Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

March 18, 2015

Benue

The police in Benue State yesterday confirmed the
killing of 82 people in Egba community of Agatu LGA by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen who attacked the village on Sunday.
State Police Commissioner, Hyacinth Dagala, told our correspondent shortly after an assessment of the damages in the area that the death toll had risen to 82 while 25 others were receiving treatment in hospitals.
“I went there today to see things for myself and I can tell you that 82 people were killed while 25 others are in the hospital,” he said.
Dagala said calm had returned to the area with security operatives on the watch out to avoid further break down of law and order.
The PDP deputy governorship candidate, John Ngbede, a native of the area who accompanied the police commissioner on the visit lamented the extent of destruction and appealed to the federal government to assist the community.

Borno

The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai Al-Amin
El-kanemi, yesterday urged the new President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabba to justify the confidence repose in him by Nigerian workers.
The Shehu said the election of Wabba was an honour to the Borno Emirate Council and its people.
Wabba is the Zanna Ma’amalama of Borno, (Ambassador of Borno Emirate)
A statement by Alhaji Zanna Laisu, Secretary of Borno Emirate, said with a track record of selfless service and dedication, the new NLC chair had all it takes to lead the congress.
“We congratulate you on your recent victory which did not come as a surprise. While we would continue to pray for you to succeed, we urge you to see this rare opportunity as a call to service.
You must set the pace for a reinvigorated civil service that will ensure peaceful working relationship and job satisfaction among various stakeholders,” the statement said.

Kaduna

Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State has
commenced distribution of 4.6million Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) to households in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off at Kujama in Chikun LGA yesterday, Yero who was represented by his deputy, Ambassador Nuhu A. Bajoga, said the gesture was aimed at reducing infant and maternal mortality.
According to him, the state government in year 2010 distributed mosquito-treated nets to about 80% of the women, assuring that his administration would ensure that every household gets the net this year as part of efforts to fulfil the Roll Back Malaria crusade.
The governor’s media aide, Ahmed Maiyaki, also at a news conference in Kaduna yesterday said the administration was struggling to fund about 76 road projects inherited from previous administrations.
About 31 of the projects he said were awarded by late governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, while the rest were approved by governors Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and Mohammed Namadi Sambo.

Kano

The Kano State High Court has fixed March 31 for
ruling on a no- case application filed by the lawyer of the teen bride, accused of killing her husband and three others.
Wasila Tasi’u, 14, was arrested for allegedly killing her husband, Umar Sani and three others by adding poisonous substance to their meal.
She is being charged with culpable homicide, an offense punishable by death under Section 221(a) of the Penal Code.
During the court sitting yesterday, the defence counsel, Barrister Hussaina Ibrahim Aliyu, in an application requested the court to discharge the accused person, saying the witnesses presented by the prosecution lack credibility.
She said the witnesses failed to prove to the court how the accused killed her husband, as there was no evidence on record as required by Section 21(a) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).
However, the prosecution counsel, Lamido Abba Soron Dinki, countered the application of no case submitted by the defence counsel.

Kebbi
Secretary to the Kebbi State Government and Chair
man, State Agency for the Control of AIDs (SACA), Alhaji Garba Rabiu said yesterday that the state has recorded a steady reduction in HIV/AIDS infection.
Speaking at the inauguration of HIV/AIDS State Management Team (SMT) by Governor Saidu Dakingari, the SSG said government would work to eradicate the disease.
He said the inauguration of the SMT was a clear evidence of the government’s commitment to health care delivery.
“We are grateful to the governor for his support which led to reduction in the prevalence rate of the disease.
“Recall that the president directed the National Agency for the Control of AIDS to come up with a plan that will guide the nation in owning HIV/AIDS response without much reliance on international donors. Against this background, a presidential comprehensive response plan was developed and states were directed to constitute SMT to move HIV/AIDS response forward to ensure ownership and sustainability of response”, he said.

Kwara

Wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presi
dential candidate, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, yesterday called for proper education of the party’s supporters on its symbol and logo, saying the APC’s support base is the masses.
Mrs. Buhari who paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State as part of her two-day citizens outreach and town hall meetings in Kwara State noted that the masses who make up the party’s backbone include illiterate and rural people who have no access to television or the social media.
She recalled that many people who joined the APC were from different political parties where they used different slogans. She said, “The illiterate can hardly identify where they are now. So it is so important for us to educate the electorate about the broom (the APC logo). Our major supporters are the masses, masses, masses and masses, especially knowing the presidential candidate of the mega party. He was in ANPP, then CPC and now APC which is not easy for people that are not literate to identify easily”.
Mrs. Buhari who noted that the forthcoming election revolves around women who according to her constitute 55 per cent of the registered voters, said they must be educated on how to vote.

Lagos
Doctors in Lagos State government-owned hospitals
yesterday began an indefinite strike, saying however that it was not meant to make people suffer but to communicate their grievances to government on unpaid salaries and welfare.
The doctors only partially attended to patients in some hospitals yesterday but full activities were on at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja when Daily Trust visited.
Chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr. Biyi Kufo, said the industrial action was precipitated by the action of the state government which withheld the doctors’ May 2012 and August/September 2014 salaries.

Oyo

Members of the Arewa community in the South-West
converged in Ibadan yesterday to declare support for the candidature of retired General Muhammadu Buhari and Professor Yemi Osinbajo of the APC.
As early as 8 am, the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan was filled with the supporters who sang and danced as they chanted: ‘Sai Buhari! Sai Baba!! Sai Buhari! Sai Baba!!’
Their leader, Alhaji Hassan Isiaka, the Sarkin Kudun Yamma, said the Arewa community was supporting Buhari’s election bid in their belief that the former military Head of State had the qualities to restore sanity in national life which according to him, is presently at its lowest ever.
He lamented the spate of corruption in the country, saying the nation needs an urgent positive change.
“We are very hopeful that General Buhari is sincere and capable of leading the country out of its present messy situation,” he said.

Plateau

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
said yesterday that the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) of Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and Gwong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, are ready.
INEC Deputy Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Osaretin Imahireyereobo, who spoke at a workshop on violence-free election, organized by National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Jos, said the PVC of the governor had arrived the state alongside that of the Gwong Gwom Jos.
“The cards are part of the PVCs for Kanke, Jos-North and Jos-South Local Government Areas of the state,” he said.
Imahireyereobo, who led demonstration of the card reader, said, “The PVC of Governor Jang is in my possession and is ready for delivery anytime from now. They arrived today (Monday) and we will distribute all the cards to the owners.”
Sokoto

Over N3.8 billion has been expended in the payment
of allowance to 6,866 physically challenged persons in the Sokoto State in the past seven years, Governor Aliyu Wamakko said.
He said the beneficiaries include lepers, deaf and blind people, who receive N6,500 monthly allowance.
The governor, who spoke during the payment of monthly allowance to 340 physically challenged persons in Silame Local Government Area of the state, said the government spent N45.8 million monthly on allowances to members of the group across the 23 local government areas.
The governor pointed out that the gesture had had positive impact on families and society.
“The introduction of monthly allowance to physically challenged persons has brought succour to their families and reduced the number of people begging on the streets,” he said.
He stressed the need for them to ensure judicious use of the monthly allowance.

L-R: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, assisted by Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolaham Lawal in presenting agricultural products to beneficiaries, Mrs Adenike Bolaji and Mrs Esther Abraham, at the 2015 Agric Value Chain Empowerment Programme in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN

Nation

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

18 hours ago

January 23, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

Nation

Diri Approves N200m Monthly Grant for Bayelsa Farmers, Targets Increased Local Rice Production

Published

5 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved a monthly support scheme of ?200 million for farmers in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and expand agricultural production.

The governor announced the approval on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 dry season farming programme held at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the volume of rice harvested during the last farming season, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure a significant increase in the production of homegrown rice in Bayelsa State by the end of 2026.

He stressed that despite the government’s provision of necessary support to the ministry and farmers, it was unacceptable that the state still had to procure rice from outside during the last Yuletide period.

The governor charged the Ministry of Agriculture to take food security seriously, noting that Bayelsa has a comparative advantage in several crop areas, with fertile soil that does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and other stakeholders for organising the event, Governor Diri urged the ministry to ensure that such initiatives go beyond yearly ceremonies and translate into tangible benefits for the people.

According to him, agriculture remains a key pillar of the state’s economic diversification drive, which his administration has prioritised through heavy investments. He also called on civil servants and residents to embrace agriculture as a way of life.

“Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration,” he said.

He added that agriculture strengthens the economy and highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure in moving farm produce from rural communities to the state capital.

“We are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture. We have developed partnerships and collaborations and will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure Bayelsa attains the expected food security,” the governor stated.

Governor Diri further directed that by the end of 2026, the state should record a minimum production of 300,000 kilogrammes of rice, stressing that government would patronise local farmers rather than sourcing rice from outside the state.

On security concerns, he reiterated that the state’s anti-grazing law remains in force, warning herdsmen against destroying farmlands and urging farmers to report such incidents to security agencies instead of resorting to social media.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against allocating land in forest areas to herdsmen, warning that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the genuine farmers in the state. What we did for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. Henceforth, ?200 million will be set aside monthly to support farmers in Bayelsa State,” he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, described the event as a reaffirmation of the state government’s unwavering commitment to food security.

He commended Governor Diri for his substantial investment in the agricultural sector, noting that it has been the driving force behind the progress recorded so far.

Representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bayelsa State chapter, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria, among others, also lauded the governor’s sustained support for farmers, which they said has significantly improved the agricultural sector in the state.

City Crime

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

5 days ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.

By: Donatus Ebi