Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

May 21, 2014

Bauchi

The Programme Manager, Bauchi State Agricultural
Development Project, Dr Iliyasu Gital, recently advocated enhanced recruitment, training and deployment of extension workers to boost the country’s agricultural sector.
Gital said in Bauchi that poor agricultural extension service was affecting the national food security and the agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration.
He described the extension service as “very poor and low’’ because the ratio of farmer per extension officer stood at one extension officer to about 10,000 farmers.
The programme manager said that it was only in Bauchi State that the ratio was one extension officer to about 1,000 farmers.
He said those trained were currently training farmers and some agents that were not opportune to attend the training sessions.

Benue
The Principal of Government College, Makurdi, Mr Godfrey
Ugudu, has said the school had received letter from Boko Haram sect threatening to attack the school.
Ugudu, who announced this at a news conference in Makurdi and added that the school received two letters which had the same content on May 14.
“The two letters, which were written in pidgin English, were sighted inside one of the classrooms and the second one was slipped into the staff room’’, he said.
The principal commended the government and security operatives in the state for their prompt response to the issue, adding that he had informed the Principal of Mount Saint Gabriel.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dan Ezeala, confirmed the report and assured that police were on top of the situation.

Borno

The Borno State Government last Sunday said it had
sponsored 50 students to India on irrigation agriculture.
A statement by Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima, stated that it was part of the state government’s approaches to fight the menace of insurgents.
The statement stated that the students left Nigeria for India on Saturday on board an Ethiopian airline in Abuja.
It stated that Governor Kashim Shettima addressed them at Ogbeh farms in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Shettima said the beneficiaries were selected across the 27 local government areas of the state for even spread and disclosed that the trainees were to undergo a three-week train-the-trainers course on irrigation equipment installation, effective utilisation and maintenance.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State last
Saturday appealed to abductors of female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State to release them.
Dankwambo made the appeal in Gombe while speaking at the inauguration of an organisation, ‘Talba-Neighbour-to Neighbour’ to provide poverty alleviation materials to the less privileged persons in the state.
The governor called on the abductors to release the innocent girls to reunite with their families.
“I, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, call on whoever that abducted the Chibok girls to release them. “The girls are innocent; they should be released and the abductors should come out and talk if it is somebody’s fault,” he said.

Jigawa

The Kafinhausa Local Government Council in Jigawa State
last Saturday inaugurated a Special Task Force to mobilise people to participate in polio immunisation.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Balo Tambale, made the announcement at a meeting with the committee members in Kafinhausa, the headquarters of the council.
Tambale, who is also the chairman of the committee, said that membership of the committee was made up of community and religious leaders as well as health workers.
He named other members of the committee to include representatives of the police and non governmental organisations.
Tambale said that the committee was to mobilise people, ensure effective monitoring and supervision of the exercise in the area stating that the council would also reward any community leader who recorded the highest coverage in the next round of immunisation in the area.

Kano

Local councils election holding in Kano State has recorded
low turn out of women in parts of the state. Areas affected include Unguwar Gano and Unguwar Fulani in Tarauni Local Government Area and some parts of Na’ibawa in Kumbotso Local Government.
Some of the residents said they did not allow their wives to come out to vote for fear of violence during the election.
One of them, Malam Saminu Bala, however, said he would “monitor the situation” before allowing his wives to come out to vote.
The situation is similar in Gwale Local Government Area, where the Information Officer of the council, Hajiya Amina Dankadai, confirmed the low turnout of women in polling units across the area.
However, local governments like Gwarzoo and Ungogo had recorded large turn out of women, who were seen patiently waiting in queues, to cast their vote.

Lagos

A new cable television network to “advance the cause of
the Catholic faith in Africa, Europe and parts of Asia is to hit the airwaves on May 22.
The station, known as Lumen Christi, located at Km. 15 on the Lagos-Epe Expressway at Lekki, Lagos, is to transmit free-to-air programmes, produced by various Catholic parishes in Nigeria and other African countries.
The Proprietor of the network, Mr Robert Olagunju, said the station would transmit its programmes in English with sub-titles in French and occasionally in Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili and Pidgin.
Olagunju, a Catholic faithful, said that he built the station to commemorate his 50th birthday and to show gratitude to God and humanity.
Olagunju said that the station would among other programmes, offer religious cartoons for kids as well as faith sessions, to be anchored by priests and other religious people.

Nasarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, last Sunday
donated N8 million to some farmers affected by communal clash in four local government areas of the state.
The governor, who also donated relief materials such as foodstuff, mattresses and ground-nut oil, had visited the victims in Doma.
The communities that benefited included Idada, Abaabu, Tachia and Jangaru, all in Doma, Obi, Keana and Awe Local Government Areas of the state.
Al-Makura said that the donation was to provide relief to the affected persons to enable them resettle, adding that the welfare of the citizens of the state was his priority.
The governor also assured residents of adequate security, saying and stressed the need for residents of the state and all Nigerians to be united and to live in peace with one another.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun State
last Saturday, warned motorists to exercise caution and drive carefully during the rainy season to prevent accidents.
Sector Commander, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, gave the advice in an interview in Abeokuta and said that the warning became necessary because the rate of road traffic accidents was always high and worrisome during the rainy season.
“During the rainy season we have a lot of road crashes because drivers, especially the commercial drivers, fail to do those things that they are expected to do to make their vehicle road worthy.
“I want to advise our drivers to always pull off the road for safety when there is poor visibility during down pour,’’ he said.
The sector commander advised the motorists to maintain the normal speed limit stated in the Highway Code.
“It does not mean that when an official of the FRSC tells you that you have a limit of 100 kilometres per hour, you must stick to it; the weather condition should determine your speed. “The Ogun command will continue to sensitise the people at various motor parks and other places across the state to safety tips and the need to drive carefully this period,’’ he said.

Oyo

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed
Indabawa, recently in Ibadan urged various communities in the country to engage in community policing.
Indabawa, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Bisi Clet-Ilobanafor, said this during the 5th Anniversary Lecture on Road Accident Information and Rescue Organisation with the lecture “Developing an Effective National Security.’’
Indabawa said that community policing was the collaboration of the community members with the police to ensure that the society was free of crime.
He said that the police could not achieve any meaningful success in crime prevention without the support of the community.
In his remark, Mr Okanlawon Bamgboye, National Executive Coordinator of the Community Policing, said that the objective of the lecture was to look at the present security challenges in Nigeria and the way forward.

Sokoto

Senator Ahmed Maccido ( PDP-Sokoto), said last Saturday
that he had built five Information, Communications and Technology ( ICT) Centres with N250 million.
Maccido, who represents Sokoto Central Senatorial District, said that the centers were established in Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Kware, Binji and Tangaza local governments to encourage youth in the constituency to be ICT literate.
He said in Sokoto that all the centres had been fully equipped and made operational.
“These centres will help in training the teeming youths from the constituency, as the ICT is now the vogue globally. “ The gesture is aimed at making them employable, while most of them will be transformed into employers of labour,” he added.

L-R: Deputy Director, Department of Security Service (DSS), Mrs Marilyn Ogar, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade and Force Public Relations, Mr Frank Mba, at the news conference on security in Abuja, yesterday.

Nation

Sachet Alcohol Fuels Binge Drinking Among Nigerian Youths, Group Warns

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation has raised concerns over the growing rate of binge drinking among Nigerian youths, attributing the trend largely to the widespread availability of sachet alcohol.

The group’s position follows the recent move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Nurudeen AbdulRaheem, and National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, the organisation declared its full support for NAFDAC’s decision, describing it as a timely and necessary public health intervention.

AbdulRaheem noted that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ?100, has made excessive drinking more accessible, particularly to young people and minors. According to him, the affordability and small packaging of such products have worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.

He explained that binge drinking involves consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within a short period, typically within two hours, a practice that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications as well as legal and social problems.

The SB National Coordinator cited global health data indicating that alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually worldwide and remains a major contributor to road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.

While acknowledging concerns from industry stakeholders over the economic implications of the ban, AbdulRaheem maintained that public health considerations must take precedence.

“Public health and the protection of young lives must come first,” he stated, adding that Islamic ethical values, like many societal norms, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.

The organisation urged NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain resolute in implementing the policy while also providing transition support for businesses that may be affected by the ban.

According to the group, the enforcement of the ban represents a significant step toward promoting a safer and healthier society.

By Favour James

Nation

HYPREP Unleashes 100 Ogoni Youths Into Maritime Industry …Tasks Them On Discipline, Safety

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully concluded its Seafarers Training Programme for 100 Ogoni youths, positioning them for opportunities in the competitive global maritime industry.

The beneficiaries, who underwent four months of intensive training at Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt, received their certificates during a close-out ceremony held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by top management staff of HYPREP, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning of Charkin Maritime Academy, the Head of the Seafaring Department, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, and other dignitaries.

Addressing the graduates, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the ceremony as a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the young beneficiaries.

He said the graduation symbolises vision, resilience, and hope — hope translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for Ogoni youths.

According to him, the passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s mandate to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills and certifications acquired.

“These skills and achievements should not end here but serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and Nigeria,” he stated.

Prof. Zabbey noted that the seafaring programme is significant not only to the beneficiaries but also to HYPREP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.

He explained that by equipping the youths with globally relevant maritime skills, HYPREP is opening alternative income opportunities while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other environmentally harmful practices. He added that the initiative aligns with the directives of the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces the Project’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.

Commending Charkin Maritime Academy as a dependable training partner, Zabbey described the institution as one of the foremost maritime training centres in the country.

“This partnership has delivered high-quality results today, and we intend to expand it as we intensify efforts to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for the Ogoni people,” he said.

He expressed confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress, noting their resilience and commitment to peace in the area. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of youths and women in Ogoniland.

The Project Coordinator likened knowledge and certificates to fuel in a vehicle, stressing that they are meant to propel the graduates toward greater heights.

“We hear your voices calling for restoration, and today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development, as evidenced by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is 93 per cent completed,” he added.

He emphasised that HYPREP’s approach integrates all projects and interventions toward achieving environmental sustainability and long-term development in Ogoniland.

Also speaking, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwahia, said the graduates had gained not only technical maritime skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence to compete globally.

He described their graduation as the beginning of a new journey and noted that the UNEP Report emphasised that environmental restoration must be complemented by sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and youth empowerment.

“Without empowering people, restoration cannot be complete. Programmes such as this maritime training represent practical steps toward creating employment pathways, dignity, and long-term community stability,” he said.

Engr. Igbinomwahia added that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited remains committed to supporting environmental recovery, human capacity development, and sustainable economic opportunities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.

Highlighting the importance of discipline and safety, he urged the graduates to be ambassadors of professionalism and integrity.

“The sea you are about to enter is vast and sometimes challenging, but it is also full of opportunity. Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your constant companion, and let your character speak for you wherever you go,” he advised.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning at Charkin Maritime Academy, Captain Joseph Awodeha, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Charles Wami, emphasised discipline and safety as critical to career success in the maritime sector.

The Head of the Seafaring Department, Captain Jonathan Hammond, urged the graduates to remain humble and disciplined, noting that such virtues are essential for career growth.

In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, Barrister Dornu Baridan, commended the beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the
rigorous selection process and completing their training as seafarers.

Nation

Nigerian Society of Engineers Inaugurates 14-Member Executives In Rivers”

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Rivers State, has elected 14 member executives to lead the organization for the 2025/2026 year. Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, is the 23rd chairman.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Engr. Ishmael A. Branch Secretariat, 3 Benard Carr Street (Waterworks Yard), Port Harcourt, attracted members of the engineering profession from within and outside the state.

Other elected executives include:
Engr. Samuel H. Kwelle, MNSE – Vice Chairman
Engr. Dr. Promise Jumbo, FNSE – General Secretary
Engr. Priye P. K. Lawson, MNSE – Assistant Secretary
Engr. Patrick O. Udegbunam, MNSE – Treasurer.

Others are Engr. Hilda D. Batubo, MNSE – Financial Secretary
Engr. Bowei M. Dauseighe, MNSE – Technical Secretary
Engr. Charles O. Okwakpam, MNSE – Assistant Technical Secretary
Engr. Agnes Komolafe, MNSE – Membership Secretary
Engr. Dike N. Livingstone, MNSE – Publicity Secretary

Also elected are Engr. Ayebaye Daniel Wanatoi, MNSE – Welfare Secretary
Engr. Oribiokpomari I. Comfort, MNSE – Internal Auditor
Engr. Dr. Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, FNSE – Immediate Past Chairman
Engr Dr Hachimenum Amadi, FNSE (Ex-Officio)

In his a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Frederick Anabraba, urged the new executive to maintain high ethical standards and move the association forward.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, promised an inclusive administration and teamwork, focusing on collaboration with stakeholders. He had begun building partnerships with Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.

The highlight was the inauguration lecture, “Engineering Solution for Security, Energy Access and Sustainable Development,” delivered by Engr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.