Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

July 5, 2017

Abuja
The Auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Most Rev. Anselm Umorem, says most people prefer to co-habit because they do not want to make lasting commitment to one another which most times lead to divorce.
Umorem said this in Abuja recently in his homily at SS Peter and Paul Parish, Nyanya, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Our correspondent reports that bishop spoke on the occasion of the celebration of the parish’s feast day.
The event saw parishioners display different cultural attires with assorted foods and drinks to mark the feast.
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June.

Ekiti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ekiti State has registered 35, 909 new voters as part of its preparations for the 2018 gubernatorial election in the state.
The INEC ‘s Administrative Secretary in the state, Dr Muslim Omoleke, said this recently in a statement.
He said that the figure was generated from the ongoing continuous-voter registration in the state.
The statement was released to journalists by INEC’s Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Taiwo Gbadegesin.
Omoleke, giving a breakdown said that 35,909 eligible voters comprising of 18,193 males and 17,716 females were registered as at June 29, 2017.

Kano
Some residents of Kano have expressed shock over the news of the death of Alhaji Yusuf Maitama-Sule, an elder statesman who died in the early hours of Monday
Our correspondent reports that since the news of his death broke, people have continued to troop to his two residences to confirm and share their sorrow with his family.
Some people who spoke to our correspondent shared their sorrows towards the loss of the man whom they said spent his entire life for the development of the country.
A resident, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, said Kano has indeed entered a pathetic situation for losing an elder statesman like Maitama-Sule.
He said late Sule mentored and advised the late Emir Ado Bayero.
A relation of the deceased, Hajiya Amina Ahmad, said Kano had lost a father whose advice kept the town alive

Kastina
Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has described the death of Dr Yusuf Maitama-Sule as a great loss to Nigeria.
Masari,who spoke through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Abdu Labaran, yesterday in Katsina, said that Maitama-Sule died at the time when the nation needed people like him to promote unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country.
‘’It is with sadness and great sense of loss that I received the news of the death of the elder statesman and fine gentleman, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule, ‘Danmasanin-Kano’.
‘’His death ranks as one of the saddest moments for the nation in recent times, as it robs Nigeria of one of its voices of reason whose level of patriotism was supreme.
‘’His death came at a time of great tribulations for the nation, when his interventions would have come very handy.

Kebbi
The Dan Masanin Yauri emirate in Kebbi State, Alhaji Audu Lambu has described the death of elder statesman,Dr Yusuf Maitama-Sule as a loss of an icon.
Lamba told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi last Monday that the deceased was an embodiment of knowledge, humility, trust and selfless service to humanity. Lamba said Miatama Sule was his mentor who always advocated traditional title holders to uphold honesty, fairness and equity as advisers to the emir.
“I met him in 2000 after my appointment as Dan Masanain Yauri and he had been my mentor on public lifestyle.

Kwara
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Kwara State said last Monday that it arrested and prosecuted 197 motorists for violating traffic rules during the last Eid-el-Fitr celebration. The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Mr Sunday Maku, told newsmen in Ilorin that the offenders committed a total of 204 traffic offences across the 16 local councils in the state. He said private and commercial vehicle owners were among the offenders.
“Some of the offences committed by the motorists were dangerous driving, refusal to use seat belts, over-loading, expired vehicle particulars and lack of speed limit device in their vehicles.

Lagos
The Peoples Movement for a New Nigeria (PMNN) has advised the public to be clear and precise about the kind of restructuring they are seeking for the country.
The National Chairman of the movement, Alhaji Yahaya Ndu, told newsmen in Lagos on Monday that he gave the advice in view of the need to ensure that not just a few elites, but every citizen benefitted from the exercise once it was carried out.
”We should be very careful what we mean by restructuring. ”Is it to restructure Nigeria so that the elites of this country who have been monopolising the resources of the nation to the detriment of the average Nigerian will just continue to corner the resources?

Plateau
Former Nigerian envoy to Switzerland, Alhaji Yahaya Kwande has described Maitama Sule, former Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, as “a great patriot, who was clean both in body and in heart”.
“Maitama Sule was a great Nigerian. He was very patriotic. He worked for a united Nigeria and shall be sorely missed,” Kwande told newsmen, last Monday in Jos.
Kwande was reacting to the news of the death of the elder statesman, who passed away in Kano last Monday. He was aged 87.

Osun
A member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on government at all levels to invest in tourism and culture to boost the economy and create more jobs. Oyintiloye representing Obokun Constituency, made the call during the 2017 edition of Obokun Festival recently in Ibokun, Osun.
The lawmaker noted that if proper attention were paid to tourism and culture; it would not only serve as alternative source of income, but also reinforce the fight against social vices. Oyintiloye who is the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, said government’s investment in tourism and culture would result in job creation.

Oyo
We will not allow you as husband and wife to destroy the future of your innocent children through your unbridled violence and hooliganism, this eight-year-old marriage is hereby dissolved, an Ibadan Customary Court sitting on Mapo Hill ruled last Monday.
The President of the court, Mr Ademola Odunade said the union between Sule Olayiwola, an Arabic teacher and his wife, Omolara, was dissolved on grounds of threat to life, battery and lack of care.
He said:” Since Omolara and Sule have chosen to live like rat and cat, we will not allow them to destroy the future of their innocent children.
“The marriage is hereby dissolved and the custody of the four children produced by the union is hereby awarded to their mother, Omolara.
“Sule shall pay a monthly feeding allowance of N10, 000 for the upkeep of the children and also be responsible for their education and other welfare matters.”

Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia, has warned its lecturers against extorting money from students in exchange for marks. The Director of the Consultancy Unit of the polytechnic, Mr. Ibrahim Dauda gave the warning last Monday during an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
Dauda said the unit would sanction any of its lecturer or staff member caught in the act.
“Any staff in this unit that is caught collecting money from students as gratification or under any guise will face the full wrath of the law.
“Also, any students caught offering money or any gift as gratification to any staff of the unit to get favour will, equally, be sanctioned,” he said.
He stressed that the unit had zero tolerance for corruption and warned those in the habit to desist.
Dauda also advised the students to shun all social vices as anyone caught would face disciplinary action.

Sokoto
Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged Nigerians to eschew all forms of violence, criminal acts and behaviour capable of dividing the country.
He made the call recently in Sokoto at a one-day National Prayer Rally organised by Nigeria Prays.
“We should value the lives of our fellow human beings that God has created for a purpose. May we never take lives with impunity.
“We are offering fervent prayers that Nigerians will never raise their hands against one another.
“They should love one another irrespective of religious, ideological, political and ethnic affinities,” he added.
Gowon, the National Convener, Nigeria Prays, appealed to Nigerians to collectively pray for the speedy recovery of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) says it has strengthened collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to enhance quality control and enforcement frameworks.

Mr Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, the Head of Communications, REAN, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, said the collaboration would also involve stakeholder engagement on testing, certification and capacity building in Nigeria.

He said the synergy would strengthen quality control and enforcement frameworks, promote policy alignment, and ensure stronger regulation across the renewable energy value chain.

“REAN reaffirms its commitment to standardisation and quality assurance; tighter collaboration with SON is critical to eliminating fake and substandard renewable energy products from the Nigerian market.

“Enforcement and gaps in existing standards have continued to allow inferior products to circulate, undermining consumer confidence and slowing sector growth.”

Lloyd-Dietake said that at high-level discussions, REAN also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory coordination to address emerging challenges in the renewable energy space.

According to him, the issues include inconsistencies in standards, affordability issues linked to certification processes; and the increasing presence of substandard solar and renewable energy equipment in the country.

“The association further raised concerns about delays in product testing and approval, calling for the establishment of more testing laboratories and certification facilities to improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks in the system,’’ he said.

Lloyd-Dietake urged closer collaboration among key regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Rural Electrification Agency.

He said such team work would ensure harmonised standards and more effective enforcement against fake renewable energy products in the Nigerian market.

In response, SON acknowledged the important role REAN continued to play in supporting standardisation within Nigeria’s renewable energy industry and reaffirmed its willingness to deepen collaboration with the association.

SON further confirmed that REAN would be actively involved in future standard review processes and upcoming stakeholder engagements related to renewable energy and electric mobility standards development.

Lloyd-Dietake said REAN affirmed its willingness to formalise the partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

He said the MoU is aimed at deepening cooperation, promoting quality assurance, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition towards reliable and standardised renewable energy solutions.

Nation

Self Help Africa programme expands water access for 320,000 Nigerians

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The WASH Systems for Health (WS4H) Programme, implemented by Self Help Africa, has expanded access to safe water and sanitation services for more than 320,000 people in Kano and Cross River States.

The organisation disclosed this on Tuesday at the WS4H National Results and Learning Workshop in Abuja, where stakeholders reviewed achievements and lessons from the intervention.

Speaking at the event, Self Help Africa Country Director, Joy Aderele, said the programme demonstrated that sustainable WASH improvements require strong institutions, effective governance, adequate financing and collaboration.

Aderele said the UK-funded programme was designed to strengthen systems that support sustainable access to water, sanitation and hygiene services.

According to her, the intervention focused on improving governance, planning, financing, accountability and sector coordination to ensure resilient service delivery.

“More than 320,000 people now have improved or restored access to water services through programme-supported interventions,” she said.

She added that more than 5,520 household toilets were constructed in Yala and Makoda Local Government Areas, boosting sanitation, public health and efforts to end open defecation.

Aderele said the programme also strengthened public investment in WASH, with Cross River increasing its sector budget by 211 per cent in 2026 and Kano by 169.07 per cent.

She added that dedicated WASH budget lines had been established across 40 Ministries, Departments and Agencies in both states, strengthening accountability and institutional commitment.

According to her, both states reviewed and adopted updated WASH policies, while key planning documents were developed to guide future investments and service delivery.

She said Cross River also recorded a major legislative milestone through the passage of the Water Law and Open Defecation Prohibition Bill.

Aderele added that lessons from interventions in Yala LGA were already informing expansion efforts in Obubra Local Government Area.

While commending the achievements, she noted that capacity gaps, resource constraints and climate-related pressures remained challenges to sustainable WASH services.

“The sustainability of these gains will depend on continued government leadership, adequate financing, strong partnerships and investment in institutional capacity,” she said.

Also speaking, the Programme Manager of WS4H, Mr Timothy Ibeawuchi, said the intervention focused on strengthening systems needed to sustain gains and attract future investments.

According to him, the programme engages stakeholders in developing strategies that preserve achievements and support long-term service delivery.

“System strengthening work takes time because it addresses the fundamental issues responsible for sustainable and resilient service delivery,” he said.

Ibeawuchi said the programme strengthened policy development, planning, financing, monitoring and evaluation systems across the WASH sector.

He said two pilot local government areas were supported to develop WASH strategic plans outlining sector goals, targets and activities between 2026 and 2030.

According to him, the plans will guide future interventions and improve service delivery in the affected councils.

Earlier, the representative of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Chidera Chukwu, reaffirmed support for Nigeria’s development efforts in spite of the programme nearing completion.

Chukwu commended the Self Help Africa-led consortium for delivering the programme with professionalism and a strong focus on systems strengthening.

He said the consortium contributed greatly to strengthening Nigeria’s WASH sector through policy reforms, improved coordination and enhanced accountability.

“Together, we have advanced key policy and legislative reforms, including open defecation-free laws and strengthened state WASH frameworks,” he said.

According to him, the reforms represent enduring system-level changes that will continue delivering benefits beyond the programme’s lifespan.

In his remarks, Mr Jamilu Habu, Director of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, commended the programme’s achievements.

Habu, who represented the Permanent Secretary, said the intervention strengthened governance, coordination, evidence-based planning and institutional capacity in the WASH sector.

He described the workshop as an opportunity to review achievements, share lessons and identify pathways for sustaining and scaling successful interventions.

According to him, the programme’s innovations and best practices will guide future policies and investments aimed at expanding access to safe WASH services.

Habu stressed the need for continued collaboration among governments, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector and communities.

He said stronger partnerships remained essential to achieving universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene services and meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Nation

Lagos Residents Stranded As Floods Cut Off Ajah, Mafoluku Communities

Published

2 days ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Residents of Ajah, Mafoluku and other flood-prone communities in Lagos have recounted how Thursday’s torrential rainfall left them stranded, submerged homes and cut off access to major roads.

The residents, who spoke with Tide source, on Friday called for urgent government intervention to tackle the recurring flooding blamed on poor drainage infrastructure.

Along Mobil Road in Ajah, Mrs Rukayat said floodwaters submerged about 200 metres of the road, forcing commuters to wade through waist-deep water.

“The water level was almost up to my lap. People literally had to wade through it to get home,” she said.

According to her, many motorists turned back, while others abandoned their vehicles and continued their journeys on foot.

“The only way to pass through the water was by walking or using a tricycle. Even then, the tricycles broke down and had to be pushed,” she said.

Rukayat said some youths assisted stranded tricycle operators by pushing their vehicles through flooded sections for a fee.

She said residents had repeatedly alerted authorities to the flooding but little had changed.

“We reported this when the rains started, but apparently nothing has been done about the problem,” she said.

She attributed the flooding to poor drainage and possible blockage of a major canal serving the area.

“There is a big canal here, but I don’t know what is preventing water from flowing through it properly,” she said.

According to her, overgrown vegetation and sand deposits might have obstructed the canal, reducing its capacity to discharge stormwater.

She added that although floodwaters usually receded after a few hours, sections of the road remained waterlogged.

In Mafoluku, residents said several streets, homes and access roads were submerged, leaving many unable to return home after going about their daily activities.

Mrs Iriagbonse Okunkpolor, a resident of Agboola Street, said what began as a short trip to buy household items became an hours-long ordeal.

“I left my house to buy a few items nearby, but the rain started suddenly and flooded the entire street.

“I was stranded for hours because there was no safe way back home,” she said.

Another resident, Mr Mukaila Idris, described the flooding as both dangerous and distressing.

“The current was very strong. I watched people pay young men to carry them across the water because they were afraid of being swept away or falling,” he said.

According to him, only physically fit residents could navigate the floodwaters safely, while many others waited several hours for the water level to subside.

Mr Williams Ekpo, who lives in the Eyinogun area, said the flood extended beyond the roads and entered residential compounds.

“The floodwater entered our compound and damaged some household items.

“This happens almost every rainy season, yet nothing seems to be done to address the drainage problem,” he said.

The residents urged the relevant authorities to investigate the persistent flooding and improve drainage infrastructure to prevent a recurrence during the rainy season.