Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

April 21, 2014

Borno
Members of Maiduguri Monday Market Youth Trad
ers Association in Borno State, recently donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to victims of Boko Haram crisis in the state.
Alhaji Kashim Abdullahi, the Chairman of the association, presented the materials to Gov. Kashim Shettima at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said that the gesture was aimed at assisting victims of the numerous Boko Haram attacks who had lost their means of livelihood.
“We are here to present these items as donation to victims of the Boko Haram crisis in the state.

Ekiti
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency,
Mr Mike Omeri, NOA, has advised the people of Ekiti State against act capable of disrupting the state’s gubernatorial election slated for June 21.
He gave the charge at a workshop last Thursday at Oye-Ekiti, organised by the agency to sensitise the public on the need to create an environment conducive for free, fair and credible election.
Omeri, who was represented by Fam Anene, Director, Political Matters, said politicians should embrace dialogue, accommodate each other, and work towards transforming the state.
He cautioned the people against voting more than once, called on parents to ensure that their children are not used as thugs.
FCT
UNESCO has renewed its commitment to develop a
framework to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the organisation, Prof. Hassana Alidou, made the pledge in Abuja recently at the ongoing workshop to pre-test an action research guidebook for youth and adult literacy in multilingual context.
The theme of the workshop is: “Empowering learners in a multilingual world”.
Alidou said the Universal Basic Education in Nigeria was constrained by finance, limited number of qualified teachers and supervisors, huge class size and high rate of school drop-out.
She observed that the problems undermined the efforts of the government to expand access to basic education to all children.

Gombe
Gombe State Executive Council has approved the re
lease of N5.8 billion for the execution of various road projects in the state.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Shehu Hadi, told newsmen in Gombe that N1.4 billion of the amount would be spent on the construction of additional roads in Bajoga town.
He said N2.5 billion would be for the construction of Gaji Bauchi-Jurara-Daban, Fulani-Lubo-Zambuk-Baure roads, including the reconstruction of Lubo bridge.
According to him, N1.1 billion of the amount is for the provision and installation of street lights on 20 roads in Gombe metropolis.

Kwara
The Kwara State Government last Thursday demolished
two petrol stations within Ilorin metropolis for building without approval.
Our correspondent reports that the demolition was carried out by the state Town Planning and Development Authority (KTPDA).
One of the stations was situated on waterway near the Kuntu Bridge, while the other was directly opposite the Alawonla Compound, Okelele.
The Executive Secretary of KTPDA, Mr Raimi Adeoti, who led the demolition team, said the owners of the structures built illegally without approval.
Adeoti said the structures would hamper the free flow of water and endanger the lives of people living around the area, adding that KTPDA took the action to save lives and property.

Kebbi
The Kebbi State chapter of All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has appealed to the government to build more markets for the sale of agricultural products in the state.
The secretary of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
He said the quest for the provision of outlets to sell farmers’ produce was occasioned by the increase in farming activities due to incentives for wet and dry season farming.
Idris said that farmers had responded to the call for increased rice production, especially considering the prompt purchase of the commodity by the SURE-P Office.

Lagos
A man, Francis Enyi, who stood surety for an accused,
was charged before an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for failing to produce him.
Enyi, 48, who resides at No. 8, Ali Ijaiye St., Lawanson, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that Enyi, who stood surety for one Chika Adole, had failed to produce him at Lawanson Police Post, Anjorin-Ikate, Surulere.
He said Adole was being investigated by the police over alleged threat to life.

Nasarawa
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State
said recently that the party would be stronger despite the defection of two lawmakers to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Stanley Buba, the Interim State Chairman of the party, told newsmen in Lafia that the recent defections would not affect the fortunes of APC in the state.
Our correspondent recalls that Mr Ahmed Kana (APC-Karu/Kokona/Keffi) and Mr Nathaniel Agyomesa (APC-Lafia North state constituency) recently defected to the PDP.
Buba described the action of the two legislators as good omen and not a setback for APC.

Osun
The Special Adviser on Environment to Osun State gov
ernor, Mr Bola Ilori, has advised residents of the state to ensure they clear their gutters and waterways as heavy rainfall begins.
Ilori, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, added that gutters, culverts, and other waterways must be cleared of grass, domestic wastes and sand, to prevent flooding.
“The few rains experienced so far this year may not have carried the wastes and sand far away; therefore, it is necessary to clear the debris to give room for water to flow.
Taraba
Member representing Wukari II Constituency in Taraba
State House of Assembly, Mr Daniel Gani, has called on the Federal Government to deploy soldiers in the area to avert further attacks by suspected herdsmen.
Gani made the call while addressing news conference in Jalingo.
He said the low presence of security personnel in the area was responsible for the ongoing senseless killing of innocent people.
“The only way to avert these brutal killings in Wukari and its environs is to massively deploy troops just like what the federal government did in Benue and Nasarawa states”, he said.
Gani said lack of seriousness on the part of the state Government left him with no option than to seek intervention from the federal government.

Yobe
The Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Adamu Dala-Dogo, has urged politicians to promote ideals of democracy and good governance to enhance service delivery in the country.
The speaker, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He noted that Nigeria’s 15 years of uninterrupted democracy should have equipped politicians with the basic tenets of democracy and good governance, which were critical to service delivery.
“After this long experience, we are supposed to have surpassed sentiments and other primordial differences to institutionalise a strong democracy of service delivery and development.
“It is regrettable that after this experience, the political parties are still battling with the problems of internal democracy, while the rule of law which is the backbone of democracy is also lacking.”

Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand
of a 23-year-old man, Musa Sani of Mayana Area, Gusau, charged with the rape of an eight-year-old girl.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, ordered that Sani should be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till April 22 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwal had told the court that on April 7, one Abubakar Salisu of Mayana Area, Gusau, reported the case at Central Police Station, Gusau.
Longwal said that on March 26, the complainant’s daughter was returning from an Islamic school when the accused took her to an isolated place and raped her.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

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 Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

6 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

6 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.