Author: statereporter

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…

The National Association of N-Power Beneficiaries (NANB) has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding the payment of their outstanding one-year allowances. In a letter dated September 2, 2025, and addressed to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the group warned that failure to settle the arrears by the end of September would trigger a nationwide protest in October. They also vowed to resume previously suspended court actions against the government. The beneficiaries said they had earlier suspended litigation in July following the intervention of the Deputy Senate President but lamented that no meaningful action has…

Antananarivo, Sept. 2, 2025 — Madagascar has officially received the skulls of three Sakalava figures taken during the colonial era, including one believed to be that of King Toera, who was beheaded by French troops in 1897. The remains, repatriated after 128 years in France, were handed over in Paris on August 27 under a 2023 French law enabling the restitution of human remains seized during colonial conquests. This marks the first restitution carried out under the new legislation. The skulls—attributed to King Toera and two of his warriors—arrived in Madagascar late Monday. They were welcomed at the airport by…

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has called on qualified Nigerians, particularly youths, to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recruitment exercise. The recruitment, which opens on September 20, 2025, is part of the agency’s efforts to strengthen its fight against drug abuse and trafficking across the country. According to the statement released by his office, applicants must meet the following requirements: Be a Nigerian citizen Aged between 18 and 35 years Possess at least an O’Level certificate The senator emphasized that the application process is entirely free, cautioning applicants…

The Bayelsa State Government has prohibited the imposition and collection of development levies from investors and property developers by Community Development Committees (CDCs), youth organisations, and other related groups across the state. Announcing the directive, the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the decision is aimed at creating a business-friendly environment, reducing unnecessary financial burdens on investors, and accelerating development in the state. The government warned that henceforth, no CDC, youth body, or community group is permitted to demand or collect such levies, stressing that violators would be dealt with accordingly. While outlawing the practice,…

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the appointment of Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer as the new Head of the Civil Service. The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Alabrah. Dr. Sawyer, who until his appointment served as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, succeeds Barr. (Mrs.) Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, who formally retired from service on August 31, 2025. Born on May 14, 1970, in Odi community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Sawyer began his civil service career on June 8, 1998, as a Medical Officer.…