Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

August 17, 2015

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (left), welcoming the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and National Ssecurity Adviser, Retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno, during their visit to Damaturu on Saturday.
Photo: NAN

Adamawa

A Maiduguri-based businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji
Mohammed Indimi, has donated N100 million to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa.
Governor Bindow Jibrilla of Adamawa State, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yola, said he would set up a committee to ensure judicious disbursement of the donation to all affected IDPs.
He also spoke on the Federal Government’s bail out fund, saying that the state was yet to receive the money.
The governor said the administration would empower 9, 040 people from the 226 wards of the state under the first phase of its empowerment programme.

Benue

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in
Makurdi fixed August 18 for former Senate President, David Mark to testify in person.
Mark was dragged to the tribunal by his only contender, Daniel Onjeh of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over his declaration by INEC as the winner of the Benue South Senatorial election.
Onjeh had argued that the elections were marred by electoral malpractices and substantial breaches of the Electoral Act 2011 as amended.
The petitioner, therefore, urged the court to nullify the election and order for fresh poll.

Borno

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
has distributed free delivery kits to 410 pregnant women in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno.
NEMA Director-General, Alhaji Sani Sidi, presented the items to the women at a ceremony in Maiduguri.
According to him, the kits are part of NEMA’s effort to prevent child mortality among displaced persons in the country.
Sidi said that the objective was to put the mind of the women at rest and reassure them of safe delivery.

Gombe

Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has said
that the government would sustain its welfare package for health workers for effective service delivery.
Dankwambo announced the measure while declaring open the 2015 annual general meeting of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Gombe.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Charles Iliya, urged the members of the association to be dedicated to their duties, adding that the government would continue to give them the required support for optimal performance.
He said that the government would expedite action to complete the College of Nursing, Dukku and Gombe State University Teaching Hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the state.

Kaduna

A Kaduna-based Non Governmental Organisation,
ALFACARE, said early signs of brewing dispute and its quick resolution through dialogue would enhance peaceful co-existence among communities in Kaduna State.
Its National Coordinator, Mr Hassan Alfa, gave the suggestion in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
He said that all mechanisms capable of sustaining peace in communities should be explored to guarantee sustainable peace and stability in the state.
Alfa said that building sustainable peace was a collective responsibility of government, institutions, families, individuals and other relevant stakeholders.

Kano

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) says it has
arrested eight persons for allegedly selling pirated materials in Kano.
The commission’s North West Zonal Manager, Alhaji Hassan Usman, told newsmen in Kano that pirated copies worth N6 million were siezed from the suspects.
He said that the suspects were arrested at different locations in Kano metropolis while selling pirated films, books and other materials in violation of the Copyright Act.
Usman urged the public to always purchase original copies from vendors in order to encourage local artists and send pirates out of business.
Kogi

A cleric, Pastor Chris Okafor, has urged President
Muhammadu Behari to carry on with the fight against corruption in the country, regardless of the status of the culprits.
Okafor, who spoke in Lokoja, said the coming of Buahri was divine , urging Nigerians to forget their differences, pray for the president, and join hands with him to correct the ills plaguing the country.
The cleric, who is the Senior Pastor in charge of the Lagos- Liberation City, advised Nigerians not lose hope or despair, saying that God would use Buhari to restore the lost glory of Nigeria.
He urged the president to remain focused and selfless in the fight against corruption, regardless of the status of the culprits.

Kwara

President Muhammadu Buhari has been told to be firm and
painstaking in the anti-corruption crusade.
Chairman Forum of Professionals in Kwara, Alhaji Ahmed Olayiwola, made the call when he spoke with newsmen in llorin.
He suggested that efforts should be made to fast track the judicial process to make the whole effort productive.
Olayiwola called for prudent management of resources to pave way for sustainable socio-economic stability of the country.

Lagos

The Head, Animal Production Department, Lagos State
Polytechnic, Dr. Adegbemi Onigemo, has urged the Federal Government to support livestock producers in the country by subsidising the cost of feeds.
Onigemo told newsmen in Lagos that the high cost of feeds remained a major challenge to poultry farmers.
According to him, the production of feeds which constitutes between 60 and 80 per cent of total production cost is further bedevilled by human’s competing demand for maize, a major component of animal feed.
“Most of the ingredients that are being used in the production of feeds are those in competition between the livestock and men.

Nasarawa

The management of Mararaba Medical Centre in Karu Local
Government Area of Nasarawa State, says 30 unidentified corpses are in its mortuary.
The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Ibrahim Adamu, made the fact known in an interview with newsmen in Mararaba.
Adamu said that the situation was unhealthy and worrisome to both the patients and members of staff of the centre.
“These corpses have been here since 2013 with no record of ownership.
“They were brought or dumped here by the police as most of them happen to be victims of accidents or armed robbery.
Ogun

The police in Sango-Ota, Ogun State has arraigned two
men, Gideon Idedia, 25, and Wednesday Idesia, 30, in an Ota Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a Bajaj motorcycle, valued at N124,000.
The accused, of no fixed addresses, are being tried on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Rosemary Brown, told the court that the accused persons committed the offences on August 9 at about 1.30 p.m. at No. 14, Ahmed Akindele St., Oju-Ore, in Ota.
Brown said that the unregistered Bajaj motorcycle belong to one Joseph Eche.

Ondo

The Ondo State Government says it will soon inaugurate a
Well Being Clinic at the state Specialist Hospital, Akure, to enhance good living among the citizenry.
The state Commissioner for Heath, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, revealed this in Akure while briefing newsmen.
He explained that the clinic would ensure regular check up for the people to enhance healthy living and to prevent any future sickness.
He said one unit of the clinic would attend to youths where they could have proper access to information about the status of their health.

Oyo

The Police Command in Oyo State has said it arrested a 42-
year-old ex-banker for impersonating an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Katsina, told newsmen in Ibadan that the impersonator, identified as Olayinka Olatunji, was arrested for impersonation
Katsina, who was represented by the Command’s Public Relations’ Officer, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said the suspect was arrested in his office at Iwo Road Shopping Complex where he was defrauding innocent people.
The suspect said he had been in the business since March this year and bought the police accessories from an undisclosed Police Training School.

Sokoto

Governor Aminu Tambawal of Sokoto State, has expressed
confidence that President Muhammadu Buhari would reposition the country’s armed forces for optimal performance.
The governor made the remark in Sokoto during the inauguration of the refurbished Army Officers Mess at 1st Brigade Command.
He also expressed confidence that with the state-of-the art equipment currently being provided for the armed forces, the security challenges, especially the North-East would soon be overcome.
Tambuwal commended the officers and men of the 1st brigade command for the contributions they had made in sustaining peace in the state.
Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oluwafumilayo Soleye, pledge to work to sustain the cordial relationship existing between the army and the people of the state.

Nation

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations

Published

3 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.

The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.

According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors

‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”

It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees

“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”

The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said

It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development

Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.

Nation

NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region

Published

3 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.

The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt

Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.

He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.

“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.

“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.

Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.

Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.

“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.

The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.

He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.

John Bibor

Nation

Nile University Hosts ICA Nigeria First National Confab On Global Communication

Published

3 days ago

April 2, 2026

The Tide

The Nile University of Nigeria has successfully hosted the maiden National Conference of the International Communication Association (ICA) Nigeria Chapter, drawing scholars, policymakers, and media professionals to examine emerging global communication trends and Africa’s positioning within them.

The two-day conference, themed, “Global Communication Shifts and Implications for Africa,” took place from March 24 to 25, 2026, at Nile University of Nigeria in Abuja. The event marked the first national gathering of the ICA Nigeria Chapter since its inauguration in March 2023, making it a historic milestone for communication scholarship on the continent.

Delivering a welcome address on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Nile University, Prof. Dilli Dogo, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Dr. Jacob Suemo, described the conference as a “clarion call to reimagine Africa’s place in the global communication landscape,” emphasising the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.

The conference convened leading international scholars, including ICA President, Prof Thomas Hanitzsch and REACH Committee Chair, Prof Noshir Contractor, alongside other notable academics such as Prof Srivi Ramasubramanian, Dominique Brossard, and Prof. Raka Shome. Representatives from ICA chapters in India, Indonesia, and Kenya also participated, reinforcing the global outlook of the gathering.

Participants engaged in keynote sessions, panel discussions, and paper presentations addressing critical themes such as artificial intelligence, climate change communication, media systems, governance, and digital transformation. These discussions reflected the broader aim of the conference to interrogate how global communication shifts affect African societies, institutions, and development pathways.

A key highlight of the conference was a strategic panel session titled, “Is Africa Ready for ICA26?” which assessed the continent’s readiness for deeper global engagement ahead of the ICA International Conference scheduled for June 2026.

The event featured over 50 research presentations from scholars across Nigerian institutions, showcasing diverse perspectives on communication research and practice. It also attracted major stakeholders in government and media, including representatives of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, the News Agency of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Press Council. Discussions underscored the importance of strategic communication in national development and Africa-driven narratives in global discourse.

A major outcome of the conference was the leadership transition within the ICA Nigeria Chapter. Professor Desmond Okocha emerged as the new Chair, succeeding the founding Chair, Dr. Ekaete George. The transition was described as a step toward consolidating the association’s growth and expanding its influence across Nigeria’s academic and media landscape.

Organised in collaboration with academic institutions including Bingham University, University of Cross River State, Nasarawa State University, and the University of Calabar, the conference also featured participation from the West Africa Broadcast and Media Academy (WABMA) as a partner and sponsor.

The ICA Nigeria Chapter noted that the conference provided a vital platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and policy dialogue, positioning Nigeria as a key player in global communication research and practice.

The second edition of the ICA Nigeria National Conference is scheduled for March 2027, building on the success of the inaugural event.