Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

September 1, 2017

Adamawa
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has donated hospital equipment to boost healthcare services in Adamawa State.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Fatima Abubakar said this in a statement last Monday in Abuja.
Abubakar explained that the former Vice President made the donation to boost healthcare facilities as well as to support hospital expansion scheme embarked on by Governor Mohammed Bindow.
She said the equipment comprise GE Brivo, X-Ray machine and ultrasound equipment for medical investigation and diagnosis.
“The donation given by Wazirin Adamawa has already boosted facilities at Jada General Hospital for effective patient care”, she said.

FCT
Concerned Imo State indigenes resident in Abuja have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to probe the use of soldiers for last Saturday’s demolition of Eke Ukwu Market, Owerri, by the State Government.
Three people were feared dead in the incident, including a 10-year-old boy, Somtochukwu Igboanusi.
Chief Sam Obaji, who spoke on behalf of the group on Tuesday in Abuja urged Buhari to set up a judicial commission of inquiry into circumstances surrounding the use of armed personnel for the demolition.
He said that anybody involved in the unlawful operation should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“ We are disheartened that the government involved the military in a civil operation where there is no breakdown of law and order”, Obaji said.

Gombe
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Mr Austin Iwar said last Monday that his command had apprehended 10 suspected robbers that had been terrorising residents of Gombe metropolis.
“Before us are criminals that have made life difficult for a lot of us in Gombe.
“Through intelligence report and community policing, we are proud to say that we succeeded in arresting some of them,” said the commissioner at a press briefing in Gombe.
He said that three of the suspects specialised in terrorising people at petrol stations in the metropolis.
“For some time, we had series of armed robbery attacks in petrol filling stations but through investigation, intelligent reports and the support of members of the public, we were able to arrest three of them,” he said.

Katsina
A medical doctor, Dr Ahmed Mohammed has called for regular screening for Hepatitis disease, stressing that it is only through examination that it can be diagnosed.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen last Tuesday in Katsina.
He said regular testing for the disease could assist to know one’s status.
Mohammed defined Hepatitis as inflammation of the liver and could easily lead to death of patient if untreated.
He also advised those with the condition to quickly get medical treatment and avoid self medication.

Lagos
A Christian cleric, Rev. Fr. Livinus Ikechukwu, last Monday urged groups and individuals making various agitations in the country to be peaceful in their approach.
Ikechukwu, also the Parish Head of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Ikorodu said in an interview with newsmen in Lagos that violent agitations would not bring any good changes.
The cleric warned that the only thing that would be achieved using threats and violence to make demands was chaos, destruction and retrogression.
He pointed out that peace was needed to address development issues and justice, urging for dialogue with government for better results.
“My advice to the various groups and people making agitations for one thing or the other is that they should be peaceful in their approach”, he said.

Nasarawa
The Nigeria Association of Social Work Students (NASOWS), Federal University of Lafia chapter has donated sandals worth N200, 000 to students in 16 primary and secondary schools in Nasarawa State.
Reports say that the benefiting schools were in Akunza and Mararaba communities in Lafia.
At the distribution ceremony last Tuesday in Lafia, Mr the President of the association, Chinaso Aweze, said the gesture was to encourage the less privileged in the society.
“The gesture was part of our social responsibility and contribution to the development of the state and to ensure poverty reduction among the people,” he said.

Niger
The Niger State Police Command says adequate security measures have been taken to ensure a peaceful Sallah festivities in the state.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Austine Agbonlahor made this known last Tuesday in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He said that the command would deploy undercover operatives to all Eid prayer grounds in and outside the state capital to forestall any form of security threats to residents.
“The operatives will complement the efforts of the regular security personnel that will provide security at the prayer grounds”, Agbonlahor said.

Osun
The management of the University of Ilorin recently hailed the Federal Government’s decision to lift ban on the conduct of post-UTME by tertiary institutions.
The institution said the decision would ensure quality in tertiary institutions’ education in the country.
The Director, Corporate Affairs of the university, Mr Kunle Akogun made this known to newsmen in Ilorin on Monday.
He said that most of the students admitted into the university without passing through the post-UTME screening did not meet the standard of the university.
“You know our style here; we have a very strict dressing code and a high moral standard.

Oyo
Twenty one newly elevated High Chiefs and Baales in Oyo State received beaded crowns and staff of office at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan recently.
Reports says that the newly elevated Obas passed through spiritual rites and proceeded to receive their staff of office from Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Among the newly crowned kings were former Ibadan High Chiefs, Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunleyin, the Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Osi –Balogun and Oba Eddy Oyewole, the Ashipa-Olubadan.
Others included Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Ekerin Olubadan , Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the Ashipa-Balogun, Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun of Ibadan and Oba Kolawole Adegbola, the Ekarun Balogun.

Plateau
The Plateau State Government says it has received 1.5 million dollars for its Save One Million Lives programme for Results (SOML) funded by the Federal Government and World Bank.
The state Programme Manager of the Save One Million Lives for Results, Mr Philimeon Dagwa , disclosed this last Monday in Jos at the opening of the Integrated Supportive Supervision training workshop it organised for 82 health workers in the state.
Dagwa explained that the grant was received through the state Ministry of Health for implementation of the programme.
Accrding to him, SOML provides incentives based on achievement of results (health outcomes) and helps to drive institutional processes needed to achieve these results.
He disclosed that the programme seeks to catalyze change in the way health business is done by focusing on results and governance.

Sokoto
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is to collaborate with states government on the encroachment on airport land across the country.
FAAN Managing Director, Alhaji Saleh Dunoma, disclosed this at the 15th National Council on Transportation (NCT) in Sokoto last Tuesday.
He said that residential and commercial developments are going on around airports in Nigeria without the permission and supervision of relevant authourities.
Dunoma said that the protection of the airports land would allow for development that meets international standards and free of obstructions.
“We are proposing the protection of airports land because this is the best forum for all the states government because they are all here.
“Land allocated for development of the airports all over the country was by states to the Federal Government and FAAN is the custodian of that land”, Dunoma said.

Zamfara
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised the public to desist from promotion of breast milk substitutes as food for infants under six months.
The NAFDAC Coordinator in Zamfara, Alhaji Suleman Dabo said last Sunday that it was part of the agency’s efforts to support enforcement of Breast Milk Substitutes International Code and Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding.
Dabo, while receiving officials of the Save the Children International, an NGO, during a courtesy visit in his office, said that the agency would partner with all stakeholders to promote exclusive breastfeeding culture.
He decried poor adherence to Breast Milk International Code due to low awareness among the public, especially caregivers on significance of exclusive breastfeeding.
Dabo said that NAFDAC had been using the media campaign against the aggressive marketing of breast milk substitutes in the state.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Hold Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

9 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of the late Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia

Nation

First Rivers Female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education Delivers UNIPORT’s 211th Inaugural Lecture

Published

13 hours ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The first female Professor of Theatre Arts in Education from University of Port Harcourt and Rivers State, Prof. Faith Ken-Aminikpo, has delivered the institution’s 211th inaugural lecture to widespread acclaim, highlighting the critical role of theatre in modern education.

The inaugural lecture, titled “Playing and Learning: The Siamese Twins,” was delivered on April 30, 2026, at the university campus in Port Harcourt before an audience comprising academics, traditional rulers, students, and members of the public.

The event attracted applause and commendations for the lecture’s intellectual depth, engaging delivery, and practical relevance to contemporary education.

In her presentation, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo challenged the misconception that Theatre Arts is merely entertainment or academically inferior to other disciplines. She stressed that theatre remains a powerful pedagogical tool capable of improving learning outcomes across diverse fields, including science, medicine, and technology.

According to her, theatre promotes creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking, describing it as a holistic educational experience beyond acting and performance.

“Theatre is life itself. Every rehearsal is a learning process. Through theatre, we develop creativity, discipline, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking. It is not just about dancing or acting. It is a comprehensive educational experience,” she stated.

The professor, who is also the first PhD holder in the Department of Theatre Arts in Education at the university, described playing and learning as inseparable concepts that must coexist to achieve meaningful education.

She maintained that imaginative and participatory teaching methods significantly enhance students’ engagement, understanding, and retention.

Drawing from her personal teaching experience, Prof. Ken-Aminikpo recounted how she deployed visual aids and creative techniques to teach poetry during her early teaching career, leading to improved student performance.

She also cited the use of models and demonstrations by science teachers to simplify complex concepts as further evidence of the effectiveness of experiential learning methods.

As part of her recommendations, the theatre scholar proposed the establishment of a Centre for Theatre Arts in Education in universities to drive curriculum development, research, interdisciplinary collaboration, capacity building, and community engagement.

She further advocated the creation of a World Theatre-Inspired Children’s Learning Park, which she said would promote youth development, provide practical training opportunities, and generate revenue for institutions.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, commended the inaugural lecturer for what he described as an intellectually stimulating and socially relevant contribution to knowledge.

Similarly, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. J. E. Esmonde, described Prof. Ken-Aminikpo as an accomplished scholar whose work has significantly advanced theatre education in Nigeria and beyond.