Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Nigerians need to develop interest in reading books and learning history to develop their future, veteran Actor/Producer, Zack Orji, has said.
Orji spoke with The Tide’s Source in Lamurde, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa recently.
He said majority of Nigerians tended to forget things easily except if they were made into entertainment forms, such as films, and so it was necessary to capture history in movies.
“One of the tragedies that have befallen this country today is that Nigerians don’t read. Give the typical Nigerian a book and a movie, they would pick the movie and abandon the book,” Orji said.
The actor said learning and capturing the culture and lifestyles of other tribes in the country could form a true picture of national cohesion.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has recruited more than 2,030 medical personnel to boost its health care services.
Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, told The Tides Source in Bauchi that the exercise was aimed at rejuvenating the health sector.
He said those employed were nurses, laboratory scientists and 30 Egyptian doctors who specialised in different fields of medicine.
Muhammad said more than 30 state-of-the-art ambulances were also purchased and distributed to the 23 general hospitals in the state.
He said government had embarked on the rehabilitation and re-equipping of the more than 24 primary health centres in the 20 local government areas.
Muhammad said all the 23 general hospitals had been provided with new generators to ensure steady power supply.
Ekiti
Mrs Clara Anekwe, the NYSC Coordinator in Ekiti State, has urged members deployed to the area to be part of the re-branding programme of the federal government.
Anekwe stated this on Tuesday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Ise/Orun during an interactive session with 2010 batch “A” corps members currently undergoing orientation.
The Tide’s Source reports that 2,200 corps members deployed to the state are participating in the orientation programme.
The coordinator, who described the NYSC members as “the future leaders”, counselled them to imbibe the re-branding programme for a better society.
She said “My dearest corps members, Nigeria is re-branding now. As future leaders of our great nation, the re-branding must start with you.
“What you profess in the light, do not go against it in the dark. Our collective aspiration must produce a better society. In the next three weeks, let us come together to fashion a course for a New Nigeria.”
Katsinaa
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) plans to open 15 area offices in the country.
The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Maharzu Tsiga, told The Tide’s source in Katsina that the project was to decentralise the operations of the scheme to enhance its efficiency.
He said an NYSC area office would be opened in each of the six geo-political zones and nine other states before the end of April.
Tsiga said the NYSC Governing Board had approved the establishment of the offices, adding that the exercise would be for the benefit of the corps members.
He declared: “The establishment of the area offices is to ensure the security, welfare and comfort of corps members.
“It will also enable the administrators of the scheme to play their statutory responsibilities so that the dream of the founding fathers of the scheme will be realised”.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has released about N363 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), as its counterpart fund for 84 community development projects in the state.
Alhaji Garba Argungu, the IFAD Project Manager in the state, The Tide’s source in Birnin Kebbi that four projects would be executed in each of the 21 local government areas.
He said the projects would be executed in phases, adding that each benefiting community would receive N1.2 million for the execution of the first phase of the projects.
According to him, each of the four communities, Gomozo, Alelu, Tafkin-Kada and Sadam-Razai, in Jega Local Government Area, had already received their share of N1.2 million for the execution of projects initiated by them.
He said the money would be utilised for the execution of capital projects such as schools, dispensaries, rural roads and water supply as well dry season fish and irrigation farming activities.
Kwara
The Kwara Government on Monday in IIorin commenced the annual mass vaccination of local chickens in selected communities.
The exercise is being carried out under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Rural Poultry Bio-security Improvement Scheme (RUPBIS).
Prof. Mohammed Gana-Yisa, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said government had released N1.5 million on to support the exercise.
He said various poultry inputs worth more than N3 million supplied by some international agencies were also released.
Gana-Yisa said the Bio-security Improvement Scheme was an intervention strategy put in place by the Avian Influenza Control Project in 2008 in 12 pilot communities spread across six local government areas.
Osun
Capt. Stephen Mamvong, Commandant of the NYSC camp in Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday warned corps members against stealing.
Mamvong said the warning became necessary against the backdrop of previous incidents of stealing involving corps members.
He told The Tide’s source in Ede that any corps member caught stealing would face the full weight of the law.
‘‘We are here to give leadership qualities by demonstrating practically that leaders are supposed to lead by examples of virtuous living and not to steal or rob.
‘‘The corps members must start practising this now so that by the time they go out, they will not start manipulating figures in the public service.
‘‘They must check thieves in their midst by being wary of those who steal their things,’’ he said.
Plateau
A middle aged man, Sunday Rimnil, who routinely embarked on a binge, was found dead on Monday in Chigwong, Plateau, in a gutter.
Relations told The Tide’s source, Monday, that Rimnil was a drunk, and had lost so much weight, even as he was constantly cautioned on the bad effects of excessive drinking.
The victim’s uncle, Mr Moses Dakyil, told the source that Rimnil was found in a gutter near the market in the early hours of Monday, when he did not return home the previous day.
According to him, Rimnil’s wife was the breadwinner of the family as her husband spend most of his time drinking.
Zamfara
Alhaji Aminu Marafa, an Islamic scholar in Zamfara, has called for more legislations that would encourage economic empowerment of women in Nigeria.
Marafa, Director- General, Islamic Orgnisations and Quranic Schools in Zamfara, said in Gusau on Tuesday at a three-day training programme on modified life saving skills for community health extension workers.
The scholar noted that “self- imposed traditional and cultural beliefs that had nothing to do with religion, have over time impeded the progress of women in Nigeria, especially in the northern states“.
Marafa further said that “unless the government, especially the legislative arm, enact laws that will release women from the burden of such cultural beliefs, their social lives will continue to be trampled upon”.
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
The Nile University of Nigeria has successfully hosted the maiden National Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter, drawing scholars, policymakers, and media professionals to examine emerging global communication trends and Africa’s positioning within them.
The two-day conference, themed, “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” took place from March 24 to 25, 2026, at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja. The event marked the first national gathering of the ICA Nigeria Chapter since its inauguration in March 2023, making it a historic milestone for communication scholarship on the continent.
Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Jacob Suemo, described the conference as a “clarion call to reimagine Africa’s place in the global communication landscape,” emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
The conference convened leading international scholars, including ICA President, Prof Thomas Hanitzsch and REACH Committee Chair, Prof Noshir Contractor, alongside other notable academics such as Prof Srivi Ramasubramanian, Dominique Brossard, and Prof. Raka Shome. Representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya also participated, reinforcing the global outlook of the gathering.
Participants engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations addressing critical themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change communication, media systems, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions reflected the broader aim of the conference to interrogate how global communication shifts affect African societies, institutions, and development pathways.
A key highlight of the conference was a strategic panel session titled, “Is Africa Ready for ICA26?” which assessed the continent’s readiness for deeper global engagement ahead of the ICA International Conference scheduled for June 2026.
The event featured over 50 research presentations from scholars across Nigerian institutions, showcasing diverse perspectives on communication research and practice. It also attracted major stakeholders in government and media, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Press Council. Discussions underscored the importance of strategic communication in national development and Africa-driven narratives in global discourse.
A major outcome of the conference was the leadership transition within the ICA Nigeria Chapter. Professor Desmond Okocha emerged as the new Chair, succeeding the founding Chair, Dr. Ekaete George. The transition was described as a step toward consolidating the association’s growth and expanding its influence across Nigeria’s academic and media landscape.
Organised in collaboration with academic institutions including Bingham University, University of Cross River State, Nasarawa State University, and the University of Calabar, the conference also featured participation from the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) as a partner and sponsor.
The ICA Nigeria Chapter noted that the conference provided a vital platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and policy dialogue, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global communication research and practice.
The second edition of the ICA Nigeria National Conference is scheduled for March 2027, building on the success of the inaugural event.
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