Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

May 3, 2017

Bauchi
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has deployed a new state Coordinator to its office in Bauchi State.
Alhaji Ali Lawan Yaya who was posted from the National Office of the Directorate assumed duty as the new state Coordinator.
He replaces Alhaji Abubakar Jamo, who was deployed to Jigawa State and has also assumed duty at his new station.
The new NDE state coordinator solicited the support and cooperation of management and the entire staff of the office towards achieving the desired goals.
He however warned against attitudes that are detrimental to the success of the directorate in the state, stressing that all hands must be on deck to overcome challenges.
The out-going coordinator, Alhaji Abubakar Jamo also urged the management and staff of the Bauchi directorate to give his successor all the support it deserves in the discharge of his duties.

Borno
The Borno Government says it plans to empower 150 women in Chibok Local Government Area with livelihood support as part of its post-insurgency Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement programme.
The State Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Prof. Babagana Umara, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Umara said that the women would be trained in poultry and fish farming to enable them to acquire means of livelihood.
He said the beneficiaries would be supported with tools to set up their own businesses after the training.

FCT
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Mr Musa Kimo has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against its planned protest in Abuja.
Kimo gave the warning in a statement issued by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Usen Omorodion in Abuja last Sunday.
He said as a professional organisation, the command would not fold its arms and watch criminal elements hide under the guise of such protest to cause breakdown of law and order.
Kimo advised residents to go about their lawful duties without fear and molestation.
In a related development, the FCT spokesman the command arrested a member of an armed robbery syndicate at Robochi, Abuja on April 26.

Kaduna
The House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Nigeria Air Force Recruitment, last Monday cleared the organisation of allegations of sentiments in its recruitment.
The committee which was on oversight visit to the Nigeria Air Force [NAF] base in Kaduna, said its investigations revealed that the recruitment exercise followed strict procedures.
The chairman of the committee, Mr Golu Simon, said claims of sentiments in the recruitment exercise were misplaced.
“We are satisfied with what we have seen at the recruitment exercise, because we have seen the rigours the officers of the NAF go through to bring out the best brains that will serve the country.
“Sometimes when applicants are disqualified, they feel it is for one reason or the other, people begin to ascribe sentiments to it.”

Kano
The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested 139 beggars for allegedly violating the law banning street begging along major streets of the state capital, an official said yesterday.
Malam Musa Sangaya of the board’s Anti-begging Unit, told newsmen in Kano that 32 out of the 139 beggars were children, while 107 were adult.
“Our men arrested 139 street beggars around Bata, Bompai, Nasarawa hospital and Yankaba areas for violating the law banning street begging in Kano metropolis.
“Out of the 139 beggars, 107 were adult male and female, while 32 were children who engaged in begging,” Sangaya said.
He explained that 84 of those arrested hailed from Kano city, while 52 were from Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna and Gombe States, and three from Niger Republic.

Katsina
The Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State on Banking and Finance, Alhaji Faruk Jobe, yesterday challenged politicians to set up viable empowerment schemes for the youths instead of luring them into crime.
Jobe, who threw the challenge while recieving some defectors to the All Progressives Congress [APC] in Kankara, said the youths must also shun politicians who lure them into violence.
He added that the youth must also take their destiny in their hands by identifying and focussing on their goals in life early enough, so as not to be exploited by desparate politicians.
The Special Adviser said only good and responsible politicians strive to bring development to the people.

Ondo
Nigerian soldiers in Ondo State have killed Ossy Ibori, a wanted leader of a militant group involved in kidnapping in Ikorodu and Epe areas of Lagos State.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, told newsmen last Monday in Lagos that the suspect was killed by soldiers at Ajakpa area of Ondo State.
Owoseni said that he was killed at about 3.00a.m.last Monday in the course of arresting all members of his gang and other criminals who had made life miserable for innocent citizens.
He said that the gang members retreated to their base in Ajakpa because they could no longer lay claim to the creeks in Isawo area of Ikorodu.

Osun
The Osun Police Command has said that a suspected explosive device in a car stereo, chopped-off four fingers of an Osogbo resident, who attempted to dismantle the stereo from a damaged car.
A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Folashade Odoro, said the incident happened last Sunday, at about 3.30 p.m, at Ajegunle Area in Osogbo.
The statement was made available to newsmen yesterday in Osogbo.
“Information was received at the Police division, Dugbe, Osogbo that one Nasiru Ibrahim got four fingers on his right arm chopped-off while dismantling a damaged car stereo in front of his house.

Taraba
The Proprietor of Winners Group of Schools in Taraba State, Mr Danlami Shamaki, yesterday, advised parents against registering their Senior Secondary School (SSS) 1 and 2 children in higher institutions.
Shamaki gave this advice in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo.
According to him, such students may not be mature enough to withstand the rigours of learning in higher institutions.
He noted that the trend could work against the interest of such students because they were expected to acquire certain knowledge and skills in every class of learning.
“Parents must understand that they are not helping their children by allowing them to enter the university from SS 1 and 2.

Yobe
Yobe State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, Alhaji Umar Kukuri, yesterday said that the state government’s commitment to regular payment of salaries saved the state from worse economic situation.
Kukuri, who is also the state Chairman of the National Conscience Party, made the remarks in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He said: “The protracted security challenge left the state with salary as the only vibrant source of income because farmers abandoned their farms for several years.
“Imagine a situation where government failed to pay salaries; it would have worsened the ailing economy and the condition of the people.
“Therefore, Yobe Government needs to be commended and encouraged to sustain the commitment to regular payment of salaries and retirement benefits.’’

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia

Nation

City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

Published

4 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.

Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.

Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.

He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.