Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
A Yola High Court last Wednesday restrained Mr Jerry Judah from parading himself as the Adamawa State Chairman of the newly registered Advanced People Democratic Alliance (APDA).
Judah was dragged to the court by protem state chairman of the party, Alhaji Umar Jada who prayed the court to restrain the respondent from parading himself as APDA chairman pending the determination of the case.
Justice Helen Hammanjoda said having the gone through the application, the court was satisfied with plaintiff’s submission and granted the relief sought.
“I accordingly grant the following reliefs sought in their application.
“An order of interim injunction restraining the respondent from holding out and parading himself as the state chairman of the 1st applicant pending the determination of the motion on notice.
FCT
Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson and Secretary for International Development, Ms. Priti Patel last Thursday met with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in continuation of their official visit to Nigeria.
Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Johnson said United Kingdom was ready to assist Nigeria in humanitarian development and military fronts.
He described Nigeria as an “incredible country and power house of the African economy’’.
“This is an incredible place. It is the power house of the African economy. We are here with Nigeria every step of the way,’’ he stated.
The envoy said the delegation had fruitful meeting with Osinbajo and looked forward to better relationship with Nigeria
Gombe
The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has graduated 500 youths in Gombe State on various skills as part of effort to empower them.
Reports indicate that the Bauchi State Area Office of the fund organised the programme and trained the youths in tailoring, knitting, pomade, soap making, hair dressing and carpentry.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony last Thursday, the Director-General of ITF, Mr Joseph Ari said that the programme was one of the present administration’s policies of job creation and wealth generation.
“The policy is aimed at ensuring that as many youths are equipped with employability skills and entrepreneurship.
“I am pleased to inform you that according to our tracking and monitoring system, over 70 per cent of beneficiaries are now gainfully employed and successful entrepreneurs,’’ Ari said.
Kaduna
The National Museum, Kaduna State will host children to a cultural fiesta on Sallah day to mark the Eid-el-Kabir festival, its Curator Mr Gimba Ahmed, has said.
The Curator, in a statement made available to newsmen last Thursday in Kaduna indicated that the event would include lectures, cultural displays, dances and language competition among others.
Ahmed said that the main focus would be on culture, values, morals and beliefs “because modernisation is fast eroding our culture and our children cultural sense is beginning to fade.’’
He added that the children will act in plays, dress in their traditional attire, engage in dancing competition as well as listen to lectures on culture and security.
Kano
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State chapter has called on banks operating ATM machines across the state to improve their services by providing adequate funds.
This is contained in a statement by the NLC Chairman in the state, Mr Kabiru Minjibir and made available to newsmen last Wednesday in Kano.
He said there was need for them to improve their services in view of the high demand for cash arising from the forthcoming Sallah celebration
He said, “Banks are hereby strongly advised to note that the Congress would not fold its arms and watch workers being helplessly frustrated unnecessarily due to the inability of the banks to discharge their responsibilities”.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has urged Muslims in the state to dedicate the Eid el-Kabir celebration to pray for unity and peace in the country.
He made the call in a Sallah message to the people of the state signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, last Thursday in Ilorin.
Muslims all over the world celebrated Eid el-Kabir last Friday, being the 10th day of Dhul Hijja in the Islamic calendar.
Eid el-Kabir is an Islamic festival to commemorate the willingness of prophet Ibrahim to obey Allah’s command to sacrifice his son Ishmael, where the Almighty provided him with a ram to slaughter instead of his son.
Lagos
The Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN) last Thursday urged Nigerians and Muslims to pray for the nation’s unity during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The association advised them to also use the occasion when they remember the encounter between God and Abraham on the mountain to pray against hate campaigns and other divisive tendencies among Nigerians.
CAMPAN said that the period and beyond should be used to preach and spread love, peace, unity and togetherness among Nigerians for them to build a stronger nation.
“We must not allow anything to divide us; but learn to live together as one indivisible country no matter our diverse ethnic groups”, the association said in a statement signed by its National President, Mr Patrick Osu.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government lastThursday said that local government workers in the state would receive between 60 and 80 per cent of their August salaries.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Haruna Osegba, disclosed this after the state’s Joint Account Committee (JAC) meeting in Lafia.
Osegba attributed the salary cut to the shortfall in the amount that accrued to the local government councils from the Federation Account.
According to him, the 13 local government councils in the state shared only N1.5 billion from the federation account for the month of April with a shortfall of 700 million.
Niger
Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger State has called on Nigerians to use this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration to fix the country.
Bello said in a statement to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration last Thursday in Minna, that there was no better time to reposition the country for greatness than now.
He urged Nigerians not to allow the present administration’s zeal and commitment in tackling the country’s challenges go in vain.
The governor said the state and federal governments had exhibited high sense of commitment to move the country towards greatness.
Plateau
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Plateau State chapter last Wednesday in Jos organised a seminar to sensitise children aged between 10 and 15 on the dangers of rape.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ in the state, Mrs Jenifer Yarima said the seminar had become necessary due to the increase in number of rape cases involving minors in the country.
Yarima said at the seminar titled, “Rape: Endangering the Lives of Our Children,’’ that many girls had dropped out of school because of unwantedpregnancies resulting from rape.
She said that other victims of the crime were compelled to abort such pregnancies that threatened their lives.
“We want to educate children on the need to watch out for likely perpetrators of rape in schools and around their neighborhoods.
“We are worried that parents find it difficult to educate their children on sexuality to serve as a guide to healthy living. Eevery child deserves to live a quality life,’’ she said.
Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District last Thursday secured the freedom of 21 inmates of Sokoto Central Prison after paying their N2.1 million fine.
Wamakko, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education was represented at the event by Mr Bashir Jodi, Secretary, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko Free Legal Services.
“The gesture is aimed at enabling the beneficiaries to celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir with their various families; such kind of philanthropic acts are highly encouraged during the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah,” he said.
The senator admonished the freed inmates to steer clear of all nefarious acts that would bring them back to jail.
The beneficiaries, in separate comments, commended Wamakko for the gesture and promised to shun crimes and other wayward behaviours.
Zamfara
The Emir of Maru, Alhaji Abubakar Chika-Ibrahim has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide additional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collection centres in Zamfara State .
The emir made the call in Maru last Thursday while receiving the State Government’s Committee on Voter Mobilisation members who visited the emirate.
Reports indicate that the committee was in the emirate to inaugurate a sub-committee on PVC collection for Maru Local Government Area.
The emir said that only one collection centre was inadequate for a whole local government area because some communities were far from the headquarters where the centres were located.
“You are aware of the economic hardship we have in this country now, some people are looking for just what to eat”, the emir 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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