Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

October 16, 2013

Adamawa

The Adamawa State Government is disturbed by the daily
influx of displaced persons from Borno to some parts of the state due to insurgents’ attacks.
The Commissioner for Border Integration, Alhaji Hamza Bello, made the government’s position known during a condolence visit to Bitiku-Valti Village in Madagali Local Government Area to sympathise with victims taking refuge in the area.
Bello said the Adamawa State Government was worried about the frequent influx of the displaced persons now taking refuge in Madagali area of the state.
Consequently, he said, Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa had inaugurated a committee that would take care of the displaced persons.
Borno

The wife of Borno State Governor, Hajiya Nana Kashim-
Shettima, recently, distributed 100 rams to widows, orphans and other less privileged residents of Maiduguri.
Represented at the distribution ceremony by, the Chairman of her foundation, Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya Pupils (SWOT), Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said the gesture was to ensure that the beneficiaries were not left out in the forthcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
She said “as a woman and a mother, I deem it necessary to assist women and the less privileged in the state through the SWOT foundation.
“That is why we are distributing 100 rams to widows, orphans and other less privileged members of the society to enable them to celebrate the Sallah festival like other people in the society.’’

Ekiti

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said his admin
istration was still committed to bringing unprecedented development to every community in the state.
The governor gave the commitment at the 2013 Ikole National Day celebrations.
Fayemi, who was represented by his Special Adviser, Governor’s Office, Mr Abiodun Akin- Fasaye, said his administration recently approved the rehabilitation of eight kilometres of township roads in Ikole.
“This was done alongside other projects in some parts of the state,’’ he said.
The governor then advised the people on peaceful co-existence and the need to engage in activities which would improve their community.

FCT

Stakeholders in disaster management have urged gov
ernments at all levels to sustain the current efforts at preventing flood disaster in the country.
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The statement signed by NEMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ezekiel Manzo, said the stakeholders made the call in a communiqué issued at the end of the 3rd South-South Emergency Management meeting held in Asaba.
It stated that the stakeholders advised government to undertake regular dredging of rivers, canals and creeks to minimise frequent occurrence of floods.

Gombe

Low patronage has forced a drop in the prices of rams in
Gombe metropolis.
A survey conducted in different markets across the metropolis, indicated about 16 per cent drop in prices.
It showed that a ram that cost N60,000 last week, now sells for N50,000 while that of N30,000, had its price tag dropping to N25,000.
The survey also indicated a drop in the price of small rams, from N11,000, to N8,500.
Secretary of Livestock Dealers Association, Pantami Livestock market branch in Gombe metropolis, Malam Abubakar Yellow, told newsmen that the drop in prices, was anticipated as there was a general problem of cash squeeze in the state and the country.

Kano

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano State
said says it has deployed 600 officers and men to various parts of the state to ensure accident-free Sallah celebrations.
The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Malam Mohammad Garba, gave the figure while answering questions from newsmen in Kano.
He said the measure was part of the strategies mapped out by the command to ensure accident- free Eid-el-Kabir celebrations across the state.
“The 24-hour patrol will be a continuous process throughout the ‘ember’ period in the state,’’ he said.

Kwara

The Bishop of Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Anglican
Communion, Omu-Aran in Kwara State, The Rt. Rev. Phillip Adeyemo, has advised religious leaders in the country to exhibit a high level of integrity in a bid to command true followership.
Adeyemo gave the advice in a message to the first session of the second Synod of the Diocese held in the church on Saturday with the theme: “Integrity.’’
According to him, lack of integrity on the part of leaders led to the reformation of the early church.
Adeyemo stressed the need for church leaders in the country to embrace virtues such as honesty and integrity to avert revolt among their followers.

Lagos

Dr Frederick Fasehun said that the Unity Party of Nige
ria (UPN ) was waiting for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to invite it to receive its certificate of registration.
Fasehun, the interim chairman of the yet-to-be registered party, told newsmen in Lagos that the party had “fulfilled the conditions for registration as contained in the nation’s constitution.”
“It is the prerequisite of INEC to register us within 30 days but there is an electoral law that says if within 30 days the commission fails to write to us, such a party should deem itself registered. “So what we are doing now is, we are not just waiting for registration, we are waiting to be invited for our certificate,’’ Fasehun said.

Nasarawa

Prices of rams, vegetables and clothes are on the in
crease in Nasarawa, Nasarawa state, two days to the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, the reports say.
Eid-el-Kabir is the Muslim festival which marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca known as Hajj. It is also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice’’ commemorating Abraham’s faith and devotion to God.
According to a survey conducted in Nasawara LGA and Ara village prices of rams ranged from N25,000 to N80,000 as against N10,000 to N50,000 some months ago.
Osun

Prices of rams have risen in Ile-Ife and Modakeke in Ife,
Osun, few days to the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, reports say.
A survey conducted at the ram markets in Ile-Ife and Modakeke, indicated an increase of about 15 per cent to 20 per cent.
The Chairman of the Goat and Cow Sellers Association at Sabo market, ile-Ife, Mr Francis Oladosu, said a big ram, which cost about N80,000 few weeks ago, now attracts between N90,000 and N95,000.
Oladosu said the price of medium size ram rose from about N50,000, to N60,000, while small rams that sold for N18,000 each , now cost N20,000.
He blamed the hike on the prevailing security challenges in some parts of the Northern states and the increase in the cost of transportation.

Oyo

The National President, Ansar-ud-deen Society (ADS),
Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, has urged politicians to concentrate more on delivering democratic dividends than overheating the polity.
Okunnu made the appeal in his Eid-el-Kabir message made available to newsmen in Ibadan recently.
“I appeal to our politicians not to overheat the polity unnecessarily as the 2015 general election is still far.
“Everybody from the president downwards who is involved in governance in this country should concentrate on delivering on his or her campaign promises such that this country once again can flourish, “ he said.

Plateau

The Plateau Government says it spent over N42 million to
purchase some items which were distributed to some Muslims in the state as Eid-el-Kabir gifts.
Malam Idi Waziri, the state’s Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Jos.
He said this while presenting some of the items to inmates of the Jos prison and some disabled persons at the city’s central mosque, which is otherwise known as “Masallachin Juma’a’’.
The commissioner said the donation to the Muslim faithful was a clear indication that the Gov. Jonah Jang administration has the interest of all Muslims residing in the state at heart.

Sokoto

The police command in Sokoto State has banned the
transportation of more than one passenger on a motorcycle, its Spokesman, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani, said.
Sani told newsmen in Sokoto that the ban followed the prevailing security situation in the country “and we should not be complacent in Sokoto.
“Motorcyclists have been banned from carrying more than one passenger. There should always be two people on a bike, consisting of the rider and one other passenger.

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (Neiti), Mr Ledum Mitee; President Goodluck Jonathan; International Chairman, Neiti, Mrs Clare Short and Executive Secretary, Neiti, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, during their visit to the President in Abuja on Monday Photo: NAN

Nation

Kwara Community Residents Flee Over Persistent Bandits’ Attacks

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Omugo Community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State have deserted their homes due to persistent bandit attacks.
The Tide’s source reports that the once lively community has turned into a ghost town with only a few domestic animals left.
Reports indicate that the recent bandits’ attack on the Omugo ECWA Church via Oro-Ago, led to the abduction of eight worshippers including the wife of the pastor in charge.
Three persons escaped out of the eight abductees with a N1billion ransom placed on the remaining victims in captivity. The community could only gather N1million which was rejected by the bandits.
Last week, the armed bandits invaded Oro-Ago community, killed one vigilante man identified as Baba Ibeji and injured his younger brother known as Ajere.
A Point of Sales, PoS, shop directly opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Divisional office, was broken into by the bandits.
The gunmen also attacked the NSCDC office and sprayed bullets on the facility, though no casualty was recorded.
In earlier attacks on Oro-Ago environs, armed bandits ambushed a convoy between Oro-Ago and Oke-Ayan in Ilere district of Ifelodun Local Government Area and killed two local hunters on escort duty.
On Saturday, there was tension in Oro-Ago following a security alert that armed bandits were regrouping to launch fresh attacks on the community.
All security formations were, however, placed on ‘Red Alert’ to forestall the planned attack.

Nation

Acting Provost Dismisses Alleged Missing Equipment Claims at Rivers Health College

Published

2 days ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Acting Provost of the Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology, Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Chigozirim Amadi has refuted claims circulating in the media suggesting that laboratory equipment went missing from the college.

In a recent statement, Dr. Amadi described the reports—particularly those attributed to certain publications—as false and misleading. She emphasized that all laboratory equipment at the college remain intact.

“I am here to set the record straight. No laboratory equipment disappeared from my college. Nothing is missing,” Dr. Amadi said, challenging anyone with contrary claims to provide evidence, including the names of the equipment and their supposed locations.

She further noted that the college recently underwent an accreditation exercise, during which significant investments were made in laboratory equipment. According to Dr. Amadi, these items are fully accounted for, and the college maintains a robust security system to protect its assets.

“Everything is intact. Nothing disappeared. The information being circulated is false and should be discarded,” she reiterated.

Beyond addressing the allegations, Dr. Amadi also called on media practitioners to exercise professionalism and verify stories before publication. “I want to plead with journalists to always verify their stories. Junk journalism does not help anyone. No matter the information you receive, it is important to hear the other side before publishing,” she said.

While social media posts have occasionally raised concerns about various issues in the region’s health education sector, including extortion and examination malpractice at related institutions, there is no independent evidence from credible news sources confirming that equipment went missing from Rivers State College of Health Science and Management Technology.

The college, a public tertiary institution based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, is accredited to offer a variety of health-related programs, including Nursing, Midwifery, Laboratory Technology, and Environmental Health. It has consistently emphasized integrity, safety, and transparency in its operations.

Dr. Amadi’s statement seeks to reassure the public, students, and stakeholders that the college remains secure, well-managed, and free from the alleged equipment losses, while urging journalists to prioritize accuracy in reporting.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Commitment to Safe Water Supply In Ogoni

Published

1 week ago

March 23, 2026

The Tide

As the world commemorates World Water Day, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing potable water across Ogoni communities, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report on the Ogoni Environment.

In a statement issued by its Project Coordinator, Nenibarini Zabbey, on March 22, 2026, HYPREP noted that this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” alongside the campaign slogan, “Where Water Flows, Equity Grows,” underscores its resolve to extend potable water supply beyond oil-impacted communities to all Ogoni communities.

Zabbey emphasized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, adding that HYPREP remains committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable water access across the region.

He disclosed that the agency has successfully provided potable water to over 43 communities in Ogoni, while ongoing Phase 3 water projects are expected to benefit an additional 17 communities. He also highlighted steady progress on windmill-powered water projects in less populated areas, particularly in Khana Local Government Area.

According to him, the K-Dere Water Project, which is over 99 percent complete, will be commissioned in the coming weeks, even as work continues on other water schemes across Ogoni.

Zabbey further noted that HYPREP’s interventions are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

To ensure sustainability, he explained that the agency has adopted a joint management model involving host communities, the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, and the Rivers State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RSSTOWA). He added that Water Consumers’ Associations have been established in communities such as Nchia and Eleme, alongside training programmes conducted in collaboration with non-governmental organisations.

The Project Coordinator stressed the importance of community ownership and protection of water facilities, echoing the call by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, for residents to safeguard the infrastructure provided in their areas.

Zabbey expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts will significantly improve access to safe drinking water, reduce waterborne diseases, and enhance public health outcomes across Ogoni communities.