Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

April 14, 2017

Borno
Residents of Maiduguri on Saturday celebrated the first rainfall of the year recorded in the town, expressing relief that the excruciating hot weather would subside.
Report has it that, some areas like Bulumkutu and Baga road recorded heavy downpour, while Custom and Tashan Bama axis in the state capital recorded drizzles with heavy storm.
The rain, which started around 4:30 p.m and lasted for about 45 minutes, followed days of hot weather that hit over 45 degree Celsius.
Malam Nafiu Dansabo, a resident, said the rainfall took everybody by surprise.
“I was never anticipating seeing rainfall at this moment. I guess it was because of the unbearable heat.
“The weather was very hot; even the water in the tap is very hot. I have been sleeping outside for the past one week because of heat,” he said.

FCT
The Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) on Wednesday, commended the quick response and synergy among the various government agencies in dealing with the outbreak of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in the country.
Dr Chizoba Wonodi, National Convener, WAVA, said this in an interview with journalists in Abuja last Wednesday.
She said, there are coalition of over 40 civil society organisations (CSOs), working to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all Nigerians.
Wonodi also said, WAVA was gratified at the motion by the Senate that called for free Meningitis C vaccination and support to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) through appropriation of a supplementary budget.
“WAVA members have expressed their delight with the manner in which the FMoH, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners responded to the epidemic by ensuring adequate coordination, awareness creation and social mobilisation.
“We are also happy with case management, infection prevention and control, active surveillance and reactive vaccination in the affected states,” the WAVA National Convener said.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board (JSPWB), said it has screened no fewer than 1,300 intending pilgrims in preparation for the 2017 Hajj exercise.
The Public Relations Officer of the board, Alhaji Ibrahim Hashim, disclosed this on Thursday in an interview with Journalists in Dutse.
Hashim said about 1,000 of the pilgrims have paid their N1 million deposit for the exercise, adding that the money had been remitted to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCO).
He called on other intending pilgrims to pay their deposits in order to enable the board process their visa on time.
The Tide recalls that NAHCON allocated 2,677 seats to the state for 2017 Hajj exercise.
The board has so far distributed 1,699 of the seats to the 27 Local Government Councils of the state.

Kaduna
Drivers in Kaduna yesterday manhandled an officer of Kaduna State Traffic and Environmental Law Enforcement Agency (KASTELEA) over alleged unprofessional conduct.
The drivers alleged that, the official’s action caused an accident which involved two motorists on Yakowa Road, Kaduna.
The accident, which involved a Volkswagen Golf Station Wagon car and a Toyata Camry Salon car, occurred at 8 a.m. around NNPC Junction and ignited a protest by the drivers which caused a traffic jam more than an hour.
The driver of the Golf car, Mr Isiaku Zubairu told newsmen that, the KASTELEA official had ordered him to park and that in an attempt to obey, the official held onto the car steering.
Zubairu said, while he was reversing to park properly, the official, who thought that he wanted to flee, held the steering and the vehicle swerved onto the road and hit the Camry coming behind.

Kwara
Governor Abudulfatah Ahmed of Kwara, said on Sunday that economic situation in the country was the reason Local Government election was postponed and tenure of the Transition Implementation Committee (TIC), extended.
The governor made this known at the monthly meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ilorin.
According to him, local governments in the state were just getting stabilised in meeting basic requirement of their workers.
“To attempt any election at that level of governance now will mean an additional pressure on their meagre resources of the state,” he added.
The governor, therefore, promised to use the expected 25 per cent of the Paris-London loan refund to assist the local government offset part of their outstanding salary arrears.

Lagos
The Vice-Chancellor of the Covenant University, Prof. Aderemi Atayero, on Tuesday said that, the University’s Board had instituted an endowment fund of N1billion to promote its newly-introduced globalisation programme.
Atayero told newsmen in Lagos that globalisation was a concept coined by the institution as part of its vision of becoming one of the top ten universities in the world.
“The Board of Covenant University recently endowed N1 billion to any project from either Faculty or Students of the University that meets the criteria of globalisation.
“The concept of globalisation came about after we have looked at our immediate environment, looked at the present problems in Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa and Africa in general.
“We then started thinking of how we can provide solutions to these problems, through scientific approach, to proffering solutions to these problems, and by so doing getting global relevance.

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the Special Adviser to Governor Tanko Al-Makura on Gender and Disability Matters, Hajiya Hajara Danyaro, over alleged payment of constituency allowances to the members of the state legislature.
Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, Speaker of the House, gave the directive on Tuesday, for the appearance of the aide before the house.
The summon followed Mr. James Dangana (APC-Doma) motion on an allegation under a Matter of Public Interest during the house proceeding in Lafia.
Balarabe-Abdullahi directed the Clerk of the house to communicate the resolution to Danyaro to appear on April 11 by 8.30 a.m., adding that, her alleged statement was capable of inciting the public against the house.
“By this invitation, we want to give the Special Adviser to Governor Al-Makura on Gender and Disability Matters, fair hearing over her allegation that the house has been receiving constituency allowances and because of that, members have been marrying more wives.

Ondo
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State last Tuesday, said his predecessor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, should be appreciated for leaving behind immense achievements to be built upon.
Akeredolu, made the assertion during his courtesy visit to Oba Victor Kiladejo, the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo town.
The governor said that, people of the state had good reasons to be proud of Mimiko due to his monumental achievements, including the medical village in Ondo.
“The medical village is one of the best in Nigeria. Government is a continuum and we will continue where he stopped,” he said.
Akeredolu solicited the cooperation of Ondo indigenes toward the success of his administration.
He also promised to look into the issue of land grabbers with a view to resolving the problem.

Plateau
Rep. Simon Arabo (PDP, Kd), has urged security agencies to adopt stringent measurses to flush out bandits hiding in bushes, hills and mountains in different parts of southern Kaduna.
“Victims of attacks on southern Kaduna have always said that the bandits usually run into surrounding bushes, hills and mountains. Security agencies should comb these areas and flush them out,” Arabo told newsmen, on Tuesday in Jos.
He advised the security agencies to work with local vigilante teams, saying that, their knowledge of the terrain would be useful in the search for the attackers.
Arabo, whose village, Kikoba in Kauru Local Government, came under heavy attack on November 13, 2016, advised security agencies to be proactive by taking the fight to the bandits.

Sokoto
A member of the House of Representatives from Sokoto State (APC-Sokoto), Alhaji Abdussamad Dasuki, last Sunday distributed empowerment materials to no fewer than 1,000 women and youths.
The materials were distributed to one hundred groups, each with ten members include, sewing and grinding machines, as well as generators.
Similarly, the lawmaker donated N 30,000 to each of the groups, amounting to N3million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dasuki, who is representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, said that, the gesture was aimed at alleviating the sufferings of some of the members of his constituency.
He said, “The gesture is part of efforts to fulfill our promises to the electorate.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

1 week ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.