Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala
Nyako (rtd) has returned from abroad, Nyoko fled the country following his controversial impeachment by the Adamawa State House of Assembly. The returnee ex-governor, sources said decided to return to Nigerian following the inauguration of Muhammadu Buhari as President.
Nyako, who was declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission over allegation of financial crimes, according to sources, is planning to meet with President Buhari.
Bornu
A bomb exploded Saturday afternoon near Maiduguri’s
main market leaving at least 13 persons dead. The explosion, it was gathered occurred by the mosque near a market in the town.
The Saturday explosion came on the heels of another blast by Boko Haram insurgents in their attempt to invade Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, Friday, which killed 16 persons.
In the Saturday explosion, correspondent learnt that one of the insurgents joined the worshippers pretend to be one of them, but the insurgent later detonated the bomb which killed some of the worshippers and injured others.
FCT
A female politician, Dr Olubunmi Usim-Wilson, has ad
vised the President, Retired Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to cut the high cost of governance in the country.
Usim-Wilson gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja. The Abuja based female politician also urged Buhari to improve the welfare of citizens. Usim-Wilson, a former Senatorial Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the FCT. appealed to incoming administration to explore areas like tourism and agriculture as ways of augmenting dwindling revenue from crude oil. She further called for youth unemployment as a priority for the government to reduce poverty .
The President should block all leakages and ensure that our common wealth is no longer stolen and frittered away by politicians. “About 80 per cent of Nigerian youths are unemployed and this should be addressed urgently; education, health and social security should be given
priority.
Gombe
The Defence Headquarters says a cordon and search
operation conducted by Nigerian troops in Gombe has led to the arrest of three bomb making experts.
Director of Defence Information, Maj-Gen Chris Olukolade, said the arrested persons were suspected to be members ot the terrorists’ group, Boko Haram, in search of soft targets for attack after being dislodged from the stronghold in Sambisa forest and other enclaves.
He listed the Items recovered from those arrested to include a tricycle and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
He said the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation.
“Cordon and search is continuing in certain localities and will be intensified along with mopping up operations in locations where offensive operations are being conducted.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) last Monday said that it had rescued a commercial motorcyclist, after being attacked by robbers.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado,told newsmen in Dutse that Danladi Ismai’l, 25, was rescued having sustained machete cuts.
Gidado said that Isma’il was picked from the pool of his blood, after the hoodlums stole his motorcycle and money in Kiyawa Local Government Area on Sunday.
He said that the victim was attacked while carrying one of the suspects who pretended to be a commuter going to Gwari village. He said the motorcyclist was attacked when another suspect appeared from nowhere and inflicted cuts on him.
Kwara
Kaiama Local Government Council of Kwara State has
pledged to finance the marriage of any serving female National Youth Service Corps member that marries a man from the council area.
The chairman of the council, Alhaji Alhassan Bagudu, made the pledge last Wednesday in Kaiama while receiving the 2015 Batch “A” corps members posted to the council.
Bagudu said the council would also pay 20 per cent of marriage expenses of any male NYSC member that marries a lady from the area.
The Council boss said the gesture is to foster unity in the country in line with the objective of the NYSC scheme.
He said the council would set up a farm for the corps members serving in the area to help the agrarian community boost food production.
Kaduna
A Zaria-based Non Governmental Organisation, Waje
District Development Association (WDDA) has tasked elected political leaders on executing projects that would touch the lives of the citizenry.
Malam Garba Mohammed, Chairman of the association, stated this at a town hall meeting held at Zaria Youth Centre, Tudun-Wada in Zaria.
He said the essence of the meeting was to provide a platform for dialogue between the community and political office holders representing the area.
Tracing the history of the non-political association to year 2000, Mohammed said it was established with a view to bringing unity and promoting socio-economic well-being of the people.
Lagos
A nutritionist, Prof. Ngozi Nnam, recently said one out
of every two women of reproductive age in Nigeria was anaemic as a result of iron deficiency.
Nnam, who is the National President of Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
She said that anaemia in women, especially pregnant ones, was a serious global public health problem with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
According to her, pregnant women, other women and adolescent girls of reproductive age and children, are particularly vulnerable.
“Inadequate iron intake is dangerous to both baby and mother as it can result in severe morbidity and mortality during childbirth as well as negative pregnancy outcomes.
“This condition occurs when the concentration of haemoglobin falls below what is normal for a person’s age, gender and environment, resulting in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood being reduced.
Oyo
The Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals
(NUAHP) has threatened to resist attempts by the Federal Government to privatise any of its health institutions.
President of the union, Mr Obinna Ogbonna, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.
“The National Delegates Conference, recently held in Akwa Ibom, was informed about the antics of some Chief Medical Officers of health institutions, hiding under the PPP to privatise health institutions.
“Privatisation would encourage plans to sell out core clinical and professional services to their lackeys who in turn would profiteer and share such profits with the chief executives.
“This would in turn make hospital services to be out of reach of commoners and staff would be retrenched to satisfy their whims and caprices.
“All legitimate actions would be taken to see that the ongoing PPP as being negatively implemented are resisted and prevented from seeing the light of day,” he said. Ogbonna, however, congratulated the President. Muhammadu Buhari, advising him to cautiously constitute his cabinet; especially that of the health sector.
He advised him against appointing a medical doctor as a health minister, adding that this had always led to serious industrial crises in the past.
“The Federal Government in 1985 appointed Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti as the health minister and the practice had continued till 2014 when Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu was similarly appointed.
“Having made members of the Nigeria Medical Association ministers of health to date, we strongly canvass that members of the Allied Health Professionals be appointed into that post,” he said.
Plateau
Outgone Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang begged for
forgiveness from the people of the state that he might have offended during his eight-year tenure.
Making the appeal in a state broadcast mark the end of his administration as governor, Jang said that governance was about decision making.
“In the course of this, we might by commission or omission done wrong to some.
“I hereby on behalf of the outgoing government apologies to all and pray we continue to have favour in your hearts.
“As l look back too, there were painful and bitter moments, happy and sweet times, rough and tough points challenges and conquests, all these and more, we pulled through together.
“This administration is eternally grateful for support without which we would’t have made these modest strides,” he said. According to him, the administration came in with great ambition to change the history and face of the state, but was limited by lack of resources and other competing demands.
R-L: Director of Finance, Federal Radio Corpoaration of Nigeria (Frcn), Pastor Michael Oluwole; Executive Director, News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), Mr Isaac Ighure and Chaplain, Frcn, Pastor Emmanuel Zakari, at a Thanksgiving Service for peaceful conduct of 2015 General Elections by parastatals of the Ministry of Information Abuja recently.
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