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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Bauchi State Accountability Mechanism for Ma
ternal, Child and New Born Health (BaSAM-MCNH) has urged stakeholders in the health sector to establish one-on-one dialogue with family members of pregnant women to reduce maternal mortality.
The Chairperson, Advocacy Committee on the Mechanism, Hajiya Yagana Gidado made the call at a meeting with stakeholders in Bauchi.
She said those who had a stake in the health sector must scale-up maternal health campaigns by discussing with heads of families of pregnant women so as to educate them on the assistance pregnant women require to reduce their burden.

Bauchi

Governor  Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has dissolved
the boards of 20 parastatals agencies and equally disengaged 33 directors-general, a statement said.
According to the statement, the affected establishments are the state’s Muslim and Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Sharia Consultative Council, Bauchi Radio Corporation, Bauchi State Television and Bauchi State Water Board.
Also on the list are Bauchi Development Board, Bauchi State Library Board, Bauchi State Agricultural Supply Company, Bauchi State Tourism Board, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency and Bauchi State Hotels Board.
Others are Yankari Transport Corporation, Bauchi State Sports Council, Poverty Alleviation Agency, Bauchi Fertiliser Company, Bauchi Meat Factory and Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi.

Benue

A 29-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kator Zapke,
yesterday  appeared in a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court over alleged theft of a Bajaj motorcycle valued at N136,000.
Zapke, who lives opposite Baptist Secondary School, Achusa, Makurdi, is facing a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, negligence and theft.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Omaye Ujata told the court that one Mr Jarius Ochong, the complainant, reported the incident at the “C’’ Division Police Headquarters in Makurdi.
Ujata said that Ochong entrusted his red, Bajaj motorcycle with registration number MKD 733 US to the accused who later claimed that it was stolen.
According to the prosecutor, the complainant sold the motorcycle on hire purchase to Zapke at a cost of N200,000 to be paid in 10 months.
She said that the agreement was for the accused to remit N5,000 to the complainant at the end of every week for 10 months to off set the cost.

FCT

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Solomon
Arase, has directed IGP Teams on Monitoring of Police performance to immediately begin monitoring activities/conducts of personnel on highways, police stations and formations nationwide.
The directive, according to a statement by the force Spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, is aimed at enforcing of the police Anti-Corruption initiative recently launched by the I-G.
It will be recalled that at a recent meeting with senior officers, Arase expressed resolve to rid the force of corruption, and warned officers and men to desist from corrupt practices.
The statement urged the team to be mindful of the constitutional rights of the citizenry, while performing their statutory duties.
It also warned them against excessive use of force and unjustifiable application of lethal weapons contrary to standing rules of engagement.
According to the statement, the police will not hesitate to punish indicted officers.
It, however, commended the public for their understanding, cooperation and support for the force in the face of the current security challenges.

Gombe

A coalition of civil society has called on the Gombe
State Government to increase its budgetary allocation to the health sector.
The coalition, Maternal, New-Born and Child Health Coalition (MNCHC) and Media Platform, made the appeal in a statement issued on Wednesday after a budget analysis of the state’s health allocation between 2010 and 2014.
It urged for increased funding especially as it concerns polio immunization and nutrition activities in the state.
The coalition observed that the state government allocation to the health sector was inadequate compared to the growing population in the state, which is put at 3.2 per cent rate.
According to the statement, though there is budget on nutrition, such allocations are grossly inadequate.

Kebbi

The National Commission for Refugees has donated
26 houses to 136 Internally Displaced Persons in Kebbi.
According to sources, the refugees were displaced by the crisis in Borno and Yobe State.
The North West Zonal Coordinator of the commission Miss Alao Moridiyat presented the houses to the beneficiaries recenyly at Sabon Birnin Turaki village in Augie local government area of the state.
She called on them to settle down peacefully in their new environment and engage in communal activities.
The zonal coordinator said that the local government provided the land for the refugees while the commission spent N13 million to construct the houses.
Moridiyat said that the commission also donated N450, 000 to some households, as well as clothing materials, foodstuff and utensils to the victims.

The Kwara State  House of Assembly in IIorin has passed
a bill seeking an amendment to a law guiding the opertions of cooperative societies in the state.
The bill seeks to among other things ensure greater accountability in the operations of cooperative societies and provide stiffer penalties for violations of the law.
The bill was passed after the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Commerce, Cooperatives, Industries and Women Affairs.
The Speaker, Mr. Razak Atunwa, directed the Clerk, Mr. Oyetunde Oyeniyi, to read the bill for third time and it was consequently passed.
Atunwa said the bill was passed because it had satisfied the constitution of the Federal republic of Nigeria and the Rules of the House.
He also mandated the Clerk to produce a clean copy of the bill for governor’s assent.

Oyo

The police have dragged 70-years-old Tijani Osuolale
before an Iyaganku Senior Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly failing to produce an accused he stood surety for at the police station.
Osuolale was arraigned on a one-count charge of failing to produce an accused.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Sunday Ojeleye told the court that Osuolale allegedly stood as surety for one Saidi Lafiku.
Lafiku was accused of obtaining N300,000 under false pretence, by a complainant who reported the matter at Iyaganku Police Station, Ibadan.

Plateau
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church
(RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has advised ministers of God to practise the sermons they preach at home because their children are watching.
Adeboye gave the advice in Jos at RCCG’s Ministers and Workers conference, which had the theme: “In Christ Alone.’’
“We must tidy up our acts as ministers of God. Be careful what you do in the presence of the children,’’ he admonished.
Adeboye said that the church would organise a meeting with children of ministers in the north, just as it had done in the south and some other parts of the World such as Europe and  the U. S.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, has
pledged to complete and inaugurate the N5.6 billion ongoing water expansion project in Sokoto before handing over on May 29.
Wamakko made the pledge when he inspected the water expansion projects at Gagi, Mana, More, Tamaje, old Airport and Rinjin Sambo areas, Sokoto.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the water expansion projects in Sokoto township, costing the state government over N5.6 billion.
He disclosed that the projects would produce 40 million gallons of water daily and would be inaugurated before May 29.
Yobe

The Yobe State Agency for Control of HIV/AIDS com
menced HIV/AIDS screening for over 4,000 Nigerian returnees from Niger Republic, who fled at the wake of insurgency.
Executive Director of the agency, Hajiya Farida Mamudo, said in Giedam that the agency found it necessary to establish returnees HIV status to check the spread of the virus.
Sources said that over 6,000 Nigerians, mostly inhabitants of Lake Chad, have returned to the country to pave way for military operations against insurgency.

L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and the first son of the Governor, Alhaji Idris Yuguda, during the 7th Day Prayers for repose of the soul of the governor’s mother Goggo Hauwa Yuguda, at Ramat House in Bauchi last Wednesday.

L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and the first son of the Governor, Alhaji Idris Yuguda, during the 7th Day Prayers for repose of the soul of the governor’s mother Goggo Hauwa Yuguda, at Ramat House in Bauchi last Wednesday.

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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

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The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.
It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.
The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions:  M – Meeting the People  E – Educating the People  D – Discussing with the People  I – Involving the People  A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.
People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.
Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.
Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.
Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.
Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.
The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.
By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.
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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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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

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