Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Police Command says it has arrested over 150 suspected thugs popularly called Sara Suka within seven days.
According to a statement signed on Monday by the State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Garba Umar, the arrest followed renewed strategies perfected by the command.
Umar said that the suspects were arrested at various black spots within the Bauchi metropolis.
He said that knives, machetes Shisha pots, packets of Tramadol tablets and other assorted drugs, suspected to be hard drugs were recovered from the suspects.
According to him, other items recovered include, seven packet of vulcanising solutions, 34 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and six motorcycles suspected to be stolen.
Umar noted that some self-centered politicians in the state had perfected plans to disrupt the prevailing relative peace in the state their selfish interests.
Benue
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue has commended the Nigerian Military for effectively tackling insurgency in the North-East.
Ortom made the commendation in Makurdi on Tuesday when the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal, Sadique Abubakar, visited him.
He said that posterity would not forget the military personnel who paid the supreme price for the country.
Ortom commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving topmost priority to security in his administration.
He urged all security agencies in the country to work together for the overall benefit of the society.
The governor urged the people of the state to always provide intelligence reports to the security agencies to assist them to fight crime.
Borno
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said last Tuesday that it was working towards re-opening of its Orientation Camp in Maiduguri following return of relative peace to the State.
Director- General of NYSC, Brig:-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, gave the hint while speaking with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Kazaure said NYSC was eager to re-open the camp following the return of peace to the state ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency.
“There is relative peace now in the state, so we will like to come back as soon as possible. Remember, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are still occupying the Orientation Camp”, he said.
Kazaure said the camp would be re-opened once the IDPs were evacuated from it.
” It is only in Borno that our corps members have yet to have their orientation camp in place.
FCT
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has decried the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl by a traditional ruler in Katsina State.
The commission also described as worrisome the reported defilement of a seven-month-old baby by her 55-year-old stepfather in Musawa Local Government Area of the state.
The acting Executive Secretary of the commission, Mrs Oti Ovrawah, made the assertion in a statement signed by the commission’s Chief Press Officer, Fatimah Mohammad, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ovrawah called on the Katsina State Government to ensure that the traditional ruler and the step-father were investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law to serve as deterrent to other Nigerians.
She called on the Police, judiciary and other stakeholders to be more diligent in ensuring that all reported cases of rape were thoroughly investigated.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Jigawa says it has arrested 27 suspects, including six nationals of Niger Republic, for allegedly burning down its office in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state.
The corps’ spokesman, Mr Adamu Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest to newsmen in Dutse last Tuesday.
Some suspected hoodlums had on March 30 allegedly razed down the NSCDC’s office in Maigatari town.
“As I told you the other time, we had identified those suspected to have participated in burning down our office in Maigatari.
“So, yesterday in the night, we sent our men to the area and were able to arrest 27 suspects”, he said.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Tuesday said it had evacuated no fewer than 139 destitutes from Kaduna metropolis between March 17 and April 3.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Orndiir Terzungwe, told newsmen in Kaduna that the age of the destitutes ranged from Six to 17 years.
Terzungwe said that the destitutes were initially kept at the State Rehabilitation Centre in Makera, Kaduna South Local Government Area, but were finally taken to Makarfi.
“Those who are from the state have been moved to Makarfi rehabilitation camp in Makarfi Local Government Area, where they will be properly rehabilitated.
“After rehabilitation those from the State will be taken to their local government areas of origin.
Kano
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr Rabiu Yusuf, has warned officers and men against demanding for money or any form of favour before granting bail to the suspects.
Yusuf also cautioned them against illegal investigation of cases, unlawful detention of suspects and prolonged detention, saying that they should respect human rights in the course of all investigations.
The police chief spoke at a lecture/ parade with officers and men working at State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Divisional Crime Officers and Investigation Police Officers (IPOs) in the state.
Yusuf, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Magaji Majiya, said that the era of bribery and corruption was over in the police circle.
Katsina
The Police Command in Katsina State has warned against acts that could portray its officers and men in bad light.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Usman, gave the warning while addressing police officers and men at Mai’adua on Tuesday.
Usman said he would sanction any officer found to have indulged in behaviours that could damage the reputation of the police.
He, however, assured them that their welfare would be taken care of ” to motivate you for effective performance”.
He urged the Mai’adua Local Government to report activities of criminals in the area to police for prompt action.
The commissioner lauded the Federal Government over the recent recruitment of 10,000 policemen which he said would enhance effective policing.
Kogi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) last Tuesday said its decision on the November 21, 2015 governorship election in Kogi was not influenced by any external force.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this while responding to issues at a stakeholders’ conference organised by the commission to validate its 2017-2021 Strategic Plan in Abuja.
Yakubu said that it was untrue that INEC’s decision to allow a particular political party to contest the election without a running mate for its candidate was at the instance of Attorney-General of the Federation.
He said that the election held on a Saturday had already been declared inconclusive before the All Progressive Congress (APC) candidate, Chief Abubakar Audu, died on Sunday.
Lagos
The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) has called for removal of the inscription “Bail is Free” from police stations and law courts, saying that it is misleading.
In a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, the state Chairman of CLO, Mr Ehi Omokhuale, said that bail had not been free, and that the public should be properly informed.
“The CLO upholds that the “Bail is Free” inscription in our police stations and law courts is not only an institutionalised fraud against the citizenry, but a practice that makes our human rights stance a laughing stock in the eyes of the civilised world.
“We demand, therefore, that bail fees charged by the police and our law courts for the different offences should be published and the “Bail is Free” inscription replaced with “Bail Fees” Omokhuale said.
He also called on the state police command, local governments in the state and Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) to curb extortion among their men and agents.
Niger
The Child Right Protection Agency in Niger last Tuesday received a 9-year-old boy found sleeping on the street in Minna from a good Samaritan, Malam Umar Tanko.
Tanko, who presented the boy to the Agency said the boy was found along Bosso Road, Bosso Local Government Area in Niger.
Tanko said the boy, found with bruises on his body, identified himself as Bayo from Ogun.
He said Bayo, who speaks only Yoruba, was seen sleeping in front of a shop near his house on March 29.
“When I asked what he was doing outside at night, he responded in Yoruba. I don’t understand the language, so, I called my younger brother who interpreted what the boy was saying.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government is to amend the law establishing Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu- Ijebu.
Chairman, Ogun State House Committee on Education, Mr Victor Fasanya, said this during oversight visit to the institution on Tuesday.
He explained that the aim was to address the issue of two state institutions named after the late social crusader, Tai Solarin.
He added that the amendment was to effect adjustment in the institution’s name in fulfilment of the recommendations of the National Council of Colleges of Education accreditation team.
According to him, this is to ensure full accreditation of all programmes run by the institution.
The lawmaker commended the management of the institution for upgrading its facilities which had aided teaching and learning as well as adding beauty to the college.
Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State last Tuesday day approved the appointment of Alhaji Chika Sanyinna as the new General Manager of the State Transport Company (SSTA).
The governor also approved the appointment of six new Director-Generals including the immediate past General Manager of the transport company, Alhaji Ladan Balarabe.
According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam in Sokoto, the governor urged Sanyinna to reposition the company and make it a model.
He also urged him to justify his appointment by adopting innovative measures that would enhance the growth and development of transport sector in the state.
Nation
RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Hold Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
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 the late Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Nation
Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries
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
Nation
First Rivers Female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education Delivers UNIPORT’s 211th Inaugural Lecture
The first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education from University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State, Prof. Faith Ken-Aminikpo, has delivered the institution’s 211th inaugural lecture to widespread acclaim, highlighting the critical role of theatre in modern education.
The inaugural lecture, titled “Playing and Learning: The Siamese Twins,” was delivered on April 30, 2026, at the university campus in Port Harcourt before an audience comprising academics, traditional rulers, students, and members of the public.
The event attracted applause and commendations for the lecture’s intellectual depth, engaging delivery, and practical relevance to contemporary education.
In her presentation, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo challenged the misconception that Theatre Arts is merely entertainment or academically inferior to other disciplines. She stressed that theatre remains a powerful pedagogical tool capable of improving learning outcomes across diverse fields, including science, medicine, and technology.
According to her, theatre promotes creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, describing it as a holistic educational experience beyond acting and performance.
“Theatre is life itself. Every rehearsal is a learning process. Through theatre, we develop creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. It is not just about dancing or acting. It is a comprehensive educational experience,” she stated.
The professor, who is also the first PhD holder in the Department of Theatre Arts in Education at the university, described playing and learning as inseparable concepts that must coexist to achieve meaningful education.
She maintained that imaginative and participatory teaching methods significantly enhance students’ engagement, understanding, and retention.
Drawing from her personal teaching experience, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo recounted how she deployed visual aids and creative techniques to teach poetry during her early teaching career, leading to improved student performance.
She also cited the use of models and demonstrations by science teachers to simplify complex concepts as further evidence of the effectiveness of experiential learning methods.
As part of her recommendations, the theatre scholar proposed the establishment of a Centre for Theatre Arts in Education in universities to drive curriculum development, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and community engagement.
She further advocated the creation of a World Theatre-Inspired Children’s Learning Park, which she said would promote youth development, provide practical training opportunities, and generate revenue for institutions.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended the inaugural lecturer for what he described as an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant contribution to knowledge.
Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. J. E. Esmonde, described Prof. Ken-Aminikpo as an accomplished scholar whose work has significantly advanced theatre education in Nigeria and beyond.
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