Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

March 26, 2014

Borno

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the United
.States is to assist Borno and other states in the North East Zone in the areas of primary healthcare and agriculture.
The President, Global Development, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Chris Elias, made this known during a meeting with officials of the Borno and Bauchi State Governments in the U.S.
The Special Adviser to the Borno Governor on Media and Communication , Malam Isa Gusau, made this known in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Sunday.
“Gov. Kashim Shettima and his Bauchi counterpart, Governor Isa Yuguda, were at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation headquarters in Washington D.C where they held meetings with the officials for hours.

FCT
WaterAid Nigeria has called on the Federal Govern
ment to address water and sanitation issues in the country to curb deaths among children.
The organisation’s Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Michael Ojo, described the high mortality rate of children under five from water related cases as “scandalous’’.
Ojo made the call in an interview with newsmen in commemoration of the World Water Day, in Abuja.
He said there was need to reverse current statistics of infant deaths arising from diarrhoea and water borne diseases in the country.

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has urged
political parties to shun sentiments in the choice of their flag bearers during elections.
Lamido said this when he received the executive officers of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) in Dutse.
He said aspirants needed not to be popular among the leaders of political parties, if they had the required will to work for the people.
The governor said that over the years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had carried out its objective of delivering dividends of democracy to Nigerians.
“It is either PDP or PDP, there is no alternative to our party, the only party that is owned by Nigerians”, he said.
Lamido said the PDP had always demonstrated that it was a party not owned or controlled by anyone or some individuals.

Kano

The Serendipity Health Care Foundation, an NGO based
in Kano, has called on the Kano State Government to focus more on the provision of safe drinking water to rural communities.
Its Coordinator, Mrs Samira Faruk, made the call at a rally the NGO organised to commemorate the World Water Day in Kano.
She said the call was necessary in view of the importance of water and sanitation to human lives.
‘’We appreciate the laudable projects Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso is doing, but we want him to do more especially in the areas of water and sanitation in the rural areas.’’
She said the organisation was ready to partner with the state government in the area of water and sanitation with a view to achieving the desired objectives.

Kaduna

The Integrity Network, a group under the All
Progressives Congress (APC), has urged youths in the country to shun “politics of deceit, money, religious bigotry and ethnic manipulation”.
Leader of the network Malam Umar Yahya, made the call at an interactive session with youths in Kaduna as part of the APC’s grassroots mobilisation.
The session has as its theme: Integrity and Corruption: Wither Nigerian?
Yahya said the aim was to ensure that the youths played vital role in the evolution of a new leadership in the country through democratic principles.

Lagos

Some lawyers in Lagos have criticised the wearing of
branded jackets belonging to religious organisations by the accused while standing trial in court.
Their reactions came against the backdrop of an accused, Dairus Nweze, 37, who appeared before a magistrate in a sleeveless branded jacket of a church — The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Church — with Scriptural inscriptions on it.
Our correspondent reports that the accused is facing a charge of assault at an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court.
He had earlier entered a plea of “not guilty’’.
Court officials had asked the accused to remove the jacket, but he reluctantly responded that he could remove it and chose to walk out of the courtroom.

Niger

The Niger Government has sent packing 200 Fulani
herdsmen from Gunu village in Shiroro Local Government Area of the state to Rijana, their ancestral village in Kaduna State.
The Director-General of the state’s department in charge of Nomadic Affairs, Alhaji Sadiq Abubakar, addressed the herdsmen shortly before their departure.
He said the decision to send them home was based on “security issues’’.
Abubakar said the herdsmen erred by not informing their association in the state about their intention to migrate in such a large number with their herds.

Ogun

As the world observed World Water Day recently, the Ogun
Government has renewed its commitment to make potable water available to the citizens.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Olu Odeyemi, said this in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen.
Odeyemi said that the state government’s efforts in providing good drinking water for the people were being hampered by inadequate power supply.
He disclosed that the government was negotiating with some power companies from Índia and China to have alternative way of generating power rather than depending on the government.
Osun
A former military administrator of Ebonyi, Sen.Simeon
Oduoye, 69, is dead.
Oduoye, who represented Osun Central Senatorial Zone in the Senate on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party from 2003 to 2007, died in Osogbo.
Mr Bola Ajao, PDP Publicity Secretary in Osun, confirmed Oduoye’s death to newsmen in an interview last Saturday in Osogbo.
He described Oduoye’s death as “a blow to the party” adding that the deceased was a gentleman to the core, who served the country diligently.
Plateau

The Plateau Government says it will spend two billion
naira to restock the 30-years-old Jos Wild Life Park.
The commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Abraham Yiljap, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
Yiljap said the step would address the park’s declining fortunes and patronage following years of neglect of the facility famed to be the largest man-made zoo in Nigeria.
“We want to upgrade the facility to realise its full potential”.
“The multiplier effects are massive but we specifically target a situation where every family will seek to visit the Jos Wild Life Park and have a good time,’’ he said.

Sokoto

A 4-day Maiden Conference on Basic and Applied Sci
ences has ended in Sokoto with participants advocating inter-disciplinary approaches to researches.
This is contained in a communique signed by the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Aminu Ibrahim, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto recently.
The conference which was organised by the Faculty of Science, Sokoto State University, Sokoto, between March 17 and March 20, had as its theme, “Impact of Basic and Applied Sciences on Resource Acquisition and Management”.
The communique advised that, “the institutions of higher learning and research institutes should give more emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to researches.’’
It also called for more “investigations in order to obtain a qualitative and enduring solution to resource scarcity”.

Taraba

The Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, says
he believes in the ability of the new leadership of the PDP to bring back those who defected from party.
Umar said this during a media parley with newsmen in Jalingo recently.
‘’Ahmed Muazu is active and he wants his people to return to PDP. I believe he will achieve this and win back most if not all defectors before the next general elections,’’ Umar said.
He said Taraba remained peaceful in the region because the PDP brought all the stakeholders to dialogue and enlightened the people on the need for development through peaceful co-existence
‘’We achieved peace in Taraba today through dialogue. We brought together major stakeholders: emirs, chiefs, clergymen to enlighten and talk to the people that destruction of lives and property was affecting our development and advancement.

L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State (2nd-left) and Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu (right), signing an MoU for National Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre in Bauchi, last Monday. Photo: NAN.

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.

Nation

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

Published

4 days 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