Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said that the 33.5-kilometre Elele–Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini–Ikiri–Omoku Road is 90 per cent completed and will be inaugurated in May 2026.

Fubara made the disclosure on Wednesday after inspecting the dual carriageway spanning Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

According to the governor, the project will end years of hardship and insecurity experienced by commuters along the corridor, while unlocking economic opportunities in Omoku, popularly known as the state’s “Gas City.”

He described the road as a signature project of his administration aimed at expanding the state’s road network and boosting economic activities.

“From my assessment, about 90 per cent of the job is already done, and what remains will be delivered before the end of April,” Fubara said.

He added that the road, which links three key local government areas, would significantly improve connectivity and ease movement across the state.

The governor also highlighted the security benefits of the project, noting that the route had long been associated with criminal activities, including kidnappings.

“For residents and businesses in Port Harcourt and its environs, this road used to be a death trap. With the current development, such issues will become a thing of the past as security agencies can now access the area more effectively,” he said.

Fubara commended the contractor for the pace and quality of work, particularly on the bridge component, expressing confidence that the remaining aspects would be completed before the end of April ahead of its formal inauguration.

The Federal Government has ordered ministers and other political appointees with aspirations to contest in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.

The directive was conveyed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, giving affected officials a 13-day deadline to vacate their positions.

In a statement issued by the Office of the SGF, the Head of Information and Public Relations, Nengak Goshit, said the decision followed a presidential directive aimed at ensuring compliance with electoral laws and safeguarding the integrity of the political process.

According to the statement, the order is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries.

INEC had fixed April 23 to May 30 for political parties to conduct their primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.

The directive affects ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants to the President, as well as directors-general and chief executive officers of agencies, parastatals, commissions and government-owned companies.

“All affected officials are to submit their letters of resignation through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation not later than March 31, 2026,” the statement read.

Findings indicated that several cabinet members are already positioning themselves for governorship contests in their respective states.

Among them are Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo); Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari (Borno); Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali (Gombe); Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar (Bauchi); and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha (Abia).

Adelabu is said to have intensified consultations in Oyo State, while Tuggar has also been engaging political stakeholders in Bauchi State.

Kyari, a former acting National Chairman of the APC, is believed to be weighing his chances within the Borno political structure led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, is reportedly under pressure to contest the Niger State governorship but has declined, citing his commitment to the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reluctance to challenge incumbent Governor Mohammed Bago.

The President was quoted as saying the directive became necessary to promote transparency, prevent conflict of interest and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants.

He also urged strict compliance, reiterating his administration’s commitment to credible elections and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

The development comes amid rising political activities as parties begin to align with INEC’s timetable for the 2027 general elections.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stepped up its crackdown on illicit drug activities in Rivers State, arresting no fewer than 39 suspects between December 2025 and March 2026.

The State Commander of the agency, Bature Dawa, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government in Port Harcourt.

Dawa said the arrests include 16 fresh cases currently under investigation, as the agency intensifies operations through its Drug Demand Reduction and Drug Supply Control units to curb the proliferation of illicit substances.

He stressed that the NDLEA remains committed to ensuring that offenders are brought to justice, while also scaling up preventive measures to reduce drug abuse, particularly among young people.

The commander called on parents and guardians to be more vigilant, urging them to monitor their children closely. He also appealed to hotel owners and managers to ensure their facilities are not used for drug-related activities.
Dawa further advocated the introduction of drug integrity tests in schools and within the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the measure as critical to addressing rising substance abuse among youths.

Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Dagogo Wokoma, commended the NDLEA’s efforts and reaffirmed the state government’s support for federal agencies working to sustain safety and security.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Wokoma lauded the collaboration between security agencies, noting that it aligns with the administration’s vision of promoting peace, prosperity and sustainable development in the state.

He urged residents to remain law-abiding, emphasising that adherence to regulations is essential for effective governance and social order.

In a related development, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Inyang Umoh, also paid a courtesy visit, reiterating the need for motorists to comply with traffic laws to enhance road safety across the state.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has signalled readiness to partner with Grammy-winning artiste Burna Boy to drive infrastructure and socio-economic development across the Niger Delta, with a focus on his hometown in Rivers State.

The Commission’s Managing Director, Samuel Ogbuku, gave the assurance on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by the Afrofusion star to the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt.

Ogbuku reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its mandate, disclosing plans to construct an access road to the artiste’s community in Ahoada West Local Government Area, alongside other intervention projects aimed at improving living standards across the region.

He urged the global music icon to channel his international influence into regional development by investing in the Niger Delta and staging events locally, noting that such initiatives would stimulate economic growth.

“We need a symbiotic relationship that benefits the region. Bring your global appeal home so the Niger Delta can share in your success,” Ogbuku said, describing the singer as one of the region’s most valuable cultural exports.
In his remarks, Burna Boy—born Damini Ogulu—reiterated his commitment to uplifting his community, expressing optimism that collaboration with the NDDC would deliver tangible transformation.

He highlighted critical infrastructure gaps in the area, including poor road access, inadequate healthcare facilities and lack of potable water, and called for urgent intervention.

Also speaking, his father, Samuel Ogulu, commended the Commission’s leadership for ongoing efforts to reposition the Niger Delta and lauded its proactive development agenda.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, and the Executive Director, Corporate Services, Ifedayo Abegunde, among others.

Pressure is mounting on the administration of to discontinue the (NYSC) amid rising insecurity across the country, with parents, civil society groups and concerned citizens warning that the programme has become increasingly dangerous for young graduates.

The growing outcry follows a series of reported kidnappings, killings and violent attacks involving corps members deployed to various parts of Nigeria.

Haruna Danjuma, National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, voiced deep concern over the safety of participants, insisting that the Federal Government must either guarantee adequate protection or suspend the scheme.

“It is painful to lose a child,” Danjuma said, noting that parents invest years in raising and educating their children only to face the risk of losing them during the mandatory service year.

He stressed that the government bears full responsibility for the welfare of corps members, adding that state governments and security agencies should be required to formally guarantee their safety before any deployment.

“If the government cannot protect these children, then the NYSC should be scrapped because its value is already defeated,” he said.

Echoing similar concerns, Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of , described the fears of parents as justified, criticising the handling of security incidents involving corps members.

“There is no justification for a situation where families are left to negotiate ransom payments after their children are deployed by the state,” Sanusi said, adding that NYSC authorities must take full responsibility for participants’ safety throughout the service year.

The renewed debate was triggered by the abduction of a corps member, Musa Abba, a graduate of the Federal University Gusau, who was kidnapped while travelling to Sokoto to commence his service.

Reports indicate that he was assaulted by his captors after his family failed to meet a N10 million ransom demand.
In a related development, a Nigerian professional, Dr. Opadonu Moses Olufemi, has petitioned the National Assembly, urging urgent legislative intervention to address the worsening security risks facing corps members.

The petition, addressed to both chambers of the legislature, calls for a comprehensive review of the NYSC framework in light of prevailing security challenges.

Among the proposals are a temporary suspension of interstate deployment, decentralisation of orientation camps, and the posting of corps members within their home states or nearby regions to reduce exposure to dangerous travel routes.

The petition also recommends the introduction of comprehensive insurance coverage, including life, health and kidnapping protection, as well as the review of any policy that shifts security or ransom responsibilities to parents.
Dr. Opadonu warned that compulsory national service without adequate safeguards places families under severe emotional and financial strain, while eroding public trust in national institutions.

He further urged lawmakers to initiate a full legislative inquiry into the operations of the NYSC, stressing that the safety and dignity of Nigerian youths must take precedence.

“The nation’s future leaders must not be exposed to avoidable danger in the name of unity,” the petition stated, calling for swift and decisive reforms to align the scheme with Nigeria’s current security realities.

Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) has postponed its 44th convocation ceremony earlier fixed for March 27 and 28, 2026, amid indications that technical challenges within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) unit disrupted the processing and upload of undergraduate results.

In a terse public notice, the university confirmed that the ceremony, scheduled for Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, will no longer hold, urging the general public to disregard the earlier dates. The institution also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the development.

Findings suggest that the postponement is linked to the non-functionality of the university’s ICT unit, which has reportedly hindered the timely upload and processing of results for graduating students—an essential requirement for the convocation.

Efforts to get official clarification on the situation were unsuccessful, as the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Okiridu, could not be reached. Calls to her line were not answered as of the time of filing this report.

The development has left affected students and stakeholders in uncertainty, with the university stating only that a new date for the convocation will be announced in due course.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has directed prospective corps members (PCMs) to resolve any inconsistencies in their graduation dates during the online registration process, warning that failure to do so will prevent registration at orientation camps.

In a notice shared via its official communication channels, the scheme emphasised that discrepancies between the date of graduation uploaded on the NYSC portal and that stated on a candidate’s Statement of Results must be corrected before reporting to camp or obtaining a state code number.

The NYSC advised affected candidates to promptly liaise with their respective Student Affairs Officers (SAOs) to rectify such issues, stressing that no concessions would be granted at orientation camps.

“Prospective corps members with discrepancies in their dates of graduation will not be registered at the orientation camp,” the scheme stated, urging strict compliance to ensure a seamless mobilisation process.

The directive underscores the agency’s commitment to maintaining accurate records and streamlining the registration process, while cautioning candidates against proceeding to camp without first resolving any identified anomalies.

Several passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a train operating along the Abuja–Kaduna rail corridor derailed, forcing the service to halt midway through the journey.

The passenger train, travelling from Kaduna to Abuja, failed to reach its destination as scheduled following the disruption on the busy rail line linking the Federal Capital Territory with Kaduna State.

A source within the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment on the matter, confirmed the incident.
Passengers onboard said the incident occurred suddenly, triggering panic inside the coaches as the train came to an abrupt stop.

Some travellers reported hearing a loud bang before the train jolted violently, throwing several occupants off their seats and causing confusion inside the compartments.

Eyewitness accounts suggested that the Abuja-bound train may have collided with another train along the corridor, forcing rail operations to pause temporarily while the situation was assessed.

It was gathered that a number of passengers sustained injuries, with some suffering cuts and bruises after being flung against seats and metal fittings inside the train.

A social media user, Sada Malumfashi, who claimed to be among the passengers, described the frightening moment shortly after disembarking.
Posting on his X account, he said the sudden jolt caught many passengers unprepared and caused panic inside the train.

“Just dropped from the Kaduna–Abuja train. We heard a loud bang and the train jolted to a stop, flinging people across.

Passengers got hit and most are bleeding and severely injured. The train was delayed for about 30 minutes and resumed slowly to Kubwa. No communication from @info_NRC on anything,” he wrote.

According to him, the train remained stationary for about 30 minutes before the journey resumed slowly towards Kubwa, a suburb on the outskirts of Abuja.

When contacted, NRC spokesperson, Callistus Unyimadu, confirmed the development and said an official statement would be issued.

In a move aimed at nurturing the next generation of development professionals, the (UNICEF) has opened applications for its fully funded global internship programme, offering students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to humanitarian work that impacts children worldwide.

The internship programme, run by UNICEF, provides structured professional development opportunities across multiple countries and offices. Successful applicants will work alongside experienced professionals on projects that support UNICEF’s mission of promoting and protecting the rights and well-being of children.

According to UNICEF, the programme is designed to help emerging professionals develop practical skills in areas such as research, programme support, data analysis, communications, and advocacy. Interns are placed in different offices depending on available vacancies and their academic or professional backgrounds.

Who Can Apply

The opportunity is open to candidates aged 18 and above who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD programme, or who have graduated within the past two years. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and proficiency in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages—English, French, or Spanish.

Candidates are also expected to have familiarity with the working language of the country office where they are applying. Individuals with immediate relatives employed by UNICEF, particularly within the same reporting line, are not eligible for the programme.

Duration and Work Structure

The internship duration ranges from six to 26 weeks. Depending on the role and office, the internship may be full-time or part-time, and may take place either remotely, in person, or through a hybrid arrangement.

UNICEF notes that interns are integrated into active projects and teams, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to ongoing programmes and initiatives.

Financial Support
Unlike many internship opportunities, the UNICEF internship programme includes financial support designed to help participants manage costs associated with the experience.

Selected interns receive a monthly stipend to cover living expenses. In cases where relocation is required, UNICEF may also provide a lump-sum payment to assist with travel and visa costs. Additional grant funding may be available for certain internship-related projects.

Interns also benefit from mentorship by experienced UNICEF staff and the opportunity to collaborate with multicultural teams across the organization’s global network.

Application Process
Interested candidates are required to apply through the UNICEF careers portal, where available internship positions are posted regularly. Applicants must create an online profile, submit a curriculum vitae, and provide a tailored cover letter aligned with the specific role.

UNICEF advises applicants to monitor the vacancies page frequently, as deadlines vary depending on the position.

Building a Career in Global Development

While the internship does not guarantee permanent employment, participation in the programme is widely regarded as a valuable stepping stone for careers within the United Nations system and the broader humanitarian sector.

Past interns say the experience offers both professional growth and meaningful engagement with global challenges.
“UNICEF offered me the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, and work on global issues that matter,” said Rudolf Larnyoh, a former human resources intern in New York.

Another intern, Eve Woogen, who worked remotely with UNICEF Pacific in Fiji, said she felt “fully integrated and supported” by her team despite the virtual setting.

For many young professionals seeking to enter international development, the UNICEF internship programme represents a rare opportunity to combine learning with real-world impact.