Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

January 21, 2015

Gombe

An Islamic cleric, Malam Salihu Tafawa-Balewa,
has advised traditional and religious leaders, as well as elders in Gombe State to caution candidates for the February elections to maintain peaceful campaigns.
He gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said leaders’’ fatherly advice was necessary for maintaining peace, understanding and unity before, during and after the elections in the state and across the country.
He added that “leaders and elders must caution candidates in their areas; candidates must be advised to know and understand that at the end of the elections, only one person will emerge as winner.
“There is need for them to conduct their political activities peacefully so that at the end, people will not have problems between them and their supporters.’’

Kano

The Managing Director of Kano State Roads
Maintenance Agency (KARMA), Mr Abubakar Jibril, said the agency had rehabilitated 42 township roads in the state between January and December 2014.
He told newsmen in Kano that the rehabilitation work was carried out in seven local government areas of the state.
He said the agency was established by the Kano State Government to repair dilapidated township roads across the 44 local government areas of the state.
He added that the agency was also mandated to maintain the roads, as well as clear the drains in local government areas.

Kebbi

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship
candidate in Kebbi State, Senator Atiku Bagudu, has appealed to voters in the state to vote wisely and shun financial inducement during the February general elections.
Bagudu, who made the appeal in Dakingarim, Suru Local Government Area at the inauguration of his campaign team, urged the electorate to vote for candidates whose party’s manifestos are people-friendly.
“Your permanent voter card is your right; you must not trade it for material and financial gains, ‘’ he said.
Bagudu called on registered voters in the state to collect their permanent voter cards and vote for APC candidates.

Kwara

A pharmacist, Lanre Alege, has urged Nigerians to be wary of seven dangerous acts after meal.
Alege, who is of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), spoke while delivering a lecture at the Kwara Stadium Complex during the monthly keep fit exercise for members of staff of the tertiary health institution.
Acts to avoid, he said, included smoking after meals, eating fruits immediately after meals, drinking tea, loosening the belt, taking bath as well as walking about and sleeping immediately after meals.
“When you eat your fruits with meals, the fruit sticks in the stomach along with the content of the meal and cannot reach the intestine in time.
“Lying there, they get spoilt and spoil the remaining food in the stomach too,’’ he said.

Nasarawa

Some residents of Nassarawa State have said that
the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari can change Nigeria for good.
They gave their opinions in separate interviews with newsmen in Lafia.
The APC gubernatorial running mate in the state, Mr Silas Agara, said Buhari “is an upright person who has nothing to gain in deceiving Nigerians.”
“If you study him as a person, you will notice clearly that this man has one goal in mind and that is to rescue Nigerians from recession, corruption and so many other problems that are facing us.
“Even the opposition admits that he is a man of trust and incorruptibility, and that is why they are very worried now.’’ he said.

Niger

Niger State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Alhaji
Abubakar Bello, says he will have zero tolerance for corruption in the state, if elected governor on February 28.
Bello made the pledge on Sunday while addressing newsmen in Minna
“ I will have zero tolerance for corruption, and one way I will address corruption is to lead by setting a good example for others,” he said
He also said that he would not probe past administrations, to save vital time needed to deliver dividends of governance to the people.
“Probe is not a priority for me, because it will take up the timeý I would have used to work for the good people of the state.”

Ondo

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics at
the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in Ondo State, Mr Olusola Akanle, has reiterated government’s commitment to regular inspection and monitoring of public secondary schools.
Speaking with newsmen in Akure, Akanle said the major problem in public secondary schools was lack of adequate monitoring.
“We have told the principals that when we are not there, they are our representatives and should make sure that the teachers are on their toes.
“Responsible teachers do not have to wait for the principal to tell them their duties since they are sufficiently trained, experienced and should be dedicated to their duties.”
Sokoto

The Chairman, Sabon Birni Local Government Council in
Sokoto State, Alhaji Idris Gobir, has solicited the support of religious and traditional rulers in mobilising the electorate to collect their Permanent Voter Cards.
Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto that religious leaders should inform the people through their sermons the benefits of the voter cards.
He described the PVC as “the weapon needed by the electorate to elect candidates that will meet their expectations through the provision of the dividends democracy.’’
He said, “good governance will only be possible if the electorate participate in all the electoral processes.’’
Gobir advised the electorate in the area not to sell their voter cards and shun all forms of violence before, during and after the general elections.

Taraba

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) in Taraba State, has appealed to the electorate to give her the mandate to make the difference.
Alhassan made the appeal in an interview in Jalingo after a reception in her honour by supporters and party faithful.
She said men had ruled the state since its creation in 1991 but had not recorded the desired impact on the lives of the common people.
She added that “I want to appeal to the people of Taraba State to try a woman for once and I can assure you that you will see a great difference.’’
Alhassan, who denied allegations that she was still in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said she had submitted her PDP membership card to the party’s state Chairman, Mr Victor Bala and had picked up that of APC, which she said was her current party.

Zamfara

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial
candidate, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi , has promised to improve education, healthcare services and security in Zamfara State, if elected.
Shinkafi, who was the former governor of the state under the ANPP, made the promise in Gusau at the flag-off of his campaign.
“It is unfortunate that instead of the state to be progressing in the areas of education, healthcare, and security, it is undergoing serious backwardness.”
According to him, when he left office in 2011, the state government had over 100 medical doctors and now has less than 40 doctors.
“My administration, if re-elected in February, will give priority to education, healthcare, security, harness mineral resources, as well as improve farming activities in the state,’’ he said.

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State (left), receiving a souvenir from Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 111 for attending the Nigerian Defence Academy Alumni 18th Regular Course Re-union in Sokoto.

Nation

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

Published

10 hours 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

Nation

Film Festival: Don, Others Urge Govt To Partner RIFF

Published

16 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

Nation

Hausa Community Lauds Council Boss Over Free Medical Outreach

Published

16 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.