Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

June 16, 2014

Adamawa

A lawmaker in Adamawa State, Mr Wafarninyi Theman,
has accused the state government of deliberately under funding the state’s Auditor General Office to frustrate it from functioning properly.
Theman who is Chairman of the state House of Assembly Committee on Public Account, made the allegation while interrogating the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, who was summoned to the plenary.
He alleged that the ministry was also killing the state planning commission and described the state government’s response to a recent effort by the House to improve local revenue as “unbecoming and frustrating”.
Responding to the allegations, the state Commissioner of Finance, Alhaji Ibrahim Vokna, said no department or agency was marginalised or deprived of funding by the state government.

Ekiti

President Goodluck Jonathan said his party, the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), would win the June 21 governorship election in Ondo.
Jonathan who spoke at the formal presentation of the party’s flag to its governorship candidate in the state, Mr Ayo Fayose, in Ado-Ekiti said that his optimism was based on the tumultuous crowd that trooped out to welcome his entourage right from Akure Airport en route Ado-Ekiti.
Jonathan said that he was thrilled by the crowd, saying the party’s candidate could not afford to lose the poll if such display of affection translated to votes.
The President had also visited top Ekiti traditional rulers, who converged at the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adejugbe, where he promised to transform the Akure-Ikere-Ado-Ekiti federal road into a dual carriage one.

FCT

President Goodluck Jonathan has reiterated his
administration’s resolve to strengthen local governments’ ability to meet their developmental goals, especially the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Jonathan said this when he received a delegation of the board members of the Membership of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum in the State House, Abuja.
Represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, the president commended the forum for entrenching values that enhance and consolidate democracy and the rule of law at the local governments’ level.
The president reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government toward enhancing democracy and improving governance at all levels.

Jigawa

The Miga Local Government Council in Jigawa State said
last Tuesday that it had trained 200 youth in modern agriculture.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’idu, who made this known in an interview at Miga, said that the youths were trained in crop production, agro processing, fishing and irrigation, among others.
He said that the gesture was to reduce unemployment among youths in the area adding that the training was designed to also reduce rural-urban migration.
“With this training, our youths will no longer be going to states like Kano, Lagos and Abuja to look for money as commercial motorcyclists. “They will also not agree to be used as thugs by politicians since they will be engaged with their farming activities,” he said.

Kaduna

The Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna says more
than 153 commercial vehicle drivers in the state have so far undergone free medical tests to ascertain their health conditions.
Commander of the corps in the state, Mr Michael Olagunju, in a statement on Saturday, signed on his behalf by the Public Education Officer, Mr Dajangla Martins, said that the exercise was necessitated by the rise in cases of avoidable road traffic crashes involving commercial drivers.
According to him, it is hoped that the exercise will alert drivers on their state of health, to enable them seek medication where necessary adding that the need to reduce road traffic crashes by 15 per cent, and fatality by 25 per cent, in line with 2014 Strategic Goal.
Kebbi

The Kebbi State Government said it produced 900,000
tree-seedlings for planting as part of measures to combat desert encroachment in the state.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Isahaku Daudu, said on Thursday, in Birnin Kebbi that the seedlings would be distributed freely to the people.
Daudu was speaking while planting trees at strategic locations in the state capital to mark this year’s World Environment Day.
He said that the ministry in collaboration with SURE-P planted trees over 84 sq km along major roads, and over 86 sq km in desert-prone local government areas of the state.
Daudu appealed to the people to stop tree-felling, and urged them to plant trees, warning that violators would be prosecuted.

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State said no
fewer than 80, 000 people have benefitted from the low premium health insurance scheme of his administration.
Ahmed made this known at the inauguration of Ilorin General Hospital which was renovated and upgraded to a secondary healthcare centre.
The governor said the state government would extend the scheme to every local government area in the state within the next five years.
According to him, a patient needed to pay N500 premium to enjoy the state’s community health insurance scheme.

Lagos

The academia and some politicians last Saturday extolled
the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, describing her as a courageous and brave woman, who excelled in academics and politics.
Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, one-time Vice-Chancellor, of the University of Benin, said Akunyili was a courageous woman, who stood for the truth in spite of the consequences
throughout her life time. “I hope that her legacy will be emulated not only by her children, but by women in Nigeria that whenever they are called to hold executive positions, they will give it their best, “ she said. The Chairman Multi-Media Centre, University of Lagos, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye,said that Akunyili would be missed by the academia , health sector and the country in general.

Nasarawa

No fewer than 35 persons in Nasarawa State have so far
received free surgical services from Cleft and Facial Deformity Foundation .
The Director of the Foundation, Dr Seidu Bello, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Lafia at the official opening of the exercise at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH), Lafia.
Bello said “the surgical festival is designed to bring succour to Nigerians who, for no fault of theirs, are suffering from facial deformities.’’

Ondo

A former member of the Ondo State House of Assembly,
Mr Kele Bolodeoku, has described the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, as the vehicle that brought enduring democracy to the country.
The former lawmaker called on the Federal Government to ensure that Abiola was celebrated by all, adding that the elite who were responsible for Abiola’s travails had refused to accord him deserved recognition.
Bolodeoku, who said Abiola’s contribution to the nation’s political growth had remained enduring, called for true and genuine reconciliation said the on-going national conference would address certain salient political and economic issues.
The former lawmaker, however, called on the Federal Government to tackle corruption, saying “ we have to tackle the issue of corruption if we are to move forward as a nation.’’
“The struggle for power by politicians is not for the love of the masses.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government said last Saturday that it
had approved N331.63 million for the sponsorship of 164 medical and engineering students to Sudan.
In a statement signed by the Information Officer of the State Scholarship Board, Malam Isa Shuni, in Sokoto, it listed Khartoum College of Medical Sciences, Afhad University for Women, Nahda International College, International University of Africa and National University as the institutions where the students would be admitted.
It said that the gesture was to offer training to selected students from the state in selective fields of medical sciences adding that the gesture covers the cost of tuition, registration, transportation and other needs of the students.
The statement quoted the Chairman of the board, Alhaji Jelani Kalgo, as saying that Gov. Aliyu Wamakko had since approved the release of the funds.

Yobe

The Yobe State Government said it had achieved 96 per
cent coverage in routine immunization in the state, through the engagement of members of local communities in areas with daunting security challenges.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Kawuwa, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu said “Government engaged locals in areas with security challenges to carry out the exercise, using health promotion teams for a follow-up to ensure that no part of the state was left out’’, he said.
The commissioner said government had not relented in renovating and equipping the 12 General Hospitals and eight Comprehensive Health Centres across the state, in addition to engaging specialised personnel.
“We are in partnership with specialists from University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Nguru, in Yobe, among others, to provide specialised manpower to the hospitals, and to make health care delivery accessible and affordable in the state.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State (2nd left) and Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (2nd right), arriving at the venue of APC National Convention in Abuja last Saturday.

Nation

Rivers Commissioner Commends WAEC Conduct, Vows Sanctions for Malpractice

Published

1 week ago

June 2, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has commended the orderly conduct of the ongoing 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination in the state and urged schools to sustain the standard.

Dr. Nwagor gave the commendation on Tuesday during a monitoring tour of selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt and environs where the WAEC exam is ongoing.

The commissioner, who was accompanied by directors and monitors from the Ministry of Education, said he was impressed with the peaceful atmosphere at the centres visited.

“The students conducted themselves properly and wrote their papers under conducive conditions. Invigilators and supervisors also performed their duties professionally,” he stated.

Nwagor noted that the Rivers State Government had invested heavily to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examination across the state

He urged candidates to reciprocate government’s effort by shunning all forms of examination malpractice and focusing on their studies.

“Government has done so much to ensure successful examinations in our schools. Students should take advantage of it by remaining focused,” the commissioner said.

While no case of malpractice was recorded in the centres inspected, Dr. Nwagor warned that any principal, teacher, invigilator, or official caught aiding malpractice would face strict sanctions in line with regulations.

He also commended school administrators, teachers, WAEC officials, and security personnel for upholding the integrity of the process.

Centres visited included County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche; Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri; Government Secondary School, Borokiri; and Pabod Model Secondary School.

Nation

THE LAPSES OF THE MEDIA IN ELECTIONS

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

The media is supposed to be a platform through which people express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions on issues of public interest. Unfortunately, it has often failed to live up to its role as the fourth estate of the realm.During the 2023 elections, the media recorded several lapses that deserve critical examination in academic and professional spaces. Before discussing these failures in detail, it is important to briefly explain the meaning, role, and duties of the media. In simple terms, the media refers to the main channels of mass communication, including broadcasting, print publishing, and the internet.

It is a collective term for all means through which information reaches the public. The media is often called the fourth tier of government because of the popular saying, “No media, no society.” This is not an exaggeration. Scholars have shown that the media plays an integral role in society, since political, economic, religious, and academic activities all depend on information flow through the media.

The word MEDIA can be broken down to reflect its core functions: M – Meeting the People E – Educating the People D – Discussing with the People I – Involving the People A – Accessing the PeopleSpecifically during elections, the media is expected to provide accurate and timely information to the public by reporting and updating citizens on government and electoral activities. This responsibility is central to keeping the electorate informed.The media also strengthens democracy by engaging citizens on critical issues affecting the electoral process. When the media effectively disseminates relevant information, the public can see through the failures of government, hold leaders accountable, and propose solutions that serve the common good.

Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play a vital role in democratic societies because they allow mass participation. Unlike radio and television, social media is accessible to anyone with a smartphone and data bundle, making it the most inclusive platform for political discourse. Despite these roles, the media must not abandon its ethics or promote partisan agendas that mislead the public. In many schools of thought, the media is described as closely related to the judiciary.

People often see the media as a place to voice grievances and seek justice.However, it is fair to say that the media has lost ground by failing to fulfill its duties during elections. Below are ten key lapses observed in the February 2023 elections.Lack of coordination among journalists. Many press personnel who covered different polling units were poorly equipped and unprepared. Some lacked functional cameras and modern technology needed to carry out professional reporting.

Partisanship and breach of ethics. Media personnel, who are supposed to remain non-partisan, openly violated professional ethics by taking political sides and favoring certain candidates in their reporting.Commercialization of coverage. Some journalists prioritized money over news. It was disappointing to see professionals from reputable stations engaging in what I call “Oga, find me something syndrome” begging politicians for money in exchange for favorable coverage or interviews.Loss of independence and self-censorship. On election day, some journalists took instructions from politicians on what to report and what to suppress. This compromised the independence of the media and reduced public trust.

Poor post-election reporting. Few media outlets reported what actually happened at the polling units. Incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities were either underreported or ignored entirely, while praise was lavished on politicians instead of amplifying the voices of the people.Spread of misinformation and unverified claims. In the rush to be first, some media houses published unverified results and rumors from social media without fact-checking. This fueled confusion and tension among the electorate.Inadequate coverage of rural and marginalized areas. Media attention was concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural polling units underreported. The experiences and challenges of rural voters were largely absent from mainstream coverage.

Sensationalism over substance. Some outlets prioritized sensational headlines and conflict-driven stories over factual analysis of policies and candidate manifestos, leaving voters uninformed about real issues. Failure to hold INEC accountable in real time. While INEC faced logistical failures and delays, many media houses were slow to question officials or demand explanations on air, missing opportunities for live accountability.

Neglect of voter education. Beyond reporting results, the media did little to educate voters on procedures, rights, and what to do in case of irregularities. This left many citizens uninformed and vulnerable on election day.These lapses weaken public trust and undermine the credibility of the electoral process. For the media to regain its role as a watchdog of democracy, it must return to the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and public service.

The media must be informed to follow its ethics as the 2027 elections approaches. This is encourage electorates rely on the authenticity and objectivity of media practice.Failure to uphold media standards will further make the country plunge into political apathy, electoral violence and disgust for those in the media practice.

By KRUKRUBO, NYE TAMUNODIKI.

Nation

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

Published

3 weeks 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