Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

November 4, 2009

Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shema has called for the establishment of many cottage industries for the country’s development.

He said this while receiving the Director-General of Development Association of Nigeria Small and Medium Enterprises SMEDAN, Alhaji Nadade Umar in his office in Katisna recently.

Governor Shema said the state has some progress because it harnessed its mineral resources properly in the past two years of administration.

He said the state can boast of 28 mineral resources on its soil and two of such natural resources had been utilised to set up cottage industries in all the local government council’s areas of the state.

He cited the chalk and paint cottage industries in some local councils of the state while claiming that youths engaged in the venture had realised over N26 million.

The governor told SMEDAN officials that there was need to eradicate poverty in the country.

He said to discourage the importation of fertiliser for farming in the state, four fertiliser plants were set up by his administration, noting that 25 youths were employed in the plant.

He called on SMEDAN to devise means whereby members of the public would know their existence.

Responding the SMEDAN boss, Alhaji Umar Nadade said his organisation has a policy whereby each of the geopolitical zones would be self accounting and be able to grant loan to the people to establish their own small scale industries in their areas.

Kwara

Tragedy struck at the weekend in the sleepy boarder town of Bukuro, Baruten local council, Kwara State, where 50 people, including school pupils, were feared killed when two canoes capsized on Nano River.

The victims were heading home at Bukuro after the day’s business and schooling in neighbouring Yarawodo village, Benin Pepublic. Eighty passanegers were reportedly on board the two canoes, which capsized midstream.

A visibly disturbed Emir of Gwanara in the Garaten Local Council, Alhaji Sabi Idris, described the incident as the worst in the history of Gwanara District.

The royal father, who sympathised with the victims’ families, made a passionate appeal to the federal government to provide infrastructure at border towns like those in Buruten council, which he said had been neglected.

He noted that the incident would have been averted if the federal government had provided Bukuro with a good road network and electricity to boost economic activities in the area as this would have discouraged the people from crossing over to Benin Republic to do business or school there.

Village head of Bukuro, Mallam Isa Aliyu, lamented that this village with a population of about 20,000 could only boast of three teachers in its only primary school.

He said the situation forced parents and guardians to enroll their children and wards in schools across the border in Benin Republic.

Education secretary, Barutun local council, Umaru Zango, disclosed that about 55 school pupils were on board the ill-fated canoes.

Zango asked the Kwara state government to provide more teachers for the Bukuro primary school to reduce the number of the state’s pupils attending primary schools in Benin Republic.

About 30 bodies have been recovered while 35 passengers survived the mishap. The people of Baruten and Yaworodo share many things in common with children and adults from both settlements crossing over on a daily basis for schooling as well as business activities.

Abuja

Justice Salisa Garba of the FCT High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned till December 15, for the taking of plea in the 229 amended charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against the suspended chairman of the Nigeria Electrity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Dr Ransome Owan and six commissioners of the agency.

The commissioners are Mallam Abdulrahman Ado, Professor Onwuamaeze Uoeje, Dr Abdurazaq Alimi, Engr Mohammed Bunu, Engr Abinbola Odubiyi and Dr Grace Eyoma.

Counsel to EFCC, Godwin Obla, said the amended charges were as a result of fresh evidence available to the commission. When the matter came up, council to the fourth acused person, Barrister O. Owa, argued that his client could not take his plea because he was only served the amended charge this morning, and when there is a dispute as to issue of service, it cannot be resolved by conflicting words of counsel, it must be resolved by production of proof of service,” Owa told the court.

After listening to the submission of the prosecuting and defence counsel, Garba adjourned the case to enable the 5th accused person study the amended charge before taking his plea. Owan and the six commissioners were first arraigned by the EFCC on April 22, before the FCT High Court, Abuja on a 196 count charge.

Makurdi

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has disclosed that the Tactial Air Command (TAC), Makurdi will soon come alive after close to two decades of lull because the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) has acquired 15 fighter-jets to domicile at the military facility.

Suswam, who spoke in Makurdi at the weekend while playing host to the Commandant of the AirForce Institute of Technology, said he received the cheering news from the Air Officer commanding the Tactical air command, Makurdi.

He announced that the Airforce had approached him to assist in re-surfacing the runway of the Markurdi military Airport, which he agreed to carryout because there was every need to return the military facility to its days of glory.

Damaturu

In response to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) earlier warnings on possible drought and rising food prices in 11 Northern states the Yobe state government weekend approved the release to N195 million for the procurement and distribution of 1,500 metric tones of grains.

The intervention was to cushion the effects of drought in the state, as farmers in the northern part of the state may experience crop failures, due to lack of rain. Approving the fund, Governor Ibrahim Gaidan at the recent council meeting in Damaturu, said that to avert famine and other devastating effects of drought, the state government would procure 1,500 metric tones of assorted grains with N195 million.

Lagos

Lagos State Ministry in collaboration with Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) will on today and Friday hold an awareness workshop, entitled, “Safety of Highway Cleaners, Responsibilities For All,” at Adeyemi Bero Audiotorium, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos by 10.00am.

The managing director, LAWMA, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the workshop was “aimed at enlightening the streets sweepers on safety health in waste management, how to avoid accidents, understanding the environment and to also educate and sensitise the public, particularly motorists, on their responsibilities towards the sweepers.”

Ondo

Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has approved the release of N5 million for the establishment of a Basic Health Centre at Igbokoda in Ilaje Local Council to immortalise the late Dr (Mrs) Agbeke Adebisi Ehinlanwo.

Mrs Ehinlanwo (63) who died on August 1, 2009 was buried at the weekend at Igbokoda, the country home of her husband, Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo. Mimiko who was accompanied by is wife, Olukemi and top government functionaries commiserated with the families of the deceased, saying that establishment of the health centre is part of the state government’s intention to immortalise the deceased.

The governor who spoke at the reception held for the late Mrs Ehinlanow at Igbokoda prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and that God may give her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He enjoined all residents of the state to intensify their prayers to God for peace, tranquility and prosperity.

Mimiko, however, reiterated his determination to make the state the best administered in Nigeria where equity, justice and fairness shall be the driving forces of government’s action.

He said the present administration would mobilise the citizenry to harness God-given resources and create wealth for collective fulfillment with peaceful cohabitation in an environment of transparent and honest leadership.

Minna

The stepping aside slogan of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, on Saturday in Minna came under a severe attack by the Niger State governor, Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, saying that those who talk about stepping aside, nurse the ambition of coming back to power.

He called on writers in the country to use their skills to install good leadership in Nigeria. It will be recalled that Gen. Babangida had, shortly after the annulment of June 12 presidential elections in 1996, told Nigerians that he was stepping aside after eight years in power as a military head of state.

But Governor Aliyu, while declaring open the 28th annual International Convention of Nigerian Authors at the UK Bello Art Theatre in Minna at the weekend insisted tha it is only those who nurse the ambition of having a second shot power that talk about stepping aside.”

The governor was reacting to a remark by the master of ceremony (MC) at the convention that the out-going president of ANA was stepping aside after four years in office, and the governor while declaring the convention open, said Niger State will not entertain “stepping aside” leaders.

He urged Nigerians not to allow those he described as charlatans to occupy the position of leadership, stressing that writers should strive towards using their creative writing to mobilise the people to reject bad leadership in the country.

The governor told Nigerian authors that as men and women of wisdom, they should not abandon the politics of sycophants and charlatans, saying that “you must join the fold now in order to give direction to the serious endeavour of the politics.”

We should not give leadership to those who desperately want it. Many of these selfish politicians have noting to offer and should, therefore, not be considered.” Governor Aliyu said.

He argued that Africa and indeed Nigeria have suffered the brunt of bad leadership, which is responsible for the current high level of under-development and backwardness.

He, therefore, advocated value re-orientation as an imperative if the country must get out of the trap of poverty and indeed catch up with the rest of the world.

He challenged the authors not just to write about the failures of leadership in Nigeria alone, pointing out that “they cannot continue to write to condemn the system and refuse to participate in correcting the ills. Writers must leave their comfort zones and act now, by participating more actively in partisan politics.

Earlier, in a speech, the out-joining President of ANA, Dr Wale Adediran, took stock of the association’s achievements under him in the past four years, saying that ANA has made government more responsive to the needs of the writers in the country.

Adediran pointed out that contrary to the claims of those who think that a synergy between government and writers is detrimental to their course, the association has been able to, through its relationship with the government, erased that long and wrongly held belief that writers and government are enemies.

Osun

Action Congress Senatorial candidate in the forthcoming Osun East elections re-run, Hon Babajide Omoworare last weekend called on the Nigeria Police to arrest and prosecute persons identified as election fraudsters and riggers during proceedings of the court of appeal, Ibadan.

He said that allowing such persons to roam freely would enable them to perpetrate the malpractices once again and nullify the honest intentions of the court of appeal for free and fair polls.

In a statement entitled, “You, The Voters Are The Winners”, Hon. Omoworare said, the court of appeal ruled that the election malpractices invalidated the polls based on the facts and figures presented in the petitioner’s case and these include names of persons who criminally subverted the will of the people.

He said, “At this juncture in our electoral history when we clamour for electoral reforms that would ensure one man one vote and that each vote counts, I want to support the proposition that we establish an electoral offences court to bring to trial and justice, individuals, security operatives, staffers of the electoral commission etc, who perpetrate electoral malpractices. It is a matter of historic record that we identified such persons in our petition. Now that the malpractices committed by them have been established, the logical consequence is for the Nigeria Police to initiate their prosecution without further delay.

Our struggle for violence-free polls would record a progressive advance if the court, relying on evidence admitted in the course of this case, can try them and if found culpable, convict and put them where they truly belong.”

Omoworare, whose petition led to last week’s removal of Otunba Iyiola Omisore from the Senate also urged the government to ask Omisore to return the public funds he acquired as a fake Senator since the Appeal Court had shown that he was never elected to the position he fraudulently occupied.

“It is unfortunate that my party will be contesting the election again with those we identified as election riggers; free to roam the constituency on election day. The financial resources of the people once again will be spend against their wishes on electoral day by those that they did not initially vote for who have acquired illegitimate wealth in government by being in government fraudulently. The re-run elections in Ekiti state are still fresh in our memory” he said.

Nation

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

11 hours ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

Nation

Diri Approves N200m Monthly Grant for Bayelsa Farmers, Targets Increased Local Rice Production

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved a monthly support scheme of ?200 million for farmers in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and expand agricultural production.

The governor announced the approval on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 dry season farming programme held at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the volume of rice harvested during the last farming season, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure a significant increase in the production of homegrown rice in Bayelsa State by the end of 2026.

He stressed that despite the government’s provision of necessary support to the ministry and farmers, it was unacceptable that the state still had to procure rice from outside during the last Yuletide period.

The governor charged the Ministry of Agriculture to take food security seriously, noting that Bayelsa has a comparative advantage in several crop areas, with fertile soil that does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and other stakeholders for organising the event, Governor Diri urged the ministry to ensure that such initiatives go beyond yearly ceremonies and translate into tangible benefits for the people.

According to him, agriculture remains a key pillar of the state’s economic diversification drive, which his administration has prioritised through heavy investments. He also called on civil servants and residents to embrace agriculture as a way of life.

“Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration,” he said.

He added that agriculture strengthens the economy and highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure in moving farm produce from rural communities to the state capital.

“We are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture. We have developed partnerships and collaborations and will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure Bayelsa attains the expected food security,” the governor stated.

Governor Diri further directed that by the end of 2026, the state should record a minimum production of 300,000 kilogrammes of rice, stressing that government would patronise local farmers rather than sourcing rice from outside the state.

On security concerns, he reiterated that the state’s anti-grazing law remains in force, warning herdsmen against destroying farmlands and urging farmers to report such incidents to security agencies instead of resorting to social media.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against allocating land in forest areas to herdsmen, warning that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the genuine farmers in the state. What we did for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. Henceforth, ?200 million will be set aside monthly to support farmers in Bayelsa State,” he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, described the event as a reaffirmation of the state government’s unwavering commitment to food security.

He commended Governor Diri for his substantial investment in the agricultural sector, noting that it has been the driving force behind the progress recorded so far.

Representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bayelsa State chapter, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria, among others, also lauded the governor’s sustained support for farmers, which they said has significantly improved the agricultural sector in the state.

City Crime

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

4 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.

By: Donatus Ebi