Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

May 10, 2010

Adamawa

The Adamawa Government plans to freight agricultural produce from Yola International Airport to other parts of the world, Gov. Murtala Nyako said on Wednesday.

Nyako disclosed this in Yola while declaring open a one week Agricultural Show tagged “Coping with Challenges in Agriculture to Ensure Food Security in Adamawa State”.

He said the plan, if well implemented, would enable the state to harness its agricultural potential and promote export to Europe and America.

Nyako also disclosed the government’s plans to construct warehouses at strategic locations in the state for the storage and marketing of farm produce.

Benue

The Benue Government said it awarded a contract of N4. 98 billion for the construction of the Greater Makurdi Water Works within the last three years,

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr John Ngbede, made this known in Makurdi on Wednesday,during a ministerial briefing to mark three years of Gov. Gabriel Suswam’s administration.

He said out of the amount, N3.99 billion had been paid to Gilmor Engineering (Nig.) Ltd., the construction firm handling the project.

FCT

Special prayers were offered on Friday at the Abuja National Mosque for the repose of the soul of the late President, Umaru Yar’Adua as well as for peace and stability of the country.

Our correspondent reports that thousands of Muslim faithful thronged the mosque to offer prayers for the late President.

Ustaz Musa Muhamad in his sermon, stressed the need to obey Allah’s command and be of good behaviour.

He reminded the congregation that “everybody is going to give account on his or her deeds on the day of Judgment, no matter how highly placed.

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Directorate of Vehicles Inspection (VIO), has impounded 1,122 vehicles for various traffic offences in the last four months. Mr Nehemiah Abet, the state’s VIO Director, told newsmen on Friday in Kaduna that the offences included over loading, use of extra lights and over speeding. Abet disclosed that vehicles that were not roadworthy and motorists who drove vehicles dangerously were also arrested, with some facing prosecution. He said the vehicles included articulated or heavy duty trucks, commercial cars and buses as well as private luxury vehicles.

Kano

Kano State Government spent more than N20 billion on agricultural development between 2003 and 2009, Alhaji Musa Shanono, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said on Wednesday.

Shanono disclosed in Kano while declaring open the 4th bi-monthly meeting on the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

He said the investment was demonstration of the government’s commitment to the improvement of food security, poverty reduction and farmers’ livelihoods.

Katsina

A former military governor of Kaduna State, retired AVM Muktar Mohammed, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to give priority to security during his tenure.

He gave the advice on Friday in Katsina in an interview with newsmen shortly after condoling with the family of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Mohammed said the advice became necessary in view of the current security situation in the country.

He urged the president to put the issue of security as number one item on his agenda in order to save the country from unforseen circumstances.

Mohammed stressed that the issue of security was crucial to the socio-economic and political development of any country.

Kogi

The Ohiopisa Eiyire of Obehira Community in Kogi, Alhaji Idrisu Okeji, has appealed to his subjects not to revenge the recent attack on the community by Okengwe and Idoma communities.

Seven youhs of Obehira Community lost their lives in the attack in which more than 200 houses were burnt.

Okeji, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ageva, near Okene on Wednesday, noted that there was need for peace to prevail among the neighbouring communities.

He said that although the invasion inflicted “great and incalculable damage to life and property,’’ he had commenced meeting with various interest groups on the need to leave vengeance to God.

The traditional ruler commended the police for establishing its presence in Ageva, stressing that the action would go a long way in curtailing crisis.

Kwara

The Kwara Government has approved the selection of a businessman, Alhaji Muftau Gbadamosi, as the new Olofa of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of the state.

Alhaji Ahmed Makama, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Ilorin.

The statement said the approval, which takes effect from May 6, followed the demise of the former occupant of the stool, Oba Olawore Olanipekun on February 11.

Lagos

Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has declared Force Majeure on Bonny Light lifting for May and June with effect from May 7.

A statement issued by the company’s spokesman, Mr Precious Okolobo in Lagos on Saturday, said that the declaration was as a result of production deferment from the leaks and fire incidents which occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) on May 5.

The statement said that several incidents were detected on the sections of the pipeline at Bodo West and Bera Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers.

It added that preliminary investigations indicated that they were caused by crude theft activities, which made the company to shut down on May 5 to enable it carryout repair works.

Niger

Dr Isa Vatsa, Niger Commissioner for Water Resources, says the government has spent N284 million on water pumps to ease the water shortage in Minna and its environs.

Vatsa said this in Minna on Friday while speaking to newsmen.

‘’About N284 million was spent by the state government to buy 16 low lift water pumps for Chanchaga water works to ease the problem of water shortage in Minna and its environs,’’ he said.

He said that the pumps would be manufactured accordingto the specification of the state government.

The commissioner said that the pumps would supplement the four water pumps bought by the government earlier in 2010.

Vatsa said that more than N190 million would be spent in desilting Chanchaga dam reservoir in order to increase the volume of water supply to the public.

Osun

Osun lawmakers on Friday condoled with members of the family of the late president Umaru Yar’Adua and the Nigerian people over his death.

A cross section of the lawmakers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo, said that it was unfortunate that death did not allow Yar’Adua to fulfill his desires for the country.

The speaker, Mr Adejare Bello, said “ judging by the late president’s humility, honesty, transparency and contentment, Nigeria has indeed lost a dedicated leader.“

Oyo

With her motherly advice, the President of an Ibadan Grade C Customary Court, Mrs Ibijoke Adeleke-Gomes, on Friday saved a 23-year-old marriage from crumbling.

Ramoni Bamidele, a pensioner, who filed for the divorce, had told the court that his wife, Funke, a trader, was very stubborn and that her attitude had changed negatively in the past two years.

Sokoto

The Shagari Local Government Council in Sokoto State has spent over

N72.4 million on the construction of 10 houses for traditional rulers in the area.

The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Abdullahi Danjeka, disclosed this on Friday in Shagari, near Sokoto, when he received a team of journalists on a monitoring visit of projects in the area.

Nation

Philanthropist Task Philanthropist On less than in the society …Bags Distinguished Leadership Award

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

A philanthropist, Her Royal Majesty Ambassador Patricia Alakwe has called on public spirited individuals to support the less privileges in the society.

She said this shortly after being conferred with Distinguished Leadership Award by organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award recently at Oyigbo in Rivers state.

Ambassador Patricia Alakwe who is the Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the development of infrastructure in the area.

She pledged to continuos use of her resources to improve the lives of the less privileges in the society, adding that time has come for those blessed by God to reach out to the less privileges in the society.

The Ezenwanyi 1 of Igboland also stressed the need for the government to come to the aide of Oyigbo people through the development of infrastructural facilities.

Alakwe commended the organizers of The Oyigbo Merit Award for the honour done to her , assuring that she will not relent in doing her best for the good of the entire Oyigbo local government area.

It would recalled that Her Royal Majesty, Eze ambassador Patricia Alakwe, Ezenwayi 1 of igbo was a propagator of igbo culture and heritage.

A successful business woman and a philanthropist, Alakwe has touched the lives of thousands of less privilege persons across the state.

According to the organizers of the event,”Her Royal Majesty is a successful business woman and a philanthropist per excellence who has touched lives of many, especially the widows and less privileged.

They said even though She is based in Europe,her commitment to the development of igbo cultural heritage , and Manpower was second to none.

Earlier while presenting the award,founder Oyigbo Merit Award Mr Samuel Chikwe said the gesture was based on her dedication to the cause of the less privileges in the society.

Chikwe said the award was to encourage her to do more for the society.

The event was attended by people from all walks of life.

Nation

RIVCHPP Enrols Over 140,000 Residents as Rivers Marks Universal Health Coverage Day

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has announced that over 140,000 persons living and doing business in Rivers State have so far enrolled in its health insurance scheme.

The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala, during the 2025 Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day celebration, themed “Unaffordable Health Costs – We’re Sick of It!”. The event held at the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Hall along the East–West Road, Port Harcourt.

Dr Agala eulogised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for providing an enabling environment that promotes access to affordable healthcare for residents of the state. She also expressed gratitude to the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, commending her leadership acumen, which she said has contributed significantly to the transformation of the state’s health sector.

Reiterating the vision of RIVCHPP, Dr Agala stated that the programme remains committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for every resident of Rivers State. She disclosed that over 120 healthcare providers have been engaged across the 23 local government areas of the state to drive the initiative, noting that the state government’s goal of leaving no one behind in healthcare delivery remains a critical task that must be accomplished.

According to her, RIVCHPP has recorded several milestones under her leadership, including the conferment of Universal Health Coverage Ambassador on the Wife of the Governor, Lady Valerie Fubara, and the designation of the Deputy Governor as Universal Health Coverage Advocate for Rivers State. Other achievements, she said, include the presentation of awards to deserving personalities and institutions, as well as sustained awareness campaigns on the benefits of the RIVCHPP to institutions, establishments and key stakeholders across the state.

Dr Agala called for stronger collaboration and support from individuals and organisations living and doing business in Rivers State, stressing that the annual token of ?15,000 is minimal compared to the benefits of having unhindered access to quality healthcare.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, said the Rivers State Government is determined to ensure that every child has unhindered access to healthcare services. Represented by Dr Bright Ogbonnah, she applauded the efforts of the RIVCHPP Executive Secretary in implementing the health vision of Governor Fubara.

She noted that the governor’s health sector agenda is focused on improving the quality of life of the people of Rivers State through accessible and affordable healthcare services.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Professor Dike Princewill, assured that stakeholders are ready to give the necessary support to RIVCHPP to ensure a sustainable and effective healthcare system in the state.

Highlights of the event included a street walk across parts of Port Harcourt, panel discussions, presentations by resource persons on the theme of the celebration, and free health-related outreach activities.

Nation

AELN Holds Annual Dinner, Awards,Investiture Ceremony In Style

Published

1 week ago

December 22, 2025

The Tide

The Association of Environmental Lawyers of Nigeria(AELN) has successfully held its 2025 annual dinner, awards and investiture ceremony, with a call on participants and Nigerians to work towards protecting the environment at all times.

The colourful ceremony, which took place at Lisborne La-Palm Royal Resort in Port Harcourt, attracted the crème de la crème of the society, with the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Chief Chinyere Igwe, leading the pack, as the chairman of the occasion.

Among those inducted and honoured with Fellow Green Advocate of Nigeria(FGAN) Awards included gospel music maestro, and the Prince of the Niger Delta, Mr Asu Ekiye; Chief Chinyere Igwe; a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Blessing Eddie Amadi; Hon Justice Mark Chuku; Justice C. K.Dappa-Addo; Engr(Dr) Kenechukwu Kingsley Nwangwu; Dr Andrew A.Igwe; and Dr Afiwere Bright Osamudiamen, among others.

While Barrister Kibuebu Joseph Francis; Mr Chima Williams; Barrister Peterson Osiobe; Dr(Mrs) Glory Peterside; Barrister Henry N. Amadi; His Worship Epelle Emmanuel Sonny(Esq); His Worship Chinagorom Mgbamoka(Esq); and Barrister Atoma Ngozika Aina, were honoured with Chartered Green Advocate of Nigeria(CGAN) Awards, Mr Ebini Abraham Tamuno; Barrister Iniobong Udo Uko; Fatima Zahara’U Shehu; Mercy Sandra Hirse Damian; Enukpere Abraham Amodu; Mr Innocent Offili; Mr Abiye Anthony Abo; and Mr Enakireru Eric Omo; among others were inducted as Members Green Advocate of Nigeria(MGAN).

Those inducted as Associate Green Advocate of Nigeria(AGAN) awardees included Mr Promise Billion Aguma; Esosa Gift Wilfred; Iwobo Ifeoma; Amarachi Ruth Nwabueze; Amadi Ugochukwu Chike; and Mr Noble Uzochukwu Anozie; among others.

The event equally featured a debate competition between members of the Environment Club in the University of Port Harcourt and the Rivers State University, and also the launching of the association’s Environmental Project Trust Fund, with the awardees promising to handsomely support the project.

Guest Speaker at the occasion and Director of ICT, Rivers State University, Prof Sunny Orike, did justice to the dinner lecture, titled, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection”, with the participants coming to the inevitable conclusion that Artificial Intelligence would never take over the work of human beings, despite the overwhelming positive strides it is making in the rapidly evolving world.

The lecturer, however, explored the environmental costs and negative impacts of AI, highlighting its high energy consumption with the attendant emission of high volume of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Prof Orike noted that the use of AI in the United States of America, for instance, is different from its use in Nigeria and other developing countries.

The National President of the association, Prof Samuel C. Dike, said in his welcome address that the ceremony was not just a celebration but a testament to commitment, excellence, and a shared vision for a greener, safer, and more sustainable Nigeria.

He further explained that the gathering was designed to appreciate and celebrate exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to environmental advocacy, development, and progressive environmental governance, saying, their contributions continue to shape national conversations, influence responsible policies and inspire a new generation of environmental defenders.

He revealed that the inductees were thoroughly trained as “they submitted themselves to our rigorous training as Associate,Member, Chartered and Fellow Green Advocates of Nigeria.”

He said the association is today proud and confident to invest them with various categories of honours and titles, because they have been tried, tested, and proven worthy, having scaled through “our intensive sessions and scintillating lectures delivered by highly respected environmental experts, stressing that the inductees have been empowered to add AGAN, MGAN, CGAN and FGAN titles as suffix to their names.

He said the inductees were joining a distinguished community committed to advancing environmental law, policy and advocacy, and, therefore, urged Nigerians to renew their collective resolve to protect the environment, deepen their advocacy, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the association, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama(SAN), said the topic of the dinner lecture, “Sustainable Horizons: The Role of Artificial Intelligence In Environmental Protection,” captures the spirit of the rapidly evolving world, one where technological advancement and environmental stewardship must work hand in hand.

According to him, Artificial Intelligence presents unprecedented opportunities to strengthen regulation, enhance compliance, improve monitoring, and empower decision-making across all sectors that impact the environment.

Chief Gadzama noted that as an association at the forefront of environmental governance, AELN’s commitment to exploring this intersection could not be more timely or more essential, and commended the AELN’s leadership for sustaining the annual tradition of reflection, recognition and professional enrichment.

“Let us continue to champion a Nigeria where environmental protection is not merely a legal obligation but a shared national priority powered by knowledge, technology, and visionary leadership,” he pleaded.