Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Apparently on the heels of the assassination of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship candidate in Borno State, 19 northern governors Tuesday decried the increasing security threats in some parts of northern states, cautioning against the use of inflammatory campaign languages by some politicians.
The governors at a meeting presided by the governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu also agreed to offer assistance to Plateau, Borno and Bauchi States following the increasing security challenges be failing the states.
In a communiqué at the end of the meeting, the governors after much deliberations on measures that would bring the crisis to an end identified security, poverty and youth restiveness as the major causes of the conflict in the region.
Accordingly, the governors resolved to promptly identify and address the causes of the conflicts which they said had been economically, religiously and politically motivated.
While agreeing to support the three affected states using various strategies that are beyond physical means as well as addressing the perceptions and misinformation perpetrated over time, the governors also maintained that they would take other measures in handling constitutional provisions to tackle security challenges.
Ekiti
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, has expressed sadness over the destruction of 62 houses in the Ekiti in Ikole Local Government Area of the state by rainstorm which ravaged the community recently.
Olayinka who was on an inspection visit to the community yesterday, however, promised that the Dr Kolayode Fayoemi led administration through the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) would provide relief materials to the victims of the rainstorm to make the affected houses habitable again.
She revealed that the state government would make an official report to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and table a request for assistance for the victims.
Olayinka who stressed the need for people to plant more trees around houses to serve as wind breaks and prevent rainstorm from blowing off their roof tops also advised house builders and owners to ensure that roof tops are designed in such a way that can not be easily penetrated by storm.
The deputy governor, however, sympathised with the victims of the natural disaster and joined them to thank God that no casualty of any sort was recorded despite the enormity of the disaster.
FCT
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Josephine Anenih, has disclosed that the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) which has been a male university from inception would soon begin to admit female cadets to prepare them as officers of the Nigerian Army.
Anenih disclosed this yesterday in Abuja at the ‘Nigerian Women at 50 Reflections’ aimed at recognising the contributions of women to national development before and after independence.
She said this was made possible by the first female Rear Admiral in the Nigerian Navy, Itunu Hotonu, who was recently promoted after her feat as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Navy Post-Service Scheme.
Anenih also lauded female presidential aspirant, Mrs Sarah Jubril, who she said has given women the hope and confidence to aspire to reach the highest position in the country.
The Women Affairs Minister urged Nigerian women to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan during the April polls expressing hopes that he would grant women the glamoured 35% affirmative action.
Kebbi
The mother of the Senatorial candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) for Kebbi State, Hajiya Fatima Sadiq Yelwa, who was kidnapped at her residence in Yauri town about 10 days ago has been released.
Hajiya Yelwa, mother of Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa, former Chief of Staff to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister was found during a search by the police detectives at a bush in the outskirts of Kontangora in Niger State.
State Police Commissioner, Alhaji Dalhatu Saa-d told journalists Tuesday, that Hajiya Yelwa was found in a bush by policemen and was returned to her family in Yauri.
The CPC senatorial candidate explained that though the kidnappers demanded for some money for the release of his mother, the family did not pay any ransom rather embarked on prayers after reporting the incident to the police.
Yelwa said “it is true that my mother has been returned this morning. We thank Almighty Allah for her safe release”.
The politician also thanked the security agents from both Kebbi and Niger States for ensuring the release of his mother by the hoodlums with her sustaining no injury.
Lagos
Lagos State Government has called for dialogue with the Dental and Medical Personnel, under the aegis of the Medical Guild, to resolve the ongoing doctor’s strike.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris who addressed reporters Wednesday, on the unions meeting with leaders described the strike action as unnecessary, stating that government was will and ready to address the issues raised by the doctors.
According to him ‘I had a meeting with the union yesterday and we have reviewed some of those areas and so far, the strike action is uncalled for’.
Idris said that under the new agreement, a highest-level consultant would earn about N700,000 monthly and a level 10 officer N173,927.33 pointing out that the government was considering other areas to improve doctors welfare.
The commission therefore urged the doctors to reconsider their demands for the 100 per cent implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for the hitch-free medical activities in the state.
“We are appealing again that they should call off the strike to reduce the suffering of the masses. A lot of people have expressed their displeasure over this strike and they have offered their hand of fellowship to us to ameliorate the suffering of the people”, the commissioner explained.
Nasarawa
Following the stoning of the convoy of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Police Service Commission had approved the request of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Hafiz Ringim, to transfer the Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, Wilfred Obute.
It was gathered that the pelting of the convoy was contrary to the security report hitherto sent by the Commissioner of Police to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
A top police source said that the Commissioner of Police (CP) had the itinerary of the president ahead of his arrival adding that he should have ensured a comprehensive protection of the Commander-In-Chief in any part of Nasarawa State including the Emir’s place.
While noting that the review of the president’s campaign visit to Nasarawa State showed some security laxity, the source revealed that the IGP’s request was tabled at the Police Service Commission and given approval stating however that the name of the new CP in Nasarawa State was yet to be forwarded.
Oyo
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has rejected 50 million additional litres of kerosene into the market through its subsidiary, the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited (PPMC).
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Ore and Ilorin and its environs are to enjoy 17.4 million litres as being pumped to Mosimi depot from Atlas Cove for onward supply to the areas.
The Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division, Dr Levi Ajuonuma, said measure was embarked upon to arrest the reported cases of the kerosene explosion and scarcity being experienced in some parts of the country.
Ajuonuma restated that aside the 17.4 million litres for Oyo and the other states, 18 million litres was loaded out of NIPCO for the Independent Marketers and 12.2 million litres out of capital oil for NNPC retail stations.
He said “I want to assure consumers of kerosene across the country that NNPC has injected more than enough of the product into the market and so, they should desist from panic buying”.
Plateau
Muslims in Plateau State have observed a one-day fasting and prayer to bring an end to the crisis rocking the state.
Complying with the directive Tuesday, as given by Plateau State Council of Ulamas, many restaurants especially within the Jos metropolis did not open for business until late in the evening and families made purchases the previous evening for their livelihood.
Secretary of the council, Barrister Lawal Ishag told newsmen the people of the state were observing the fast to sought for Allah’s intervention so that lasting peace will return to the state.
According to him “this fast has become necessary looking at the degenerated form of the state and its environs as this crisis is going on. It has gotten to the time when we have to seek for the intervention of Allah and I believe that the purpose will be achieved”.
Prayers were also observed at various mosques across the state including the Jos Central and Zuwiya Mosques where hundreds of Muslims gathered to participate in various sessions.
Sokoto
Sokoto State High Court presided by Justice Bello Abbas has again adjourned the case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Sokoto Governor, Attahirn Bafarawa, till February 28 to enable his counsel, Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), respond to the application for severance.
This is coming as the Sokoto State High Court II presided by Justice Mohammed Binju adjourned till March 7, 2011 to enable the state government and Bafarawa settle their despite over pension of court.
Bafarawa had two months ago dragged Sokoto State governor, Aliyu Warmako, to the State High Court over non-payment of his pension totaling about N27 million.
Bafarawa and 15 others were arraigned by the EFCC over an alleged financial misappropriation and corrupt practices totaling N15 billion during his tenure as the governor of the state.
While the case came up yesterday for hearing, Fagbemi applied for adjournment through his representative, Barrister Suleiman Usman, saying he had another case before the Supreme Court in Abuja.
However, EFCC counsel, Adeniji Akintola (SAN) told the court that the case had suffered several adjournments at the instance of a single defendant since December, 21, 2009 when the case was filed.
Yobe
Over 20 people were feared dead on Monday when a Yobe Line bus and a Cross Country vehicle collided at Dagare on the Potiskum-Kari road in Yobe State.
The crash allegedly occurred when the drivers of the two vehicles on opposite direction rammed into each other at about 4.40 pm that day.
The impact from the collision led to the occupants of the Yobe Line bus burning beyond recognition.
An eye witness of the accident told journalists that the two vehicles at collision burst into flames leading to the loss of 20 passengers in the bus in his words” we heard a thunderous noise from the road and the villagers rushed to the scene with buckets of water to put off the fire from the vehicles. But the volunteers could not make any difference until the arrival of the firefighters from Potiskum, who rescued 10 passengers from the scene.
Sambo said the bus was burnt to ashes while the Cross Country vehicles was partly burnt to the drivers cabin.
Confirming the accident, the Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) at Potiskum Al Maigori said the mishap could have been avoided if the drivers had been cautious and shunned dangerous overtaking on the road.
He however, attributed the accident to the poor state of the roads in the south-east zone adding that cautious driving and compliance with traffic rules would help to avert the carnage on the highways.
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.