Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

January 30, 2015

Board Chairman Nigeria Rialway Corporation, Alhaji (Dr) Bamanga Tukur (right) with Executive Governor Abia State, Theodor Orji duirng official commissioning of Nigeria Rialway Corporation at Port Harcourt recently. Photo: Egberi Sampson

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has de
nied embezzling salaries of workers in the state.
Suswam made the denial at the inauguration of the renovated Kwande Local Government Education Authority building in Kwande local government area.
He blamed his administration’s inability to pay salaries of some workers on the poor budgetary allocations being received by the state from the Federal Government.He explained that the poor budgetary allocation was caused by the falling price of oil in the international market.
“I do not embezzle workers salaries. You are suffering and there is no way I will temper with your monthly entitlements. I am not taking any kobo from workers salaries in the state.

FCT
The low turnout of political parties for the town hall
meeting held recently had generated a lot of reactions as the Vice Presidential debate was being arranged.
Some stakeholders who spoke to newsmen in Abuja expressed disappointments and hoped that the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates would not go the same way. The Kowa Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), United Progressive Party (UPP) and Citizens Popular Party (CPP) were the parties that have kept faith with the exercise so far. Mr Chambers Okorie, a member of the UPP, viewed his party’s participation as a national commitment to propagate the good intentions of the party.
He said “we consider this to be a great campaign platform to reach more Nigerians, so it is to our advantage that we took the opportunity.’’

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State, said his
administration had executed developmental projects and transformed agriculture across the state.
Lamido made this known in Kirikasamma, Jigawa, during the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) governorship campaign. According to him, his administration had accorded priority to road development and executed various projects to enhance transportation in the state.
The governor listed some of the projects as Arawa-Baturiya-Abunabo-Kadira road, rehabilitation of various federal high ways and construction of township roads in the 27 local government areas. Lamido said the state government had also constructed access road to link villages with local council headquarters.
The projects are designed to open up rural communities and enhance transportation of farm produce,” he said.

Kano

The Kano State Government plans to produce one
million assorted seedlings this year, as part of renewed efforts to check desert encroachment in some parts of the state.
The state Afforestation Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ali Dauda, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Dauda said the seedlings would be produced in designated nursery centres located across the state.
He said the inputs would be distributed free of charge to farmers and other interested individuals to plant in their respective farms and places of abode.
“The plan to produce this number of seedlings is aimed at checking desertification particularly in areas that are prone to threats of desert encroachment,” he said.

Lagos

A lecturer, Mr Frank Ogundano, has urged the
National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to accelerate its accreditation processes in order to develop tourism education in polytechnics. Ogundano, who is the Head of Department, Leisure and Tourism Management, Lagos State Polytechnic, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
He said the intermittent disruption of academic programmes due to non-accreditation and inadequate enlightenment of prospective students had negatively affected the trend of enrolment and graduation in tourism-related courses. Ogundano said: “The course is a growing course but so far, we have graduated three sets in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and there is no time we graduated less than 25 students.
“We could not graduate students in 2013 because of accreditation issues with the NBTE; twice, they have prevented us from getting accreditation,” he said

Osun

The Osun State Director, National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Dr Martins Lawrence said on Tuesday, that the agency had begun rural door- to -door sensitisation of the electorate on the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC). Lawrence told newsmen in Osogbo that the agency was visiting villages, markets, palaces, churches, mosques as well as motor parks for the exercise. He said the agency adopted the approach so as to reach people at the grassroots directly.
“Majority of the people we are dealing with are at the grassroots because majority of the electorate reside in the rural areas. “And that is why we are going from door to door to sensitise the people.’’

Oyo

Ahead of February’s general elections, the Oyo
State Police Command, has assured candidates of political parties of their safety as they go about their political campaigns. The spokesperson of the command, DSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. He said that the command had solicited the cooperation of political parties by asking for their campaign itineraries.
“ We have the itineraries of the different candidates stating when and where they wish to have their campaigns.
“ With this information at our disposal, the command will always ensure the provision of adequate manpower to man venues of such rallies.

Plateau

The Plateau State chapter of the National Orienta
tion Agency (NOA), has entered into partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sensitise its staff on the challenges of the 2015 general elections.
The NOA Plateau Director, Mr Bulus Dabit, told newsmen in Jos that the agency’s staff would be sensitised on guidelines governing peaceful conduct of elections. According to him, it is the duty of NOA as a messenger in the electoral process to take critical information to orientate the right segment of the people to come out and vote in the general elections.
He said voters needed education on issues involving how to conduct themselves while exercising their franchise in general elections, slated to take place in February.

Taraba

The Social Democratic Party(SDP) governorship
candidate in Taraba State, Chief David Kente, has pledged to upgrade the Jalingo Airport to international standard to attract more investors to the state, if elected.
Kente, who made the pledge in Lau at his campaign rally, said upgrading the airport would also boost the revenue profile of the state and attract tourists.
He decried the situation whereby travellers from the state had to connect flight from Yola in Adamawa, saying things must change so that the state would also derive economic benefits of having an airport.
In his remark, the State SDP Chairman, Mr Peter Achagwa, urged the people of Lau to vote for the party for justice and prosperity.

Yobe

Ahead of the February general elections, an inter
faith mitigation and regional centre has been inaugurated in Damaturu, to promote peaceful coexistence and build trust among groups. The Executive Director of the centre, Dr Nureedin Ashafa, said the center comprised 25 religious, traditional and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
“These organisations will work closely with security agencies to enhance peaceful co-existence among various ethno-religious and cultural groups in the state,” he said. He said the council would also work toward building trust among the various groups and strengthen early warnings and responses. Ashafa said the council would focus on working with youth, women groups and security agencies to promote violence-free elections in Yobe and other states in the country.

Nation

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

Published

11 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

17 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

17 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.