Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi State Governor-elect, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar of Apc and his wife react after he was announced winner of the governorship election in Bauchi recently
Bauchi
A Local Church Council (LCC) of the Evangelical Church
Winning All (ECWA), has held special prayers to seek God’s intervention for a smooth handover on May 29.
Our correspondent learnt that the prayers were held during the LCC two-day revival service which ended on Saturday at ECWA II, Bauchi.
The Local Overseer, Rev. Shuaibu Byal, told newsmen shortly after the prayers that consistent prayers were needed for God’s intervention to deepen Nigerian democracy.
Byal said that with the handover day less than a week away, there was need for Christians and Muslims to pray for smooth transition.
According to him, it is only God that will ensure a smooth transition from President Goodluck Jonathan-led administration to the incoming Government.
Borno
The Borno State government, has commended the Federal
Government for setting up an Inter-ministerial Assessment Committee for rehabilitation of structures damaged by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mustapha Zanna, gave the commendation when he received members of the committee who were on a visit to Maiduguri.
Zanna said that the constitution of the committee was timely as it would provide avenue for the commencement of work in affected communities.
He added that, “the setting up of the committee is timely because our people are due to start going back to their communities following the liberation of their communities by soldiers.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, the Director of Search and Rescue of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had told the deputy governor that the visit was to assess damages done by the insurgents in the state.”
FCT
The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP),
Mr Emeka Ezeh, has warned newly recruited procurement officers to follow due process in the award of contracts or risk going to jail.
Ezeh gave the warning in Abuja when he led the 130 procurements officers’ in-training on a tour of Kuje Medium Security Prisons.
Represented by Mr James Akanmu, Director, Research and Training, Ezeh said that being a procurement officer was a sensitive position.
He, therefore, urged the officers to refrain from corrupt practices and any act that could tarnish their reputation.
The BPP boss informed the officers of the provisions of sub-section 5 of Section 38 of the Public Procurement Act.
According to him, the act states that “any government official upon conviction of contravention of the Public Procurement Act will be sentenced to not less than five calendar years”.
Gombe
The National Association of Persons with Disabilities
(NAPW) last Monday, appealed to the Federal Government to organise a special skills acquisition training programme for its members across the country.
The Chairman of the Association in Gombe State, Alhaji Ali Goro, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Gombe State.
He said that such training would help its members and also assist the less-privileged amongst them, who relied on street-begging for their livelihood.
“We are appealing to the Federal and Gombe State Governments and some of the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), to come out with special packages for our members.”
Jigawa
Electricity consumers in Hadejia, Jigawa State last Monday
decried the epileptic power supply in the area.
Our correspondent reports that Hadejia and its environs had been facing persistent outage in the last three weeks.
The poor power supply had affected businesses and made life unbearable, a situation a cross section of the residents who spoke to newsmen in Hadejia, described as worrisome.
A resident, Aminu Umar, said the persistent power outage has made life difficult due to the prevailing hot weather.
He said that the situation had forced many families to sleep outside, inspite of the ravaging mosquitoes and other pests.
Kano
The Federal Government has approved the establishment
of two specialised universities, President Goodluck Jonathan has said.
Speaking at the 31st convocation of the Bayero University, Kano, recently, Jonathan said the universities were the Marine University and the Federal University of Health Sciences.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okoje, said the decision was borne out of the government’s desire to give more students with the requisite qualifications the opportunity to access quality education.
He said that in spite of the numerous challenges, the Federal Government would continue to support the education sector to empower the youth.
Kwara
The Senator -elect representing Kwara South Senatorial
District, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim, yesterday, assured victims of Owode market fire disaster in Offa of adequate succour.
He gave the assurance in Offa while speaking to newsmen after inspecting shops gutted by the inferno.
Ibrahim said he would contact relevant emergency management agencies to provide immediate assistance to the victims.
He pledged to seek the intervention of the Federal Government and the National Assembly, describing the fire incident as a monumental loss to the people and the state at large.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command has said that it deployed
7,000 personnel in Minna to ensure a hitch-free inauguration of the state Governor elect, Alhaji Sani Bello, on May 29.
This is contained in a statement in Minna by the Commissioner of Police Mr Olusola Amore .
“We have deployed no fewer than 7,000, personnel in strategic areas of the venue of the ceremony and Minna to ensure adequate security coverage of the event,’’ Amore said.
He enjoined the good people of the state to continue to be law abiding and to support the Police in protecting lives and property.
Amore commended the media for its balanced reportage before, during and after the 2015 general elections in the state.
Ondo
Pastor Richard Adesoji of Gospel Faith Mission International
in Okitipupa on Sunday, advised Nigerians to be fervent in prayers for a smooth and hitch-free transition to new government.
Adesoji gave the advice in an interview with newsmen shortly after he delivered a sermon on “The Journey to the Promised Land”.
He recalled that the biblical Israelites faced series of difficulties before getting to the Promised Land, but through prayers to God, they got to the Promised Land which God prepared for them.
Adesoji likened Nigerians to the biblical Israelites, saying that Nigerians would definitely get to the Promised Land “if they pray and seek God’s face“.
Sokoto
Youth Leader of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto
State, Malam Musa Isa, has pleaded with the party leaders to entrench internal democracy in the party to ensure its success in future elections.
He made the call in Sokoto while speaking with newsmen.
Isa identified lack of internal democracy and disrespect for the founding members of PDP as the major factors responsible for the failure of the party in the last general elections.
“The new comers to the party have no regard for the founding members of the party.”
“New members who defected to the party from various political parties were given more regards than the founding members that stayed and promoted the lofty ideals of the party,’’ he said.
Taraba
Former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilous Danjuma,
last Saturday inaugurated two bridges worth N500 million along Takum-Katsina Ala Federal Highway in Taraba.
The project is meant to curb the frequent accidents on the road as a result of the collapse of the bridges.
“The project started when I noticed the deplorable state of the bridges and realised that they had become death traps and a major cause of serious disabilities in the society over the years.
“We worked closely with the ministry and other relevant bodies and today, the challenges are over and I am glad this is over,” Danjuma said during the inauguration ceremony.
He observed that the road had not been given any serious attention since the end of the Nigerian Civil War.
He called on the Minister of Works to award the contract for the construction of the road to a competent civil engineering company.
Yobe
The Jamaatul Izalatul Bidiah Wa Ikhamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS)
an Islamic sect in Yobe State has advised parents against exposing their wards to wrong religious teachings.
Its Deputy Chairman, Malam Babagana Kyari, gave the advice in Damaturu at the closing ceremony of a Quranic recitation event.
“Our experiences in Yobe and Borno states have taught us to be vigilant of friends and associates of our wards, their schools, teachers and behaviours.
“This Quranic recitation competition has promoted true teachings of the holy Quran and unity among the Muslim community across the state,” Kyari said.
He urged all parents to scrutinise the type of schools and religious knowledge being imparted to their wards to avoid the type of insurgency plaguing the North East of Nigeria today.
In his speech, the Chairman of the State Council of Clerics, Sheik Haruna Gashua, commended security operatives for improving the security situation in the state.
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