Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

September 21, 2016

Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said he aban
doned the use of bullet proof cars as an act of sympathy with the suffering masses who had no means of self protection from terrorists.
Shettima stated this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the action was also aimed at showing that the terrorists had no super natural powers.
“We have to dare the terrorists; I have bullet proof cars, but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Shettima said.
He said the bullet proof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.
“We have so many bullet proof cars but we only use them for our guests”, he added.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government says it will immunise over
1.7 million children against polio in the ongoing immunisation campaign in the state.
Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHDCA), Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse.
Ibrahim said that enough personnel had been engaged to conduct the exercise simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The executive secretary commended traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation for the smooth conduct of the exercise, so far.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Electricity Company says it has com
menced customer enumeration using Geographic Information System in four states under its franchise.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communication of the company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the exercise would be conducted across the company’s franchise states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.
It said that the exercise had commenced in Kaduna State, using NYSC members.
The statement explained that the exercise would capture the data of existing customers, prospective ones, identify undeveloped and developed properties, as well as vacant houses.
Kano

Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), has called on ca
dets at the Nigeria Police Academy,Wudil, Kano State, to change the current perception of the society about the Nigeria police.
Sani made the call while addressing Kaduna State cadets currently undergoing training at the Academy.
“As cadets you have the duty to change the perception of the society about the Nigeria police as time has passed when the police was for those who could not make it academically,” he said.
Sani, who, is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, also urged the cadets to avoid corrupt practices and any act capable of denting the image of the Force.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government has procured firefighting
equipment worth N35million to effectively tackle fire outbreak in the state.
The State Director, of Fire Service, Alhaji Bello Zagga, disclosed this to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the equipment would be distributed to the department’s outfits located in the 21 local government areas of the state.
“The equipment include fire extinguishers, safety jackets, fume and other relevant materials”, he said.
Zagga said the department had this year repaired four fire fighting vehicles and trained 30 officers on rapid response to emergency situations.
Kogi

A Kogi-based lawyer, Daniel Makolo, has called on Presi
dent Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a Kogi indigene to replace the Minister of State for Labour, late James Ocholi
Makolo made the call at a press conference in Lokoja in Lokoja.
He said that for almost seven months, Kogi had been denied representation in the Federal Executive Council meetings, adding that there was a dire need for the representation.
According to him, the meeting has the primary purpose of promoting good governance and welfare of all persons in the country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of the people.
Lagos

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to ensure that
there is steady electricity supply at the terminals to facilitate trade, the Executive Director, Finance, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko has said.
Bello-Koko told newsmen in Lagos that power supply to port facilities was important.
He said that several grey areas of concern to stakeholders would be improved upon with constant power supply to facilities.
“We are looking at a 24-hour cargo clearing time frame as template to drive others. “If we can get the energy stabilised, things like cargo examination can take place, even in the evening.
“With power supply, several repair and maintenance services of equipment that tends to delay operations in terminals can be carried out in the night,’’ Bello-Koko said.

Nasarawa

The Federal University, Lafia, has terminated the appoint
ment of 35 of its non-teaching staff over the inability of the institution to pay their salaries.
Vice Chancellor of the university,Prof. Mohammed Sanusi-Liman, told newsmen in Lafia that the council took the decision due to paucity of funds.
Sanusi-Liman explained that the affected staff, who were employed by the institution earlier in the year, comprised 11 corps members who were retained after their service year and 24 others.
Niger

Rice and Cassava Value Chain Development Programme
(VCDP) farmers in Niger State have commended the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development for empowering farmers.
The Chairman Bankoregi Progressive Farmers Association, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, made the commendation during a visit by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe in Katcha, Niger State.

Oyo

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has received the
report of the State Committee on Participatory Management of Schools, saying the recommendations would form the fulcrum of the state’s new education policy.
According to him, countries that were developing were those who used education and technology to drive development, adding that they embraced discipline, rule of law and basic tenets of a modern society.
Our correspondent reports that the 31-man committee inaugurated on July 12 was headed by Prof Adeniyi Gbadegesin, the Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The committee was to review the status and standard of education in the state as well as recommend suitable and plausible options to government and other relevant means of emhancing the overall standard of education in the state.
Sokoto

Senator Aliyu Wamakko has challenged journalists in
the country to strive to foster unity amongst the nation’s heterogeneous society.
“You should work to foster sustainable, peace, unity and even socio-economic prosperity in the country”, Wamakko told newsmen in Sokoto.
Wamakko said that journalists as watchdogs should routinely educate the people on the realities on the ground.
He enjoined them to be objective, factual and adhere to the ethics of the profession, adding that this should be done devoid of any intimidation, blackmail or distortion of facts.
Wamakko, who represents Sokoto Central, further called on the journalists to always work professionally by reporting the facts in order to maintain the respect known in the field.
Taraba

Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has ap
pointed Senator Jeremiah Useni as the Chancellor of Taraba University, Jalingo.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.
According to the statement, the appointment is with immediate effect.
Our correspondent reports that Useni is a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from Plateau State.
He is a retired Army General and also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

17 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

17 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

17 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.