Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Chairman, Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development
Agency (PHCDA), Dr Sule Lawal, has appealed to the staff of the agency to justify
government’s huge investment in the sector by their commitment to duty.
Lawal made the
appeal in Ado-Ekiti at a meeting with
the staff of the agency. He said the
state government had shown commitment to enhance personal efficiency and
effective service delivery in the health sector. Lawal said the establishment
of the agency by the state government was to tackle the spread of communicable
diseases, particularly in rural areas, as well as create a platform to improve
the welfare of health workers.
He said the implementation of a new salary structure for
health workers was an indication that the present administration was committed
to the welfare of staff.
FCT
President Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the Nigerian
Economic Society (NES) to devise practical solutions that could strengthen the
government’s drive to overcome poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.
Jonathan gave the charge in his remarks in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the
53rd NES Annual Conference.
Represented by the
Chief Economic Adviser to the President,Dr Nwanze Okidegbe, Jonathan, urged the
association to come up with the ideas for accelerating skill acquisition aimed
at creating employment through entrepreneurship. He said a coordinated approach toward
tackling the twin problem of unemployment and poverty was inevitable if the
average man on the street was to reap the full benefits.
Kano
Flood has washed away several farm land in Doguwa Local
Government Area of Kano State destroying cash crops worth millions of
Naira. The Tide learnt that the flood
was as a result of overflow of a river located between Doguwa and Tudun-Wada
Local Government Areas.
An eye witness told our correspondent in Kano that villages affected included, Burji,
Dogon, Kawo and Gimawa.
The Tide reports that the river over-flowed its banks as a
result of persistent rainfall in the area.
When contacted, the state
Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr Yunusa Dangwani, said he was not aware of
the incident.
Kogi
The Federal Government has been told to extend its ongoing
effort in boosting the teaching and learning of mathematics to all secondary
schools in the country. The Kogi Deputy
Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, who made the call in Lokoja said the call became necessary for the
country to achieve its goal of becoming one of the best 20 economies in the
world by 2020.
Awoniyi, who spoke at the opening of a four-day capacity
building workshop for 208 mathematics teachers in unity schools, said that the
effort should be extended to secondary schools in the 36 states for overall
improvement in the teaching of mathematics and other science subjects.
Kwara
A meeting of Christian and Muslim leaders in Kwara State
with the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike
Omeri, has resolved to sustain the country’s unity. The meeting, which held in Ilorin, was tagged
“Special Interactive Session for Leaders of all Religious Groups in the State
on Peace and Stability.’’
In the resolutions made public, the leaders said: “ All
manner of violence against fellow Nigerians must be condemned.
“ Every religious leader in Nigeria should desist from
preaching hatred and violence in their places of worship. “
The NOA boss, who convened the meeting, said in his opening
remarks that all religious and political leaders should call their followers to
order while refraining from acts inimical to the stability of the nation.
Lagos
The Kuramo Tourism Investors Association has appealed to the
Lagos State Government to retain the Kuramo beach as the only public beach in
the state.
The Secretary of the association, Mr Micheal Onuwaje, made
the plea in an interview with The Tide in Lagos.
The Tide reports that the association made its position
known following the closure of the beach by the state government following an
ocean surge that killed about 16 persons on August18. Onuwajede scribed the
beach as one of the international tourist destinations in the country.
According to him, the Kuramo beach is the only public beach in Nigeria where
tourists are not restricted.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Ministry of Empowerment has said it had
concluded arrangements to train 2,310 youth under its vocational and skills
acquisition programme. The Commissioner for Youth and Economic Empowerment,
Alhaji Rabiu Isah, made the announcement in an interview with our correspondent
in Dutse.
Isah said the training would be carried out with support
from political office holders who volunteered to sponsor the youths who were
selected from various respective constituencies.He said that under the
arrangement, political office holders, including members of the state and
national assemblies, commissioners and governor’s aids, would provide
resettlement packages. He said the state
government would take care of the training programme.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has warned land title holders
in the state to pay their outstanding ground rents before the expiration of a
one-month grace period or face the wrath of the law. The government said it was
being owed over N5.2 billion in ground rents. The Commissioner for Lands,
Survey and Town Planning, Mr Sonny Agassi, who gave the warning, said the debts
were from the over 8,000 titles issued since the creation of the state. He said
that the government would no longer condone the attitude where citizens do not
pay rents on their titles.
Ogun
No fewer than 400 youths in Ogun have commenced training on a health capacity
building programme, tagged “Y-Health” in Abeokuta.
The three-day training programme was organised by the
state’s Ministry of Youths and Sports in collaboration with the Institute of
Human Virology of Nigeria.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Olugbenga
Otenuga, said the programme was
organised to improve the knowledge base of youths on health related issues.
He said the programme would assist in exposing
misconceptions about various kinds of diseases rampant among youths,
particularly HIV/AIDS.
Ondo
The Ondo State House of Assembly has commenced a three-week
recess.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. Samuel Adesina, said the
lawmakers would resume plenary on September
18.
Adesina spoke during
last Tuesday’s plenary in Akure which confirmed the appointment of Mr
Kazeem Olanrewaju as a commissioner in the state’s Judicial Service Commission.
He, however, said that committees of the House could carry
out some oversight functions during the recess.
The confirmation followed the submission of the report of a
selection committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Francis Emiola.
Osun
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mrs Folashade
Odoro, has urged parents in the state to be vigilant while sending their
children on errands during the long vacation.
Odoro, who made the plea in an interview with The Tide in
Osogbo, spoke against the backdrop of reports of missing children.
She said parents must be conscious of the type of chores
they engage their children in so as not to expose them to danger.
Odoro also warned parents against sending their children to
hawk, noting that there was a special unit in the Force to handle juvenile
cases and other cases related to child abuse.
Oyo
The National Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Mr Lai
Mohammed, has urged political leaders to be liberal in the use of the political
power they control.
Mohammed made the plea in Ibadan at an interactive programme
organised by the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The ACN spokesman, who called for the “ democratisation of
power’’ linked the success of a nation’s economy to the way political leaders
choose to manage power.
He also urged political leaders to concentrate on building
lasting political institutions and beliefs instead of building personalities.
“People will die, but institutions will live forever,” he
said.
Sokoto
Senator Ibrahim Gobir (PDP –Sokoto) has in Sokoto said that about N70 million had
been earmarked for the construction of eight solar-powered bore holes in the
Sokoto East Senatorial District.
Gobir told newsmen that each of the local government areas
in the district would get a befitting bore hole to boost the provision of
adequate potable water for both human and animal consumption.
He said that already feasibility studies had been carried
out in each of the local governments, where the projects would be sited.
The senator explained that the project was part of his
campaign promises to provide the needed social infrastructure that would
enhance the living condition of the electorate.
Gobir called on the people in the area to exercise patience,
as more policies and programmes that would have direct impact on the lives of
the people would be implemented.
As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.
The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.
The Amaewhule family of mbodo Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State has cautioned members of the public against entering into any land transaction involving a disputed property known as “Ada Oro Fam Land,” located behind the OPM Church along Airport Road.
The family, through its legal counsel, Barrister Ndubuisi Agumagu, issued the warning amid an ongoing legal dispute over the ownership and control of the property, which is said to comprise more than 900 plots of land.
The matter is currently before the Isiokpo High Court of Rivers State in a suit numbered IHC/246/CS/2026, presided over by Justice Sobere Biambo.
The claimants in the suit include Chief Green Amaewhule and others, while Fabulous Amaewhule and Odibola Properties are listed among the respondents.
Counsel to the Amaewhule family, Barr Ndubuisi Agumagu, advised prospective land buyers and members of the public to exercise caution and refrain from purchasing any portion of the disputed property pending the determination of the case by the court.
According to the legal counsel, the property is a family estate belonging collectively to the Amaewhule family, and no individual member of the family has the authority to unilaterally dispose of portions of the land.
The counsel specifically maintained that Fabulous Amaewhule, one of the respondents in the suit, does not have the legitimate authority, according to the family’s position before the court, to sell portions of the disputed property.
The family further warned that anyone who proceeds to purchase land from the respondents while the matter remains before the court would be doing so at their own risk.
It stressed that such buyers could potentially lose their investments should the court eventually deliver judgment against the validity of the transactions.
The legal team said the warning became necessary to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from committing their resources to a property whose ownership and right of disposition are currently the subject of judicial determination.
The family also urged prospective investors, developers and land buyers to conduct proper legal inquiries and obtain independent verification of the status of the property before committing funds to any transaction relating to it.
The Amaewhule family said its position was intended to protect members of the public from possible financial losses and further legal complications while the case remains sub judice, stressing that interested parties should await the final determination of the court.
Akujobi Amadi