Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Federal Government has expended over
N1.5billion on the provision of relief materials to people displaced by activities of insurgents in three states in Northern Nigeria, an official said recently.
The Coordinator, National Emergency Management Agency, North-East Zone, Alhaji Muhammed Kanar, told newsmen that the materials were distributed by the committee inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan.
He said that the agency had registered thousands of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) affected by activities of insurgents in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states.
The coordinator said that the agency and other appropriate ministries had met over displaced Nigerians who fled to Cameroun, Niger and Chad Republic, with a view to rendering some assistance to them.
Bauchi
The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association
(NMA), Bauchi State chapter, Dr Muhammad Yusuf, says the association will provide free healthcare services on October 25.
Briefing newsmen recently, the physician said the gesture would be for residents as part of the 2014 annual Physicians Week in Bauchi.
According to him, the exercise will be conducted at Bununu community in Tafawa Balewa local government area, with 30 doctors from various departments.
“We will have medical caravan at Bununu, where we intend to bring more than 30 doctors of different specialities to render health care services.
Borno
Borno State Government says in Maiduguri that
public schools in the state would reopen in November. Committee on the Resuscitation of Primary School Education, Dr Mohammed Dongel, Chairman, who stated this at a meeting, said that the schools would reopen in the first or the second week of the month.
Our correspondent reports that public schools were closed down on March 14, after deadly attacks by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in schools in neighbouring Yobe.
“We hope to reopen all public schools by the first or second week of November, God willing.
“By then we hope to have put in place all necessary infrastructure and instruction materials for conducive teaching and learning,” he said.
FCT
FCT Chairman, Labour Party, Mr Felix Ashimole,
says a peaceful protest would be carried out by its FCT chapter to denounce the party’s national convention held in Akure, Ondo state.
He made this known while meeting with the members of the party in Gwagwalada in Abuja.
Ashimole said that the FCT chapter would soon march to the Nigeria Labour Congress head office for the peaceful protest, adding that the convention which was held in on October 11 was illegal and unconstitutional.
He said that article 13 of the party’s constitution was not followed as expected— it specifies that each state should provide 20 members to attend its convention.
“The article made the number of people to attend from each state clear, but this was not followed at the national level.
Gombe
The Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), has
urged its members to sustain the enlightenment programmes on the fight against the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
The call was contained in a communiqué signed by Jibrin Bello-Kwami and Ahazia Suleiman, issued at the end of BON’s 61st Annual General Assembly which ended on in Gombe last Saturday.
BON said broadcasters did very well in the containment of the scourge and assured Nigerians that its members would continue the enlightenment.
Our correspondent reports that the Assembly had “Broadcast as the Critical Mass in Healthcare Delivery’’ as its theme and featured Dr Sani Gwarzo, from the Federal Ministry of Health, who presented a paper entitled “Ebola: Scare or scourge?’’.
Kano
No fewer than 6,620 women have benefitted from the
Women Empowerment Programme of the Kano State government within 10 months of the commencement of the programme.
The state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Binta Tijjani, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
She said beneficiaries of the programme included less privileged women, those who tested positive to HIV, divorcees, widows, VVF patients, as well as those deserted by their husbands due to economic hardship.
“The programme, among other things, provides for training, aimed at making the women to be self-reliant in the society.
“They were trained on liquid soap making, shampoo, baking, spices making, and tie and dye,’’ Tijjani said.
Lagos
A governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Con
gress (APC) in Lagos State, Dr Leke Pitan, says the fee charged for party nomination form is not exorbitant and is needed to fund the party.
Pitan told newsmen in Lagos that fees paid by aspirants could not in any way encourage corruption.
Our correspondent reports that governorship aspirants in the APC paid N500,000 for expression of interest forms and N5 million for nomination forms.
Pitan said that the party initially proposed a fee of N10 million but this was later reviewed downwards to N5 million.
“The aim is to help fund the party, which to my mind is necessary, there is need to help fund the party”, he said.
Niger
Alhaji Yahaya Daudu, a governorship aspirant in Niger
State, has promised to provide gainful employments for the teeming youth in the state within six months if he became the governor.
The aspirant, who said he would seek nomination on the platform of Labour Party (LP) during the 2015 general elections, made the promise in an interview with newsmen Abuja last Saturday.
Daudu said that if the young men were gainfully engaged, they would shun violence and other social vices.
He said that the state had enough potential to provide jobs for young graduates so as to turn around the socio-economic activities in the state.
The aspirant said that although LP might not be as popular as the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, he had confidence that his credibility and popularity would sell him.
Oyo
All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant in Oyo
State, Mr Gbolagade Rahman, has commended the efforts of the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi, in transforming the state.
In an interview with newsmen in Ibadan, Rahman, who is aspiring to represent Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency, observed that Ajimobi had contributed meaningfully to the development of the state through his urban re-newal projects.
He said that the governor deserved a second chance to continue the good work he had started in the state.
He admonished the people of the state, not to sell their conscience, but should instead, vote for the right candidate.
Sokoto
The International Northern French Conference
(NORFCON), has commended the efforts of northern governors for encouraging the teaching of French language in their states.
The commendation is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of NORFCON’s sixth conference in Sokoto, signed bythe Head of the French Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Dr Umar Dogon-Daji.
The conference particularly commended the Sokoto State Government, under the leadership of Governor Aliyu Wamakko, for its commitment to revitalising French language and other disciplines by sponsoring the state’s indigenes to study within and outside Nigeria.
It said participants at NORFCON acknowledged the 17 indigenes of the state being sponsored to study French at the Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, inspecting a guard of honour at the Government House in Maiduguri,, recently. Photo: NAN
As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.
In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.
Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.
He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.
According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.
Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.
To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.
The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.
Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the mangrove wetlands in Ogoniland have been officially designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The designation, according to HYPREP, underscores the global ecological significance of Ogoniland’s mangrove wetlands and highlights ongoing restoration efforts aimed at addressing environmental degradation in the area.
In a press statement issued by the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, the recognition was described as a major milestone for the agency, the people of Ogoni and other stakeholders working towards environmental restoration in the region.
Zabbey explained that the mangrove wetlands, which cover more than 31,700 hectares, consist of islands, tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove forests that support a wide range of biodiversity. The ecosystem provides habitat for several species including fin fish, shellfish, crustaceans, crocodiles, turtles and the endangered grey parrot.
He noted that beyond biodiversity conservation, the wetland also provides essential ecosystem services such as fisheries production, flood control, water purification and carbon storage. According to him, the international recognition will further support local livelihoods, promote ecotourism and bring global attention to the region.
The HYPREP coordinator disclosed that the designation followed a meticulous process that began in 2024 when the project submitted a memorandum to the National Council on Environment seeking support for the recognition of the Ogoni wetlands as a Ramsar site.
Following the council’s review and approval, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally wrote to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat requesting international recognition of the wetlands.
After a comprehensive ecological assessment, the Ramsar Secretariat granted the designation, officially recognising the Ogoniland wetlands as one of the world’s sites of international importance.
Zabbey said the recognition would strengthen ongoing environmental restoration efforts in the area and encourage stronger conservation measures and sustainable management of the wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations.
He added that the designation also fulfils a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, marking another significant step in the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
The HYPREP project coordinator reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring the Ogoni environment through the remediation of oil-polluted land, shorelines and mangrove ecosystems.
He also called for collective responsibility and stakeholder support to sustain the progress of the Ogoni cleanup programme and facilitate the development of a comprehensive and sustainable management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetlands.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, has attributed the successes of the 12-day programme organised for adolescent girls aimed at eliminating Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) in some parts of the State to the ability of the respective stakeholders to take ownership of the programme.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa, who dropped the hint in an interview at the end of the programme in Elele-Alimini Community in Emohua Local Government Area on Saturday, said the event had a buy-in component, an ownership mentality, whereby facilitators, staff, and everyone involved took ownership of the project.
She explained that the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had packaged a series of training sessions for adolescent girls aimed at ending the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in some communities across the State.
According to her, the initiative was designed to educate young girls on the harmful effects of the practice and empower them to become advocates against it within their communities.
She noted that the programme, which lasted for several weeks, targeted adolescent girls from different local government areas where the practice is still prevalent, stressing that
data collected by UNICEF and the Ministry revealed that Female Genital Mutilation is still practised in some parts of the State, prompting the need for intensified sensitisation and community engagement.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa explained that the programme adopted a “train-the-trainer” approach where adolescent girls were educated on the dangers of the practice and encouraged to share the knowledge with their peers, families and communities.
“This is a programme by the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation with support from UNICEF and UNFPA to train adolescent girls towards ending Female Genital Mutilation, which is still practised in some local government areas,” she said.
She further explained that each participating local government area had a three-day training session, with the exercise running for a total of 12 days.
The local government areas, where the programme took place, she noted, included Ahoada West, Abua-Odual, and Emohua, adding that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the state government and development partners to eliminate harmful traditional practices and protect the rights and wellbeing of girls.
She revealed that prior to the training of the adolescent girls, the Ministry and its partners had also engaged community facilitators, including older women and men, to sensitise them on the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
According to her, the involvement of community leaders and adults is essential in addressing the cultural and social factors that sustain the practice.
Speaking on the response of the participants, the permanent secretary expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and enthusiasm shown by the girls throughout the training sessions.
She noted that many of the participants said they were learning about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation for the first time.
“The girls are between the ages of 12 and 17 and from the interactions we had with them, they were very excited. Some of them are hearing these things for the first time and never knew that the practice is harmful,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training would enable the girls to serve as advocates for change within their communities.
She added that the Rivers State Government, alongside its partners, would continue to intensify efforts and expand community-based interventions aimed at ending the practice across the State.
Meanwhile, the participants for Emohua Local Government Area were drawn from Elele-Alimini, Egbeda, Rumuji, Ibaa, Rumuekpe, Rumuakunde, Eligbarada, and Ogbakiri Communities.
The participants,who spoke in separate interviews described the training as eye-opening, noting that it helped them better understand issues surrounding adolescent health, personal hygiene, reproductive health, and the harmful consequences of Female Genital Mutilation.
Favour Azukwu from Rumuekpe community, said the programme provided a deeper understanding of the dangers associated with the practice, particularly its impact on the health and wellbeing of girls and women.
She explained that the training sessions exposed participants to the medical, social and psychological effects of Female Genital Mutilation, including severe bleeding, infections and complications during childbirth.
She revealed that she personally experienced the practice at the age of 12 and suffered heavy bleeding afterwards, an experience that has strengthened her determination to advocate for its eradication.
According to her, many communities still practise Female Genital Mutilation because it is perceived as a cultural tradition, despite the dangers associated with it.
“I do not support Female Genital Mutilation because there are many dangers involved. I experienced severe bleeding when it was done to me as a child.
Another participant, Glory Ken, a 16-year-old secondary school student from Rumuji community, said the programme broadened her understanding of several important topics affecting adolescents.
She explained that beyond the discussion on Female Genital Mutilation, the training also focused on issues such as personal hygiene, reproductive health, peer education, and self-care.
According to her, the sessions helped participants understand the importance of making informed health decisions and supporting one another as peer educators.
“I learned about many things that affect young people in society and how to take care of myself. I also learned that Female Genital Mutilation is harmful to our health. The message I am taking back to my community is that this practice should stop,” she said.
Also speaking, Goodness Kenjika Nyeche described the programme as very impactful.
She noted that the training equipped participants with the skills and confidence to educate others about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation.
She said she plans to organise sensitisation among adolescents in her community, particularly girls between the ages of 10 and 19, to ensure they understand the dangers associated with the practice.
“I learned many things from this programme and I feel very good about it. I will educate other young girls in my community and help them understand why Female Genital Mutilation should not continue,” she said.
For Queen Dike from Ibaa community, the programme helped clarify misconceptions surrounding the practice.
She explained that in some communities, the practice is still referred to as circumcision and is viewed as part of cultural identity.
She said the training helped participants understand that Female Genital Mutilation involves the cutting or removal of parts of the female genital organs and that it has serious health consequences.
She stressed that awareness and education are key to ending the practice, especially among communities that continue to uphold it as tradition.
“I think the programme is very helpful because many people still believe it is part of culture. More awareness is needed so people can understand why it should stop,” she said.
Another participant, MyJoy Echika Amadi, said the programme provided critical information about adolescent health and the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
She described the initiative as enlightening and said it encouraged young people to become advocates for change in their communities.
According to her, participants were encouraged to use various platforms such as churches, peer groups, schools and community gatherings to spread awareness about the harmful effects of the practice.
“This programme has enlightened us about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. I will do my best to create awareness in my community and encourage people to stop the practice,” she said.
Many of the participants emphasised that the knowledge gained during the programme has empowered them to challenge harmful traditions and promote healthier practices among young people.
They also called on the Rivers State Government, development partners and civil society organisations to sustain the sensitisation campaigns and extend the training to more communities across the State.
According to them, empowering young people with the right information will play a critical role in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation and protecting the rights, health and dignity of girls in Rivers State.
The participants expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, UNICEF and UNFPA for organising the programme and for investing in the wellbeing and future of adolescent girls in the State.