Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

October 14, 2013

L-R: Former Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu, Rep. Beni Lar and Chairman, House Committee on Privatisation, Rep. Khadizah Ibrahim, during their condolence visit to Lar’s family in Abuja last Saturday.

Adamawaa

The Nigerian Air Force has expressed satisfaction with the
performance of its officers and men deployed for the operation against insurgents in the North-East.
The Commanding Officer in Charge of Tactical Command of the force, Air Vice Marshal Adeshola Amusu, told newsmen last Thursday in Yola, that the men were doing a good job.
Amusu, who was touring the zone to asses the troops, said he was satisfied with the commitment of the officers and men after the visit to Maiduguri and Yola adding that the force was working in synergy with the 7 Division, Nigerian Army to dislodge the insurgents.

Bauchi
i
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Bauchi State says it has trained 150 of its personnel on the handling of weapons.
The state Commandant of the Corps, Alhaji Shuayb Jibril, said in Bauchi last Thursday that the training would enhance the skills of the beneficiaries on how to protect lives and property.
He said the affected personnel, who were trained at the School of Armour, Bauchi, would start carrying arms while on duty and urged residents of Bauchi and its environs, not to panic whenever they noticed any of his men carrying weapons, especially during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Borno

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) handset
sellers in Maiduguri last Thursday appealed to Borno Government to prevail on the relevant authorities for network services to be restored in the state.
Addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, Chairman of GSM handset sellers association in the state, Malam Usman Shehu, said that the measure had deprived members of his association of their source of livelihood.
Shehu revealed that members of the association had been forced by the situation, to resorted to begging as their wares were no longer marketable .

FCT

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) says it has
contributed 345,000 dollars (about N55.2 million) to enhance and strengthen seeds production in Nigeria.
FAO Country Representative, Dr Louise Setshwaelo, made this known in Abuja last Wednesday at the workshop on ‘Strengthening National Seed Systems in Nigeria’.
The two-year project, in partnership with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Setshwaelo said, would increase the adoption rate of improved seeds by smallholder farmers, improve income and ensure food security in the country.
Gombe

The police have assured the people of Gombe State that an
effective operational order has been made to ensure hitch-free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations on October 15 in the state.
The Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Mr. Fwaje Atajiri, told newsmen in Gombe lastThursday that the plan covered all the three area commands and 23 divisional police headquarters in the state.
According to him, the police will make strategy with other sister security agencies to ensure smooth celebrations.
“The operational order will be religiously followed to ensure that the Sallah celebration in the state is hitch-free.

Jigiwa

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in
Jigawa State last Wednesday arrested a 25-year-old-man for allegedly stealing a laptop computer.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Muhammad Gidado, in Dutse said that the corps had trailed the suspect after he stole the computer from a business centre in the area on September 21.
“Today, we succeeded in arresting a suspect for stealing a brand new laptop computer from a business centre in Dutse.

Kaduna
Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has commended
the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its contributions in tackling development challenges in the country.
Yero gave the commendation last Thursday at the passing out parade of 2012 ‘’ batch C ‘’ Corps members in Kaduna.
Represented by his deputy, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, the governor noted that the scheme had impacted positively on the lives of the people, especially in the rural areas.
“People of the state are appreciative of your efforts in the education sector, healthcare delivery in rural areas, the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDs and other national development programmes,” he said.
Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government recorded 80 per cent success
during the integrated measles and polio eradication immunisation exercise concluded last Wednesday.
The state Coordinator, Primary Health Care Development Agency (KPHDA), disclosed this to the newsmen last Thursday in Birnin Kebbi that Dr Abubakar Koko the exercise was successfully conducted in 225 electoral wards, but added that 65 per cent coverage was recorded in 43 of the wards.
He said 1,031 teams of 3,000 personnel were engaged to immunise 500,000 children across the state and commended the contributions of UNICEF, Rotary Club International, the state and local governments, which ensured the success of the exercise.

Kano

The Kano State Government last Wednesday sealed a pri
vate clinic, Tiga Clinic and Maternity, in Fagge Local Government Area for alleged unethical practice.
A statement from the state Ministry of Health in Kano stated that the closure was ordered by the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Private Health Institutions.
The Special Assistant, Dr Salisu Ibrahim, said that the clinic lacked qualified personnel with only one nurse on duty whose service to the patients was below standard.

Kogi

The Kogi State Government has signed an agreement with
the UN Habitat and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to redevelop Lokoja into a modern city.
Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony in Lokoja, the state’s Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, said that the urban renewal programme would entail structural and urban re-planning of the city.
The deputy governor stated that the agreement was preceded by series of meetings in Kenya and Nigeria and he expressed hope that the initiative would improve the quality of life of the people.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has in Ilorin
expressed concern over the 10.5 million Nigerian children said to be out-of-school.
Ahmed expressed the concern last Thursday while declaring open the 32rd Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Association of Educational Administration and Planning.
Ahmed, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Peter Kisira, noted that the incessant strike by lecturers of tertiary institutions had distorted academic calendars in higher institutions.

Nasarawa

A group, Youth for Peace and Development, has embarked on
peace campaign to mobilise youths in Nasarawa State to eschew chaos and embrace peace.
National President of the group, Mr Bala John, announced this last Wednesday during the group’s peace advocacy meeting at Farin-Ruwa Development Area of the state.
“The group has set the machinery in motion to create awareness amongst all the different ethnic groups and religions in the state. “The essence of the peace advocacy campaign is to uncover why communities, which were hitherto living together in peace, are now rising up against each other,” John said.
Niger

The Northern States Governors’ Forum has described the
death of Chief Solomon Lar, the first civilian governor of old Plateau State, as a devastating loss to the citizens of the state and the country.
The Forum’s Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger, said that with the death of Lar, “Nigeria has lost a patriot of uncommon courage’’.

Osun

The Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Lands,
Physical Planning and Urban Development has urged the newly constituted board of the state Property Development Corporation to ensure efficient service delivery.
Chairman of the Committee, Mr Johnson Ojo (APC-Ede South), made the appeal when the board members visited the committee last Thursday in Osogbo.
Ojo, who noted that the existence of the corporation was very important to the growth and development of the state, said the board members should justify their appointment.
Earlier, the acting General Manager of the corporation, Mr Oluyemi Olanrewaju, said the visit was to seek the committee’s cooperation for the progress of the corporation.

Plateau

Prices of rams in Jos and its environs, have increased,
some days to the Eid El-Kabir celebration. A survey showed that the increase was due to inadequate supply of animals to the livestock markets in the state .
According to the survey, an average ram that sold for N20,000 last year, now costs N30,000, while that of N30,000 then, now sells for N40,000. In the same vain, a ram above average in size, that costs N50,000 some months ago, now attracts N60,000
The survey also reveals that some species of rams being imported from neighbouring countries ,are selling at prices higher than the local breed.
A three-year old Sudanese ram is selling for N120,000 and above, depending on the size, while those from Niger Republic, referred to as “parrot head“, cost between N140,000 and N150,000 each, also depending on the size.

Taraba

Fishermen in Taraba State lastThursday decried the rapid
decline in fish production and expressed worry that this might cause economic problems if not checked.
Some fishermen, who spoke with newsmen in Donga Local Government Area, called for urgent actions to address the situation.
One of the fishermen, Mr Awual Sani, said that fish production was always on higher side during September and October every year, adding that “this year is a different and sad experience’’.
Sani decried the impact of the situation on the economy of the fishermen, adding that many fish farmers were already finding it difficult to pay the school fees of their children.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

22 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

22 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

22 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.