Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

January 17, 2014

Benue

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture last Monday distrib
uted 180 knapsack sprayers to maize farmers in Benue.
The Coordinator of the ministry, Mr Benjamin Kuleve, who performed the exercise, said the gesture was a deliberate policy of the Federal Government to encourage farmers, especially the youths.
Kuleve urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the knapsack sprayers to complement the already existing efforts by the state government to take agriculture to enviable heights.
The Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Aondona Kuhe, thanked the Federal and State Governments on their efforts to boost agriculture in the country and that the association would monitor and ensure that the knapsack sprayers were used only for the purpose they were intended.

Borno

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has promised
to complete all ongoing roads and other projects in the Gwoza Emirate of the State.
Shettima made the promise when members of the Gwoza Elders Forum paid him a courtesy visit in Maiguguri on Monday to thank him for elevating the Emir of Gwoza to first class status.
Ekiti

The National Conscience Party (NCP), has declared its
readiness to participate in the governorship election in Ekiti State in June.
The National Chairman of the Party, Dr Tanko Yinusa dropped the hint at the Special Convention of the State chapter of the party in Ado-Ekiti on Monday.
According to him, the NCP, in continued pursuit of the vision of its founder father, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, would strive to eradicate poverty
.
FCT

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Adm. Ola Ibrahim, has
commended the U.S and other countries for their support in combating terrorism within Nigeria and the sub-region.
Ibrahim made the commendation at the opening of a Workshop on Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorism in Abuja on Monday.
“It is indeed gladdening to see the armed forces of Nigeria getting immense support from the United States as well as other countries towards defeating terrorism within Nigeria and the sub-region.’ “The recent joint exercises with navy along our coastal belt and training exercises with the army will attest to the collaboration towards building capacity of the armed forces’’, he said.

Gombe

The Police in Gombe State said it arrested six persons in
connection with the death of Alhaji Adamu Yusuf and Alhaji Umar Makama in Gombe metropolis on Dec. 31, 2013.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Fwaje Atajiri, in Gombe on Monday. The statement said the suspects were helping the police in the investigation.
“The police wish to make it clear that it is poised to deal decisively with any form of thuggery, politically motivated violence and social miscreants, according to the law. “In the same vein, their sponsors will also face the full wrath of the law as no individual is above the law of the land,” the statement added.

Kano

The Kano State Government has donated N3million to the
state chapter of the Nigerian Legion as part of preparations for this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso announced the donation Monday, at the launch of Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House, Kano.
The governor, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Umar Faruk, said the donation was aimed at assisting the ex-service men in the state and appealed to the ex-service men to remain committed and patriotic towards national co-existence.

Katsina

The Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) in Katsina State
has threatened to withhold mails of the 34 local governments in Katsina State for allegedly failing to settle their debt for the past three years.
The NIPOST Manager in Katsina, Mr Alex Bature, told newsmen on Monday in Katsina that the debt amounted to N3 million.
Bature said although NIPOST was not a profit-making agency, there was need for individuals and organisations to pay for the services rendered to them “to enable us to settle our financial problems”.
The manager also said that NIPOST would organise a programme to enlighten students on the importance of postal services noting that the state Ministry of Education had made it mandatory for schools to embark on excursion to the agency.
Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has urged
Muslims to imbibe the virtues of Prophet Muhammad as they mark the birth of the Holy Prophet.
A message to mark Eid-El-Maulud, issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba, on Monday in Ilorin quoted the governor as saying that the virtues of the Prophet were what endeared Him to humanity of all races and faith.
Ahmed also urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to use the occasion to reflect on the state of affairs in the country by praying for good governance and inter-religious harmony.
He added that “Nigerians, irrespective of our religious and ethnic diversity, must at occasions like this, reflect on issues that can strengthen our nationhood and He reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensure equity and justice in the pursuit of programmes that would enhance the welfare of the people.

Lagos

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),
last Monday alerted the public on reports of fake Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) e-facility cards in circulation in Lagos.
The Coordinator of the Board in Lagos, Alhaji Kamaldeen Oladeji, disclosed in Lagos that the board’s annex in Lagos had been informed that some persons were selling fake e-facility cards for the board’s 2014 UTME.
“The candidates complained of the e-facility cards not only being sold, but also sold at more than the quoted purchase price of N1,000,” he said.
Oladeji added that the e-facility card was only available for sale to the public at the board’s offices nationwide.

Niger

Chief Magistrates’ Court last Monday sentenced a 26-
year-old labourer, Salisu Umar to 10 years imprisonment for raping in Minna, a 4-year-old girl contrary to Section 18 of the Child’s Right Law of Niger State.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp. Ahmed Saidu, told the court that one Ayuba Tanimu of Abdulsalam Quarters reported the case at the police station on January 8.
Saidu said that the convict, a resident of Peter Sarki Road Minna, took the complainant’s daughter to an uncompleted building and had sexual intercourse with her.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abdullahi Usman sentenced the labourer to 10 years imprisonment without an option of fine and ordered that the convict to pay a compensation of N50, 000 to the parents of the minor.

Osun

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, last
Monday said the achievements of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola would ‘speak’ for him in the campaign for the forthcoming governorship election.
The State Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of APC, Mr Kunle Oyatomi, said in Osogbo, that the governor would not involve himself in any campaign of calumny but would showcase the good works he had done since the inception of his administration in 2010.
The director listed the major achievements of the governor to include stoppage of perennial flooding which had caused incalculable damage in some parts of the state.

Plateau

The President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN), Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, last Monday said the national dialogue committee inaugurated was a right step in right direction.
Kaigama, who is the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, said this at the closing ceremony of the 42nd National Laity Council Conference of the church.
He said that the dialogue would enable Nigerians to sit and discuss their future as a nation.
“I hope that the national dialogue will be genuine enough and will not be turned to a mere national conference of leaders which will end up as an academic exercise,’’ he said.

Yobe

Youths in Damaturu last Monday appealed to the Yobe
State Government to extend the state empowerment programmes initiated in 2013.
Aliyu Kaku, an unemployed graduate and beneficiary of the programme said:”the programme had provided graduates with a means of livelihood.
Usman Buba, an NCE graduate called on the state government to concentrate on youth empowerment in 2014, with a view to finding solution to the challenges in the state.

President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo with members of the National Pension Commission Board after the inauguration of the board by the President in Abuja last Wednesday. Photo: NAN

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

6 days 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

6 days 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

6 days 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.