Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

September 14, 2016

FCT

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency
(NOA), Mr Garba Abari, says tapping into the positive features of the youth population would enhance the nation’s development.
Abari said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He noted that the youths under the age of 35 constituted between 16 and 62 per cent of the country’s population, adding that there were varieties of talents which could be tapped for the advancement of the nation.
Statistics quoted to have put the youth between 16 and 62 per cent population and below the age of 35, thus making Nigeria a country of very young people.
“In this younger population is energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, they are curious to know what is happening around the world.
Jigawa

The Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has warned Private Guards Companies (PGCs) operating in the state not to sell or lease their licences.
The State Commandant, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Dutse.
Durumin-Iya said the warning became necessary to check quackery among the PGCs operating in the state.
He said that the licenses were only issued to registered PGCs, adding that the “Licenses are not transferable”.
“In line with the NSCDC mandate of monitoring, regulating, supervising, registering, training and licensing Private Guards Companies (PGCs), licenses are issued to only registered companies”, he said.

Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has inau
gurated the Kaduna State Treasury Single Account (TSA) Operations Manual.
This is contained in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the manual was presented at the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) West Africa workshop on TSA implementation in Lagos.
It said that the manual contained records of the experience of Kaduna State in implementing the Treasury Single Account, which it commenced last year.

Kano
The Kano State Fire Service has concluded arrange
ments to train 80 additional staff on fire fighting to enhance the performance of the service.
The Director of the service, Alhaji Mohammed Rilwan, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
“We will train our staff on modern method of fire fighting,” Rilwan said.
According to him, 47 staff are undergoing training at the Fire Service Training College, located at Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of the state.
“They will be passing out of the training in two weeks time,” he added.
Katsina
Katsina

Two suspected secret cult members have allegedly
stabbed to death an 18-year-old SS II student, Abdullahi Muhammad, in Katsina.
An eye witness told newsmen in Katsina that the deceased was killed by suspected miscreants identified as“Kauraye’’.
The eye witness said the deceased was killed at about 9.30 p.m. in front of his family compound for his refusal to give his cell phone to the assassins.
Family sources said that the two killers came on a motorcycle and asked the deceased to release his phone to them.
The source said that when the deceased refused to comply, the hoodlums stabbed him in the neck with a knife.
According to the source, the victim slumped and the suspects picked the phone and zoomed off immediately to an unknown destination on their motorcycle.
Kebbi

Residents of Gesse Phase 1, a community in Birnin
Kebbi, have appealed to the Kebbi State government to construct additional drains and waterways in the area to prevent flood.
The ward head of the area, Alhaji Auwalu Argungu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Argungu recalled that a recent three-hour downpour destroyed houses, foodstuffs and livestock in the community, although no life was lost.
He also said that past administrations in the state had pledged to construct roads, drainages and waterways in the area but did not actualize those pledges.
The ward head said that a permanent solution was needed to address flooding in the area, adding “the magnitude of the problem was beyond communal effort.’’

Kogi

The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a new
300 joint security outfits dedicated to fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Jerry Omodara said in a statement in Lokoja that the outfit is code named “Operation Total Freedom”.
Omodara who inaugurated the outfit on behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello said that members of the outfit were drawn from the police, the army, the navy and the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Our correspondent reports that the state government recently handed over 114 patrol vehicles to the various security agencies in the state.
According to him, the stage government would provide the outfit with communication equipment to ease communication flow among its members.
He said that the state government had also worked out issues relating to stipends and other welfare for the outfit’s personnel.

Kwara

The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved
the extension of the tenure of elected executives of Offa Local Government Council to November 10.
The approval was sequel to a request by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Dr Ali at plenary.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the chairman and councillors expired last Friday.
The tenure of other 15 council chairmen in the state would, however, expire on November 10.
The motion for tenure extension of the Offa council executives was moved by the House Leader, Hassan Oyeleke, and seconded by Saheed Popoola, who represents Ojomu-Balogun Constituency.
Niger

The Unilever UK has invested N7.5 million in the construc
tion of borehole and a business outlet in
Dabara community of Suleja local government area of Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the managers of the project, Technoserve Sunlight Water Centre (SWC), donated 40 water carts and 50 number 160 litres of water containers to the community for the launch of the project.
Technoserve Market Consultant for the SWC, said that the project was part of the initiatives to engage business solutions in resolving the water challenges of rural people.
Our correspondent reports that Unilever UK works in collaboration with TechnoServe in Nigeria to provide a strictly private-sector approach to solve the water access problem in communities across the country.
Oyo

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State com
mand, says it apprehended 1,818 traffic offenders in the state in August.
The state’s sector commander, Mr Yusuf Salami, told the newsmen in Ibadan that the offenders committed 2,040 offences in August.
He said that 553 offenders were arrested for not using their seat-belts while driving, making it the most prevalent offence committed. “Other offenders include 531 riding motorcycles without wearing crash helmets and 321 driving with expired or worn-out tyres ,’’ he said.

Plateau
Poultry farmers in Plateau State say they record low pa
tronage and experience hike in the price of feeds in recent times.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr John Dasar, spoke to newsmen in Jos.
“This period is, indeed, tough for us; the sale is low, while cost of production is high; government must step in to help us,’’ he said.
He attributed the low patronage to the poor purchasing power of most families occasioned by the worsening economic situation nationwide. He explained that low patronage had also led to an excess in supply of poultry products, particularly eggs, compared to the demand.
Sokoto
The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA),
says flood and windstorm displaced no fewer than 7, 290 people and destroyed many farms in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, between April and September, 2016.
The agency’s Head of Sokoto Zonal Operations Office, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, told newsmen in Sokoto that the twin disasters affected 17 local government areas in the three states.
According to him, a total of 3,309 houses were also destroyed in the three states. Muhammad said Sokoto recorded the highest cases, with 14 local government areas affected.
He listed the areas as: Tangaza, Dange-Shuni, Gudu, Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Bodinga, Wamakko, Wurno, Gwadabawa, Binji,Kebbe, Kware, Rabah and Sabon-Birni.

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

2 days 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.