Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

January 26, 2011

Adamawa

The Rural Information and Communication Technology Centre (RITC) in Mubi, Adamawa, has trained 30 unemployed youths from Mubi North Local Government Area of the state.

The Manager of the centre, Malam Abdulkareem Abubakar, told newsmen in Mubi on Monday that the 30 were trained in Computer Appreciation and Software Application.

He said that the graduates were exposed to various aspects of IT during the three months training.

Established under the Federal Government’s Rural Information and Communication Technology (RICT) scheme, Abubakar said the centre was designed to provide training and enhance IT development at the grass-roots level.

Bauchi

No fewer than 100 suspected political thugs on Monday in Bauchi surrendered their weapons and promised to turn a new leaf.

The youths gathered at Mallam Goje Enclave in Bauchi Metropolis to surrender their weapons and promised to shun political violence.

The youths confessed to previous crimes, which they committed, at the forum organised by one Alhaji Uba Boris and attended by Hajiya Hawa Yuguda, Wife of the State Governor.

Boris said most of the youths indulged in political violence locally known as “sara suka” (a group that specialises in killing people along the north-eastern part of the country).

He attributed their renouncing of violence to efforts made by the government to empower youths.

Borno

The Borno State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday, called on the State Government to address the killing of innocent people in the state urgently.

The Chairman of the chapter, Rev. Yuguda Mdurvwa, made the call while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.

Mdurvwa pointed out that the Christian community in the state had suffered great losses in recent times, following attacks by unidentified gunmen.

“A number of churches, clergy men and other Christians have been killed in recent times in cold blood in Maiduguri.

FCT

Mrs Fidelia Njeze, the Minister of Aviation, on Monday in Abuja gave a six-week ultimatum to the Committee on the Removal of Disabled Aircraft to submit its report.

Njeze gave the ultimatum during the inauguration of the 12-member committee, chaired by Capt. Mohammed Ruma, the Director, Safety and Technical Policy Department of the ministry.

“The purpose of this gathering is to formally bring together professionals and stakeholders to outline the responsibilities to manage the removal of disabled aircraft as it is consistent with safety and security of aircraft and airport operations.

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has commended the Nigerian military for its contributions to peacekeeping operations in the West African sub-region.

Receiving members of the Course 33 of Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, on Monday in Dutse, Lamido said the Nigerian military had played significant roles in ensuring peace among African countries.

He said the military also ensured that the country remained one, united and an indivisible entity.

“To be frank, the military has displayed uncommon brotherhood for its African brothers in ensuring that peace prevails on the continent each time they are deployed to any troubled state,” he said.

Kaduna

The Minister of Defence, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, on Monday in Jaji, Kaduna State, called for adequate media coverage of Nigerian contingents on peace support operations.

The minister, who was represented by the Army Director of Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, made the call at the opening ceremony of a capacity building workshop for defence correspondents in Jaji.

Katsina

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CPC in Katsina State, Alhaji Aliyu Gidado, has alleged the registration of ineligible and foreign persons in some parts of the state.

Gidado told newsmen after a closed-door meeting of the 34 local government chairmen of the party in Katsina on Monday that some Nigerians were registered in Mai’adua Local Government Area.

He also alleged that some politicians were selling voters cards and bribing INEC officials to facilitate the registration of ineligible persons.

Gidado complained of inadequate registration materials in many registration units and urged INEC to address the anomalies.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Wara, however, dismissed the allegations.

He said additional DDC machines had been received and distributed to areas where they were lacking.

Kogi

Kogi chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Monday in Abuja staged a protest at the party’s National Secretariat, requesting for fresh primaries.

A governorship aspirant, Mr. George Olumoroti, told newsmen during the protest that its essence was to pressurise the party to conduct fresh primaries.

“The prospects of ACN in Kogi state now are very high and we cannot afford to go to the polls without somebody that is popularly elected,” he said.

Olumoroti said the primaries which held on January 12 were annulled due to some malpractice and rescheduled to January 23.

He said the exercise did not hold on the day while there was no explanation by the secretariat.

Lagos

Popular Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, recently gave his life to Jesus Christ at a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Yaba, Lagos.

Sunny Ade dedicated himself to Christ during an alter call by the RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

The Juju music maestro was among 30 worshippers at the service that rushed to the altar to be prayed for by the General Overseer.

When Adeboye asked that the persons who answered the call were to confess their sins, Sunny Ade was the first to kneel down.

During the thanksgiving, Sunny Ade expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and for making him see the day.

In his characteristic style, Sunny Ade rendered a song in Yoruba with members of his band: “If not for God, I would have been gone and buried. I thank you God for my life”.

Earlier in his message, Adeboye had told the congregation that anyone who had not given his life to Christ should not rejoice and praise God because such a person was hell-bound.

Oyo

Voter registration is set to commence in 478 polling units in Oyo State as the state INEC on Sunday took delivery of 837 Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machines.

Alhaji Ayodele Afolami, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC in Oyo, told newsmen on phone that since the voter registration started the exercise had not taken place in 478 polling units out of the 4,783 in the state.

He said that the machines had been dispatched to all the outstanding 478 units.

“The machines have been configured and all that the registration officers need do is to charge the battery and commence registration,’’ he explained.

Plateau

Five persons were killed and three others injured in a midnight attack on Sunday by unknown gunmen on Dagiru, a village in Farin Lamba, Vom, Plateau State.

The development forced an emergency security council meeting presided over by Governor Jonah Jang, where urgent measures were taken to restore peace in the crises-ridden state.

Mr James Mannok, Director of Press Affairs, confirmed the meeting in an interview with correspondents.

Mr Moses Dalyop, Chairman, Jos South Local Government Area, told correspondent that the attackers came in two Hilux vehicles and were “dressed in black jackets as soldiers”.

Sokoto

Atiku Kafur, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, has stressed the need for officers and men under his command to abide strictly by the ethics of policing.

Addressing officers and men of the Sokoto State Police Command on Monday in Sokoto, Kafur said it was only through abiding by the ethics that the police would effectively provide adequate security in the country.

He said the police faced the major task of mapping out a formidable strategy that would enhance security in the country as “we are approaching the April general elections’’.

Yobe

Alhaji Abbagana Tata, PDP Chairman in Yobe State, has alleged that 50 people from a border village in Niger Republic were transported into the state to register as voters.

“Forty persons were brought in to register in Korsoli and 10 others in Karigide villages in Machina Local Government Area of the state,’’ he added.

Tata, who made the allegation in Damaturu on Tuesday, accused some public officers of hiring people from Niger Republic to register as voters in the state.

“We are aware of government officials smuggling youths from Niger Republic, Borno and Kano States to register in order to boost the voter register in their favour,” he added.

Nation

Philanthropist Task Philanthropist On less than in the society …Bags Distinguished Leadership Award

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

A philanthropist, Her Royal Majesty Ambassador Patricia Alakwe has called on public spirited individuals to support the less privileges in the society.

She said this shortly after being conferred with Distinguished Leadership Award by organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award recently at Oyigbo in Rivers state.

Ambassador Patricia Alakwe who is the Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the development of infrastructure in the area.

She pledged to continuos use of her resources to improve the lives of the less privileges in the society, adding that time has come for those blessed by God to reach out to the less privileges in the society.

The Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the government to come to the aide of Oyigbo people through the development of infrastructural facilities.

Alakwe commended the organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award for the honour done to her , assuring that she will not relent in doing her best for the good of the entire Oyigbo local government area.

It would recalled that Her Royal Majesty, Eze ambassador Patricia Alakwe, Ezenwayi 1 of igbo was a propagator of igbo culture and heritage.

A successful business woman and a philanthropist, Alakwe has touched the lives of thousands of less privilege persons across the state.

According to the organizers of the event,”Her Royal Majesty is a successful business woman and a philanthropist per excellence who has touched lives of many, especially the widows and less privileged.

They said even though She is based in Europe,her commitment to the development of igbo cultural heritage , and Manpower was second to none.

Earlier while presenting the award,founder Oyigbo Merit Award Mr Samuel Chikwe said the gesture was based on her dedication to the cause of the less privileges in the society.

Chikwe said the award was to encourage her to do more for the society.

The event was attended by people from all walks of life.

Nation

RIVCHPP Enrols Over 140,000 Residents as Rivers Marks Universal Health Coverage Day

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced that over 140,000 persons living and doing business in Rivers State have so far enrolled in its health insurance scheme.

The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, during the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day celebration, themed “Unaffordable Health Costs – We’re Sick of It!”. The event held at the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Hall along the East–West Road, Port Harcourt.

Dr Agala eulogised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for providing an enabling environment that promotes access to affordable healthcare for residents of the state. She also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, commending her leadership acumen, which she said has contributed significantly to the transformation of the state’s health sector.

Reiterating the vision of RIVCHPP, Dr Agala stated that the programme remains committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for every resident of Rivers State. She disclosed that over 120 healthcare providers have been engaged across the 23 local government areas of the state to drive the initiative, noting that the state government’s goal of leaving no one behind in healthcare delivery remains a critical task that must be accomplished.

According to her, RIVCHPP has recorded several milestones under her leadership, including the conferment of Universal Health Coverage Ambassador on the Wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, and the designation of the Deputy Governor as Universal Health Coverage Advocate for Rivers State. Other achievements, she said, include the presentation of awards to deserving personalities and institutions, as well as sustained awareness campaigns on the benefits of the RIVCHPP to institutions, establishments and key stakeholders across the state.

Dr Agala called for stronger collaboration and support from individuals and organisations living and doing business in Rivers State, stressing that the annual token of ?15,000 is minimal compared to the benefits of having unhindered access to quality healthcare.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the Rivers State Government is determined to ensure that every child has unhindered access to healthcare services. Represented by Dr Bright Ogbonnah, she applauded the efforts of the RIVCHPP Executive Secretary in implementing the health vision of Governor Fubara.

She noted that the governor’s health sector agenda is focused on improving the quality of life of the people of Rivers State through accessible and affordable healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Dike Princewill, assured that stakeholders are ready to give the necessary support to RIVCHPP to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system in the state.

Highlights of the event included a street walk across parts of Port Harcourt, panel discussions, presentations by resource persons on the theme of the celebration, and free health-related outreach activities.

Nation

AELN Holds Annual Dinner, Awards,Investiture Ceremony In Style

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria(AELN) has successfully held its 2025 annual dinner, awards and investiture ceremony, with a call on participants and Nigerians to work towards protecting the environment at all times.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at Lisborne La-Palm Royal Resort in Port Harcourt, attracted the crème de la crème of the society, with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Chinyere Igwe, leading the pack, as the chairman of the occasion.

Among those inducted and honoured with Fellow Green Advocate of Nigeria(FGAN) Awards included gospel music maestro, and the Prince of the Niger Delta, Mr Asu Ekiye; Chief Chinyere Igwe; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Blessing Eddie Amadi; Hon Justice Mark Chuku; Justice C. K.Dappa-Addo; Engr(Dr) Kenechukwu Kingsley Nwangwu; Dr Andrew A.Igwe; and Dr Afiwere Bright Osamudiamen, among others.

While Barrister Kibuebu Joseph Francis; Mr Chima Williams; Barrister Peterson Osiobe; Dr(Mrs) Glory Peterside; Barrister Henry N. Amadi; His Worship Epelle Emmanuel Sonny(Esq); His Worship Chinagorom Mgbamoka(Esq); and Barrister Atoma Ngozika Aina, were honoured with Chartered Green Advocate of Nigeria(CGAN) Awards, Mr Ebini Abraham Tamuno; Barrister Iniobong Udo Uko; Fatima Zahara’U Shehu; Mercy Sandra Hirse Damian; Enukpere Abraham Amodu; Mr Innocent Offili; Mr Abiye Anthony Abo; and Mr Enakireru Eric Omo; among others were inducted as Members Green Advocate of Nigeria(MGAN).

Those inducted as Associate Green Advocate of Nigeria(AGAN) awardees included Mr Promise Billion Aguma; Esosa Gift Wilfred; Iwobo Ifeoma; Amarachi Ruth Nwabueze; Amadi Ugochukwu Chike; and Mr Noble Uzochukwu Anozie; among others.

The event equally featured a debate competition between members of the Environment Club in the University of Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, and also the launching of the association’s Environmental Project Trust Fund, with the awardees promising to handsomely support the project.

Guest Speaker at the occasion and Director of ICT, Rivers State University, Prof Sunny Orike, did justice to the dinner lecture, titled, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection”, with the participants coming to the inevitable conclusion that Artificial Intelligence would never take over the work of human beings, despite the overwhelming positive strides it is making in the rapidly evolving world.

The lecturer, however, explored the environmental costs and negative impacts of AI, highlighting its high energy consumption with the attendant emission of high volume of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Prof Orike noted that the use of AI in the United States of America, for instance, is different from its use in Nigeria and other developing countries.

The National President of the association, Prof Samuel C. Dike, said in his welcome address that the ceremony was not just a celebration but a testament to commitment, excellence, and a shared vision for a greener, safer, and more sustainable Nigeria.

He further explained that the gathering was designed to appreciate and celebrate exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy, development, and progressive environmental governance, saying, their contributions continue to shape national conversations, influence responsible policies and inspire a new generation of environmental defenders.

He revealed that the inductees were thoroughly trained as “they submitted themselves to our rigorous training as Associate,Member, Chartered and Fellow Green Advocates of Nigeria.”

He said the association is today proud and confident to invest them with various categories of honours and titles, because they have been tried, tested, and proven worthy, having scaled through “our intensive sessions and scintillating lectures delivered by highly respected environmental experts, stressing that the inductees have been empowered to add AGAN, MGAN, CGAN and FGAN titles as suffix to their names.

He said the inductees were joining a distinguished community committed to advancing environmental law, policy and advocacy, and, therefore, urged Nigerians to renew their collective resolve to protect the environment, deepen their advocacy, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the association, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama(SAN), said the topic of the dinner lecture, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection,” captures the spirit of the rapidly evolving world, one where technological advancement and environmental stewardship must work hand in hand.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to strengthen regulation, enhance compliance, improve monitoring, and empower decision-making across all sectors that impact the environment.

Chief Gadzama noted that as an association at the forefront of environmental governance, AELN’s commitment to exploring this intersection could not be more timely or more essential, and commended the AELN’s leadership for sustaining the annual tradition of reflection, recognition and professional enrichment.

“Let us continue to champion a Nigeria where environmental protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared national priority powered by knowledge, technology, and visionary leadership,” he pleaded.