Nation

THE STATES

Published

8 years ago

July 31, 2017

Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, has condemned last Wednesday’s attack on geologists and exploration workers from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) and the University of Maiduguri by suspected Boko Haram fighters around Jibi village in the state.
Shettima made the condemnation in a statement issued last Thursday in Maiduguri by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau.
He said that since he first got information concerning the attack on his way to visit President Muhammadu Buhari in London, he hasn’t been his normal self and is yet to recover from the shock of the attack.
“I haven’t been my normal self since I received information of that attack. What happened in the first instance was a tragic setback in the fight against Boko Haram and in Nigeria’s effort to expand its economic fortunes”, he said.

FCT
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has threatened to begin a strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), over a dispute with Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON).
Addressing newsmen in Abuja last Thursday after a National Executive Council meeting, NUPENG President, Mr Igwe Achese, said the strike was inevitable because of three billion naira terminal benefits allegedly owed some sacked oil sector workers.
Achese said that those affected were former staff of Seawolf Drilling, an oil servicing firm, in Rivers State.
He said the management of AMCON was being lackadaisical in meeting its obligation of settling the workers.

Jigawa
The Fistula Foundation, Nigeria, last Tuesday said no fewer than 1.2 million women and girls were suffering from Obstetric Fistula, (VVF) in the country.
The Founder and Executive Director of the foundation, Malam Musa Isa, said this in Dutse during the graduation of 108 rehabilitated obstetric fistula patients in the state.
Isa said that the foundation had from 2014 to date, rehabilitated a total of 408 VVF patients in the state.
He explained that obstetric fistula is a devastating condition brought about by child birth injury caused when a woman suffers a prolonged or difficult labour, without obtaining the right medical attention.
The executive director added that the baby usually dies and the woman is left not only without her child but also with a hole or fistula in her birth canal, resulting in chronic incontinence.

Kaduna
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, last Thursday said, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had within the past two years built about 2,000 housing units across its bases in the country.
The CAS spoke through Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command, AVM Christopher Okoye at the 46th convocation lecture of Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna.
Our correspondent reports that the lecture, with the theme “Contemporary Issues in Aircraft Maintenance in the 21st Century’’, was delivered by Mr Olatunji Agoro, Director, Quality and Safety, Dornier Aviation.
Abubakar said that NAF had been well funded within the past two years and expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the unrelenting efforts at making NAF better.

Kano
The Kano State University of Science and Technology(KUST), Wudil, has matriculated 4,988 students for the 2016/2017 academic session.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shehu Alhaji disclosed this during the university’s 16th Matriculation ceremony at its campus in Wudil last Thursday.
He said the faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology had the highest registered students of 1,158, while the Faculty of Earth and Environment has the lowest students of 465.
He added that the matriculation was intended to extract a promise from each of the students of strick adherence and observance of the code of conduct of the institution which is contained in their handbooks.

Kogi
Kogi State Government said last Thursday that it had plans to partner with health practitioners in the private sector for the on the job training of its Environmental Health Officers (EHOs).
Director-General of the state Bureau for Public Private Partnership (BPPP), Mr Robert Achanya, disclosed this at a news conference in Lokoja.
He said the partnership would boost the capacity of the EHOs, get registered and certificated to enable them inspect premises according to the law for enhanced service delivery.
He said many of the EHOs in the state could not enforce environmental laws or carry out inspection of premises because they were not registered or licensed.

Kwara
A 37-year-old primary school teacher, Biodun Baba, was last Thursday arraigned before an Ilorin Senior Magistrates Court for allegedly defaming Senate President Bukola Saraki on Facebook.
Baba, a teacher at LGEA School, Olorunlana in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State was alleged to have through his Facebook postings been inciting the public against Saraki.
The criminal charges were filed following a complaint by Alhaji Jimoh Adesina, Chairman, Kwara South chapter of the APC to the Chamber of S. I. Solagberu and Co, Ilorin.
Adesina, accused Baba of printing or engraving matters on his Facebook wall known to be defamatory.

Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, last Thursday appealed to communities not to misuse government projects and assets in their localities, but to take ownership and protect them for the benefit of all.
Ambode, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the remark at a two-day leadership training for Lagos State Community Development Committees and Associations (CDCs).
The theme of the training was: “Inclusive Governance, a Catalyst for Sustainable Development’’.
He said that hostile attitude to government assets was a reflection of subject culture that prevailed under military rule when unelected and unaccountable government were the order of the day.

Ondo
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, last Thursday, lauded the achievements recorded by the Nigerian Navy, promising to support their operations in the state in any area they desired.
Akeredolu, spoke in Akure during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Sylvanus Agada.
He said that the state, with its wide and deep coastline, would be of great benefit to the navy operationally.
The Governor said the area would provide a better atmosphere for training to the navy than many other parts of the country.

Oyo
Oyo State workers are to receive outstanding salaries for April and May from the recently released Paris Club refunds and the June monthly allocation.
It was gathered that the Oyo State Government received N7.9billion from the Paris Club refunds released by the Federal Government.
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, disclosed this in Ibadan last Thursday, following the approval of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Arulogun said that about 72 per cent of the N7.9 billion Paris Club fund was committed to salaries and salary-related payments.
“President Muhammadu Buhari directed that at least 50 per cent of the Paris Club refunds should be committed to the payment of salaries of workers in States.
“Governor Ajimobi, who has always displayed his humanitarian and welfarist disposition and commitment to workers’ welfare, has committed above the stipulated 50 per cent to salaries and other allowances.

Plateau
Chairman of the Pankshin Local Government In-terim Management Committee (IMC), Mr Stephen Jings, sacked on June 29, was last Thursday sworn-in as councillor representing Jing Ward in the reconstituted IMC.
The Plateau State Government had dissolved the IMC after serving for two years and reconstituted a new IMC in what Governor Simon Lalong said was part of efforts to breed new ideas into governance.
However, report reveals that, unlike in the past when councillors received salaries, those in the reconstituted IMC would receive only sitting allowances.
Sources indicated that Jings, who was sworn-in alongside 18 others by his successor, Mrs. Naomi Golmen, had tried to return as IMC Chairman, but was not successful as stakeholders were divided over his nomination.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government says it has spent N1.3 billion on its students undergoing various medical courses in the Islamic Republic of Sudan in the last two years.
The state Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, made the disclosure in Sokoto last Tuesday while briefing newsmen.
According to him, about 100 indigenes of the state are currently studying medical courses in Sudan.
The commissioner explained that, the essence of sponsoring them was to address shortage of manpower in the health sector in the state.
He said that the government approved N900 million for local and other indigenous students studying various science courses outside the country.
The commissioner said that the money was meant for the payment of scholarship and tuition fees of the students.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.