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THE STATES

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Benue

The Tiv Traditional Council, has honoured five of its sons who distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavours.

The recipients were Dr Terkula Suswam, the immediate elder brother to Governor Gabriel Suswam, Mr J.K.I. Ugela, Dr Terhemba Shija, Terlumiun Agbutu and Godwin

Ikereve.

Suswam bagged the chieftaincy title of “Zenge Iwange U Tiv”, while Ugela bagged the “Or Uwasen Tar U Tiv, Shija. Some of the other titles were “Orfan Sev U tiv”, which went to Agbotu, a former Local Government Council Chairman, while Ikereve, a retired Journalist received the title of “Kyamegh Ki Miagh Ki Abaver A Tiv”.

The Chairman of the event, Gov. Idris Wada of Kogi, commended the Tiv Traditional Council for the honour done to the people.

He said that the ceremony depicted the rich cultural values of the Tiv people and urged them to uphold the heritage.

 

Ekiti

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and the President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Joseph Daudu, have blamed the insecurity and Nigeria’s under-development on the inefficiency of laws.

Both spoke in Ado Ekiti when the NBA president, Daudu, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), paid a courtesy call on the governor.

Fayemi said that the insecurity had persisted because the laws had been rendered inactive, giving room for impunity to take over.

He said if the law was allowed to take its course, the country would not only be rid of social injustice but also give room for industrial development in an atmosphere of peace.

The NBA president, Daudu, had said that the failure to implement the law was responsible for the escalation of insecurity.

He described Fayemi’s election as a choice that would benefit the state, adding that Nigerians should make choices that would deepen the nation’s democracy.

 

FCT

A university lecturer, Dr Sheriff Ibrahim,  last Saturday cautioned the Federal Government over U.S. declaration of some Nigerians as terrorists.

Ibrahim of the Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja said this in an interview in Gwagwalada, FCT in reaction to the declaration by the U.S. government.

He urged the Federal Government not to allow the U.S. to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs. “The Federal Government should not allow the U.S. to interfere because their presence will further engender instability.”

The don, however, stressed that the problem was not beyond the government and it should be proactive in addressing it.

Ibrahim advocated a round table with the sect members as it was done in most parts of the world in the interest of unity, peace and development.

 

Kaduna

Christians in Kaduna State last Sunday offered special prayers in churches for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.

The prayers followed June 17 attacks on three churches in Kaduna and Zaria.  The churches offered special prayers for peace, stability and unity in the country and urged the faithful to cooperate with security agents to restore law and order in the state.

Pastor Edward Isah of the Covenant Church admonished Christians to “watch, pray and not to take law into their hands’’.

Isah urged members to continue to pray for peace in the state and for God to prevail over the attacks on churches.

Similarly, Bishop Idowu Fearon of the Kaduna Anglican Diocese tasked Christians and Muslims on the need to give peace a chance and live in harmony as ordained by God.

 

Kano

The Kano State Government has released N30 million for the purchase of computers and other equipment for its newly established Kano Informatics Institute.

The Coordinator of the institute, Hajiya Zainab Abdulkadir, made this known in an interview with in Kano on Saturday.

The coordinator said that the institute, which commenced academic activities in September 2011 with 200 students, now has a total of 410 students, selected from the 44 local government areas of the state.

Abdulkadir added that the management of the institute had signed an agreement with two U.S.-based computer institutes to provide the institute with lecturers.

She commended the 44 local government councils in the state for providing laptops to their students in the institute and urged the councils to ensure prompt payment of allowances to the students so as not to distract their studies.

 

Kogi

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State, has promised to partner with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) by empowering the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to respond quickly to emergency situations.

Wada made the promise in Lokoja on Friday when he received the Director-General of NEMA, Alhaji Sanni Sidi.

He added that the State Government planned to formulate policies and measures aimed at reducing natural and man-made disasters in the state.

Represented by his Deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, the governor said that disasters had become a source of worry to the state.

He said that disasters often left tales of woe in their trail when they occured by the displacement of persons, loss of property and sometimes, lives.

 

Lagos

The Federal Government, has been urged to introduce security courses in school curriculum.

The Executive Director of Changing the Face of a Nation Initiative (CFNI), Mr Olorunfemi Adedurin, made the call last Sunday in Lagos.

The CFNI is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), which uses prayer to fight corruption and other spiritual enemies of Nigeria.

Adedurin said that if security courses were introduced in schools, it would go a long way in letting every one become security conscious.

He spoke against the background of the incessant bomb explosions by the Boko Haram sect in some parts of the country.

 

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, has said that an end to endemic corruption and deficit leadership would help to curb violence and religious extremism in the country.

He spoke at the opening of the 5th Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Festival (RATTAFEST) for the North Central zone in Minna, Friday.

He said the north was well known for its culture of peace and hospitality, which contributed positively to the economic prosperity of the region and the country at large.

The governor called on northern states to revitalise moribund industries or those that have gone out of operation.

He said the current security problem in the north called for proactive media support and partnership with government to achieve its objective of promoting peace, development, national unity and integration.

 

Plateau

The Plateau Police Command last Sunday warned members of the public against rumour mongering and vowed to “deal decisively” with persons or groups engaged in that.

The command in a statement on Sunday, warned “all rumour millers to desist for this wicked act capable of causing security disequilibrium in the troubled state”.

The statement signed by Emmanuel Abuh, the police spokesman, particularly described as ‘untrue”, the rumour that the police were restricting the movement of vehicles in Jos metropolis, and advised people to shun it.

“The rumour is clearly an attempt to divert the attention of the security agencies and there is no iota of truth in it,” the police said.

 

Sokoto

Religious leaders should go back to their Scriptures for solution to the current state of insecurity and other related problems in the country, Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana, said.

Zayyana, who is the Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, gave the advice last Friday in Sokoto.

The speaker said there was no reason why our situation in Nigeria should be different that a neighbour would want to kill his neighbour.

Zayyana urged Nigerians to collectively reassess their positions, saying: “ we all have a common God who does not want us to kill.

He urged Nigerians to be patriotic and pious citizens and expose all the bad eggs, who were bent on sowing seeds of discord and disharmony amongst Nigerians.

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Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

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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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