Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The wife of Bauchi South Senator, Hajiya Hadiza Wakili,
has distributed fertiliser and agro-chemical worth thousands of naira to 100 women groups in Bauchi Southern Senatorial District.
Hadiza said the gesture was a demonstration that the weak and vulnerable groups in the society were dear to her heart and her husband.
She noted that the farm inputs would assist host communities, who were playing host to victims of insurgency in the North-East of the country.
Hadiza further noted that the insurgency had destabilised and crippled both agricultural and other economic activities of the affected people.
She said that the gesture was aimed at helping women, who had assisted her husband during his electioneering, to engage in farming towards boosting food security.
Benue
A Makurdi Upper Area Court has dissolved the eight-
year-old marriage between Nelson Ebiem and Nneka over irreconcilable differences and unholy behaviour.
Nneka had dragged her husband to court over alleged cruelty, unholy behaviour, threat to life and refund of bride price.
The presiding officer, Ibrahim Mohammed, in his judgment, said that both parties agreed to dissolve the marriage.
“The petitioner sought divorce on the grounds of cruelty, threat to life and refund of bride price.
“Any custom that seeks to remove divorce and refund of bride price from the court is an aberration.
“That custom is an affront to the court created by the constitution and other enabling laws of this country.
“Such custom should not be allowed to exist in this 21st century”, the judge said.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has presented additional foodstuff to the Borno State Government for the feeding of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Maiduguri and its environs.
NEMA North-East Coordinator, Malam Muhammad Kanar, presented the items to officials of the state government in Maiduguri.
Kanar said that the donation was in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NEMA and the state government on the feeding of the IDPs.
He said that the gesture followed a request by the state government for additional supply to take care of increasing food needs at the IDPs camps.
Kanar said that the presentation was in addition to 8,000 bags of rice handed over to the state government a fortnight ago for the monthly feeding of the IDPs.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Government has commenced the planting of
750 trees as part of measures aimed at protecting public buildings at the State Secretariat against windstorms.
The State Head of Service, Dr Olugbenga Faseluka, said that 128,000 seedlings of teak and Gmelina had been raised for free distribution to public institutions.
Faseluka stated this at the launching of the tree planting programme, within the state Public Service at the state Secretariat headquarters, Ado-Ekiti.
He said the distribution of the seedling followed the launch of the State Forest Regeneration Programme by Gov. Ayo Fayose two weeks ago.
FCT
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),
has assured of the safety of lives and properties of pilgrims to the 2016 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of NAHCON told newsmen in Abuja that the commission had taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of all the intending pilgrims.
Mohammed said that the Saudi Authorities had assured the commission that there would be no re-occurrence of the incidents that led to the death of pilgrims in 2015.
Our correspondent reports that no fewer than six Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives in the tragic crane incident that occurred at the Grand Mosque in Ka’abah, Mecca, Saudi Arabia on September 11, 2015.
Similarly, 274 Nigerian pilgrims died during a stampede in Muna, the venue of the symbolic stoning of the devil.
Gombe
About 800 repentant Boko Haram members will soon
arrive Gombe for rehabilitation, Brig.-Gen. Bamidele Shaffa, Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor for Repentant Boko Haram, has said.
He was speaking in Gombe during an interactive session with newsmen.
Shaffa said that all the necessary arrangements had been put in place to commence operation at the rehabilitation camp.
According to him, the repentant militants would undergo a de-radicalisation process in the camp, which would prepare them to go back to their various communities.
Shaffa said that about 14 Federal Government agencies including the security personnel would work in the camp.
Kano
The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nige
ria (NARD) has directed its members in hospitals that had not received full salaries by end of July, to take necessary actions including total withdrawal of services to ensure compliance.
The President of the association, Dr Muhammad Askira, gave the directive while briefing newsmen in Kano recently.
He said the decision to give the directive was taken at the National Executive Council meeting of the association held between July 25 and July 30, in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
“Many Federal Tertiary hospitals are yet to pay full salaries for doctors despite the directive and agreement that such should commence latest by end of July”, he said.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has distributed 720 high breed of goats worth N104 million for distribution to women under its Women Empowerment Scheme.
Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Empowerment, disclosed this in Katsina at the launching of the programme.
He said that each of 240 women selected across the 34 local governments would be given two female goats and one male goat.
The official said that the animals, which were purchased in Niger Republic, were of highly reproductive and good for breeding.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has promised to collabo
rate with Niger and Benin Republics to promote agricultural, economic, cultural and political relationship.
Governor Atiku Bagudu made the pledge in Birnin Kebbi when he received a delegation of farmers, traders and livestock breeders from Dosso State in Niger republic.
The delegation, led by Isah Ibrahim, was in the state to explore areas of collaboration in agriculture, especially poultry and livestock and rice farming.
He said he would spearhead the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state and the neighbouring countries.
Nasarawa
Residents of Mararaba, Nasarawa State, have expressed
worry over refuse dump site on Abuja/Keffi express way and called on Nasarawa State Government to evacuate the heap threatening public health.
They made the call in separate interviews with our correspondent in Mararaba.
A petty trader, Malam Ahmed Waziri, said the heap of refuse had been in the area for over a month threatening public health and needed to be evacuated on time.
According to the trader, the refuse is overdue for evacuation and any further delay can pose a serious threat to the health of the people, especially to those living in the area.
Another trader, in the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the refuse might block the road, if quick intervention by the government of Nasarawa State did not come on time.
Niger
The Niger State newly appointed Chief Judge(CJ), Jus
tice Maria Dzukogi, says about N50 million has been spent to refurbish various courts across the state.
Dzukogi said this shortly after the State House of Assembly confirmed her appointment as the new Chief Judge of the state.
Dzukogi replaced the former CJ, Justice Fati Abubakar, wife of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military head of state, and an in-law of Gov. Sani Bello of Niger.
Dzukogi said that seven courts had been renovated since the inception of the present administration, adding that the plan was to give all the courts a face lift.
“So far seven courts in Minna, Suleja and Agaie have been given a new facelift and the idea is to extend the renovation to all the courts in the state.
“We expect the continuation of the rehabilitation of our decayed infrastructure, especially, court buildings across the state,” she said.
Osun
The Osun State Government has announced that butch
ers in the state would henceforth pay N700 as levy for every cow slaughtered for sale in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the announcement followed a decision reached at a meeting between the state government and Osun Cattle Butchers Association in Osogbo.
Mr Wale Adedoyin, a consultant to the state government, who represented it at the meeting, told newsmen that the levy was introduced to boost internally-generated revenue of the state.
According to him, parties at the meeting agreed that henceforth the establishment of a new slaughter slab will attract payment of N50, 000.
Adedoyin, a former Commissioner for Agriculture and food security in the state, added that registration of each member of the butchers association would attract N2,500 while annual renewal of registration would cost N1,000.
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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