Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Members of Maiduguri Monday Market Youth Trad
ers Association in Borno State, recently donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to victims of Boko Haram crisis in the state.
Alhaji Kashim Abdullahi, the Chairman of the association, presented the materials to Gov. Kashim Shettima at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said that the gesture was aimed at assisting victims of the numerous Boko Haram attacks who had lost their means of livelihood.
“We are here to present these items as donation to victims of the Boko Haram crisis in the state.
Ekiti
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency,
Mr Mike Omeri, NOA, has advised the people of Ekiti State against act capable of disrupting the state’s gubernatorial election slated for June 21.
He gave the charge at a workshop last Thursday at Oye-Ekiti, organised by the agency to sensitise the public on the need to create an environment conducive for free, fair and credible election.
Omeri, who was represented by Fam Anene, Director, Political Matters, said politicians should embrace dialogue, accommodate each other, and work towards transforming the state.
He cautioned the people against voting more than once, called on parents to ensure that their children are not used as thugs.
FCT
UNESCO has renewed its commitment to develop a
framework to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the organisation, Prof. Hassana Alidou, made the pledge in Abuja recently at the ongoing workshop to pre-test an action research guidebook for youth and adult literacy in multilingual context.
The theme of the workshop is: “Empowering learners in a multilingual world”.
Alidou said the Universal Basic Education in Nigeria was constrained by finance, limited number of qualified teachers and supervisors, huge class size and high rate of school drop-out.
She observed that the problems undermined the efforts of the government to expand access to basic education to all children.
Gombe
Gombe State Executive Council has approved the re
lease of N5.8 billion for the execution of various road projects in the state.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Shehu Hadi, told newsmen in Gombe that N1.4 billion of the amount would be spent on the construction of additional roads in Bajoga town.
He said N2.5 billion would be for the construction of Gaji Bauchi-Jurara-Daban, Fulani-Lubo-Zambuk-Baure roads, including the reconstruction of Lubo bridge.
According to him, N1.1 billion of the amount is for the provision and installation of street lights on 20 roads in Gombe metropolis.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government last Thursday demolished
two petrol stations within Ilorin metropolis for building without approval.
Our correspondent reports that the demolition was carried out by the state Town Planning and Development Authority (KTPDA).
One of the stations was situated on waterway near the Kuntu Bridge, while the other was directly opposite the Alawonla Compound, Okelele.
The Executive Secretary of KTPDA, Mr Raimi Adeoti, who led the demolition team, said the owners of the structures built illegally without approval.
Adeoti said the structures would hamper the free flow of water and endanger the lives of people living around the area, adding that KTPDA took the action to save lives and property.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State chapter of All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has appealed to the government to build more markets for the sale of agricultural products in the state.
The secretary of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
He said the quest for the provision of outlets to sell farmers’ produce was occasioned by the increase in farming activities due to incentives for wet and dry season farming.
Idris said that farmers had responded to the call for increased rice production, especially considering the prompt purchase of the commodity by the SURE-P Office.
Lagos
A man, Francis Enyi, who stood surety for an accused,
was charged before an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for failing to produce him.
Enyi, 48, who resides at No. 8, Ali Ijaiye St., Lawanson, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that Enyi, who stood surety for one Chika Adole, had failed to produce him at Lawanson Police Post, Anjorin-Ikate, Surulere.
He said Adole was being investigated by the police over alleged threat to life.
Nasarawa
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State
said recently that the party would be stronger despite the defection of two lawmakers to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Stanley Buba, the Interim State Chairman of the party, told newsmen in Lafia that the recent defections would not affect the fortunes of APC in the state.
Our correspondent recalls that Mr Ahmed Kana (APC-Karu/Kokona/Keffi) and Mr Nathaniel Agyomesa (APC-Lafia North state constituency) recently defected to the PDP.
Buba described the action of the two legislators as good omen and not a setback for APC.
Osun
The Special Adviser on Environment to Osun State gov
ernor, Mr Bola Ilori, has advised residents of the state to ensure they clear their gutters and waterways as heavy rainfall begins.
Ilori, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, added that gutters, culverts, and other waterways must be cleared of grass, domestic wastes and sand, to prevent flooding.
“The few rains experienced so far this year may not have carried the wastes and sand far away; therefore, it is necessary to clear the debris to give room for water to flow.
Taraba
Member representing Wukari II Constituency in Taraba
State House of Assembly, Mr Daniel Gani, has called on the Federal Government to deploy soldiers in the area to avert further attacks by suspected herdsmen.
Gani made the call while addressing news conference in Jalingo.
He said the low presence of security personnel in the area was responsible for the ongoing senseless killing of innocent people.
“The only way to avert these brutal killings in Wukari and its environs is to massively deploy troops just like what the federal government did in Benue and Nasarawa states”, he said.
Gani said lack of seriousness on the part of the state Government left him with no option than to seek intervention from the federal government.
Yobe
The Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Adamu Dala-Dogo, has urged politicians to promote ideals of democracy and good governance to enhance service delivery in the country.
The speaker, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He noted that Nigeria’s 15 years of uninterrupted democracy should have equipped politicians with the basic tenets of democracy and good governance, which were critical to service delivery.
“After this long experience, we are supposed to have surpassed sentiments and other primordial differences to institutionalise a strong democracy of service delivery and development.
“It is regrettable that after this experience, the political parties are still battling with the problems of internal democracy, while the rule of law which is the backbone of democracy is also lacking.”
Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand
of a 23-year-old man, Musa Sani of Mayana Area, Gusau, charged with the rape of an eight-year-old girl.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, ordered that Sani should be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till April 22 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwal had told the court that on April 7, one Abubakar Salisu of Mayana Area, Gusau, reported the case at Central Police Station, Gusau.
Longwal said that on March 26, the complainant’s daughter was returning from an Islamic school when the accused took her to an isolated place and raped her.
Nation
RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria
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
Nation
Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries
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
Nation
City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win
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.
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