Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

September 14, 2011

Adamawa

Tenants, occupying the 52 low-cost housing units at Mubi in Adamawa, have pleaded with the State Government to reconsider the quit notice issued them by government in the interest of justice and fairness.

A spokesman for the tenants, Malam Umar Belel, told newsmen that the quit notice came as a surprise and a shock to the residents who over the years were hoping that the government’s policy of owner-occupier applied to all residents of government housing estates in the state.

“In Yola and Numan towns, the houses were given out on owner-occupier basis but to our surprise the good gesture was denied us and instead we were served quit notices, saying we should vacate the houses we live in for more than a decade with immediate effect”, Umar lamented.

Bauchi

Alhaji Yahaya Jalam, the Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency, says the State Government has set up a committee to redesign urban centres in the state.

Jalam told newsmen in Bauchi on Saturday that the committee was set up, following the expiration of an earlier master plan for the development of urban centres in 1998.

He said the committee would draw a renewed urban planning for Bauchi, Misau, Azare, Ningi, Jama’are and Dass townships, considering recent environmental challenges being faced by the state.

He disclosed further that structures that were constructed on either public drains or water ways in the areas marked for development would be demolished after the committee might have submitted its reports.

Borno

There was another bomb explosion on Saturday morning at the Ruwan Zafi area of Maiduguri metropolis, the second explosion in four days, an eyewitness has said.

The eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity to newsmen in Maiduguri, said that the bomb was planted on the highway leading to Gamboru-Ngala.

“The bomb detonated when a truck driver drove on it but we thank God that nobody died,” the eyewitness said.

Confirming the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, Mr Simeon Medenda, said that the bomb was set on a tree branch before it was detonated and that there was no casualty.

FCT

Minister of State for Defence, Mrs Olusola Obada, said in Abuja that Nigerian women were looking forward to attain 50 per cent gender equality in appointments.

She spoke when the African Women Leaders Think Tank, led by the Regional Director, Dr Remi Aribisala, paid her a courtesy visit.

Obada said the 50 per cent gender equality was welcome, adding that the women were looking forward to that, “and one day, we will get there.’’

“Never in the history of this nation that any president has done so much for women like President Goodluck Jonathan.’’

She said that the President promised women 35 per cent, “ he must have surpassed that by now and appointments are still coming.’’

Kaduna

Mr Dogo Makama, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency, says the State Government has spent N138 million on fire-fighting vehicles.

Makama told newsmen in Kaduna on Saturday that the vehicles were capable of fighting fire outbreaks in high-rise buildings.

He said the agency had also begun rehabilitation of fire-fighting machines at fire service stations in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan for effective disaster management.

The executive secretary said the agency would develop a contingency plan for future disaster management in response to series of disasters that had affected the Kaduna metropolis and its environs in the past.

Katsina

Some farmers involved in the IFAD-assisted Community-Based Agricultural and Rural Development Programme (IFAD-CBARDP) in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina, have called for the expansion of the seed multiplication strategy.

Alhaji Sule Yusuf, the Chairman of the groundnut and soya beans association, told newsmen on Saturday in Bakori, Katsina State, that farmers recorded increased harvest and profit using improved seeds.

Yusuf explained that the improved seed was farmer-friendly and stressed the need to expand the programme to enable more farmers, especially those in the rural areas to benefit.

“Farmers recorded increased gain by using improved soya beans and groundnut seeds supplied by the programme,’’ Yusuf said.

Lagos

Some university lecturers on Saturday in Lagos expressed concern over the continued security challenges in the country.

The lecturers told newsmen that the level of insecurity had become worrisome in recent times and appealed to the Federal Government to urgently proffer a solution.

Dr Kazeem Bello, a lecturer in the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan said that the bombing of the United Nations building, Abuja, showed that the government should do more on security.

Bello said that Nigeria had an image deficit which needed to be redeemed if the country must move forward, adding that the fundamental problem of national security has not been addressed.

Niger

The Anglican Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rt. Rev. Daniel Yisa, has charged the nine newly ordained priests and a deacon to fashion their lives in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

This charge was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna and signed by Mr George Fashe, the Diocesan Communicator.

“You should fashion your lives in accordance with the precepts as you love and serve the people,” Yisa was quoted as saying.

He also advised them to work with members of their churches, caring for the young and the old, the strong and the weak, as well as the rich and the poor.

He admonished them to preach God’s forgiveness to the penitent sinners as they pronounce God’s blessings and perform other duties entrusted to them in the church diligently.

Nasarawa

Local government workers in Nasarawa State will soon receive the new N18,000 minimum wage, Alhaji Abdullahi Oji, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Local Government and Community Development, has said.

Oji told newsmen in Lafia on Friday that local government and development area workers were not excluded from receiving the new wage by the state government.

He said that 12 local government councils had already prepared and submitted their payment vouchers and allied documents, adding that the ministry had given the remaining local government councils up to the end of this week to submit their payment vouchers.

The permanent secretary said that “once the relevant documents are properly sorted out, the ministry will commence payment within the next few weeks.”

Plateau

The Plateau caucus in the House of Representatives has opposed calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the state, following incessant conflicts in Jos and its environs.

The caucus, which comprised of Reps Jonathan Aminu, Bitrus Kaze, Emmanuel Goar, Peter Akujah and Beni Lar, expressed its position at a news conference in Jos on Friday, saying that such advocates of emergency rule were misguided.

“It is highly suspicious that they singled out Plateau State for persecution notwithstanding the precarious security situation in many parts of the country, including post-election violence and bombings.

“We make bold to state in unmistaken and unequivocal terms our determination to resist any attempt to plunge our state into another round of confusion; Plateau State cannot be treated as a scapegoat,” the lawmakers said.

Sokoto

Sen. Jibril Gada, a former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, has urged the Federal Government to evolve concrete measures to assist Nigerian farmers.

Gada, who made the call in Sokoto on Saturday in an interview with newsmen said the measures should include agricultural programmes and the provision of adequate fertiliser and other inputs.

“The measures should include plausible agricultural programmes and policies as well as loans.

“The loans should be given only to genuine farmers nationwide,” he said.

Gada underscored the need for the involvement of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in programmes meant for farmers, noting that the association had been recognised by all levels of government as the apex farmers’ body.

According to him, agricultural schemes and loan packages were often “messed up by bureaucrats and politicians”.

The former minister also stressed the need for a conducive environment for Nigerian farmers to produce more food and encourage foreign direct investment in the sector.

Zamfara

A Zamfara Local Shari’ah Court has ordered the amputation of the right hand of two men for stealing a farm bull.

The convicts are Auwalu Abubukar Tsaure, 23, and Lawali Musa Tsaure, 22.

They were convicted for stealing the bull valued at N130,000 and which belonged to one Bawa Maiguru in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of the state.

Alhaji Muhammadu Gusau, a Higher Sharia Court Judge of Nasarawa Mailayi, said that the prosecutor proved beyond doubt that the two accused were guilty of the offence.

He said the accused persons would be punished according to the Sharia Law.

“The court arrived at the amputation sentence after careful consideration of the fact that the convicts are mature and stole the bull from a confined place.

“The cost of the stolen item exceeds one-quarter of gold gramme and their consistent plea of guilt.”

Gusau ordered that the amputation would be done in public on October 8 , the local market day of Nasarawan Mailayi for people to witness and to serve as deterrent to others.

The judge said that the offence was contrary to Section 144 of the Zamfara State Shari’ah Penal Code Law.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn alongside Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.