Nation

THE STATES

Published

8 years ago

April 14, 2017

Borno
Residents of Maiduguri on Saturday celebrated the first rainfall of the year recorded in the town, expressing relief that the excruciating hot weather would subside.
Report has it that, some areas like Bulumkutu and Baga road recorded heavy downpour, while Custom and Tashan Bama axis in the state capital recorded drizzles with heavy storm.
The rain, which started around 4:30 p.m and lasted for about 45 minutes, followed days of hot weather that hit over 45 degree Celsius.
Malam Nafiu Dansabo, a resident, said the rainfall took everybody by surprise.
“I was never anticipating seeing rainfall at this moment. I guess it was because of the unbearable heat.
“The weather was very hot; even the water in the tap is very hot. I have been sleeping outside for the past one week because of heat,” he said.

FCT
The Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) on Wednesday, commended the quick response and synergy among the various government agencies in dealing with the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the country.
Dr Chizoba Wonodi, National Convener, WAVA, said this in an interview with journalists in Abuja last Wednesday.
She said, there are coalition of over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs), working to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all Nigerians.
Wonodi also said, WAVA was gratified at the motion by the Senate that called for free Meningitis C vaccination and support to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) through appropriation of a supplementary budget.
“WAVA members have expressed their delight with the manner in which the FMoH, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners responded to the epidemic by ensuring adequate coordination, awareness creation and social mobilisation.
“We are also happy with case management, infection prevention and control, active surveillance and reactive vaccination in the affected states,” the WAVA National Convener said.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board (JSPWB), said it has screened no fewer than 1,300 intending pilgrims in preparation for the 2017 Hajj exercise.
The Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Ibrahim Hashim, disclosed this on Thursday in an interview with Journalists in Dutse.
Hashim said about 1,000 of the pilgrims have paid their N1 million deposit for the exercise, adding that the money had been remitted to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCO).
He called on other intending pilgrims to pay their deposits in order to enable the board process their visa on time.
The Tide recalls that NAHCON allocated 2,677 seats to the state for 2017 Hajj exercise.
The board has so far distributed 1,699 of the seats to the 27 Local Government Councils of the state.

Kaduna
Drivers in Kaduna yesterday manhandled an officer of Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTELEA) over alleged unprofessional conduct.
The drivers alleged that, the official’s action caused an accident which involved two motorists on Yakowa Road, Kaduna.
The accident, which involved a Volkswagen Golf Station Wagon car and a Toyata Camry Salon car, occurred at 8 a.m. around NNPC Junction and ignited a protest by the drivers which caused a traffic jam more than an hour.
The driver of the Golf car, Mr Isiaku Zubairu told newsmen that, the KASTELEA official had ordered him to park and that in an attempt to obey, the official held onto the car steering.
Zubairu said, while he was reversing to park properly, the official, who thought that he wanted to flee, held the steering and the vehicle swerved onto the road and hit the Camry coming behind.

Kwara
Governor Abudulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, said on Sunday that economic situation in the country was the reason Local Government election was postponed and tenure of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC), extended.
The governor made this known at the monthly meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ilorin.
According to him, local governments in the state were just getting stabilised in meeting basic requirement of their workers.
“To attempt any election at that level of governance now will mean an additional pressure on their meagre resources of the state,” he added.
The governor, therefore, promised to use the expected 25 per cent of the Paris-London loan refund to assist the local government offset part of their outstanding salary arrears.

Lagos
The Vice-Chancellor of the Covenant University, Prof. Aderemi Atayero, on Tuesday said that, the University’s Board had instituted an endowment fund of N1billion to promote its newly-introduced globalisation programme.
Atayero told newsmen in Lagos that globalisation was a concept coined by the institution as part of its vision of becoming one of the top ten universities in the world.
“The Board of Covenant University recently endowed N1 billion to any project from either Faculty or Students of the University that meets the criteria of globalisation.
“The concept of globalisation came about after we have looked at our immediate environment, looked at the present problems in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa in general.
“We then started thinking of how we can provide solutions to these problems, through scientific approach, to proffering solutions to these problems, and by so doing getting global relevance.

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the Special Adviser to Governor Tanko Al-Makura on Gender and Disability Matters, Hajiya Hajara Danyaro, over alleged payment of constituency allowances to the members of the state legislature.
Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, Speaker of the House, gave the directive on Tuesday, for the appearance of the aide before the house.
The summon followed Mr. James Dangana (APC-Doma) motion on an allegation under a Matter of Public Interest during the house proceeding in Lafia.
Balarabe-Abdullahi directed the Clerk of the house to communicate the resolution to Danyaro to appear on April 11 by 8.30 a.m., adding that, her alleged statement was capable of inciting the public against the house.
“By this invitation, we want to give the Special Adviser to Governor Al-Makura on Gender and Disability Matters, fair hearing over her allegation that the house has been receiving constituency allowances and because of that, members have been marrying more wives.

Ondo
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State last Tuesday, said his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, should be appreciated for leaving behind immense achievements to be built upon.
Akeredolu, made the assertion during his courtesy visit to Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo town.
The governor said that, people of the state had good reasons to be proud of Mimiko due to his monumental achievements, including the medical village in Ondo.
“The medical village is one of the best in Nigeria. Government is a continuum and we will continue where he stopped,” he said.
Akeredolu solicited the cooperation of Ondo indigenes toward the success of his administration.
He also promised to look into the issue of land grabbers with a view to resolving the problem.

Plateau
Rep. Simon Arabo (PDP, Kd), has urged security agencies to adopt stringent measurses to flush out bandits hiding in bushes, hills and mountains in different parts of southern Kaduna.
“Victims of attacks on southern Kaduna have always said that the bandits usually run into surrounding bushes, hills and mountains. Security agencies should comb these areas and flush them out,” Arabo told newsmen, on Tuesday in Jos.
He advised the security agencies to work with local vigilante teams, saying that, their knowledge of the terrain would be useful in the search for the attackers.
Arabo, whose village, Kikoba in Kauru Local Government, came under heavy attack on November 13, 2016, advised security agencies to be proactive by taking the fight to the bandits.

Sokoto
A member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State (APC-Sokoto), Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, last Sunday distributed empowerment materials to no fewer than 1,000 women and youths.
The materials were distributed to one hundred groups, each with ten members include, sewing and grinding machines, as well as generators.
Similarly, the lawmaker donated N 30,000 to each of the groups, amounting to N3million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dasuki, who is representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, said that, the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of some of the members of his constituency.
He said, “The gesture is part of efforts to fulfill our promises to the electorate.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Support For Ogoni Youths …Organises Workshop For Undergraduates

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

In pursuit of its strategic human capacity development initiatives, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has restated its commitment to supporting Ogoni youths to maximally benefit from its projects and programmes that align with their visions and aspirations.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication during the second edition of the international career enhancement and employability workshop organised by the Project for undergraduates and fresh graduates of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Port Harcourt, assured the participants of its commitment to continually initiate programmes that support their visions and aspirations.

He noted that the workshop reaffirms the Project’s commitment to inclusiveness and continuous skills development, as strategic pillars in its efforts to restore and improve livelihoods in Ogoniland.

He said the workshop was aimed at equipping the Ogoni youths with relevant career skills and empower them with employability tools, to ensure that HYPREP’s gains extend beyond remediation into long-term transformations, stressing that the Project is committed to supporting their dreams.

”HYPREP is committed to supporting your dreams through targeted initiatives, such as this workshop and we will explore ways to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
I want to emphasise that this workshop is not just about enhancing your career prospects; it is also about building a community of young people and equipping you to make a positive impact in your communities. As you benefit from HYPREP’s interventions (and the experiences of the facilitator), I challenge you to take the message of peace and constructive engagement to your communities and live accordingly,” he said.

Zabbey further assured that HYPREP would continue to stand with Ogoni youths by supporting their aspirations through targeted workshops and broader livelihood initiatives that prioritise their development, noting that the Project believes in them and remains committed to creating platforms where their potential can be nurtured and realised.

The Project Coordinator enjoined them to continue to contribute to the success of HYPREP.

The second edition of the career enhancement and employability workshop had Dr Akanimo Odon and Dr Chioma Okonkwo as facilitators, while the participants were drawn from the four Ogoni local government areas.

Among other modules, participants at the two-day workshop were provided with tips on ways to explore opportunities in seemingly challenging situations, discover themselves, convert hobbies and interests into passion and profits through three career e-routes and understand the power of networks and partnerships.

Participants were also given useful nuggets, career resources of time and skills, and career resources of funding, especially how to access foreign scholarships and funding.

At the closing, HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, urged the participants to earnestly pursue their passions and commit to their dreams.

Meanwhile, the participants expressed gratitude to HYPREP for organising the workshop, which they described as impactful and transformative.

HYPREP has continued to be intentional in its efforts to prioritise human capacity development in Ogoni through such workshops and trainings. This year, the Project will be rolling out trainings in high demand skill areas like mechatronics, underwater welding, commercial diving, full-stack development and GIS, targeting the youths as major beneficiaries and giving them a fair head start and comparative advantage in a highly competitive environment.

Nation

NIPR Practitioners Urge To Go Beyond Traditional Media Relations To Strategic Leadership Functions

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Public Relations practitioners across Nigeria have been charged to go beyond the perceived roles of media relations and protocol services to strategic leadership functions that is crucial to shaping and transforming the nation.

In his message at this year’s (2025) World Public Relations Day, with the Theme: ” Building Bridges, Navigating Polarisation” In Port Harcourt, The National President of the Nigeria Institution of Public Relations Dr. Ike Neliaku expressed delight to address members and guests on this special day, pointing out that the day offers a an opportunity to reflect on the journey over six decades since Public Relations formally birthed in Nigeria.

He maintained that this year’s world Public Relations day gives opportunity to members to reflect on the actions and inactions towards the development of the profession and to boldly develop new frontiers for a greater institution.

The NIPR president explained that the values of Public Relations particularly in areas of fostering relationship, strengthening leadership and advancing good governance remain a key -through effective and goal- oriented communication.

Earlier, The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, (RSU) Prof. Isaac zep-Obipi being represented by the Deputy VC admin Prof. Victor Akujuru throw challenge to NIPR members to rebranding and portray the state in good light, standing that RSU remains a state owned institution that have not witness any strike in the passed fifteen years.

Also in his speech, the state chairman NIPR Rivers Chapter Rev. Francis Asuk described world Public Relations day as a day set aside to pay attention to the works of public relations globally indeed that relationship is important that the world is crying about in rebuilding relationship due to the collapsed of the value systems at family, society and world level of human existence.

” At the highest level of human existence relationship has become imperative for all practitioners to come together and build bridges to navigates those Polarisation” he said.

In a related development,the keynote speaker Rev (Fr.) Prof. Walter C.Ihejirika, said the media has a lot to do especially on its role of enlightenment to the public about the role and function as a key element in the development of a better society.

Prof. Ihejirika who is the Dean faculty of Communication and Media Studies , University of Port Harcourt, stressed that when media practitioners navigate on the area of strategic communications with a goal, then the public will be better informed and know that they have a responsibility for the large society, “because if the large society is not good, the organization cannot function effectively.”

Nation

Alumni, Others Launch Campus Care Initiative In Port Harcourt

Published

1 day ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter in partnership with Rotary Club of Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt Downtown and Nigerian Immigration Service have launched Campus Care Initiative at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Rumuola Port Harcourt.

Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in the inaugural edition of the Campus Care Initiative, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic the Chairman of Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter (MUAARIV) Dr Iheanyichukwu Wopara said that the program is aim to empowered the youth of Nigerians and also to give them the right direction in life.

He said that Campus Care Initiative is a testament to the association commitment to giving back to the society and empowering the next generation of leaders.

According to him the program is designed it demands across all sectors, physical health, mental health, sexual health and even the environment adding that the fucos of the Association is to give back to the society the best way they can.

” We have been carrying out different humanitarian activities and outreach which includes medical outreach and the girl child campaign.

” We gave academic support to three students and also three international passports, free medical outreach, pad to girl child/ condoms for the boy child and there is also introduction to ICTC training that will commence soon in the campus.

” What inform us to empowered the youth we understand that when you get the youth you have getting the society.

“We came together and says let empowered the youth in our little way knowing that government can not do anything.

” Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic was a divine choice for the program because we have a lot of University including the Madonna University to carry out the program” Dr Wopara said.

He thank the Rector of the institution Dr Moses S. Neebee, management and students of the school saying that the were expecting like 200 students but over 600 students were in attendance.

” So for us we have achieved our aim for the program and we are happy.

” First the institution management and of course our sponsor Hon Goodluck Ndala that gave us some good support for the program ” he said.

Meanwhile the Rector of institution Dr Moses S. Neebee expressed joy for the program thanking Madonna University Alumni Association and partners for bringing the program to their institution.

Dr Neebee who was represented by the Duputy Rector Academic Dr Alapuye G. Eleki said that one thing about Alumni Association is to encourage the young ones, coming behind to impact positive value in them.

” So if we have a lot of Alumni like the Madonna University I think it is good because is going to help the society and beyond.

” The program is quite encouraging taking of health, education scholarship and all that involve we are happy for it” Dr Moses said.

Also speaking the Student Union Government President Comd Henry Chijioke expressed happiness for the program saying that the lecture in course of the program as impacted a lot on the students.

“The scholarship and the international passport is a very big boost to the students.

” I appreciate Madonna Alumni and partners for dimming it fit to organize the program in our institution” Comd Chijioke said.

Earlier one of the scholarships beneficiary Taabere James of Science Laboratory Technology ND 11 said he feel very honored for the scholarship adding that he was thinking how to clear some of his fees in the school but with the support of Madonna University Alumni Association and partners he is going to clear his outstanding fees.

Key highlights of the initiative include

Scholarship award, free international Passports, medical outreach, girl child support – sanitary pad were distributed to female students while male students received condoms.

Kiadum Edookor