Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

October 15, 2012

FCT

President Goodluck Jonathan, ministers and senators met on
Tuesday night in Abuja on the way forward for the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press
Secretary to David Mark, Mr Paul Mumeh, on Wednesday in Abuja.

It said that at the meeting, which took place at the Apo
Mansion, the official residence of the Senate President, the executive and
legislature agreed that they must work together in the interest of the
citizenry.

The statement quoted President Jonathan as saying that
although the presidential system of government prescribed separation of powers
“our goals and interests are the same.’’

“This interest has to do with the welfare of our people and
the development of our country, adding that the president called for regular
social interactions between the two arms of government to cement the accord and
erase grey areas or misconceptions.

Jigawa

Dabi, a community in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa
State, has contributed N2 million to construct culverts and drains as a measure
to tackle flooding in the area.

Malam Muhammad Sa’idu, the Commissioner, Public Complaints
Commission in Jigawa State disclosed this to our correspondent in Dutse on
Thursday.

Sai’du, who hails from Dabi, said that the community had set
up a committee to take census of the affected areas ravaged by flood and
address the problems, adding that members of the committee were expected to
construct culverts and drainage systems in every nook and crannies of the
village to facilitate water passage.

The commissioner said that “lack of drains and culverts are
the main causes of flooding in Dabi which would soon be a thing of the past.”

Kano

The House of Representatives Committee on Works has ordered the contractor handling the
construction of Kano Western by-pass to return to site or face sanction.

The Tide reports that the contractor abandoned the site in
December 2011, shortly before its delivery date, following the deterioration of
security situation in Kano metropolis.

The committee’s Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Ali, gave
the order in Kano during the committee’s oversight tour of Federal Road
projects in Kano State.

“There is need for you to resume work immediately since the
security situation in Kano has improved.

On the expansion of Kano-Wudil- Shuwari Road, legislator
charged the contractor to expedite action and complete the job on schedule,
according to specifications, within one year.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government says it will fund the corrective
surgery of 70 persons living with physical disabilities as part of efforts to
give them a sense of belonging.

The Senior Special Assistant Alhaji Abdulnasir Argungu, on
Disabled Matters to Governor Saidu Dakingari, said this in an interview with
The Tide in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday.

He said that the surgery would be performed at the state
owned Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital.

“The corrective surgery of the 70 people living with
disability is expected to commence next month,’’ he said, adding that would
undergo the surgery to enable them to either use crutches or walk with walking
aids.

Kogi

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, has
expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its immediate intervention
and release of N17.5 billion as support for flood affected states.

Awoniyi’s appreciation is contained in a statement issued
through his Press Secretary, Mr Michael Abu, in Lokoja on Thursday.

The deputy governor, who was on a visit to flood displaced
persons in Ofu Local Government Area of the state said that the Federal
Government’s intervention was timely.

He also said that the intervention would go a long way in
assisting the state and the flood victims, adding, “though the damage wrecked
by the flood is enormous, we are glad the Federal Government has helped us’’.

The Deputy Governor said that women and children were most
affected by the flood.

Lagos

Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Archbishop Alfred Martins on
Thursday urged the faithful to pray for justice, peace and unity in the
country, as the Catholics begin to celebrate the year of faith.

Martins said this in his homily at the opening ceremony of
the year of faith, held at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos.

The Tide reports that Catholics in Nigeria are joining their
counterparts worldwide to celebrate the “Year of Faith’’ to renew their
confidence in the gospel.

The year of faith offered the faithful opportunity to
rediscover the truth of the faith.

Martins urged all Catholics to use the period to pray
specially for God to intervene in the violence in some parts of the country.

Niger

The Niger State College of Education Wednesday matriculated
249 students under its Long Vacation Student programme (LSVP) for 2012 contact
session.

The Provost, Prof. Farouk Haruna, who made this known during
the matriculation in Minna, urged the students to be disciplined and focus on
their studies as no act of examination malpractice would be condoned.

Haruna, who was represented by the Deputy Provost,
Academics, Dr Mohammed Isah-Chado in his matriculation speech, urged the
students to be law abiding and focus on their studies.

He said that 150 cell phones used in examination malpractice
by students in 2011 contact session were confiscated and burnt by the school
authority.

“I urge you to be studious and disciplined as this college
has zero tolerance for examination malpractice, any student caught will be
expelled and shown the way out.

Ogun

The Ogun State Assembly Committee on Local Government last
Wednesday in Abeokuta warned council chairmen against diverting funds meant for
capital projects.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Olakunle Oluomo, gave the
warning during the committee’s oversight visit to Ewekoro, Ifo and Ado Odo/Ota
councils.

He said that any money received from federal allocation
through the state government should be used in developing the local government
areas and advised the chairmen to embark on aggressive revenue drive to
increase their internally-generated revenue and avoid depending solely on
federal allocation.

He also advised them to be prudent and transparent in
running the affairs of their councils, and endeavour to carry along councillors
in conducting the affairs of the councils.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government on Wednesday engaged 100 youths in
tractor operation as part of efforts to reduce unemployment.

Governor Olusegun
Mimiko stated this during a training programme for the operators and mechanics
in Akure.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Ademola Olorunfemi, who
represented the governor, said that the government was collaborating with
private sector operators to strengthen and improve demand for tractor
operators.

Mimiko said that the empowerment would deepen tractor
service delivery to enhance job creation.

The Federal Director of Agriculture, Mr. Rufus Omakinwa, who
represented the Minister for Agriculture, Adewumi Adesina, said that the
programme was organised to equip the youths with appropriate skills in handling
the tractors.

The Chairman of the Agricultural Mechanic and Machinery
Operators Training Centre, Mr Ladeinde Mabayomije, said the training and
empowerment would boost job creation efforts.

Osun

The Osun State House of Assembly has condemned the kidnap
of wife of the Speaker, Alhaja Muibat
Salam, by gunmen at Ejigbo in Ejigbo Local Government area of the state.

In a statement signed by Media Secretary to the House, Mr
Goke Butika, the members expressed the fear that the incident could disrupt the
prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the state.

According to the statement, for some gun-wielding men to
waylay a woman on her way home from her shop was unfortunate, nauseating and
uncalled for.

It called on security operatives to investigate the incident
to determine whether or not it was politically-motivated.

When contacted for comments, the speaker said he would not
comment on the incident until the circumstances surrounding the kidnap are
known.

Plateau

The Plateau State Government on Thursday said plans were
underway to build an ultra-modern digital library in the state.

The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Abraham Yiljap,
said this on Thursday in an interview with our correspondent in Jos.

The commissioner said that the issue was extensively
discussed at the last state executive council meeting.

“Governor Jonah Jang has directed that the information
ministry should forward a proposal on the project to his office for
consideration.

“Right now, we are working on that and I am assuring you
that as soon as the proposal is ready, the governor would give his consent in
view of the passion he has for the project,’’ he said.

Taraba

The Taraba State Commissioner for Education, Mr Yakubu
Agbaizo has commended the initiative of a youth corps member, Miss Patience
Toyin, for donating standard library materials to Government College, Jalingo.

The Tide reports that the corps member also donated 50 desks
and constructed a toilet at Government Science Secondary School, Jalingo.

“It is amazing that these donations are coming from a corps
member. Toyin has demonstrated a high sense of patriotism.

Earlier, the state Coordinator of the National Youth Service
Corps, Mr Tumba Freeman, pledged to support any corps member that initiated
projects with direct bearing on the lives of the people.

Earlier, Toyin, said that she initiated the project to
support efforts at imparting quality learning to the students as her
contribution to the growth and development of the community.

Zamfara

A 45-year-old man, Malam Ahmad Kawaye, whose two wives gave
birth to five babies in three days on Thursday received assistance from the
Zamfara State government to enable him take care of the babies.

Making the donation on behalf of the state government in
Gusau, the acting Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala, said the deliveries were
“wonderful and an act of God, who never gives His servants what they cannot
bear”.

Wakkala said the five children, comprising four females and
one male, were blessings from God and an increase in the number of Muslims in
the state.

He said that the state government would continue to support
the family to cater for the babies until they grew older.

On behalf of the government, he donated N100,000, five rams,
20 brocades and five bags each of rice, maize, guinea-corn and millet to the
family.

Receiving the items, Kawaye thanked the government for the
gesture, and said, “we do not have enough words to express our gratitude but we
will continue to pray for this administration for being sensitive to the
yearnings of its people.”

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

14 hours 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

14 hours 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.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

14 hours ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.