Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

August 5, 2011

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Tuberculosis and Leprosy (BACATMA), has begun collaboration with traditional rulers to curb the menace of malaria in the state.

The Chairman of BACATMA, Muhammed Sambo, made this known in Bauchi during a meeting with key malaria control agencies.

Sambo named NGOs and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) as other bodies whose support had been enlisted.

The meeting was held under the auspices of BACATMA, in collaboration with Human Progressive Union, Kofar Gabas, Bauchi, Progressive Union and Fasaha Women Group of Jama’ are.

Borno

The Petrol filling stations have reopened in Maiduguri after the NNPC rescinded its decision to relocate the Maiduguri depot to Gombe for security reasons.

The state chapter of the Independent Petroleum Markers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and other unions in the petroleum sector had last Saturday embarked on a strike over the relocation of the depot.

The Maiduguri Depot Manager, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said in a statement in Maiduguri that the relocation order had been reversed.

“We refer to our earlier memo dated July 26 on the relocation of the depot to Gombe and to inform you that the NNPC management has approved the retention of the depot in Maiduguri.

Ekiti

Four men were on Tuesday in Ikere-Ekiti arraigned for alleged possession and selling of explosives.

The men, Monday Audu, Olagoke Fabusola, James Ogunjimi and Gabriel Ogundola were arrested on July 24 for allegedly selling the explosives.

The Police Prosecutor, Cpl Ajiboye Adebayo, urged the court not to grant bail to the accused because of the serious nature of the case, and asked that they be remanded in prison custody.

Counsel to the accused, Mr Christopher Omokhafe, pleaded with the court to grant bail to his clients, since police investigation into the case had been concluded.

FCT

Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC), has said that no religious group in Nigeria will go to war over the Islamic Banking issue.

In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja Oloyede, said, “I support the statement of the Secretary-General of Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) that no Muslim worth the name is ready to go to war because there is nothing to war about”.

He said that since the issue of Islamic banking came to the front burner some months ago, many Nigerians had expressed divergent views “ranging from the ludicrous, mischievous and ignorant to the unimaginably extreme”.

Kogi

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE), in collaboration with the Kogi State Government, is to create 5,000 jobs within the next 12 months.

Alhaji Isah Ichaba, the state’s Head of Service (HOS), disclosed this in Lokoja at the opening ceremony of a four-day Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop for Enterprises Development Officers of the directorate from the Northern Zone.

Ichaba, who was represented by Mr Timothy Aliyu, the Permanent Secretary, Establishments, said that unemployment constituted one of the most serious developmental problems facing the country.

He said that considering the rate at which school leavers and graduates were being produced yearly, the unemployment situation might deteriorate further, if maximum support and encouragement was not given to the NDE to train youths for self-employment.

Kwara

The Kwara Government has appealed to residents to desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately but to complement the efforts of the government in bringing about a clean and green environment.

The Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Mr Samuel Bamishaye ,made the appeal during an inspection tour of communities affected by flooding and flood prone areas.

Areas affected are Agunbelewo Community, Olorunsogo, Geri Alimi and Sawmill.

Bamishayesaid the indiscriminate dumping of refuse into gutters and drains had prevented easy flow of water in some part of Ilorin.

The commissioner charged all citizenry to clear all drains and debris around them to prevent loss of lives and property as had been the case in most parts of the country.

Lagos

Dr Olapade Agoro, Chairman, National Action Council (NAC), has described the controversy surrounding the proposed six-year single tenure for president and governors as a waste of time.

Agoro told newsmen in Lagos that President Goodluck Jonathan “should focus more on the myriad of problems facing the nation rather than the issue of tenure”.

He said: “The proposal is highly unnecessary for now. It is diversionary and confusing. It is fighting the wrong war at the wrong time and for a wrong cause.

“Nigeria has a myriad of problems including food security, insecurity, energy problems and a huge debt profile — all demanding the attention of government”.

Niger

Some angry youths in Izom village in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger have protested against power outages in the community in the last five days, blocking the Minna-Suleja highway for more than two hours.

The youths chanted war songs and declared a war with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

The youths had ordered travellers to hoist leaves on their vehicles as a mark of solidarity with them.

The development kept commuters stranded till the police intervened to clear the road.

Meanwhile, the Public Relations Officer of Suleja PHCN Business Unit, Malam Adamu Mohammed, attributed the power cut to a N30million debt that the community owed the company.

Osun

Fourteen suspected cult members have been arrested at the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, the Media Relations Officer of the Institution, Mr Tope Abiola, said in Osogbo on Monday.

Abiola told newsmen that the arrest was made on Sunday by a combined team of security agencies in the school with the collaboration of the community vigilance group.

He said the suspects had converged on the community for an undisclosed operation, armed with dangerous weapons, such as guns, cutlasses, axes, clubs and charms, when they were caught.

“It is believed that they came from different Institutions for the undisclosed operation and suspected to be members of Axe Men Confraternity, “Abiola said.

Plateau

The Plateau State House of Assembly on Tuesday increased the membership of the committee probing the sack of the state Auditor-General, Mr Barnabas Achaka, from three to five.

Gov Jonah Jang, last week in a letter, urged the legislature to endorse the removal of Achaka, alleging that he was unable to audit the state accounts in the last eight years.

The House had constituted a three-man committee to study an earlier report presented by the immediate past legislators about the matter.

The committee is made up of Messrs Diket Plang, Zainab Dogo and Yakubu Choji.

Sokoto

Sheik Yusuf Alibawa, a Sokoto-based Islamic scholar, has tasked Muslims to use the Ramadan fasting period to pray for God’s intervention in the activities of the country.

Alibawa told newsmen in Sokoto that prayers would enable the country to overcome the security challenges threatening its peaceful co-existence.

“We need prayers among all Nigerians, irrespective of religions differences, for God’s intervention for peace, progress and political stability.”

He also called on Muslims to embark on special prayers, calling on God to instil His fears in the minds of Nigeria’s political leaders.

“We must collectively work together to sustain the corporate existence of our country by promoting religious tolerance and understanding.”

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

6 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

6 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

6 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.