Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

April 20, 2016

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Saddiq Abubakar (left) and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos during a visit of the Chief of Air Staff to Governor Ambode in Lagos, recently.

Adamawa

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared
Adamawa as a polio-free state.
The WHO Coordinator in the state, Dr Nuhu Ningi, confirmed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Yola.
Ningi said in the statement that Adamawa was free of Polio virus since 2009.
According to him, the absence of Polio in Adamawa was not a “mere chance” as speculated in some quarters.
“It is very unfortunate to describe all efforts of government and partners fighting against polio in the state as ‘mere chance occurrence’.”
“This statement by the Zonal Coordinator is unfortunate and absurdly lack scientific base,” Ningi said.

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Police Command, has confirmed the death
of two policemen and four civilians in an auto crash on Darazo-Bauchi road.
Spokesman of the command in a press release in Bauchi, DSP Mohammed Haruna, indicated that the accident, which involved a Vectra vehicle with registration number GJW 446 XA, occurred on April 13.
Haruna said that the vehicle, conveying two suspected kidnappers from Soro Police Division, had an accident at Dabe village in Ganjuwa local government area of the state.
He said eight other occupants of the vehicle with various degree of injuries were conveyed to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) in Bauchi for treatment.

Ekiti
Farmers in Ekiti State have expressed worries over the delay
in getting assistance from the Federal Government to develop and expand their farms ahead of this year’s farming season.
Mr James Kupoluyi, the spokesman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ikole local government area told newsmen that the delay might have negative impacts on the current farming season if not addressed urgently.
He disclosed that the Federal Government in the third quarter of 2015, directed every farmer in Nigeria to register for a programme tagged “Nigeria Agricultural Payment Initiative’’ (NAPI), with the aim of assisting farmers.
“Many of us registered and have been waiting since then but have not got the assistance from the government to expand our farms.

FCT
The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has solicited
stronger partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for improved telecom services in the country.
The Director-General of CPC, Mrs Modupe Atoki, made the call when she visited the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, in Abuja.
“There are certain complaints that we received and which we want to share and which we want to have this deliberation on a way forward to make sure that Nigerians begin to enjoy value for money.
“First is the quality of service, which every one of us here would have experienced one way or the other.
“It is still poor in spite of the effort that the NCC has put in, in streamlining their quality.”

Jigawa

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Jigawa
said it would soon introduce a skill acquisition training programme tagged, “School to Work” for secondary schools students in the state.
The NDE Coordinator,, Malam Muhammad Sambo, announced this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Sambo said that the programme was part of the directorate’s initiatives targeted at SS3 and JS3 students.
“The programme is already captured in our budget this year,” Sambo said.
He explained that the agency would use long vacation period to train them in various skills to make them self reliant.
Katsina

Funtua local government area of Katsina State had returned
230 cows and 22 sheep to their lawful owners after they were recovered from the rustlers by a joint security taskforce at Sheme village.
Alhaji Hassan Gambo, Head of Administration of the local government, told the gathering that the rustled cows were stationed in Funtua for 18 days after they had been rescued from the bandits.
Gambo said that the local government officials carried out all the required processes of cattle identification and clearance from the owners before they were handed over to them.
He explained that the identification was done in the presence of the District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, security agencies and the leaders of headsmen association.

Lagos

A total of 25,781 candidates registered for this year’s
National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) in Lagos.
Our correspondent reports that the examination was for admission into the 104 Unity Colleges across the country.
The Lagos State Zonal Coordinator, National Examinations Council (NECO), Mr Gbenga Olapade, organisers of the examination, said in an interview that a total of 115 centres were being used for the examination across the state.
Olapade said that there were additional four centres for this year’s examination, when compared with 111 centres used for the same examination in 2015.

Ogun

A 68-year old man, Sulaimo Akindele, has been charged
before an Ota Magistrates’ Court for allegedly damaging a fish pond valued at N4 million belonging to one Adetayo Olanrewaju.
Akindele, who lives at No. 23 Ogunyemi Street, Iyana-Iyesi, Ota, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and malicious damage.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Ebibomino Itaita, told the court that the accused and others still at large, committed the offences on February 20 at about 11:20 p.m. at Odo-Pako area of Ota.
Ebibomino said that the accused and his accomplices unlawfully damaged a fish pond valued at N4 million belonging to one Adetayo Olanrewaju.

Ondo

A petitioner in a divorce suit, Mr Olusola Ogunleye, has
told an Akure Customary Court that his wife’s siblings advised him to divorce her because of her stubborn nature.
Olusola, who had been married to his wife, Funmilayo, for 13 years, and the marriage blessed with four children, accused the respondent of always threatening him with knives and broken bottles whenever they had misunderstandings.
He said that whenever there was any misunderstanding between them, his wife was also fond of destroying his properties.
Nasarawa

The Akwanga local government in Nasarawa State has
inaugurated a 17-man taskforce to remove illegal structures along major roads in Akwanga and its environs within two weeks.
The Sole Administrator of the council, Mr Kwanta Yakubu, said in Akwanga while inaugurating the committee that the aim was to ease traffic and ensure healthy environment in the affected areas.
According to Yakubu, the decongestion is to discourage hawking, trading and other illegalities on major roads.
“The aim is to make Akwanga clean, healthy, and peaceful for everybody.
“The high rate of congestion along major roads has become a source of concern and as responsible government, we cannot fold our hands and watch the situation,” he said.

Plateau

The Bishop of Pankshin Diocese in Plateau, Mr Michael
Gokum, has urged the Federal Government to be pragmatic in its policy and programme implementation and save Nigerians from the current hardship.
He made the call in an interview with newsmen in Pankshin recently.
“Times are hard and the people are really suffering; I hope God will inspire our leaders, especially the Federal Government to do something drastic and save the situation.
“Nigeria is so blessed yet the people are suffering because of the greediness of our supposed leaders, who are starshing billions of naira within and outside the country.
“The doctrine of putting the interest of others before yours is not being observed here in Nigeria because of lack of fear of God, ’’ he lamented.

Yobe

Yobe Government in collaboration with the Nigerian
Army has reopened the 132km Damaturu-Biu federal road, which was blocked three years ago by Boko Haram insurgents.
Our correspondent reports that the road, which was a major link between Yobe and southern part of Borno, was inaugurated at Buni Yadi.
Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Army Staff, said at the occasion that the road was strategic to the economic well being of Yobe as it linked the state capital with many communities.
He said reopening of the road would boost economic activities of Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Gombe State.
“This will also impact positively on the current military operations in the area by boosting the achievement of the troops,” he said.

Nation

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

Published

8 hours 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

Nation

Film Festival: Don, Others Urge Govt To Partner RIFF

Published

14 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

Nation

Hausa Community Lauds Council Boss Over Free Medical Outreach

Published

14 hours ago

November 30, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.