Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

April 3, 2013

Adamawa

No fewer than 20 out of the 127 inmates freed during last week’s attack on Ganye Prison in Adamawa State have returned.

Gunmen attacked about 17 places, including the prison in Ganye, headquarters of Ganye local government, set free 127 prisoners, and killed the senior officer in charge of the prison, Assistant Controller Baba Musa.

Confirming the development in Yola, last Saturday, nm Adamawa State Controller of Prisons, Mr Andrew Barka, who did not give details, said some of the prisoners were re-arrested while some returned on their own.

Also giving update on the incident, the Chairman of Ganye Local Government, Alhaji Mohammed Farouk, said normalcy had returned to the town and business activities had resumed in full.

FCT

The African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) has donated 16 plane-load of relief materials to victims of violent conflict in Mali.

A statement signed by the Special Assistant (Media) to the First Lady, Mr Ayo Osinlu, stated that the aid, which included food items, clothing, drugs, beddings and other essential items, were received at a brief ceremony in the Malian capital, Bamako.

The President of the AFLPM, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, presented the aid to the First Lady of Mali, Madame Mintou Traore.

She said: “In fulfilment of the resolve of First Ladies of Africa to contribute their quota to checking the wind of violence spreading across Africa, the Mission has taken its peace advocacy to Mali where several insurgent groups have been fighting the Malian government for independence or greater autonomy.

Gombe

The Police in Gombe State have confirmed the killing of two people when gunmen attacked Kumo Police Division in Akko local government area last Friday night.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Sule, said in Gombe, that the dead were among the attackers.

Sule said the police recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles from the attackers. “As far as I am concerned, none of my men was killed.

“What I know is that two of the attackers were killed and we recovered one AK 47 rifle and two motorcycles,” he said.

Sule, however, said he was expecting details of the incident since it occurred in the night and he decried the lack of information from the public to enable the police to prevent such attacks.

Some residents of Kumo said they could not sleep in the night because of the exchange of fire between the police and the attackers.

Kaduna

Farmers in Zaria, Kaduna State, last Friday, jubilated as the city recorded its first rainfall of the year. The rain which started at 4.30p.m, lasted for 30 minutes.

A farmer, Malam Musa Dogara, thanked God for His blessings, and said that the rain would encourage farmers to start preparation for the farming season.

“We are happy with this rain and very soon we will get set for clearing of our farmlands as a prerequisite for crop cultivation,” he said.

Another farmer, Mutawakkilu Rafinyashi, also expressed gratitude to God for the rain and prayed for a blissful farming season.

A resident of the town, Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Babbangwani said the rain was a source of succour for everyone, especially as it had lowered the temperature and relieved the people of intense heat.

Kano

Kano State Zakkat and Endowment Commission said it disbursed N16.1 million as Zakkat (alms) to 1,794 indigent persons last year.

The Director-General of the commission, Alhaji Sufiyanu Gwagwarwa in Kano last Sunday, that N10 million was given to 1,000 needy persons in the first phase of the programme.

According to him, the sum of N2.5 million was distributed to 250 widows as assistance to enable them start small businesses.

“Each of the beneficiaries was given N10,000 as assistance to ameliorate his sufferings as well as to enable him start a business.

“The whole idea behind giving Zakkat to the poor is to use the money to establish some useful ventures which will make them self-reliant,’’ he said.

He said another N1.5 million was also distributed to another batch of 150 persons in addition to another N1.5 million disbursed to new converts to Islam and stranded travellers as assistance.

The Director- General disclosed that the commission had also offset the medical bills of 44 patients amounting to N435, 000 during the same period.

Kwara

The Federal Government has been urged to invest more in the development of libraries for the country to excel in the education sector.

A lecturer with the Department of Library and Information Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Dr Moses Ibeun, gave the advice in a lecture in Malete, Kwara, last Friday.

Ibeun said in the lecture, organised by the students of Library Science of the university, that the development of libraries as an integral part of educational development in the country had been neglected in favour of social media.

He described the existence of social media as detrimental to the reading culture in the society and reduced the rate at which people patronised the library.

Lagos

A Lagos State lawmaker, Mr Rotimi Olowo, has advised the Federal Government to collaborate with the states, to enhance effectiveness in road construction and maintenance.

Olowo said in Lagos, last Sunday, that the government should explore both human and technical capacity of the states to ensure that the network of road projects fared better.

Olowo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Works and Infrastructure in the state House of Assembly, urged the government to delegate more responsibilities to the states in road construction.

“Nigeria is a federating state and if the government should partner with the states, it is going to be a win, win situation. “We want service delivery, there is nothing the government is doing that states cannot do.

Niger

Senator Dahiru Awaisu (PDP- Niger East Senatorial District) last Sunday said he would seek re-election for a third term in 2015 “in spite of the political machinations to stop me’’.

Awaisu told newsmen in Minna during an interactive session that “nothing will deter me from contesting for re-election in 2015.

“I cannot be intimidated by anybody after being in politics for 32 years. There is nothing that I have not seen. “I have been in politics for long and for that I cannot be intimidated by anybody not only in Niger but in this country,’’ he said.

He noted that he had won most of his elective seats as representative of the opposition parties in the state, therefore, he would not be deterred by anybody.

“My people back my move to seek re-election for a third term. I will seek re-election under the PDP, even though Governor Babangida Aliyu, has shown interest in the seat,’’ he said.

Oyo

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), an NGO, last Sunday, congratulated Christians in the country on the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In a statement by MURIC’s Director, Prof. Is-haq Akintola, made available to our correspondent in Ibadan, It said that in conformity with the lessons embedded in the Easter celebrations, Christians must endeavour to be tolerant and forgiving of one another, especially with adherents of other religions,” it stated.

“MURIC greets Nigerian Christians on this memorable occasion.

“We urge all Nigerians to demonstrate genuine respect for the manner of worship as well as the culture of other religions,” it stated.

Sokoto

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, said last Sunday, that a National Qu’ranic Centre would be established in the state.

The sultan stated this at the closing of the 27th National Qu’ranic Recitation Competition in Gusau. He said that the past winners of the competition would be employed to propagate the teachings of the Holy Qu’ran at the centre when constructed.

The sultan said in order to have a decent and peaceful society in the country, there must be justice.

“I urge all the people in charge of justice, both the legal practitioners and village heads, to be just. “We at the top are always ready and will be willing to do anything to solve the problems in this country,’’ he said.

Nation

HYPREP Marks 15 Years Of UNEP Report, Highlights Major Cleanup Milestones

Published

1 day ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.

In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to commemorate the anniversary, HYPREP described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the project has made remarkable progress in implementing the recommendations of the landmark UNEP report released on August 4, 2011.

The UNEP report had revealed extensive oil pollution across Ogoniland, severe environmental degradation, and serious public health risks resulting from decades of petroleum operations. It also recommended an initial $1 billion fund to commence the cleanup of the affected communities.

According to HYPREP, the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni clean-up in 2016, while the Project Coordination Office was established in 2017 to drive the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.
Zabbey said the current administration has continued to prioritise the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Providing an update on the cleanup, the Project Coordinator disclosed that 30 of the 65 contaminated sites identified by UNEP have been fully remediated, while work is ongoing at several medium- and high-risk locations. It also stated that more than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings have been planted as part of what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1,000 hectares of shoreline already rehabilitated.

Zabbey further revealed that 49 Ogoni communities have been connected to potable water schemes through multiple water projects and booster stations aimed at providing safe drinking water across the region.

In the health sector, he said the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan are nearing completion, adding that several existing health facilities have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while five ambulances have been donated to improve emergency healthcare services. The Project Coordinator also disclosed that a three-year human health biomonitoring study is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

On economic empowerment, Zabbey stated that the Project has created more than 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in various vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial diving, seafaring, mechatronics, and creative arts. The project also reported awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students, providing grants to small businesses, and supporting persons living with special needs through skills acquisition programmes.

The statement further highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which it said is about 96 per cent complete. HYPREP also welcomed the recent designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance and pledged to continue promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the ecosystem.

Marking the anniversary, Zabbey said the progress achieved over the past 15 years demonstrates the collective commitment of government, development partners, stakeholders, and local communities to restoring Ogoniland. He called for renewed collaboration to sustain the cleanup effort, promote environmental sustainability, and support the long-term development of the region. 3

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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.