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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Teachers in Mubi Local Government of Adamawa State  has resumed work, following the suspension of the seven-week old strike by the chapter’s NLC.

The workers had in September embarked on an indefinite strike to press for the implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wage.

The strike had paralysed government business and closed down public schools and clinics.

Our correspondent, who went round various schools in Mubi, reports that most teachers had reported to work as early as 7:30 a.m.

The situation was the same at the General Hospital, Mubi as doctors and other health personnel were seen attending to patients.

However few workers reported to work at the Mubi Local Government Secretariat and other government’s offices in the area.

At Sabon-Pegi Primary School, teachers and pupils were seen cleaning classrooms and the school premises.

Some of the teachers, who spoke to newsmen, commended the state government and NLC for amicably resolving the crisis.

Bauchi

Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC) has opened training workshop for pioneer staff on the management of community radio stations in the state.

The Managing Director,  Alhaji Muhammed Ahmed, said that the creation of the radio stations was aimed at educating the citizens of the state and to inform them appropriately.

He added:”The creation of the stations is a courageous act by the state government under Gov. Isa Yuguda to raise the socio-political consciousness of the rural communities through effective broadcasting at the grass roots.’’

He said that five stations were already selected to be inaugurated and that they had produced a comprehensive documents with details on structure and schedules of duties of each worker on a community radio station.

He added that the training was also a stepping stone for the series and continuous training and re-training of the staff that would manage the stations.

He said that the participants would be exposed to the rudiments of leadership and management, programmes production, news gathering techniques at the grass roots, as well as appreciation of local cultures and cultivating good public relations.

Borno

The Borno Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr Christopher James, in Maiduguri on Thursday advised motorists to drive with caution throughout the ‘ember months’.

James, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen noted that most of the road accidents recorded across the country took place during the ember months.

“Many people want to travel for celebration at this period and drivers do not consider their vehicle loading capacity and overload them which often resulted in accidents,” he said.

He also attributed lack of maintenance as one of the causes of road accidents, pointing out that some drivers did not examine and service their vehicles before putting them on the road.

FCT

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the door to the central store of its Lagos office where some Direct Data Capture (DDC) machines and other items got missing was not broken.

Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman,Mr Kayode Idowu told newsmen on telephone that the stealing might have been carried out in the night.

INEC on Tuesday uncovered the theft of 1,388 DDC machines, 2, 986 internal hard discs and 644 computer batteries.

Idowu said indications of the theft were first noticed on Oct. 16 while the quantity of items involved was determined through an in-house audit concluded on October .24.

Gombe

A lawmaker, Alhaji Manu Swa, has pledged to support Gov. Ibrahim Dankwambo in reactivating the Balanga Dam to enhance development in the state.

Swa, who won last Saturday’s by-election for the Balanga/Billiri Constituency , made the promise while speaking with newsmen in Gombe.

He noted that the dam, built for irrigation purposes, had been under-utilised for a long period of time, hence the decision by the state governor to extend water supply to Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Kumo towns.

Kano

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has donated relief materials worth millions of naira to victims of this year’s flood disaster in 14 local government areas of Kano State.

The items donated included 1, 200 bundles of roofing sheets, 1, 800 bags of cement, 4,000 pieces of plants, 200 package of zinc nails and 200 bags of nails.

Others were 1, 200 bags of rice, 600 bags of maize, 300 bags of guinea corn, 200 bags of millet, 200 bags of beans, 800 cartons of cereals and 2,000 pieces of blankets.

Speaking while presenting the items to victims of the disaster in Tarauni local government area in Kano, the Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Sani Sidi, said the gesture was to alleviate the sufferings of the affected persons.

Represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Yusha’u Shu’aibu, the Sidi said the items were donated based on the assessment conducted by NEMA officials in the zone in August.

Kwara

The Kwara House of Assembly on Wednesday decried the deplorable condition of federal and other feeder roads within the state.

The Assembly, in a resolution on a matter of urgent public importance raised by Mr Kamal Fagbemi

(Oke-Ogun constituency), noted that the Ajase-Ipo/Offa/Erin-Ile federal road had become a nightmare for road users due of its deplorable state.

He said that the condition of the road leading to Osun boundary, had provided undue advantage for armed robbers to harass motorists and travellers.

He urged the lawmakers to summon the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to explain the reason for the delay in rehabilitating the road for which funds had been released to them.

“The road is in a sorry state and has crippled the economic activities of people of the affected areas,” he said.

Lagos

General Manager, Technical Services, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) Mr Jeleel Olubori has suggested partnership among state governments to ensure effective waste management.

Olubori made the call in a paper he presented at the two-day conference tagged “Sustainable City Development, Waste Management and Waste-to-Energy,” jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja.

In his paper, titled ‘Waste Management in Developing Countries’, Olubori said that Lagos State had a lot to offer other states in terms of technical support and human capacity development on best practises in waste management.

He said that the state operated an integrated waste management system that has made it a model in the country.

Oyo

The Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Tokunboh Fayokun, has urged technological institutions to assist in developing solar energy to complement government’s efforts at resolving the energy crisis facing the nation.

He made the call in Ibadan at a “Distinguish Service Award” ceremony in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

Fayokun said technological institutions should be able to develop a cheap solar energy that would not only serve their need, but also serve their immediate neighbours.

He said if the institutions were able to develop their own energy supply, it would open the door of economic prosperity, and make them less dependant on government for financial support.

Fayokun commended the founding fathers of the polytechnic for their foresight, saying that the institution had become an octopus in educational matters in the country.

Sokoto

Sokoto State Police Command has arrested two people, Anas Aliyu, 24, and Bilyaminu Tafida, 23, of the state Polytechnic for allegedly stealing one Honda civic car with registration number AY 696 BWR.

The suspects were paraded at Marina Police station by ASP Mustapha Isa, the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO) last Wednesday.

He said that the car was stolen at Dan Fili in Sokoto metropolis and taken to Argungu in Kebbi State.

Isa explained that the command had adopted sensitive security measures to ensure the arrest and prosecution of criminals in the state.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court after investigation of the case.

Zamfara

A Gusau Magistrate Court handling a case of alleged missing genitals, heard on Wednesday that the accused had made a false claim.

Testifying before Magistrate Umar Abdulnasir, Dr. Adebiyi Adewale, who conducted the medical examination, told the court that the accused, Idowu Olatunji, was tested twice and found that he had had intercourse twice with his wife after the alleged incident.

Ola conducted the examination told the Olatunji, a banker, had on September 2, alleged that Saminu Turaki, a journalist, formerly reporting for the National Life newspapers, mysteriously stole his manhood shortly after the two of them had a handshake in the banking hall.

Turaki escaped being lynched due to the quick intervention of a combined team of the police, civil defence and the bank’s security.

He was later taken to the Gusau Police Station while the banker was taken to the Gusau Federal Medical Centre for examination.

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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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