Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

September 9, 2016

Benue
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Chief Audu Ogbe, has distributed improved variety of cassava stems to farmers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
While distributing the stems which were developed by the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP-Nigeria), Ogbeh said they were enriched with Vitamin `A’ to enhance nutrition.
The minister said government’s agricultural programmes were targeted at ensuring availability of food to the people. .Ogbeh said farmers deserved all forms of support from government and Nigerians, adding that it was their efforts that had prevented food crisis in the country.

FCT
The Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC),
Mr Abdullahi Candido, has called on residents of the council to cultivate the habit of protecting government’s projects in their localities.
He made the call in Abuja, while inaugurating some completed projects embarked upon by his administration as part of activities to mark his 100 days in office.
Our correspondent reports that some of the projects inaugurated were a community borehole at Karshi, blocks of classrooms at Azhata and a skills acquisition centre at karu.
The chairman also laid the foundation of a new market in Kurudu, which is to be built under a public-private-partnership arrangement to decongest the existing market.
Kaduna
The Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Ini
tiative (SAESI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has trained 97 youths in Kaduna on various environmental challenges.
The Controller-General of SAESI, Mallam Yahaya Mohammed, made this known in Kaduna recently during the passing out parade of new intakes into SAESI.
Mohammed said that the training had empowered the youths with adequate knowledge on how to tackle environmental problems in their areas.
He said that the training of the youths would complement the effort of the government as well as enhance the operation of the organisation.
Kano

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Kano
State chapter, has expressed concern over late distribution of fertiliser under the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme in the state.
The State’s Secretary of AFAN, Alhaji Garba Bichi, made the observation in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Bichi said though the scheme was a pilot programme, but the commodity should have been distributed much earlier than now.
He, however, commended the mode of distribution, adding that the exercise was going on smoothly in spite of the challenges faced by farmers at the initial stage.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government says it will construct a
dam in Danja Local Government Area in order to boost sugarcane production and irrigation activities in the state.
Governor Aminu Masari told newsmen in Katsina that his administration had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Chinese firm on the project.
“Channels will be constructed, while the existing sugarcane factory will be upgraded to boost sugar production for both domestic and foreign consumption,” he said.
Masari regretted that the Danja Sugarcane Factory, established for over 25 years ago, was neglected by previous administrations.
The governor said its revival had become imperative to hasten the diversification of the state’s economy.
He said the project would also assist to create job opportunities, since the dam would enhance all-year-round cotton and rice farming.
“Research once showed that Katsina had comparative advantage in cotton and rice production as it produced 60 per cent of cotton in the country.
Kwara
A legal practitioner in Ilorin, Kwara State capital Mr
Jude Obi, has blamed parents for indecent dressing that he describes as rampart among ladies across the country.
Obi said this in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin, noting that parents were the major cause of the rampant indecent dressing, especially among ladies.
He added that most parents taught their daughters indecent dressing by pampering them right from childhood.
The lawyer noted that most parents would go to the market to buy dresses that were transparent for their daughters to celebrate.
“This had changed the mentality and mode of dressing for many females on the street; the parents are only misleading them”, he added.

Lagos
The Lagos State Government says owners of build
ings recently demolished in Ikoyi area of the state were duly served with contravention, removal and quit notices before the exercise was carried out.
The State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Steve Ayorinde, said in a statement that the government had noted with dismay the disobedience of building regulations and resolved to remove illegal structures.
“In our effort to maintain a sustainable and organised environment, the government will not renege on its declared stance of zero tolerance for structures and properties without development permit or approved building plans.
“We have documentary evidence of service of all statutory notices; the buildings were also marked with the X red oxide to also call the attention of the owners to physical planning contraventions,” he said.

Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Almakura of Nasarawa State has
inaugurated a 27-member tripartite committee to re-negotiate and resolve the lingering face-off between the government and striking workers over review of workers’ salaries in the state.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Presidential Lodge in Lafia, Al-makura said that the state government set up the committee to resolve the dispute on the salary amicably.
Our correspondent recalls that members of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state embarked on strike on June 28 to protest downward review of their salaries by the state government.
He said that the renegotiation was necessitated by the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to end the impasse between government and labour.Oyo
An Ibadan-based general physician, Dr Tosin
Odusanmi, says untreated worm infestation in children could lead to malnutrition, poor learning abilities and stunted physical development.
Odusanmi, who works with Alafiatayo Hospital, Ibadan, said this in Ibadan while speaking with newsmen recently.
According to him, children were more disposed to worm infestations than adults.
“Worm infestation remains a major problem in children due to poor or unhygienic conditions and practices.
“It remains one of the main problems that hinder children’s physical growth and development because worm infestation produces nutritional deficiency and anaemia in children, “ he said.

Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Plateau
State Command, has convicted 25 motorists in Jos over various road traffic offences.
The Corps Public Education Officer in the state, Mr Andrew Bala, disclosed this to newsmen in Jos.
Bala said that the offenders were apprehended via a mobile court exercise carried out by its officers and men on patrol.
He said the exercise took place on some highways within Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

Sokoto

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has
decried the reduction of the Federal Government’s allocation to the education sector from 11 per cent in 2015 to eight per cent in 2016.
The ASUU Sokoto Zonal Coordinator, Dr Lawal Argungu, made this known at a press conference in Sokoto.
“The way FGN treats the funding of education in this country makes it difficult for ASUU to believe the sincerity of the government in reforming the education sector in Nigeria.
”It is certainly quite possible for us to reposition our educational sector appropriately if we put our priorities right in this country in spite of the apparent economic hardship.

Zamfara

The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has ad
vised communities in Zamfara State to join Community-Based Social Health Insurance Programme (CBSHIP), to access quality healthcare services.
The Coordinator of the scheme in the state, Alhaji Yusuf Uwais, made the call during the flag-off of the programme in Kaura town, Kaura-Namoda local government area of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the NHIS has licenced three organisations to run the programme in the state.
The organisations are Garetawa Mutual Health Intervention in Tsafe local government, Gusau Mutual Health Association for Gusau local government, and YOPA Mutual Health Association in Kaura-Namoda local government.

Nation

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.