Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has procured 21,300 tonnes of assorted fertiliser worth N2.2 billion for distribution to farmers in the state for 2012 Cropping season.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Tasiu Muhammed, disclosed this in Bauchi while briefing newsmen on the activities of the Ministry in the past 12 months.
Muhammed said that that 5,000 tonnes of Urea was procured at the cost of N580 million while 1,500 tonnes of NPK had been blended by the state fertiliser company.
He further explained that the Federal Government allocated another 14,800 tonnes of the commodity valued at N1.62 to the state.
He said that the commodity would be sold to farmers in the state at 50 per cent subsidy through the e-wallet system.
According to the farmers, the state had registered more than 300,000 farmers under the scheme, adding that arrangements had been concluded to commence the sale of the commodity.
Borno
The Borno State Government on Tuesday said that it would sanction teachers found to be absent from school.
The Commissioner of Education, Comrade Inuwa Kubo, said this when he paid an unscheduled visit to the Shehu Garbai Secondary School, Maiduguri. Kubo expressed shock over the poor attendance by both the school management and teachers.
“I am disappointed with what I have seen today at the school. “It is really disheartening to say that neither the school principal nor any of his two vice had reported to duty as at 7.30 a.m.,’’ he said.
Kubo, who waited for about 30 minutes for the principal to show up, then presided over the school morning assembly during which he interacted with the students in the absence of the principal.
He advised the students to face their studies diligently to justify huge government expenditure.
FCT
The Federal Government should not hesitate to sanction anybody found culpable in the June 3 Dana plane crash in Lagos, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) has said.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Danladi Zhin, the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Kuje, headquarters of the Kuje Area Council of the FCT on Tuesday.
“We encourage the Federal Government to go a step further to ensure that any agency, airline or individual indicted at the end of government investigation is brought to book with a view to avoiding future occurrence,” the statement said.
It said that the constitution of an investigative panel by the Federal Government would unravel the cause of the crash, which claimed the lives of the 153 passengers on board the ill-fated plane.
The statement called on regulators in the aviation industry to ensure strict compliance with aviation regulations, and advised airline operators to ensure routine maintenance of their fleets and do proper checks on aircraft before departure.
Gombe
The Director of the State Security Service (SSS) in Gombe State, Mr Bitrus Asher, announced on Tuesday that unknown gunmen had killed a retired officer of the SSS, Malam Aliyu Abubakar in Gombe.
Abubakar was shot by the gunmen in Yulunguruza Quarters in Gombe at about 6.30 p.m. on Monday while Abubakar was performing ablution in his friend’s house.
The director said the deceased was shot in the back and was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Gombe, where he died.
Asher said the deceased was buried on Tuesday and that security operatives in the state were investigating the matter.
He said that no arrest had been made on the incident.
Kaduna
The New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN) Company resumed production on Monday after a 4-month strike by its workers. The workers had in February embarked on an indefinite strike over non-payment of outstanding salary arrears and other allowances.
The Managing Director of the company, Malam Tukur Abdurrahman said in Kaduna that the company had released its first publication in four months.
Abdurrahman said he was satisfied with the turn-out of workers and commended them for their commitment and the interest shown in the progress of the company.
He said the company would continue with its publication as issues on the outstanding salary arrears that led to its closure were almost resolved.
Kwara
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State says cultural revival among various ethnic groups in Nigeria is the panacea to the nation’s multi faceted problems.
Fayemi said this in a lecture entitled: “Federalism and the quest for national integration and development in Nigeria” organised by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to commemorate its Law Week on Monday in Ilorin.
“Nigerians lost their culture of dialogue in a period when militarisation and the primacy of force had become state policy,” he said.
He added that unemployment and poverty were the immediate causes of increased violence in the country.
The governor advocated for the country’s return to the culture of dialogue, saying: “this may not necessarily culminate in a sovereign national conference, but opportunity to discuss issues.
Ondo
The police in Akure have arraigned two men before an Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court on a six-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, stealing, defacing of beacon pillar and breach of peace.
The accused, Oluwole Abiodun, 55 and Adedeji Olusegun, 60 were said to have committed the offence with others at large sometimes in 2011. They were accused of committing the offence of felony to wit: removing boundary mark with intent to defraud.
The offences were allegedly committed at various times at plots 1-3; block A on the State Industrial estate on Ilesa Road, Akure. They were also accused of converting N4 million, being proceeds of plots 1-3, block A on the State Industrial estate to their use.
The property was said to belong to Ind/Chem Technologies limited and Samson Adebayo.
The police prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol. I Laws of Ondo State 2006.
The accused persons were also said to have unlawfully defaced four beacon pillars lawfully erected as indications of boundary of land belonging to Ind/Chem Technologies limited and Samson Adebayo.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has urged the Federal Government to confer the GCFR award on the late Chief MKO Abiola.
Ajimobi made this known in a release issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo.
The governor said that the Nigerian nation should see the late business mogul as a symbol of democracy and the martyr who laid down his life for the democracy enjoyed today by Nigerians.
“To have continued with this perennial silence on the democratic feat that Abiola wrought through his sheer bravery and belief in Nigeria would show to the whole world that we are an ungrateful nation.
“ But for Abiola and his bravery in choosing to die rather than allow his mandate to be exchanged for the biblical mesh of portage, we would perhaps still be in the bondage of military rule and crying out for democratic salvage,” the governor said.
He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for seeking to name monuments after Abiola, Ajimobi.
Plateau
The new Sector Commander of the (FRSC) in Plateau, Mr Sunday Maku, has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies.
Maku made the call during a courtesy visit to the Plateau Command of the Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS) in Jos, Monday.
He said that a stronger tie would enhance the duties of the agencies toward protection of lives and property in Plateau and reduce incidences of breach of law among the populace.
The sector commander noted with satisfaction that the issue of “inter-security” rivalry no longer existed.
The State Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Gambo Wuyep, assured the sector commander of the cooperation of his command in his assigned duties.
He said that the NIS would contribute its quota for the good of the state and the nation.
Taraba
The Taraba Police Command has arrested five persons in connection with ethnic clashes between the Bachama and Fulani people at Badun in Lau Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Amos Olaoye, who confirmed this to newsmen on Monday in Jalingo, said the persons were arrested with machetes, bows and arrows.
“On June 9, a group of armed men suspected to have come from neighbouring Adamawa State launched an attack on Badun and burnt down three houses.
“No one was hurt in the attack. The five persons arrested are under interrogation at the state command,’’ he said.
Olaoye added that normalcy had been restored in the affected area as investigations continued.
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.