Nation

THE STATES

Published

11 years ago

February 20, 2015

Adamawa

The Adamawa State Command of the Nigeria Immigra
tion Service (NIS) has arrested 280 illegal aliens in the state.
The Comptroller of the service in the state, Mr Ubi Ikpi, told newsmen in Yola that the arrest was part of the command’s renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal aliens and enhance security.
“It is pertinent that we rid Adamawa of miscreants because it is very possible they can compound the security situation in the country since they don’t have valid papers and identifiable places of abode,” Ikpi said.
He said those arrested were from neighbouring African countries, adding that they would be documented and screened for subsequent deportation.
He urged the general public to support and cooperate with the command by identifying and reporting illegal aliens and criminals to the appropriate authorities.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Chapter of the National Union of Road
Transport Workers (NURTW) says it has embarked on a campaign to sensitise and warn its members against engaging in election malpractice.
The union’s Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Adamu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi .
Adamu explained that NURTW would play a critical role in the coming general elections, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) it signed with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He said that the union would transport all INEC staff and election materials to the various polling units across the country.
“Because of the vital role we have to play, there was the need to consistently sensitise our members and warn them against being used by politicians to divert election materials or participate in any form of election malpractice or violence”, he said.

Benue

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has de-
cried the poor usage of crash helmets and seat belts by motorists in Benue State.
The Sector Commander of the commission in the state, Mr Habu Daudu, told newsmen in Makurdi that most motorists preferred to pay fines to the use of such protective devices.
“Most motorists in Benue and indeed, most states in the Northern parts of the country, prefer to pay fines instead of using helmets,” Daudu said.
He attributed the trend to “attitudinal problems”, stressing that most of the time, “it is discovered that some even have the helmets but will deliberately leave them at home”.
The sector commander, therefore, advised motorists to always use such protective devices to safeguard their lives in times of accidents.
He also warned drivers in the state to avoid making phone calls while driving.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it arrested 29 persons for allegedly hawking petrol on roadsides in the state.
The state Commandant of the Corps, Mr Muhammed Gidado, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
He said petrol hawking had been identified to be the cause of frequent fire outbreaks in parts of the state.
Gidado said that selling of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in open places in the state had been banned.
“This measure is informed by the public outcry on the practice which often causes fire outbreak and artificial scarcity of fuel.’’
He said 25 persons suspected to have engaged in roadside hawking of petrol and five filling station managers were arrested by his men.
“The 29 suspects were nabbed at different locations in Dutse and its environs after three weeks warning against such practice”, he said.
Kaduna

More than 70, 000 farmers in Kaduna State have ben
efited from the World Bank-assisted West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP).
WAAPP’s Desk Officer in the state, Mr Umar Bashir, disclosed this in Kaduna in an interview with newsmen.
Bashir explained that the programme involved the distribution of quality seeds to farmers to enhance agricultural production.
He said that more than 56, 918 kilogrammes of seeds were produced and distributed to farmers under the programme in the last one year.
Bashir said the project also involved community multiplication programme in which farmers were selected to produce seeds for distribution to communities.

Katsina

A Senior Magistrates Court in Katsina State has or
dered a 65-year-old man, Sale Sani and two others standing trial for raping a 10-year-old girl, to be remanded in prison custody.
The Chief Magistrate, Hajiya Nafisat Lawal had fixed March 10 for the mentioning of the case after the police had formally charged the three for allegedly raping the girl.
The two others involved in the rape case are Bala Mati and Abdulkarim Bawale, all aged 55.
The prosecutor, Insp. Hashimu Musa told the court that the three old men committed the offence at Muduru village in Mani Local Government of Katsina State.
Musa said that the victim’s father Malam Lado reported the case to police on January 23, accusing the three of luring his daughter and raping her at Mati’s house located in the village..
He said that the police subsequently arrested the accused persons and transferred the case to the state Criminal Investigation Department for further action.

Kogi

Fifteen Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kogi
State have received N70 million soft loan to expand their operations.
The loan, which was given under the Kogi State/Bank of Industry N2 billion Matching Fund for SMEs, will attract five per cent interest with payback period of three years.
Distributing the cheques to the beneficiary companies in Lokoja, Governor Idris Wada said that the gesture was in line with his administration’s transformation agenda to industrialise the state and create jobs for its teeming youths.
Wada described small and medium scale enterprises as the engine room for rapid industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
He said the government would continue to rely on the sector in its quest to alleviate poverty and generate employment for the people.
Nasarawa

The traditional council in Akwanga Local Government
Area of Nasarawa State, will set machinery in motion to investigate all plots of land sold in controversial circumstances in the area.
Residents, who are involved in the illegal act would be prosecuted, Chief Samson Gamu-Yari, the Chun-Mada of Akwanga, has warned.
Gamu-Yari, who is also the chairman of the traditional council in the area, gave the warning in Akwanga while addressing Village and District Heads.
“We will set machinery in motion to investigate lands sold in controversial circumstances and make sure that all those involved in the illegal act are brought to book.
“This meeting was called to address land disputes that occurred in Gwanje Village which led to the death of two persons; including a police officer,” he said.

Oyo

The Oyo State branch of the All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has urged the state government to involve stakeholders in the agriculture sector in its policy formulation.
The Chairman of the association, Mr Olumide Aina, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He said politicians were usually involved in formulation of agricultural policies rather than the actual farmers in the state.
“Majority of government policies were not evolved by experts, rather they were the products of politicians who call themselves farmers but know nothing about farming.
“But if stakeholders in the agriculture sector are carried along in policy formation, we are sure that agricultural problems will be half-solved, if not completely solved,” he said.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command says it has com
menced a 24-hour patrol of all schools across the state to protect lives and property.
The Spokesman of the command, Mr Al-Mustapha Sani, disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
“This is part of sustainable and proactive measures by the command to ensure that all schools across the state are more secure.
“It is also to provide a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning in the schools,’’ Sani said.
He said the command had recently organised a seminar for school principals, headmasters and proprietors of private schools on the need to be security-conscious.
“They can also go a step further by engaging the personnel of reputable private security guards in this direction,’’ the police spokesman said.

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Mathew Hassan-Kuka (left), with Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, during inauguration of the Governing Board of Nasarawa State University in Lafia recently. Bishop Kuka is the Chairman of the Board.

Nation

EFCC Holds Stakeholders Engagement Party With Media, CSOs

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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.

Nation

MOSIEND Calls For RSG, NDDC, Stakeholders’ Intervention In Obolo Nation

Published

1 day ago

December 1, 2025

The Tide

The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region

MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives

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 Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent

The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.

MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans

“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.

According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.

They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.

The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities

Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.

He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.

Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.

” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.

The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area

While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .

“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.

“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.

“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.

Chinedu Wosu