Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

May 11, 2016

Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), presenting relief materials to Chairman, Bauchi Local Government Area, Alhaji Ado Aska, during the commencement of distribution of Federal Government’s relief materials to Idps in Bauchi State on Monday

Bauchi

Some women in the Internally Displaced Persons
(IPDs) camp in Gudun Fulani community in Bauchi State, have pleaded with the state government to provide them with farmlands as the rainy reason sets in.
They made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Hajiya Fatima Alhaji alleged that the state government had not been assisting them with food and shelter hence they need land to cultivate to feed themselves.
According to her, food and shelter are major challenges confronting the IDPs.
“We are pleading with the Bauchi State Government to please provide us with farmlands to enable us reduce the economic burden we are facing us in trades”.

Borno

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said
it would auction 44 jerrycans containing1320 litres of petrol seized from black market operators in Bornu State.
The Zonal Controller of DPR, Malam Ali Zoaka, who disclosed this, said that the seized items were handed over by officials of Nigerian Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Maiduguri.
Zoaka said that the items were seized at various filling stations in the state capital by men of the NSCDC.
“We have decided to auction the commodities to members of the public, while the money would be remitted to the Federal Government account.

FCT

The Advocacy for Economic Integrity, an NGO, has
called on the Federal Government to create markets for farmers by giving them contract for the supply of farm produce to schools and other public institutions.
The Director-General of the NGO, Mr Abdullahi Aremu, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja recently.
Aremu said the creation of such markets for farm produce would help farmers, particularly the young entrepreneurs, to invest more and grow their agric businesses.
According to him, it will also help in increasing demand and supply chain for the nation’s farm products.
The director-general said government should ensure that farmers transported their goods from the hinterlands to city markets without much hussles.

Kaduna

The United States Agency for International Develop
ment (USAID), has reiterated its commitment to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
Dr Blair King, Director, Peace and Democratic Governance Office, made this known in Kaduna at the opening of a two-day Consensus Workshop on the Sokoto State Strategic Health Development Plan, 2016-2020.
He said, “USAID is highly concerned with the high rates of maternal and child mortality and it would offer the necessary interventions to reduce the disturbing figures.
“The agency is also fully committed to improving other health indices, as well as taming HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.”
Kano

The Federal Government said it would partner with
Kano State Government to empower women in agribusiness in the state.
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Alhassan, disclosed this during a visit to the Speaker, Kano State House of Assembly.
The minister, represented by her Special Assistant, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, said the federal government would also provide the institutional framework to promote the well-being of women, children, and persons living with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
.Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State says
his administration’s strategies in reducing the cost of governance and renewed revenue generation mechanism will ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
Ahmed, represented by the state’s Head of Service, Hajia Zara Umar, said this at this year’s Workers’ Day celebration held at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin.
The governor noted that the state’s Internal Revenue Service, KWIRS, had been empowered to shore up the state’s internally generated revenue.
He added that this would enable the state government to meet up with its statutory commitments and promote infrastructural development.

Lagos

The Lagos State University (LASU) has suspended four
students for cult-related activities and improper conducts.
This is contained in the university’s official bulletin obtained by our correspondent in Lagos.
The bulletin quoted the institution as saying that conducts of the suspended students could cause breach peace on the campus.
The bulletin said the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun, took the decision on behalf of the university authority.
It said the decision to suspend the students was taken by Vice-chancellor, who invoked section 28 of the law establishing LASU.

Nasarawa

The Rural Finance Institution Building Programme
(RUFIN) has urged women in Nasarawa State to form cooperative societies, in order to access loans to boost their businesses.
The state Desk Officer, Hajiya Rifkatu Jatau, gave the advice in a message to a one-day workshop for rural women held at Igbado in Doma local government area of the state.
Jatau said the workshop was to sensitise the rural poor on the need to pool their resources through cooperative societies in order to benefit from government and other institutional support.
Niger

A 50-year-old man, Adebayo Attahiru, has been ar
rested by the Police in Niger for allegedly raping a three-year-old baby.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Bala Elkana, Police made this known to newsmen in Minna, recently.
Elkana said that the incident occurred on Friday.
The spokesman said the accused resides around Mobil area of Minna, the state capital.
Ogun

A 35-year-old driver, Yinka Durojaye, has been ar
raigned for alleged manslaughter and reckless driving.
Durojaye, who lives at No. 17 Odeyemi St., Iyana-Ilogbo, Ota, is facing a two-count charge of manslaughter and reckless driving before an Ota Magistrates’ Court.
The prosecutor, Abdulkareem Mustapha, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 2 at 4:00 p.m. at Fowobi Area, Ota.
Mustapha alleged that the accused, dangerously drove a Volvo Tipper Lorry with registration number AAB 641 X, which resulted in the death of one 22-year old Izuchukwu Chinedu.
He said that the offence contravened Sections 6 (1) and 18 of the Federal Highway Act. Cap 135 of the Revised Laws of the Federation, 2006.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Plateau

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says the
bilateral agreement signed between President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chinese Government is beginning to yield positive results in the state.
Lalong made the observation in Jos when he received some Chinese investors who were in the state to explore the investment opportunities that abound.
“When the President opened the door, North Central Nigeria and China held a business summit in Guangzhou from April 18 to April 22.
“It is as a result of the agreement that a business delegation from Yuzhou Group and the Hunan Xianghui Development Group are in Jos today,” he said.

Sokoto

The Cement Company of Northern Nigeria
(CCNN), has donated assorted drugs worth over N5 million to five clinics in Wamakko local government in Sokoto State.
Our correspondent reports that the drugs include: antibiotics and antigenes for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children.
The Managing Director of the firm, Mr Aminu Ibrahim, represented by the Director, Human Resources, Alhaji Yawalle Isa said, “the gesture is part of the company’s social responsibility to enable our neighboring communities benefit from its industrial development.

Nation

THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

Published

21 hours ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.

It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.

The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions: M – Meeting the People E – Educating the People D – Discussing with the People I – Involving the People A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.

People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.

Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.

Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.

Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.

Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.

The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.

By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia