Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

December 6, 2013

Benue

A consortium of agricultural experts, Wright Brothers
Farmers, has asked the Benue State Government for land to invest in commercial agriculture in the state.
The leader of the team, Mr Lee Wright, who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam in Makurdi, said they were in the state on the recommendation of the Federal Government, to secure land for commercial farming.
Lee said they had approached the Federal Government for land to establish commercial farms and were referred to Benue State on the grounds that it was the only state with the land mass to accommodate their request.
He said when established, the farm would produce food that would be affordable to the people of the state and the country at large.

Ekiti

An agricultural consultant, Dr Mobolade Famodimu,
has urged poultry farmers to develop more interest in quail farming.
Famodimu, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen at Ido in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State last Tuesday, said that quail farming was profitable.
“Experience has also shown that cost management of quail farming is less when compared with other poultry.
“Poultry owners who are yet to embrace quail farming should begin to invest in it because it is easier to keep and has little risk.”

FCT

Some persons with disabilities have called on the
government to initiate purposeful policies which would reduce their plight and incorporate them in decision-making processes.
They made the call in separate interviews with newsmen in Abuja, as the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is “Break Barriers and Open Doors for an inclusive society and development for all’’.
Ms Ekaete Umoh, Executive Director, Family-Centred Initiative for Challenged Persons, said that persons with disabilities ought to start enjoying the rights which they deserved in the society.

Gombe

The Emir of Gombe State, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar,
has appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to relocate the Federal University, Kashere, in Akko Local Government Area of the state, to Gombe.
The Emir made the appeal when the President visited him in his palace in Gombe.
“Permit me to express our grievances of the majority of our people in Gombe with regard to federal university allocated to Gombe State by your government,” he said.
He said that the current location of the university meant that its potentialities were a loss to the generality of the people of the state and Nigerians.
He said that the university’s employees were facing challenges of shuttling on daily basis from Gombe to the location.

Kwara

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Ilorin, Prof.
AbdulGaniyu Ambali, said in Ilorin that the institution would soon start a degree programme in Entrepreneurship Studies.
Ambali stated this at a book launch entitled “Management and Entrepreneurship in Societal Transformation: Perspectives from Africa”.
The vice chancellor said the book was written in honour of Prof. Jackson Olujide, the Dean of Management Sciences, because of his commitment to duty.
Ambali said that efforts were being made to reform the Technical and Entrepreneurship Centre in the university.
Lagos

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Mr Dikko
Abdullahi, has said that Customs would no longer stop any cargo on the road with the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
Abdullahi said this at the launching of PAAR at Trade Hub Centre of the Balogun Business Association (BBA) at the International Trade Fair Complex in Lagos.
He said that all cargoes cleared with the PAAR document would not be stopped on roads by the Customs to encourage people to use them.
“With PAAR, clearing of cargoes is convenient, faster and limits human contact,’’ he said.
Abdullahi advised that an importer should open a PAAR, fill and submit the document before importing a cargo.
He said it was pertinent for the maritime operators to embrace the new system by using the information available to comply with the trade routes to facilitate their business.

Nasarawa

The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman
Dikko, has reiterated his commitment to decongest prisons through speedy administration of justice in the state.
Dikko announced the commitment at the commencement of a four-day working tour of prisons in the state in Lafia recently.
He attributed the delay of justice in cases of most awaiting trial inmates in various prisons to the attitude of the police.
“The police go ahead to assign robbery and capable homicide cases to Magistrates, Area and Upper Area courts, knowing that those courts do not have jurisdiction over such matters,’’ he said.

Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has said
that the state government would partner with the Malaysian Government to revamp its agricultural sector in the areas of rice and palm oil production.
Amosun said this in Abeokuta while receiving a delegation from the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, led by Mohammed Abdullah, the Secretary-General of the ministry.
“All the local governments in the state have their own uniqueness in terms of crops production.
“We are looking into where we have comparative advantage like rice, cassava, palm oil plantation, cotton and many others,” the governor said.
He said that if the state government could get it right in agricultural production, it would create massive employment opportunities for the unemployed youths.
Osun

The Osun State University has distributed cheques
to indigenous vegetable farmers’ cooperative societies as part of the efforts to boost food production.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adekunle Okesina, presided over the ceremony at a workshop held at the university’s auditorium in Osogbo.
The programme was hosted by the university under the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund (CIFSRF) in conjunction with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and University of Manitoba.
No fewer than seven organisations including Odi-Aperin God Mercy Cooperative Akanran, Unity Farmers’ Society, Akure, Ijero Ekiti Precious Women Cooperative and Inisa Vegetable Growers benefitted from the gesture.

Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command says that it has
arrested two suspected drug traffickers with 646 bags of Indian hemp, valued at N11 million.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Indabawa, said this at a news conference in Ibadan recently.
Indabawa said that the police acted on a piece of information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Ogbere, Ibadan, on November 29 around 9.00 p.m.
“We learnt that a consignment of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp was packaged and already loaded for conveyance in a truck at a cannabis plantation at Eleja Village, near Akanran.
“The DAF truck, marked XR 967 JJJ was intercepted and found loaded with 646 bags of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

Plateau

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU),
UNIJOS chapter has said that classes would only resume in the institution if directed by the national body.
The chapter Chairman, Dr David Jangdam told newsmen in Jos that the lecturers were waiting for directives from the national body before the five-months strike could be called off.
“Classes will only resume if directed by the national body,’’ he said.
Jangdam said that the decision of the national body was final and binding on all local chapters.

L-R: Assistant Controller-General of Prisons, Dr Ekpedeme Udom, Chairman, House Committee on Health, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu and representative of I-G, Mr Dauda Fakai, at the official launch of the Police Action Committee on Aids Strategic Plan Document in Abuja, last Tuesday.

Nation

MOSIEND Calls For RSG, NDDC, Stakeholders’ Intervention In Obolo Nation

Published

11 hours ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

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

Nation

Film Festival: Don, Others Urge Govt To Partner RIFF

Published

17 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

Nation

Hausa Community Lauds Council Boss Over Free Medical Outreach

Published

17 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.