Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

October 24, 2011

Adamawa

Hundreds of youths in Mubi, Adamawa, State are now going into commercial motorcycling to beat the unemployment scourge.

The trade, locally called “achaba”, is increasingly becoming popular among the jobless youngsters in the area in spite of the high rate of accident and other risks associated with it.

According to a survey in Mubi, most of the motorcyclists are graduates and high school dropouts who took to the business after being idle for many years.

The investigation showed that the motorcyclists are making brisk business due to the absence of taxis and city bus services in the area.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested 17 suspected criminals in the past two months, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Alhaji Abdul-Majid Ali, has said. Ali made the announcement in Bauchi while briefing newsmen on the activities of the command between September and this month. He named culpable homicide, conspiracy, mischief and theft as some of the offences allegedly committed by the suspects who are currently in police custody.

FCT

The University of Abuja on Thursday said the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) accreditation for clinical stage was being awaited to promote its 500 level students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Prof Olatunde Ajagbonna, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the university stated this in Gwagwalada in an interview with newsmen.

He said the delay in advancing 500 level students to clinical stage of their course followed challenges in getting the National Universities Commission (NUC) and VCN accreditation for the stage.

Jigawa

The Jigawa Police Command has beefed up security in the state, following threats by the dreaded Islamic group, Boko Haram.

Mobile policemen were seen in large numbers at various check points in Dutse confiscating motorcycles without registered number plates.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP. Abdu Jinjiri, told newsmen in Dutse on Monday that officers and men of the police were at the checkpoints for their normal routine duty.

Jinjiri said the command had earlier warned motorcyclists without registered number plates not to ply any of the roads in the state.

Kaduna

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has called on pilgrims to pray for peace, development and growth of the nation while in the Holy land.

More than 1,400 the pilgrims had been flown to Saudi Arabia.

Yakowa, who paid a visit to the temporary Hajj camp at the International Trade Fair and Investment Centre, Rigachukwu, Kaduna, also urged them to be good ambassadors of the country.

“Pray for Kaduna State so that the unfortunate and unnecessary post-election crisis that we witnessed in the state would never occur again. Pray for peace and pray for the government”, the governor urged the pilgrims.

Kogi

The Kogi State government has approved the expulsion

of 56 students of the state College of Education, Ankpa, for their involvement in the Aug.16, bloody violence in the institution.

The Ministry of Information, in a release in Lokoja said that the council also approved the immediate dissolution of the college’s governing council.

Dr Tom Ohikere, the commissioner for information was quoted in the release as saying that the council’s decisions followed the critical consideration of the report of a seven-man panel of enquiry set up on the incident.

Lagos

The Lagos State Government is to commence the Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) of individual homes in the Badagry-Central Local Government Area on Thursday, to rid the area of mosquitoes.

Dr Adeyanju Oyetoyan, the council’s Medical Officer, told newsmen in an interview that the objective of the exercise was to control malaria in the area.

Last month, the local government distributed 112,000 Long Lasting Insect-Treated Nets to residents of the area.

Oyetoyan said that the objective of the programme was to stem malaria attacks in four local government areas of Badagry-Central, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin and Ikorodu.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State says it will collaborate with the Federal Capital Territory Administration on its High Capacity Bus project, aimed at de-congesting the heavy traffic on the Keffi-Abuja road.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Dameshi Barau, disclosed the plan on Thursday in Lafia when a team of the Task force on Traffic Management and officials of the African Development Bank (ADB) paid him a visit.

Barau said the state government was planning a rail line project, which would link the state with the FCT as part of the efforts aimed at reducing traffic congestion on the route.

Ondo

Former deputy to ex-Gov. Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State, Chief Abiodun Aluko, has commended the latter for his decision to return to the PDP. Aluko told the newsmen in Akure that the return of Fayose to his former party was a welcome development to the party in the state.

He also lauded the former governor for toeing the path of reason and truth by retracing his steps back to the PDP which he said was the party to beat in the state come 2014.

Plateau

Constable Nelson Eric, a soldier serving with the military Special Task Force (STF) in Plateau, is to be tried for allegedly shooting and injuring one Alfred Adams, a pastor. The STF said in a statement last Thursday in Jos that Eric would be tried for “misapplication of firearms’’.

The statement signed by its media officer, Capt. Charles Ekeocha, said that the “ugly“ incident, which took place in the premises of the University of Jos, was “regrettable’’. “We thank the students of the University for listening to the voice of reasoning by not taking the law into their hands.

Sokoto

Supporters of Sen. Abubakar Gada have said the former lawmaker had remained a bona fide member of the party since 2003.

Gada represented Sokoto East Senatorial Zone in the Senate from 2007 to 2011.

He had since indicated his intention to contest the March 10, 2012 gubernatorial poll after failing to clinch a second term ticket with his defeat by the incumbent, Sen. Ibrahim Gobir (PDP-Sokoto).

Addressing a news conference, Alhaji Umar Sadik , the Special Assistant to Gada, said the former lawmaker had contributed immensely to the growth of the party at all levels.

“As a senator, he distributed thousands of motorcycles, bicycles and vehicles free as well as 3,000 water pumping machines while he dug over 3,000 tube wells among others.

“ We are strongly behind his candidature come March 10, 2012 to contest as governor in the state,’’ he said.

Taraba

The Chairman of Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Bubajoda Mafindi, has expressed surprise at Monday’s protest by primary school teachers in Jalingo. Mafindi told newsmen in Jalingo that the board was in constant touch with representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) over the issue of salary. The chairman said the state government agreed to pay the new minimum wage to all workers, pointing out that the delay in its implementation for teachers was due to the decision to use the bio-metric system.

He said the money for the September salary of teachers based on the old rate was intact, adding that this was rejected for the new wage.

“The protest took me by surprise because we have been in constant touch with the NUT representatives.

Nation

World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

Published

8 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.

This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.

The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.

Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.

“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.

She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.

“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.

The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.

She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.

By John Bibor

Nation

Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

Published

9 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.

In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.

He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.

Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.

According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.

Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.

He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.

The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.

He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.

Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.

He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.

“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.

The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.

John Bibor

Nation

Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

Published

9 hours ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

Tonye Orabere