Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on
wealthy indigenes of Adamawa State to come and invest in the State.
Atiku made the call during the inauguration of Madugu Rockview Hotel in Yola.
According to the former vice president, the only way to develop the state is for the well-to-do citizens to invest in it.
“It is unwise for the wealthy citizens of Adamawa to go somewhere and invest while the state is lacking. “I, therefore, advise and challenge any well meaning citizen of Adamawa to come back home and invest in order to move our state forward”, Atiku said.
Governor Muhammadu Bindo of Adamawa expressed concern over poor investment attitude of people of the state.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) said last Saturday that it planned to collaborate with the Borno Government to enhance the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state.
Our correspondent that about 120, 000 IDPs, drawn from 22 out of the 27 local government areas of the state are taking shelter in 22 camps in Maiduguri.
NEMA Director of Search and Rescue, Air Commodore Charles Otegbade, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen shortly after a meeting with officials of the state government in Maiduguri.
Otegbade said that the essence was to enhance hygiene at the IDPs camps as well as ensure improvement in theír living condition.
“What we have agreed upon is more like sharing responsibilities on how to continue to maintain the camps in a very hygienic manner.
Ekiti
The immediate past Speaker of Ekiti State House of
Assembly, Mr Dele Olugbemi, has urged the newly inaugurated legislators to support the administration of Governor Ayo Fayose to bring about meaningful development.
Olugbemi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
He urged the legislators to cooperate with the Executive to ensure the delivery of more dividends of democracy to the people.
The former speaker said meaningful development could only be achieved when there is cooperation among the three arms of government.
“I want to charge the newly inaugurated legislators that they must cooperate with the administration Gov. Fayose to bring about meaningful development.
FCT
The Federal Ministry of Environment says it will imple
ment relevant actions to achieve sustainable development and environmental protection in the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Fatima Mede, gave the assurance in Abuja last a symposium organised to mark the 2015 World Environment Day (WED).
Mede said that the government had established various institutions and mechanisms to address specific issues to ensure environmental protection.
She said that the ministry had also fashioned out relevant policies and action plans to address some environmental challenges such as drought and desertification, erosion and climate change, among others.
According to her, the government has also, through the ministry and her agencies, developed relevant environmental laws and regulations to address some of these challenges.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
approved the appointment of Mr James Phisagi as Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
This is contained in statement signed by Alhaji Ahmed Usman, the state’s Head of Civil Service, and made available to newsmen in Gombe.
The statement said Phisagi’s appointment was with effect from June 4.
According the statement, Phisagi, 56, was the Permanent Secretary, General Duties at the SSG’s Office.
The acting SSG graduated from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in 1980 with BSC in Political Science.
Jigawa
The Kiyawa Local Government Council of Jigawa State
last Friday said it is targeting more than 80,000 children for vaccination against polio in the ongoing immunisation.
The Manager, National Programme on Immunisation (NPI), in the area, Alhaji Ashiru Mu’azu, said this through the council’s Information Officer, Malam Abdullahi Yakubu, in Kiyawa.
Yakubu said that, according to the NPI Manager, the state government has supplied 78,000 doses of Oral Polio Vaccines (OPVs) for the smooth conduct of the exercise.
The official said the exercise would be conducted under the supervision of the council chairman and his councillors.
According to him, the council had provided 135 cartons of sweets to woo children to participate in the exercise.
Kano
The former Director, Research and Documentation Unit,
Ado Bayero Foundation, Alhaji Ado Kurawa has described the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, as the most influential monarch in the history of Kano Emirate Council.
Kurawa made the remark at the first memorial lecture of the revered traditional ruler in Kano on Sunday.
The lecture, titled “The Contribution of the late Emir Ado Bayero to the Development of Islam in Kano”, was organised by the Bayero University Kano.
According to him, the late monarch was an important asset in promoting mutual understanding and resolving conflicts between different ethnic and religious groups.
“Bayero who reigned for 50 years contributed immensely to the development of Islam in the state through donation to Islamic organisations.
Kebbi
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has advo
cated making of history as a compulsory subject in schools to enable young Nigerians to understand the society better.
The sultan made the call at the 10th Anniversary of the Coronation of the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar.
He urged the youths to study the history of their traditional institutions and values, stressing that facts of history will guide their attitude towards the promotion of peace, love and education.
According to him, study of history will enable students to ascertain facts about past and appreciate roles of traditional rulers in maintaining peace, unity and coexistence of diverse people of Nigeria.
He also called on community leaders and to promote both Islamic and western education for the rapid development of society.
Lagos
A member of the 7th Federal Assembly from Lagos State,
Dr. Samuel Adejare, has called for regular summits between past and serving lawmakers where they could share experiences.
Adejare, who represented the Agege Federal Constituency I under the All Progressives congress (APC), told our correspondent last Friday that such summits would help to deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
He urged the Institute for Legislative Studies to regularly organise meetings between past and serving lawmakers at all levels for them to exchange ideas and share views on law making.
Nassarawa
The Catholic Bishop of Lafia, Dr Mathew Ishaya, has
called on Nigerians to give the much-needed support for President Muhamadu Buhari’s administration.
He said such support to the new government and political leaders would ensure its success.
Ishaya, who made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lafia, said no government could achieve any meaningful development and progress without the support and prayers of its citizenry.
He said: “Our role is to preach peace, unity and to advise our members and other Nigerians to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliations.
Ishaya also called on the people not to relent in their prayers for the success of the new government and reminded them that “prayer is key to the success of every individual or government.”
Osun
The Programme Manager, Rural Water and Environ
mental Sanitation Agency in Osun, Alhaji Olaposi Adiatu, has described provision of potable water in a dirty environment as invitation to water-borne diseases.
Adiatu made this assertion in an interview with newsmen in Osogbo recently.
He said the provision of potable water in an unhealthy environment is automatically inviting diseases.
According to him, in as much as provision of potable water is essential, it would be counter- productive to have it in a dirty environment, as this could lead to contraction of various kinds of water-borne diseases.
”We have made it clear to our people that one of the major prerequisite to provision of water in their communities is their commitment to environmental sanitation, ” he said.
On the Millennium Development Goals’ projection of water for all by the year 2015, the RUWESA boss expressed his reservation about the attainment of this goal by the stipulated period.
Taraba
The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA), Donga, has donated N5million worth of relief materials to 2,926 victims of gun attacks in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba.
Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, Director General of the agency, presented the items to the three camps of Tor Damisa, Model Primary School and Dozomga.
Sidi told the internally displaced persons (IDPs) that the relief materials were meant to alleviate their sufferings and not compensation to what they have lost.
“I want to make it clear that this relief materials we have brought to you is to alleviate your sufferings while the government is trying to restore peace in your communities.
“You must, therefore, try on your part to tolerate one another and assist government in finding lasting solutions to the unfortunate attacks in your communities,” he said.
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