Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

April 28, 2014

Adamawa

The Chairman of Ganye Local Government Council in
Adamawa State, Alhaji Farouk Mohammed, has been served with an impeachment notice for alleged embezzlement of public funds.
The impeachment notice, signed by 10 councillors, a copy of which was made available to newsmen in Yola, gave the chairman one week from the date he was served the notice to answer the allegations against him.
“Sequel to the resolution of the legislative council sitting No. 7 of its second session, the House hereby resolved unanimously to serve you with this notice of impeachment,” it said.
Some of the 15 allegations against the chairman included unauthorised collection of bank overdrafts totaling N132 million, unaccounted N10 million excess crude oil revenue received in December 2013, short changing political appointees by paying them half of their entitlements after posting full payment in the local government’s cash book.

Ekiti

Ekiti State Government has distributed modern fire fight
ing trucks to four fire service stations in parts of the state.
The trucks were given to Ijero-Ekiti, Ikole-Ekiti, Omuo-Ekiti and Aramoko-Ekiti fire stations in Ijero, Ikole, Ekiti East and Ekiti West local government areas, respectively.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Chief Apalara Wole-Adewunmi, disclosed this in Ado-Ekiti while handing-over the trucks to heads of the units Ado-Ekiti.
He said the trucks would aid emergency and firefighting efforts of the state government.
He said that the state government was committed to the security of lives and property of the people.

FCT

A Clinical Psychologist at the Ekiti State University
Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Mr Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged civil servants to plan for happy retirement to enhance healthy living.Ajiboye told newsmen in Abuja that it was important and beneficial when one planned on what to do after retirement.The psychologist said that with all the concerns about dwindling pension funds, corruption in the system and unstable economy, many retirees and those preparing to retire were concerned about the financial aspects of retirement plan.
“In spite of financial issues, there is a lot you can do to make retirement living a great time of your life. Make a retirement plan about five years before your retirement.

Gombe

A three-day training on poultry production aimed
at empowering 324 women was has been in Gombe declared open in Gombe by the governor’s wife, Hajiya Adama Dankwambo.Our correspondent reports that the training is a collaboration between the state Ministry of Agriculture and her office.Dankwambo, was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Sintiki Rubainu, said that the programme was aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment.She said the training was organised due to the successes recorded in the first batch conducted last year.

Kwara

The Kwara State Government has warned residents
of the state against indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
The state Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Mr Abubakar Mora, gave the warning in an interview with newsmen in Ilorin.
He said that the ministry would embark on measures to curb the annual flooding in the state.
Mora said government was not happy about the loss of lives and property caused by a recent flood incident at Atikeke area on the Ajase-Ipo road in llorin.
Kaduna

A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court has sentenced
a 20-year- old woman, Maryam Babangida, to one year in prison for abducting a two-month-old baby.
Babangida, who resides at Sabon Angwar, Agaye, Niger State, was charged with one count charge of abduction. The Chief Magistrate, Ms Joyce Kaka, sentenced Babangida after she pleaded guilty to the charge.
Kaka did not give the convict an option of fine.
“The court sentences you to one year in prison without an option of fine.

Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has be
rated members of the opposition in the state for failing to acknowledge the development projects executed by his administration.Shema said in Katsina while swearing-in newly elected PDP state executives that the administration had executed numerous projects that had improved the lives of people in the state.The governor cited such projects to include the free education of the government, construction of healthcare facilities, roads, and provision of subsidised fertiliser, among others.
He, therefore, faulted comments of some members of the opposition parties, describing it as misleading.

Nassarawa

A Senior Magistrates Court in Mararaba has sen
tenced one Rabiu Abraham, 22 to 15 months imprisonment of trust and cheating.The Magistrate, Mr Iliya Aku, handed down the sentence after Ibrahim, of Tudunwada area of Mararaba, pleaded guilty to the two-count charge.
Aku, however, granted him an option ofN8,000 fine for each offence and ordered that he should pay 80,000 as compensation to the complainant in the case, Abubakar Muhammad. The prosecutor, Mr Jacob John, had told the court that the convict collected the money from the Mohammad in the guise of giving him accommodation

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, said the
state government would establish a Christian and an Islamic centre in Minna to ensure peaceful co-existence among the people.The governor made the disclosure in Minna when he inaugurated the Christian and Muslim centres’ boards of trustees.He said that the centres would gulp N3.2 billion, noting that “the Christian centre will cost N1.5 billion, while the Islamic centre will cost N1.7 billion.
“The centres will be of international standard with modern facilities, libraries, staff quarters and commercial centres, among others.

Ondo

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has
expressed the need for security agencies in the country to be more proactive in view of the nation’s security challenges
Mimiko spoke in Akure while receiving the new state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Andrew Ugwumba, who was on a courtesy visit to his office.
Mimiko, who also said that every Nigerian should make the issue of security his or her concern, commended the contribution of the corps in ensuring adequate security in the state.
He equally lauded the synergy among all other security agencies in the state.

Osun

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has as
sured residents of the state that all projects embarked upon by his administration would be completed to specification before the end of his tenure.
Aregbesola gave the assurance while inspecting the ring road project being constructed by his administration at Ofatedo area of Osogbo, the state capital.
The governor said that all the projects were embarked upon by his administration to facilitate socio-economic development of the state.
“All these projects being carried out in Osogbo and other parts of the state were to bring smiles on the faces of our people,’’ Aregbesola said.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State House of Assembly has approved
the construction of a 20- kilometre road to link Kwargaba District with Wurno in Wurno Local Government Area of the state.
The motion for the project was moved by Alhaji Muhammad Achida (APC-Wurno) during the plenary session in Sokoto.
Achida said the measure became necessary to cater for the need of the people who were in need of good roads to enhance transportation of goods and services.
The motion was seconded by Alhaji Bello Goronyo (APC- Goronyo).

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lateef Ibirogba, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, representative of Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, Prince Gbade Lana and Chairman, mtn, Mr Pascal Dozie, at the launch of a book titled: ‘Giants of History’ by Ibirogba in Lagos, recently. Photo: NAN

Nation

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

Published

5 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

5 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

5 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.