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THE STATES

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Borno
The Borno State Government has donated N200,000
to each victim of the recent insurgency attacks in Kilde and Gashigar communities of Mabar Local Government Area of the state.
Chief Of Staff (COS) to Governor Kashim Shettima, announced the donation on behalf of the government in Maiduguri when he addressed people from the area.
He said that the assistance was offered to lessen the hardship being faced by the victims.
Kyari said that the gesture as in line with the governor’s directive to disburse N30 million as donation in sympathy with the victims.

FCT

The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Femi
Adeshina, has called on INEC to be impartial in disseminating information to the media to ensure credible elections in 2015.
Adeshina made the call at the Strategy Meeting on Media and the 2015 Elections Agenda organised by Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) in Lagos.
“INEC must be seen to be truly independent and impartial in all ramifications to ensure that come 2015, we have a peaceful and transparent elections in Nigeria,” Adeshina said.
He stressed the need for INEC to enforce the provisions of the Electoral Act in an impartial way to enhance transparency in the conduct of political parties in the country.

Jigawa

The Chairman, Interim Committee in Hadejia Local
Government, Jigawa State, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi, has urged workers to support the council to fast track sustainable development of the area.
Abdullahi made the call at the inauguration of the committee in Hadejia.
The chairman also urged communities in the area to support the committee to enable it to effectively manage the affairs of the council.
He assured that the committee would be transparent and fair in the discharge of its duties.

Kaduna

The International Federation of Women Lawyers
(FIDA), Kaduna State branch has expressed worry over the increasing cases of rape in the state.
The FIDA Chairperson, Mrs Sidikat Adegboye, who said this when he spoke with newsmen said the figure against the vice had not been won in the state.
She, however, attributed this deficiency to dearth of correct statistical data on cases of rape and administrative bureaucracy in the state judiciary system.
“The fight against rape in Kaduna State is far from a battle won; as rape cases are now on the increase on a daily basis.
Kebbi

About 4,000 qualified candidates are to benefit from
the distribution of free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms valued at N16 million by the Kebbi State Government.
The Executive Secretary, Kebbi Scholarship Board, Alhaji Sahabi Birnin-Yauri, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen  in Birnin-Kebbi.
He said that the forms would be distributed to secondary school students who graduated between 2010 and 2013 with minimum of five credits including English and Mathematics.
Birnin-Yauri said that zonal inspectors would identify the five best students in each secondary school in their zones and provide them with the forms.
Kwara

Kwara

The University of Ilorin says it expelled no fewer than 51
students for various acaemic offences in the last two years.
The university’s spokesman, Mr Kunle Akogun, told newsmen in Ilorin  that the exercise was a routine one.
According to him, it is meant to sustain the rich tradition of the university in line with character and learning.
Akogun said that their offences ranged from being members of secret cults to bribing lecturers to upgrade their scores after examinations.

Lagos

An unemployed man, Saka Afeez, 21, who allegedly stole
property worth N120,000 belonging to a church, was  arraigned in Lagos.
Afeez, whose address is unknown, is facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and theft at an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on February 15, at about 1:30 a.m. at 22, Mojirade St., Shibiri, Ajangbadi, Lagos.
He said that the accused unlawfully entered into Rain Day Christian Assembly and stole a speaker and an amplifier engine, both valued at N120,000.

Nassarawa

Governor Umaru Al-Makuraof Nassarawa State has
urged exporters in the country to explore and exploit the export potentials of the state.
He made the call in Lafia at a one-day sensitisation seminar organised by the North Central Coordinating Office of the Nigerian Shippers Council with the theme: “Tapping the export potentials of Nassarawa State”.
Al-Makura, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Emmanuel Yaji, said the state was endowed with enormous solid minerals, including high quality precious stones, semi-precious stones and precious metals.
Others are metallic and non-metallic minerals as well as mineral fuel that are of high economic value.

Ogun
A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, has
remanded a 26-year old welder, Dare Ojo, for allegedly defiling a three-year old girl.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr Anthony Araba, ordered that Ojo be remanded in Oba Prison.
The prosecutor, Insp Banji Sangotokun, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 15 at Ogunji Estate, Somorin in Abeokuta.
He said the accused, a friend to the girl’s father, defiled and inflicted serious injury on the minor.
Ondo

The Ondo State Direct Labour Agency  in
Akure said it had completed 49 projects across the state in five years.
The Chairperson of the agency, Mrs Mobolaji Suara, told newsmen that the projects ranged from the construction of markets to health centres.
“We have completed about 49 projects across the state in the last five years in the markets, auto marts, mechanic villages and emergency health centres.
“We are also into the construction of public buildings as long as they have positive effects on the people.
Plateau

The Plateau State Government has called on
the electorate not to allow desperate politicians to buy their voters’ cards during election
The state Commissioner for Information, Mrs Olivia Dazyem, made the call during a sensitisation campaign for Plateau South Senatorial District in Shendam for the February 25 council election in the state.
“Your voter’s card is your weapon of electing a credible representative to any elective position and should be guarded jealously not to allow anybody deprive you of it.
“As electorate, you should not allow desperate politicians buy off your voters cards; doing that means selling off your conscience and the right to elect the leader of your choice, “ she said.

Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar
III has urged politicians to ensure peace in the country as the nation approaches the  2015 elections.
Abubakar made the appeal in Sokoto when the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),  Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu paid him a courtesy call.
“So much acrimony and mudslinging is now going on in Nigeria and there is the need to stabilise the nation’s polity.

 L-R: Chairman, Lagos Public Works Corporation, Mr Gbenga Akintola, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Ranadu of Imota, Oba Mudashiru Agoro, at the inauguration of Imota Asphalt Plant in Imota, Lagos State  recently.

L-R: Chairman, Lagos Public Works Corporation, Mr Gbenga Akintola, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Ranadu of Imota, Oba Mudashiru Agoro, at the inauguration of Imota Asphalt Plant in Imota, Lagos State recently.

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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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