Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

April 24, 2017

Adamawa
The Nigeria Police Force is to organise a National Security Summit to tackle issues bordering on national security.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Hyiecent Dagala, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.
Dagala said the summit would bring together all major stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the security challenges facing the country.
The DIG, who is also the coordinator of the police operation in the North-East, said that the summit would look into issues of clashes between farmers and herdsmen and kidnapping, among many others.
Dagala said that his visit to the North-East was on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to meet with officers and men in the sub-region to discuss challenges in their areas of operation.

FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Urhoghide, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
The lawmaker told journalists on Wednesday that the move was evidence that the president was ready to fight corruption irrespective of who was involved.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, who announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, said Buhari also ordered investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against the SGF.
The Senate Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crises in the North-East had, in an interim report, indicted Lawal in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).

Jigawa
A Chinese company, said its proposed sugarcane company in Kaugama local government area of Jigawa State would generate 5,000 indirect jobs to youths in the state.
The representative of the group, Mr Wilkins Lam, said this at a sensitisation workshop in Dutse on Thursday.Lam said that the company would also provide clinic and a vocational school in the area. He added that the facilities, when established, would enhance the livelihood of communities both within and outside the project area.
The representative assured that as a reliable and committed investor, the group would continue to service its obligations as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.

Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, began a special military exercise in Southern Kaduna code-named ”Operation Harbin Kunama II” – Scorpion Sting-, to checkmate farmers/herdsmen and ethno-religious crises in the area.
The three-decade-old crisis mostly occurred in Kaura, Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf local government areas.
The operation, which is also to flush out bandits and cattle rustlers, will be extended to parts of Plateau, Kano and Bauchi states.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on the people of the area to maintain the peace and avoid reprisal attacks.
Buratai said the operation was to ensure security and safety of the people.

Lagos
A housewife, Remilekun Adepegba, who allegedly assaulted and beat her 13-year-old housekeeper to a pulp, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The 35-year-old, who resides at No. 111, Otta Road, Orile-Agege, is facing a charge of assault.
The accused offence was committed on April 4 in her residence at her apartment, according to the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu.
Ogu said the accused beat up her 13-year-old housekeeper, alleging that she failed to do her duties.
“The woman descended on the girl and beat her until she became unconscious. It was one of the neighbours who intervened and rushed her to the hospital.’’

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it lacked adequate manpower and communication gadgets to tackle crime in the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, made this disclosure in Lafia in a welcome address to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Shuaibu Gambo, who was on a two-day working visit to the state.
“The command has a paucity of manpower, the problem is compounded daily by the transfer of men in large numbers out of the command.
“Presently, the command has a staff strength of 4,000 men to police, the population of more than two million residents of Nasarawa; I believe this is grossly inadequate,” he said.

Niger
Eight gunmen last Sunday kidnapped a Trader, Alhaji Nuhu Isa, in Lambata village of Gurara local government area of Niger State.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, last Tuesday.
Ayuba said the gunmen had already used the victim’s cell phone to call his family and demanded N1 million ransom.
He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.
He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive,” the commandant said.

Oyo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has alerted the Oyo State Police Command of moves by some individuals to misuse the law enforcement agents in the manner that could cause the breakdown of law and order.
The Olubadan made the accusation at his palace in Ibadan while receiving the new Deputy Inspector General of Police, South West, DIG Foluso Adebanjo.
Adetunji specifically mentioned the case of Oloode village in Oluyole local government where one Lukman Alao was deposed as Baale and promptly replaced on January 9 with Baale Dauda Odeyemi.
According to the first class monarch, “ Alao has become a law unto himself using mercenaries procured outside Oyo State to molest and arrest law abiding citizens.
“Part of his mode of operation is continuous use of number plate of Baale Oloode long after his removal from office.

Osun
The Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufimihan Adeoye, said citizens have no absolute rights that cannot be violated by the police.
Adeoye, while paying a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Wednesday, however, said that such violation must be within the ambit of the law.
He said that the operations of the police were limitless; hence, he advised the public to always cooperate with police officers on official duties.
“Rights are not absolute free and they can be violated by the police as long as they are done within the ambit and in accordance to the law.
“The police can stop and search any person, but it must be done professionally and in accordance with the law; so, there is no absolute freedom of movement.
“When a policeman stops and searches an individual, such a person should allow the officer, once it is established that the policeman is genuine.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chapter of the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union (AEWUN) has postponed its delegates conference it earlier planned to hold.
A source told newsmen in Sokoto on Thursday, that the postponement of the conference might not be unconnected with the fear of possible breach of the peace.
It was gathered that the executives to run the affairs of the union for the next four years were to be elected on Thursday,if not for the sudden shift in the date.
It was also learnt that the action was taken sequel to the alleged interference of “ external forces and interests”in the exercise.
It was further gathered that tension has been brewing in the union, especially over divided interests on the chairmanship post.

Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, on Thursday urged traditional rulers to promote love and unity while striving to make their domains models in the efforts toward peace and stability.
“We want permanent peace in the state and traditional rulers are key to this quest. You must strive to be models by setting good examples for all to follow,” he said.
Ishaku spoke in Jalingo, at a meeting with traditional rulers from Jalingo and Ardo Kola local government areas.
The governor reminded the traditional rulers of the important roles they were expected to play as custodians of good cultures and warm traditions, and appealed to them to always offer suggestions that would aid the quest for a better Taraba.
He also tasked them to mobilise and sensitise their subjects on policies and programmes of government to gauge their feelings and also ensure massive support.

Nation

Sachet Alcohol Fuels Binge Drinking Among Nigerian Youths, Group Warns

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Standard Bearers (SB) Islamic Organisation has raised concerns over the growing rate of binge drinking among Nigerian youths, attributing the trend largely to the widespread availability of sachet alcohol.

The group’s position follows the recent move by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to enforce a ban on alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and bottles below 200 millilitres.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Nurudeen AbdulRaheem, and National Secretary, Malam Qaasim Adegbuyi, the organisation declared its full support for NAFDAC’s decision, describing it as a timely and necessary public health intervention.

AbdulRaheem noted that sachet alcohol, often sold for as little as ?100, has made excessive drinking more accessible, particularly to young people and minors. According to him, the affordability and small packaging of such products have worsened binge drinking, youth addiction and community insecurity.

He explained that binge drinking involves consuming multiple alcoholic drinks within a short period, typically within two hours, a practice that can lead to severe physical and mental health complications as well as legal and social problems.

The SB National Coordinator cited global health data indicating that alcohol is responsible for more than three million deaths annually worldwide and remains a major contributor to road accidents, violence, liver disease and mental health disorders.

While acknowledging concerns from industry stakeholders over the economic implications of the ban, AbdulRaheem maintained that public health considerations must take precedence.

“Public health and the protection of young lives must come first,” he stated, adding that Islamic ethical values, like many societal norms, emphasise the protection of life, intellect and family stability.

The organisation urged NAFDAC and the Federal Government to remain resolute in implementing the policy while also providing transition support for businesses that may be affected by the ban.

According to the group, the enforcement of the ban represents a significant step toward promoting a safer and healthier society.

By Favour James

Nation

HYPREP Unleashes 100 Ogoni Youths Into Maritime Industry …Tasks Them On Discipline, Safety

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has successfully concluded its Seafarers Training Programme for 100 Ogoni youths, positioning them for opportunities in the competitive global maritime industry.

The beneficiaries, who underwent four months of intensive training at Charkin Maritime Academy, Port Harcourt, received their certificates during a close-out ceremony held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The event was attended by top management staff of HYPREP, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning of Charkin Maritime Academy, the Head of the Seafaring Department, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, and other dignitaries.

Addressing the graduates, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, described the ceremony as a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the young beneficiaries.

He said the graduation symbolises vision, resilience, and hope — hope translated into skills, certificates, and tangible opportunities for a better future for Ogoni youths.

According to him, the passing-out ceremony marks an important milestone in HYPREP’s mandate to restore livelihoods and promote sustainable development in Ogoniland. He urged the beneficiaries to make productive use of the skills and certifications acquired.

“These skills and achievements should not end here but serve as a springboard for self-reliance, dignity of labour, and long-term economic empowerment for the good of Ogoniland and Nigeria,” he stated.

Prof. Zabbey noted that the seafaring programme is significant not only to the beneficiaries but also to HYPREP’s broader livelihood restoration strategy and the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda.

He explained that by equipping the youths with globally relevant maritime skills, HYPREP is opening alternative income opportunities while discouraging oil theft, artisanal refining, re-pollution, and other environmentally harmful practices. He added that the initiative aligns with the directives of the 2016 HYPREP Establishment Gazette and reinforces the Project’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.

Commending Charkin Maritime Academy as a dependable training partner, Zabbey described the institution as one of the foremost maritime training centres in the country.

“This partnership has delivered high-quality results today, and we intend to expand it as we intensify efforts to provide sustainable alternative livelihoods for the Ogoni people,” he said.

He expressed confidence in Ogoni youths as drivers of unity, peace, and progress, noting their resilience and commitment to peace in the area. He reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of youths and women in Ogoniland.

The Project Coordinator likened knowledge and certificates to fuel in a vehicle, stressing that they are meant to propel the graduates toward greater heights.

“We hear your voices calling for restoration, and today, environmental and livelihood restoration are gradually unfolding before your eyes, bringing renewed hope. We continue to lay brick upon brick, building pillars of Ogoni development, as evidenced by the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), which is 93 per cent completed,” he added.

He emphasised that HYPREP’s approach integrates all projects and interventions toward achieving environmental sustainability and long-term development in Ogoniland.

Also speaking, the HYPREP Project Support Lead and Representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr. Ehioze Igbinomwahia, said the graduates had gained not only technical maritime skills but also discipline, resilience, and confidence to compete globally.

He described their graduation as the beginning of a new journey and noted that the UNEP Report emphasised that environmental restoration must be complemented by sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and youth empowerment.

“Without empowering people, restoration cannot be complete. Programmes such as this maritime training represent practical steps toward creating employment pathways, dignity, and long-term community stability,” he said.

Engr. Igbinomwahia added that Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited remains committed to supporting environmental recovery, human capacity development, and sustainable economic opportunities in Ogoniland and the wider Niger Delta.

Highlighting the importance of discipline and safety, he urged the graduates to be ambassadors of professionalism and integrity.

“The sea you are about to enter is vast and sometimes challenging, but it is also full of opportunity. Let discipline guide your actions, let safety remain your constant companion, and let your character speak for you wherever you go,” he advised.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Training and Strategic Planning at Charkin Maritime Academy, Captain Joseph Awodeha, who represented the Chairman, Dr. Charles Wami, emphasised discipline and safety as critical to career success in the maritime sector.

The Head of the Seafaring Department, Captain Jonathan Hammond, urged the graduates to remain humble and disciplined, noting that such virtues are essential for career growth.

In his remarks, the Principal Consultant of DCL Consulting Firm, Barrister Dornu Baridan, commended the beneficiaries for successfully scaling through the
rigorous selection process and completing their training as seafarers.

Nation

Nigerian Society of Engineers Inaugurates 14-Member Executives In Rivers”

Published

2 days ago

February 13, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, Port Harcourt Branch, Rivers State, has elected 14 member executives to lead the organization for the 2025/2026 year. Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, is the 23rd chairman.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Engr. Ishmael A. Branch Secretariat, 3 Benard Carr Street (Waterworks Yard), Port Harcourt, attracted members of the engineering profession from within and outside the state.

Other elected executives include:
Engr. Samuel H. Kwelle, MNSE – Vice Chairman
Engr. Dr. Promise Jumbo, FNSE – General Secretary
Engr. Priye P. K. Lawson, MNSE – Assistant Secretary
Engr. Patrick O. Udegbunam, MNSE – Treasurer.

Others are Engr. Hilda D. Batubo, MNSE – Financial Secretary
Engr. Bowei M. Dauseighe, MNSE – Technical Secretary
Engr. Charles O. Okwakpam, MNSE – Assistant Technical Secretary
Engr. Agnes Komolafe, MNSE – Membership Secretary
Engr. Dike N. Livingstone, MNSE – Publicity Secretary

Also elected are Engr. Ayebaye Daniel Wanatoi, MNSE – Welfare Secretary
Engr. Oribiokpomari I. Comfort, MNSE – Internal Auditor
Engr. Dr. Idaeresoari Harriet Ateke, FNSE – Immediate Past Chairman
Engr Dr Hachimenum Amadi, FNSE (Ex-Officio)

In his a goodwill message, the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon. Frederick Anabraba, urged the new executive to maintain high ethical standards and move the association forward.

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected chairman, Engr. Belema Fubara Ekine, FNSE, promised an inclusive administration and teamwork, focusing on collaboration with stakeholders. He had begun building partnerships with Rivers State University and the University of Port Harcourt.

The highlight was the inauguration lecture, “Engineering Solution for Security, Energy Access and Sustainable Development,” delivered by Engr. Victor Bandele, Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater Assets, TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.