Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu
Tambuwal, in Yola has advised winners in the last general elections to ensure good governance when they assume office.
Tambuwal, who spoke at Government House, Yola, said the people were yearning for good governance.
The speaker, who is also the governor-elect of Sokoto State, said upon assumption of office, politicians should stop politicking and concentrate on good governance.
He urged leaders to be honest and committed to their mandate, and advised them to relate well with the people.
“They should be honest and dedicated to the mandate which the people gave to them,’’ he said.
Tambuwal described Adamawa Governor Bala Ngilari as a man of destiny, commending him for ensuring that normalcy returned to the state.
Benue
Benue State Governor-elect, Samuel Ortom, has pledged
to be fair to all in making key appointments into his administration.
Ortom gave the assurance when he received All Progressives Congress stakeholders from Kwande Local Government, Masev Development Association and Igede, who paid him a courtesy visit in Makurdi.
The governor-elect appreciated the contributions made by various communities towards his victory at the polls and stressed that no area would be shortchanged.
The former Trade and Investment minister disclosed plan to hold a roundtable with stakeholders to determine the zoning arrangements for positions in the incoming givernment.
“I will strive to promote excellence over sycophancy and mediocrity,” he said, and pledged to revamp state-owned companies in order to open space for employment.
Bornu
The Chairman of Borno GSM Market, Malam Musa
Isa has said property worth N80 million were destroyed in an inferno that gutted the market last Friday.
Isah stated this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the fire, which started at about 3.30 a.m. on Saturday, was caused by an electric fault.
He explained that 24 shops and 53 temporary phone sellers’ stands were destroyed in the incident.
Isa said that although no life was lost, the extent of damage was huge.
He added that “most of our people just came back from the market; somebody like Chinedu Mba, a major dealer in mobile phones and accessories lost over N8 million worth of goods to the fire.
It could be recalled that the Maiduguri GSM market popularly called “Jogol’’ had suffered suicide bomb attack in January last year in which 10 people were killed and several others got injured.
FCT
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC) has said it has concluded plans to use drama to promote its anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria.
Chief Detective Superintendent with the EFCC Mrs Nwaninma Okeanu made the statement last Friday in Abuja in an interview with newsmen. She said the idea would ensure that EFCC anti-corruption crusade was taken to the door steps of every Nigerian. “It was in consideration of the fact that an average Nigerian home spends quality time to watch films that the initiative to use drama to promote anti-corruption crusade was developed.
“The drama is not limited to the EFCC alone; so I encourage every Nigerian who has flair for acting to come and audition for a role,” she said.
Okeanu explained that the use of drama to strengthen awareness in the fight against corruption was a new initiative aimed at sensitizing families through films on the dangers of corruption.
“What people see and hear is what they believe and the new initiative is in consideration of the need for new approach in the fight against corruption,” she said.
Gombe
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
in Gombe State has called on traditional and religious leaders to preach against drugs abuse and cocaine intake among their people.
The Commandant of the agency in the state, Mr. Aliyu Adole, told newsmen in Gombe last Friday that the leaders should double their effort to sensitise the members of the public, especially the youth, who were expected to be the leaders of the future.
According to him, drugs use by the youth placed them out of control and some time made them to cause problems in the society.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had arrested a suspect for stealing a motorcycle (Boxer brand).
The Commandant, Mr Muhammad Gidado, told newsmen in Dutse that the suspect is a resident of Dingeri quarters in Jama’are Local Government Area, Bauchi State.
Gidado said the suspect was arrested a Andaza town in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa where he allegedly stole the motorcycle.
“Muhammad Sani of Dingeri quarters, Jama’are Local Government Area, Bauchi State, was arrested for stealing a motorcycle.“
“He was arrested by our men after he stole the motorcycle in Andaza village, Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa,” he said.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has
advised Hausa movie producers to portray real culture of Hausa people in their quest to entertain viewers in the country. Sanusi gave the advice at the launch of a new Hausa movie titled ‘Hindu’ in Kano. Represented by Alhaji Aminu Bayero, Wamban Kano, Sanusi said the advice was necessary to promote the real culture of Hausa people to enable generations yet unborn to understand it very well.
“I want to use this opportunity to advise you (Hausa movie producers) to as much as possible portray genuine Hausa culture, norms, tradition and values,’’ he said.
He stressed the need for Hausa film producers to always seek for useful advice of stakeholders or custodians of the Hausa culture. He said the advice was to ensure that the message they intend to disseminate was true picture of the culture.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government says it shut down
126 illegal health facilities in Karu Local Government Area of the state.
Dr Thomas Affi, the team leader of the joint task force of the inspectorate unit of the state’s Ministry of Health, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the ministry’s inspection tour of private health facilities.
He said the tour on health establishments in the area was to eliminate quackery in the state’s health sector.
Oyo
A lecturer at University of Ibadan, Dr Morufat Balogun,
has invented a new agricultural technology to grow yam seedlings all seasons.
Balogun, a senior lecturer, Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, made this disclosure when she spoke to newsmen in Ibadan .
According to her, this newly invented agricultural technology will be put into use by yam farmers by 2016.
She said this would be possible through the production of Dormancy-Controlled Seed Tubers Technology.
Plateau
No fewer than 500 residents of Rantya, Jos South Lo
cal Government Area of Plateau, benefitted from medical outreach organised by the Living Faith Church (LFC).
The event took place at Stonebase, Bwak Community, Rantya where the beneficiaries were given drugs, while some where referred for laboratory tests by the medical personnel.
Resident Pastor, David Arua, told newsmen that the church initiated the programme because a lot of people with health challenges could not fund their treatment in hospitals.
Sokoto
Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has inau
gurated a N30 million rice mill established by an investor, Alhaji Nura Attajiri.
According to sources, the combined capacity of the mill is 1,250 kilograms per hour while operating for eight hours daily and six days a week.
Wamakko, who was represented at the inauguration by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Arzika Tureta, commended Attajiri for setting up the firm with two loans of N20 million and N10 million advanced to him by the state government out of the nearly N3 billion loan disbursed to farmers and agro-investors in the state.
Yobe
An NGO, Ibrahim Gaidam Peace and Development Initiative, has pledged to enhance the living condition of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Yobe.
Alhaji Isma’el Yusuf the Director-General of the Organisation, made the pledge on Thursday while presenting relief materials to IDPs in Kasaisa village in Damaturu.
He said the organization was established out of the desire to address the plight of IDPs in the state.
Attending to the needs of IDPs, Yusuf submitted, required the collective efforts of all stakeholders since government alone could not shoulder their responsibility.
Yusuf explained that residents of 13 villages sacked by the Boko Haram insurgents were currently taken refuge in Kasaisa village hence the need for groups and individuals to come to their aid.
“As part of social our resonsiblity, we will continue to provide necessary assistance to victims of the dreaded Boko Haram in Yobe state and in the Northeast in general.
“We are going to develop a database to have clear figures of the number IDPs in this community to enable us attend to their need effectively,” Yusuf said.
Chairman, Presidential Advisory Council on International Relations (Pacir), Chief Emeka Anyaoku (middle), addressing State House Correspondents after a Breakfast Meeting with President Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja recently. With him are other members of the council.
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