Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Nigeria Police Force is to organise a National Security Summit to tackle issues bordering on national security.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Hyiecent Dagala, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.
Dagala said the summit would bring together all major stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the security challenges facing the country.
The DIG, who is also the coordinator of the police operation in the North-East, said that the summit would look into issues of clashes between farmers and herdsmen and kidnapping, among many others.
Dagala said that his visit to the North-East was on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to meet with officers and men in the sub-region to discuss challenges in their areas of operation.
FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Urhoghide, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
The lawmaker told journalists on Wednesday that the move was evidence that the president was ready to fight corruption irrespective of who was involved.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, who announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, said Buhari also ordered investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against the SGF.
The Senate Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crises in the North-East had, in an interim report, indicted Lawal in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).
Jigawa
A Chinese company, said its proposed sugarcane company in Kaugama local government area of Jigawa State would generate 5,000 indirect jobs to youths in the state.
The representative of the group, Mr Wilkins Lam, said this at a sensitisation workshop in Dutse on Thursday.Lam said that the company would also provide clinic and a vocational school in the area. He added that the facilities, when established, would enhance the livelihood of communities both within and outside the project area.
The representative assured that as a reliable and committed investor, the group would continue to service its obligations as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.
Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, began a special military exercise in Southern Kaduna code-named ”Operation Harbin Kunama II” – Scorpion Sting-, to checkmate farmers/herdsmen and ethno-religious crises in the area.
The three-decade-old crisis mostly occurred in Kaura, Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf local government areas.
The operation, which is also to flush out bandits and cattle rustlers, will be extended to parts of Plateau, Kano and Bauchi states.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on the people of the area to maintain the peace and avoid reprisal attacks.
Buratai said the operation was to ensure security and safety of the people.
Lagos
A housewife, Remilekun Adepegba, who allegedly assaulted and beat her 13-year-old housekeeper to a pulp, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The 35-year-old, who resides at No. 111, Otta Road, Orile-Agege, is facing a charge of assault.
The accused offence was committed on April 4 in her residence at her apartment, according to the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu.
Ogu said the accused beat up her 13-year-old housekeeper, alleging that she failed to do her duties.
“The woman descended on the girl and beat her until she became unconscious. It was one of the neighbours who intervened and rushed her to the hospital.’’
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it lacked adequate manpower and communication gadgets to tackle crime in the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, made this disclosure in Lafia in a welcome address to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Shuaibu Gambo, who was on a two-day working visit to the state.
“The command has a paucity of manpower, the problem is compounded daily by the transfer of men in large numbers out of the command.
“Presently, the command has a staff strength of 4,000 men to police, the population of more than two million residents of Nasarawa; I believe this is grossly inadequate,” he said.
Niger
Eight gunmen last Sunday kidnapped a Trader, Alhaji Nuhu Isa, in Lambata village of Gurara local government area of Niger State.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, last Tuesday.
Ayuba said the gunmen had already used the victim’s cell phone to call his family and demanded N1 million ransom.
He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.
He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive,” the commandant said.
Oyo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has alerted the Oyo State Police Command of moves by some individuals to misuse the law enforcement agents in the manner that could cause the breakdown of law and order.
The Olubadan made the accusation at his palace in Ibadan while receiving the new Deputy Inspector General of Police, South West, DIG Foluso Adebanjo.
Adetunji specifically mentioned the case of Oloode village in Oluyole local government where one Lukman Alao was deposed as Baale and promptly replaced on January 9 with Baale Dauda Odeyemi.
According to the first class monarch, “ Alao has become a law unto himself using mercenaries procured outside Oyo State to molest and arrest law abiding citizens.
“Part of his mode of operation is continuous use of number plate of Baale Oloode long after his removal from office.
Osun
The Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufimihan Adeoye, said citizens have no absolute rights that cannot be violated by the police.
Adeoye, while paying a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Wednesday, however, said that such violation must be within the ambit of the law.
He said that the operations of the police were limitless; hence, he advised the public to always cooperate with police officers on official duties.
“Rights are not absolute free and they can be violated by the police as long as they are done within the ambit and in accordance to the law.
“The police can stop and search any person, but it must be done professionally and in accordance with the law; so, there is no absolute freedom of movement.
“When a policeman stops and searches an individual, such a person should allow the officer, once it is established that the policeman is genuine.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chapter of the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union (AEWUN) has postponed its delegates conference it earlier planned to hold.
A source told newsmen in Sokoto on Thursday, that the postponement of the conference might not be unconnected with the fear of possible breach of the peace.
It was gathered that the executives to run the affairs of the union for the next four years were to be elected on Thursday,if not for the sudden shift in the date.
It was also learnt that the action was taken sequel to the alleged interference of “ external forces and interests”in the exercise.
It was further gathered that tension has been brewing in the union, especially over divided interests on the chairmanship post.
Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, on Thursday urged traditional rulers to promote love and unity while striving to make their domains models in the efforts toward peace and stability.
“We want permanent peace in the state and traditional rulers are key to this quest. You must strive to be models by setting good examples for all to follow,” he said.
Ishaku spoke in Jalingo, at a meeting with traditional rulers from Jalingo and Ardo Kola local government areas.
The governor reminded the traditional rulers of the important roles they were expected to play as custodians of good cultures and warm traditions, and appealed to them to always offer suggestions that would aid the quest for a better Taraba.
He also tasked them to mobilise and sensitise their subjects on policies and programmes of government to gauge their feelings and also ensure massive support.
Nation
THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS
Nation
RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds 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 Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.
Amadi Akujobi
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
-
News2 days ago
Obuah’s Victory Excites Former Lawmaker as APC Primaries Conclude in Rivers West
-
Politics4 days agoAPC PRIMARIES: FUBARA’S WITHDRAWAL, HISTORIC SACRIFICE FOR NATIONAL STABILITY ……. GROUP
-
News4 days agoCourt Sentences Seven To Death Over Murder Of Cleric In Rivers
-
News2 days ago
105 Nigerians Killed In S/Africa In Seven Years
-
Sports4 days agoPH Arsenal Community Set For Streets Procession, Saturday
-
Niger Delta2 days agoRoyal Father Endorses PH Arsenal Community, Pledges To Support
-
Politics4 days agoIPAC Flays INEC Over Election Guidelines Judgement
-
Politics4 days agoNDC To Adopt Electronic Voting For Future Primaries
