Author: statereporter

Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed joy over the academic achievements of his children studying in the United Kingdom. His daughter, Miss Akuboye Christiana Dickson, recently completed a Master’s Degree at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and is currently concluding a second Master’s programme at Loughborough University. On the same day, his first son, Pereowei Justice Dickson, graduated from the University of Bristol. He is set to begin his Master’s studies, following the academic path of his elder sisters. Senator Dickson thanked God for the successes recorded by his children,…

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — The United States has announced $32.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, marking a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy since President Donald Trump suspended most aid programs under the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). According to a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Wednesday, the funding will support food assistance and provide nutritional aid to internally displaced persons living in conflict-affected regions. Northern Nigeria is currently grappling with what aid officials describe as “an unprecedented hunger crisis,” fueled by years of insecurity and recent global funding cuts. In July, Margot van…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate enforcement of mandatory health insurance across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in line with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act, 2022. The President directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) to issue a circular mandating compliance, while also calling for constructive engagement with the private sector to prevent unnecessary burdens on businesses. According to the directive, the enforcement will focus on five key areas: 1. Mandatory Enrollment of MDA Staff: All MDAs must enrol their employees in the NHIA health insurance plan. They may also subscribe to…

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said his administration’s bold economic reforms are yielding results, stabilizing the economy, and enhancing Nigeria’s global reputation. Speaking at the State House in Abuja while receiving the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Oladunni Olaoye (Orumogege III), and other royal fathers, Tinubu said years of neglect, falsified records, and smuggling had deprived Nigeria of much-needed revenue for development. According to him, initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) were established to ensure that no student drops out of school due to poverty. He described education as “the greatest weapon against poverty” and emphasized…

The Kano State Hisbah Board has confiscated 1,600 bottles of assorted beer during an operation in the Panshekara area of Kano metropolis. Deputy Commander General of the board, Dr Mujahid Aminudeen, confirmed the development in a telephone interview on Wednesday. Aminudeen, who did not disclose the number of arrests made, said the operation was successful with the support and cooperation of the local community following a tip-off. “Yesterday, with the support and cooperation of the Panshekara community, our personnel were able to intercept and confiscate 1,600 bottles of beer. “The beer was in bottles, cans and other containers made of…

The National Examinations Council has announced a reduction in the number of objective questions for the English Language Paper III in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Internal. Effective from the 2026 SSCE Internal exams, the total number of questions will be reduced from 100 to 80. In an official notification made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday, signed by the State Coordinator for Osun State, Sunday K. Bolaji, dated September 1, 2025, stated that the new paper structure includes six sections. Antonyms (10 questions), Appropriateness of Registers (10 questions), Appropriate Interpretation of Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Foreign Words (10 questions),…

The First Lady of Bayelsa State, Dr. (Mrs) Gloria Diri, has taken custody of Miss Nancy Wilfred, the young woman recently assaulted by some female students of the Federal University, Otuoke, now at large. Dr. Diri also announced a full scholarship for Nancy up to university level. Speaking at the Government House, Yenagoa, while receiving Nancy, her friend Sister Livinus Nwosu, and members of the Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT), the Governor’s wife condemned the assault, describing it as “barbaric and unfortunate.” She assured Nancy of her safety and protection, citing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, 2021, as…

President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that the nation’s economy will remain resilient in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new trade tariffs, which impose a 15% levy on Nigerian exports. Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s rising non-oil revenues and stronger fiscal outlook will cushion the impact of the new U.S. trade regime. He highlighted the administration’s recent achievements, including surpassing the 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule and the appreciation of the naira, as clear signs that the economy is on a stronger footing. Tinubu further noted that ongoing agricultural reforms and food security…

Abuja, September 3, 2025 — The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration, commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister. In the statement, the government congratulated Muslims across Nigeria and beyond on the occasion, urging them to reflect on the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion. The Federal Government also appealed to Nigerians of all faiths to use…

The Bayelsa State Gender Response Initiative Team (GRIT) has strongly condemned the recent incident of bullying and assault against a female student, identified as Nancy, at the Federal University Otuoke. The incident, captured in a viral video circulating on social media, showed some female students allegedly assaulting their colleague. GRIT described the act as unacceptable, stressing that bullying, harassment, and intimidation have far-reaching negative effects on victims, particularly students, who should feel safe within academic environments. Speaking on the matter, the Chairman of GRIT, Barr. Diseye Egberipou, stated that such behavior undermines the principles of respect, dignity, and inclusivity in…