Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

April 30, 2014

Adamawa

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, says the
state has diamond in commercial quantity awaiting exploitation.
Nyako made the disclosure in Yola while fielding questions from newsmen on resource control.
He said the state also has coal and other natural resources, quoting a recent survey conducted by foreign experts which confirmed the availability of the mineral resources.
The governor added that “in fact, the recent survey by Russians in Adamawa showed we have commercial quantity of diamond. We also have lots of coal and you know that where there is coal, there is gas.’’
He noted that the gas could be used to produce sufficient fertiliser not only for farmers in the country, but also for export.

Bauchi

The Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rulwanu Suleiman, on
Saturday called on the state government to enact a law on polio immunisation to curb its spread.
Suleiman made the call in Bauchi at a roundtable on ways to curb polio organised by the Voice of America (VOA) and the Centre for Disease Control.
Represented by the Dam Amar Bauchi, Alhaji Hassan Bayero, the monarch said such a law would take care of parents who refused to bring out their children and wards for immunisation.
In his contribution, a cleric with the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission, Uztaz Hadi Abubakar, disabused the minds of the people that the administration of polio vaccine was un-Islamic.
Abubakar explained that it was wrong for parents and guardians to prevent their children and wards from being immunised.

Benue

The Coordinator, First Step Action for Children, Mrs Rose
mary Hua, said the NGO was sponsoring 4,600 children who were victims of HIV/AIDS in various schools in Benue and Nasarawa states.
Hua told newsmen in Makurdi that some of the children were orphans living with the virus.
She said: “we started this assistance in 2011 and the numbers of beneficiaries kept on increasing every year.
“We have also enrolled vulnerable children in various schools and offered preventive healthcare services, psychological, and financial support to their parents where necessary.
“Our primary aim is to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities through the establishment of Early Child Care Centres in areas where schools are not handily accessible for children.

Borno

The Borno State Government has denied allegation by
the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that healthcare services have collapsed in the North-East, due to the activities of insurgents.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Salma Kolo, told newsmen in Maiduguri, that the allegation was untrue.
Kolo said that no health facility had been closed down in the state due to the Boko Haram insurgency.
“I wish to state categorically that no healthcare facility had been closed down in the state, in spite of the insurgency.
“All the four general hospitals at the state capital are working effectively, so also are the public health facilities in the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.’’

FCT

Governor Lyel Imoke of Cross River State has urged
the Federal Government to introduce appropriate policy that would enhance the development and utilisation of the potential of tourism industry.
Imoke made this call at the Abuja Bantaba, an annual travel event organised by Akwaaba Travel Market in Abuja to celebrate Nigerian centenary.
“Federal Government should make policy that will make Calabar in Cross River and other places in the country to compete with other tourist cities of the world,” he said.
He said that there was need for the Federal Government to give the travel and tourism sector necessary support that would make the nation exploit the full potential embedded in the sector.
Jigawa

The Jigawa State Urban Development Board said it had
concluded arrangements to remove all illegal structures in Hadejia town.
The board’s Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Tahir, made the disclosure when members of the board paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, in Hadejia.
Tahir said the board would remove all illegal structures on roads and other strategic locations in Hadejia and other major towns in the state.
He added that the exercise was designed to ensure compliance with the principles of urban settlement in creating befitting residences for the people.

Kano

The Kano State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB) has commenced massive enlightenment campaign on girl-child education through the use of film shows.
Hajiya Amina Umar, the board’s Deputy Director in charge of Communication unit, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
She said that the campaign, which started last Friday, was being carried out by the board in collaboration with the Education Sector Support Programme in Nigeria (ESSPIN), a UK funded programme.
She added that the campaign was aimed at sensitising the public, particularly parents, on the importance of girl-child education and the need for them to enroll their daughters in primary schools.

Kebbi

The Zuru Emirate Council in Kebbi State has
mobilised indigenes for the annual Uhola Agriculture Show and Cultural Festival.
The Chairman of the 2014 Uhola Festival Central Organising Committee, Alhaji Isah Sani, told newsmen in Zuru that the two-day festival was an avenue for indigenes to meet and celebrate their traditions.
Sani, who is also the Head of the Dabai Chiefdom, said events lined up for the festival include traditional wrestling, bicycle race, archery, cultural dances, livestock display and the famous Golmo.
Mr Benjamin Dikki, the Chairman of the festival sub-committee, said the committee had mobilised communities to display their farm and livestock products.
Lagos

The Nigerian Navy has pledged to investigate and
prosecute any of its personnel involved in acts capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the service.
This is contained in a statement signed by Lt. Way Olabisi, Spokesman, Western Naval Command, Lagos.
The statement promised to punish the naval personnel alleged to have shot at a tanker driver at Ibafo/Trinity area of Apapa in the early hours of Friday, if found guilty.
“Nigerian Navy has a reputation of not covering offenders and this case will not be an exception, especially if the suspect is found to be Nigerian Navy personnel.

Ondo

Ondo State Government said it would soon reno
vate all public schools in Owo Local Government Area.
Mr Jide Adejuyigbe, the state Commissioner for Education, made this known while monitoring the conduct of on-going WAEC examinations in the area.
He said this would be in line with policy of the current administration to make the school environment conducive for teaching and learning.
Adejuyigbe, who inspected facilities in some schools, said that the efforts of the state government in monitoring examination had started yielding positive results as cases of examination malpractices had drastically reduced in the state.

Oyo
Rev. Ademola Ishola, the immediate past president,
Nigeria Baptist Convention (NBC), has admonished Nigerian Youths to shun immoral activities and embrace God.
Ishola made the call while delivering a sermon at the solemnisation of Hadiza Okoya and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala held at the Molete Baptist Church, Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that Hadiza is the daughter of the Lagos businessman, Alhaji Rasak Okoya while Olamijuwonlo is the son of a former Governor of Oyo State, Adebayo Alao-Akala.
Ishola, in his sermon entitled “Commitment to Enduring Marriage,” said immoral activities such as homosexuality and others should be condemned in their entirety.

L-R: NUJ National Secretary, Mr Shuaibu Usman-Leman, Coordinator, WAJA Capacity Building Project, Mrs Ndey Tapha-Sussen, out-going President, West African Journalists Association (WAJA)/NUJ National President, Alhaji Mohammed Garba; out-going Treasurer of Waja, Mr Peter Quaqua and National President of NAWOJ, Mrs Asabe Baba-nahaya, at the 8th Ordinary Congress of West African Journalists Association (WAJA) in Abuja, recently.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

7 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.