Nation
THE STATES
Governor Ibrahim Dank Wambo of Gombe State (middle), Inaugurating the Inuwa orphanage Foundation in Gombe last Wednesday. With him are the Acting Secretary to the State government, Mr James Pisaghi (left)and the immediate past Speaker, Gombe State House of Assembly and Alhaji Inuwa Garba (right).
Adamawa
Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa (APC-Yola South) has emerged
as the Speaker, of the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
Mijinyawa, nominated by Abdulrahman Abubakar (APC-Mubi South), polled 17 votes, while his opponent, Alhaji Rufai Umar (APC- Gombi), who was nominated by Mallam Hammanjoda Umar (APC-Jada/Mbulo), scored eight votes.
Mr Sunday Peter (APC- Guyuk), was elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker following non-secondment of Mrs Sodomti Tayedi (APC- Numan), who was nominated to contest the position with him.
Addressing the House after taking oath of office, Mijinyawa thanked members of the Assembly for electing him as speaker.
Mijinyawa, therefore, urged members to support him to move the state forward.
Borno
The Borno State chapter of the Trade Union Congress
(TUC) last Monday urged Governor Kashim Shettima to redeem his pledge of employing 500 people into the state civil service.
Alhaji Ali Grema, the TUC Chairman in the state, told newsmen in Maiduguri that priority should be given to youth empowerment and the security challenges in the state.
He advised the government to rehabilitate its industries to create employment opportunities for the youth in the state.
“We have industries that can generate up to 300,000 jobs for the youth.
“That is why we are calling on the state government to focus on reviving the industries like Borno State Hotel, Neital Shoe Company and Borno Investment Company,” he said.
Ekiti
A 40-year-old man, Banji Adebayo, charged with con
spiracy and armed robbery, has been remanded in Olokuta Prison by an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, with others still at large, were alleged to have robbed one Mr Afolabi Adeniyi, of different types of cell phones, cash, laptop and other items, all valued at N4.98 million.
The Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adedapo, ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody pending the receipt of legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecution.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, had told the court that the accused person, armed with dangerous weapons , robbed the victim of different types of cell phones, valued at N1 million.
Adejuwon also said that the accused snatched MTN, GLO, Airtel and Etisalat recharge cards, valued at N1 million; Acer laptop valued at N53,000 and N825,000 cash.
Jigawa
Female beneficiaries of the National Directorate of Em
ployment (NDE) in Jigawa State have commended the agency for its skills acquisition training for women.
The beneficiaries made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
One of the beneficiaries who gave her name as Fadila Muhammad, said the gesture would help the women to be self-reliant.
She added that it would also reduce the level of dependence by wives on their husbands.
Another beneficiary, Hafsat Garba, said: “We thank God and NDE for this training.”
Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State has reduced
the number of ministries in the state from 19 to 13 for effective service delivery.
The information is contained in a statement issued by Samuel Aruwan, the Special Assistant (Media and Publicity), to the governor in Kaduna last Tuesday.
The statement which said that the governor also reduced the number of commissioners to be appointed to 13, noted that the development was in continuation of El-Rufa’I’s efforts to cut the cost of governance in the state.
“El-Rufai decided to reduce the number of commissioners to only 13 as against the 24 appointed by the immediate past administration.
The governor will also limit the number of aides that the 13 commissioners will recruit to support them in the discharge of their duties,” it said.
Kano
The Kano State chapter of the Federation of Muslim
Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) has appealed to leaders at all levels to assist the needy as part of service to humanity.
The FOMWAN Chairperson in Kano State, Hajiya Sa’adatu Hashim, made the call during a one-day seminar it organised with the theme “Service to Humanity (Path to Aljannat)” in Kano last Monday.
Hashim said the call was to alleviate the sufferings of the less-privileged in the society, pointing out that “anybody who assists the poor will be replenished by Allah.
The chairperson then urged women to register with the organisation with a view to rendering service to humanity.
She said the Association has branches in all the 44 local government areas of the state, stressing that its activities centred on the propagation of Islam.
Lagos
Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos
last Tuesday dismissed the suit seeking to vacate Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Mbu Joseph Mbu over his alleged abuse of power.
In his ruling, Buba said no court in Nigeria could declare the office of a police officer of the rank of AIG vacant, saying that such action was the responsibility of the Nigeria Police.
“If any threat is made against any person, it is the duty of the police to investigate and punish the officer who made it accordingly, even if it is an AIG.
“No court in Nigeria can declare the office of such officer vacant; it is the duty of the police, “he said.
Buda said that the case of the plaintiff had no merit and was therefore dismissed.
Nasarawa
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa
State, said last Monday that it has entered into partnership with the Keffi Local Government Council to tackle health challenges of rural populace.
Dr Joshua Giyan, FMC Medical Director, made the disclosure in Keffi when Alhaji Mohammed Dikko, the council Chairman, visited the centre.
Dikko was represented by his vice, Mr Joseph Maiwada.
Giyan said that the collaboration was to tackle the health challenges of the rural dwellers and to ensure quality healthcare service at the grassroots.
Giyan restated the commitment of the centre to continue to initiate policies that would improve on the welfare of its staff and people of the state.gun
Ogun
No fewer than 500 persons benefitted annual free eye
surgery jointly organised by Ogun State Government, Indo Eye Care Foundation and Rotary International.
The Permanent Secretary, state Hospitals Management Board, Mrs Modupe Olurin, made this known at the General Hospital, Abeokuta.
She explained that the event was aimed at giving succour to indigent citizens of the state who were victims of cataract and could not afford the cost of the operation.
Osun
Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria
(JUSUN), Osun State Chapter, have refused to resume work after State Chairman, Mr Dapo Oseni, called-off the five-month old strike last Monday.
sources said that magistrate and customary courts in Ile-Ife remained closed last Tuesday.
Oseni had directed the workers to go back to work, as Governor Rauf Aregbesola had pledged to pay JUSUN and other workers their salaries.
But the workers insisted that they would not resume duty until their salaries were paid.
A senior staff, Mrs Yemi Owolabi, who spoke with newsmen confirmed that they could not resume work while being owed seven months salary arrears.
“The ongoing strike by the members would not be called off until last penny of our salaries is paid,” she said.
JUSUN began their strike on January 5, to compel the government to obey a court order that affirmed financial autonomy of states’ judiciary.
Plateau
The Catholic Bishop of Pankshin Diocese in Plateau
State, Most Rev. Michael Gokum, has donated items worth over N2.5 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) taking refuge in Pankshin and nearby areas.
The donation was made through the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC) of the diocese and was supported by the Catholic Caritas Commission.
The main beneficiaries of the gesture were persons displaced from the North-East and are taking refuge in Kanem and Kanke local government areas of the state.
He also said that the gesture which was for all Christians was a show of love, concern and to identify with the IDPs.
The Archbishop assured the IPDs that their stay at the various camps was temporary as government was intensifying efforts to ensure that peace returned to their original abodes.
Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has approved
N8.5 million for the overhaul of the Jalingo water plant to ensure potable water supply in the metropolis.
Mr Sylvanus Giwa, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Jalingo on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the governor had mandated the Taraba Water Supply Agency to immediately commence work on all faulty water pipes in the capital.
“The governor’s concern is informed by the acute water scarcity in the town, which has forced residents to find alternatives in unsafe water sources that are hazardous to community health, it said.
The statement urged all officials responsible for carrying out the project to be diligent, adding that government would not tolerate any form of laxity.
It further stated that government was committed to providing essential services to the people of the state in the months ahead.
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