Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

August 24, 2015

Governor Muhammed Abubakar of Bauchi State (left), welcoming the unicef Country Representative to Nigeria and Ecowas, Ms Jean Gough, during her courtesy visit to Government House in Bauchi, recently.

Adamawa

Some staff of Adamawa State University (ADSU), Mubi, have
petitioned the state House of Assembly accusing the Vice Chancellor, Prof Joshua Shall, of misconduct.
The petition, which receipt was acknowledged by the House of Assembly Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, at the plenary was referred to the House Committee on Public Complaint, for consideration and advise.
The petitioners, Dr Umar Jongur, Dr Idris Atadashi, Dr Kamkwis Markus, Mr Moses Mairabo and Mallam Khalid Bello, accused the vice chancellor of some wrongdoings, among which were administrative high handedness and violation of established rules.
Reacting to the development, the vice chancellor, Prof Joshua Shall, said he was just hearing about the petition, and that the petitioners did not give him a copy as expected.

Bauchi

Chairman of the Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Union of
Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Dahiru Mohammed, has assumed duty as the new General Manager of Radio Nigeria Globe FM, Bauchi.
Mohammed took over from Malam Aminu Goggo, who acted as the manager of the station, following the redeployment of the substantive General Manager, Malam Zakari Nadabo, to the Presidency.
Until his recent appointment, the new manager was the head of News and Current Affairs Unit of Bauchi State Television (BATV) and currently serving his second term as the chairman of Bauchi Council of the NUJ.
In an interview shortly after assumption of office, Mohammed said that his target was to make the station a “pacesetter among its peers”.

Benue

The Save-Our-Women and Youth Initiative in Benue State, an
NGO, has called for an urgent assessment of the numbers and locations of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The group’s state Coordinator, Mrs Erdoo Iber, said in Makurdi that the group also wants basic social amenities made available in camps when properly identified.
She said the IDPs require clinics, security posts, movable camps or tents, food and water to save lives and make life more meaningful for them in the camps.
Iber appealed to the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency to, as a matter of urgency, provide relief materials to such camps.

Ekiti

Ekiti State Government has issued a three-week ultimatum to
contractors handling the 2013 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) projects to complete and hand over or face the consequences.
The Chairman, MDGs State Implementation Committee, Chief Dipo Anisulowo, gave the ultimatum during a review meeting of the second phase of MDGs projects held with the contractors in Ado-Ekiti.
He warned that government would not hesitate to sanction erring contractors, stressing that the era of abandoned projects was over.
In his remarks, Mr Idowu Popoola Special Assistant to the Governor on MDGs, stressed the importance of quality and timely job delivery by contractors.
Jigawa

The Jahun Local Government Council of Jigawa State, says it has
purchased spare parts worth N2.8 million to repair broken and damaged hand pumps in the area.
The Area’s Information Officer, Malam Muhammad Umar, who made this known in Dutse.
Umar, who said the items had been handed over to the 11 wards of the local government, stressing that the aim was to ensure safe drinking water in the area.
He said that the items were handed over to members of wards committees who would supervise the exercise.

Kaduna

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has said that
the Air Force Institute of Technology, (AFIT) had been repositioned to contribute more effectively in tackling the current security challenges facing the country.
The Air Cheif, who made the remark at the 44th Convacation Ceremony of the institution in Kaduna, said training of technical personnel would impact positively in dealing with the dreaded Boko Haram and other security challenges facing the nation.
Abubakar said the institution was doing well in research and development and charged them to sustain the effort to enable the country address the current Boko Haram menace.
On his part, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Cmdr Misbau Soladoye, said that the institution had made steady progress in both its academic curricular, research and development.

Kano

The Kano State Refuse Management and Sanitation Board, says
it is ready to begin the conversion of wastes to wealth before the end of 2015.
The Managing Director of the board, Retired Group Capt. Mohammed Kura, said in Kano that investors from England and India had sent proposals to start converting scrap tiles into powder, fabrics and wares.
Kura said the board had sent the organic fertiliser to different laboratories, including Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Ibadan where it was tested and confirmed to be good and useful.
He further explained that the state government would also recruit more sanitary inspectors, who would be given the power to enforce and monitor sachet water sellers, biscuit sellers and bottle water traders.

Kebbi

The Kebbi State Committee on Information for the 2015
Hajj is to embark on an awareness campaign to ensure to enlighten the 4,116 intending pilgrims, says the Chairman, Alhaji Umar Babuga.
Babuga told newsmen in Brinin-Kebbi that the essence of the campaign was to ensure effective guidance of the 4,116 intending pilgrims.
He said that pregnant women had been advised to defer undertaking the exercise, to avoid sanctions.
The chairman also requested Journalists to ensure adequate dissemination of information on the 2015 Hajj exercise.

Lagos

Nigerians have urged the Nigeria Police Force to enlist
only men and women of good character when it recruits the 10,000 personnel promised by President Muhammadu Buhari.
They made the call in an interview with newsmen against the backdrop of President Muhammedu Buhari’s promise to offer 10,000 jobs in the force.
The recruitment is to beef up the Police workforce which currently stands at less than 400,000 for a population of 170 million.
The United Nations’ recommendation is a minimum of 222 policemen per 100,000 people, a number that the current 400,000 does not cover.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government is to use the N25 billion
loan approved by the state House of Assembly in servicing the Contributory Pension Scheme for state civil servants and addressing some development needs.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Tanko Al-makura, Alhaji Ahmed Tukur,who disclosed this in an interview in Lafia, said explaining to the people what the bailout fund would be utilized for, was aimed at ensuring prudence and accountability.
He said that the fund, if accessed from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), would help in the settling some pending issues for the growth of the state.
According to him, the state government will utilise N12 billion while the 13 local government councils in the state will share N13 billion.

Ogun

An Economist, Mr Toyin Taiwo, has urged local manufacturers
to show more commitment in developing their marketing strategies for enduring economic benefits and job creation.
He told newsmen in Ijebu-Ode, that the manufacturers could enhance their businesses by developing their marketing strategies themselves, rather than outsourcing the process.
Taiwo, who is the president, Ijebu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ICCIMA), said this would help them set good records of market penetration and increase the value chain of end products.
The economist, who also operates a food technology consultancy firm, said in order to achieve sustainable success, manufacturers must repeatedly re-examine their company’s sense of purpose.

Oyo

The Oyo State Government would no longer pay the West African
Examinations Council (WAEC) registration fees for students, the state Head of Service, Mr Soji Eniade, has said.
Eniade also said that from the 2015/2016 Academic Session, students would pay annual Education Development Levy of N3,000.
In a statement titled: “Efforts of Oyo State Government to Address Poor Performance of Students in Public Secondary Schools,” issued in Ibadan, Eniade said that government took the decision in order to guard against poor performances of students in public schools.
According to the statement, the state government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/2016 academic session.

Plateau

As the world marks this year’s Mosquito Day, PTA Chairman in
Plateau State, Mr Sylvester Yakubu, has advised governments to provide treated nets to schools to curb the spread of malaria.
The PTA boss said in Jos that the use of treated nets was particularly effective in preventing the spread of mosquitoes, the carriers of the malaria parasite.
He explained that the World Malaria Day was aimed at reminding the public that malaria remained one of the killer diseases in Africa because of the humid condition of its environment.
Yakubu, however, said that guidelines for using the nets must be observed to avoid complications, and advised government to pay more attention to public schools to lessen the burden of less privileged parents.

Yobe

Some women in Yobe State have commended ‘Waka Rural
Development Initiative’’ a Non-Governmenal Organisation (NGO) for restoring their psychological and physical stability after insurgents’ attacks on their communities.
The Internally Displaced women, who made the commendation in interview in Damaturu said that the entrepreneurship programme initiated by the NGO had trained 300 internally displaced women in various trades.
It assists internally displaced women to engage in productive livelihood in their new communities for economic self reliance.
A displaced mother from Gujba, Mrs Aisa Bukar, said the programme had assisted her and other women to look into the future and begin a new life.

Zamfara
The Zamfara State House of Assembly has called on security agencies in the state to intensify efforts to curb cattle rustling and other crimes in the area.
The Speaker of the assembly, Alhaji Sunusi Rikiji, made the call in Gusau at the house plenary while reacting to a complaint about cases of cattle rustling.
Rikiji commended the partnership between security agencies and the state government in checking cattle rustling and other criminal activities in the state.
A member representing Anka constituency, Alhaji Bello Sarkin-Fagon (APC) had earlier informed the House about cattle rustling activities in his constituency, adding that gunmen had recently attacked Wuya Ward in Anka Local Government Area and seized 200 cows and 200 sheep.

Nation

MOSIEND URGE NDDC TO EMBARK ON WATER PROJECTS IN BUGUMA …TASK RSG TO REVAMP BUGUMA FISH FARM

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called on the Management of Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC to embark on the water projects in Buguma city in Asari Toru Local Government Area, Rivers state

The Group called on the Rivers state government to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

On the water project in Buguma, MOSIEND said the population of Buguma has increased tremendously as the residents need more water projects to enhance the daily livelihood of the people

The Group also appealed to the Chairman of the council to assist in making the project a reality and attracts more developmental projects to the city

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 Mark Ojuka,Chairman of Buguma and Hon Sandra Owunari JP Chairman Obuama and monitored by our correspondent

Comrade Ojuka also called on the Management of Liquidifed Natural Gas NLG to embark on a free medical outreach in all Kala bari communities to improve their health status

He appealed to LNG to award scholarship to indigens of Kalabari communities in tertiary institutions to better their education, noting the company is doing same in Bonny, abandoning Kalabari communities

“We need contracts, free medical, scholarships and employment including skill acquisition programs for our teeming youths in Kalabari extractions ”

On Security, Mark Ojuka said security in Buguma is at zero level with the help of the Ama Ma soldiers the city is more peaceful and investors friendly as the youths of area have cordial relationship with the security agencies in the area

“Security is very secured in Buguma clan”

He called on the Rivers state to revamp the Buguma fish farm to create employment for the teeming youths

“The youths are asking for human capacity building in the area to reduce unemployment”

“The revamping of the Buguma fish farm will also reduce youth violence”

Also Speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn called for more improve in infrastructures in Kalabari community, especially in electricity

There is little improvement in terms of electricity in Buguma city

He decried the deplorable condition
of Buguma Health Centre, saying that the hospital is near functional

“Our sisters that are pregnant and our sick parents can not access the health centre for a better treatment ”

Describing the Health Centre as an eye saw, he called on Rivers state government and Buguma Local Government chairman Hon William to improve on facilities in the centre and make it more medically accessible to the sick persons in the area

Buguma, Tammy Bruce said is the spiritual headquarter of Kalabari people as such deserve more modern facilities from the government to improve lives

The Coordinator called on government, stakeholders and oil companies to assist and improve the poor infrastructural facilities in area

“We need first class hospitals, qualified medical doctors and nurses in the health centres and hospitals”

On the oil spilled in Obuoma Chairman MOSIEND Obuoma, Hon Sandra Owunari said the spill destroyed their crops and Rivers even polluted their only source of drinking water

She expressed displeasure that Rivers state government did not send any relief materials to the people in the affected community

On Chieftaincy title to women in Obuama, Hon Sandra Owunari said the community do not install Chieftaincy title to women, saying that Chieftaincy title is only reserved for men only in the community

CHINEDU WOSU

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Port Harcourt zonal command has held a one-day capacity workshop with some selected media organisations and civil society organisations in the state

The one-day capacity workshop was aimed at strengthening existing relationships among the media and the civil society organisations in the state with a view to improving the existing relationships among the graft agency and the media.

Speaking at the event the zonal commander of EFCC, MR. HASSAN SAIDU, said the
initiative is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in our collective fight against economic and financial crimes , adding that the decision to organize this workshop underscores the strategic importance the EFCC places on the roles of the media and the CSOs as watchdogs of the society.

According to him,all over the world, the partnership between anti-corruption agencies, the media, and civil society has been instrumental in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, noting that the collaboration is even more imperative in Nigeria given the scale and sophistication of economic crimes we contend with.

“Let me take this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable support you have given to the EFCC over the years.

Your consistent focus on our work through reporting, advocacy, and public engagement has helped to sustain the momentum of our preventive and enforcement efforts.”

The EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is dynamic and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence, patriotism and integrity.”

He posted that It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialized Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists, adding that the commission has expanded this initiative to include civil society organizations to further demonstrate their belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

“As you are aware, Port Harcourt remains Nigeria’s treasure base of the Nation and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from pipeline vandalism, foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud, and crude oil theft.”

The EFCC zonal commander averred that the 2025 edition of the workshop is Understanding Cryptocurrency Fraud and other Emerging Financial Crimes and Prosecution of Financial Crimes: Issues, Challenges and Way Forward , adding that
It is imperative for us to note that the surge of Cryptocurrency Fraud and other related offences in the Nigeria’s Cyberspace is becoming alarming hence, as part of the efforts of the EFCC to nip this menace and eradicate these crimes from Nigeria Cyberspace there is need for synergy with relevant Stakeholders, that is the reason why the Commission has chosen these topics to educate, create awareness and discuss arising issues that will yield more significant results as the EFCC tackles the spate of these crimes.

“We must work together to intensify public sensitization. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers. ”

He reiterated that the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty, meaning all hands must be on deck , stressing that
We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

“The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.
The EFCC remains committed to building a stronger and more effective partnership with all stakeholders in the fight against corruption. he stated.

Earlier In his presentation on cryptocurrency-related crimes, CSE Coker Oyegunle, Head of Advanced Fee Fraud, explained that digital assets are increasingly being used for money laundering, identity theft, phishing, malware attacks, and ransomware, most of which involve untraceable crypto payments.

He noted that Nigeria now has a coordinated regulatory framework involving multiple agencies. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) serves as the lead regulator under the Investment and Securities Act 2025, defining digital assets as securities and licensing virtual asset service providers.

Our correspondent reports that other topics presented during the workshop include prosecuting Financial crimes: Issues, challenges and the way forward and the role of CSOs and media in driving a preventive frame work.

Nation

RSU Blames Poor Funding for Failure to Meet Academic Targets as 1,356 Set for Combined Convocation on Saturday”

Published

6 days ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has stated that poor funding has hindered the institution’s ability to meet its expected academic targets.

The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, made this statement during a press briefing held at the institution on Monday in Port Harcourt, ahead of the week-long 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday and Saturday this week.

Prof. Zeb-Obipi emphasized that poor funding continues to be a major challenge limiting the institution’s ability to meet its targets, adding that they trust the state governor, Sir Fubara Siminalaye, who is the visitor to the university, will continue to strengthen and support them.

He noted that the state governor has demonstrated his commitment to supporting the university, recently approving N700m for the ongoing NUC accreditation.

The Vice-Chancellor stated that the university faces deficits in classrooms, staff accommodation, and student hostels, with the infrastructure gap widening, and existing lecture halls and laboratories requiring renovation.

“We are prioritizing phased upgrades based on program needs,

He added that the university is short-staffed, having lost staff to retirement, death, and changes in job or place of work, and that new programs, departments, and faculties have been created to meet the contemporary needs of society.

Mean while,a total of 13,242 students are set to graduate in the combined convocation, with 10,648 undergraduates, 1,356 Master’s degree students, 700 postgraduate diplomas, and 538 Doctors of Philosophy.

The Vice-Chancellor also used the opportunity to list some achievements of his administration, including the creation of new directorates, completion of abandoned laboratories, and upgrades in the faculty of sciences, made possible with support from the Tertiary Education Technology Fund (TETFund).

He expressed appreciation to the governor and visitor to the university, Sir Siminalaye Fubara, for approving his appointment and promised to justify the confidence placed in him.