Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

October 8, 2014

Benue

The PDP elders’ caucus in Benue South West
Senatorial zone has excluded former Niger Delta Affairs Ministers minster Sam Odeh and Mr Harris Ogbole from contesting the governorship primaries of the party.
The meeting which was held in Otukpo last Monday also urged the remaining aspirants in the race to harmonise their positions and present a formidable candidate who would challenge aspirants from the other zones of the state.
Our Correspondent reports that Odeh and Ogbole, a lawyer, were excluded from the contest following the unanimous endorsement of Senate President David Mark for another term in the senate.
Stakeholders at the meeting resolved that since Mark hails from Otukpo alongside the other two, it was inappropriate for them to contest for the governorship ticket of the party with aspirants from other local governments.
Ekiti

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State recently
said his administration has repositioned the state and put it in the limelight in the last four years.
Fayemi stated this at the inauguration of the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) in Ado- Ekiti.
He said the efforts of his administration in transforming the state had paid off with the state taking the lead virtually in all indices of human development.
According to the governor, this is attested to by local and international bodies as there have been tangible changes in the lives of the citizens.
The governor said that Ekiti had been rated highly in terms of efficiency, transparency and competitiveness among the states in Nigeria.

FCT

Director-General of National Orientation Agency
(NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, has described the death of former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Remi Oyo, as a big blow to journalism and Nigeria.
In a statement in Abuja signed by Mr Paul Odenyi, NOA’s Assistant Director, Media, Omeri said that Oyo was an icon of development journalism.
“She was a patriot who saw journalism as a tool for national development; her death is a big blow to journalism and the nation.
“She was in a rare class of communication experts who saw journalism as a means to achieve peace, progress and development in the country,’’ he said.
Kaduna

A member of the House of Representatives, Mr
Gideon Gwani, has sunk 72 boreholes to ensure clean water for rural communities in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Gwani, who conducted newsmen round some of the projects yesterday said that the boreholes became necessary to minimise water-borne diseases that were common among the rural dwellers in the state.
“A healthy people are an asset to the nation and that is the essence of these projects,’’ Gwani said shortly after confirming that the projects were all functional and serving the communities.
He said that 50 more boreholes would soon be sunk in areas still in dire need of good water, adding that some people were still forced to rely on streams for drinking water.
Kogi

The workers in Ajaokuta Steel Company Lim
ited last Monday, commended the Federal Government for its efforts at reviving the industry.
The National President of Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSSAN), Mr. Otori Salihu gave the commendation at the annual leadership workshop of the association in Lokoja.
He said the recent delivery of consignment of billets to the company in preparation for resumption of production was a good development for the country and workers in the sector.
He called on all stakeholders in the steel industry, including workers, to support government efforts towards reviving the sector.

Kwara

Senator Gbemisola Saraki, a chieftain of the
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has donated four buses and food items worth N5 million to member of an Ilorin-based Islamic organisation.
Saraki made the donation at the national headquarters of Jamu’hiyat Qulumal Lillahi Yah’alu Society of Nigeria in commemoration of the 2014 Eid-li-Kabir festival.
She is the first daughter of the late ‘strongman of Kwara politics’, Dr Olusola Saraki,
In her speech the former senator, who represented Kwara Central at the Senate from 2003 to 2011, urged the Islamic body to continue to preach peace and love in Nigeria.
She said the two ingredients were essential for the continued existence of Nigeria as a nation.
Lagos

A General Physician, Dr Abiola Ajala, yesterday
advised parents to deworm their children periodically, at least every three months to prevent intestinal worms infestation.
Ajala, a paediatrician with Optimal Children Clinic Surulere, told newsmen in Lagos that children had a higher risk of worm infestations.
She said regular deworming improved a child’s nutritional status and growth which could otherwise be hindered by worm infestation.
“Parents are advised to deworm their children at least every three months with effective worm expellers.
Ogun

Senators Olugbenga Obadara and Adegbenga
Kaka, representing Ogun Central and Ogun East Senatorial districts, respectively, have urged politicians to uphold the tenets of their service to ensure peace and development.
The senators made the call yesterday while speaking to newsmen in Ijebu-Ode.
According to Kaka, equity, justice and purposeful service remained the bedrock for the consolidation of democratic structures and ideals.
“As politicians, we must always plan to fulfil our promises to the electorate because promise is a debt.
“Leaders must strive to be truthful to their followers at all times remembering that without them there will be no position in the first instance,’’ Kaka said.

Oyo

The wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Flo
rence Ajimobi, has expressed the state government’s commitment to the cause of widows.
Ajimobi gave the assurance at a programme she organised for 500 widows from local government areas during which she gave them various gift items.
She said the state government was committed to restoring the dignity of widows and stopping the stigma often associated with widowhood.
“We have thoughtfully designed this programme to coincide with the 2014 Sallah.

Plateau

Senator Victor Lar, representing Plateau South
at the National Assembly, has declared his intention to contest in the Plateau governorship election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Lar made his intention known at the state headquarters of the party.
He said that if elected, his top priority would be to restore permanent peace to the state.
The governorship aspirant, who was received by the PDP Vice Chairman, Central Zone, Mr Yusuf Tokkit, urged the party to create a level playing ground for all aspirants.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademorin Kuye, Governor Babatunde Fashola and Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, at a meeting of traditional rulers with Governor Fashola in Lagos recently.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.