News
Kogi Government Suspends Echane Festival Over Security Concerns
By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has suspended the Echane Festival across Ebiraland with immediate effect, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who said the decision followed credible intelligence reports indicating that activities associated with the festival could pose security risks in parts of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
According to the statement, while the government respects the cultural significance of traditional festivals and their role in preserving heritage, the safety of lives and property remains its top priority. Fanwo said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo approved the suspension as a precautionary measure to prevent any potential breakdown of law and order.
“The Governor has directed that the Echane Festival be suspended with immediate effect in view of security reports and the need to preserve peace and public safety,” the statement said. The government directed security agencies across the state to enforce the directive and warned that anyone found organising, participating in, or promoting activities related to the suspended festival would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The statement also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts to maintain peace in the affected areas. The government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that security considerations remain central to decisions involving public gatherings.
By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has endorsed the Nigerian Navy’s proposal to establish a Forward Operating Base in Kashimbila, Takum Local Government Area, describing the project as a strategic initiative to strengthen security and support economic development.
Governor Kefas gave the endorsement on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Navy Headquarters at the TY Danjuma House in Jalingo. The delegation is in Taraba State to assess the suitability of Kashimbila for the proposed facility.
The governor said the base would complement the work of other security agencies by improving border surveillance, protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing security along Taraba State’s border with Cameroon.”Security is the foundation of development. No society can truly prosper without peace, and every investment in security is an investment in the future of our people,” Kefas said.
He noted that Kashimbila’s strategic location, the presence of the Kashimbila Dam, its inland waterways and proximity to the Cameroon border make it suitable for a permanent naval presence. He also pledged the state’s continued support for collaboration between the military and other security agencies.
Leading the delegation, the Chief of Administration at the Nigerian Navy Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Nwunuji Mamman, said the proposed base would enhance border surveillance, improve the protection of critical national infrastructure and strengthen operational responses to cross-border security challenges.The delegation is expected to conduct an on-site assessment of the proposed location before further decisions are made on the project.
By Aga Samuel Imoter, Jalingo
The Catholic Diocese of Jalingo on Tuesday celebrated the Silver Jubilee of priestly ordination for several of its clergy, marking 25 years of ministry with a thanksgiving service attended by Catholic faithful, church leaders, religious and dignitaries from Taraba State and beyond. The celebration began with a Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cathedral, where worshippers gathered for prayers, scriptural readings, thanksgiving offerings and special blessings for the jubilarians.
In his homily, the Bishop of Jalingo, Most Rev. Dr. Charles Michael Hammawa, commended the priests for their dedication to evangelisation, pastoral care and community service. He encouraged younger clergy to remain committed to their vocation and urged the laity to continue supporting the Church through prayer and active participation.” These priests have remained dedicated to the flocks entrusted to their care,” Bishop Hammawa said.
Speaking on behalf of the jubilarians, Rev. Fr. Cyriaus Kamal described his 25 years in ministry as a journey of both challenges and blessings, while Rev. Fr. James Vontih thanked God for sustaining him throughout his priesthood. He urged younger priests to embrace humility, patience and obedience and called on the faithful to pray for ordained ministers.
Organisers said the Silver Jubilee celebrated not only the priests’ years of service but also the continued growth of the Diocese of Jalingo and its contributions to education, healthcare and peace-building in Taraba State.
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Abdurrahman Ahmed Bundi, Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications to Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, has won the Digital Communication category at the 2026 National Spokesperson Awards (NSAwards).
According to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, Bundi received notification of the award in a letter dated July 13 while working on the editorial production of Governor Zulum’s publication, The 7th Verdict.
Organisers said the 2026 edition attracted 171 nominations. Following an eligibility screening, 91 entries advanced for evaluation, with 42 finalists selected across 16 award categories.The seven-member jury, chaired by Professor Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, assessed finalists based on impact, innovation and originality, reach, and quality of supporting evidence. According to the organisers, UNILORIN TV emerged as the runner-up in the Digital Communication category.
The National Spokesperson Awards are organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest, to recognise excellence in public communication and strategic media engagement.Bundi was appointed Senior Technical Assistant on Print and Digital Communications by Governor Zulum in January 2025.
Before then, he served as Special Assistant on New Media from 2019 to 2023 and Senior Special Assistant on New Media from 2023 until his current appointment. The award adds to previous recognitions received by Governor Zulum’s media team, including honours at the 2023 Spokespersons’ Communication Awards.
Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas Backs Proposed Nigerian Navy Base in Kashimbila
Jalingo Catholic Diocese Celebrates Priests’ Silver Jubilee of Ordination
Zulum’s Aide Abdurrahman Bundi Wins 2026 National Spokesperson Award for Digital Communication
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