Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

January 4, 2010

FCT The National Youth Council of Nigeria recently held an emergency meeting of it executive council at the Youth House, Abuja where its condemned the call on the President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to resign from office due to ill health. It would rather call on all Nigerians especially the youths to pray for his speedy recovery. The meeting where the lingering issues from supremacy and membership tussle of the council’s presidency were discussed, was presided over by the Acting National President Deolu Sotade George. Recently there was a purported meeting and election conducted by non-members led by Mr Akoli Dickson who declared himself President of the Youth Council. In a chat with The Tide, the Ag. President Sotade Goerge said it was the prompt intervention of the law enforcement Agencies that led to the arrest of some hoodlums led by Dickson who invaded the National Youth Council of Nigeria’s secretariat (Youth House) in Abuja, on 4th December, 2009 and stole some valuables including the NYCN Toyota Coaster bus, with registration Number NYCN 04. He called on all Nigerian youth to be calm while the security agencies ensure that the perpetrators are brought justice. At the end of the meeting which lasted several hours, the NYCN executive jointly signed a resolution which includes; that the NEC set up a 6 man congress planning committee with a representative of the ministry to plan the next congress scheduled to hold between 26th and 27th February, 2010, with the responsibility of conducting the bye-election into all vacant positions within the council. Oyo An Oyo-based group, G3, has advised the political elite in Oyo State against fanning embers of negative sentiments, recrimination and destructive tendencies in assessing governance. Rather, it said they should be guided by values such as objectivity thoroughness, and sincerity of purpose, which are the hallmarks of decent, articulate and thoroughly bred elite. At a news conference last week jointly addressed by the President and General Secretary of the group respectively Comrades Isiaka Eweka, and ‘Prince Oluwakayode Afonja, the group commended Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, for impacting positively on the socio-economic lives of the people of the state, especially Oyo town and its environs. The group applauded the leadership role of the council chairman for the distribution of motor cycles and grinding machines to over 1,000 people. However, the group advised critics of the state government not to be visionless and feeble-minded in their thought, but be guided by values such as equal chances for the representation of interest, open debate among alternative view points and platforms, tolerance, fairness, justice, fair play. Ondo The former Chairman, Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC) Prince Raphael Nomiye at the weekend urged repentant militants to sustain the current peace in the Niger Delta region. He assured that President Umaru Yar’Adua would meet all the demands agreed upon with the Niger Delta militants and the Federal Government in its bid to develop the region. Speaking with reporters in Akure shortly after the swearing in ceremony of new executive committee of Ilaye Regional Development Committee (IRDC) Nomiye said Nigerians should continue to pray for President Yar’Adua to facilitate his early recover, stressing that he meant well for the Niger Delta region and the entire country. Nomiye, who is presently the chairman of IRDC, said the past executive members of the group were not ready to leave office after spending the mandatory four years which terminated on Dec. 15, describing their protest against the dissolution and moves to extend their tenure as an aberration. His words: “The position of state government is clear on IRDC, government cannot allow them to go for tenure extension, those protesting against the dissolution were sponsored by the people who wanted to perpetuate themselves in office, they were planning to cause Chaos in the area.” Lagos A former officer with the Nigerian army, Major Ene has accused the Nigerian Secret Service of threatening her teenage daughter. In a chat with our correspondent on Saturday, Major Ene who is currently challenging the Nigerian military for the alleged inhuman treatment he got after fighting in Liberia and Sierra Leone as a member of the ECOWAS Monitoring Group, ECOMOG, said her daughter, Sarah Ofon-Mbuk Ene, is constantly being threatened in her school by the Secret Service. Ofon-Mbuk is a second year student of Banking and Finance at Redeemer’s University and has been receiving threat messages from people he said were agents of the Nigerian military. Ene said: “On several occasions, my daughter receives threat massages and hate calls from people that are suspected state agents. They even threaten to kill her. They usually call her in the dead of the night. When she picks the phone the caller would warn her to tell her father to “back off”. Ene who is currently challenging the Federal Government for ill treatment and for failing to provide him with adequate medical care after bullets were lodged on his body during a bloody encounter with armed rebels in Sierra Leone, said the secret agents are waging what he calls “psychological war’ on his family. Kano Nigerians have been called upon to take active part in the strive to advance the democratisation process and sustain the culture of political pluralism in the country. Making the call in Kano, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights Education (CHRICED), Mallam Ibrahim Zikini Ilahi called for popular participation by the citizens in governance and politics. Speaking during the workshop sponsored by German group Miserere tagged. Enhancing Participation and Accountability in Local Governance, Zikinillai said the project is unique and innovative because it addresses the political and structural aspects of democratisation and also attends to the political character of operators of governance just as it seeks to improve the democratic foundation. According to him, for change to be enhanced in Nigeria, there is the need for appropriate institutional mechanism for realizing popular governance and a nursery for its nurturing and development. He said ‘The threats posed by the features and tendencies of unaccountable governance can best be addressed and neutralised by the mass of citizens entering into and becoming a determining force in governance and the political process generally and by their developing and internalising a popular culture of democracy. He observed that for very practical reasons, such popular participation is only of very limited possibility at the national or state level. Only at the level of the local government and through its instrumentality is this type and level of popular political participation possible. Bauchi A non governmental organisation (NGO), the Civil Liberty Organisation (CLO) in Bauchi has asked Bauchi State government to hasten action in fishing out perpetrators of the recent crisis that engulfed parts of Bauchi metropolis. It also challenged the state government to ensure the perpetrators face appropriate penalty, and appropriate sanctions that should serve as a deterrents to others are put in place without further delay, which it said might be dangerous. The demands were contained in a statement issued and signed by the CLO chairman, Bauchi State chapter, Comrade Musa Mohammed Gani. The CLO also urged the state government to reward ward heads who contained the spread of the crises in their wards, while those known to have partnered with and allowed the miscreants to wreck havoc on innocent and law abiding citizens be severely punished for their roles. Ghani noted with regrets that despite the resources being expended in creating jobs for thousands of youths, the fundamentalists do not seem to appreciate government’s effort in trying to better the peoples live. Niger As encomiums continued on the late former first lady, Maryam Babangida, Senator Isa Mohammed has called on the federal government to name Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna after her. Speaking with Journalists after the seventhday Fidau prayer held for the repose of her soul, Senator Mohammed who was the deputy chairman Senate Committee on Local Government Administration said the only way the country can immortalize her legacies and memories is to name the Federal University of Technology in Mnna after her. Eulogising the virtues of the late First Lady, the lawmaker said that the contributions of Maryam transcende the borders of this country, stressing that lip service should not be paid towards calls for the immortalisation of her name. The prime minister of the Republic of Niger, Alhaji Aliyu Mohommed was in Minna, as he joined millions of sympathisers to condole the former military president General Ibrahim Babangida over the death of his wife, Maryam. The Nigerian leader was accompanied to the seventh day Fidau prayer by the past military Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar. Kaduna The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncorvered no fewer than 57 properties in the country allegedly owned by the sacked Managing Director of Oceanic Bank Plc, Mrs Cecilia Ibru. According to a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna, the properties are located in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja. The statement specifically said that one of the properties is housing the visa section of the British Embassy in Abuja, while another include 15,000 square meters of land at Okunade water front Victoria Island in Lagos. Some of the properties are a 12 storey tower in one hectare of land at Ozumba Mbadiwe water front Victoria Island Lagos, three residential towers in Port Harcourt GRA, Metro Plaza Abuja where the British visa section is located a residential block of 19 apartments in 34 Bourdillon Road, Ikogi, 35B Isule Eko Avenue, Dolphin Ikoyi, and 103 hectares of land in Lagos. Others are mansions in 3 Okotie-Eboh, Ikoyi, I0A Sobo Arubrodu Street Ikeja; a storey building at 50 Marina, Lagos; seven properties in 5A George Street Ikoyi; other properties in 5B, 4B George, Street and 15, square metres of land at Okunade water front, Victoria Island Lagos. Benue National President of the Association of Nigerian Authors, ANA, Dr Jerry Agada has said that Nigerians would start to enjoy the benefits of over two years of planning by the Yar’Adua administration in 2010. Addressing pressmen in Makurdi he said that most of the plans initiated by the Yar’Adua administration since its inception in 2007 are matured and are ripe for manifestation. Agada who was Minister of State for Education said that he was privy to general concrete plans that are on the verge of fruition. He said that President Yar’Adua is not an administrator that believes in playing to the gallery, noting that the president believes in careful planning before commencement of execution. The ANA boss advised Nigerians not to take seriously those politicians of the health of the president through calls for his resignation, saying what the president needs is prayers to recover and handle his duties. Plateau The church in Nigeria has not contributed significantly to the overall development of the nation. This was the view expressed by the chairman, planning committee of the Annual Nigeria Christian Fair 2010, Prof John Brown. According to Brown, “we cannot say very satisfactory. But to a certain extent, the church in Nigeria is trying to move this country forward. But we are not yet there. We are just on the way. The journey has stared and we are hoping to be there,” he added. Speaking on the Fair coming up in Abuja next year, he said, “where the church has failed the nation is that the church has condoned a number of corrupt politicians. “The church invites these politicians when they are having launchings in their churches and then these politicians may donate million of naira. But nobody will ask them where do you get these millions from.”

Nation

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

14 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

5 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

5 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