Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

December 18, 2013

Adamawa

A People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees

member, Prof. Jibril Aminu, last Monday, called for provisions in the constitution to check defection by elected political office holders in the country.

Aminu, a former Senator, said at a rally in Yola that the ongoing constitution review should consider forcing elected office holders to leave office whenever they defected from the party that brought them to office.

He also called for the removal of immunity clause and the inclusion of stiffer penalty for corruption practice.

Ekiti

The Director-General, Ekiti State Centre for Arts and

Culture, Mrs Yetunde Fosudo, said that cultural festivals could be utilised to enhance the wellbeing of the people.

She said this in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.

Fosudo said that cultural festivals were a potent means of celebrating the people and their cultural heritage.

“Culture is a way of life of the people and their communities.

“Cultural festivals serve as means whereby people display and showcase their culture and ways of life to the world,’’ she said.

FCT

The Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission

(CAC), Alhaji Bello Mahmud, said in Abuja that the CAC’s goal was to be able to register companies within two hours, anywhere in Nigeria.

Mahmud in a lecture: Nigeria’s New Business Environment and CAC’s Intervention,’’ said it had been able to reduce the period of registration of companies from five days to 24 hours.

The registrar-general, at the 3rd Annual Seminar for Trade and Investment Correspondents and Editors, said that its activities had helped to expose “the wonder banks“ in the country.

“Our collaboration with the EFCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial agencies have exposed over 370 `wonder banks` out of 400 ones that were investigated.

Gombe

The Gombe State Government has empowered 233

trainees in various skills with equipment and funds in Dukku and Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Areas of the state.

The beneficiaries were trained under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Office.

Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo on MDGs, Alhaji Adamu Audi, announced this at the graduation ceremony of the trainees in Deba, headquarters of Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area.

Jalingo

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) last Monday said that

it had trained 1000 youths on welding, cell phone repairs and yam flour processing in Taraba.

The ITF Area Manager, Yola Office, Alhaji Saleh Garba, said in an interview in Jalingo that the training started in September and was held in Jalingo, Wukari and Bali local government areas.

Garba said that the objective of the training was to empower the youths to start their own businesses so as to reduce attention on civil service.

“The reality is that there is too much competition in acquiring a public service job these days.It is in the interest of the youth to embrace entrepreneurship; by so doing, they will certainly be self-reliant,” Garba said.

Jigawa

A member representing Dutse Constituency in Jigawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Sada, has donated an 18-seater Peugeot bus to people with disabilities in the state.

Sada, who was on wheel chair while presenting the bus, said the gesture was to ease the peoples’ movement.

He said “the bus donation will ease the movement of my brothers and sisters that were living with disabilities like me.’’

The lawmaker said movement was one of the greatest challenges of such group of persons, adding that the bus would enable them to move freely within and outside the state.

Kaduna

Vice President Namadi Sambo has described late former

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State as selfless and patriotic leader.

Sambo said this at a one-day public lecture to commemorate the first year memorial of the former governor.

He said Yakowa rendered patriotic service to the state and country as a whole. “He dedicated his entire life to the advancement of mankind.’’

“He brought to bear his experience on any assignment given to him’’, he added.

Sambo said the gathering of personalities from all walks of life was a testimony of the lives Yakowa touched positively throughout his life time.

Kano

Some former employees of Nigeria Airways in Kano State

staged a peaceful protest over non-payment of their entitlements for 20 years.

The protesters, who thronged their former office on Bank Road in Kano at about 2p.m., carried placards with inscriptions as: “pay us our entitlements’’, “we are dying.’’

The National Vice Chairman, Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Airways Branch, Alhaji Mohammed Adamu, said the protest was informed by the failure of the Government to pay their entitlements.

According to him, over 900 of their members have so died of frustration while a number of them are still battling with one sickness or the other at home.

Kwara

Not less than 1, 755 teaching and non-teaching staff,

across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State, converged on Ilorin to sit for the 2013 promotion examination.

The Executive Chairman, Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Alhaji Umar Aboki, told newsmen that the promotion examination was to ensure that the teachers were able to impart quality knowledge on their students.

He said that the conduct of promotion examinations was a constitutional provision.

“This is a democratic government where every segment of the society should benefit from the dividends of democracy.

“Through promotion, civil servants would benefit from the dividends of democracy,” he said.

Lagos

A former Chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Nigerian

Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr Jide Ologun, has urged the electorate to ask politicians credible questions about the 2015 election.

Ologun spoke with newsmen in Lagos recently.

“Definitely, the elections will hold but I am appealing to the electorate to ask questions concerning where Nigeria will be in 20 years.’’

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government in collaboration with

the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) said 1000 youths were trained on various vocational skills under the National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

Governor Umaru Al-Makura made this known at the graduation of the trainees in Wamba on Monday.

Al-Makura said the state government was poised to curb restiveness through a robust youth empowerment programme.

He said that vocational skill acquisition was crucial to the nation’s transformation agenda, adding that it would engender a technology-driven economy and fast track diversification from oil.

The governor said the youth were trained in furniture making, welding and fabrications as well as electrical installation.

Osun

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State last Monday

presented a bill for the creation of 27 additional local government development councils in the state to the state House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill, Aregbesola said the essence of the creation of more councils was to bring government closer to the people at the grassroots.

He said that the current councils in the state could not bring the desired results.

The governor said this was because they were too large to achieve what the administration intended to achieve through the councils.

Oyo

The National Missioner, Ansar-ud-deen Society (ADS),

Sheikh Abdur-Rahman Ahmad, has declared that the Boko Haram insurgency is a collective embarrassment to all faiths in the country.

Ahmad, who spoke with newsmen, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, said the group represented no religious interest, adding that their objective had yet to be known.

He said that it was difficult to know in whose interest they were fighting as they had attacked all faiths.

“I state unequivocally that Islam is different from Boko Haram. We don’t know who they are, their sponsors and why they are killing people.

Sokoto

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Sokoto

State chapter, said it had concluded plans to start giving tractors to large-scale farmers in the state as loans.

The Chairman of the association, Alhaji Murtala Gagado, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with newsmen in Sokoto State.

He said the association, in conjunction with a Kaduna-based firm, Kaka Nigeria Ltd., was set to give out 50 tractors, worth N340 million, to large-scale farmers as loan.

According to him, each tractor will be given to the beneficiaries on loan at the cost of N6.8 million.

L-R: Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Alafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111 and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-alao, at a reception to mark Governor Ajimobi’s 64th birthday in Ibadan last Monday.
Photo: NAN

Nation

Philanthropist Task Philanthropist On less than in the society …Bags Distinguished Leadership Award

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

A philanthropist, Her Royal Majesty Ambassador Patricia Alakwe has called on public spirited individuals to support the less privileges in the society.

She said this shortly after being conferred with Distinguished Leadership Award by organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award recently at Oyigbo in Rivers state.

Ambassador Patricia Alakwe who is the Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the development of infrastructure in the area.

She pledged to continuos use of her resources to improve the lives of the less privileges in the society, adding that time has come for those blessed by God to reach out to the less privileges in the society.

The Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the government to come to the aide of Oyigbo people through the development of infrastructural facilities.

Alakwe commended the organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award for the honour done to her , assuring that she will not relent in doing her best for the good of the entire Oyigbo local government area.

It would recalled that Her Royal Majesty, Eze ambassador Patricia Alakwe, Ezenwayi 1 of igbo was a propagator of igbo culture and heritage.

A successful business woman and a philanthropist, Alakwe has touched the lives of thousands of less privilege persons across the state.

According to the organizers of the event,”Her Royal Majesty is a successful business woman and a philanthropist per excellence who has touched lives of many, especially the widows and less privileged.

They said even though She is based in Europe,her commitment to the development of igbo cultural heritage , and Manpower was second to none.

Earlier while presenting the award,founder Oyigbo Merit Award Mr Samuel Chikwe said the gesture was based on her dedication to the cause of the less privileges in the society.

Chikwe said the award was to encourage her to do more for the society.

The event was attended by people from all walks of life.

Nation

RIVCHPP Enrols Over 140,000 Residents as Rivers Marks Universal Health Coverage Day

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced that over 140,000 persons living and doing business in Rivers State have so far enrolled in its health insurance scheme.

The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, during the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day celebration, themed “Unaffordable Health Costs – We’re Sick of It!”. The event held at the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Hall along the East–West Road, Port Harcourt.

Dr Agala eulogised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for providing an enabling environment that promotes access to affordable healthcare for residents of the state. She also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, commending her leadership acumen, which she said has contributed significantly to the transformation of the state’s health sector.

Reiterating the vision of RIVCHPP, Dr Agala stated that the programme remains committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for every resident of Rivers State. She disclosed that over 120 healthcare providers have been engaged across the 23 local government areas of the state to drive the initiative, noting that the state government’s goal of leaving no one behind in healthcare delivery remains a critical task that must be accomplished.

According to her, RIVCHPP has recorded several milestones under her leadership, including the conferment of Universal Health Coverage Ambassador on the Wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, and the designation of the Deputy Governor as Universal Health Coverage Advocate for Rivers State. Other achievements, she said, include the presentation of awards to deserving personalities and institutions, as well as sustained awareness campaigns on the benefits of the RIVCHPP to institutions, establishments and key stakeholders across the state.

Dr Agala called for stronger collaboration and support from individuals and organisations living and doing business in Rivers State, stressing that the annual token of ?15,000 is minimal compared to the benefits of having unhindered access to quality healthcare.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the Rivers State Government is determined to ensure that every child has unhindered access to healthcare services. Represented by Dr Bright Ogbonnah, she applauded the efforts of the RIVCHPP Executive Secretary in implementing the health vision of Governor Fubara.

She noted that the governor’s health sector agenda is focused on improving the quality of life of the people of Rivers State through accessible and affordable healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Dike Princewill, assured that stakeholders are ready to give the necessary support to RIVCHPP to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system in the state.

Highlights of the event included a street walk across parts of Port Harcourt, panel discussions, presentations by resource persons on the theme of the celebration, and free health-related outreach activities.

Nation

AELN Holds Annual Dinner, Awards,Investiture Ceremony In Style

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria(AELN) has successfully held its 2025 annual dinner, awards and investiture ceremony, with a call on participants and Nigerians to work towards protecting the environment at all times.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at Lisborne La-Palm Royal Resort in Port Harcourt, attracted the crème de la crème of the society, with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Chinyere Igwe, leading the pack, as the chairman of the occasion.

Among those inducted and honoured with Fellow Green Advocate of Nigeria(FGAN) Awards included gospel music maestro, and the Prince of the Niger Delta, Mr Asu Ekiye; Chief Chinyere Igwe; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Blessing Eddie Amadi; Hon Justice Mark Chuku; Justice C. K.Dappa-Addo; Engr(Dr) Kenechukwu Kingsley Nwangwu; Dr Andrew A.Igwe; and Dr Afiwere Bright Osamudiamen, among others.

While Barrister Kibuebu Joseph Francis; Mr Chima Williams; Barrister Peterson Osiobe; Dr(Mrs) Glory Peterside; Barrister Henry N. Amadi; His Worship Epelle Emmanuel Sonny(Esq); His Worship Chinagorom Mgbamoka(Esq); and Barrister Atoma Ngozika Aina, were honoured with Chartered Green Advocate of Nigeria(CGAN) Awards, Mr Ebini Abraham Tamuno; Barrister Iniobong Udo Uko; Fatima Zahara’U Shehu; Mercy Sandra Hirse Damian; Enukpere Abraham Amodu; Mr Innocent Offili; Mr Abiye Anthony Abo; and Mr Enakireru Eric Omo; among others were inducted as Members Green Advocate of Nigeria(MGAN).

Those inducted as Associate Green Advocate of Nigeria(AGAN) awardees included Mr Promise Billion Aguma; Esosa Gift Wilfred; Iwobo Ifeoma; Amarachi Ruth Nwabueze; Amadi Ugochukwu Chike; and Mr Noble Uzochukwu Anozie; among others.

The event equally featured a debate competition between members of the Environment Club in the University of Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, and also the launching of the association’s Environmental Project Trust Fund, with the awardees promising to handsomely support the project.

Guest Speaker at the occasion and Director of ICT, Rivers State University, Prof Sunny Orike, did justice to the dinner lecture, titled, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection”, with the participants coming to the inevitable conclusion that Artificial Intelligence would never take over the work of human beings, despite the overwhelming positive strides it is making in the rapidly evolving world.

The lecturer, however, explored the environmental costs and negative impacts of AI, highlighting its high energy consumption with the attendant emission of high volume of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Prof Orike noted that the use of AI in the United States of America, for instance, is different from its use in Nigeria and other developing countries.

The National President of the association, Prof Samuel C. Dike, said in his welcome address that the ceremony was not just a celebration but a testament to commitment, excellence, and a shared vision for a greener, safer, and more sustainable Nigeria.

He further explained that the gathering was designed to appreciate and celebrate exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy, development, and progressive environmental governance, saying, their contributions continue to shape national conversations, influence responsible policies and inspire a new generation of environmental defenders.

He revealed that the inductees were thoroughly trained as “they submitted themselves to our rigorous training as Associate,Member, Chartered and Fellow Green Advocates of Nigeria.”

He said the association is today proud and confident to invest them with various categories of honours and titles, because they have been tried, tested, and proven worthy, having scaled through “our intensive sessions and scintillating lectures delivered by highly respected environmental experts, stressing that the inductees have been empowered to add AGAN, MGAN, CGAN and FGAN titles as suffix to their names.

He said the inductees were joining a distinguished community committed to advancing environmental law, policy and advocacy, and, therefore, urged Nigerians to renew their collective resolve to protect the environment, deepen their advocacy, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the association, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama(SAN), said the topic of the dinner lecture, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection,” captures the spirit of the rapidly evolving world, one where technological advancement and environmental stewardship must work hand in hand.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to strengthen regulation, enhance compliance, improve monitoring, and empower decision-making across all sectors that impact the environment.

Chief Gadzama noted that as an association at the forefront of environmental governance, AELN’s commitment to exploring this intersection could not be more timely or more essential, and commended the AELN’s leadership for sustaining the annual tradition of reflection, recognition and professional enrichment.

“Let us continue to champion a Nigeria where environmental protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared national priority powered by knowledge, technology, and visionary leadership,” he pleaded.