkurolere, a former member of the assembly.
The House stated this during a ceremonial sitting in honour of the late member of the Seventh Assembly.
The sitting, which was presided by the Speaker, Jumoke Akindele, urged the children of the deceased to keep alive the legacy of their father, whom she said possessed wonderful qualities during his life time.
Akindele described the deceased as someone who didn’t bear grudges and said he discharged his duties effectively.
Earlier, Mr Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, Majority leader and member representing Ondo-West 2 constituency, said the deceased lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.
Plateau
Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has urged eth
nic groups in the country to preserve their languages and save them from extinction.
Lalong made the call at the 2015 Gamai Cultural Festival in Shendam Local Government Area of the state, where he hails from.
He said that languages were vital tools for interacting and expressing ideas, emotions, knowledge, memories and values.
“Languages are also primary vehicles of cultural expressions and intangible cultural heritage, essential to the identity of individuals and groups.
“Safeguarding endangered languages is thus, a crucial task in maintaining cultural diversity, worldwide.
“The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO’s) recent reports on endangered languages shows that half of the 6,700 languages spoken all over the world are in danger of disappearing before the century ends.
Yobe
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,
has assured residents of the North East of a more peaceful region in 2016.
He gave the assurance after his operational visits to troops locations in parts of Borno and Yobe states.
He said joint forces had within the timeframe given by President Muhammadu Buhari, decimated the Boko Haram sect and substantially destroyed its enclaves on Nigerian territory.
He added that “going by the present pace and momentum of the military operation, no insurgent or group will be able to operate freely by 2016.
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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