Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

April 22, 2016

L-R: Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali-Ndume, Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Chief Executive Officer, Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija Global (AOA), Dr Ayoade Olatunbosun-Alakija and Senate Committee on Health, Senator Lanre Tejuoso, during the 1st annual dialogue on Rebuilding Borno in Abuja, on Tuesday.

Borno

University of Maiduguri has presented first class
degree certificates to 172 students of the institution during its 22nd combined convocation.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ibrahim Njodi, who announced this at the ceremony said 37, 259 students, comprising five sets of students from 2009 to 2015 graduated at the convocation.
“It is gratifying to inform you that the university graduated five sets of students from 2009/2010, 2010/2011, 2012/2013, 2013/2014, and 2014/2015 academic sessions from 12 colleges, faculties, distance learning centre and 23 affiliated colleges.
“A total of 37, 259 students were graduated, out of this 32, 869 were regular students, 841 students were from affiliated colleges and 3,549 students were from the Distant Learning Programme,’’ Njodi said.

FCT

A 38-year-old auto mechanic, Kolawole Murtala, who
allegedly defrauded one Kunle Dosunmu of N200,000, has appeared before a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrate’s Court, Abuja.
Murtala, a resident of Sector ‘F’ Lugbe, Abuja was docked for allegedly collecting N200,000 from Dosunmu to replace his car engine but failed to do so.
He is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and breach of trust.
The prosecutor, Mr Okere Chimaeze, told the court that the accused committed the offences in December 2015.
He alleged that the defendant collected money from Dosunmu to repair his Peugeot 406, but opted to convert the money to his personal use.

Jigawa

The Kiyawa local government council of Jigawa has
banned fishing activities in all rivers and streams in the area.
The council’s Information Officer, Malam Balarabe Abdullahi, said this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdullahi said that the council’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Sulaiman, announced the decision after the council’s security meeting recently.
He explained that the action was taken following disputes among fishermen in the area.
The spokesperson quoted the chairman as saying that no fisherman should fish in any of the waters in the area without obtaining permission from the authorities.

Kaduna

Examination Ethics Committee of Kaduna State Ministry
of Education, Science and Technology has paid an unscheduled visit to schools in Kaduna to check examination malpractice in the ongoing WAEC examination.
The committee made of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Jama’atu Nasir Islam (JNI), National Association of Private Schools, Quality Assurance Board, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), paid the visit.
The state Commissioner for Education, Dr Shehu Adamu, told newsmen shortly after the visit that the exercise was to ensure compliance to examination procedure, rules and regulations in all schools in the state.
Adamu said that members of the committee were going round the schools to serve as invigilators in both public and private schools suspected to be operating as ‘miracle or deliverance centres’.

Kwara

Prof. Adetayo Talabi of the Department of Human Ki
netics, Faculty of Education, University of Ilorin, has advised Nigerians not to over-dress in humid weather to avoid dehydration.
Talabi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said that hot and humid environment being currently experienced in the country could cause more loss of water from the body system.
Talabi said that over-clothing in hot and humid environment would disturb the cooling effect of the body which could lead to dehydration.
Lagos

The Acting Director-General, Standards Organisation
(SON), Mr Paul Angya, said the agency would need additional 10,000 staff to fight substandard products in the country.
Angya stated this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said that if more staff were employed, they would be able to go far places in the country to check substandard products.
“We have just 1,500 staff at hand and there is no how they can cover the market places in the country.
“It was recommended in 1993 by government officials that SON needed 10, 000 staff for its operations,’’ he said.
Angya said that many lives had been lost due to substandard products coming into the country, adding that the integrity of SON concerning the laboratory tests results had not been compromised.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Urban Development Board (NUDP)
has arraigned 2 filling stations owners at Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lafia for operating in residential areas.
The defendants were MM Nigeria Ltd. and Chibo Oil Investment Limited.
Representatives of the two stations, Adamu Usman and Mamman Maji, applied for out of court settlement.
The Acting General Manager Development Control of NUDP, Juliana Haruna, told newsmen that the board instituted a legal action against them because they had not complied with set down rules.
“Everyone knows the degree of hazards posed by siting filling stations close to people’s houses. So, we are out to ensure that things are done properly.
“If anything occurs today, which we do not pray for that to happen, only God knows the level of damage it would cause.

Niger

The Speaker of the Niger House of Assembly, Mr Ahmed
Marafa, has solicited for media support for the state government to deliver on its electoral pledges.
Marafa made the call while addressing newsmen at the state Assembly complex in Minna.
He noted that the developmental progress has been made in the state without adequate publicity.
According to him, the poor media coverage given to such improvement in the lives of the people makes them insignificant.
He said adequate coverage of state government activities was critical to the success of the administration.
“The three arms of government in the state are working very hard to improve the state and its economy since the inception of this administration.
“The media is central to the success of any government, so I want to enjoin you all to help play your part in the development of our state by constantly keeping the people informed of the policies and programmes of government.

Ogun

A 50-year old woman, Omolabake Adeshina, who alleg

edly assaulted one Taibat Akinlabi with electrical wire, has been charged before an Ota Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.
Adeshina, who lives at No. 21 Olayemi St., Iyana-Iyesi, Ota, is facing a charge of assault.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 28 at about 2:30pm at Oyewole Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.
Mustapha said that the accused assaulted Akinlabi by using electrical wire to inflict injury on her.
He said that the offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Vol.11, Laws of Ogun, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.I. Adelaja, granted the accused N200, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
Adelaja said that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and should swear to affidavit of means as well as produce evidence of one year tax payment to Ogun State.
Osun

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, has
described late Governor Adekunle Fajuyi as an embodiment of patriotism, victim of absolute loyalty and symbol of national unity.
Ooni Ogunwusi said this while playing host to a delegation of “Adekunle Fajuyi Education Trust“ led by its Executive Secretary, Mrs Desola Olajuyigbe at his palace, in Ile-Ife.
“Fajuyi, a governor of the defunct Western region, was killed alongside the former Head of State of Nigeria, Maj.–Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, during the coup d’état of July 29, 1966.
“A patriotic Nigerian, victim of absolute loyalty and symbol of national unity that should not be forgotten in the history of Nigeria, “ he said.
The royal father pledged to give his full support to the trust in its noble quest to uphold and promote the Yoruba race.
Sokoto
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),
Sokoto State Command, has beefed up security at Nigeria’s border with Niger Republic to curtail illegal diversion of petroleum products.
The state Commandant of the corps, Mr Adamu Soja, told newsmen in Sokoto, that its officers on surveillance patrols at Gudu, Tangaza, Sabon-Birni and Illela border communities had been adequately briefed.
He warned petroleum marketers against diversion of the products to black market, saying that sensitive security measures had been adopted to monitor the sale of the commodity in and outside the metropolis.
He solicited the assistance of traditional and religious leaders in border communities by providing useful information that could assist in the arrest and prosecution of these ‘saboteurs.’

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

4 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.

In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.

“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.

She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.

“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.

Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.

While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasized integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.

Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritize accuracy in reporting.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Supply In Ogoni

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.

In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.

Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.

He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.

According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.

Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.

Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.

Nation

Ogoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site

Published

3 weeks ago

March 9, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the mangrove wetlands in Ogoniland have been officially designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

The designation, according to HYPREP, underscores the global ecological significance of Ogoniland’s mangrove wetlands and highlights ongoing restoration efforts aimed at addressing environmental degradation in the area.

In a press statement issued by the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, the recognition was described as a major milestone for the agency, the people of Ogoni and other stakeholders working towards environmental restoration in the region.

Zabbey explained that the mangrove wetlands, which cover more than 31,700 hectares, consist of islands, tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove forests that support a wide range of biodiversity. The ecosystem provides habitat for several species including fin fish, shellfish, crustaceans, crocodiles, turtles and the endangered grey parrot.

He noted that beyond biodiversity conservation, the wetland also provides essential ecosystem services such as fisheries production, flood control, water purification and carbon storage. According to him, the international recognition will further support local livelihoods, promote ecotourism and bring global attention to the region.

The HYPREP coordinator disclosed that the designation followed a meticulous process that began in 2024 when the project submitted a memorandum to the National Council on Environment seeking support for the recognition of the Ogoni wetlands as a Ramsar site.

Following the council’s review and approval, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally wrote to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat requesting international recognition of the wetlands.

After a comprehensive ecological assessment, the Ramsar Secretariat granted the designation, officially recognising the Ogoniland wetlands as one of the world’s sites of international importance.

Zabbey said the recognition would strengthen ongoing environmental restoration efforts in the area and encourage stronger conservation measures and sustainable management of the wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations.

He added that the designation also fulfils a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, marking another significant step in the implementation of the report’s recommendations.

The HYPREP project coordinator reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring the Ogoni environment through the remediation of oil-polluted land, shorelines and mangrove ecosystems.

He also called for collective responsibility and stakeholder support to sustain the progress of the Ogoni cleanup programme and facilitate the development of a comprehensive and sustainable management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetlands.