Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The Ekiti State judicial workers say they will commence a five- day warning strike today to protest against the government’s failure to improve their welfare.
The workers, who spoke under the aegis of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ekiti State chapter, made this known in a letter dated January 10, 2011 and addressed to Governor Kayode Fayemi.
A copy of the letter, which was made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, was jointly signed by Comrade Ibiyemi Michael and Comrade Owolabi Tayo, the Chairman and Secretary of the union respectively.
The union accused the state government of not implementing the 156 percent increase in the allowances and fringe benefits approved by the Federal Government for judicial workers.
Besides, the union lamented the government’s refusal to pay its members the 20 percent year 2010 Christmas Bonus approved by the governor.
FCT
Four Presidential aspirants on the platform of ANPP on Saturday promised Nigerians to reform the country, if voted into power in the April general elections.
The aspirants, who addressed over 5,000 delegates at the Eagles Square, venue of the ANPP National Convention in Abuja, were Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State, Chief Harry Akande, Alhaji Bashir Tofa and Alhaji Dauda Birmah.
Addressing the convention, Shekarau said the occasion was “a day of great history, a great moment of change for ANPP and for Nigeria as a whole’’.
Shekarau, who broke the jinx of second term as Governor of the state, said the expected change in Nigeria would come with the election of a credible and experienced leader to midwife the much needed change.
Plateau
Bank customers in Jos have complained about the continued closure of banks in the city, in spite of the return of peace to the troubled city.
Banks in Jos have shut their doors to customers since the past five days, following the recurring spate of killings in the city.
Sources in some of the banks told newsmen that the closure was as a result of the precarious security situation in the city.
Mr Gwotbit David, a customer waiting at the Secretariat Branch of First Bank at Hwolshe, appealed to the banks to consider the suffering of the people.
He urged the banks to consider devising ways of attending to customers on skeletal basis.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association(NMA) yesterday suspended its planned strike over the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure(CONMESS) by the State Government.
The Tide’s source reports that the suspension, followed the acceptance of the State Government to implement the policy 100 per cent
The state’s branch Chairman of the association, Dr Solomon Avidime, confirmed the development to newsmen in Kaduna, after an emergency meeting held with representatives of the State Government.
Avidime said that members of the association had wanted to embark on an indefinite industrial action from today, to press their demand, but noted that the government’s action had averted the planned action.
Katsina
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, has advised leaders to win people’s confidence by prioritising their needs.
Kabir gave the advice yesterday in Katsina when the state’s Committee on the Payment of Cumulative Gratuities to Local Government Pensioners, paid him a courtesy call at his palace.
He said the payment of the cumulative gratuities to the beneficiaries had come at the right time when government was paying more attention to issues relating to the welfare of citizens.
He urged the committee to justify the confidence reposed in it by the government.
According to him, the emirate is willing to offer useful advice to leaders who are open to ideas and suggestions.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has donated N1 million to the state’s chapter of the Nigerian Legion to improve the welfare of its members.
Governor Saidu Dakingari, made the donation on Friday in Birnin Kebbi at the launching of an appeal fund as part of activities to mark the annual Armed Forces Remembrance Week.
Dakingari, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, said that further support would be provided to the legion.
He said that members of the legion had played vital roles in attaining peace and unity of the country.
The Chairman of the state’s chapter of the legion, Jibo Dabai, commended the state’s authorities for sustaining its support to members of the legion.
“We will not relent in seeking further support in the implementation of policies and programmes that will help in developing the society,” he said.
Lagos
The Federal Government has been urged to terminate the services of MEAVIS Ltd, a concessionaire charged with the mandate to generate revenue for the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) made the call at a news conference yesterday in Ikeja in Lagos State.
The President of ATSSSAN, Mr Benjamin Okewu, told journalists that FAAN had not been able to maintain airports in the country because of non-remittance of funds from MEAVIS.
Okewu alleged that the FAAN/MEAVIS agreement had not in anyway impacted positively on the nation’s airports.
He claimed that FAAN was generating enough money to maintain its airports in the country before MAEVIS came on board.
Ogun
Senator Ibikunle Amosun on Friday in Abeokuta emerged the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Ogun.
The Tide’s source reports that Amosun, an accountant, emerged the candidate out of 10 other contestants in a consensus arrangement adopted by the party.
Amosun was the gubernatorial candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the 2007 general elections in Ogun.
Presenting Amosun to jubilant supporters at the party’s Secretariat in Abeokuta, the State Chairman of ACN, Alhaji Tajudeen Bello, described the consensus process as rigorous.
He said that at the end of the day, Amosun emerged, based on the approval of the other 10 governorship aspirants.
Osun
The Director, Osun Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) , Dr Funso Ajao, says the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in the state still stands at 1.2 per cent.
Ajao told newsmen in Osogbo on Friday that the committee would continue to create awareness through sustained campaigns on Radio and Television programmes on the virus.
Ajao said that the committee would continue to carry out counselling and testing at various centres as a means of further reducing the prevalence of the scourge.
He said that awareness creation was a major strategy of controlling the spread of the virus and that through testing, people could know their status.
The Director, however, did not disclose the actual figure of people, who tested positive to the virus, saying that he needed time to collate the figures from the various counselling and testing centres.
Sokoto
Alhaji Abdulkadir Jalani, Chairman of Sabon-Birni Local Government in Sokoto state, has called on Nigerians to always pray for God’s intervention in political activities of the country.
Jalani told The Tide’s source in Sokoto that the nation was in dire need of prayers to ensure peaceful conduct of the forth coming general elections.
He said that prayers were vital in ensuring the success of the elections.
The Arewa /Northern Community in Rivers state has appointed Alhaji Shuaibu Wada Madawakin Tilda as the Acting Dan Buran Rivers State.
The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Cabinet Council.
The appointment follows the dethronement of the former occupant,
Alhaji Musa Saeedu.
A statement from the Palace of the Sarkin Arewa/Northern Community (Sarkin Hausawan) in Rivers State and signed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Hussaini Isah said the dethronement is with immediate effect.
The statement further disclosed that the decision follows an allegation of acts of insubordination and conduct considered contrary to the values, discipline, and traditions of the Northern community perpetuated by the Fmr Dan Buran.
The statement advised the public to discontinue to recognising and addressing Alhaji Musa Saeedu as the Dan Buran of the State, adding that he no longer holds the title and remained suspended.
Responding via telephone interview, Alhaji Musa Saeedu said he will not make any comment regarding the matter.
The Alliance Française of Port Harcourt opened its doors to more than sixty French language teachers from Port Harcourt and across Rivers State at the weekend for an afternoon dedicated to celebration, creativity, and community spirit.
The event which was Supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria, forms part of the global celebrations marking the Journée Internationale du Professeur de Français (French Teachers Day) a day officially set aside to observe worldwide every 20 November.
The Tide Entertainment reports that every year, French teachers around the globe are honoured for the passion and dedication they bring into their classrooms.In 2025, the theme chosen “Chanter, jouer, enseigner: la francophonie en musique” (Sing, Play, Teach: Francophonie in Music) invited the entire community to explore the joy of teaching through song, performance, and artistic expression.
A Day that brings teachers together for the French teaching community in Port Harcourt, this celebration is much more than a ceremony, it is a rare moment to step away from the classroom and reconnect with the simple joy of sharing, learning, and creating together.
The Alliance Française transformed the occasion into a space buzzing with music and entertainment. Teachers from primary schools, secondary schools, universities, and adult learning centers gathered to exchange ideas, reconnected with colleagues, and discover each other’s talents in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship.
Honouring Creativity with the theme “Our Teachers Have Talent!”This year, the Embassy of France launched a national contest titled “Nos profs ont du talent!” (“Our Teachers Have Talent !”), participants were invited to either interpret or create a Francophone song.For a month, from 13 October to 13 November 2025, teachers from across the country submitted their performances online, filling the digital space with francophone music.While winners of this nationwide competition were announced.
According to the the Director, Mrs Marina Lacal, Alliance Française Port Harcourt, excitement and anticipation were added to the celebrations, saying that in Port Harcourt, the festivities went even further. Port Harcourt experienced a Unique Celebration that went beyond the online competition, Alliance Française Port Harcourt created something special, an event where teachers met physically, shared moment of joy, and present their musical talents live.On stage, teachers sang the songs they love and those they have created, showcasing the creativity that animates their classrooms every day.
She explained that that off stage, they( participants )shared stories, network with colleagues, laughed together, and celebrated their unique contribution to the promotion of the French language in Rivers State.This gathering is also a moment of recognition. Every day, French teachers open doors for thousands of learners, children discovering their first French words, teenagers preparing for exams, university students shaping their future careers, and adults embracing new opportunities.
“Today, the spotlight shines on them. More Than an Event, A Tribute to Their Dedication The 2025 celebration in Port Harcourt was a heartfelt tribute to the teachers who make French come alive, those who inspire, guide, and encourage learners with unwavering commitment,” Mrs. Lacal said
The Director explained that It recognises their resilience, their creativity, and their essential role in building bridges between cultures.By offering them a moment of relaxation, fun, artistic expression, and professional networking, Alliance Française Port Harcourt reaffirms its mission to support educators, strengthen the teaching community, and celebrate the vibrant energy of the Francophonie in Nigeria.
Climax of the exciting event was the presentation of prizes to winners of the competition.
The Chairman Advisory Committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts, Khana Local Government Area, Hon. Lexy M. Mueka has expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area Dr. Thomas Bariere for his support and vision in promoting entertainment as a tool for peacebuilding and youth engagement.
Hon Mueka made this known to the Tide Entertainment during a recently concluded concert tagged “OGONI ARISE CONCERT” held at the No. 6 Field, Old Port Harcourt Township.
According to him, the concert was not just an event but a movement aimed at reawakening the cultural consciousness of the Ogoni people and inspiring the younger generation to use their talents positively.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event, organized by Triple 3 Entertainment under the auspices of the office of the Chairman Advisory committee on Entertainment and Performing Arts to the Chairman of Khana Local Government Area, was a vibrant celebration of peace, unity, and cultural renaissance among the Ogoni people.
“Conceptualized as a platform to promote social harmony, empower young creatives, and showcase the rich artistic heritage of Ogoniland, the Ogoni Arise Concert succeeded in bringing together community leaders, entertainers, and the general public in a rare show of solidarity. The event featured electrifying performances by indigenous and regional artistes, dance troupes, comedians, and cultural ambassadors, all united under one message — Ogoni is rising again,” Hon. Mueka said.
“The Ogoni Arise Concert was designed to remind us of who we are — a people of strength, creativity, and unity. We wanted to show that entertainment can be a bridge for peace, a voice for our youth, and a celebration of our identity,” he added.
The event also featured a special Award Presentation Ceremony recognizing distinguished Ogoni sons and daughters who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as leadership, humanitarian service, creative excellence, and cultural promotion. The awards added a touch of prestige and purpose, reinforcing the concert’s theme of celebrating excellence while inspiring future generations.
Security at the event venue was top-notch, turnout of attendance impressive, and the atmosphere electric throughout the night.
Meanwhile, guests and participants had described the event as “historic, well-organized, and truly uplifting.”
