Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

December 9, 2013

Ekiti

Sunday Sulaiman, 38, said to offer spiritual protection
to armed robbers, has been arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, told newsmen that Sulaiman was picked up for organising prayer sessions for robbers tormenting residents of Ado-Ekiti.
He accused the suspect of offering spiritual backing to the robbers, who in turn gave him certain percentage of loot they got from each operation.
Sulaiman, a native of Saare in Kwara, was said to arrange “prayer warriors at the Way of Salvation Church Ministry’’ for the suspected robbers.’’

Gombe

The North East governments said they were
committed to the implementation of recommendations of their economic summits held in Bauchi in 2012 and recently in Gombe State.
The governors expressed the commitment when receiving the recommendations of the summits.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, who spoke on behalf of the governors of the six states, said all of them had agreed to implement the recommendations of the summits.
The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, Yobe and Gombe.
“We the governors of the North East sub-region hereby accept all the recommendations of the North East economic summit held in Yankari in 2012 and that of the second summit in Gombe in 2013.

Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on
the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ratify its agreement with the Federal Government so as to resume work immediately.
The National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr Anthony Sani, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna .
The ACF said calling off the five-month-old strike would be in the best interest of students, parents and the educational system.
“We wish to call on ASUU to please hasten the completion of the said paper work with a view to calling off the strike forthwith,” it said.

Kebbi

As part of efforts to enhance fish production and
reduce unemployment, the Kebbi State Government says it will construct five pilot fish ponds to train job seekers in small and medium-scale fish farming.
The state Director of Fisheries,Alhaji Mustapha Dole, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, recently.
Dole said the ponds would be located in Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Zuru, Bagudo and Yauri zonal offices.
He said the identified job seekers in the areas would be trained on techniques of producing fish feeds locally.

Lagos

President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN) Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to embrace peace.
Kaigama said in an interview with newsmen that peace could only be achieved through personal orientation and cultivation.
The cleric, who commended the Federal Government on the measures it had taken in curtailing the security challenges in the country, urged Nigerians to always be at peace with themselves and their neighbours.
“Multiplying security agents on the streets can only bring about artificial peace. Even if we supply five soldiers to every family in Nigeria, peace cannot be achieved in total.
Nassarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says his
administration would implement the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Alakyo killings.
He gave the assurance when he visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Obi, Alhaji Umaru Ogiri, in Obi Local government area of the state.
Al-Makura said that any person found involved in the killings would not be spared.
“I want to appeal to the people of Obi not take judgement into their own hands.
“The judicial commission of inquiry has now completed its proceedings, we are waiting for the outcome of the inquiry and I can assure you that we will implement it,” he said.

Niger

The Niger State government says it has begun the
evacuation of mentally-ill from the streets, to mark the International Day for People with Disability.
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hasana Adamu, said at a media briefing in Minna that 15 of such people had been removed for rehabilitation so far.
She also said that the evacuation of such mentally-challenged persons from the streets would enhance clean environment.
“Last week, we were able to pick 15 mentally-challenged persons from the streets of Minna to our psychiatric home in Bida’’, she said.

Ogun

The General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation,
Mrs Monsurat Agboola, says the corporation has introduced the use of water meters in the state.
Agboola made this known in Abeokuta while defending the corporation’s 2014 budget in the House of Assembly.
She said the corporation had started trial installation of meters to determine the water consumption of some select table and sachet water producers.
She added that the corporation would thereafter move on to installation of prepaid meters designed specifically for the water industry to determine the tariff applicable to them.

Osun

The Chairman, Osun State Technical Committee on
Federal Road Safety Commission, Prof. Joseph Fawole,has advised motorists to cultivate the habit of complying with traffic rules.
Fawole gave the advice in Osogbo during a road show conducted by the committee as part of its awareness campaign to warn motorists against road accidents this festive season.
The committee chairman said motorists should on their own be able to obey the traffic rules and regulations without having to be apprehended by law-enforcement agents.
Plateau

The Plateau State Government has been called upon
to checkmate middlemen who buy rice at very cheap rates and resell to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortage.
The chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RiFAN) in Plateau State, Mr Joshua Bitrus, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
“The middlemen often extort farmers by buying at very cheap rates and reselling to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortages.
“It would be proper to include rice in the state government’s initiative in order to encourage farmers to continue to produce the commodity in large quantity and because of several advantages inherent in it,” he said.
Sokoto

The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Water Resources, Mr Lasun Yusuf, said last Thursday that the Federal Government had spent more than N60 billion on water-related projects across the country this year.
Yusuf said this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto on the sideline of the committee’s oversight visit in the state.
He said about N100 billion was earmarked for constituency projects in 2013, adding that the projects were located in the 360 federal constituencies nationwide.
“These projects include the provisions of motorized boreholes and their accessories, open-dug wells and tube wells, among others.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Widows Association, says it
would take a legal action against the Hisbah Commission over an alleged meddlesomeness.
The Chairperson of the association, Hajiya Ladidi Lawali, issued the threat when she led members on protest against the commission over its pronouncement at the Emir’s palace in Gusau.
The commission had announced the removal of the founder of the association, Alhaji Sa’idu Koshe, as its leader.
Ladidi alleged that the commission had hijacked the affairs of the association from its founder which she described as injustice.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, placing the 2014 Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly in Yola, last Friday.

Nation

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

Published

14 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

20 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

20 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.