Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

April 9, 2014

Ekiti

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said that
the vacuum left by his late deputy, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka, had remained unfilled.
Fayemi made the remark at the first year remembrance service held in memory of the former state deputy governor at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti.
He said that he and the entire state would continue to miss the selfless services as well as robust contributions she used to render while alive.
Fayemi promised to stand by the pledge he made during the deceased’s funeral a year ago not to abandon her parents, children and other members of her immediate family.

FCT

A group, Women Arise, has called on authorities to
arrest what it described as targeted ritual killings and kidnapping of women in the South West.
The group said in a statement in Abuja signed by its President, Dr Okei Joe-Odumakin, that it was disturbing that victims of latest incidents were mostly women.
“While we are yet to recover from the rude blow we got from the Ejigbo pepper torture, sodomy and murder case in Lagos State, a new outbreak of this bestiality around the South West is quite disturbing.
“At Soka in Ibadan, the kidnappers’ den of horror was discovered where several people had been held hostage.

Kaduna

Bishop Mathew Ndagoso, the Catholic Bishop of
Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, has called on the Federal Government to be proactive on security matters to guard against attacks and reprisal attacks.
Ndagoso made the call in Kafanchan during a condolence visit by the province to displaced persons in Bondon District, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
It would be recalled that over 100 persons were killed and several others displaced on March 13 when gunmen attacked three villages in Bondon District, Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
The bishop said that attacks and reprisal attacks in some parts of the country required preventive measures to forestall re-occurrence.

Kwara
The Kwara State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr Tunji Moronfoye, has advised beneficiaries of agriculture loans to manage the funds properly and wisely.
Moronfoye gave then advice in a statement signed by the Press Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Olupinla Ayobola.
The statement quoted the commissioner as describing the loans as part of agriculture policy initiated to boost food production in the state by former governor Bukola Saraki.
It said that Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed disbursed the loans to members of the farmer associations in the state to empower them to make the state a hub for agriculture.
Lagos

The South-West Zone of National Agency for the Pro
hibition of Traffic in Persons and other Related Matters (NAPTIP) says it rescued 72 victims between January and March, 2014.
Its Commander, Mr Joseph Famakin, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos recently.
He said that 62 of the victims were women, while 10 were young boys.
The zonal office comprises Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti.
Famakin said that five persons arrested for human trafficking were convicted within the same period, explaining that three were convicted in Lagos and two in Oshogbo.

Nasarawa

An Upper Area Court in Mararaba, Nasarawa State,
has adjourned hearing to May 14 in a case of assault preferred against Pastor’s John Ogbuche and Emmanuel Ikpa.
Ogbuche, 42, and Ikpa, 31, are senior and assistant pastors, respectively of Ado Christian Centre, Karu, Nasarawa State, and both live in the same Karu.
Ikpa told the court that on January 22, 2012 at about 1 p.m. he was with an iron bender called Benjamin, whom he invited to do a job for him in his house.
He told court that about 4 p.m. he saw the complainant with some policemen from New Nyanya Police Station whom came to arrest him in his house.
Ikpa told court that when he reached the police station he was told to write a statement that the first accused and himself conspired and assaulted the complainant.

Osun

Senator Iyiola Omisore has emerged the flag bearer
of the PDP for the Aug. 9 governorship election in Osun.
The Chairman of the Gubernatorial Primary Organising Committee, Alhaji Adamu Aliero, announced the result after the collation of the delegates’ votes.
Aliero said Omisore polled 1,128 votes to beat Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, who polled 35 votes and Mr Wole Oke, who got five votes.
Sen. Adetunji Adeleke, a former governor of the state, had on Friday withdrawn from the contest.
Aliero said that 18 void votes were recorded in the election.

Plateau

The Executive Director, National Veterinary Research
Institute (NVRI), Vom, Dr Ahmed Mohammed, has called on ECOWAS member states to establish grazing reserves as a solution to the current clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
Mohammed, a veterinary expert, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
According to him, there is a “massive’’ influx of foreign herdsmen into Nigeria due to the country’s porous borders, leading to the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers.
He said that Nigeria’s 16 to 17 million cows could only get the required respite, if ECOWAS commission intervened and prevailed on some members of the sub-regional organisation — Mauritania, Chad, Niger, Burkina-Faso, Ghana and Mali — to also establish grazing reserves.
Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has do
nated 606 motorcycles to police constables from the state who have recently passed out from the various police colleges across the country.
Our correspondent reports that Wamakko presented the motorcycles to the beneficiaries in Sokoto.
He also donated N10, 000 to each of the 606 constables, saying,” it is an assistance to enhance their duties.”
Wamakko urged the beneficiaries to demonstrate a high sense of moral and ethical conduct in the discharge of their duties.

Taraba

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State has extolled
the outstanding qualities of Mr Dennis Nev, a retired Permanent Secretary, Taraba Government House Administration.
Suntai made the remarks in Jalingo when he spoke as special guest of honour at a thanksgiving service and launch of a biography entitled: “The Man Dennis Orkuma Nev’’, written by Mr Justin Tyopuusu and Mr Richard Iormua.
The governor described the retired permanent secretary as a fine gentleman with unique qualities that were not common to come by in the society.
Represented by Mr Gideon Kataps, Suntai urged upcoming civil servants to emulate Nev’s qualities for a better society.

Yobe

The Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar
Ali, has described as “callous and unfortunate’’ the violent attack on the people of Buni Gari in the state by unknown gunmen.
Ali made the remark when he led a state delegation to condole with the survivors of the last Saturday’s attack, which claimed lives and property.
“This is an unfortunate and merciless attack meted on innocent citizens without any sense of reasoning,” he said.
Ali lamented that the state had lost so many lives and properties to insurgency.

Zamfara

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Zamfara State
Chapter, has distributed 100 mosquito nets to 100 families in Tsunami quarters of Gusau to prevent the spread of malaria.
NMA Chairman in the state, Dr Sunday Onazi,said the gesture was part of activities to mark this year’s World Health Day in the state.
He explained that since the focus of the day was on measures to prevent the spread of vector borne diseases, the NMA selected Tsunami quarters because it was under threat of mosquitoes.
He said that the area was flooded during the last rainy season and is suspected to be one of the high breeding areas for mosquitoes in the state capital.

From Left: Executive Secretary, African Capacity Building Foundatin (ACBF), Prof. Emmanuel Nnadozie, Communications Consultant to ACBF, Mr Paul Okolo, Executive Director, Editorial Operations, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Isaac Ighure, Managing Editor, Mr Lawal Ado during Prof. Nnadozie’s visit to NAN headquarters in Abuja on Friday. Photo: NAN

Nation

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

Published

2 days 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 days 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

City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.

Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.

Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.

He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.