Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

April 1, 2013

Adamawa

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State said that the recent attack on Ganye had created distrust among the people of the area.

Nyako, who was speaking when he visited the affected town to sympathise with the Gangwari of Ganye, Alhaji Umaru Sanda, at his palace, urged the residents to be security-conscious and live in peace with one another.

The governor recalled his inability to resolve a water problem in one of the technical skills acquisition centres in the state because of insecurity.

He explained that after liaising with the Bauchi State Government to bring in some Chinese experts to address the water problem, the foreigners could not come to Adamawa.

Bauchi

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State has called on Christians in the state to emulate the preaching of Jesus Christ, which teaches peace, honesty and love for one another.

In his Easter message to the people in Bauchi, Yuguda urged them to bury their ethnic, religious or political differences and live in peace and harmony with one another.

He appealed to the people to continue to pray for an end to the current security challenges that had bedevilled some parts of the country.

The governor said that the period was being observed to remember Jesus Christ, who paid the supreme price in order to save souls.

Yuguda also called on Christians to use the Easter celebrations as sober reflection and self-evaluation towards relating with the Creator and their fellow men.

Benue

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dominic Ajones, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan for granting state pardon to Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and other Nigerians.

Ajones who made the commendation in an interview in Makurdi, Wednesday said that not all the president’s actions were politically motivated, adding that the presidential pardon to the former governor was in the overall interest of Nigerians.

“Not all the decisions of the president are politically motivated; the idea of granting state pardon to people is a way of emulating Christ Jesus who despite our numerous sins died for our sins.

He said that section 175 of the 1999 Constitution empowered the president through adequate consultations with the National Council of State (NCS) to grant pardon to individuals who had suffered convictions.

FCT

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders have adopted a template of etiquettes and regulations for this year’s hajj.

A meeting on the matter, attended by officials of NAHCON, state pilgrims welfare boards and travel agencies at the National Mosque in Abuja, Wednesday agreed on sets of guidelines for the smooth operations of this year’s hajj.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, said that some of the key areas agreed upon in the guidelines include conduct of pilgrims and activities of flight operators during the exercise.

Also speaking, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Mohammed Sani,commended NAHCON for convening the meeting, describing it as a proactive strategy.

Kaduna

The Nigerian Army said it was retraining its soldiers on weapons handling to enhance their efficiency in tackling security challenges in the country.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC)1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Garba Wahab, said this while speaking to journalists during the Range Classification Training for soldiers in Kaduna Thursday.

Wahab said the retraining would also enable the military personnel to prevent any mishap or accidental discharge while carrying out their duties.

According to the commandant, all soldiers are expected to undergo physical, medical and weapon handling training annually to ascertain their capability.

The GOC also expressed satisfaction with the performance of the soldiers at the retraining camp, assuring the public of the army’s resolve to tackle any security breach during Easter.

Kogi

An Okene High Court in Kogi State, last Thursday, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Head of Service (HOS) and the Accountant-General.

Justice Sunday Otu, who issued the bench warrant in Okene, said the three government functionaries had persistently ignored the court summons to appear before it.

He said the HOS, Mr Moses Atakpa; the Attorney General, Mr Joe Abrahams and the Accountant-General, Mr Paul Audu, refused to implement the court’s judgment of May 14, 2012 ordering the re-absorption of 346 state civil servants sacked illegally in 2009.

It held that the affected workers had genuine documents of employment and were legally employed by the state government.

Kwara

The Kwara State Government said it would soon introduce contributory pension scheme as part of the government’s drive to enable workers to enjoy stress-free post retirement life.

Governor Abdulftah Ahmed gave the indication in Ilorin when he received the management of Leadway Assurance Plc, led by its Managing Director, Mr Hassan Odukale.

Ahmed noted in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Abdulwahab Oba, that the scheme had been problematic for the country and its civil servants for a long time.

He said that the contributory scheme would not only ensure that workers contributed towards their retirement but also removed post retirement uncertainties and described the scheme as the future of effective pension administration in the country.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has banned all traditional rulers in the state from residing outside their domains in the interest of peace and progress of their people.

The ban followed the motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Godiya Akwashiki (PDP-Nasarawa Eggon West).

The bill to regulate the movement of the state traditional rulers passed the third reading after the adoption of the motion. Akwashiki said that the law would ensure that all traditional rulers resided and presided over issues within their chiefdoms.

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State last Thursday swore-in Justice Fati Lami Abubakar as the acting Chief Judge of Niger.

Abubakar’s appointment followed the exit of the Chief Judge, Justice Jibrin Ndajiwo, who proceeded on retirement, having attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 years.

Aliyu said the appointment and consequent swearing-in of Abubakar as the Acting Chief Judge of the state was in conformity with the powers vested in his office under Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

Ogun

The acting Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Saburi Adesanya, said the institution would recall 120 lecturers retrenched in 2009.

The institution had in 2009 retrenched 962 teaching and non-teaching staff.

The Vice Chancellor said this in Ago-Iwoye Thursday at a news conference to mark the beginning of the 22nd convocation ceremony of the university.

Adesanya said the process of recalling some of the lecturers became imperative due to the shortage of academic staff at the institution.

He said that new lecturers would also be employed to address the problem of under staffing.

Oyo

The Oyo State Ministry of Environment and Habitat has vowed to continue demolishing illegal structures as well as buildings under high tension lines in the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Modupe Omonigbeyin, said in Ibadan on Thursday that government would not relent until there was total compliance.

The permanent secretary, who expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance so far by residents, said they still needed to be encouraged.

“ Before now, Ibadan for example, had the reputation of being the dirtiest city in the country. This is why Governor Abiola Ajimobi embarked on the Urban Renewal Project,’’ she said.

Plateau

The League for Human Rights, based in Jos has demanded N100 million compensation from the Nigerian Army over the alleged “extra-judicial killing” of a 26-year-old NYSC member.

Making the demand in a statement issued in Jos, Wednesday, the group alleged that the corps member, Wagley Dauda, was shot dead by a soldier at NASCO Area of Jos on February 16.

The Director of the organisation, Mr Nankin Bagudu, who signed the statement, said the brutal murder of Dauda at about 11a.m. on the fateful day was done by soldiers of the STF who mounted a checkpoint in the area.

Bagudu noted that efforts to see the STF Commander over the incident had been futile as he had directed the bereaved family to the driver of the cab in which Dauda was killed, claiming that the STF had nothing to do with the death.

Yobe

The Chairman, Coalition of Political Parties in Yobe, Malam Umar Kukuri, said that eight political parties had indicated interest to contest the local government council election in the state in June.

Kukuri, who is also the state chairman of the National Conscience Party (NCP), said in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu, that the parties indicated interest to field candidates in the election during an interactive forum organised by the state electoral commission which was attended by the parties.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

23 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

23 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

23 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.