Nation
THE STATES
Founder of Daar Communications Plc and AIT, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi (left) and former, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ibrahim Mantu, at the inauguration of PDP Special Committee for the coming National Convention in Abuja on Tuesday.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has completed the
payment of N365 million compensation to 290 farmers whose farmlands it acquired for the construction of an Air Force Base in Bauchi.
Our correspondent recalls that the government had earlier promised to pay the affected farmers in four installments and directed them to vacate the places before the end of April.
Chairman of the compensation committee, Alhaji Abubakar Gabi, while addressing the beneficiaries before the disbursement of the cheques, urged them to be prudent in the management of their entitlements.
Gabi, who is also the state’s Accountant-General, commended the government for fulfilling its promise to pay the farmers.
Benue
The Chairman, Benue State House of Assembly Com
mittee on Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Ngunan Addingi (APC-Buruku), has advised the state’s Ministry of Education to improve on monitoring and supervision of schools and other agencies under its purview.
Addingi gave the advice during the ministry’s budget defence at the assembly complex in Makurdi.
She said that the lack of supervision was responsible for the drop in the standard of education in the state and urged the ministry to buckle up in order to lift the standard of education and bring back its lost glory.
Mr Ianna Jato (PDP-Katsina/Ala) also urged the ministry to ensure that it blocked all revenue leakages for the overall benefit of the state.
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government said it had improved security
in all its hospitals across the state, following the theft of a new born baby at the General Hospital in Dutse, last month.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abba Zakari, disclosed this in Dutse while reacting to the incident, in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Our correspondent reports that a day-old baby was stolen from the mother by an unknown woman, last month, after she went through a Caesarean operation at the General Hospital in Dutse.
Zakari said that the state government had taken necessary measures to boost security in government health institutions, to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in hospitals in the state.
Kaduna
The Federal Universities Pensioners’ Association
(FUPA) has kicked against the stance of Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) directing it to remit its members’ check-off dues to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).
The pensioners’ position is contained in a statement signed by its national president, Dr Ayuba Audu-Kura, and made available to newsmen in Zaria.
It described the move as “illegal, unconstitutional and a violation of the Trade Union Act”.
The statement said that FUPA, as a registered association of pensioners under federal universities, has the right to freedom of association as guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Kano
Kano State Commissioner for Local Government, Alhaji Murtala Sule-Garo, has called on self-help development associations in the state to embark on drainage clearance before the arrival of rainy season.
This is contained in a statement signed by Uba Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer of the ministry which was made available to newsmen in Kano.
The statement said the commissioner made the call at a meeting with the Director, Community Development and Central Working Committee on development associations in the ministry.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has commenced the training of no fewer than 1,500 female teachers to be posted to their individual villages.
The Permanent Secretary, (PS), in the state Ministry of Education, Alhaji Sagir Ibrahim, disclosed this at the inauguration of a one-day meeting for female teachers training scholarship scheme.
He said that the state government was committed to the scheme which would produce female teachers to be posted to their individual villages.
Earlier, the UNICEF’s coordinator of training in the state, Alhaji Ahimed Garba, said that the organisation would provide scholarships for female students to obtain the National Certificate of Education (NCE) certificate.
Garba said each female student from rural area studying under the scheme at Isah Kaita College of Education would be awarded a scholarship worth N50, 000.00 annually to boost their morale.
Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has extolled
the District Head of Illo, Alhaji Muhammad Wankwai, for maintaining peaceful coexistence in his 40 years reign.
Bagudu, represented by Alhaji Muhammad Samaila, a member of the state Assembly, representing Bagudo East, commended the traditional ruler during the celebration of Wankwai’s 40th anniversary recently.
He praised the traditional leader for exemplary conduct, stressing that the institution was relevant in the promotion of democracy, good governance and equity.
He used the occasion to call on traditional, religious and community leaders to be custodians of peace, unity and mutual understanding among the people in the state.
He also enjoined youths in the state to embrace dry season farming with a view of promoting food in the state.
Kwara
The Kwara Commissioner for Information and Com
munications, Mr Mahmud Ajeigbe, says the state government has begun the repositioning of its three media organisations for efficient performance.
Ajeigbe disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He listed the media outfits to include the Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara), the Kwara State Television Authority (KWTV) and the Kwara State Publishing and Printing Corporation (The Herald).
Ajeigbe explained that infrastructural renovations had begun at the Radio Kwara and the State’s Television Authority and is expected to be completed in six weeks.
He said other activities, which would follow soon, were staff recruitment and training.
Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State said his
administration would continue to add value to the quality of education in tertiary institutions owned by the state to make graduates wealth creators.
Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the pledge at the 24th Convocation Ceremony of the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.
He said the government was aware of the challenges hindering the growth of young entrepreneurs, which prompted the establishment of the Employment Trust Fund.
“The fund is to assist graduates and help them generate wealth for themselves, as well as create job opportunities for others.”
Nasarawa
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Ser
vice (NIS), Mr Martin Abeshe, has called for improved funding and modern equipment for the service to enable it secure the nation’s borders.
Abeshe made the call at the opening of the 2016 Comptroller-General of Immigration’s Annual Conference and Stakeholders Interactive Forum.
He said that the service was contending with myriad of challenges which was affecting its operations.
Abeshe noted that more prominent among those challenges were inadequate funding, understaffing and lack of modern gadgets, especially at the borders.
“Like most government agencies, the NIS is grossly underfunded.
Ogun
Following the increasing spate of criminal activities in Ogun, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Abdul Majid Ali, has deployed 30 patrol teams to flashpoints to boost security.
Speaking during an official visit to the Igbeba Police Area Command in Ijebu-Ode, Ali called for more awareness and discipline among the officers.
He urged the deployed teams to be vigilante while discharging their duties as he would not tolerate any act of corruption or incivility to members of the public.
The police boss urged them to brace up for the challenges ahead, adding that they should be seen to be protecting the image of the force always.
Plateau
Mr Stephen Jings, Chairman of Pankshin Local Govern
ment Management Committee in Plateau, said the council had identified 138 boreholes for rehabilitation as part of its efforts to provide potable water to the people.
Jings made the disclosure in Pankshin when the management staff of Plateau Water Board paid him a visit.
“This administration is so concerned about the well being of the people and has decided to provide clean and safe drinking water to them.
“We have, therefore, penciled down 138 boreholes for rehabilitation across the council within this year alone, ’’ he said.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state
The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths
On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people
The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city
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 Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent
Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status
He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities
“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”
On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area
“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”
He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths
“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”
“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”
Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity
There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city
He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional
“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”
Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area
Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives
The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area
“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”
On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water
She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community
On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community
CHINEDU WOSU
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.
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