Nation
THE STATES
L-R: Bauchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar, Bauchi State Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Capt. Musa Yakubu (Rtd) and Commander 33, Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, Brig.-Gen. Alexander Dusu, at the opening of 2016 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Apple Week in Bauchi, yesterday
Adamawa
The Acting Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Coun
cil, Mrs Dabney Shalhoma, has donated relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa.
Making the presentation in Gombi town, Shalhoma said the gesture was aimed at identifying with the IDPs and given them a sense of belonging during the yuletide.
Shalhoma, who hails from Garha village, said she was also a victim of Boko Haram insurgency, adding that she lost some of her relations and properties to attacks by the insurgents.
She said: “It is regrettable and sad that human begins are experiencing this kind of situation caused by other human beings.
“It is unfortunate that the most defenceless people are the victims of this dastardly act.
Ekiti
The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Mrs Feyisetan Fayose,
has assured women of more government oriented programmes this new year.
Our correspondent reports that Mrs Fayose gave the assurance while presenting gifts to the babies of the year in Ado-Ekiti.
The governor’s wife said that women would enjoy more dividend of democracy through different programmes that would be initiated to carter for their welfare.
She however advised expectant mothers to patronise government hospitals to enjoy the quality service delivery from the medical workers.
The first baby of the year was born at Basic Health Centre, Aisegba-Ekiti to the family of Mr and Mrs Hassan at 12:03 a.m., weighing 3.5kg.
FCT
The Federal Government says it will digitalise the opera
tions of the Federal Civil Service in 2016 to forestall altering of vital documents by some officials.
The acting Head of the Civil Service (HOS) of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, when she paid an unscheduled visit to some Ministries and Government Agencies.
She said the visit was to monitor the level of staff punctuality to duty, especially after the Christmas holidays.
“It was necessary for me to come round today with some of my permanent secretaries when I observed the scantiness in some offices after the Christmas holidays.
“The essence is to find out what is really happening,’’ the acting HOS said.
Kano
Kano State’s Head of Service, Alhaji Auwal Na’iya, said
plans are underway to introduce Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme for Civil servants in the state.
Na’iya announced this at a one day workshop organised by Nigerian Health Insurance Scheme, Kano State office in Kano recently.
He said the scheme would ensure an effective and sustainable healthcare system for the state workforce and their dependents.
“This arrangement is being made through the office of the Head of Service in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Justice.”
He said a Bill on Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency would be sent to the State House of Assembly for consideration.
Katsina
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina command,
said on Wednesday that it had generated over N4.9 billion in the last 12 months.
Alhaji Gidado Bala, the area controller, who disclosed this at a news conference in Katsina, however said that the command realized N4.5 billion in 2014.
The controller said the command had intercepted goods with Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N134 million within the period.
The items, according to him, include 178 used vehicles, 133 used motorcycles, 4,929 bags of rice, 11,844 Jerry cans of vegetable oil and 1,490 bales of textile materials.
Others are 1,134 cartons of pharmaceutical products, 2,599 cartons of spaghetti and 1,750 bags of mosquito coil.
Jigawa
The Emir of Kazaure in Jigawa State, Alhaji Hussaini Adamu,
recently in Kazaure charged parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children.
Adamu made the call at a civic reception organised by the Kazaure community to honour the Minister of Water Resources, Alhaji Sulaiman Adamu, and 114 other prominent personalities.
He said that it was imperative for parents to enrol their wards in school and support them to pursue higher education.
“It is imperative to invest in education of our children, especially girl child.
“We must instil discipline, good moral virtues and ensure proper education of the young ones to achieve sustainable development,” he said.
Lagos
The Lagos State University (LASU) has directed its staff to
resume the signing of nominal roll before the fifth day of every month to ensure payment of their salaries.
This is contained in the university’s official bulletin made available to newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
According to the bulletin, the directive is meant for both the academic and Non-academic staff.
The bulletin said the members of staff must henceforth resume the signing of the nominal roll in their various faculties, colleges, schools, departments, centres and units from January 2016.
“The university management also reiterates that as it is the practice, failure to submit the nominal roll by the 5th of every month by any faculty, college, school, department, centre or unit will lead to the forfeiture of salary of the concerned staff for that month”.
Nasarawa
The Mada Development Association (MDA) in Nasarawa State
has appealed to the State Government to construct a palace for the first-class traditional ruler of Mada, Mr Samson Gamu-Yare.
Mr Josiah Musa, the Chairman, Care Taker Committee of the association, made the call during the inauguration of MDA’s newly elected officials and launching of its 2016 Almanac in Akwanga.
Our correspondent reports that the Chun-Mada is the paramount traditional ruler of Mada nation in Akwanga local government area of the state.
It was learnt that the traditional ruler has been using his personal residence as palace since his appointment in July 2013 by Gov. Tanko Al-Makura.
Niger
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has congratulated a
former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Idris Kutigi, on his 76th birthday celebration.
In a statement, issued by Malam Jibrin Ndace, the Chief Press Secretary of the Governor, in Minna, Bello described Kutigi as a towering judicial colossus, moral crusader and paragon of virtues.
The governor lauded the exemplary leadership demonstrated by Kutigi as the Chairman of the National Conference in 2014 and described the assignment as a selfless service to Nigeria and humanity.
He said the intellectual capacity and vast experience of Kutigi enhanced the performance and credibility of Nigeria’s judicial system.
Plateau
The Paramount Ruler of Pyem Chiefdom Mr Charles
Mato, in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau, has declared a State of Emergency on education in his domain.
Speaking to newsmen in Gindiri Mato explained that the educational backwardness of the chiefdom informed the decision.
The traditional ruler said the chiefdom had decided to establish a technical school to train her people on various engineering courses.
“I have to declare state of emergency on the education sector in my chiefdom because we discovered that we have to do something drastic and immediate to save the situation.
“We have decided to set up a technical school which will serve as an avenue for our wards to study engineering courses such as mechanical, civil and electrical and also crafts, “ he said.
Sokoto
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isa Local Gov
ernment of Sokoto State has commended the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) for postponing the local government elections until further notice.
Chairman of the Party in the area, Alhaji Awaza, made the commendation in Isa, the headquarters of the council during a rally organised by the party.
“The gesture by the commission is a welcome development as it will enable the commission to organise free, fair, transparent and acceptable polls.
“The action is indeed a right step in the right direction and all the political parties and stakeholders were happy when the commission heeded to our persistent pleas in this direction.
“ We will use these periods of the postponement of the polls to reconcile all aggrieved members due to the recent primary polls’’, he added.
Yobe
Yobe State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA) has organised a circumcision ceremony for boys aged from five years to 10 years at Pompomari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Damaturu.
The Executive Secretary of SEMA, Alhaji Musa Jidawa, said 60 boys were circumcised according to the tradition and custom of the people.
“Circumcision of boys as we all know is the first initiation (rite) of the boy to manhood which is his right and we have just given them this right today,” Musa said.
The secretary said some of the boys lost their parents to Boko Haram attacks on their villages, while others were with their parents in the camp.
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
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
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.