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L-R: Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

L-R: Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, during the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, yesterday.

Adamawa
Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, the Speaker, Adamawa State
House of Assembly, has dismissed alleged plans to impeach Governor Muhammadu Jibrilla.
Mijinyawa, during a special sitting of the House in Yola, described the alleged plan as “malicious’’.
“The attention of the House is drawn over false publication that members of the House are gathering signatures to impeach the sitting governor.
“The publication was purely a mischief from the enemies of the state who always wish us bad luck,” Mijinyawa said.
Similarly, the Chief Whip of the House, Mr. Hassan Burguma, condemned the allegation.
Burguma, at a news conference in Yola last Monday, also said that the House had never signed any document to impeach the governor.

Bauchi
Secretary, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi
State, Rev. Vincent Bature,said Bauchi State Government has sponsored 185 of its members to Israel in 2015.
Bature made this known in Bauchi when state officials of the association paid a courtesy call on Governor Mohammed Abubakar of the state.
He commended the governor for the gesture which according to him “has become an annual event for the state government to give our members tickets.”
He called on the governor to fulfil some of his campaign promises especially his promise that Christian teachers would be recruited to teach moral lessons in primary schools in the state.
The secretary further called on the governor to appoint members of the association into vital positions when setting up his cabinet.
Ekiti
An hairdresser, Mrs Tina Agada, has approached an Ikole
Customary Court seeking for dissolution of her 6-year-old marriage to John Agada, over alleged brutality and lack of care.
In a suit filed before the court Tina alleged that the defendant was in the habit of beating her and always threatening to kill her.
She said the defendant who had not paid her bride price since they married six years ago, had no regard for her and the two children of the union.
She told the court that her husband never cared about the wellbeing of the two children nor paid their school fees.
Tina further said Agada always threatened to kill her whenever she refused to allow him to sleep with her.

FCT
A 37-year-old man, Samuel Uromi has been arraigned in a
Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on a three-count charge of mischief, extortion and stealing.
Uromi, a member of the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), however, pleaded not guilty to the three- count-charge levelled against him.
The prosecutor, Mr Uromi, said that the accused committed the offences on December 11 at Area 1 Roundabout, Abuja.
He told the court that the complainant, one Jonah Agocha, reported the case against the accused at the Garki Police Station.
The prosecutor said that Uromi extorted money from Agocha, a commercial cab driver and robbed him of his belongings.
“The accused claims to be a member of the NURTW. He forcefully collected the car keys of the complainant and ran away with it to an unknown destination.
“The accused later returned to steal the car and N7, 200 inside it as well as damage the passenger side of the car while trying to escape,’’ Out said.
Kano
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi, has ad
vised religious institutions and other organisations to refrain from acts capable of promoting violence in the country.
He gave the advice while receiving some members of the Shi’ite Islamic sect who visited him at his Palace in Kano on Monday.
The emir stressed the need for all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or political inclinations, to desist from anything which could breach the peace in the country.
“The advice is necessary, especially now that the country is fighting insurgency,’’ he said.
The traditional ruler, who described the recent violence in Zaria as unfortunate, called on the people to always exercise restraint in order to ensure peace and unity in the country.
Katsina
All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker represent
ing Katsina Central Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Senator Ibrahim Kurfi has earmarked N10 million for the provision of free-eye treatment to no fewer than 5,000 less-privileged in Katsina State.
Kurfi spoke through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Muntari Dabo, at the opening ceremony of the exercise held at the Katsina General Hospital, Katsina on Monday.
He said that some of the beneficiaries would be provided drugs and medicated glasses at the hospital.
The senator said that some would have to undergo surgery before they would regain their sights.
Kurfi said that he would provide feeding, transportation and accommodation for those that would undergo eye operations.
Lagos
The Federal Fire Service Controller in Lagos State, Mr
Aderemi Olusola, says the service saved property worth more than N26.4 billion from fire in the first half of this year.
Olusola also said that during the period, properties estimated at more than N10.7 billion were lost to fire incidents.
He told newsmen in Lagos that the estimate of saves and losses were based on information supplied by the property owners.
He said that between January and November 2015, the service responded to 247 fire incidents, adding that three lives were lost to the incidents.
The controller said that one person was rescued, while two of the fire service men sustained injuries.
Olusola said that fire incidents had been high during the “Ember’’ months due to excessive heat and harmattan.
Nasarawa
Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has an
nounced the appointment of Dr. Shehu Usman-Yamusa as Emir of Keffi.
Al-Makura made the announcement at a meeting with the state’s traditional council in Lafia following the death of the occupant of the stool, Mohammed Chindo-Yamusa on December 4.
He said the appointment was with effect from December 14.
He explained that the new emir, who is the son of the deceased, was appointed by the king makers of Keffi Emirate Council.
He added that the appointment came after a seven-day notice of the demise of the emir in line with extant laws and guiding instruments of the Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He said Usman-Yamusa of the Abdul-Zanga royal family scored five votes during the selection, while his opponent Mohammed Suleiman scored two votes.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has presented
a budget proposal of N150.7bn for 2016 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
The Permanent Secretary, Budget & Economic Planning, Mr Segun Olorunsogo, presented the proposal on behalf of the governor.
He said the financial document was in line with the six point integral plan of the government.
Olorunsogo told the House that N113.1bn was for recurrent revenue, and N37.5bn was for capital receipts.
He said that personnel cost would take N33. 3bn while N12. 2bn and N37.1bn would be spent on overhead cost and consolidated revenue fund charges respectively.

Oyo
A Mapo Customary Court in Ibadan has dissolved the
43- year-old marriage between one Disu Onifade and his wife, Sherifat, over the latter’s quarrelsomeness.
Mr Ademola Odunade, the President of the court, stated that he was merely carrying out the wishes of the couple as an amicable settlement could not be made.
“In the interest of peaceful co-existence, the union between both of you has ceased to be henceforth.
“Onifade shall pay N2,000 to enable Sherifat pack her belongings,” he ruled.
Earlier in his petition to the court, Onifade said that his wife was quarrelsome even after divorcing and accepting her again.
Plateau
The United Nations (UN) said that it was partnering
Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Limited and some institutions in the country to train 500 insurgency victims on vocational skills.
Mr Matthew Alao, Conflict Prevention and Peace Building Analyst of UN Development Programme (UNDP) disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
Alao said the UN was carrying out the skills acquisition programme in big and standard institutions in the country to give the beneficiaries quality training which would enable them to begin new lives.
“Basically, we advertised for any available facility within the country where we can train these beneficiaries.

Sokoto
Authorities of some Federal Government institutions
in Sokoto say the schools have adopted proactive security measures against any threat to lives and property in the institutions.
A Principal of one of the schools told newsmen in Sokoto that the measures were necessary because of threats by some miscreants to attack the schools.
The Principal, Federal Science College, Sokoto, Mrs Rhoda Shekarau, said that the Federal Ministry of Education had directed all federal schools across the country to be on the alert.
Shekarau said that the college had responded to the government’s directive and established a well-coordinated security network, to avert any eventuality.

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RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

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Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

 

Amadi Akujobi

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Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

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The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

 

By Kevin Nengia

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City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

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The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.

Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.

Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.

He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.

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