Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

February 12, 2016

The General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye (left), with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, during the cleric’s courtesy visit to the Ooni’s Palace in Ile-ife, yesterday

Borno

Barely a week after Dalori village in Borno State was
attacked, Boko Haram insurgents in a convoy of 10 bicycles laden with explosives and petro-bomb also attacked Alomari and Malari communities, killing 10 people, including four women and torching two villages.
The insurgents, according to Tijani Ahmed of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), burst into the villages through the northern flanks that adjoin Mafa-Dikwa axis in Konduga Local Government Area of the state.
“We alerted the military on phone but before the soldiers reached the villages from Alau Dam military post, the gunmen fled after several houses were set ablaze, and abandoned the food items they snatched yesterday,” said Ahmed.
A military personnel, who was not authorized to speak on the twin incidents, also said: “The insurgents have resorted guerrilla warfare, without attacking any military post or base in the theatre war of Operation to Lafiya Dole. Before our troops reached the affected villages, ten kilometres from this post, the terrorists fled towards the Mafa-Dikwa axis on bicycles.”

Ekiti

An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court has dissolved a 15-year-
old marriage between Azeez Yemisi and her husband, Kehinde for desertion and lack of care for her and the children.
Yemisi, 35, a resident of No. 10, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti, told the court that she had been responsible for the upkeep of the children and the payment of the first child’s school fees.
The mother of three said her husband packed out of the house when he knew that she was pregnant for another man.
She claimed that she had remarried and likewise her husband, and therefore, urged the court to dissolve the marriage.
Kehinde, 45, a resident of No. 97, Idemo, Ado-Ekiti, said he deserted the house when his wife took in for another man.

FCT

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has
ruled out the possibility of reversing the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy excluding some imported goods and services from the list of items valid for forex in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
Saraki, while responding to a request by the Tomato Sub-Sectoral Group of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), seeking his intervention to lift the exemption by the CBN on certain imported goods, said based on the present economic realities, difficult decisions are necessary to be taken to overcome the challenges.
The Senate President, who addressed the tomato paste producers when they paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja, said: “It is high time we start telling ourselves the home truth as a nation, we are where we are because of our refusal to take hard decisions.
“As a country, we have to chart a new way different from the past, and that path is going into manufacturing as we cannot continue to remain an import dependent country,” he said.

Kano

Executive Secretary, Kano State Scholarship Board, Prof.
Fatima Umar, said the State Government had approved N500 million for payment of outstanding scholarship to 1, 550 students studying in 11 foreign institutions.
Umar disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kano.
She said the state government had also given an approval for settling the allowances of 91, 000 students currently studying in tertiary institutions in the country.
The executive secretary said the gesture was part of the government’s resolve to provide scholarship to Kano indigenes pursuing academic courses at home and abroad.
According to her, the present administration is committed to funding the professional courses of 108 Kano state indigenes currently pursuing professional courses at the Nigeria Law School.

Katsina

Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced N700, 000
as the minimum deposit for each intending pilgrim from the state wishing to perform the 2016 hajj.
The Executive Director of the board, Alhaji Muhammad Abu Rimi, made the announcement in Katsina at the inauguration of committees for the distribution of hajj seats for the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had allocated 4,463 seats to the state for the 2016 exercise like the previous year.
He said that the board would conduct ballot for hajj seats and registration of intending pilgrims across the 34 local government areas simultaneously on February 20.
Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly yesterday held a
valedictory session in honour of a departed member, Hon. Moses Afolayan who represented Oke-Ero constituency in Kwara South Senatorial District.
Afolayan died on January 30, 2016 at his residence in llorin following an illness.
Our correspondent reports that the valedictory session was attended by top government functionaries, former legislators and family members of the deceased.
The Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmad, declared the session open with a condolence message from the state governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed.
The governor in his message read by the Speaker , described Afolayan’s demise as a colossal loss to the state.

Lagos

The Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology
(NIFST) has tasked manufacturers and governments on the need to use modern technology in packaging food items.
The National President of NIFST, Dr Chijioke Osuji, gave the charge in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Osuji said that the use of modern food packaging was inevitable for the country to advance in the value chain of the food business.
He said that it would enable packaging to be done properly, especially when it had to do with export.
“While within Nigeria, we may prefer unattractive unpackaged products just like our fore-fathers did, but a foreigner may not buy into it even while still within the country.

Ondo

The Ondo/Ekiti Command of the Nigeria Customs Service
(NCS) generated N15.13 million in January 2016, up from N12.86 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2015.
The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Filibus Machu, made the disclosure in Akure when the Customs Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Mr Eporwei Edike, visited the command.
Machu said that the command generated N193.12 million in 2015
“Our command generates revenue from duties paid on intercepted vehicles,’’ he said.
“I have observed since January 14 when I resumed in this command that all the officers are respectful.

Osun

An housewife, Mrs Mukaila Kafilat, has asked an Osogbo
Customary Court to dissolve her marriage to her husband, Mr Mukaila Olaoye over allegation that her husband had attempted to kill her.
Kafilat told the court that, “I was sleeping one day when I felt hands around my neck and discovered my husband was trying to strangle me to death.
“But for the intervention of our neighbours, I would have been dead by now’’.
She told the court with tears streaming down her face.
She also accused her husband of lack of interest in her and that he does not love her any more , which is the reason he had stopped caring for her and their children.
Oyo

Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has
advocated strict enforcement of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), Act, 2015.
Mrs Ajimobi stated this in Ibadan at an event to commemorate the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation.
The governor’s wife who was addressing a group of women in the state said that the law prohibits female genital mutilation and other unwholesome practices against women.
Mrs Ajimobi noted that it was the duty of everyone to ensure that the traditional harmful practice of genital mutilation stopped.
She explained that victims of the harmful practice suffered a great deal “socially, psychologically, physically emotionally and sexually’’.

Plateau

The Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Alhaji Mohammed Modibbo, says the new hike in electricity tariff is to address decades of neglect of critical infrastructure in the power supply chain.
Modibbo told newsmen in Jos that the new investors in the power sector inherited dilapidated infrastructure which must be replaced to enhance efficiency.
“Some transformers were even older than 50 years and certainly could not cope with even basic distribution.
“So the little upward review will help to mitigate negative cash flow that has bedevilled the sector,” he said.
Modibbo spoke against the backdrop of nationwide picketing of electricity formations by labour unions protesting the recent tariff hike that took off last week.
He said that increased power generation by the private firms was being hindered by the inability to pay their gas suppliers.

Sokoto

Lawmakers from the Sokoto State House of Assembly
yesterday visited their counterparts in Lagos State to know more about the Lagos Traffic Law.
Our correspondent reports that the delegates were led by Mr Sanni Yakubu, the Chairman, Sokoto State House of Assembly Committee on Works and Transportation.
Yakubu said the Sokoto Assembly was motivated by the successes of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Lagos State Traffic Law, to make the trip.
He said the legislators had a proposed traffic law before them and embarked on the journey to seek advice from their counterparts in Lagos.
According to him, the lawmakers decided to visit Lagos State, being the centre of excellence with viable traffic laws.
He said that Sokoto State could learn a lot from Lagos in the area of traffic control and management.
“We came to the Lagos State House of Assembly based on the laws before us on traffic management and control in Sokoto State.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn alongside Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.