Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Parah Bawa, has applauded the 16-year jail term passed on six drug dealers in Bauchi State.
He said that the sentence was against the usual two-year jail terms handed to drugs barons in the state, adding that the sudden change did not come as a surprise as the Act establishing NDLEA recommended lengthy jail terms for such offenders.
“It is not new, as a matter of fact the NDLEA Act recommends jail terms of up to 25 years. “But most of the times, it depends on the discretions of the judge and the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. “So the judges, most of the times, use this one to pass their judgments; so it is still below the recommended standard or law, it can be up to a minimum of 25 years.
“I think it only agrees with the clamour by the agency for this type of terms; the chairman of the agency will be very happy about this; he has been emphasising the need for long jail terms to be given. “Specifically, he was saying if they could make it a minimum of 15 years, it will serve as a lesson to others”, Bawa added.
“If you sentence somebody to 15 years imprisonment, by the time he finishes his term and comes out, his mates who are doing legitimate businesses would have gone very far, and there is no way he will be able to catch up with them. “The 15 years is what we want and we are happy about it and if all other courts can make it a standard, other people will actually learn their lesson”, he concluded.
Benue
The Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, Mr Solomon Wombo, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.
Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the bureau was collaborating with the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.
The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were development-oriented.
Wombo said the focus of the local government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.
“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled
toward development projects.
“I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.
Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.
FCT
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has called for collaboration among all levels of government and various stakeholders in the task of guiding youths for national development.
Kwankwaso said this on Saturday in Abuja, at the launch of a book entitled “Soccer in Africa“written by Abdulwaheed Adebiyi
. Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, noted that youth constituted 70 per cent of the country’s population, hence they must be properly guided to develop the country.
He said that the Kano State Government was promoting youth development by creating a friendly environment for them to thrive.
“The government has established three football making machines which are producing footballs for youths and secondary school students who are interested in football.“
He noted with delight that some youths playing in clubs initiated by the government had been signed on by clubs outside the country.
He commended the author for publishing the book and assured him of the government’s support.
Kaduna
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission Areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.
Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in pre-deployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.
According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.
“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.
“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.
“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security.
Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged butcher, Ahmed Ubale-Mainama, for allegedly setting ablaze the Funtua Upper Shari’ah Court on Thursday.
DSP Yusuf Wasi’u, the Command’s Spokesman, who confirmed the arrest to the newsmen, said that investigation was in progress.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court for criminal assault and destruction of government property.
Our correspondent who was at the scene, reports that the fire destroyed the Judge’s chamber and Registrar’s office while documents were burnt.
Also reports that part of the court hall was burnt leading to disruption in the activities of the court.
The incident has forced the Judge, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Dayi, to entertain guests at his clerk’s office.
An eye witness, Malam Shuaibu Garba, told newsmen that he met Ubale-Mainama at the premises after he set the court ablaze and did not run away until policemen came and arrested him.
Kwara
Worried by the spate of encroachment on land belonging to public schools, the Kwara State Assembly has urged the state government to find a permanent solution to the menace.
The Assembly in a motion entitled, “Encroachment into our Public Schools,’’ observed that schools were expected to be located in a conducive environment.
The motion was moved by Mr Suleman Sunaboro, the Chairman, House Committee on Education.
“ Schools are expected to be located in a conducive and serene environment suitable for teaching and learning with specific boundary.
“But it is alarming and disturbing to note that residential and public buildings and in some cases, markets are located within the premises of public schools,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.
The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.
Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.
Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.
Lagos
The police in Lagos have arrested a middle-aged man whose gang has been terrorising members of the public with toy gun in Ikeja area of Lagos.
The Lagos Police Spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Braide, told newsmen on Saturday, that the suspect was arrested on Thursday.
He said the suspect and others now at large, attempted to carry out their criminal activities at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Market, Alausa, when a team of police men who had been on their trail, arrested the suspect.
“They attempted to use the toy gun on the operators of a business centre at POWA market.
Nasarawa
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa State.
The bank’s regional head, Mr John Idoko, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka.
He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token, noting that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state.
He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility, adding that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that “the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis”.
Osun
The Police last Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged impersonation and fraud.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety.
The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum.
Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs.
Zamfara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara on Sunday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council poll slated for Saturday.
This is however on the condition ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”
The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.
“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”
Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.
He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”
He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.
Eight states across Nigeria have converged in Port Harcourt for the 2026 edition of the President’s Inter-Senior Secondary Schools Debate Championship, hosted by Rivers State Government.
The three_days championship, themed “27th Democracy & 3rd Year Anniversary of President Ahmed Tinubu Inter-Senior Schools Debate Championship,” opened on Monday at Government Girls Secondary School, Rumueme, Port Harcourt.
The participating states are Ebonyi, Abia, Delta, Sokoto, Yobe, Kwara, Enugu, and host state Rivers. Each state is represented by its top debaters selected through state-level contests.
Declaring the event open, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the championship goes beyond winning trophies. He described it as a national investment in the next generation of leaders.
“This platform is for nurturing young minds,” Nwagor said. “It builds critical thinking, research skills, confidence, effective communication, and the ability to engage constructively with views different from one’s own. These are the very qualities upon which responsible leadership and nation-building are founded.”
The Commissioner commended the organizers, participating schools, teachers, and coordinators for their commitment to promoting intellectual excellence among Nigerian youths.
He urged the students to compete with confidence, discipline, and respect. “Debate is not merely about winning an argument,” he noted. “It is about listening carefully, reasoning with clarity, presenting your evidence with honesty, and having the grace to learn from others. Let the quality of your ideas and the strength of your character define your participation here.”
Nwagor assured the participants that Rivers State is proud to play its part in raising a generation that will bring bold and innovative solutions to the country’s challenges. He wished all teams a rewarding, memorable, and successful championship.
Earlier in his welcome address, the National Coordinator of the President’s Schools Debate Nigeria, PSDN, Elder Dare Oritu, called the event a “gathering of minds” drawn from different parts of the country.
According to Oritu, debate is about three things. “It is about _unity_. It brings us together from different schools and backgrounds to learn from one another. It is about _broadening the mind_. It teaches you to think deeply, to listen well, to ask ‘why,’ and to defend your ideas with facts and respect. It is about _preparing you for leadership_. The problem-solvers and decision-makers of tomorrow are in this hall today.”
He reminded the students that debate is not a contest of aggression. “Debate is _not a fight_. We challenge ideas, not people. It is _not about who is better_. And it is _not do-or-die_. We win with grace, and we learn with humility,” Oritu said.
The PSDN National Coordinator encouraged all participants to compete with integrity, speak with clarity, and leave wiser than they came. He wished them the very best throughout the competition.
Highlights of the opening ceremony included the official draw for debate matches, administered by PSDN officials. The pairings will determine which states face each other in the preliminary rounds as the battle for the 2026 national title begins.
Amadi Akujobi
The National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT), Port Harcourt, has graduated 61 students from its six-month Cybersecurity training programme. The institute also inducted 48 new students for the new academic session during a brief ceremony held at its Port Harcourt centre on Monday.
Centre Manager of NIIT Port Harcourt, Mr. Precious Ogulu Tom, said the institute is always excited to induct students into cybersecurity because it is one of its flagship courses with strong international recognition. He noted that the centre’s performance has earned it high ratings from ICSS, adding that in the past academic year, more than 20 students passed ICSS certification exams.
According to him, beyond the NIIT certificate, which is globally recognized, students also proceed to ICSS and complete their courses without difficulty. He credited the faculty for maintaining standards and said NIIT remains the leading ICT training institute in Port Harcourt and Rivers State.
Tom said NIIT has a presence in all major cities in Nigeria and its headquarters in India, with training covering all areas of ICT. He added that every year the institute produces at least one first-class graduate in Software Engineering from partner universities such as Middlesex University and the University of Sunderland. He described the institute’s approach as practical and hands-on.
On fees, he addressed comments about cost online, saying quality training requires investment. “Does anything good come easy? Nothing good comes easy,” he stated. He explained that students receive industry-standard books and globally recognized certificates, and invited parents and prospective students to register with NIIT for value-driven training.
Also speaking, Principal Instructor for Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking, Mr. Nyekwere TamunoTonye, said the cohort began in February with high expectations and completed the programme in six months. He said one notable achievement was that the class remained largely intact despite challenges, including system breakdowns and family issues. “At the end of this six months, we never lost anybody. That is the greatest. So, we give God the glory,” he said.
Nyekwere said students were exposed to multiple domains in cybersecurity and received strong practical training. He told the graduands that their real learning starts now and urged them not to relent. “This is no longer the time you go back to play,” he added.
He emphasized that the institute equipped them not only with technical and practical skills but also with character and a mindset for continuous learning. He noted that no institution, including Harvard or Yale, can teach everything, but good schools set the path, which NIIT has done.
He charged them to deploy their skills positively. “I don’t want to see any of you being arrested by the EFCC tomorrow. I don’t want to see any of you being arrested by the police. I don’t want to see any of you being arrested,” he said.
Senior IT Counselor and Head of Sales and Marketing, Mrs. Igbigbari Vincent-Eretoru, congratulated the graduands for completing the programme and defending their presentations according to NIIT academic standards. She said certificates are awarded in character and learning, and urged them to be good ambassadors of NIIT Port Harcourt by applying what they learned.
Responding on behalf of the graduates, Class Section Head Tamunotonyesia Epelle said many came in with questions and uncertainty about specializations but left with clarity, confidence, and technical competence gained through practical assignments, teamwork, and the instructor’s push to avoid mediocrity.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.
In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to commemorate the anniversary, HYPREP described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the project has made remarkable progress in implementing the recommendations of the landmark UNEP report released on August 4, 2011.
The UNEP report had revealed extensive oil pollution across Ogoniland, severe environmental degradation, and serious public health risks resulting from decades of petroleum operations. It also recommended an initial $1 billion fund to commence the cleanup of the affected communities.
According to HYPREP, the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni clean-up in 2016, while the Project Coordination Office was established in 2017 to drive the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.
Zabbey said the current administration has continued to prioritise the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Providing an update on the cleanup, the Project Coordinator disclosed that 30 of the 65 contaminated sites identified by UNEP have been fully remediated, while work is ongoing at several medium- and high-risk locations. It also stated that more than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings have been planted as part of what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1,000 hectares of shoreline already rehabilitated.
Zabbey further revealed that 49 Ogoni communities have been connected to potable water schemes through multiple water projects and booster stations aimed at providing safe drinking water across the region.
In the health sector, he said the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan are nearing completion, adding that several existing health facilities have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while five ambulances have been donated to improve emergency healthcare services. The Project Coordinator also disclosed that a three-year human health biomonitoring study is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
On economic empowerment, Zabbey stated that the Project has created more than 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in various vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial diving, seafaring, mechatronics, and creative arts. The project also reported awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students, providing grants to small businesses, and supporting persons living with special needs through skills acquisition programmes.
The statement further highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which it said is about 96 per cent complete. HYPREP also welcomed the recent designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance and pledged to continue promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the ecosystem.
Marking the anniversary, Zabbey said the progress achieved over the past 15 years demonstrates the collective commitment of government, development partners, stakeholders, and local communities to restoring Ogoniland. He called for renewed collaboration to sustain the cleanup effort, promote environmental sustainability, and support the long-term development of the region. 3
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