Nation
THE STATES
Borno
A 16-year-old Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Maiduguri, Miss Maryam Muhammad has called for upward review of the quantity of foodstuffs provided to IDPs by the government.
Maryam told newsmen at the IDPs camp in Maiduguri that she could hardly feed herself in the camp, as the food ration was not enough.
She said that the food ration given to them was not enough to meet the needs of members of her household.
“My parents were killed when the insurgents sacked my village in Monguno Local Government Area.
“There are six children in the family; two boys and four girls. Presently, we are taking shelter in the camp.
“The food ration given to us is too small to meet our needs. The food is expected to last for 30 days, but it only serves us for about 20 days,” she said.
FCT
The establishment of Police Public Relations School will strengthen the capacity and capabilities of spokespersons of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris has said.
Idris made the statement in Abuja at the commencement of five-day training for spokespersons of state and zonal commands and the inauguration of the Police Public Relations School.
He said that when fully operational, the school was expected to train officers in the 12 zonal commands, 36 states commands, among others.
The I-G said that the force was making efforts to change public perception of the police by striving to do away with unethical behaviours.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board says it has completed the transportation of the intending pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the board Alhaji Ibrahim Hashimmade the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
He said the last batch of 390 intending pilgrims departed the Dutse International Airport last Tuesday at 12.31 a.m. through Max Air Ltd.
Hashim said with the last transportation, the Airline had transported a total of 1,481 pilgrims from the state to Saudi Arabia in an exercise that began on August 18.
Meanwhile, Governor Muhammad Badaru of the State who bade the intending pilgrims farewell, urged them to shun any act that would contravene the laws of Saudi Arabia, throughout the exercise.
Kaduna
No fewer than 6,205 pilgrims from Kaduna State have been transported to Saudi Arabia for the 2017 Hajj, the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has said.
The board’s spokesman, Yunusa Abdullahi told newsmen last Tuesday in Kaduna that the pilgrims were transported in 17 flights.
He said that 4,349 males and 1,856 females were transported by the two airlines engaged by the board.
Medview Airline, he said, had so far transported 3, 996 pilgrims in 13 flights, leaving the company with 545 more intending pilgrims to complete the exercise.
Abdullahi also said that Max Air had completed the transportation of all the 2,209 passengers allotted to the company.
Kwara
The wife of the Governor of Kwara State, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed last Tuesday said youths, as change agents must strive to acquire the necessary skills that would prepare them as future leaders.
The governor’s wife made the call in Ilorin at the opening of the annual youth camp of the South West Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN).
Ahmed, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Ayinke Saka said youths should never allow themselves to be used as agents of destruction.
The governor’s wife, who commended the organisers of the programme, noted that the forum would serve as platform for moulding and reshaping the minds of youths.
Lagos
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said last Tuesday that lack of scientific Audience Measurement System was responsible for the underdevelopment of the nation’s broadcasting sector.
The minister stated this in Lagos at the third International Summit on Digital Broadcasting in Nigeria organised by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON).
He noted that audience measurement system was key to fostering growth of the broadcasting industry and making Digital Switch Over (DSO) sustainable for all stakeholders.
“We need an objective and scientific audience measurement system that articulates value of the content to consumers, as well as value of the audience to advertisers, particularly in the television sector”, he said.
Niger
The Nigeria Police Force said it had arrested 26 suspects for kidnapping, armed robbery, rape and unlawful possession of prohibited fire arms in Lambata area of Niger State.
The force spokesman, CSP Jimoh Moshood disclosed this while addressing journalists in Abuja last Tuesday on the arrest.
He named the suspects as Isa Umar, Nuhu Yahaya, Sanda Saleh, Ali Ali, Okechukwu Atama, Mohammed Aliyu, Haruna Adamu, Adamu Bello, Abubakar Iliyasu, Safiyu Mohammed, among others.
Moshood said that the suspects who operated at different areas were arrested between August 8 and 22 in Niger.
He said that items recovered from them include: Four Ak 47 rifles, cutlasses, cell phones, wrist watches, military camouflage and personal effects of their victims.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government has appealed to the National Boundary Commission (NBC) to end the boundary dispute between Ondo and Ogun States.
The state Deputy Governor, Mr Agboola Ajayi made the appeal last Tuesday in Akure when the NBC officials who were in the state for ethnographic study on boundary crisis between the two sister states, paid him a courtesy visit.
Ajayi appealed to the officials to do justice to the study while he assured them of adequate security, among other logistics for the smooth conduct of the week-long exercise.
The NBC officials were in the state to conduct ethnographic studies on the four local governments involved in the boundary crisis in Ondo State.
The affected councils are Ondo West, Odigbo, Okitipupa and llaje Local Government Areas.
Ajayi, who assured the officials that the state government was ready for a peaceful conduct of the exercise noted that Ondo State is the most peaceful state among the Niger-Delta states .
Oyo
An Oyo State High Court last Tuesday granted bail to an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat and four others accused of the murder of a teenager.
Justice M.I. Sule granted each defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
Sule said one of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 while the other must be a business man.
The case was first heard at an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court on August 1.
It was, however, transferred to the high court as the magistrates’ court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. .
Hamzat , 37; Idowu Ibrahim , 27; Mohammed Bashir, 31; Taiwo Olaronke ,23; and Yusuf Toheeb Ajisafe, 23, were all arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
The Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Fatola, told the court that the defendants conspired among themselves to commit murder.
Plateau
A former Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Chief Sumaila Makama has urged journalists to promote peace and unity in the country through proper reportage.
Makama gave the advice at the inauguration of the new executive of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Plateau State.
According to him, the press as the fourth estate of the realm has much to do in setting an agenda that would promote the growth and development of Nigeria.
“As the fourth estate of the realm, I have no doubt that you have all it takes to unite this country through your reportage.
“You can set an agenda that will promote peace and unity in this country.
“You can use your pen to defend individual freedom and liberty because the pen is mightier than the sword”, Makama said.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government has not paid gratuities to its retirees or death benefits to survivors of its late workers in the last 10 years, according to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
Chairman of the state chapter of the NLC, Mr Bashir Marafa told newsmen in Gusau last Tuesday that the state currently owes the retirees N4 billion following its failure to meet the obligations since 2008.
Reports says that the NLC, last Monday, gave the state government a 21-day ultimatum to meet the workers’ demand or risk “an indefinite total strike”.
Marafa wondered why the state government did not deploy the bailout funds and Paris Club refunds to settle the liabilities as directed by the Federal Government.
“Our conclusion is that the monies were either diverted or mismanaged because workers’ annual and promotion increments have not been effected, while pensioners and retirees benefits have remained unsettled” he said.
Nation
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
Nation
NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
Nation
Nile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication
The Nile University of Nigeria has successfully hosted the maiden National Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter, drawing scholars, policymakers, and media professionals to examine emerging global communication trends and Africa’s positioning within them.
The two-day conference, themed, “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” took place from March 24 to 25, 2026, at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja. The event marked the first national gathering of the ICA Nigeria Chapter since its inauguration in March 2023, making it a historic milestone for communication scholarship on the continent.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Jacob Suemo, described the conference as a “clarion call to reimagine Africa’s place in the global communication landscape,” emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
The conference convened leading international scholars, including ICA President, Prof Thomas Hanitzsch and REACH Committee Chair, Prof Noshir Contractor, alongside other notable academics such as Prof Srivi Ramasubramanian, Dominique Brossard, and Prof. Raka Shome. Representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya also participated, reinforcing the global outlook of the gathering.
Participants engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations addressing critical themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change communication, media systems, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions reflected the broader aim of the conference to interrogate how global communication shifts affect African societies, institutions, and development pathways.
A key highlight of the conference was a strategic panel session titled, “Is Africa Ready for ICA26?” which assessed the continent’s readiness for deeper global engagement ahead of the ICA International Conference scheduled for June 2026.
The event featured over 50 research presentations from scholars across Nigerian institutions, showcasing diverse perspectives on communication research and practice. It also attracted major stakeholders in government and media, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Press Council. Discussions underscored the importance of strategic communication in national development and Africa-driven narratives in global discourse.
A major outcome of the conference was the leadership transition within the ICA Nigeria Chapter. Professor Desmond Okocha emerged as the new Chair, succeeding the founding Chair, Dr. Ekaete George. The transition was described as a step toward consolidating the association’s growth and expanding its influence across Nigeria’s academic and media landscape.
Organised in collaboration with academic institutions including Bingham University, University of Cross River State, Nasarawa State University, and the University of Calabar, the conference also featured participation from the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) as a partner and sponsor.
The ICA Nigeria Chapter noted that the conference provided a vital platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and policy dialogue, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global communication research and practice.
The second edition of the ICA Nigeria National Conference is scheduled for March 2027, building on the success of the inaugural event.
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