Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

January 20, 2017

Adamawa

The committee set up by the Adamawa State Government for the payment of outstanding salary liabilities from Paris Club refund to the state has commenced sitting in Yola.
The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abba-Jimeta, said at the inaugural meeting last Tuesday in Yola that the state government had received N4.8 billion out of the N12.8 billion being expected.
Abba-Jimeta said that the government had approved the utilisation of the entire N4.8 billion for the settlement of salary arrears of teachers, local government staff, primary health care staff and political office holders in local government areas.

Borno

Borno State Government has ordered all hospitals and health agencies standby to provide emergency medical response to victims of Rann attack by Nigeria’s Air Force jet.
The army’s fighter jet had misfired during an operation in Kala Balge, killing civilians and humanitarian aid workers.
However, the governor’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, in an email to journalists in Maiduguri, said that Governor Shettima received the news with very deep concern.
Isah said “Following the unfortunate situation at Rann in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State, Governor Kashim Shettima has since ordered the state Ministry of Health to set up an emergency with all medical hospitals under the state government located in Maiduguri. This includes the State Specialist Hospital.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government says it will strengthen the operations of major markets across the state as part of its efforts to improve its revenue generation profile.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Culture, Dr Shehu Adamu, made the disclosure to newsmen after he met with the market leaders in Kaduna.
According to him, markets have huge potential for revenue generation and the state intends to optimally exploit such to provide dividend of democracy to the people.
Adamu said that plans had been concluded to provide the entire infrastructure needed in all the markets across the state to ensure their viability.

Katsina

A former Chairman of Malumfashi Local Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Muktar Ammani, has appealed to politicians to empower youths in their academic pursuits to eschew vices.
Ammani, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, said in Katsina last Tuesday that political elites should guard against misguiding youth in the country.
He advised the youth against being easily swayed by politicians into indulging in social vices for meager empowerment, and enjoined youth to remain steadfast, focused on their goals, shun all forms of distractions and crimes as well as manage their time effectively.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government has approved the release of N5 billion for the payment of pension and gratuity to pensioners.
The Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Augie, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi while briefing newsmen.
“Further to recent expanded meeting between Governor Atiku Bagudu and stakeholders on payment of pension and gratuity, the governor has approved N5 billion for the settlement of outstanding pension and gratuity of pensioners in the state,” Augie said.
Kogi

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Aisha Alhassan, has urged Kogi State women to embrace the Federal Government’s social protection and empowerment programmes.
The minister gave the advice at a one-day advocacy and sensitisation meeting with Kogi women on Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in Lokoja. She said that the meeting was aimed at sensitising the women to government’s efforts to cushion the impact of the harsh economic realities confronting the nation.
“The scheme is for petty traders, market men and women, food vendors, farmers, informal service providers, artisans and other small-scale entrepreneurs.

Kwara

The Kwara State Government has commenced the distribution of certificates to beneficiaries of the Women Empowerment Programme, the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development, has said.
The Commissioner, Hajia Asiat Saka, in a statement she issued in Ilorin, advised them to come to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for the collection.
She stressed that the certificates would be required at the Kwara Commercial Micro Finance Bank, Ilorin, to enable them access their funds.
Saka directed all beneficiaries of the empowerment programme to visit the headquarters of the ministry, adding that collection of the certificates would hold between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

Nasarawa

Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim
Balarabe, has promised a speedy passage of the 2017 appropriation bill to cushion the effects of the economic recession on the people.
Balarabe, while deliberating on the 2017 budget, during the House’s proceeding in Lafia, assured Nasarawa State residents that the lawmakers were aware of the current hardship and were determined to shore up their fortunes.
The Speaker expressed optimism that the 2017 budget would reduce the sufferings of the people, and challenged his colleagues to redouble their efforts toward enacting laws that had direct impact on the lives of the people.
He restated the readiness of the assembly to partner with the executive arm so as to initiate more people-oriented projects.

Niger

Police in Niger State have appealed for information that would lead to arrest of killers of a policeman, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operative and a civilian.
The command’s spokesman, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Mr Bala Elekana, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that although sufficient security personnel had been deployed to hunt for the killers of the persons, the police still required the help of the public.
“We have put in place measures that will pave way for the arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the senseless killings, but the residents should complement the effort of the command.
Osun

The Controller of Nigerian Prisons Services (NPS), Osun
State command, Mr Segun Oluwasemire, lastTuesday advised newly- promoted officers and men of the service in the state to make discipline and excellence their watchwords.
The controller gave the advice during the decoration of 71 promoted officers and men in the state.
He commended the leadership of the Comptroller-General of Prisons, Mr Ja’afaru Ahmed, for rewarding excellence, dedication and service.

Oyo

Oyo State Government has approved routine maintenance of 14 roads across the state, the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, has said.
Arulogun, in a statement issued in Ibadan, said the approval was given at the State Executive Council meeting.
He explained that the state government would not relent in its infrastructural development drive and ensure good roads across the state.
The commissioner urged the citizens to avoid activities that could lead to destruction of roads in the state.
Arulogun also listed some of the roads to be affected by the routine maintenance to include: Beere-Oranyan-Orita Aperin road; Ogbomoso High School – Baptist High School Road, Oroki – Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Oyo (Phase I), among others.

Plateau

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has said that the state government would re-engage retired permanent secretaries in order to benefit from their wealth of experience.
Lalong stated this in Jos, when a Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Plateau, led by its Chairman, Mr John Gobak, visited him.
The governor said that the retired permanent secretaries had spent their lives working for the state and garnered a lot of experience that should not be allowed to waste.
He added that some of them would be engaged in agriculture, an area that the federal and Plateau governments were very passionate about.

Sokoto

Mosques and churches should be places of compassion as well as houses of God which should be well protected.
A Director in the Islamic Education Trust, Minna, Niger State, Alhaji Nuruddeen Lemu, made the remark at the end of a two-day North-West Joint Interfaith meeting in Sokoto.
Lemu, a member of the Advisory Committee on the Protection of Holy Sites Project in Nigeria, told newsmen that “when we respect these places, then we are compelled to protect them as Muslims and Christians.”
He explained that the meeting was convened to foster more understanding between Muslim and Christian faithful in the country.

Yobe

The Yobe State Government has distributed self-employment facilities and cash totaling N142 million to 400 youth as part of efforts to check unemployment in the state.
The state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, distributed the materials, which included sewing and knitting machines, electrical tools, and car wash and aquaculture facilities, among others.
In his remarks, the governor said agriculture and entrepreneurial development were veritable means of fighting poverty and unemployment. He said over 500 hectares of land had been developed at Boloram, Jakusko, Muguram and Nguru lakes to engage over 1,000 youth in irrigation farming.
The governor said that apart from the job creation facilities, the beneficiaries were given N20, 000 each, courtesy of the state government and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office.
Gaidam said the UNDP also donated Maize, Millet, agro- chemical and sprayers to support the agriculture programme.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Government has established 130 adult education centres across the state as part of its effort to improve mass literacy among grassroots people in the state.
The Special Adviser to the state governor, on Mass Education, Alhaji Kabir Jangeru disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau .
Jangeru said that the state government planned to establish standard and comprehensive adult education centres across all the political wards of the state under its policy.
He said that the aim was to reduce illiteracy among people of the state, especially in rural communities.
According to him, the state mass education board in collaboration with the UNICEF have also established 136 Integrated Qur’anic Schools (IQS) across the state aimed at teaching those children in Qur’anic schools western education.

Nation

Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

Published

10 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

Nation

NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

Published

10 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

Nation

Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

Published

11 hours ago

February 9, 2026

The Tide

The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.