The National Mathematical Centre (NMC), says it plans to collaborate with the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) to strengthen teaching, learning, and research in Mathematical Sciences.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Controller, Information and Public Relations, NMC, Mr Onyekachi Njoku.
Njoku quoted the Director/Chief Executive of the Centre, Prof. Promise Mebine, to have said this during a meeting of its Governing Council.
Mebine said the partnerships aimed at enhancing academic activities leading to the award of postgraduate degrees in various areas, including Mathematics, Mathematics Education, Theoretical Physics, Statistics, and Computer Science.
According to him, the collaboration with FUT Minna will enable the Centre to run Postgraduate Diploma, Masters, and Doctoral programmes in the Mathematical Sciences.
He added that the affiliation with NOUN would further establish the Centre as a Centre of Excellence in the Mathematical Sciences, with support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).
He explained that these initiatives were part of ongoing efforts to prepare the Centre for conversion into a specialised National University of Mathematical Sciences (NUMS).
“The NOUN Centre of Excellence with TETFund will help address the critical shortage of high-level manpower in Mathematical Sciences across industries and academia,” Mebine said.
He further said that the Centre’s programmes would produce experts in both core and emerging fields such as Algebra, Number Theory, Algebraic Geometry, Theoretical Physics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.
These areas, he said, were essential for generating impactful research outputs that would strengthen Nigeria’s technological and industrial advancement.
Mebine also called for the speedy amendment of the Act establishing the Centre to facilitate its conversion to the proposed National University of Mathematical Sciences.
He said doing so would position Nigeria as a regional hub for advanced mathematical education and innovation.
Across the world, collapsing bridges, sinking roads, failed dams and crumbling buildings tell a grim story of one that echoes the cry of a wounded planet of “Mother Earth”.
Thus, when “Mother Earth cries,” it symbolizes the weight of human ambition and negligence through reckless construction, deforestation, over excavation, or poor geotechnical design which translates to a distress on the environment.
Professor Akpila, delivering the lecture
However, the “cry” of Mother Earth which culminates in incidences of failure and ultimate collapse of engineering infrastructure oftentimes leading to loss of lives, resources, time, space, energy, and matter, can be avoided by consulting Geotechnical Engineering experts, who can moderate the silent cry of Mother Earth.
Professor Scott Bernard Akpila, a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering of the Rivers State University (RSU), made the observations and recommendations as he delivered the 120th Inaugural Lecture of the university on Wednesday October 8, 2025 at the Senate Building of the Institution.
Titled, “The Silent Cry of Mother Earth: A Wake Up Call To Geotechnical Engineering Practice In Infrastructure Development,” Professor Akpila who is a specialist in Geotechnical Engineering said government at all levels, should support in infrastructure development programmes in the country, to address issues rated to the silent cry of Mother Earth.
Describing Geotechnical Engineering as that branch of civil engineering that focuses on the engineering properties and behavior of soil, rock and underground water under force application and also on their influence during design, construction and operation in Engineering projects, Prof Akpila said that the level of stress transferred by either natural or man-made structures to Mother Earth is crucial to the stability and deformation of foundations on onshore and offshore environments.
Professor Akpila who is the Fourth to deliver an Inaugural Lecture from the Department of Civil Engineering of the University and the first in Geotechnical Engineering specialization, noted that it is the “sole responsibility of the Geotechnical Engineer, to knowledgeably ensure the overall stability of the soil foundation system”. This according to him, will help in “reducing incidences of failure and ultimate collapse of engineering infrastructure.”
Tracing the history of Geotechnical Engineering through the publication of the book “Erdbahmecanik” by Karl Terzaghi, a German in 1925, who is also credited as the founder of modern Geotechnical Engineering, Professor Akpila with lots of diagrams, illustrations and formulas illustrated the role of Geotechnical Engineers in providing the foundation safety link between the earth and built infrastructure.
The university Don postulated that for a harmonious human progress in infrastructural development, it is important that geotechnical integrity, soil preservation, and sustainable land use must go hand in hand, noting that ignoring such a harmony, is a call to disaster.
Professor Akpila who reeled out an impressive outlay of his contributions to knowledge and development of society urged government at all levels to support the inclusion of Geotechnical Engineers in infrastructure development programs, in the country.
He also advocated a University-Industry based collaboration for the provision of basic Geotechnical Engineering field and laboratory equipment in Civil Engineering Departments, to boost entrepreneurship potential of universities and knowledge visibility.
Furthermore, Professor Akpila called for the training and retraining of staff in laboratory operations and applications that reflect field behaviour of earth materials.
He also urged the university administration to invest adequately in Geotechnical Engineering training at postgraduate level by leveraging on what he termed, “our location, availability of expertise and manpower, against the absence of qualified Geotechnical Engineers to assume this challenging responsibility in many of Nigerian universities.”
Speaking at the end of the thought provoking Inaugural Lecture, the Vice Chancellor of the RSU, Prof Isaac Zeb-Obipi commended Prof Akpila for his well articulated lecture which he believed has added great knowledge to the world.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor(Academic), Prof Valentine Omubo-Pepple, the VC said Prof Akpila by his various contributions in learning and service to humanity has “justified why the university elevated him to the rank of a professor.”
He appealed to everyone to carefully note the contributions and suggestions proffered by Prof Akpila to ensure that Mother Earth is saved from crying and humans protected from disasters.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Benin Branch, Mr Idemudia Osifo, has urged the Edo State judiciary to continue to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and judicial independence.
The NBA also urged the judiciary to invest in ICT infrastructure to enhance justice delivery, reduce delays, and increase transparency
Osifo made the call on Friday during a special court session held in Benin to mark the opening of the 2025/2026 Legal Year.
He lamented the prolonged duration of many court cases, which continued to erode public confidence in the system, and stressed the urgent need to improve the working conditions of judicial officers and support staff.
“The safety of judicial officers, lawyers, litigants, and witnesses must be ensured.” He said.
Osifo praised the judiciary for its industry, resilience, and steadfastness under the leadership of the chief judge but also highlighted several persistent challenges.
He noted that many courts in Edo State still operated in dilapidated conditions and lacked modern facilities needed for effective justice delivery.
The NBA pledged its commitment to promoting access to justice and defending the sanctity of the legal profession.
As the new legal year begins, the association urged the judiciary to uphold the noble ideals of justice, fairness, and independence.
Earlier, the Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, had called on all court users to collaborate with the state judiciary in its fight against corruption.
He commended the Bail Is Free Campaign Organisation for its continued support of the judiciary’s efforts to rid the system of corruption.
The opening ceremony provided an opportunity for the judiciary to reflect on the achievements of the past legal year and to outline goals for the year ahead.
According to the Chief Judge, key focus areas in the previous year included capacity building, administration of criminal justice, and staff welfare.
As the new legal year begins, Okungbowa emphasised the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the discharge of its duties.
In recognition of exemplary service, ten members of the state judiciary received the Chief Judge’s Award for being outstanding ambassadors of the institution.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, says that stakeholders’ engagement is fundamental to the development of the Niger Delta region.
Ogbuku stated this in his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Rivers State Public Relations Week in Port Harcourt.
Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Seledi Thompson-Wakama, highlighted the importance of reputation management and the critical role NIPR plays in maintaining a positive national image.
He emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration to ensure projects meet people’s needs and that government initiatives succeed, highlighting this approach as a key component of the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda”.
According to Ogbuku, the theme of the NIPR Week, “Refocusing Stakeholder Engagement And Public Trust In A Challenging Economy,” aligns with the Commission’s goal of building public trust through transparent and collaborative engagement.
Ogbuku stated: “We realise that it is crucial to build trust with all partners to get their buy-in and win their confidence. In this respect, we have established processes to ensure that a new institutional culture, anchored in sound ethics and good corporate governance, is in place. “We are working with KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, which has reviewed our processes to strengthen our corporate governance system. We now have a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency, backed by a clear and measurable set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress toward goals.”
The NDDC boss noted that the emphasis on collaboration was in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which prioritizes carrying stakeholders along in the development process.
He remarked: “Through engagement, the NDDC aims to foster partnerships to leverage collective strengths, overcome challenges, and avoid working at cross-purposes.”
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter, Nigerian Institute Of Public Relations (NIPR), Rev. Francis Asuk, said that strategic communication was central to peacebuilding and governance.
He declared: “The time has come for our leaders, both in government and the private sector, to engage professional public relations practitioners in managing and communicating through sensitive issues. The expertise of PR professionals in stakeholder mapping, perception management, conflict resolution, and narrative framing can make a crucial difference in restoring confidence, bridging divides, and shaping a more stable and progressive Rivers State.”
He regretted that public trust is eroding across Nigeria and indeed the world. He stated: “Economic challenges, misinformation, and institutional fatigue have tested the resilience of governments, businesses, and communities alike. In such a time, the role of the public relations professional becomes indispensable to rebuild confidence, restore truth, and facilitate transparent engagement that drives collective progress.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a one-month ultimatum to Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the construction company handling the 6.5-kilometre Woji–Aleto–Alesa–Refinery Road, to complete the long-delayed project or face termination of the contract.
Governor Fubara gave the directive on Friday during an unscheduled inspection visit to the project site, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Projects, Mr. Hebron Wisdom.
The Governor, who was visibly displeased with the pace of work, expressed disappointment over the contractor’s performance despite multiple variations granted to ensure completion of the road and its 200-metre bridge.
“We came to visit one of our sites, and I must say I feel highly disappointed,” Governor Fubara said. “This project was awarded about June, 2020, by my predecessor. I even went as far as giving them two variations to enable them achieve a good proportion of this job. But to my greatest surprise, there is no progress to show for it.”
The Governor noted that the project had been evaluated and cancelled under the previous emergency administration, but added he had given Raffoul another opportunity to deliver within the deadline.
Governor Fubara, however, warned that he would revert to the earlier government position, if the company fails to complete the work within one month.
“If they can’t complete this job in the next one month, I will stick to that position of the administrator as at when the emergency rule was on in the state,” he said.
The Governor also frowned at ongoing dredging activities near the bridge, describing it as unsafe and unacceptable.
“How could a normal human being be dredging very close to a bridge? Is it proper?” he queried. “If I come here any other time or get any information that dredging activity is being conducted around this area, I will personally supervise and destroy the dredger myself.”
Governor Fubara emphasised that his administration remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure across Rivers State, and will not tolerate any contractor that fails to meet contractual obligations.
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has reassured that the proposed Africa Energy Bank(AEB), which was envisaged to commence operations in the middle of 2025, is now set to open its doors for business.
The President made the reassurance while speaking at the commissioning of the $400 million Otakikpo Energy International Limited Crude Export Terminal in Andoni R/S on Wednesday.
Represented by the Minister of State For Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, President Tinubu while addressing the financing challenges in the oil and gas sector, said such was coming to an end as the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank would soon begin operations to provide easier access to funding.
“Let me also assure Green Energy that the era of seeking finance elsewhere will soon be over. We have discovered that Africa’s biggest challenge is access to finance, which is why we established the Africa Energy Bank, which is ready to take off. Nigeria, as the host country, has met all its obligations, legal and financial, and we expect the bank to commence operations any moment from now,” President Tinubu said.
The AEB, when it begins operations, is expected to reduce Africa’s dependence on Western financial institutions that are increasingly withdrawing from fossil fuel projects.
The AEB is expected to commence business with an initial capital base of $5billion contributed by African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO) member states, with a target of a much larger asset base of $120 billion when fully operational.
Member states like Nigeria, Angola, and Ghana have fulfilled their capital contributions to the bank, which is the required minimum to begin operations. Meanwhile, additional pledges have been made by Algeria, Benin, Congo and Equitorial Guinea, and Ivory Coast.
By mobilizing internal resources through the AEB, African counteries can finance their own energy development priorities without external political or environmental restrictions.
All is set for the formal defection of Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Enugu, the state capital.
Mbah is expected to join the ruling party alongside elected national and state legislators, members of the state executive, and party leaders from ward and local government levels across the state.
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Deputy National Chairman (South), Hon. Emma Eneukwu, while inaugurating a seven-man caretaker committee for the party in Enugu State, hinted at ongoing efforts to strengthen the party’s influence in the South East region
Confirming the development to newsmen at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja after taking the oath of office, the newly inaugurated Enugu State APC Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, disclosed that the governor and his appointees would officially be received into the party on October 14.
The APC National Working Committee (NWC) had on Thursday dissolved the Enugu State Working Committee (SWC) and appointed a seven-member caretaker committee to oversee the party’s affairs in the state
The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has opened a comprehensive Agriculture Support Programme Workshop in Rivers State, aimed at equipping farmers, students, women, and small-scale investors with modern, sustainable agricultural skills to boost productivity and food security.
The workshop, which commenced on Friday at the Ministry of Justice Auditorium, Port Harcourt, was formally declared open by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara.
In her opening remarks, Lady Valerie Fubara, described agriculture as a vital enterprise that demands commitment and informed practices. She urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that it serves as a preparatory step toward the Agricultural Empowerment Programme scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
“I want to see how participants are being prepared for the upcoming agri-empowerment next Tuesday,” she said. “Please, take every lecture seriously because it will help your business. Those in poultry or crop production will learn how to better care for their livestock and crops. Knowledge is key to empowerment.”
The workshop featured technical sessions on crop production, livestock, and poultry management, offering participants practical guidance designed to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable growth within the state’s agricultural sector.
Delivering a keynote address titled: “General Smart Agriculture in Relation to the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI),” Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Udensi Udensi, represented by Prof. Joseph Orluchukwu, underscored the role of agriculture in driving national development.
He explained that embracing smart and innovative agricultural methods is essential for combating food insecurity in developing economies experiencing rapid population growth.
“Traditional farming methods have struggled to meet growing food demands. However, the adoption of innovative tools and smart farming practices is a game-changer,” he said.
“Government must also implement supportive policies, provide subsidies for essential tools like seeds and irrigation systems, and invest in critical infrastructure. Strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as NGOs, are vital for empowering farmers with education, resources, and support,” he added.
The workshop, part of the Renewed Hope Initiative’s nationwide agricultural empowerment drive, seeks to empower local farmers and entrepreneurs, promote self-reliance, and strengthen food production capacity across Nigeria.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his decision to bestow Post Humous Pardon on the Ogoni 9, and the prestigious National Honours Awards on the Ogoni 4.
Governor Fubara said this while reacting to the unanimous ratification of Mr President’s decision by the Council of State during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. He spoke in Government House, Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Ogoni 9: Ken Saro-Wiwa, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gboko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine were granted Post Homous Pardon for their “exemplary service to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
In the same token, the Ogoni 4: Chiefs Albert Badey, Edward Kobani, Samuel Orage, and Theophilus Orage were awarded National Honours “for their patriotism to Nigeria and in particular to promote reconciliation within the Ogoni community.”
Reiterating the State Government’s gratitude to Mr President, the Council of State and Nigerians for recognising the sacrifices and patriotism of the Ogoni 13, Governor Fubara explained that the Presidential Pardon and National Honours Awards will promote genuine reconciliation, guarantee enduring peace and unity within the Ogoni communities, and also help accelerate sustainable development in the State.
While reassuring President Tinubu of the unfettered commitment of the Rivers State Government to the total reconciliation of all Ogoni people, Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the government’s action will bring renewed hope and restore confidence in the Ogoni communities.
He appealed to the people of the State, particularly the Ogoni people to see the Federal Government’s decision as a significant step towards addressing age-long demands of the communities, emphasising that the government’s investment in the area is a testament to the commitment to the well-being of the people and development of Ogoniland.
He further encouraged the people to key into the policies and programmes of government at all levels to achieve the purpose of governance in the State, and Nigeria.
The Federal Government, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated a National Digital Trustmark, a platform designed to provide a verifiable certification mechanism, badge of trust for e-commerce and other online platforms nationwide.
It was inaugurated during a joint news conference by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC), the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The initiative is expected to curb online frauds, identity theft, scamming, forgery thereby ensuring trust, competitiveness, integrity and reposing confidence in Nigeria online and digital business platforms.
Malam Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, NITDA said the trustmark had become necessary following global concerns over online business activities of Nigerians.
Inuwa also said it would strengthen consumer confidence, promote fair competition and elevate Nigerian businesses to global standards.
“It is sad for Nigerians to be classified as scammers and fraudsters especially in relation to how online businesses are conducted.
“There are times citizens will make payments for goods online only to be blocked thereafter, or cases where whatever citizens purchased online are not delivered according to specifications.
“The trustmark will be in form of a security seal granted by NITDA for certification and authentification of online or digital business outfits.
“The security seal will be embossed on the platforms, letter heads and pages for authentication and identification as true registered companies or entities operating in Nigeria with at least one known office,” he said.
He further said the initiative, though not compulsory would come with charges depending on the size of the business organisation and its area of specialisations.
The initiative, he said would be facilitated by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture, (NACIMMA).
According to him, the trustmark digital certification would be renewed annually to ensure transparency and accountability of the entire process.
He said both the public and private sectors with online businesses would be eligible for the security seal.
President of NACIMMA, Mr Jani Ibrahim, the seal marked a major step towards building a safer, more trusted and globally competitive digital economy for Nigeria.
He was represented by his Special Adviser on Digital Economy Trade Group, Mr Suleiman Audu.
He assured that NACIMMA in collaboration with other stakeholders would ensure seamless implementation of the policy, saying that it would be devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks and other impediments.
Mr Chinedu Albert, GIZ Nigeria Consultant and Public Policy Expert, commended the initiative, saying Nigeria’s e-commerce market, currently valued at 13 billion dollars represented only 0.55 per cent of the 27 trillion dollars global market.
“The Digital Trustmark directly addresses this challenge because it aligns with the African Continental Digital Trade Protocol, which requires member states to establish mutual trust mechanisms.
“This initiative will also strengthen Nigerian MSMEs’ competitiveness in global trade,” Albert said.
