Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

January 31, 2014

Bauchi

Former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, last Friday offered to partner with the Bauchi State Government to boost youth development.

Al- Mustapha , who is the President, Unity and Development Initiative (APUDI), an NGO, made the plea when he led members of the management team of the organisation on a courtesy call to the Bauchi State Governor, Malam Isa Yuguda ,in Bauchi.

He said that the organisation was creating new opportunities that would promote the well being of the younger ones.

Yuguda, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Musa Gumli , appealed to Al-Mustapha to take all that had happened to him as an act of God and forgive all those that erred.

Benue

The Executive Director, Environment and Climate Change Amelioration Initiative, an NGO, Mrs Victoria Esa, last Tuesday warned against bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees.

Esa who gave the advice in an interview in Makurdi said bush burning and indiscriminate felling of trees were contributing to deforestation, erosion and global warming.

She urged the forestry departments at the state and federal levels to intensify efforts at reducing the massive felling of trees across the country.

Esa enjoined Nigerians to plant trees and flowers and nurture them to maturity in order to mitigate the effect of deforestation and its attendant consequences on the socioeconomic lives of the people.

FCT

The Chairman of Bwari Area Council in the FCT, Mr Peter Yohanna, has called on politicians, especially those in leadership position, to make judicious use of resources at their disposal, to promote grassroots development.

Yohanna who gave the advice on Monday in his address at the conferment of the award of “Friendliest Chairman” on him by the Bwari chapter of the Motorcycle and Tricycle Operators Association of Nigeria urged political office holders to be more prudent in the use of resources to ensure even spread of social amenities in the country.

Yohanna said that eradicating poverty was not only through hard work, but also by making use of available resources judiciously to solve problems affecting the people and advised the political class to always seek divine intervention in the face of leadership challenges, in order to be able to find solutions to the problems of the country.

Kano

Kano State Government has ordered polio workers to conduct house-to-house immunisation in the 44 local government areas of the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, who gave the directive on Monday while monitoring the exercise in Garun Malam, Bebeji and Madobi local government areas said the workers should not wait for parents to bring their children to them for immunisation but to ensure that they entered the houses and immunise each of the targeted children.

He, however, commended parents for bringing their children below five years for immunisation centres and also commended traditional and religious leaders as well as voluntary organisations for working to ensure the success of the immunisation.

Katsina

The Katsina State House of Assembly last Tuesday passed the 2014 appropriation bill of N113.3 billion.

The passage followed the report on the budget presented by the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Alhaji Abdu Danshehu.

The state government, had in December 2013, presented the budget of N113.6 billion with a surplus of N609 million before the House.

The House, however, made some minor adjustments by reducing the budget to N113.3 billion with a surplus of N259 million.

Danshehu commended the various ministries and parastatals agencies for the way and manner they defended their budgets before the committee.

Kebbi

The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, last Tuesday called on Kebbi State Government to enter into partnership with the Republic of Rwanda to develop the tourism potentials in the state.

Mera, made the call in Argungu when he received the Rwandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Joseph Habineza, during a courtesy visit to his palace.

He said the partnership would favour the state, “considering the fast rate of recovery of Rwanda after its internal crisis”.

The emir noted that Rwanda had taken measures that have enhanced the country’s tourism, turning it into a major source of revenue.

Kogi

More than 10,000 unemployed graduates have applied to fill 60 vacancies at the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service.

A competent source in the service said in Lokoja on Tuesday that the service had advertised for applications from suitably qualified candidates to be engaged as Revenue Trainee Officers noting that about 900 of the applicants had First Class and Second Class Upper Division degrees as well as Distinction and Upper Credit at HND level.

It was gathered that government embarked on the recruitment drive to harness fresh brains following its resolve to reposition the service for operational efficiency in conformity with international best practises in tax administration.

Kwara

Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Tuesday presented a list of 16 nominees to the state House of Assembly for confirmation as commissioners in the state executive council.

The governor’s request contained in a message read by the Speaker of the House, Mr Rasaw Atunwa, during plenary was in consonance with Section 192, Sub-section 125 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The nominees are Mr Amos Aboyeji from Oyun Local Government Area; Alhaji Issa Kayode, Moro; Alhaji Aliu Mohammed, Asa; Alhaji Shaaba Umar, Edu; and Alhaji Abubakar Mora, Kaima.

Ondo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, has advocated better wage for all media practitioners across the country.

A statement by the zonal Vice President, Mr Dele Atunbi on Monday in Akure described the monthly take home of media practitioners as a “slave wage’’.

According to the union, the disparity in the take home of media practitioners and other civil servants is economic dehumanisation, deprivation and marginalisation.

It pointed out that the media in collaboration with other well-meaning Nigerians fought for the independence of the country.

Osun

A peace advocate, Mr Ajibola Owolabi, has described the directive by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to its National Assembly members to block all executive bills as “counterproductive’’.

Owolabi, the Executive Director of Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative (ADAPHAI), an NGO, said in Osogbo on Monday that the essence of formation of political associations was to mobilise the people and make them conscious of the ideal of good governance.

According to him, party politics should not be personalised at the detriment of the people if the political party really exists for the wellbeing of the people adding that blocking a budget would portray a political party as anti-people.

Oyo

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola, University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin, and two others have won the 2013 African Growth and Development Policy Modelling (AGRODEP) innovative grant.

According to a statement from the Vice-Chancellor’s office and made available to newsmen last Monday in Ogbomoso. Gbadegesin, Prof. Joshua Ajetumobi of LAUTECH’s Agricultural Economics and Extension Department and Prof. Olusanya Ajakaiye of the African Centre for Shared Development and Capacity Building, Ibadan won the grant.

Plateau

The Public Complaints Commission in Plateau State resolved 301 cases and recovered N82 million for complainants in Plateau last year, the commission said in a statement in Jos on Tuesday.

Its Director of Investigation, Mrs H.H. Isandu, said it received a total of 598 complaints in the year with 297 cases still pending.

Of the monies recovered, the statement said that some were unpaid salaries while others were terminal benefits and recoveries from breaches of trust.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government last Friday in Sokoto conducted a mass wedding for 125 couples.

The wedding prayer (Fatiha) conducted at the Government House, Sokoto was presided over by Gov. Aliyu Wamakko and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who was represented by Alhaji Rilwanu Bello, the Magajin Rafin Sokoto.

Wamakko said that the gesture was aimed at further reducing the problems associated with the high number of unmarried youths and urged the new couples to uphold the trust reposed in them by the state government.

Taraba

The Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, on Monday in Jalingo signed the 2014 Appropriation Bill of N83.33 billion into law.

The budget figure was reviewed by the House of Assembly from N79.66 billion to N83.33 billion.

Umar said that N41.70 billion of the budget was for recurrent expenditure, while N41.63 billion was earmarked for capital expenditure.

Nation

THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.

It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.

The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions: M – Meeting the People E – Educating the People D – Discussing with the People I – Involving the People A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.

People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.

Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.

Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.

Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.

Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.

The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.

By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

2 weeks ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia