Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

January 13, 2014

Benue

Katsina-Ala Local Government Council says it has started
the construction of rural roads to boost the transportation of farm produce from the council to urban markets .
The Chairman of the council, Mr Martins Agir, made this known during the ongoing accountability briefing for local government councils in the state.
Agir said his administration considered the construction of rural roads a priority, owing to the agrarian nature of the council, and disclosed that an ultra-modern yam market had also been constructed to boost its production in the area.
Agir, who expressed concern over the weak revenue profile of the council, said he dissolved the existing market committees and reconstituted new ones for the purpose of enhancing revenue collection.

Borno

The Borno State Government last Thursday said it planned
to recruit 100 fresh graduates to beef up the state civil service. Governor Kashim Shettima made this known when he received a delegation of past labour leaders in the state at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Shettima explained that the objective was to fill the existing vacancies at the middle cadre level in the service due mainly to retirements and death of civil servants.
A onetime president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ali Chiroma, who led the delegation, commended the governor for his developmental projects in spite of the prevailing security challenges facing the state.

Ekiti

The Ekiti State House of Assembly last Thursday passed
three bills aimed at strengthening the judicial process in the state. The bills were the “Ekiti State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2014’, “Ekiti State Arbitration Bill 2014’ and “Ekiti State Law Reform Commission Bill 2014.
The Chairman, Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, Mr Segun Erinle, presented the three reports of his committee on the bills before they were considered and passed.
Welcoming the lawmakers to the new year, the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, thanked them for their patriotism which he noted translated to making laws that brought dividends of democracy to Ekiti citizens.

FCT

Senate President, David Mark, has called for the adoption
of a global approach to tackle terrorism in order to end the menace threatening world peace.
Mark said in Abuja when he played host to the British Parliamentary under- Secretary for Justice, Mr Jeremy Wright said that world leaders must come together to work out a blueprint to fight terrorism.
He noted the growing trend and spread of terrorists across the globe and canvassed for collaborative efforts to end the menace.
Gombe

The National Population Commission (NPC) last Thurs
day said it had registered 102,140 births in Gombe State in 2013.
The NPC Commissioner in charge of the state, Alhaji Bala Magaji, said the enlightenment programme of the commission had helped in eliciting positive response as more now registered their newly born babies.
He said the commission was also issuing attestation certificates to support the declaration of age and birth certificates of people above 17 years.
“Attestation certificate is equally universally accepted and it attracts only N2, 000. It is important for everybody to obtain it,” he advised.
Kano

The Harmattan season has brought some measures of ru
ral life to the metropolitan Kano city as many residents now converge at fire hearth to fight cold.
Residents now use firewood and charcoal to make fire to warm themselves and boil water for bath.
In the early morning and evening at Sabongari, Nasarawa and Fagge areas of the Kano State metropolis, people squat in groups around fire at tea shops and courtyards as “Majalisa” and chat heartily.
Commenting on the development, Mohammed Bello, a Nigerien who sells tea at Fagge, Kofar Mata, said that business had improved because some people drink tea (shayi) while warming themselves.
Kaduna

The Kaduna State House of Assembly last Thursday sus
pended its member, Dr Shehu Adamu, for six months over allegation of N180 million bribe levelled against other members.
The decision followed a motion by Alhaji Muhammad Ali, (Kawo – PDP), who drew the attention of members to an interview granted by Adamu, (Maigana-APC), where he made the allegation.
Adamu had in an interview on September 23, 2013 in the electronic media and national dailies, accused members of collecting bribe of N10 million each to remove the former speaker, Usman Gangara and other principal officers.
On November 6, 2013 when the motion was moved by Ali, the assembly mandated its Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate.gation.

Kwara

Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State has consti
tuted a committee on job creation.
Inaugurating the committee last Thursday in Ilorin, the governor said his administration had put ‘necessary machinery in motion’ to create jobs for youths in 2014, and said the committee would work out modalities for the establishment of job intervention initiative tagged “QuickWin’’ programme.
Ahmed said his administration was determined to get more young people into employment this year, noting that government would also facilitate the training of some youths and offer credit facilities to others who might wish to start their own business.
Lagos

Lagos State President of the Environmental Health Offic
ers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN), Mr Akin Akingbehin, has advised operators of eatery houses to ensure that their staff are medically fit.
Akingbehin said last Thursday in Lagos that it was important to get the potential workers examined, to ascertain their health status before being employed by fast foods operators.
According to him, the potential workers must also meet certain requirements necessary to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases.
He advised eateries’ operators to adhere strictly to the stipulated laws guiding the operation and standard of eatery business and told them to be mindful of the impact of their waste generation on their immediate environment.

Niger

Niger State Government said it spent over N477.6 million
on the settlement of WASCE and NABTEB registration fees for the final year students in public schools in the state last academic session.
The state’s Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhameed who, stated this in Minna last Thursday during an interactive session with newsmen said that under the state’s free education policy, the government pays one public examination fees for students in the state, while the parents pay for the other.
He said most parents preferred paying the National Examination Council (NECO) fees while the state government settled WASCE fees and other examinations.
Osun

The Director of the Centre for Distance Learning, Obafemi
Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bode Asubiojo, has described distance learning education as a viable alternative.
Asubiojo said in an interview last Thursday in Osogbo that distance learning education was the only way to curb the desperation for admission into universities among school leavers.
The don cited the example of some prominent Nigerians who did not have university education through the conventional classrooms but became educated through distance learning.
He, however, stressed the need for operators of distance learning initiatives to adhere to international best practices in the delivery of programmes.

Oyo

Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has
received books worth N5 million from Heinemann publishers to complement her ‘Educate a Rural Child’ (ERC) project.
Senior Special Assistant on Social Welfare, Mrs Sandra Kolade, who received the books on her behalf, said that the books would be distributed to ERC intervention primary schools, as library resource materials.
She reiterated Ajimobi’s commitment to taking qualitative education to children in the rural areas and promised that all the books would get to the right places.
Chairman, Heinemann, Mr Ayo Ojeniyi, noted that books were indispensable tools to education, stating that primary education should be accorded priority as the foundation on which other phases of education rested.

Plateau

The Chairman of Plateau State Independent Electoral Com
mission (PLASIEC), Mr Peter Dalyop, last Thursday announced that six political parties had been cleared to contest the January 30 council elections.
Dalyop hinted the political parties as; All Peoples Grand Alliance (APGA), Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and All Progressives Congress (APC).
He told newsmen in Jos that he was satisfied with the screening and clearing of candidates of the political parties, adding that the candidates list would be released on Monday.
Taraba

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
lastThursday donated relief materials to victims of state of emergency in neighbouring Borno, Yobe and Adamawa, taking refuge in Taraba.
The Agency’s Director-General, Alhaji Muhammed Sidi, donated the materials in Jalingo, on behalf of the Federal Government.
Represented by the head of Gombe State Operations Office of the Agency, Mr Appolos Jediel, Sidi said the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of the victims, adding that the donation was in response to the request for assistance by the Taraba State acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar.

L-R: Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Funso Ibikunle Amosun,Wife of Ogun State Commissioner for Local Government, Mrs Funke Oladipo,Wife of Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mrs Funmi Adeyemi, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, at the funeral service of Prof. Wole Soyinka’s Daughter, Iyetade, last Friday. Photo: NAN

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.