Nation
THE STATES
A lecturer at the College of Education, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti
State, Mrs Aderonke Ogunleye, has urged teachers to adopt modern methods of teaching, to make more impact on students.
Ogunleye gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
The lecturer said that the landmark achieved by Ekiti State students in the recent National Examination Council (NECO) examinations results showed the resolve of teachers to achieve good results.
She, therefore, called on teachers not to relent in their effort to ensure standard and qualitative teaching, which was necessary for students to excel.
Ogunleye urged teachers to utilise computers, research and the Internet to improve on their skills,, for effective learning by students.
FCT
Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nige
rian Communications Commission (NCC) says Nigeria Broadband Penetration has reached 20.95 per cent.
Danbatta said this in Abuja while presenting the first progress report of the 8 Point Agenda he unveiled to the media in 2015.
According to him, broadband is a flagship of the eight point agenda he unveiled in Kano and Lagos.
“The active mobile broadband penetration released by the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development shows that Nigeria has reached a penetration of 20.95 per cent.
“On the percentage of internet penetration, the country has reached a milestone of 47.44 per cent, second to South Africa in the continent,” he said.
Kaduna
Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the organised
labour have rejected the suggestion for the sale of Nigeria’s strategic assets as a way of reviving the economy.
The groups said in Kaduna that rather than sell the assets, ”allowances of public officers and government overhead cost should be reduced to cushion the harsh effect of recession.”
The ACF and the National Union of Garment, Textiles and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, said in separate statements that Nigeria was not for sale.
They said that selling national assets, such as airports, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) and refineries was like selling Nigeria.
The ACF National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, said that the previous sale of national assets had not helped the country economically.
Kano
The Kano State police command has arrested three
housewives in connection with the alleged attempted murder of a girl.
The command’s spokesman, DSP Magaji Majiya, confirmed the development to newsmen in Kano.
He said that the girl was thrown into an old well in Gayawa village, Ungoggo Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the girl had spent two days inside the well, where she was allegedly thrown into by her step mother, a week ago.
The girl was subsequently rescued alive by men of the state Fire Service.
Majiya said that the suspects were apprehended in the village on Sunday following complaint by the father of the girl.
Kogi
Persons Sresiding along the banks of Rivers Niger and
Benue in Lokoja are now gripped with fear of flooding as the water level in both rivers rose to 9.2 centimetres.
A statement issued in Lokoja by Kogi State Ministry of Environment, confirmed that the water level in both rivers was close to the 9.9 centimetres which led to the 2012 flooding.
“With this development, flooding is very likely in some communities along rivers Niger and Benue and their tributaries,” the statement, signed by Ms Dorathy Onoja, Public Relations Officer of the ministry said.
It advised residents living along river plains to immediately relocate to higher grounds for safety of their lives and property.
Kwara
Pastor Samuel Ojo of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC),
Great Commission District headquarters, Osere, Ilorin, Kwara State has urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders rather than raining curses on them.
Ojo, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, said that leaders needed the people’s support in delivering good governance.
He stressed that insults would not solve the problem bedevilling the country.
“Our leaders need people’s support through prayers and not curses, Nigerians are fond of raining curses on their leaders rather than praying for them.
“We need to say positive things and declare positive prayers for our Jerusalem (Nigeria), instead of speaking negative things against our dear nation,” he said.
Lagos
An expert on culture, Mr Adeyeye Abraham, has de
cried the rate at which western influence had eroded African culture and tradition.
Abraham, who spoke in an interview with newsmen in Lagos described the development as “disheartening”.
“The country will be more developed if Nigerians can value and uphold their culture effectively.
“It is uncalled for Nigerians to imbibe foreign culture to the detriment of our local culture and practices.
“Nigeria has amazing and historical culture that can attract foreigners,” he said.
Nasarawa
The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme
(WAAPP), has distributed 36 million improved fingerlings to farmers across the country in the last three years?.
The Acting National Project Coordinator, WAAPP, Mr James Apochi, made this known when he visited the Chairman of Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Adamu Abdullahi in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Apochi said the WAAPP improved fingerling can grow to size of a table in 16 weeks
He said the programme had also developed brood stock that produces eggs all-year round and have been equally distributed to farmers across the country.
Niger
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) has advised farmers to embrace irrigation instead of the raining season farming to reduce destruction of farmlands by flood in Niger.
The NEMA Coordinator in Niger, Mr Lugard Slaku, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
It would be recalled that farmlands in 24 communities were destroyed by flood in Mokwa Local Government Areas of the state on September 19.
Slaku said that the federal and state Ministries of Agriculture should collaborate to encourage irrigation farming and liaise with experts to educate farmers on crops that could be cultivated before the raining season.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun says his adminis
tration will continue to adopt new approaches to meet the yearning and aspirations of the people.
Aregbesola made the commitment in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Semiu Okanlawon in Osogbo.
The governor said the administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes that would enhance people’s welfare and good governance in the state.
“I have reasons to tell the people of the state and others who care to listen at the inception of my administration that I will run an unusual government.
“We knew that for us to deliver on governance which we promised our people, we must be ready to break the rules.
“We consciously designed our programmes and policies to be different from the norms.
Yobe
Increasing population of Queala birds in Nguru, Ngeji
and Ngalda wetlands is threatening bumper harvests in five local government areas of Yobe, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mustapha Gajirima, has said.
Gajirima told newsmen in Damaturu that the birds were threatening rice and millet plantations in Nguru, Jakusko, Bade, Karasuwa and Fika Local Government Areas.
According to him, the state government lacks the capacity to undertake aerial spray to destroy the birds.
“Yobe state is appealing to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for early aerial spray before the swarm strike on the farmlands.”
Zamfara
Farmers in Zamfara have called on the state
government to quickly commence the aerial spray against quayle birds in order to protect farm produce.
The Chairman of the state’s Farmers Association, Alhaji Hassan Kwazo, made the appeal when he spoke with newsmen in Gusau.
He said that the call had become necessary in view of the appearance of the destructive birds in some parts of the state.
He said the birds usually came toward the end of the rainy season when plants were maturing for harvest.
According to him, the birds migrate annually from parts of Niger Republic and come into the country through Sokoto and Zamfara which shares borders with Niger Republic.
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.