Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

May 5, 2014

Benue
The Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria, Benue chap
ter, has urged the federal and state governments to resettle displaced farmers to enable them to return to their farms.
In a statement signed by the association’s Chairman, Mr Sam Kwa’na, in Makurdi, recently, the association also urged the government to help the affected farmers with agricultural inputs.
It also appealed to the government to ensure security in the hinterlands for farmers to concentrate on their farms without fear of attacks.
The association, however, rejected the idea of creating grazing reserves for herdsmen in Benue, stressing that maize and cattle cannot live side-by-side.

Kaduna
Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Emmanuel Kachi-
Udeoji, has urged Nigerians to fear God and embrace peace for sustainable development in the country.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen shortly after a town hall meeting with traditional, community and religious leaders as well as trade unions in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Kachi-Udeoji, who is in-charge of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja, recently reminded the people that they would acount for their deeds on earth before God.
In his contribution, a traditional title holder in Birnin-Gwari Emirate Council, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, called for the establishment of more police divisions in Birnin-Gwari local government Area to curb crime.
He also appealed for understanding and mutual respect between the traditional institution and police to enhance information flow.

Katsina
The Katsina State Government says it has spent N116
million on the rehabilitation of dams and irrigation schemes in six local government areas of the state.
Governor Ibrahim Shema announced this last Tuesday in Daura local government at the launch of the 2014 vegetables and fruits show and sale of animal feeds.
Shema, who was represented by the Head of Service, Alhaji Lawal Aliyu, said the rehabilitation was to enhance irrigation activities in the state.
The governor, who listed the benefiting local governments as Dutsin-ma, Faskari, Jibia, Kusada, Malumfashi and Matazu said that the government had drilled 554 tube wells across the state to boost agricultural productivity through irrigation farming.

Kebbi

The National Human Right Commission (NHRC) has said
it facilitated the speedy trial of 179 awaiting trial inmates in Kebbi State.
The Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Ben Angwe, said this in Birnin Kebbi, last Tuesday, during a visit to prisons formations in the state as part of the 2014 annual prison audit.
He said the commission would intensify efforts to ensure that inmates awaiting trial secured prosecution or release promptly to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Human Right, Justice and Judiciary, Senate Umar Tambuwal, said his committee was determined to protect the human rights of citizens.

Lagos

A Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of
Lagos State, Mr Muslim Folami, says the Political and Legislative Powers Bureau of the state government has helped to promote good governance.
Folami, Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Matters, who spoke in Ikeja during the Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of Fashola’s seventh year in office said that the Bureau was set up to promote a harmonious relationship between the executive and legislative arms of government and it had done so creditably.
He said through the Bureau, the Governor assented to 25 of the bills passed by the state legislature in the last one year.
Folami said that the bureau had been facilitating the hosting of breakfast meetings between the Governor and the legislature to promote good governance.
Nassarawa
A Senior Magistrates’ Court in Mararaba, Nassarawa
State, has sentenced four motorcyclists to three months in prison each for violating traffic regulations.
Those sentenced are Abiodun Femi, 28; Dauda Muhammad, 32; Ali Ibrahim, 22 and Ibrahim Abdullahi, 29.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Iliya Aku, sentenced them after they pleaded guilty to the charges of riding without licence and causing obstruction.
Aku gave them an option of N3,000 fine each and also ordered the police to return the motorcycles to the convicts after they have paid the fine.
Earlier, the prosecutor, PC Jacob John, told the court that the convicts were arrested under the Mararaba bridge for failing to display their registration numbers and riding without side mirrors on April 28.
John said that they also rode the motorcycles without licence and caused obstruction on highway.
He said the offence contravened the Road Traffic Act 2010.

Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed
Indabawa, has attributed the success of crime fighting in the state to the timely information being provided by the public.
Indabawa who gave the commendation on Wednesday in Ibadan while parading 14 robbery suspects arrested at different locations in the state said that the command was grateful to those who gave adequate information which had assisted the police in discharging their duties.
“On April 27, at about 11.00 p.m. we received a distress call from the Kwara State Police Command that a gang of armed robbers was heading towards Oyo State from Ilorin. An ambush was laid by the police along the Oyo-Ogbomoso expressway which led to an exchange of gunshots and subsequently, the mastermind of the robbery operation was arrested,” he said.
The robbery mastermind, however, told newsmen that he chose to rob her sister because she failed to buy him a motorcycle for his transport business.

Ogun
The Ogun State Government has inaugurated the Com
munity-Based Health Insurance Scheme (CBHIS) aimed at addressing the financial challenges of accessing health care by vulnerable groups.
Speaking at the inauguration in Abeokuta, last Tuesday Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State said that the project was geared toward ensuring that the people enjoyed affordable, sustainable and efficient healthcare.
According to the governor, the insurance scheme is designed to provide financial protection against the causes of illness and improve access to quality health service for those excluded from the formal insurance.
Explaining the scheme, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka, said treatment would be provided upon presentation of identity cards by the contributor.
He said that the premium was N7,000 annually with N3,000 as government contribution and N4,000 as enrollee contribution.
Plateau
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Mr Chris
Olakpe, has advised parents and guardians to adopt strategies to protect their daughters against rape.
Olakpe said in Jos on Wednesday that the number of rape cases in the state was rising and parents needed to take proactive measures to safeguard their daughters.
The commissioner called on religious and opinion leaders to help in the efforts by preaching against the increasing incidents of rape in the society.
He appealed to the state House of Assembly to enact a law that would provide severe punishment for rapists and also appealed to members of the public to always pass vital information about the activities of rapists to the police.
Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government said last Tuesday that it
spent about N800 million to construct the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Sokoto.
The state Commissioner for Information, Malam Danladi Bako, said in Sokoto last Tuesday that the project would give necessary fillip to health care delivery system.
He said government had provided the basic medical facilities needed to ensure qualitative health care services in a functional teaching hospital.
He explained that the facility would be upgraded to a teaching hospital for the state university.
Bako said government had taken necessary measures to provide the required manpower that would effectively manage the hospital.

Taraba
The Jukun, Tiv and Fulani communities in Wukari local
government area of Taraba State in Wukari on Wednesday signed a peace agreement to end ongoing clashes in the area.
The agreement was signed at a meeting presided over by the state acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, and the Paramount Ruler of Wukari and Chairman, Taraba Traditional Council, Dr Shekarau Angyu.
Umar said at the occasion that the government would pay compensation for property destroyed and also continue to provide relief materials for the internally displaced persons.
“We thank God that the major tribes involved in the crisis have decided to give peace a chance by calling us to witness the signing. “The state government will help in looking for the cows and other items that were missing during the crisis so that peace will permanently return among the tribes in Wukari and other parts of the state,” he said.
Those who signed the agreement on behalf of their people include: state Chairman, Jukun Cultural Association, Mr Zando Hoku, state Chairman Tiv Cultural and Development Association, Mr James Nungwa, and state Chairman Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam,.

Vice President Namadi Sambo (left), with former Vice President , Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who paid him a condolence visit over the death of his brother , Capt. Yusuf Sabo Sambo at Aguda House in Abuja recently.

Nation

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

Published

1 day 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

5 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

5 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.