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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency (ADSEMA) says over 2,000 Internally Displaced children were enrolled into Safe School initiative programme in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Haruna Furo, told newsmen in Yola last Sunday that the initiative was part of  the Federal Government’s special education package for IDPs children nationwide.
He said many displaced children were sent to various Unity Colleges across the country under an exchange school Programme.
Furo said there were four ongoing categories of education programmes for IDPs children in the state.

Ekiti
An  Ado-Ekiti High Court last Wednesday sentenced a local government worker, Ojo Ayodele, to life imprisonment for abducting and raping a 15-year-old girl.
A  report says that Ayodele abducted the minor in Ijero-Ekiti and took her to a secret location in the town where he subjected her to continuous sexual assault for 21 days.
Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde, in her judgment, found Ayodele guilty as charged and sentenced the accused to life jail.
The judge, who also found Ayodele guilty of abduction, sentenced him to seven years for the offence.
The jail terms are, however, to run concurrently.

FCT
The police last Thursday arraigned Prince Eze in a Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, charged with duping his fiancee of N150,000.
The defendant, of Jikwoyi, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge of criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The prosecutor, Joshua Ayanna, told the court that the matter was reported by Joyce Ohamsi of Area 1, Garki, Abuja, at the Apo Police Station on March 10.
He said the plaintiff bought a plot of land worth N350,000 owned by Shepherd House Church in Karshi village, Abuja in November 2012.

Katsina
The Border Community Development Agency (BCDA) has handed over a Veterinary Clinic worth N25 million it constructed at Hui community of Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State.
An official of the agency Mrs Atarhe Akpohwaye-Abu,who handed over the facility to the officials of Katsina State Government on Wednesday, said the project was part of the efforts of the agency to bring development to rural communities.
Akpohwaye-Abu said the project was strategically located especially considering the fact that the area was predominantly an animal rearing community.
She said the clinic would immensely promote livestock production as well as consumption of hygienic meat in the area.
She further said, the agency considered Katsina State very important and strategic due to the large international boarder markets and economic activities in the area.

Kwara
The Lions Club International said last Wednesday that it had spent $1 billion globally on humanitarian services in the 100 years of its existence.
An International Director of the club, Mr Kumar Raju, disclosed this at a news briefing in Ilorin to herald its 12th Multiple District Convention in Nigeria.
Raju noted that Africa took the larger part of the club’s grant for humanitarian services.
According to him, about $50 million grant is donated annually by members of the club across the world to pursue various projects.
He explained that aside meeting humanitarian needs, the club had also assisted in the area of disaster relief, saving sight and serving the youths.

Lagos
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, said it had arrested 120  suspected pipelines vandals in the state between January and May 2017.
The State Commandant, Mr Tajundeen Balogun, made this disclosure on Monday, in Lagos, while receiving the Head of Lagos Editorial,  Mr Mike Mbonye, who paid him a visit.
Balogun said that the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state, particularly in Ikorodu and Badagry, noting that the suspects had been sabotaging the nation’s economy.
“Ikorodu axis has been very challenging for us due to the type of terrain.
“So sad, that almost all security agencies have lost their men in Ikorodu; we have equally lost five men in the area.

Nasarawa
Pathfinder International Nigeria and Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH), NGOs, have said that only 171 out of 808 public health facilities were providing Family Planning (FP) services in Nasarawa State.
Pathfinder Consultant, Dr Yemi Osanyin, made this known last Wednesday in Lafia during a one-day dissemination of the findings of Family Planning Situation Analysis in the state, organised by the group in collaboration with the state government.
He explained that the aim of the workshop was to present a draft report on the FP situation in the state with the view of encouraging women and girls to embrace FP programmes, considering its enormous benefits.

Ogun
Police in  Ogun State have arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly killing his 27-year-old roommate, Friday Michael.
The police spokesman in Ogun State, Mr Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement that the incident happened last Friday at Mamu area of Awa-Ijebu.
“The suspect came in around 6.30 a.m. and shot the deceased, who was sleeping, with a locally-made pistol.
“The sound from the gun attracted other occupants of the house to the scene and they quickly alerted the police.
“The DPO of Awa-Ijebu Division led his men to the scene and the suspect was promptly arrested,’’ said the police spokesman.Oyo

Osun
A 30-year-old man, Olajide Adeshina, was last Thursday sentenced to seven years imprisonment by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for burglary.
Adeshina was convicted of the three charges of burglary, theft and fraud brought against him.
The convict, who pleaded guilty, had no legal representation.
The Chief  Magistrate, Mrs Fatimoh Sodamade, did not give Adeshina any option of fine.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Fagboyinbo Abiodun, had earlier told the court that the convict committed the offence on October 19, 2016 at about 12:00a.m at Ofatedo area in Osogbo.

Oyo
The Elders Consultative Forum for Shariah in Nigeria, Oyo State branch, last Sunday, distributed more than N2 million Zakat (obligatory charity in Islam) to 122 indigent persons in Ibadan.
Zakat is one of the five obligatory pillars of Islam and it is an annual deduction from every wealthy Muslims’ income, assets, savings or farm produce.
The Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Lasun Sanusi, said in Ibadan after the distribution that the intention was not only to empower the jobless, poor or ailing Muslims, but to enhance the holistic development of Muslims in the state.
Sanusi added that the money distributed would go a long way in alleviating the suffering of the beneficiaries.
He explained that the distribution of Zakat by the forum started five years ago and since then, different items and cash were given to the needy annually.

Plateau
The Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, says speeding accounts for 60 per cent of road crashes recorded in the country.
Oyeyemi said this last Sunday at a thanksgiving service to mark the 4th United Nations Global Road Safety Week at the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Gigiriing, Jos, Plateau.
The global event has “Managing Speed” as its theme.
Oyeyemi represented by the Zonal Commanding Officer, Jos zone, Mr Oludare Fadogba, said speeding remains the most prevalent cause of road crashes in Nigeria and across the globe.
“Speeding is one of the most prevalent causes of road collision and attendant fatalities in Nigeria and even globally.
“The risk of crashes occurring is greater as speeding gets higher.
“Statistics show that speeding and the involvement of commercial vehicles consistently accounts for about 60 per cent of road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

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THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

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The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.
It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.
The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions:  M – Meeting the People  E – Educating the People  D – Discussing with the People  I – Involving the People  A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.
People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.
Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.
Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.
Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.
Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.
The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.
By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.
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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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