Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

August 24, 2016

FCT

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will to
day hold its 2016 Second Anniversary Annual Lecture at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Director-General of the commission, Malam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, made this known to newsmen in a statement in Abuja.
According to Kawu, the theme for this year’s edition of the lecture series is; “ Broadcasting, Democracy and the Challenge of the New Nigeria’’.
He said that the lecture would be delivered by immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Attahiru Jega .

Gombe

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has
urged herdsmen in the country to enrol their children in school, especially the girl-child, to acquire necessary knowledge and skills that would guide their lives.
Assistant National Secretary of the association Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call in an interview with newsnen in Gombe.
According to him, it is very important for the herdsmen to key into various government policies, including the nomadic education programme, which offers them unfettered access to education.
He expressed dismay at the response of the Fulanis to western education, saying that it was important to key in so as to tap its full potentials.

Jigawa

Parents have been advised to monitor the movement of
their children especially during holidays.
The head of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Jigawa, Alhaji Abdu Abdul, gave the advice during interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdul said the montoring would enable parents to know the kind of company kept by their children to prevent the children from being involved in drug- related crimes.
He identified the absence of counseling or limited guidance from parents as one of the major causes of drug misuse among youths.
“There is the need for parents to be more concerned with the affairs of their children and help them make good friends in school and at home.
Kaduna

Governor Nasir El-Rufa‘i of Kaduna State has inaugu
rated a library and research centre of the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning named after Abidu Yazid.
El-Rufai explained at the inauguration in Kaduna that Yazid was honoured for his sacrifices and contributions to the development of the state throughout his public service.
He disclosed that Yazid., a development economist, was responsible for drawing up the first development plan of the then North Central State in 1970.
He added that Yazid was also part of the special Federal Government‘s Planning Team that produced the Reconstruction Development Plan for the liberated defunct East Central State, immediately after the cessation of the Nigerian civil war.
Katsina

Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema
and his counsel, have shunned the sitting of the State Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate missing funds during his administration.
Our correspondent reports that counsel to other top government officials during Shema’s administration were also absent at the sitting.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Surajo Muhammed, assured that the commission would be free and fair in the discharge of its duties.
“This commission will discharge its duties without fear or favour; we shall provide a level- playing ground for all as this is not a criminal court but a commission of Inquiry.” he said.
Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has urged con
tractors handling the River Port project in Lokoja to ensure its completion by December.
The governor gave the charge while inspecting ongoing works on the port.
He said that it’s quick completion would aid socio-economic development of the state.
Bello, who was conducted round the project site by the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Mustapha, said that he was eagerly awaiting the completion of the project.
He said that the port would open the economy of the North to foreign investors.

Kwara

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has com
mended the management of the University of Ilorin for providing the skills acquisition laboratory in its Department of Nursing.
Leader, Council’s Accreditation Team to the University of Ilorin’s Department of Nursing, Prof. Ijeoma Ehiemere, gave the commendation after an assessment tour of facilities in the department.
She noted that the university had put in place a robust staff development programme for the training of potential nurses.
Ehiemere said what the team saw at the College of Health Sciences of the university were commendable.
She described the skills acquisition/simulation centre and a robust staff development programme as exceptional.
The leader pointed out that some of the staff had been sent on study leave with pay, nationally and internationally.

Niger

Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has called on Nige
rians to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in their dealings to ensure peace and national development.
He made the call when he received Dr Mathias Echioda, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger chapter in Minna recently.
“One of the things that has divided us as a nation is religious sentiment. It was never like this in the past and I don’t know why it is like this now.
“We had a better life and better understanding which brought more progress to the country.
“It is time for us to move away from all forms of sentiments. It is not healthy and it is anti- progress for the development of the country”, he said.
He added that there was no justification for Christian Religious Studies not be taught in unity schools if the Islamic Religion Studies was being taught.
“If IRS is being taught in schools, what now happens to the Christians students, it means they are being forced to go out and play. That is against our moral value”.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government has released over N60
million for the payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities to pensioners in the state.
the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Budget and Planning, Mr Muazu Adamu-Gosho,disclosed this to newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the money was for payment to retired workers in the state and local governments.
Adamu-Gosho said that data to ascertain the accurate number of pensioners in the state had been taken to facilitate monthly payment of pensions, while gratuities would be paid in arrears in view of paucity of funds.

Osun

Thirty-two-year-old Tijani Kamorudeen, who allegedly
broke into a house and stole a laptop and other valuables valued at N161, 000, has been arraigned in Osogbo.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and theft at an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Fagboyinbo Abiodun told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 18 at about 2.00 a.m. at Jemoja compound in Ido-Osun.
Abiodun, an inspector, alleged that the accused broke into the house of the complainant, Akinfenwa Reuben, and carted away some valuables including a laptop, phones, three ear pieces and a pair of shoes, all valued at N161, 400.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State-owned Independent Power Project
(IPP) will inject 38 megawatts of electricity into the national grid when energised.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEADCO), Mr Garba Haruna,disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
Haruna was speaking shortly after inspecting the project with the Chairman, Board of Trustees of KAEDCO, Mr Yusuf Hamisu. ‘’The lPP project is certainly a reality as it has reached over 90 per cent completion stage.
“The line had since been run into the transmission where the power will be up taken into the national grid.

Zamfara

Dealers of sachet water in Gusau have complained of
low patronage, caused by the current rainy season, our correspondent reports.
A cross section of the dealers expressed the concern in a market survey conducted by our correspondent in Gusau.
Dealer of Rahama sachet water, Alhaji Aminu Bello,said that there was low patronage during rainy season, compared to dry season when the business was flourishing.
Bello said that during dry season, he supplied between 4,000 and 3,700 bags of water daily while he hardly sold up to 1,000 bags during the rainy season.

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

1 day ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.
The Tide’s source reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.
Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.
Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1billion ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivity. The community could only gather N1million which was rejected by the bandits.
Last week, the armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.
A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.
The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.
In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.
On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.
All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

2 days 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.