Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

January 12, 2015

Adamawa

The International Committee for Red Cross and Red Cres
cent said it had established family data base to assist in reuniting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East region.
Alhaji Aliyu Maikano, the officer In- Charge of Red Cross on IDPs, disclosed this in an interviews with the newsmen in Yola.
Maikano said the center was established to reunite victims of insurgent attacks, who fled their communities and settled in camps across the region.
“The Committee has established family data bases in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe for internally displaced persons in the North East region.
“The development is to re-unite families who were separated due to insurgent attacks.” Maikano said.

FCT

The National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, retired Col. Mika
Gayya, has appealed to the people who made pledges to the legion during the 2014 Armed Forces Remembrance Day to redeem them.
Gayya told newsmen in Abuja that out of the N105 million pledged, only N30 million had been redeemed.
According to him, unsuccessful efforts have been made through the Presidency to ensure that the pledges were redeemed.
“President Goodluck Jonathan has asked that we should contact all those people who made the pledges.
“We followed the right channel to make sure that those people were contacted but up till this moment nobody has paid a single kobo of the remaining outstanding money.
“We have taken steps through the Presidency because those that made pledges were invited by the presidency.
“So, it is only right that we remind them through the presidency that they made some pledges to the Nigerian legion that are yet to be redeemed,” he said.

Gombe

The Gombe State House of Assembly has commended
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo’s efforts on the implementation of the 2014 budget.
Speaker of the House Alhaji Inuwa Garba, gave the commendation during the 2015 budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in Gombe.
He said that the budget had received a very serious attention and it was translated into action that impacted much on the socio economic development of the state.
According to him, it is now time for the state government to look toward the enhancement of its internally generated revenue base, for the development of the state.
“The oil price seems to be on a downward trend, day-by-day and it is what the entire nation depends on.
“This is a very serious problem, as it affected the economy of every part of our social life.

Kano

The Kano State Government has released N492.9 million
for the payment of scholarship allowances to its 23, 685 students in tertiary institutions across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Usman Ririwai, said this when he briefed newsmen in Kano recently.
He said the payment, which would be made through the students’ accounts, was for 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 academic sessions.
“The state government has released the money for the payment of the allowances and the payment has since commenced through their accounts.
“In the next couple of days all the students will receive their allowance through their accounts in various banks,” he said.
Ririwai assured that the state government would ensure that all outstanding students’ allowances were paid before the expiration of the present administration.

Lagos

My wife always demands money from me before allow
ing me to have sex with her, a retired civil servant, Mr Chibuzo Obiedefu, on Thursday told an Igando Customary Court, Lagos.
Obiedefu, 50, told the court that his wife, Philomena, whom he married seven years ago, was denying him sex.
“My wife is always starving me of sex and if she will allow me, she will ask me to pay for it.
“And if I refused to give her money and wanted to sleep with her by force, she would hit me with any dangerous weapons she could lay her hands on,” he said.
The petitioner accused his wife of infidelity and alleged that she was dating a policeman in their area.
“Philomena is cheating on me; she is having an affair with a policeman and whenever I cautioned her, she will flare up,” Obiedefu said.
He pleaded with the court to dissolve his seven-year-old marriage because he was tired of the relationship and he was no longer in love.
Responding, the 40-year-old businesswoman denied all the allegations.

Niger

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has under
scored the need for political direction for the successful maintenance of security in the country.
He said this at the launch of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Emblem Appeal Week in Minna.
Aliyu said that this would give the members of the armed forces the moral and psychological impetus to conduct their constitutional duties effectively and efficiently.
“I believe with the right political will the issue of the current security challenges can be tackled within a given time frame.
“But we need to do a correct and honest assessment of the situation.
“We are yet to get a proper perspective of the security situations. New information emerges every day.
“When we get all these variables correctly, we can then be able to say to the armed forces finish the insurgency in six months and it will be done,” he said.

Oyo

A dietician and Head, Department of Dietetics, Univer
sity College Hospital(UCH) Ibadan, Mr Tunde Ajobo, said that headache, yellow urine and constipation were bold signs of dehydration.
Ajobo told newsmen in Ibadan that having persistent and constant headache might be a sign of losing body fluid or dehydration.
“Every human body constantly loses fluid and these means you are also losing essential salts like sodium and potassium that are in the fluids you are losing.
“The salt loss actually changes the chemical makeup of the blood and the brain in turn is super sensitive to that change, and that sensitivity triggers a headache.
“The headaches get worse depending on how much water one loses. The more water you lose, the more your blood volume drops, which cause less oxygen flow to the brain.
Plateau

Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Catholic Archdio
cese of Jos, Plateau, has urged Nigerian leaders to be sincere and honest in tackling the insurgency affecting some northern states.
Kaigama, who is also the President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), made the statement in Jos in an interview with newsmen.
He described terrorism as `a negative manifestation of the ills of the Nigerian state,’ adding that terrorism would always rear its ugly face due to “some underlining but multidimensional factors.”
“Nigerians are too aesthetic in everything they do. We concentrate so much on doing the outward things, but seemingly forget to dig deeper to find lasting solutions to our problems.
“Leaders in this country — political, religious, and traditional must be sincere and honest in their dealings to bring an end to insurgency,” he said.

Taraba

The Taraba State Police Command has advised mosques
and churches in the state to acquire hand metal detectors in order to beef up security around them.
ASP Joseph Kwaji, spokesman of the command, gave the advice during an interview with the newsmen in Jalingo.
Kwaji said the devise would enable officials of the worship centres to thoroughly search worshipers before allowing them entry.
He said the advice became necessary in view of the security situation in the North-East.
He also advised individuals who were planning to organise social gatherings to acquire the facility and use same to prevent possible attack by terrorists.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Zakat and Endowment Board, has
shared N4.08 million to more than 500 less-privileged people as Zakat in the state, the Board’s Chairman, Alhaji Liman Dan’Alhaji, said.
Dan’Alhaji made the disclosure during the distribution of the cash in Gusau, saying the Zakat distribution was an annual event.
He said “the money collected this year is more than the amount collected in previous years and we decided to share it to the beneficiaries.
“The beneficiaries include the deaf, the blind, the crippled and some Islamic scholars.
“They all received between N10,000 and N20,000, which is higher than the N5,000 shared in 2014.”
The Executive Secretary of the board, Malam Bashir Surajo, commended the individuals who contributed to the fund.

Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal (left) Speaker, House of Representative flanked by Ogun State Governor, Senator Amosun Ibikunle and Alhaji Fashola of Lagos State at the APC Presidential rally held in Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Ibioye Diama

Nation

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

Published

9 hours 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 the late Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia

Nation

First Rivers Female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education Delivers UNIPORT’s 211th Inaugural Lecture

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education from University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State, Prof. Faith Ken-Aminikpo, has delivered the institution’s 211th inaugural lecture to widespread acclaim, highlighting the critical role of theatre in modern education.

The inaugural lecture, titled “Playing and Learning: The Siamese Twins,” was delivered on April 30, 2026, at the university campus in Port Harcourt before an audience comprising academics, traditional rulers, students, and members of the public.

The event attracted applause and commendations for the lecture’s intellectual depth, engaging delivery, and practical relevance to contemporary education.

In her presentation, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo challenged the misconception that Theatre Arts is merely entertainment or academically inferior to other disciplines. She stressed that theatre remains a powerful pedagogical tool capable of improving learning outcomes across diverse fields, including science, medicine, and technology.

According to her, theatre promotes creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, describing it as a holistic educational experience beyond acting and performance.

“Theatre is life itself. Every rehearsal is a learning process. Through theatre, we develop creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. It is not just about dancing or acting. It is a comprehensive educational experience,” she stated.

The professor, who is also the first PhD holder in the Department of Theatre Arts in Education at the university, described playing and learning as inseparable concepts that must coexist to achieve meaningful education.

She maintained that imaginative and participatory teaching methods significantly enhance students’ engagement, understanding, and retention.

Drawing from her personal teaching experience, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo recounted how she deployed visual aids and creative techniques to teach poetry during her early teaching career, leading to improved student performance.

She also cited the use of models and demonstrations by science teachers to simplify complex concepts as further evidence of the effectiveness of experiential learning methods.

As part of her recommendations, the theatre scholar proposed the establishment of a Centre for Theatre Arts in Education in universities to drive curriculum development, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and community engagement.

She further advocated the creation of a World Theatre-Inspired Children’s Learning Park, which she said would promote youth development, provide practical training opportunities, and generate revenue for institutions.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended the inaugural lecturer for what he described as an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant contribution to knowledge.

Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. J. E. Esmonde, described Prof. Ken-Aminikpo as an accomplished scholar whose work has significantly advanced theatre education in Nigeria and beyond.