Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

June 7, 2011

Adamawa

The Madagali Local Government area of Adamawa says it will engage the services of private revenue collectors to boost its internally generated revenue.

The council chairman, Alhaji Chibado Tijjani, disclosed this to newsmen in Madagali.

Tijjani said that the measure became necessary because of the poor performance of the council’s revenue collectors.

“The performance of the council revenue collectors is not encouraging at all.

“We need to engage more serious tax agents to handle the revenue generation,” Tijjani said.

He urged the people in the council area to pay their taxes and other levies promptly to the government to enable it to meet the growing developmental needs of the electorate.

Bauchi

Bauchi State Government has identified 11 cotton producing areas and set up a committee to resuscitate and fast-track cotton production.

Alhaji Isa Jibril, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, stated this when he received in audience the new Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, in his office on Monday.

He said that already, the state government had bought improved variety of cotton seeds, worth over N2 million, for sale to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy.

Jibril also told the deputy governor that the state government had disbursed a grant of N225 million to nine community banks to enable them to migrate to micro-finance banking.

Our correspondent reports that the deputy governor doubles as the chairman, Micro-finance bank committee

Benue

A 32-year-old teacher, John Agbo, was on Monday arraigned at a Makurdi Chief Magistrate’s Court for collecting N8,500 each from three persons to buy them fake admission forms.

Agbo, from Ugbokolo in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue, was charged for cheating in contravention of Section 322 of the Penal Code Law.

The Prosecutor, Mr Moses Akor, told the court that the complainants, Justine Tersoo, Doris Akputu and Jennifer Ikoamo, reported the matter to the B Division Police Station in Makurdi.

They said each gave N8,500 to the suspect to buy the admission form of Open University, Lafia, for them but the forms he brought were fake.

Akor further said that Agbo was arrested during police investigation and that N25,000 had been recovered from him.

However, when the case was mentioned on Monday at the court, the accused pleaded not guilty.

FCT

The Nigerian Navy yesterday signed a partnership agreement with an European firm, TP Marine Global services Ltd., to establish a ship building facility in Lagos.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Abuja, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said the project would be wholly financed by the firm while the navy would provide the land for the facility.

Ibrahim, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral, James Oladimeji, said the completion of the facility would mark the beginning of self reliance in ship maintenance and repairs in the navy.

Our correspondent reports that the facility will be sited at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos and will be engaged in ship building, repairs and maintenance of vessels.

Kano

The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), has pleaded with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the State Security Service (SSS) to help it to locate the whereabouts of its missing member, Auwal Shanono.

A statement signed by the union’s National President, Auwal Dansherif, in Kano yesterday said that Shanono got missing recently.

The union also appealed to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to assist in locating the missing student.

Katsina

Farmers in Funtua, Faskari, Malumfashi, Bakori and Dandume Local Government Areas of Katsina State on Tuesday called for the revival of the annual agricultural shows aimed at promoting professionalism and markets.

A cross section of farmers told newsmen in Funtua , Katsina State, that such shows would enhance competition among farmers and encourage the cultivation of varieties of crops.

They maintained that such initiative would also boost food production and provide the avenue for farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices to compensate for their investments.

Lagos

A former governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Jakande on Tuesday urged heads of governments at all levels to step up efforts to take education to its rightful position.

The renowned journalist and elder statesman told newsmen in Lagos that the poor state of education in Nigeria was due to neglect by succeeding governments.

“My advice to the newly inaugurated governments at all levels is for them to ensure that they honour all pledges they made during their election campaigns.

“First and foremost, they should make education their first priority by ensuring that they return it to its former high position,’’ Jakande said.

Ogun

Residents of Abeokuta and its environs have lamented the scarcity and high cost of kerosene, newsmen report.

The residents who besieged the NNPC mega station to purchase the commodity raised alarm over the alleged persistent hike in price by the management of the station.

Our correspondent who visited the mega station located at Abiola Way, Abeokuta yesterday, observed a disorderly crowd of customers pushing themselves in a bid to purchase the cooking commodity.

Some of the residents who spoke to newsmen alleged that the attendants did not follow due process in the sale of the commodity.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government has warned that it would no longer tolerate illegal extension of structures to the roads, particularly in Akure and other major towns.

The Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Sikiru Basaru, told newsmen in Akure that the state government was committed to the success of its urban development projects.

Basaru said that appropriate government authorities were ready to arrest and prosecute whoever violated the existing laws in the state.

“The development of our society is in the overall interest of everyone in the state.

“No society can move forward until the people cultivate the habit of obeying the rules, regulations and laws put in place by the government to facilitate development,’’ Basaru said.

Oyo

Mr Taiye Adeleye, the South-West Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), said on Tuesday in Ibadan that the scheme had registered more than 90 per cent of the federal workforce.

Adeleye said at a one-day provider sensitisation seminar organised by the United Health Care International that the scheme was the best method of providing medical care worldwide.

He said the Federal Government would soon roll out a programme that would enhance the scheme to cover all Nigerians by 2015.

The coordinator said the scheme was also designed to cater for the vulnerable, physically challenged, orphans, aged and pregnant women.

“This scheme is designed by the Federal Government for different segments of the society.”

Adeleye said the NHIS had ensured that Health Management Organisations (HMOs) registered the beneficiaries and provided them with quality medical care and products.

The General Manager, United Health Care International, Dr Olusegun Odujebe, said the forum was organised to educate the health care providers and get feedback on their activities..

Plateau

Members of the House of Representatives voted for Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker on Monday because the PDP did not carry them along on its choice of who to vote for, Rep. Godfrey Gaiya said yesterday.

“We (members) were not carried along in arriving at the PDP decision; no one sought our input.

“The party just announced a candidate and issued a directive,” Gaiya (PDP-Kaduna) told newsmen in a telephone interview in Jos.

The defeat of Mrs Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo) by Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto) in Monday’s contest is seen as a negation of the PDP’s zoning formula, which reserves the seat for the South-West.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Governmnt spent N439 million on Ramadan feeding programme in four years, Governor Aliyu Wamakko has announced.

Receiving the report of the six-member committee set up to review the programme in Sokoto, Wamakko said his administration was committed to the sustenance of the programme as part of his campaign promises.

He said the Ramadan was a period when all acts of benevolence was highly rewarded by God.

Wamakko urged wealthy individuals, members of the state executive council and other top government officials to complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring that the programme was sustained and improved upon.

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.
The Tide’s source reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.
Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.
Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1billion ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivity. The community could only gather N1million which was rejected by the bandits.
Last week, the armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.
A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.
The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.
In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.
On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.
All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

3 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.

In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.

“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.

She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.

“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.

Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.

While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasized integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.

Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritize accuracy in reporting.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Supply In Ogoni

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.

In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.

Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.

He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.

According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.

Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.

Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.