Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

March 18, 2010

Adamawa

Nigerians need to develop interest in reading books and learning history to develop their future, veteran Actor/Producer, Zack Orji, has said.

Orji spoke with The Tide’s Source in Lamurde, Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa recently.

He said majority of Nigerians tended to forget things easily except if they were made into entertainment forms, such as films, and so it was necessary to capture history in movies.

“One of the tragedies that have befallen this country today is that Nigerians don’t read. Give the typical Nigerian a book and a movie, they would pick the movie and abandon the book,” Orji said.

The actor said learning and capturing the culture and lifestyles of other tribes in the country could form a true picture of national cohesion.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government has recruited more than 2,030 medical personnel to boost its health care services.

Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity, told The Tides Source in Bauchi that the exercise was aimed at rejuvenating the health sector.

He said those employed were nurses, laboratory scientists and 30 Egyptian doctors who specialised in different fields of medicine.

Muhammad said more than 30 state-of-the-art ambulances were also purchased and distributed to the 23 general hospitals in the state.

He said government had embarked on the rehabilitation and re-equipping of the more than 24 primary health centres in the 20 local government areas.

Muhammad said all the 23 general hospitals had been provided with new generators to ensure steady power supply.

Ekiti

Mrs Clara Anekwe, the NYSC Coordinator in Ekiti State, has urged members deployed to the area to be part of the re-branding programme of the federal government.

Anekwe stated this on Tuesday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Ise/Orun during an interactive session with 2010 batch “A” corps members currently undergoing orientation.

The Tide’s Source reports that 2,200 corps members deployed to the state are participating in the orientation programme.

The coordinator, who described the NYSC members as “the future leaders”, counselled them to imbibe the re-branding programme for a better society.

She said “My dearest corps members, Nigeria is re-branding now. As future leaders of our great nation, the re-branding must start with you.

“What you profess in the light, do not go against it in the dark. Our collective aspiration must produce a better society. In the next three weeks, let us come together to fashion a course for a New Nigeria.”

Katsinaa

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) plans to open 15 area offices in the country.

The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Maharzu Tsiga, told The Tide’s source in Katsina that the project was to decentralise the operations of the scheme to enhance its efficiency.

He said an NYSC area office would be opened in each of the six geo-political zones and nine other states before the end of April.

Tsiga said the NYSC Governing Board had approved the establishment of the offices, adding that the exercise would be for the benefit of the corps members.

He declared: “The establishment of the area offices is to ensure the security, welfare and comfort of corps members.

“It will also enable the administrators of the scheme to play their statutory responsibilities so that the dream of the founding fathers of the scheme will be realised”.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government has released about N363 million to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), as its counterpart fund for 84 community development projects in the state.

Alhaji Garba Argungu, the IFAD Project Manager in the state, The Tide’s source in Birnin Kebbi that four projects would be executed in each of the 21 local government areas.

He said the projects would be executed in phases, adding that each benefiting community would receive N1.2 million for the execution of the first phase of the projects.

According to him, each of the four communities, Gomozo, Alelu, Tafkin-Kada and Sadam-Razai, in Jega Local Government Area, had already received their share of N1.2 million for the execution of projects initiated by them.

He said the money would be utilised for the execution of capital projects such as schools, dispensaries, rural roads and water supply as well dry season fish and irrigation farming activities.

Kwara

The Kwara Government on Monday in IIorin commenced the annual mass vaccination of local chickens in selected communities.

The exercise is being carried out under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Rural Poultry Bio-security Improvement Scheme (RUPBIS).

Prof. Mohammed Gana-Yisa, Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said government had released N1.5 million on to support the exercise.

He said various poultry inputs worth more than N3 million supplied by some international agencies were also released.

Gana-Yisa said the Bio-security Improvement Scheme was an intervention strategy put in place by the Avian Influenza Control Project in 2008 in 12 pilot communities spread across six local government areas.

Osun

Capt. Stephen Mamvong, Commandant of the NYSC camp in Ede, Osun State, on Tuesday warned corps members against stealing.

Mamvong said the warning became necessary against the backdrop of previous incidents of stealing involving corps members.

He told The Tide’s source in Ede that any corps member caught stealing would face the full weight of the law.

‘‘We are here to give leadership qualities by demonstrating practically that leaders are supposed to lead by examples of virtuous living and not to steal or rob.

‘‘The corps members must start practising this now so that by the time they go out, they will not start manipulating figures in the public service.

‘‘They must check thieves in their midst by being wary of those who steal their things,’’ he said.

Plateau

A middle aged man, Sunday Rimnil, who routinely embarked on a binge, was found dead on Monday in Chigwong, Plateau, in a gutter.

Relations told The Tide’s source, Monday, that Rimnil was a drunk, and had lost so much weight, even as he was constantly cautioned on the bad effects of excessive drinking.

The victim’s uncle, Mr Moses Dakyil, told the source that Rimnil was found in a gutter near the market in the early hours of Monday, when he did not return home the previous day.

According to him, Rimnil’s wife was the breadwinner of the family as her husband spend most of his time drinking.

Zamfara

Alhaji Aminu Marafa, an Islamic scholar in Zamfara, has called for more legislations that would encourage economic empowerment of women in Nigeria.

Marafa, Director- General, Islamic Orgnisations and Quranic Schools in Zamfara, said in Gusau on Tuesday at a three-day training programme on modified life saving skills for community health extension workers.

The scholar noted that “self- imposed traditional and cultural beliefs that had nothing to do with religion, have over time impeded the progress of women in Nigeria, especially in the northern states“.

Marafa further said that “unless the government, especially the legislative arm, enact laws that will release women from the burden of such cultural beliefs, their social lives will continue to be trampled upon”.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia

Nation

City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.

Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.

Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.

He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.