Nation
THE STATES
Borno
No fewer than 30 pregnant women currently taking ref
uge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri have given birth.
The Chairman, Committee on the IDPs camp in Government Girls Secondary School Maiduguri Alhaji Babagana Mahmoud told the newsmen in Maiduguri.
Mahmoud said more than 4,200 women and children had been displaced by insurgents in Bama and its environ.
Mahmoud said that 20 other pregnant women in IDP camps in the areas were also expected to deliver as confirmed by medical doctors in the camp.
He explained that the state government had set up committee on safe motherhood in the various camps to assist women with complications.
FCT
A non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Dr Radcliff
Save Lives Foundation, has called for support from government and well-meaning Nigerians to alleviate the suffering of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja camp. The Country Director of the NGO, Dr Alexander Nnadozie made the call in Abuja during a medical outreach and distribution of relief materials to displaced persons in the camp.He said the event was organised by the NGO and sponsored by , the National Coordinator, House to House Network Prince Chidi Ibe.
Nnadozie said the call became necessary due to the unhealthy environment in the camp.
“The spread of airborne and communicable diseases from one family to another can strive very well here because of the kind of houses the inhabitants are living in.
“Apart from the fact that the environment is bushy, all kinds of diseases can spread in the camp and the people are still exposed to serious insecurity”, he said.
Kano
A Kano-based non-govermental organisation, Network for Empowerment and Development Initiative (NEDIN), has called on government at all levels to be sincere on the fight against corruption in the country.
This is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day seminar on: “Youth against Corruption, Panacea to a Just and Peaceful Society,’’ organised by the non-governmental organisation.
The programme was organised for students of Federal Government College, Kano.
The communiqué was signed by the coordinator of NEDIN, Mr Peter Tijjani and made available to newsmen in Kano.
According to the communiqué, government must have the political will to ensure that perpetrators of illegal acts were punished to serve as deterrent to others.
Kogi
The Kogi State Command of the National Drug Law En
forcement Agency (NDLEA) has paraded five suspects, including two women in connection with trafficking of 102.5kg of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp).
The Commander, Alhaji Idris Bello, told newsmen in Lokoja that the substance was concealed in several big bags being transported to Abuja.
Bello said that NDLEA operatives at Jamata Bridge intercepted a Volkswagen Sharon mini-bus over-loaded with vegetable leaves.
He said that the operatives became curious and searched the vehicle only to find 10 bags of cannabis concealed in two big bags in the bus.
The commander said the three other suspects in the mini-bus claimed ignorance of the cannabis
“The suspects claimed they are business people engaged in sale of moi-moi leaves and vegetables to customers in Abuja.”
Ogun
The Ogun State Teaching Service Commission
(TESCOM) said it would recruit additional 1000 teachers and 200 non-teaching staff in 2015 fiscal year.
The commission’s Full-Time Commissioner 1, Mr Timothy Adebowale, made this known when he defended the 2015 budget proposal before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
Adebowale said that the recruitment was part of measures to sustain qualitative teaching and learning in public secondary schools across the state.
The commissioner, who defended a budget estimate of N19.18 billion, said that the commission would also ensure even distribution of teachers across the four divisions of the state.
Ondo
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, has de
scribed the late Sen. Ayo Lawrence as a quintessential Nigerian who had contributed immensely to the development of his community and country.
Dame Jonathan made the remark in a message to the burial of Lawrence in Iyere-Owo, Owo local government area of Ondo State.
She was represented by Ondo State Commissioner for Woman Affairs and Social Development Dr Yemi Mahmud-Fasominu,.
The first lady said Lawrence had dependable children as the Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on House Keeping Mrs Morenike Waterton,.
She added that the Special Assistant always worked hard and exhibited discipline at her duty post in Aso Villa.
Nasarawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in
Nasarawa State, has advised unemployed graduates to embrace Federal Government’s Graduate Attachment Programme (GAP) to become self-reliant.
, the Head of NDE Vocational Skills Acquisition Programme in the state, Alhaji Idris Wase gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lafia, recently.
Wase said NDE was saddled with the responsibility of training people, especially the youths and women in different skills to make them self-reliant and to contribute their quota to national development.
“There is high rate of unemployment which has degenerated to anti-social activities such as violent crimes, insecurity, armed robbery, drug and human trafficking, among others.
Lagos
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Jimi Agbeje, has urged Independent National Electorial Commission INEC to review and if possible, repeat the Permanent Voter’s Card/Registration (PCV) in Lagos.
Our correspondent reports that Agbaje made the appeal at an endorsement rally organised by the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Support Groups, NGOs, Marketers and Traders for President Jonathan and Agbaje’s 2015 bid.
Complaints had continued to trail the PVC distribution and registration of fresh voters by INEC in Lagos.
INEC had earlier said that no Nigerian of voting age would be left out of the process of obtaining the PVC for 2015.
Agbaje said that INEC must act swiftly to ensure that those who were still complaining were attended to.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State said All
Progressives Congress ( APC) in the state would set up reconciliation and campaign committees across the state soon.
Wamakko, at the monthly APC stakeholders meeting in Sokoto, said that the committees would reconcile all aggrieved members and aspirants who lost at the primaries.
According to him, the measures were being taken to further strengthen the party in the state.
“The reconciliation committees will pacify all aggrieved aspirants of the party at all levels, with a view to wooing them,’’ he said.
He added that “the campaign committees will be set up to show that the party is not complacent’’, stressing that it was determined to emerge victorious at 2015 general polls.
Taraba
The TY Danjuma Foundation has donated relief materi
als to over 2000 victims of insurgency in the North-East who are staying at various camps in Jalingo, Taraba.
The relief materials include: blankets, soap, instant noodles, bags of rice, and tubers of yam.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Dr Etta Akin-Aina, said while distributing the materials to the victims that the gesture was to alleviate their suffering.
“The UNHCR estimates that since 2013, Boko Haram attacks have displaced 470,000 people from north eastern Nigeria. “This foundation believes that every displaced person, especially those living in camps, has the right to dignity, protection, security and reestablishment of his means of livelihood.
Gov Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (Right), presenting rice and cash to the needy in Sokoto.
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
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
The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.
Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.
Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.
He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.