Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

December 31, 2014

FCT

The Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company
(AUMTC)) says it has concluded plans to improve the safety of its passengers by regularly monitoring its drivers.
Mr Tunde Akintola, the company’s Head of Marketing and Communication, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja yesterday.
Akintola said that the company had improved its customer care services in the interest of passengers.
“We are in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to give daily pep talks to our drivers on the basic tenets of driving.
“We also mandate our drivers to properly check their vehicles every morning before they set out. This is to ensure comfort and safety of our passengers,’’ he said.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
promised that his administration would deliver more dividends of democracy to the people of the state next year.
Dankwambo, who made the promise at the 9th Tangale Cultural Festival “Pissi Tangle”, said “I want to assure you that we will continue to do our best and ensure that we provide social amenities for the development of our people’’.
He said his administration would provide comfortable environment for the people and contribute its very best to the development of the state and Nigeria in general.
The governor said by January 2015 more roads would be constructed in the area, adding that the design of the roads had been completed.
He said the state government would also build the Tal General Hospital which he said would cost N1 billion.

Kwara

The President of Living Faith Church (Winners
Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, says the ministry has six million members in 147 nations across the world.
Oyedepo made the disclosure at a breakfast meeting with members of Omu-Aran Government Secondary School Old Boys Association (OGSSOBA) at the Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Oyedepo, the Chancellor of Landmark and Covenant Universities and also a member of OGSSOBA, said that the figure was ascertained at the recent convention of the church.
He advised members of old boys association to rededicate themselves to arresting infrastructure decay in all colleges and institutions across the length and breadth of the country.
“No amount is too small or too big toward the growth, progress and development of the schools,” he said.
Mr Segun Adeniyi, the newly elected president of the association, described Oyedepo as a living legend of the nation’s education sector.

Lagos

The presidential candidate of the KOWA Party, Prof.
Oluremi Sonaiya, has advised Nigerians to elect candidates of credible character, come 2015.
Sonaiya gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
“Everybody talks; the real issue is who will match their talk with action,’’ she said.
The candidate said political office seekers should have a passion for truth, justice and fairness to all, with the conviction that “righteousness exalts a nation and corruption is a reproach and destroyer”.
According to Sonaiya, intending leaders should be concerned with the issues that have bedeviled the country such as unemployment, decayed infrastructure and poor electricity supply among others.
Nasarawa

Mr Labaran Maku, a former Minister of Information,
has given the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) one week to correct anomalies in the party’s governorship primary in the state.
Maku gave the warning while addressing youths in Wakama Village of Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
He said that he had already written a petition to the appeal panel set up by the national headquarters of the party challenging the outcome of the primaries.
He mentioned the irregularities that occurred during the primary to include shortchanging of delegates names in many LGAs, intimidation and threatening of delegates, among others.
According to him, the fraud committed in the recent PDP governorship primaries in the Nasarawa state is worse than the one committed at party’s primaries in the state in 2007.

Ogun

A 32-year-old man, Oke Oladipupo, who allegedly
obtained N350, 000 under false pretence, was yesterday docked before a Sango-Ota Senior Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State.
Oladipupo, who lives at No. 21, Daniel St., Iyana-Iyesi in Sango-Ota, is facing trial for allegedly obtaining the money from one Mr Kolawole Soyinka, on the pretext of clearing a car for him.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Mustapha Abdulkareem, said that the accused committed the offence on June 7 at No. 2, C.A.C. St., Ewupe, in Sango-Ota.
Abdulkareem alleged that the accused obtained N350, 000 from the complainant under the pretext of assisting him to clear a car from Lagos Port.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravenes Sections 319 (a) and 419 of the Criminal Code Vol. 1, Revised Laws of Ogun, 2006.
Osun

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has called for
the sustenance of peace in Modakeke in the Ife East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Aregbesola made the call in a message he sent to the 29th Modakeke Akoraye Day Celebration and launching of N500 million Community Development Fund at Modakeke.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Wahab Adeniji, member, Local Education Authority Board, Modakeke, said peace was imperative for any sustainable development to take place.
“My administration is determined to ensure that infrastructure is provided in every part of the state, including Modakeke,’’ he said.
Earlier, Mr Tajudeen Oke, the National President of Modakeke Progressive Union, called on the Osun government to provide basic infrastructure in the area.
Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has
inaugurated three committees to devise strategies of ensuring total victory for the APC in the 2015 general elections in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the committees were for campaign , reconciliation and contact.
The 33-man state campaign committee is chaired by Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, a one time gubernatorial candidate of the defunct DPP in the 2011 elections while the APP governorship running mate, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, will serve as secretary.
The reconciliation committee is headed by a former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Morocco, Amb. Shehu Wurno, with Dr Yakubu Maccido as Secretary, while the contact committe has the former state chairman of the defunct DPP , Alhaji Umarun Kwabo, as chairman.

Taraba

The PDP Governorship Candidate in Taraba State and
ex-Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Darius Ishaku, has pledged to boost the state’s economy with increased tea production if elected.
Ishaku made the pledge at a news conference shortly after a reception in his honour by supporters and party faithful in Takum recently.
“Taraba is the most resourceful state in Nigeria due to its huge agricultural and mineral resources.
“I want to assure you that coffee production alone can sustain the state’s economy, let alone the entire tea production potential of the state.
“I, therefore, assure the people of the state that I will make use of private partnership to resuscitate the Kakara Tea Factory on the Mambilla plateau.

Zamfara

The Zamfara Co-ordinator of National Directorate of
Employment (NDE), Alhaji Muhammad Alhassan, said that the directorate, under its various programmes, assisted 1,427 people in 2014.
Alhassan told newsmen yesterday in Gusau that NDE, funded by the Federal Government, was meant to provide employment to the unemployed youths nationwide.
According to him, the Zamfara office of the directorate empowered and employed 1,427 youths under its various programmes, including Graduate Coaching Scheme, Graduate Attachment Scheme and National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS).
The co-ordinator said under the schemes, all the beneficiaries were empowered from January to date.

L-R: Out-going Ambassador of Sebia, Mr Rifat Rondic; President Goodluck Jonathan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Aminu Wali, during the visit of the out-going Ambassador to the Presidential Villa Abuja, recently.

Nation

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.

The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.

According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors

‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”

It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees

“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”

The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said

It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development

Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.

Nation

NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.

The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt

Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.

He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.

“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.

“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.

Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.

Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.

“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.

The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.

He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.

John Bibor

Nation

Nile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication

Published

1 day ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nile University of Nigeria has successfully hosted the maiden National Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter, drawing scholars, policymakers, and media professionals to examine emerging global communication trends and Africa’s positioning within them.

The two-day conference, themed, “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” took place from March 24 to 25, 2026, at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja. The event marked the first national gathering of the ICA Nigeria Chapter since its inauguration in March 2023, making it a historic milestone for communication scholarship on the continent.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Jacob Suemo, described the conference as a “clarion call to reimagine Africa’s place in the global communication landscape,” emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The conference convened leading international scholars, including ICA President, Prof Thomas Hanitzsch and REACH Committee Chair, Prof Noshir Contractor, alongside other notable academics such as Prof Srivi Ramasubramanian, Dominique Brossard, and Prof. Raka Shome. Representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya also participated, reinforcing the global outlook of the gathering.

Participants engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations addressing critical themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change communication, media systems, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions reflected the broader aim of the conference to interrogate how global communication shifts affect African societies, institutions, and development pathways.

A key highlight of the conference was a strategic panel session titled, “Is Africa Ready for ICA26?” which assessed the continent’s readiness for deeper global engagement ahead of the ICA International Conference scheduled for June 2026.

The event featured over 50 research presentations from scholars across Nigerian institutions, showcasing diverse perspectives on communication research and practice. It also attracted major stakeholders in government and media, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Press Council. Discussions underscored the importance of strategic communication in national development and Africa-driven narratives in global discourse.

A major outcome of the conference was the leadership transition within the ICA Nigeria Chapter. Professor Desmond Okocha emerged as the new Chair, succeeding the founding Chair, Dr. Ekaete George. The transition was described as a step toward consolidating the association’s growth and expanding its influence across Nigeria’s academic and media landscape.

Organised in collaboration with academic institutions including Bingham University, University of Cross River State, Nasarawa State University, and the University of Calabar, the conference also featured participation from the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) as a partner and sponsor.

The ICA Nigeria Chapter noted that the conference provided a vital platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and policy dialogue, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global communication research and practice.

The second edition of the ICA Nigeria National Conference is scheduled for March 2027, building on the success of the inaugural event.