Nation
THE STATES
Borno
A non-governmental organisation, Centre for Develop
ment and Democracy (CDD) , has trained 80 clerics in Borno State on de-radicalisation and counter-violence.
Programme Officer of CDD, Mr Ikponmwosa Omaigiade, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, said the training was to equip the clerics with the knowledge they could use to curtail violent extremism in the country.
“Today we have successfully trained 80 clerics in Borno state as part of the larger programme that aims at training 200 clerics on de-radicalisation and counter insurgency.
“We identified those that we need to speak to, who will in turn speak to the larger community; we think religious leaders are important stakeholders in the communities.
A cleric in polo area of Maiduguri, Malam Abdullahi Muhammad, said the workshop was commendable as its promoted peaceful co-existence among Muslims and Christians.
FCT
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
has called for thorough investigation of fake result sheet production in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, ahead of December. 10 legislative rerun elections in the state.
The Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Oyekanmi also urged security agencies handling the matter to ensure that suspects already arrested in connection with the matter and their sponsors were prosecuted.
“The commission has heard the news about the arrest of nine people with fake result sheets in Port Harcourt.
Jigawa
The University of Abuja says it has concluded plans to
establish a Distance Learning Centre in Hadejia, Jigawa State, to enhance access to university education at grassroots.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration of the university, Prof. Sani Abubakar, stated this at a stakeholder’s forum for the distance learning programme, in Hadejia, Jigawa.
Abubakar said that the centre would be established in Hadejia, noting that the university had already commenced the sale of admission form for the 2016/2017 academic session.
He explained that the centre would offer undergraduate courses in six disciplines, which include Business and Public Administration; Banking and Finance, Economics, Sociology and Political Science.
Abubakar said that the gesture was to enhance access to university education to farmers, traders and women in rural communities.
Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has expressed shock
and sadness over the death of Lt. Col. Abu Ali, an indigene of the state, who was killed in an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno last Friday.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Petra Akinti-Onyegbule, in Lokoja, the governor described the death of Ali as ” unfortunate and a monumental loss to Kogi and Nigeria “.
He commiserated with his father , the Etsu Bassa Nge Kingdom, retired Brig.-Gen. Abu Ali, and prayed God to give him and the entire people of Bassa the fortitude to bear the loss.
Late Ali died at about 10 p.m. of Friday, when suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked 119 Battalion, Nigerian Army location at Mallam Fatori area of Borno.
The governor commended Ali’s gallantry as an officer , saying that he served the nation with dedication and commitment and paid the supreme price by laying down his life for the peace of the country.
Lagos
The Embassy of Spain in Nigeria has said that its
Economic and Commercial Department had in last five years organised 25 Spanish trade missions to Nigeria.
The Embassy’s Chief Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Mr Pablo Segrelles, told newsmen in Lagos that there was a growing interest of Spanish companies in Nigeria.
Segrelles, who said that the Spanish companies’ interest in Nigeria had been quite encouraging, however, said that the number of trade missions had reduced this year due to economic recession.
“We have had quite some useful business delegations between Nigeria and Spain in the last few years.
“In the last five years, we have had 25 trade missions coming from different parts of Spain to Nigeria, just as we had invited Nigerian businessmen and women to Spain”, he added.
Nasarawa
The Vice-Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof.
Mohammed Akaro-Mainoma, has urged the state government to release the N200 million Earned Academic Allowance owed lecturers of the institution, to avert strike.
Akaro-Mainoma made the appeal when members of the state Assembly Committee on Education, Science and Technology paid an oversight visit to the institution.
He said the university had in May signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to pay the remaining 20 per cent of the allowances by December.
The vice chancellor said that the MoU made the lecturers to suspend their three-month- old strike on May 31.
“Another disturbing matter is the review of the law setting up the university, to conform to the 2003 Act, as obtained in other public universities.
Niger
A Minna-based legal practitioner, Mr Taidi Jonathan has
said the rescue of another Chibok school girl demonstrated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to national security.
Jonathan said in an interview with newsmen in Minna that the effort also reinforced the determination of the Federal Government to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians.
He said that the Nigerian military have demonstrated professionalism and rare commitment to ending Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.
The legal practitioner expressed confidence that the remaining school girls would also be rescued alive soon.
He said that the effort of the security personnel has strengthened the hope of parents and all Nigerians that the ordeal of the schools girls and other hostages would soon be over.
Ogun
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander
in Ogun State, Mr Clement Oladele has said that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, will temporarily close a section of the Ibadan/Lagos corridor by Sagamu Interchange to effect repair.
Oladele, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Abeokuta, said that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc had informed the FRSC that the reason for the closure was to effect repairs on the section from November 3 to November 12.
He urged motorists, especially commercial vehicles operators, to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules.
Oladele advised motorists to cooperate with the FRSC and other traffic officers who would ensure minimal discomfort of motorists during the period.
Ondo
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in
Ondo State has hailed the suspension of the Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr Timi Frank, by the National Working Committee of the party.
Frank was suspended for allegedly putting the party’s image in public odium.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the APC Publicity Secretary in Ondo State, Omo’ba Abayomi Adesanya said, “the action of the NWC is long overdue because Timi has really embarrassed the party in recent times.
“He has shown that his character does not possess the quality required of him to occupy such exalted position.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has urged youths
to do things differently in order to make their mark quickly in the society.
Aregbesola gave the advice in a statement by his media aide, Semiu Okanlawon, made available to newsmen in Osogbo.
Aregbesola said his administration had provided different avenues for youth engagement in governance.
According to him, such avenues include the creation of Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and Youth Empowerment Scheme -Technology (OYESTECH).
He said his administration had also established the Osun Job Centre, as a way of creating a data base of unemployed youths across the state, so as to train them to be employers of labour.
The governor urged youth in the state to take advantage of the opportunities to develop themselves.
Oyo
The police command in Oyo State has rescued a 10-year-
old girl, who was allegedly unlawfully imprisoned by her father, the spokesman for the police, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, said.
Ajisebutu told newsmen that the victim was allegedly locked up in a room for three days without food by her father, who was currently at large.
He said that the girl was rescued by policemen from the Challenge Police Station.
He said that the victim had been properly fed and taken to the police clinic for medical attention.
Ajisebutu said that the case was under investigation and that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the suspect, who was at large.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has called on the
state government to immediately relieve the Commandant of the State Marshalls Corps, Mr Sa’idu Madawaki, of his appointment.
The call followed the recommendation of a special committee set up by the assembly to investigate alleged disrespect of the government institutions and the assembly by officials of the corps.
Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba (APC- Gwadabawa North), while presenting report of their findings to the house, said that the recommendation for disengagement of the commandant was reached after extensive consultation.
Yobe
Vice Chairman, Presidential Committee on North East
Initiative, Alhaji Tijjani Tumsa, said the Victims Support Fund (VSF) would provide more interventions to support educational development in communities liberated from insurgency.
Tumsa disclosed this while fielding questions from newsmen in Damaturu, the state capital.
He said, “the VSF, which is a key component of the Presidential Committee on North- East Initiative, will recover public institutions through reconstruction and provision of instructional materials to fast track education in the affected areas.”
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
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
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.
