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From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, has assured students of improved welfare and renewed efforts to address infrastructural challenges across the institution.

He gave the assurance on Tuesday during an interactive meeting with the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive and Hostel Governors, led by SUG President Ridwan Abubakar.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the Vice-Chancellor commended student leaders for their maturity, discipline, and perseverance in handling campus issues.

Prof. Usman disclosed that the university has about 13 boreholes, but only one was functional at the time he assumed office, describing the situation as a major infrastructural challenge.

He said the management had already taken steps to address the problem, including drilling a new borehole, rehabilitating five non-functional ones, and repairing water tankers to improve water supply across hostels.

He urged students to use available facilities responsibly and reaffirmed the management’s policy of non-interference in the internal administration of student bodies.

The Vice-Chancellor also called for unity among students and encouraged them to support both the university management and the state government in efforts to improve campus conditions.

He further advised students to remain security conscious and avoid involvement in social vices and criminal activities.

Prof. Usman reiterated the ban on final-year celebrations within the university community, stressing the need to maintain order and discipline.

In a gesture of support, he announced that Hostel Governors would no longer be required to pay for accommodation and directed that refunds be made to those who had already paid.

Earlier, the SUG President appreciated the Vice-Chancellor for the engagement and said the meeting provided an opportunity to highlight pressing hostel challenges, particularly issues of sanitation and blocked toilet systems.

He suggested the provision of designated waste disposal pits to address recurring sanitation problems in the hostels.

In separate remarks, the Hostel Governors thanked the Vice-Chancellor for the opportunity and pledged their continued cooperation with management to improve living conditions on campus.

The meeting was attended by the Bursar, Mr. Ahmed Hudu Abdulsalami; the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Professor Adetunji Sunday Adegoke; and the Director of Works, Engineer Shaibu Abutu Ukwenya.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

A human rights lawyer and indigene of Tarok Nation in Plateau State, Barr. Timzing Venyir Ramnap, has appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to expedite hearing of a pending appeal at the Supreme Court over the Ponzhi Tarok traditional stool.

The appeal, with suit number SC/114/2021 — Mr. Clement Cirman & 3 Ors v. Executive Governor of Plateau State & 3 Ors — concerns the appointment of a substantive Ponzhi Tarok, the paramount ruler of the Tarok people.

The case, filed at the Plateau State High Court on December 17, 2010, has passed through the Court of Appeal and is now awaiting final determination at the Supreme Court.

Both parties have filed and exchanged their briefs of argument, but a hearing date is yet to be fixed.

In a letter addressed to the CJN, Barr. Ramnap urged accelerated hearing of the matter, stressing that its resolution is crucial to leadership structure, unity, and development within Tarok Nation.

He expressed concern over the prolonged delay, noting that the traditional stool has remained vacant for years, a situation he said has affected governance and peace in the area.

“The prolonged delay in hearing this appeal is of great concern. Justice delayed in a matter affecting traditional leadership and community peace is justice denied,” he stated.

The lawyer urged the Chief Justice to direct the Supreme Court registry to assign an accelerated hearing date, describing the matter as one of urgent public importance.

Copies of the letter were also sent to the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, the Governor of Plateau State, and the Acting President of the Tarok Traditional Council.

He called on stakeholders to continue to pursue a peaceful and lawful resolution through the judicial process.

By Israel Adamu, Jos

The Riyom APC Youth Council has endorsed President Bola Tinubu, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the member representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Dalyop Fom Chollom, for a second term ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also expressed support for Vice President Kashim Shettima and Plateau State Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, citing what it described as visible achievements, inclusive governance, and commitment to development.

Speaking to journalists in Jos on Tuesday, the Chairman of the Riyom APC Youth Council, Comrade Pam Nuhu Daniel, alongside the Secretary, Comrade Patience Shishang Chaimang, said the endorsement followed wide consultations with stakeholders, including party elders, youths, women groups, and community leaders across Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas.

The youth council also condemned recent attacks in Rim, Jol, Bachit, Fan, Nding, and other parts of Barkin Ladi LGA, describing them as “barbaric, painful, inhuman and unacceptable.” The group warned that such violence threatens peaceful coexistence in affected communities.

They sympathised with families of victims and urged youths not to take the law into their hands or be used to incite further violence.

On national leadership, the group endorsed President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for a second term, stating that the administration’s economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda are aimed at long-term growth and national stability.

“We recognise the bold economic reforms and strategic efforts being undertaken by the administration to reposition Nigeria for long-term growth, economic recovery and national stability,” the group said.

The council also commended the Plateau State Government and security agencies for efforts toward restoring peace and improving security in the state.

They further praised Governor Mutfwang’s administration for initiatives in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, peacebuilding, and youth engagement.

The group congratulated Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda on his emergence as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressing confidence that his leadership would strengthen internal democracy and reposition the party.

They also commended the Plateau State APC leadership for maintaining stability within the party.

On legislative representation, the youth council reaffirmed support for Hon. Dalyop Fom Chollom, praising his performance in youth empowerment, healthcare support, accessibility, and constituency development.

The group referenced a stakeholders’ resolution reportedly reached on April 28, 2026, where elders agreed on a rotational arrangement for the House of Representatives seat between Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs.

The youths appealed to political actors to respect the arrangement, avoid divisive politics, and prioritize peace and political harmony in the constituency.

By Anne Azuka

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and the welfare of members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in the state.

The governor made this known on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.

Oborevwori, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, announced the approval of a ₦50,000 transport allowance for the 2,750 corps members who completed the orientation exercise in Delta State.

He assured corps members that the state government remains fully committed to ensuring a safe, productive, and rewarding service year.

“We will continue to support the NYSC Scheme through policies, resources, and interventions aimed at enhancing your welfare and enabling you to perform optimally,” he said.

The governor urged corps members to take advantage of opportunities during their service year to acquire skills, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to society. He also charged them to uphold discipline, integrity, patriotism, and professionalism in their places of primary assignment.

“Carry with you the ideals and values for which the NYSC Scheme is renowned,” he said. “Wherever you are posted—schools, healthcare facilities, government establishments, rural communities, or private organisations—endeavour to make positive and lasting impacts.”

He further encouraged the corps members to embrace diversity, promote peaceful coexistence, and act as ambassadors of unity in their host communities.

According to him, their service offers a unique opportunity to strengthen national cohesion and support sustainable development.

He formally declared the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course in Delta State closed, wishing the corps members a successful and impactful service year.

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps in Delta State, Mr. John Kwaghe, commended the corps members for their discipline and resilience throughout the orientation exercise.

He urged them to remain committed to Community Development Service (CDS) and to contribute positively to their host communities by identifying needs and implementing impactful projects.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Efeke Murna Dadaza, has renewed the scheme’s appeal to the state government to increase feeding allowances during orientation and the monthly state stipend for corps members.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Government College, Kaduna, Dadaza said the adjustment would further improve corps members’ welfare.

“As we move forward, we respectfully reiterate our earlier request for the augmentation of feeding allowances during orientation and the monthly state stipend to further enhance corps members’ welfare,” she said.

She commended corps members for their discipline and resilience throughout the three-week orientation exercise, urging them to uphold the values learned in camp and to remain good ambassadors of the NYSC wherever they are posted.

“Wherever you are posted, settle in promptly and strive to make a meaningful contribution to the people and institutions you will serve,” she added, encouraging them to also engage actively in Community Development Service projects.

Dadaza also appreciated the Kaduna State Government for its support, as well as collaborating agencies and camp officials for ensuring the success of the orientation programme.

In a speech delivered on behalf of Governor Senator Uba Sani, the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Gloria Ibrahim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the National Youth Service Corps scheme.

She said the administration would continue to provide a safe and enabling environment for corps members, while urging them to accept postings in good faith, especially to rural communities where their services are most needed in education and healthcare.

The governor also encouraged corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that could make them self-reliant.

He officially declared the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course closed.

By Jabiru Hassan

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has confirmed an attempted robbery incident at the Ogbomosho Transmission Substation in the early hours of May 10, 2026.

According to preliminary reports, a group of armed men gained unauthorized access into the substation premises by scaling the perimeter fence near the gate between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

The intruders reportedly advanced toward the gate house in an attempt to attack and immobilise the vigilante security personnel on duty. However, the security team successfully repelled the attackers by firing warning shots, forcing them to retreat and flee through the same route they used to gain entry.

During their escape, the suspects abandoned some tools and personal belongings near the fence wall.

An early morning inspection of the premises revealed abandoned implements suspected to have been used in the attempted attack, as well as traces of blood and footprints leading toward the escape route.

A further search conducted after daylight reportedly led to the recovery of a bag containing additional tools believed to belong to the fleeing suspects.

TCN stated that the incident has been reported to relevant authorities and that the company is currently collaborating with security agencies to investigate the matter and prevent future occurrences.

The company confirmed that no personnel were injured during the incident and reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical power infrastructure and ensuring the safety of staff nationwide.

According to the statement, a formal report of the incident has also been scheduled for presentation to the Oba’s Palace on May 11, 2026.