Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

November 9, 2011

Adamawa

Following series of bombings in neighbouring Yobe and Borno, the Adamawa police command has intensified security measures to protect lives and property of people in the state.

The command’s spokeswoman, ASP Altine Daniel, told newsmen in Yola on Saturday that the command had taken some precautionary measures since the beginning of the Boko Haram crisis.

“Since the beginning of the crisis, we have considered ourselves as one of the states that is very close to these crisis prone states.

“And following the recent happening, we put in measures to make sure that the spillover did not affect us.”

Altine stated that the command had introduced more patrols across the state, especially in the border towns.

Benue

Mr Terhemen Tarzoor, the former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly (BHA), has called on his supporters to resist the temptation of causing commotion.

“Nobody should do anything that might be tantamount to violence because if you do that, the law, which is a no respecter of persons, will catch up with you.’’

Tarzoor spoke with newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday, three days after his election was annulled by the Court of Appeal.

“Although I have lost my position as Speaker, I am not going to support violence.”

He stressed that what transpired at the court was purely an act of God and that he has no power to resist the will of God.

FCT

Vice President Namadi Sambo in Abuja on Sunday reassured that the Federal Government was determined to fulfil all its promises aimed at improving the socio-economic status of all Nigerians as enunciated in the Transformation Agenda.

Sambo, who gave the reassurance in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Muslim Ummah across the country, restated government’s commitment in protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.

He, therefore, enjoined all Nigerians to take advantage of this spirituality by ensuring that it served as a rallying point for the continued unity, peace and progress of the country.

Sambo also charged all citizens to always co-operate with government towards the attainment of the collective objective of a greater Nigeria.

“You should be resolute, steadfast and observe the traffic rules and regulations during and after the festivities as Nigeria needs you,” he stated.

Jigawa

As the Muslim faithful across the country celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir, the Acting Chief Imam of Dutse Central Mosque in Jigawa, Sheikh Badamasi Tijjani, has called for love and tolerance among Nigerians.

Badamasi,who gave the advice in Dutse on Sunday during his sermons to mark this year’s sallah festivities, admonished the Muslims to always show love to other fellow human beings.

He said that no nation would prosper and develop without love and tolerance among its people.

The Chief Imam also lamented the incessant maiming and killing of innocent citizens across the country and called for concerted prayers from all and sundry for divine intervention.

Badamasi urged Muslims not to consider the celebration as an occasion for merry-making only, but also for sober reflection and rededication of themselves to the service of God and humanity.

Kaduna

Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged the Muslim Ummah to use the occasion of the Eid-El-Kabir celebration to pray for the state and the country ..

In a Sallah message signed by the Senior Special Assistant to Yakowa on Media and publicity, Mr. Reuben Buhari, the governor called for peace and tolerance as well as a positive attitude towards issues affecting the state and the country at large.

He said that only in a congenial atmosphere could the government work toward developing the state.

He expressed optimism that the sacrificial spirit of the Sallah celebration would impact on the lives of the people and transform the state into a peaceful and habitable environment.

Kebbi

The Kebbi Government is to give more support to joint security patrol to curtail cases of armed robbery and banditry in the State.

Acting Gov. Ibrahim Aliyu, made this known in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday in his Eid-El-kabir message to the people of the state.

He said that matters related to the security, welfare and peaceful coexistence of the people would be given the priority it deserved.

Aliyu enjoined the people to assist security agencies with necessary information about the undesirable elements in the society for possible arrest and prosecution.

Lagos

The Lagos State House of Assembly is to constitute new committees after it resumes from the Eid-EL-Kabir holidays today.

The House has plans to reduce the number of its committees to ensure efficiency.

A lawmaker, who would not want to be named, told newsmen on Sunday that the House leadership decided to reduce the number of committees because in the sixth Assembly, almost all the lawmakers had their respective committees which reduced their commitment to other committees where they served as members.

Niger

Authorities of the Federal Polytechnic, Bida, in Niger said on Saturday that the institution would remain closed indefinitely.

A memo signed by the Deputy Registrar (Academics), Alhaji Mohammed Ndana frowned at the rumour circulating in Bida that the polytechnic would be reopened on Nov. 14, 2011 and described it as false.

“All students are hereby informed that the school remains indefinitely closed and they are therefore advised to stay away from the school environment in their own interest,” the statement said

It further warmed that any students caught around the school premises would have himself or herself to blame, vowing that security personnel at the school were on alert to arrest anyone violating the order,

Ogun

The Vice-Chancellor, Bells University of Technology, Otta, Ogun, Prof. Isaac Adeyemi, has emphasised the need for the Federal Government to encourage private initiative, saying that is to promote education in the country.

Adeyemi said this at the 3rd Convocation ceremony of the university.

He noted that the establishment of private universities had strengthened Nigeria’s educational sector, thereby enlarging the scope of choices available to students.

Adeyemi urged the Federal Government to quicken the process of the establishment of its proposed Educational Trust Fund.

Plateau

The Plateau Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) has cautioned road users to exercise restraint and care while driving during the Sallah festivity.

The Chief Inspection Officer, Mr. Peter Dajan, told newsmen in Jos that careful driving would reduce accidents which were common occurrences during festivities.

Dajan expressed regrets that many motorists and cyclists gave their vehicles to the under-age, pointing out that such acts encouraged recklessness and led to fatal accidents.

“Many lives have been lost due to underage and reckless driving, these accidents can be averted if extra cautions are taken and if adults desist from giving their vehicles/motorcycles to the under aged children.”

Sokoto

Alhaji Mohammed Sahabi, the Chairman of Tangaza local government in Sokoto State says the administration has earmarked N700,000 monthly for a special social welfare scheme.

Sahabi told newsmen in Sokoto on Sunday that under the scheme, which was introduced two months ago, 10 beneficiaries each were chosen from the Gongono, Gidan-Madi and Tangaza districts.

He said that assorted grains,including millet, maize and guinea corn were bought monthly and distributed to the beneficiaries.

“Part of the money is also being set aside for direct disbursement to the beneficiaries for their petty needs.

“A new set of beneficiaries are being chosen monthly and by so doing, we hope to reach majority of the indigent residents of the area.’’

Yobe

The Yobe Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Sulemon Usman, has confirmed the death of 53 people comprising of 17 security agents and 36 civilians in the bomb attacks in Damaturu on Friday.

Addressing newsmen on Saturday, the commissioner said that bomb explosives, rocket launchers and guns were used in the attack on security outfits, personnel and other public buildings.

He said that the security personnel had also killed seven of the attackers while four other security men that sustained injuries were receiving treatment.

Reports says that armed bombers attacked and destroyed the police headquarters, Anti- terrorist squad base, First bank, Secretariat complex and some churches among others in Damaturu.

Meanwhile, more soldiers have been deployed to reinforce security in the state capital just as the government had imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to curtail movement and to bring sanity back in the metropolis.

Nation

HYPREP Marks 15 Years Of UNEP Report, Highlights Major Cleanup Milestones

Published

4 days ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.

In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to commemorate the anniversary, HYPREP described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the project has made remarkable progress in implementing the recommendations of the landmark UNEP report released on August 4, 2011.

The UNEP report had revealed extensive oil pollution across Ogoniland, severe environmental degradation, and serious public health risks resulting from decades of petroleum operations. It also recommended an initial $1 billion fund to commence the cleanup of the affected communities.

According to HYPREP, the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni clean-up in 2016, while the Project Coordination Office was established in 2017 to drive the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.
Zabbey said the current administration has continued to prioritise the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Providing an update on the cleanup, the Project Coordinator disclosed that 30 of the 65 contaminated sites identified by UNEP have been fully remediated, while work is ongoing at several medium- and high-risk locations. It also stated that more than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings have been planted as part of what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1,000 hectares of shoreline already rehabilitated.

Zabbey further revealed that 49 Ogoni communities have been connected to potable water schemes through multiple water projects and booster stations aimed at providing safe drinking water across the region.

In the health sector, he said the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan are nearing completion, adding that several existing health facilities have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while five ambulances have been donated to improve emergency healthcare services. The Project Coordinator also disclosed that a three-year human health biomonitoring study is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

On economic empowerment, Zabbey stated that the Project has created more than 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in various vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial diving, seafaring, mechatronics, and creative arts. The project also reported awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students, providing grants to small businesses, and supporting persons living with special needs through skills acquisition programmes.

The statement further highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which it said is about 96 per cent complete. HYPREP also welcomed the recent designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance and pledged to continue promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the ecosystem.

Marking the anniversary, Zabbey said the progress achieved over the past 15 years demonstrates the collective commitment of government, development partners, stakeholders, and local communities to restoring Ogoniland. He called for renewed collaboration to sustain the cleanup effort, promote environmental sustainability, and support the long-term development of the region. 3

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

2 months ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

2 months ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.