Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Bauchi State has advised passengers to boycott irresponsible commercial motorcyclists to reduce rampant accidents in the state.
The Public Enlightenment Officer of the commission in the state, Malam Ibrahim Gaidam, who gave the advice in Bauchi on Thursday in an interview with The Tide said there had been many complaints about such motorcyclists, especially in Bauchi metropolis, adding that the best way to deal with their attitude was to shun them.
According to him, if passengers would refuse to patronize the motorcyclists, the action could make the operators to change their bad and reckless driving habit.
He warned the passengers to avoid motorcyclists who “wear over-size trousers using the ends as socks and leaving disheveled hair or raising the head lamp of their motorcycles to the sky”.
Benue
Displaced victims of the recent flood disaster in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, have appealed to the state government to intervene and resettle them on safe grounds.
More than 2,000 houses were destroyed by the floods in Wurukum, Wadata and Gyado Villa areas of Makurdi following the release of water from Lagdo Dam in the Republic of Cameroon.
The flood destroyed property worth millions of naira along the Benue valley, and the victims, who lost their valuables have appealed to the state government for assistance.
A victim, Mr James Tule, said although the government provided early warning signals to alert them about the floods, it did not provide alternative resettlement centres for the victims.
FCT
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, on Wednesday ordered the police to provide adequate security for all embassies and foreign missions in the country.
The directive is contained in a statement signed by Mr Frank Mba, the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer.
The statement directed the Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) in-charge of zonal commands, as well as state Commissioners of Police to provide a 24-hour water-tight security in and around the missions.
It said the directive followed recent violent demonstrations in some parts of the world linked to a recent US film believed to have offended a section of some religious faithful.
“The Nigerian Police has taken the immediate proactive security measures to ensure that no similar violence is replicated within our country.
Jigawa
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa State trained 10,082 youths in various trades and vocational activities in the last five years, the state Coordinator, Mr Muhammad Sambo, has said.
Sambo told The Tide in Dutse that more than N24 million was disbursed as resettlement package to enable the trainees set up their own businesses.
He said that 2,600 youths were trained under the National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (NOAS), while 3,204 received training under the NDE/NYSC entrepreneurial development programme.
Sambo noted that more than 1,600 women and youths were also trained under the rural agriculture and handcraft scheme, adding that another batch of 2,432 youths were trained under the environment beautification and school-on-wheels skills acquisition programme.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government says it would not pay compensation to people living in flood prone areas in the event of a disaster.
Mr Shamaki Zakaria, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, made the statement while inspecting flood ravaged areas in Kaduna metropolis.
He said that the issue of compensation would not arise because there was no approved plan for buildings on waterways, pointing out that the government had issued many warnings and directed people living in such areas to temporarily relocate but that they refused to heed the advice.
Zakaria said that the people also ignored the alert given by Nigerian Meteorological Agency on the rain pattern for the year.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Emergency Management Agency has relocated some flood victims from the Hajj camp to Bulasa Primary School on the outskirts of Birnin Kebbi.
Malam Abbas Rabi’u, the Executive Director of the agency, told our correspondent in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday that the relocation was to enable pilgrims to use the camp to prepare for the Hajj.
The Tide recalls that persons, who were victims of a flood in August, were kept in the camp, adding that the number of victims had reduced from 350 to100. The agency received donations, such as building materials, foodstuff, drugs, blankets and mosquito nets, for the support of victims.
Kwara
Armed robbers last week attacked a first generation bank at Share in Ifelodun Local Government area of Kwara State and escaped with their loot, the police said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Femi Fabode confirmed the attack on the bank in an interview with our correspondent noting that the hoodlums arrived the bank in large numbers at about 12 noon in a Toyota Sienna Space Wagon bus and a Toyota Land Cruiser jeep and engaged policemen stationed at the bank in gun battle.
He said that some of the robbers escaped with injuries while the others abandoned their vehicles and ran away.
Fabode said no arrest was made but that the police was investigating details of the attack and had also increased patrol in the area.
Lagos
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will embark soon on another phase of “massive campaign” against the abuse of the naira.
The CBN Director of Corporate Communication Department, Mr Ugochukwu Okoroafor, told The Tide on Thursday in Lagos that most Nigerians still mess up the naira.
Okoroafor said that the step was necessary to ensure that the government did not continue to spend huge sum of money in the reprinting of torn notes.
Okoroafor reiterated that the huge amount of money spent yearly to reprint torn notes necessitated the introduction of the proposed N5000 note, pointing out that the N5000 note would reduce the high cost of managing torn notes annually.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Government has said it would build 1000 housing units for non- civil servants in the state.
The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development , Mr Musa Yusuf,told The Tide in Lafia that the houses would be located in the local government areas.
According to him, the project, known as “Informal Sector Co-operative Housing Loan Scheme”, will be executed in partnership with mortgage institutions.
“It is a social housing policy under the National Housing Programme aimed at providing housing for non- civil servants in the states”, he said, adding that the project would benefit those that did not benefit from the 18 per cent national minimum wage, adding that it was to improve their well being.
Niger
Governor Babaginda Aliyu of Niger State has said there was no going back on the plan by the state government to sell its houses in Minna.
Aliyu, who said this last Wednesday in Minna during a meeting with political appointees, said the decision was in the best interest of the people and in line with government monetisation policy.
A statement by Malam Danladi Ndayebo, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the houses earmarked for sale were constructed in 1978 for commissioners and lawmakers, stating that the governor dismissed those agitating against the plan, saying the administration would not be blackmailed or intimidated into reversing its decision.
Ogun
The Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, Mr Oladapo Onayemi, has said the ministry realised N66.2 million out of the N293.6 internally generated revenue targeted for the year.
Onayemi, who announced this during a tour of the ministry by a committee of the state House of Assembly, said N206.7 million was also released for salaries and allowances.
The permanent secretary further said the ministry did not have the required apparatus to police its entire forest reserves, saying “We don’t have the required apparatus to police our forest reserves, illegal activities perpetrated in the forest reserves are done in the night and the perpetrators are armed,’’ he said.
Osun
The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salam, last Wednesday advised commercial motorists and government drivers to always take necessary precaution on the road for public safety.
Salam gave the advice in Osogbo when Dr Wale Bolorunduro, the Commissioner for Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, presented a new official car to the speaker.
The car replaced the previous one involved in an accident some months ago on Iwo/Ibadan road.
He stressed that drivers should not engage in dangerous driving because their vehicles had insurance cover and said even when a property was insured, the handlers were expected to take necessary precaution and care for their lives.
Taraba
Hundreds of primary school children have been forced out of school in several communities affected by flood in Taraba State.
Investigation by The Tide in Lau, Karim-Lamido, Ardo-Kola, Gassol and Ibbi Local Government areas showed that the children were not in school because such structures had either been washed away or submerged.
The Tide correspondent who visited some of the affected communities observed that hundreds of children were now idling away at the various make-shift camps set up for displaced families, even though the schools had opened last Monday.
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”
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.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region
MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives
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 Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent
The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.
MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans
“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.
According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.
They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.
The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities
Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.
He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.
Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.
” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.
The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area
While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .
“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.
“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.
“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.
Chinedu Wosu
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