Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

April 7, 2014

Benue

The Benue State Government says it has adopted a
new formula for the sharing of relief materials to victims of current attacks in the state.
Executive Secretary of the state Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr Adikpo Agbatse told newsmen in Makurdi that the formula was evolved to ensure equity in the distribution of the materials.
He said 40 per cent of the materials would go to those in temporary camps, while the remaining 60 per cent would be shared to local government councils and wards affected by the crises for distribution to victims.
Agbatse explained that the policy was to ensure that the assistance got to rural communities and to discourage people from staying in camps.

Kaduna

Jema’a Local Government Council of Kaduna State,
says it has relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed in Kafanchan by 10 hours.
Our correspondent reports that a 24-hour curfew was imposed in Kafanchan township recently, following the youths’ reaction to the arrest of 24 men allegedly in possession of arms.
Chairman, Mr Daniel Amos, of the council said in Kafanchan that residents were now free to go about their businesses from 6 am to 4 pm.
“The development is due to relative calm witnessed within the metropolis.

Kwara

An Area Court in Kaiama, Kwara State, has granted
the prayer for divorce filed by a housewife, Rakiat Alidu.
Rakiat, who said her four-year-old marriage to her husband, Musa, was blessed with a child, filed for divorce because the union“ lacked the needed love.”
The President of the court, Malam Ahmed Yahaya, held that the divorce was granted in line with the provisions of the law in favour of Rakiat.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State-owned University of Science and
Technology has commenced a general training for the 8,689 newly recruited personnel to teach in the state’s secondary schools.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdu Zuru, told newsmen in Aliero that the seven-week training would focus on classroom management, lesson plan, scheme of work and extra-curricular activities. “The training will be conducted in batches, with each batch consisting of 1,200 teachers,’’ he said.
According to him, the trainees will receive a weekly stipend of N2,000 each.

Katsina

The Katsina State Government has approved N100
million to assist victims of the recent attack in Faskari, Sabuwa and Safana Local Government Areas of the state.
The state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu, announced the donation at a news conference in Katsina recently.
Aliyu said the money would be shared among relations of those who died or suffered injury during the attack.
Aliyu said he would head the committee that would distribute the money, explaining that the gesture was part of government’s determination to identify with the people in time of distress.

Lagos

An Abule Egba Magistrates’ Court in Lagos has sen
tenced a 20-year-old meat seller, Oye Adeleke to three years imprisonment for raping his customer’s under-aged daughter.
The Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, sentenced Adeleke without an option of fine.
“This will serve as deterrent to others who indulge in having sex with a teenager.
This sentencing is mitigated by virtue of the leg injury of the defendant and remorse on his part,’’ Elias said, while convicting Adeleke.

Nasarawa
A Grade 1 Area Court in Aso Pada, Mararaba,
Nasarawa State, has sentenced a timber dealer, Felix Sunday, to three years in prison for criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The presiding judge, Mr Albert Maga, gave the judgment and ordered the convict to pay N670,000 as compensation to one Mr Benedit Oyika, the plaintiff.
Maga, however, gave option of N10,000 fine to the convict.
Earlier, the plaintiff in his testimony, told the court that one of his friends introduced the convict to him as a timber dealer.
Oyo

A Grade “C ” Customary Court in Iseyin, Oyo State,
has ordered Idowu Oluokun, Muiz Adebayo and Muniru Adeyemi, who are all claiming paternity of a six-year-old, to maintain the peace.
The President of the court, Mr Kareem Adelodun, gave the order after informing Oluokun and Adebayo who were in court that a third claimant, Adeyemi, had also written claiming paternity of the child.
Adelodun, who adjourned further hearing on the matter until April 7, also ordered all the parties to produce evidence of paternity.

Ogun
The Chief Dr Babatunde Banuso Medical Director of
the State Hospital, Ota, Ogun State, has warned Nigerians against using local herbs whose efficacy could not be ascertained.
Banuso said in an interview with newsmen in Ota that they might have side effects with serious health implications.
“The side effects of some of the traditional herbs on the human system can be disastrous as it could lead to deadly diseases like kidney and cancer,’’ he said.
He said the resort to herbs had been identified as one of the contributing factors to the ill-health of many people across the country.

Plateau

The National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA), has said it has established 11 camps for the 100,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from eight crisis-ridden local governments in Benue.
The NEMA Coordinator for North-Central, Mr Mohammed Abdulsalam made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
He said “each camp has a minimum of 8,500 IDPs.
“The camps are just too populated and we are thinking of establishing more because more people are trooping into Makurdi from even the areas that have not been attacked.

Taraba

The police command in Taraba State says it has
arrested nine people who specialised in stealing yam tubers in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the command , ASP Joseph Kwaji, made the disclosure at a news conference in Jalingo.
Kwaji said a police patrol team in Ibi arrested the suspects, comprising seven men and two women, while stealing the produce.
He said the suspects are Abdullahi Umaru, Yunusa A Yunusa, Mustapha Hamusu, Idris Mohammed, Adamu Muhammed, Yusuf Aliyu, Mairo Maijaki, Adamu Musa and Hauwa Shagari.

Zamfara

More than N1.3 billion has been spent by the
Tertiary Institutions Trust Fund (TETFUND) to improve facilities at the Zamfara State College of Education, Maru, since 2011.
The Provost of the College, Alhaji Kabir Dankande said this in an interview with newsmen in Maru.
Dankande said the institution had recorded various transformations through its partnership with TETFUND, especially in the areas of physical structures and manpower development.

Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundation (acbf), Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie (left), exchanging documents with Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, after signing projects grants agreement between National Institute for Legislative Studies (nils) and acbf in Abuja, recently. Photo: NAN

Nation

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

Published

1 day 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 the late Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Nation

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

Published

1 day 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

Nation

First Rivers Female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education Delivers UNIPORT’s 211th Inaugural Lecture

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education from University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State, Prof. Faith Ken-Aminikpo, has delivered the institution’s 211th inaugural lecture to widespread acclaim, highlighting the critical role of theatre in modern education.

The inaugural lecture, titled “Playing and Learning: The Siamese Twins,” was delivered on April 30, 2026, at the university campus in Port Harcourt before an audience comprising academics, traditional rulers, students, and members of the public.

The event attracted applause and commendations for the lecture’s intellectual depth, engaging delivery, and practical relevance to contemporary education.

In her presentation, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo challenged the misconception that Theatre Arts is merely entertainment or academically inferior to other disciplines. She stressed that theatre remains a powerful pedagogical tool capable of improving learning outcomes across diverse fields, including science, medicine, and technology.

According to her, theatre promotes creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, describing it as a holistic educational experience beyond acting and performance.

“Theatre is life itself. Every rehearsal is a learning process. Through theatre, we develop creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. It is not just about dancing or acting. It is a comprehensive educational experience,” she stated.

The professor, who is also the first PhD holder in the Department of Theatre Arts in Education at the university, described playing and learning as inseparable concepts that must coexist to achieve meaningful education.

She maintained that imaginative and participatory teaching methods significantly enhance students’ engagement, understanding, and retention.

Drawing from her personal teaching experience, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo recounted how she deployed visual aids and creative techniques to teach poetry during her early teaching career, leading to improved student performance.

She also cited the use of models and demonstrations by science teachers to simplify complex concepts as further evidence of the effectiveness of experiential learning methods.

As part of her recommendations, the theatre scholar proposed the establishment of a Centre for Theatre Arts in Education in universities to drive curriculum development, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and community engagement.

She further advocated the creation of a World Theatre-Inspired Children’s Learning Park, which she said would promote youth development, provide practical training opportunities, and generate revenue for institutions.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended the inaugural lecturer for what he described as an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant contribution to knowledge.

Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. J. E. Esmonde, described Prof. Ken-Aminikpo as an accomplished scholar whose work has significantly advanced theatre education in Nigeria and beyond.