Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

May 21, 2014

Bauchi

The Programme Manager, Bauchi State Agricultural
Development Project, Dr Iliyasu Gital, recently advocated enhanced recruitment, training and deployment of extension workers to boost the country’s agricultural sector.
Gital said in Bauchi that poor agricultural extension service was affecting the national food security and the agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration.
He described the extension service as “very poor and low’’ because the ratio of farmer per extension officer stood at one extension officer to about 10,000 farmers.
The programme manager said that it was only in Bauchi State that the ratio was one extension officer to about 1,000 farmers.
He said those trained were currently training farmers and some agents that were not opportune to attend the training sessions.

Benue
The Principal of Government College, Makurdi, Mr Godfrey
Ugudu, has said the school had received letter from Boko Haram sect threatening to attack the school.
Ugudu, who announced this at a news conference in Makurdi and added that the school received two letters which had the same content on May 14.
“The two letters, which were written in pidgin English, were sighted inside one of the classrooms and the second one was slipped into the staff room’’, he said.
The principal commended the government and security operatives in the state for their prompt response to the issue, adding that he had informed the Principal of Mount Saint Gabriel.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Dan Ezeala, confirmed the report and assured that police were on top of the situation.

Borno

The Borno State Government last Sunday said it had
sponsored 50 students to India on irrigation agriculture.
A statement by Malam Isa Gusau, Special Adviser to Governor Kashim Shettima, stated that it was part of the state government’s approaches to fight the menace of insurgents.
The statement stated that the students left Nigeria for India on Saturday on board an Ethiopian airline in Abuja.
It stated that Governor Kashim Shettima addressed them at Ogbeh farms in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Shettima said the beneficiaries were selected across the 27 local government areas of the state for even spread and disclosed that the trainees were to undergo a three-week train-the-trainers course on irrigation equipment installation, effective utilisation and maintenance.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State last
Saturday appealed to abductors of female students of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State to release them.
Dankwambo made the appeal in Gombe while speaking at the inauguration of an organisation, ‘Talba-Neighbour-to Neighbour’ to provide poverty alleviation materials to the less privileged persons in the state.
The governor called on the abductors to release the innocent girls to reunite with their families.
“I, on behalf of the government and people of Gombe State, call on whoever that abducted the Chibok girls to release them. “The girls are innocent; they should be released and the abductors should come out and talk if it is somebody’s fault,” he said.

Jigawa

The Kafinhausa Local Government Council in Jigawa State
last Saturday inaugurated a Special Task Force to mobilise people to participate in polio immunisation.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Balo Tambale, made the announcement at a meeting with the committee members in Kafinhausa, the headquarters of the council.
Tambale, who is also the chairman of the committee, said that membership of the committee was made up of community and religious leaders as well as health workers.
He named other members of the committee to include representatives of the police and non governmental organisations.
Tambale said that the committee was to mobilise people, ensure effective monitoring and supervision of the exercise in the area stating that the council would also reward any community leader who recorded the highest coverage in the next round of immunisation in the area.

Kano

Local councils election holding in Kano State has recorded
low turn out of women in parts of the state. Areas affected include Unguwar Gano and Unguwar Fulani in Tarauni Local Government Area and some parts of Na’ibawa in Kumbotso Local Government.
Some of the residents said they did not allow their wives to come out to vote for fear of violence during the election.
One of them, Malam Saminu Bala, however, said he would “monitor the situation” before allowing his wives to come out to vote.
The situation is similar in Gwale Local Government Area, where the Information Officer of the council, Hajiya Amina Dankadai, confirmed the low turnout of women in polling units across the area.
However, local governments like Gwarzoo and Ungogo had recorded large turn out of women, who were seen patiently waiting in queues, to cast their vote.

Lagos

A new cable television network to “advance the cause of
the Catholic faith in Africa, Europe and parts of Asia is to hit the airwaves on May 22.
The station, known as Lumen Christi, located at Km. 15 on the Lagos-Epe Expressway at Lekki, Lagos, is to transmit free-to-air programmes, produced by various Catholic parishes in Nigeria and other African countries.
The Proprietor of the network, Mr Robert Olagunju, said the station would transmit its programmes in English with sub-titles in French and occasionally in Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili and Pidgin.
Olagunju, a Catholic faithful, said that he built the station to commemorate his 50th birthday and to show gratitude to God and humanity.
Olagunju said that the station would among other programmes, offer religious cartoons for kids as well as faith sessions, to be anchored by priests and other religious people.

Nasarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, last Sunday
donated N8 million to some farmers affected by communal clash in four local government areas of the state.
The governor, who also donated relief materials such as foodstuff, mattresses and ground-nut oil, had visited the victims in Doma.
The communities that benefited included Idada, Abaabu, Tachia and Jangaru, all in Doma, Obi, Keana and Awe Local Government Areas of the state.
Al-Makura said that the donation was to provide relief to the affected persons to enable them resettle, adding that the welfare of the citizens of the state was his priority.
The governor also assured residents of adequate security, saying and stressed the need for residents of the state and all Nigerians to be united and to live in peace with one another.

Ogun

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Ogun State
last Saturday, warned motorists to exercise caution and drive carefully during the rainy season to prevent accidents.
Sector Commander, Mr Adegoke Adetunji, gave the advice in an interview in Abeokuta and said that the warning became necessary because the rate of road traffic accidents was always high and worrisome during the rainy season.
“During the rainy season we have a lot of road crashes because drivers, especially the commercial drivers, fail to do those things that they are expected to do to make their vehicle road worthy.
“I want to advise our drivers to always pull off the road for safety when there is poor visibility during down pour,’’ he said.
The sector commander advised the motorists to maintain the normal speed limit stated in the Highway Code.
“It does not mean that when an official of the FRSC tells you that you have a limit of 100 kilometres per hour, you must stick to it; the weather condition should determine your speed. “The Ogun command will continue to sensitise the people at various motor parks and other places across the state to safety tips and the need to drive carefully this period,’’ he said.

Oyo

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed
Indabawa, recently in Ibadan urged various communities in the country to engage in community policing.
Indabawa, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs Bisi Clet-Ilobanafor, said this during the 5th Anniversary Lecture on Road Accident Information and Rescue Organisation with the lecture “Developing an Effective National Security.’’
Indabawa said that community policing was the collaboration of the community members with the police to ensure that the society was free of crime.
He said that the police could not achieve any meaningful success in crime prevention without the support of the community.
In his remark, Mr Okanlawon Bamgboye, National Executive Coordinator of the Community Policing, said that the objective of the lecture was to look at the present security challenges in Nigeria and the way forward.

Sokoto

Senator Ahmed Maccido ( PDP-Sokoto), said last Saturday
that he had built five Information, Communications and Technology ( ICT) Centres with N250 million.
Maccido, who represents Sokoto Central Senatorial District, said that the centers were established in Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Kware, Binji and Tangaza local governments to encourage youth in the constituency to be ICT literate.
He said in Sokoto that all the centres had been fully equipped and made operational.
“These centres will help in training the teeming youths from the constituency, as the ICT is now the vogue globally. “ The gesture is aimed at making them employable, while most of them will be transformed into employers of labour,” he added.

L-R: Deputy Director, Department of Security Service (DSS), Mrs Marilyn Ogar, Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade and Force Public Relations, Mr Frank Mba, at the news conference on security in Abuja, yesterday.

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

4 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

4 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.

Nation

MOSIEND Calls For RSG, NDDC, Stakeholders’ Intervention In Obolo Nation

Published

4 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region

MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives

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 Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent

The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.

MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans

“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.

According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.

They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.

The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities

Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.

He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.

Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.

” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.

The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area

While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .

“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.

“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.

“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.

Chinedu Wosu