Nation
THE STATES
Borno
A humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) last Sunday, said it had deployed more than 1, 700 personnel to Borno State to provide emergency support services to communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency.
The organisation also known as ‘MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES’, said it was providing intervention in the areas of health care delivery, food and nutrition support as well as water and sanitation services.
The MSF’s Head of Mission, Mr Moctar Abassi, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the personnel included 1, 600 Nigerians and 130 expatriates.
Abassi said that the organisation had extended its outreach to 11 locations, to enable it render support to the displaced persons and vulnerable persons in the state.
He listed the benefitting areas to include Maiduguri, Pulka, Gwoza, Monguno, Damasak, Benisheik, Dikwa, Banki, Ngala, Rann and Bama.
FCT
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, has approved the appointment of Prof. Bisala Ekele, as the substantive Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH).
The Assistant Director of Information in the hospital, Mr Frank Omagon, made this known in a statement last Sunday, in Abuja.
It said that the letter signed by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, indicated that the appointment was for a four-year term with effect from June 1, 2017.
The acting president, in the statement, called on the new CMD to be conscious of the enormous responsibilities of the office.
“You must be conscious of the yearnings of our people for an effective and responsive healthcare delivery system,” it quoted the acting president as saying.
Gombe
The management of the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Gombe State, has declared a ‘no work, no pay’ policy following the indefinite strike embarked by lecturers of the institution.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director, Establishment and Council Affairs Ibrahim Shehu, last Sunday, in Gombe.
Reports have it that the lecturers embarked on an indefinite strike on July 11 demanding the payment of the backlog of allowances owed them by the college authority.
Shehu described the action by lecturers under the College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) as uncalled for.
He added that the management of the institution has no option but to apply the policy in line with directives by the federal government.
Kano
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, last Saturday, observed that Fulfulde language and culture in Nigeria were slowly ‘dying,’ warning that it was a question of time before they became ‘extinct’.
Ganduje made the observation in Yola during formal inauguration of Board of Trustees and Directors of newly established Yola-based Pulaku Radio FM station.
“Fulfulde is becoming a dying language in Nigeria, especially among the elites; Fulanis themselves should wake up and promote their language.
“Many elites who are Fulani by origin will tell you, sometimes with some element of pride, that their father or grandfather was Fulani but they (elites) cannot speak the language,” Ganduje lamented.
Kwara
One of Landmark University’s best graduating-students in the 2016/2017 academic session, Oladiran Ezekiel, has attributed his feat to the inspiration he garnered from his father, a chartered accountant.
Ezekiel said this last Sunday, during the post-convocation thanksgiving service held within the university in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, where it is located
Our correspondent reports that Ezekiel was among the 468 students that graduated during the institution’s 4th Convocation held last Friday.
Sixty-six students, that included Ezekiel, graduated with First Class Honours in various courses of studies.
Ezekiel, apart from bagging a First Class Honours in Accounting, is also a certified Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN) as well as being a member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) upon his graduation.
Lagos
The Managing Director of the Jos-based Nigeria Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, says Nigerian movies are among the best internationally in terms of contents, settings and acceptability.
Maduekwe told newsmen in Lagos that many movie-producers and marketers were smiling to their banks because of impressive turnover from the sales of their videos based on quality and public acceptability.
“There is no doubt that today Nigerian movie-producers are improving in the qualities of their home videos.
“Take for example the “Wedding Party’’ or “1976’; these are blog busters that are raking-in hundreds of millions of naira for their producers, because they have better production qualities,.
Niger
Five students are to enjoy full scholarship to study Medicine at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, courtesy of a Niger State lawmaker, Mr Danlami Bako.
Bako, representing Rafi Constituency in the State House of Assembly, told newsmen last Saturday, that the sponsorship was part of efforts to support the educational pursuits of youths.
“The sponsorship is my own little way of encouraging the educational development of our teeming youths in Rafi.
“The importance of education in one’s life cannot be over-emphasised and that is why I support people who are willing to embrace it,’’ he said.
Bako disclosed that he had paid the WAEC, NECO and JAMB fees of 22 students drawn from the 11 wards in his constituency.
Osun
Outraged by the abduction and killing of a Permanent Secretary in Osun State, Mrs Kemi Kolawole, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, has called on the Federal authorities to provide adequate security on the nation’s highways particularly the Okene-Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.
He spoke against the backdrop of the killing of Kolawole and her driver, on Okene-Abuja highway by some suspected kidnappers.
“It is painful and shocking,” the speaker said in a statement last Saturday, in Osogbo, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Goke Butika.
Salaam decried the spate of killings and insecurity particularly on Okene-Abuja road and urged Kogi and the Federal Government to take urgent steps to find the killers of the permanent secretary and her driver.
Oyo
Property owners occupying government lands at Fasade and parts of Egbeda town in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State, have appealed to the state government not to demolish their houses.
The spokesman of the affected landlords, Mr Michael Adeniyi, made the appeal last Saturday, because of the ongoing demolition of unapproved structures built on government lands at Ajoda new town.
According to Adeniyi, appeal remains the only option for the landlords, having realised that the lands actually belong to the government.
“We have resolved to make this passionate appeal to the state government to leave out our community out of the several hectares acquired.
Plateau
The Plateau State Police Command says it has apprehended a 25 year-old man for allegedly posing as ‘female sex worker’ in Jos.
The command’s spokesman, ASP Terna Tyopev, told journalists, last Saturday, in Jos, that the suspect, identified as Michael Atseng, was arrested on July 13 at Gwom Guest House, Hwolshe, at about 9:30pm.
“The hotel management alerted us that someone is lodging in their hotel who poses as a woman but with physical features of a man.
“We mobilised our men and at exactly 9:30 pm, he was accosted and had been in our custody, “ Tyopev said.
Tyopev, who described the suspect as a “habitual homosexual’ said in 2016, he was arrested by soldiers but returned to his normal business after he was released.
Sokoto
The Kebbi State Governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu, last Sunday, visited Wamakko, the home of Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North),to condole him over the death of his younger brother, Rep.Abdullahi Muhammad(APC-Kware/Wamakko).
Bagudu, according to our correspondent, was accompanied on the visit by his Sokoto State counterpart, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal.
Bagudu described the death of the late lawmaker as a great loss not only to his family and Sokoto State, but also to the country in general.
He prayed God to repose the soul of the deceased and grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Responding, Wamakko commended Bagudu for the gesture and described Muhammad’s death as a collective loss.
Taraba
A member representing Ussa Constituency in the Taraba State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Anderifun, has awarded scholarship to 200 students from his constituency studying in various tertiary institutions across the country.
Presenting the scholarship last Sunday, in Jalingo, Anderifun said he was moved to reach out to the students given his personal experience during his school days.
According to him, the scholarship is to encourage them to work hard so as to become patriotic future leaders of the country.
“I want to encourage you to work hard, even in the face of economic hardships and insecurity facing the nation.
“Education remains the bedrock of any societal development and it is my belief that you all will succeed in your endeavours.
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The Amaewhule family of mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has cautioned members of the public against entering into any land transaction involving a disputed property known as “Ada Oro Fam Land,” located behind the OPM Church along Airport Road.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi