Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The President of National Union of Adamawa State Students (NUADSS), Danladi Jonah, has appealed to the state government to resume the payment of scholarship to Adamawa State students in tertiary institutions.
Jonah made the appeal Thursday in an interview with The Tide in Yola.
Jonah said that Adamawa students in tertiary institutions had been finding it difficult since the suspension of scholarship six years ago.
“Adamawa students in tertiary institutions have not been receiving government scholarship for the past six years; things are hard for our students as you know Adamawa is among the states seriously affected by insurgency.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr Halima Muqadas has called on the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to be posting to her ministry, all corps members that studied health related courses.
Making the call when the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Afolayan Adeola visited her last Thursday, the commissioner said post such corps members to her ministry would add to existing human resources needed to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
Muqadas noted that various communities had been seeking for such corps members, hence the need for ministry to coordinate their posting so as to take care of their welfare.
“We will prefer all corps members that studied health-related courses to be posted to the Hospital Management Board because the hospital board coordinates issues of human resource and posting.
Ekiti
For allegedly threatening to kill a counsel, Mrs Adeola Adetayo, two accused: Adefemi Awe, 58 and Taiwo Okunade, 33, appeared in an Ado-Ekiti Magistrates’ Court lastThursday.
The accused, whose addresses were not given, are facing two-count-charge of breach of peace and threat to life.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Monica Ikebuilo, told the court that the two accused conspired with one other to commit the offence on February 2 in Fajuyi area of Ado-Ekiti.
Ikebuilo further said that Awe and Okunade threatened to kill Adetayo for being the counsel in a case against their brother.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government says it has disbursed N375 million loan to farmers to accelerate paddy rice production.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, Alhaji Kabir Ali, said this at the inauguration of the pilot rice trading Centre project in Auyo, Jigawa.
Ali said the loans were disbursed to registered farmers under the Farm Cluster scheme during the last cropping season.
He explained that fertiliser, seeds, chemicals and farm inputs were given to the farmers under a soft loan revolving scheme designed to enhance agricultural financing.
Kaduna
The President of Southern Kaduna Peoples’ Union (SOKAPU), Mr Solomon Musa, last Thursday said the union was not a religious or tribal organisation but a body pushing for the development of all communities in the area.
Musa made the declaration during a consultative meeting with Global Peace Foundation, an NGO, seeking for dialogue to end the crisis in the area.
“SOKAPU is not for the protection of Baju, Fulani, Atiyap, Ham, Hausa and any other tribe, but is for the protection of all people in southern Kaduna regardless of where you come from; but we will protect defend and be fair to everybody.
Kano
The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 958 beggars for allegedly violating the law banning street begging on major streets in the state’s capital.
Malam Musa Tsangaya, in charge of the anti-begging unit of the board, told newsmen in Kano State that 203 of the arrested people were children, while 755 were adults.
“Our men arrested 958 street beggars around Bank Road, Civic Centre, Dangi Junction, Lugard Road and Magwan Junction violating the law, banning street begging in the Kano metropolis.
Kebbi
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has allocated 4,105 hajj seats to Kebbi State for the 2017 hajj exercise, a top official has said.
The Executive Chairman of the state Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Alhaji Bala Sakaba, made this known to newsmen on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi.
Sakaba spoke after meeting with the 21 local government sole administrators on preparations for the exercise.
“The commission has directed us to commence collecting hajj fare deposits from intending pilgrims from last month and to complete the collection at the end of February 2017.
Kwara
Traders in Omu-Aran in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State last Thursday called for the establishment of a modern market to boost the economic development of the community.
The Market Leader in the council area, Mrs Mogbonjubola Awoniyi, made the call during an inspection visit to markets in Omu-Aran.
Awoniyi was accompanied by a team led by Mr Olushola Babalola, the Coordinator of the National Anti-Corruption Volunteer Corps (NAVC) in Kwara South Senatorial District.
She said the establishment of a modern market by the state government in partnership with the council was long overdue.
Nasarawa
A Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting at Masaka in Nasarawa State last Thursday revoked the bail granted to a security man, Peter Callitus, 23, for failing to appear in court .
The Magistrate, Mr Victor Manga, revoked the bail after the Prosecutor, Mr Frank Swem, announced that the defendant refused to appear in court as instructed.
Swem said that the accused always absented himself in court.
“This was not his first time of exhibiting such habit.
“He is much aware that his case is slated for today, I tried to reach him and his number was not going.
“I also called his surety who told me that he was not in town,’’ he said.
Niger
Head, Accident and Emergency Unit, General Hospital, Minna, Niger State, Dr Hauwa Kolo, has advised the state government to revisit its position on commercial motorcycle riders in the state.
Kolo gave the advice in an interview with newmen in Minna lastThursday.
She said that the advice became necessary in view of the alarming rate of accidents among commercial motorcyclists in Niger and the need to check the development.
“There is need for the authorities to check and caution commercial motorcycle riders.
‘’This is because at the rate they get injured; there will come a time when the hospitals will run out of space to accommodate them,’’ she said.
The state government, on August 8 2016, placed restriction on the movement of motorcycles in the state capital, Minna and some other towns based on insecurity.
Ondo
A 30-year-old carpenter, Saheed Osuolale, was last Thursday brought before an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State, over alleged assault and malicious damage of property worth N95,000.
Osuolale is facing a two-count charge of assault and malicious damage.
Police Prosecutor Zedekiah Orogbemi told the court that the accused had on January 1 at about 11.00 a.m. at No. 17, Akinfolarin Str., Okitipupa, assaulted a woman, Ayinke Bolajoko, following a misunderstanding between them.
“The accused also used a saw to inflict injuries on the complainant.
Osun
Members of the Osun State House of Assembly last Thursday passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Mr Najeem Salaam, over what they described as “his quality leadership style”.
The assembly members commended the leadership of the house when they appeared before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to defend the 2017 budget proposal in Osogbo.
The N3.2 billion budget proposal was presented to the committee by the Leader of Government Business, Mr Timothy Owoeye.
In his remarks, Mr Kamil Oyedele, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, said the manner in which the Speaker had been directing the affairs of the assembly had translated to peaceful coexistence between the executive and the legislative arms of government in the state.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State last Thursday in Ibadan inaugurated bio-metric data capturing and identification card project for artisans and tradesmen.
The governor expressed optimism that the project would bring greater development to the economy of the state and boost activities of the artisans and tradesmen.
The Tide reports that Tradesmen and Artisans Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter has 45 members associations.
Ajimobi said that the project, when completed would be of great benefit to government, the public, artisans and tradesmen.
Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto State, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has again assured parents that the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is safe for Nigerian children.
The Tide reports that Abubakar spoke in Sokoto last Thursday at a one-day Round Table Discussion on Polio Eradication (PEI).
The meeting comprised media professionals and other stakeholders.
He said that the vaccine had been globally tested by seasoned medical experts and clerics and it was found to be efficacious.
Represented by Alhaji Bello Abubakar, the District Head of Hamma’ali, the sultan said: “the vaccine properly protects the children from getting infected from the debilitating disease and other child killer diseases’’.
“Our children should be fully immunised against the child killer diseases like measles, tetanus and diphtheria, among others.’’
Nation
RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
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
Nation
Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries
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
Nation
City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win
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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