Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

February 4, 2013

FCT

Nigeria polio population immunity has increased from 50 per cent to 80 per cent. The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed, said in an interview at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the latest analysis by the World Health Organisation (WHO) showed the increase in the country’s polio population immunity.

“We shared with the President, the global goal analysis done by WHO which showed that population immunity has increased in Nigeria from about 50 per cent to 80 per cent.

“What this means is that even if the polio virus finds itself in any particular location in the country, it may not be able to paralyse the affected child.

“Even when it paralyzes the child, other children in that particular area will be secured; this is because population immunity has improved,’’ Mohammed said.

He noted that the country had not recorded any case of polio virus in the last two months.

Mohammed said that another survey carried out by WHO adjudged Nigeria to be the next country after India “that will exit as a polio endemic nation’’.

He gave assurance that Jonathan’s promise to eradicate polio from the country by 2015 would be kept, and said that any child below age five coming into Nigeria must be stopped and immunised before being allowed entry.

Katsina

A 60-year-old man, Muhammadu Sani, has been arrested by the NDLEA in Katsina with 167 kilograms of cannabis sativa.

Parading the suspect on Thursday in Katsina, the NDLEA Commandant, Hajiya Maryam Gambo lamented the rate at which aged persons, children and women were being involved in drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

When interviewed by newsmen, the suspect said he had been in the illegal business for four years.

Sani said that he transported the items from the southern parts of the country to Katsina, where he was arrested by the operatives of NDLEA.

The command also arrested one Tasiu Salisu, 35, with 40 kilograms of cannabis sativa tucked inside a Television set.

Salisu confessed that he wanted to deceive NDLEA and other security agents by hiding the substance in the TV set.

Kebbi

The Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State bought 3,500 water pumping machines for distribution to dry season farmers to boost food production.

The council Chairman, Alhaji Sahabi Danbaba said in Suru on Thursday that the machines would be distributed free of charge to deserving farmers, noting that the council’s Department of Agriculture had been mandated to ensure equitable distribution of the machines.

The chairman said that the council had also prepared 2,000 hectares of cultivable land for dry season farming, and declared that the council had cleared the land to promote agriculture beyond subsistence level as well as generate employment and improve the economic well-being of farmers.

The chairman said the council would work out the modalities for farmers to benefit from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) agriculture loan.

“Most of our farmers are not conversant with the loan procedure and we will encourage improvement in agricultural production,’’ he said

Kogi

The Kogi Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, says agriculture is the major fulcrum that will drive the industrial development of the state.

Awoniyi stated this at the presentation and commissioning of 10 tractors purchased by the government for rice farmers as part of its flood recovery programme.

He said that the government was resolute to tap into the Federal Government’s agenda for rice farming, adding that 10,000 hectares of land had been cleared for rice farming while another for cassava.

He stated that the Korean Government had helped the state in establishing rice mills, while an approval for the purchase and erection of four cassava mills was in progress.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Femi Abolarin commended the administration for its determination to reposition the sector.

Kwara

The Etsu Patigi in Kwara, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, on Thursday rejected the call for constitutional roles for traditional rulers in the country.

He said if the leaders were given roles under the constitution, it would deny them of their primary responsibilities.

Speaking when members of the state House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Razaq Atunwa, paid him a courtesy visit during their oversight function to Patigi Local Government Area, the monarch said people might use the opportunity of such recognition to challenge traditional institutions in the courts while trying to perform their primary roles.

“I am not in support of clamour for constitutional responsibilities for traditional rulers because it would only tie them down. “Also it will impinge on their primary responsibility which is to advise people in government and tell them the truth all the times. “We should only be recognised constitutionally but not given constitutional roles. “We are neither looking for executive nor legislative powers but we should be recognised in the constitution. “The kingmakers cannot be the king to avoid a collapsed system”, the royal father said.

Lagos

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has alleged that the suspected vandals that destroyed NNPC pipelines at Arepo village, Ogun, were recruited from Ondo State riverine areas.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of the Inspector-General of Police Special Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism, Mr Friday Ibadin, disclosed this to the newsmen in Lagos.

He said that preliminary investigations into the last pipeline explosion revealed that some young men were brought to Lagos from riverine areas of Ondo State, to replace the dead members of the group.

“One of the suspects arrested after the last explosion in Arepo, who identified himself as Computer, claimed that himself and two others were invited to Lagos on January10, to work,by one Igbekorowa, (suspected ring leader of pipeline vandals).

Ibadin said that the suspect claimed that the first place their leader took them to was the creeks in Ikorodu area, where he (leader) requested them to stay on the road.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State deputy governor, Mr Damishi Luka-Barau, has pledged the government’s commitment to ensure adequate medical services to enhance the wellbeing of the people in the state.

Luka-Barau made the declaration recently at a one-day free medical care at Ningo in the Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.

He commended members of the Nasarawa State Association of Pharmacy Students (NASAPS) at the University of Jos for their foresight in offering free medical care in conjunction with his office, and said that the CPC-led administration in the state had placed high premium on the health sector.

Niger

The Officer- in-Charge of Minna Orphanage, Hajiya Ladidi Mohammed, on Wednesday said the home had produced two undergraduates in two institutions of higher learning.

Mohammed told newsmen in Minna that, the orphans were currently studying in the state’s College of Administrative and Business Studies, Bida and College of Education, Minna.

She said that the students, Haruna Abdullahi, 30 and Useni Abdullahi, 28, who were in their second and first year respectively, were being sponsored by the Niger State Government.

Mohammed said the home catered for a total of 21 orphans including the two students adding that 15 of them are males while six are females.

She said that the orphans were mainly from broken homes, mentally-deranged women or lunatics, adding that the mode of adoption was based on legal procedure.

Ondo

Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Yekini Olanipekun, has directed contractors refurbishing the Akure Township Stadium to get the facility ready for the 2012/2013 football season.

The ministry’s Media Officer, Anota Adebayo, said on Thursday in Akure that the commissioner gave the directive at a stakeholders meeting with the contractors of the project.

It said the stadium project had caused a lot of embarrassment to the government, noting that the contractors had been fully paid for the job.

“The project was supposed to have been completed before the end of 2012, but suffered some setback because of the lackadaisical attitude of the contractors,” the statement said.

It said the commissioner urged the stakeholders involved in renovating the stadium to quickly complete the project ahead of the coming Nigeria Premier League, beginning on February 16.

Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State on Wednesday ordered the redeployment of the Director of Agriculture; all the six deputy directors as well as the cashier of Kware Local Government Council of the state for absenteeism.

Wamakko gave the directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to the local government secretariat at about 8.35 a.m. Apparently enraged by their absence, the governor ordered the state Local Government Service Commission to effect the redeployment with immediate effect.

During the visit, the governor met the council staff officer and other directors in their offices while the chairman and secretary were said to be away on official assignment.

Similarly, the governor visited Government Day Secondary School, Dundaye at about 7.50 a.m where he met only seven teachers present out of the 23.

Other schools visited by the governor included Gidan Sarkin Dinki, and Tangwale Primary Schools, among others.

Plateau

The Commissioner for Health in Plateau, Dr Fom Dakwak, has confirmed the death of two persons from Lassa fever in Plateau.

Dakwak said on Wednesday in Jos that the first victim, a woman, died at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, while the other, a man, died at the Vom Christian Hospital.

According to him, the ministry has sent out epidemiologists to sensitise people at COCIN Pastoral School, Kanke, where a student died of the disease sometime ago, stating that two other victims of the disease in the Kanke area were currently on admission.

According to the commissioner, the epidemiologists conducting a sensitisation workshop at the school are focusing on the steps that must be taken to contain the spread of the disease.

He stated that the Lassa virus was usually transmitted to human when the saliva, urine and excreta of the multi-mammalian rats come in contact with humans through either their food or water.

Nation

Army Graduates 384 Female Soldiers In Abuja

Published

5 days ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Army has passed out 384 female soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) following the successful completion of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in Giri, Abuja.

In a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, yesterday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Command, Giri, Abuja, Major Nsima Essien, said the passing-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf, as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, the Army Chief commended the female personnel for their dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the training exercise.

He described the successful completion of the exercise as an important milestone in their military careers and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.

He urged the newly trained soldiers to uphold the values of teamwork, courage, loyalty and professionalism, while applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the exercise to their military duties.

Shaibu emphasised the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in addressing contemporary security challenges before declaring the exercise closed.

Earlier, the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC), Colonel S. M. Ahmed, welcomed the special guest and other dignitaries to the ceremony.

Ahmed highlighted the significance of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in enhancing the physical fitness, military competence, discipline and operational readiness of the female personnel.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the authorities, instructors and other personnel whose efforts ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.

Highlights of the ceremony included obstacle-crossing demonstrations and weapons-handling exercises, during which the female soldiers demonstrated their ability to strip and assemble AK-47 rifles while blindfolded.

The demonstrations showcased the personnel’s physical endurance, confidence, weapons-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.

“A total of 384 female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in the exercise, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training (HQ DAPT), and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion, “ Ahmed said.

The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests.

Eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards presented by the Acting Commander of NAWC.

The event also featured a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the exercise.

The exercise forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen personnel development, improve military competence and enhance operational readiness in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.

Nation

IDGC: Group Takes Campaign To PH Schools

Published

3 weeks ago

October 16, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.

The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.

Stories by Kevin Nengia

Nation

Foundation Unveils Intra-Kalabari Mass Transit Scheme

Published

3 weeks ago

October 16, 2026

The Tide

The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.