Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

December 22, 2014

FCT

The Police have arraigned a 60-year-old man, Alhaji
Bashir Mohammed, in a Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, Wuse, Abuja, for failure to produce a suspect.
Mohammed, a businessman who resides at Deidei, Abuja, was said to have stood for bail for Abdullahi Saidu of Wuse zone 1, Abuja, but failed to produce him when asked to.
He is facing a one-count charge of shielding an offender.
The prosecutor, Insp. Abdullahi Adamu, had told the court that on October 4 the accused stood for bail for Abdullahi Saidu at Wuse Police Station and promised to produce him on October 9.
He said that when that date came, the accused and the suspect were nowhere to be found until he was seen at Wuse market and arrested.

Kano

A 27-year-old man, Murtala Abdullahi, on Wednes
day, appeared before the Nomansland Magistrates’ Court in Kano, charged with criminal conspiracy and buying stolen vehicle.
According to the First Information Report, the theft was reported at the Bompai Police Division, Kano, by Usman Audu of Farawa Quarters, Kano, in August.
The report indicated that Audu alleged that Abdullahi criminally conspired with one Abdullahi Ibrahim and two others simply identified as Surajo and Shuaibu, all of Kunchi Local Government Area of Kano State to commit the offence. It added that Ibrahim, Surajo and Shuaibu, now at large, sold a stolen Honda Civic car with registration number AE240DAL to Abdullahi at N500,000, an offence which contravened sections 6 (a),(b),(c) and 5 (1) of Robbery and Firearms Special Provision Act.However, the accused denied committing the offences but the Magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Khaleel, ordered that he be remanded in prison and adjourned the case until Dec. 22 for further mention.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State House of Assembly has rejected
autonomy for local governments and the scrapping of state electoral commissions as proposed in the amendment to the 1999 Constitution.
Our correspondent reports that the assembly also rejected amendment to the provisions on indigenes and citizens by birth.
It, however, adopted all other recommendations as presented to it by the National Assembly.
The members had voted clause by clause in line with the recommendation of its special committee on the review of the constitution.
Mr Kantiok Ishaku, the Chairman of the seven-man committee had urged the members to place national interest above all other considerations in considering and voting on the sections sought to be altered.

Kwara

Sen. Simeon Ajibola, who won the PDP governor
ship ticket for the 2015 elections in Kwara, remains the flagbearer of the party, his campaign outfit has said.
The Director General of the Ajibola for Governor Campaign Organisation, Mr Shuaib Olanrewaju, made the clarification in an interview newsmen in Ilorin.
Olanrewaju said that contrary to the rumour making the rounds, Ajibola remains the authentic flag bearer of the party.
He said the clarification was necessary against the background of postings in the social media insinuating that the governorship ticket had been withdrawn from Ajibola.
Olanrewaju said the state and the 16 local government executive bodies of the party as well as other contestants had already congratulated Ajibola on his victory.
He recalled that Gov. Gabriel Suswan of Benue, who supervised the December 11 rescheduled primary election had submitted the result to the national headquarters of the party, adding that it had been accepted.

Kebbi

The Federal Ministry of Finance has commenced the train
ing of 95 unemployed graduates in Kebbi State who were selected for the Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS).
Mr Edward Aleko, communication specialist of the scheme, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that 400 graduates across the state would be trained during the first phase of the scheme.
He said that 50,000 graduates are expected to benefit from the training meant to reduce unemployment in the country.
Aleko said: “The GIS was instituted by the Federal Government to cushion the hardship faced by unemployed graduates.
“It will also help to reduce vulnerability of unemployed graduates and build the manpower and capacity required for national development.

Nasarawa

A Grade 1 Area Court in Aso Pada, Mararaba, Nasarawa
State, has sentenced a 32-year-old businessman, John Daniel, to 24 months imprisonment for breach of trust and cheating.
The presiding Judge, Mr Albert Maga, convicted the businessman after he pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of breach of trust and cheating.
Maga, however, gave the convict an option to pay N6,000 fine or remain in Keffi Prison for 24 months and also ordered him to give N140,000 as compensation to the complainant.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, had told the court that the matter was reported at the ‘A’ Divisional Police Station, Mararaba, on December 15 by Mrs Ego Godwin of down Quarter, Mararaba. Adaji said sometimes in January 2014, the convict of same address came to the complainant and asked her to join a contribution of N8,000 with over 20 other people, which she accepted.
He said the convict told her that she would receive N140, 000 as her contribution in June 2014, but that she went for her husband’s burial and therefore could not receive the money.
Adaji added that when she came back, the convict refused to give her the money and converted it to his personal use without her consent.

Niger

The Nigeria Customs Service has handed over various il
licit drugs it recovered from the traffickers to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) for destruction.
Mr Mohammed Biu, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Niger, Kogi and Kwara zones, presented the drugs for destruction in Minna.
“This is part of the established synergy customs has with other security agencies to assist in proper investigation since it is not in our purview to investigate such matter,’’ he said.
Biu said that his officers intercepted seven cartons of Taramol, Taramadol and Jonaviga tablets worth N1.2 million on September 24 along Mokwa-Kaduna Road.
Lagos

Lagos State Government last Thursday urged opera
tors of health facilities and healthcare providers in the state to ensure adequate prevention and control of infection to improve service delivery.
Dr Yewande Adeshina, Special Adviser to Gov. Babatunde Fashola on Public Health, said this at the seventh stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).
Our correspondent reports that the programme was organised for operators of health facilities and healthcare providers in the state.
Adeshina said that there was the need to put in place a mechanism that would ensure holistic prevention and control of infections from one patient to another.

Ogun

Crawford University, Igbesa, Ogun state says the insti
tution embarked on entrepreneurial training that would make its graduating students to be job providers for the nation.The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Samson Ayanlaja, said this at the 6th convocation ceremony and conferment of honourary first degrees, doctorate degrees and presentation of prizes for 2013/2014 session in Ota.
Our correspondent reports that 310 graduating students participated in the ceremony.
They comprised 14 students bagging first class honours, 79 in second class upper division, 127 in second class lower division, 59 with third class, six receiving ordinary pass and 25 postgraduate students.

Ondo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone-B, has
advocated autonomy for the third tier of government in Nigeria in the on-going amendment of the 1999 Constitution. According to a statement in Akure by Mr Dele Atunbi, Vice-President of the zone, granting of autonomy to the local government is in the spirit of true federalism.
“Local government autonomy will bring about rapid transformation at the grassroots, unlike the present situation of stunted growth and inaction.
“Grassroots development will reduce tremendously rural urban drift and congestion in our city centres.
“Reduction in rural urban drift will equally reduce organised crimes in the country and ensure the success of the youth in agriculture programme of the Federal Government.
“This will in turn bring about food security as well as generate more activities at the grassroots, “ the statement said.

Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Mr Kennedy Opara (Left), presenting a Gift to Gov. Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State, during his visit to Birnin Kebbi recently.

Nation

Sachet Alcohol Fuels Binge Drinking Among Nigerian Youths, Group Warns

Published

3 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

3 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

3 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.