Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

April 17, 2015

Adamawa
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
the April 11 gubernatorial election in Adamawa State, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has pledged to contribute to the development of the country.
He made the pledge at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Yola lastWednesday.
He thanked PDP members for their support toward his gubernatorial ambition.
The candidate said he decided to contest the governorship race because he wanted to use his vast experience to develop Adamawa and ensure unity among the diverse cultural and ethnic groups in the state.
“We had Adamawa people in mind when we set out to contest the gubernatorial seat. Our aim was to entrench peace, development and progress.
“Now that we are in the opposition, we shall still strive to achieve that.’’
Benue
No fewer than 15 persons have been arrested by police
in Benue State for various electoral offences in the April 11 governorship and state House of Assembly elections.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Austin Ezeani, disclosed this to newsmen recently in Makurdi.
Eneani said four persons were arrested in Makurdi and Kwande each; five in Vandeikya and two in Ado Local Government areas, respectively.
He said the suspects were arrested for committing various electoral offences ranging from snatching of ballot boxes, campaigning at polling units and loitering on Election Day.
He said some of them had been screened and transferred to the Force Headquarters for further prosecution.

FCT
The Acting Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Terri
tory (FCT) High Court, Justice Ishaq Bello, has called for the continuous education of lawyers, particularly in the use of English language.
Bello stated this recently in Abuja at the launch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and affinity products.
The Acting Chief Judge said that it was becoming rather irritating for lawyers to appear before a judge and continuously mix up their tenses in trying to present their cases.
He observed that the declining standard of lawyers could be noticed in the quality of legal practice, where a lawyer stands from the bar saying ‘’I didn’t did it’’ last I saw them passes’’.
He urged the leadership of the NBA to do more to further encourage the continued education of lawyers, saying the trend was becoming quite irritating.
“All lawyers must go through what is called Language Usage Course (LUC); all lawyers must be exposed to the dynamics of global evolving legal landscape.’’

Gombe
Population and Environmental Monitoring (Interna
tional Observers) has described the conduct of the 2015 general elections in Gombe State as free, fair and credible.
Spokesperson of the group, Malam Ali Koride, made this known while addressing newsmen in Gombe last Wednesday.
He said distribution of sensitive and non-sensitive materials by the Independent National Electoral Commission was free.
“We consider the whole process as free and fair to the best of our observation and knowledge.’’
According to him, observers monitored all the materials that arrived in the state and found that they were distributed in time while accreditation and voting also commenced in time.
He said the state, however, recorded low turnout of voters during the governorship and state assembly elections compared to the Presidential and National Assembly elections in the area.
Kano
More than 3, 000 couples were married off in vari
ous mass weddings held in four States of the North West within the last three years, our correspondent reports.
The mass weddings were initiated by state governments and private organisations largely for widows, orphans and divorcees in the areas. In Kano State, 2, 450 couples benefitted from the programme introduced by Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso in 2013.
Hajiya Zahra’u Umar, the Deputy Commander, Kano State Hisba Board said that the event was in four phases, with the first set consisting of 100 couples, followed by 250, 1, 000 and 1, 100 couples.
She described the programme as “very successful”, adding that the board had resolved less than 10 per cent complaints it received from some of the couples.

Katsina
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) in Katsina State last Wednesday presented the certificate of return to the Governor-elect, Alhaji Aminu Masari, his Deputy, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu and National Assembly members.
The North-West INEC Zonal Commissioner, Amb. Ahmed Muhammad, who presented the certificates, called on the elected persons to be magnanimous in victory.
Muhammad called on the governor-elect and National Assembly members to extend hands of friendship to those they defeated during the election in order to develop the state.
The commissioner commended those that were defeated for accepting INEC results in good faith because in every contest there must be a looser and a winner.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Katsina, Alhaji Ibrahim Bagobiri, commended the electorate for their peaceful conduct during and after the election.

Kebbi
The wife of Kebbi State Gov.-elect, Dr Zainab Atiku,
has assured women in the state that she would support her husband to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Zainab made the pledge while addressing women groups in Birnin Kebbi recently.
She assured them that they would not regret electing her husband on the platform of the APC.
She said: “I will protect women and child development.’’
She commended the resilience, patience and endurance of women to elect leaders of their choice.
“I want to thank all women for their resilience and patience in the sun for giving my husband their mandate.
“I can assure you that I would encourage my husband in addressing health and child issues.”
Lagos
A leader of All Progressives Congress (APC)
in Ondo State, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), said President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, would help to restoreNigeria’s lost glory.
Akeredolu stated this in a statement in Lagos last Wednesday and made available to newsmen.
He urged Buhari and the team that would take over governance of the country to remain resolute in their determination for a better Nigeria.
He noted that the lost glory of the country would be restored in short while if the incoming government pursued its goals.
‘’ I congratulate Nigerians for refusing to be hoodwinked by the baits thrown at them.”

Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State
last Wednesday expressed commitment to prudent management of resources and transparency in his second tenure.
Al-Makura said this when he received the state’s permanent secretaries on a congratulatory visit to him at the Government House, Lafia.
He promised to initiate more people-oriented projects to better the lives of the people of the state.
He said: “I want to thank you for the visit and to appreciate your contribution in one way or the other which had led to my re-election.
“I assure you that I will continue to do my best to improve on the welfare of the civil servants in the state in order to enhance productivity.”

Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has
warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of violence from any politician who lost in the last election in the state.
He gave the warning recently in Ibadan while briefing newsmen on the reported plan of some politicians to instigate violence in the state.
Ajimobi said, “Surprisingly, the Accord Party has been complaining that it would go to court. No problem. If you look at the results of the election and the conduct, it was the freest and fairest election ever held.
“Everybody said it, all his agents signed at the polling units. It is only at the final collation centre that they did not sign. Let him go to court.
“We brought peace and security to Oyo State. We established that in the state and we will not fold our arms and allow any individual to destroy it.”

Independent National Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chris Iyimoga (left) presenting Certificate of Return to governor-elect, Malam Nasir El-Rufai in Kaduna, on Wednesday.

Nation

HYPREP Reaffirms Support For Ogoni Youths …Organises Workshop For Undergraduates

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

In pursuit of its strategic human capacity development initiatives, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has restated its commitment to supporting Ogoni youths to maximally benefit from its projects and programmes that align with their visions and aspirations.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication during the second edition of the international career enhancement and employability workshop organised by the Project for undergraduates and fresh graduates of Ogoni ethnic nationality in Port Harcourt, assured the participants of its commitment to continually initiate programmes that support their visions and aspirations.

He noted that the workshop reaffirms the Project’s commitment to inclusiveness and continuous skills development, as strategic pillars in its efforts to restore and improve livelihoods in Ogoniland.

He said the workshop was aimed at equipping the Ogoni youths with relevant career skills and empower them with employability tools, to ensure that HYPREP’s gains extend beyond remediation into long-term transformations, stressing that the Project is committed to supporting their dreams.

”HYPREP is committed to supporting your dreams through targeted initiatives, such as this workshop and we will explore ways to empower you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed.
I want to emphasise that this workshop is not just about enhancing your career prospects; it is also about building a community of young people and equipping you to make a positive impact in your communities. As you benefit from HYPREP’s interventions (and the experiences of the facilitator), I challenge you to take the message of peace and constructive engagement to your communities and live accordingly,” he said.

Zabbey further assured that HYPREP would continue to stand with Ogoni youths by supporting their aspirations through targeted workshops and broader livelihood initiatives that prioritise their development, noting that the Project believes in them and remains committed to creating platforms where their potential can be nurtured and realised.

The Project Coordinator enjoined them to continue to contribute to the success of HYPREP.

The second edition of the career enhancement and employability workshop had Dr Akanimo Odon and Dr Chioma Okonkwo as facilitators, while the participants were drawn from the four Ogoni local government areas.

Among other modules, participants at the two-day workshop were provided with tips on ways to explore opportunities in seemingly challenging situations, discover themselves, convert hobbies and interests into passion and profits through three career e-routes and understand the power of networks and partnerships.

Participants were also given useful nuggets, career resources of time and skills, and career resources of funding, especially how to access foreign scholarships and funding.

At the closing, HYPREP’s Director of Technical Services, Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, urged the participants to earnestly pursue their passions and commit to their dreams.

Meanwhile, the participants expressed gratitude to HYPREP for organising the workshop, which they described as impactful and transformative.

HYPREP has continued to be intentional in its efforts to prioritise human capacity development in Ogoni through such workshops and trainings. This year, the Project will be rolling out trainings in high demand skill areas like mechatronics, underwater welding, commercial diving, full-stack development and GIS, targeting the youths as major beneficiaries and giving them a fair head start and comparative advantage in a highly competitive environment.

Nation

NIPR Practitioners Urge To Go Beyond Traditional Media Relations To Strategic Leadership Functions

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Public Relations practitioners across Nigeria have been charged to go beyond the perceived roles of media relations and protocol services to strategic leadership functions that is crucial to shaping and transforming the nation.

In his message at this year’s (2025) World Public Relations Day, with the Theme: ” Building Bridges, Navigating Polarisation” In Port Harcourt, The National President of the Nigeria Institution of Public Relations Dr. Ike Neliaku expressed delight to address members and guests on this special day, pointing out that the day offers a an opportunity to reflect on the journey over six decades since Public Relations formally birthed in Nigeria.

He maintained that this year’s world Public Relations day gives opportunity to members to reflect on the actions and inactions towards the development of the profession and to boldly develop new frontiers for a greater institution.

The NIPR president explained that the values of Public Relations particularly in areas of fostering relationship, strengthening leadership and advancing good governance remain a key -through effective and goal- oriented communication.

Earlier, The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, (RSU) Prof. Isaac zep-Obipi being represented by the Deputy VC admin Prof. Victor Akujuru throw challenge to NIPR members to rebranding and portray the state in good light, standing that RSU remains a state owned institution that have not witness any strike in the passed fifteen years.

Also in his speech, the state chairman NIPR Rivers Chapter Rev. Francis Asuk described world Public Relations day as a day set aside to pay attention to the works of public relations globally indeed that relationship is important that the world is crying about in rebuilding relationship due to the collapsed of the value systems at family, society and world level of human existence.

” At the highest level of human existence relationship has become imperative for all practitioners to come together and build bridges to navigates those Polarisation” he said.

In a related development,the keynote speaker Rev (Fr.) Prof. Walter C.Ihejirika, said the media has a lot to do especially on its role of enlightenment to the public about the role and function as a key element in the development of a better society.

Prof. Ihejirika who is the Dean faculty of Communication and Media Studies , University of Port Harcourt, stressed that when media practitioners navigate on the area of strategic communications with a goal, then the public will be better informed and know that they have a responsibility for the large society, “because if the large society is not good, the organization cannot function effectively.”

Nation

Alumni, Others Launch Campus Care Initiative In Port Harcourt

Published

2 days ago

July 18, 2025

The Tide

The Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter in partnership with Rotary Club of Rumuomasi, Port Harcourt Downtown and Nigerian Immigration Service have launched Campus Care Initiative at the Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic Rumuola Port Harcourt.

Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday in the inaugural edition of the Campus Care Initiative, at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic the Chairman of Madonna University Alumni Association Rivers State Chapter (MUAARIV) Dr Iheanyichukwu Wopara said that the program is aim to empowered the youth of Nigerians and also to give them the right direction in life.

He said Campus Care Initiative is a testament to the association commitment to giving back to the society and empowering the next generation of leaders.

According to him the program is designed it demands across all sectors, physical health, mental health, sexual health and even the environment adding that the focus of the Association is to give back to the society the best way they can.

” We have been carrying out different humanitarian activities and outreach which includes medical outreach and the girl child campaign.

” We gave academic support to three students and also three international passports, free medical outreach, pads to girl child and condoms to the boy child and there is also introduction to ICT training that will commence soon in the campus, “he said.

Kiadum Edookor