Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

October 15, 2012

FCT

President Goodluck Jonathan, ministers and senators met on
Tuesday night in Abuja on the way forward for the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press
Secretary to David Mark, Mr Paul Mumeh, on Wednesday in Abuja.

It said that at the meeting, which took place at the Apo
Mansion, the official residence of the Senate President, the executive and
legislature agreed that they must work together in the interest of the
citizenry.

The statement quoted President Jonathan as saying that
although the presidential system of government prescribed separation of powers
“our goals and interests are the same.’’

“This interest has to do with the welfare of our people and
the development of our country, adding that the president called for regular
social interactions between the two arms of government to cement the accord and
erase grey areas or misconceptions.

Jigawa

Dabi, a community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa
State, has contributed N2 million to construct culverts and drains as a measure
to tackle flooding in the area.

Malam Muhammad Sa’idu, the Commissioner, Public Complaints
Commission in Jigawa State disclosed this to our correspondent in Dutse on
Thursday.

Sai’du, who hails from Dabi, said that the community had set
up a committee to take census of the affected areas ravaged by flood and
address the problems, adding that members of the committee were expected to
construct culverts and drainage systems in every nook and crannies of the
village to facilitate water passage.

The commissioner said that “lack of drains and culverts are
the main causes of flooding in Dabi which would soon be a thing of the past.”

Kano

The House of Representatives Committee on Works has ordered the contractor handling the
construction of Kano Western by-pass to return to site or face sanction.

The Tide reports that the contractor abandoned the site in
December 2011, shortly before its delivery date, following the deterioration of
security situation in Kano metropolis.

The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Ali, gave
the order in Kano during the committee’s oversight tour of Federal Road
projects in Kano State.

“There is need for you to resume work immediately since the
security situation in Kano has improved.

On the expansion of Kano-Wudil- Shuwari Road, legislator
charged the contractor to expedite action and complete the job on schedule,
according to specifications, within one year.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government says it will fund the corrective
surgery of 70 persons living with physical disabilities as part of efforts to
give them a sense of belonging.

The Senior Special Assistant Alhaji Abdulnasir Argungu, on
Disabled Matters to Governor Saidu Dakingari, said this in an interview with
The Tide in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said that the surgery would be performed at the state
owned Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital.

“The corrective surgery of the 70 people living with
disability is expected to commence next month,’’ he said, adding that would
undergo the surgery to enable them to either use crutches or walk with walking
aids.

Kogi

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has
expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its immediate intervention
and release of N17.5 billion as support for flood affected states.

Awoniyi’s appreciation is contained in a statement issued
through his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja on Thursday.

The deputy governor, who was on a visit to flood displaced
persons in Ofu Local Government Area of the state said that the Federal
Government’s intervention was timely.

He also said that the intervention would go a long way in
assisting the state and the flood victims, adding, “though the damage wrecked
by the flood is enormous, we are glad the Federal Government has helped us’’.

The Deputy Governor said that women and children were most
affected by the flood.

Lagos

Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Martins on
Thursday urged the faithful to pray for justice, peace and unity in the
country, as the Catholics begin to celebrate the year of faith.

Martins said this in his homily at the opening ceremony of
the year of faith, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

The Tide reports that Catholics in Nigeria are joining their
counterparts worldwide to celebrate the “Year of Faith’’ to renew their
confidence in the gospel.

The year of faith offered the faithful opportunity to
rediscover the truth of the faith.

Martins urged all Catholics to use the period to pray
specially for God to intervene in the violence in some parts of the country.

Niger

The Niger State College of Education Wednesday matriculated
249 students under its Long Vacation Student programme (LSVP) for 2012 contact
session.

The Provost, Prof. Farouk Haruna, who made this known during
the matriculation in Minna, urged the students to be disciplined and focus on
their studies as no act of examination malpractice would be condoned.

Haruna, who was represented by the Deputy Provost,
Academics, Dr Mohammed Isah-Chado in his matriculation speech, urged the
students to be law abiding and focus on their studies.

He said that 150 cell phones used in examination malpractice
by students in 2011 contact session were confiscated and burnt by the school
authority.

“I urge you to be studious and disciplined as this college
has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, any student caught will be
expelled and shown the way out.

Ogun

The Ogun State Assembly Committee on Local Government last
Wednesday in Abeokuta warned council chairmen against diverting funds meant for
capital projects.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, gave the
warning during the committee’s oversight visit to Ewekoro, Ifo and Ado Odo/Ota
councils.

He said that any money received from federal allocation
through the state government should be used in developing the local government
areas and advised the chairmen to embark on aggressive revenue drive to
increase their internally-generated revenue and avoid depending solely on
federal allocation.

He also advised them to be prudent and transparent in
running the affairs of their councils, and endeavour to carry along councillors
in conducting the affairs of the councils.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government on Wednesday engaged 100 youths in
tractor operation as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.

Governor Olusegun
Mimiko stated this during a training programme for the operators and mechanics
in Akure.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ademola Olorunfemi, who
represented the governor, said that the government was collaborating with
private sector operators to strengthen and improve demand for tractor
operators.

Mimiko said that the empowerment would deepen tractor
service delivery to enhance job creation.

The Federal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Rufus Omakinwa, who
represented the Minister for Agriculture, Adewumi Adesina, said that the
programme was organised to equip the youths with appropriate skills in handling
the tractors.

The Chairman of the Agricultural Mechanic and Machinery
Operators Training Centre, Mr Ladeinde Mabayomije, said the training and
empowerment would boost job creation efforts.

Osun

The Osun State House of Assembly has condemned the kidnap
of wife of the Speaker, Alhaja Muibat
Salam, by gunmen at Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Government area of the state.

In a statement signed by Media Secretary to the House, Mr
Goke Butika, the members expressed the fear that the incident could disrupt the
prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.

According to the statement, for some gun-wielding men to
waylay a woman on her way home from her shop was unfortunate, nauseating and
uncalled for.

It called on security operatives to investigate the incident
to determine whether or not it was politically-motivated.

When contacted for comments, the speaker said he would not
comment on the incident until the circumstances surrounding the kidnap are
known.

Plateau

The Plateau State Government on Thursday said plans were
underway to build an ultra-modern digital library in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Abraham Yiljap,
said this on Thursday in an interview with our correspondent in Jos.

The commissioner said that the issue was extensively
discussed at the last state executive council meeting.

“Governor Jonah Jang has directed that the information
ministry should forward a proposal on the project to his office for
consideration.

“Right now, we are working on that and I am assuring you
that as soon as the proposal is ready, the governor would give his consent in
view of the passion he has for the project,’’ he said.

Taraba

The Taraba State Commissioner for Education, Mr Yakubu
Agbaizo has commended the initiative of a youth corps member, Miss Patience
Toyin, for donating standard library materials to Government College, Jalingo.

The Tide reports that the corps member also donated 50 desks
and constructed a toilet at Government Science Secondary School, Jalingo.

“It is amazing that these donations are coming from a corps
member. Toyin has demonstrated a high sense of patriotism.

Earlier, the state Coordinator of the National Youth Service
Corps, Mr Tumba Freeman, pledged to support any corps member that initiated
projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people.

Earlier, Toyin, said that she initiated the project to
support efforts at imparting quality learning to the students as her
contribution to the growth and development of the community.

Zamfara

A 45-year-old man, Malam Ahmad Kawaye, whose two wives gave
birth to five babies in three days on Thursday received assistance from the
Zamfara State government to enable him take care of the babies.

Making the donation on behalf of the state government in
Gusau, the acting Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala, said the deliveries were
“wonderful and an act of God, who never gives His servants what they cannot
bear”.

Wakkala said the five children, comprising four females and
one male, were blessings from God and an increase in the number of Muslims in
the state.

He said that the state government would continue to support
the family to cater for the babies until they grew older.

On behalf of the government, he donated N100,000, five rams,
20 brocades and five bags each of rice, maize, guinea-corn and millet to the
family.

Receiving the items, Kawaye thanked the government for the
gesture, and said, “we do not have enough words to express our gratitude but we
will continue to pray for this administration for being sensitive to the
yearnings of its people.”

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.