Nation

THE STATES

Published

10 years ago

August 24, 2016

FCT

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will to
day hold its 2016 Second Anniversary Annual Lecture at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Director-General of the commission, Malam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, made this known to newsmen in a statement in Abuja.
According to Kawu, the theme for this year’s edition of the lecture series is; “ Broadcasting, Democracy and the Challenge of the New Nigeria’’.
He said that the lecture would be delivered by immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Attahiru Jega .

Gombe

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has
urged herdsmen in the country to enrol their children in school, especially the girl-child, to acquire necessary knowledge and skills that would guide their lives.
Assistant National Secretary of the association Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the call in an interview with newsnen in Gombe.
According to him, it is very important for the herdsmen to key into various government policies, including the nomadic education programme, which offers them unfettered access to education.
He expressed dismay at the response of the Fulanis to western education, saying that it was important to key in so as to tap its full potentials.

Jigawa

Parents have been advised to monitor the movement of
their children especially during holidays.
The head of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Jigawa, Alhaji Abdu Abdul, gave the advice during interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdul said the montoring would enable parents to know the kind of company kept by their children to prevent the children from being involved in drug- related crimes.
He identified the absence of counseling or limited guidance from parents as one of the major causes of drug misuse among youths.
“There is the need for parents to be more concerned with the affairs of their children and help them make good friends in school and at home.
Kaduna

Governor Nasir El-Rufa‘i of Kaduna State has inaugu
rated a library and research centre of the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning named after Abidu Yazid.
El-Rufai explained at the inauguration in Kaduna that Yazid was honoured for his sacrifices and contributions to the development of the state throughout his public service.
He disclosed that Yazid., a development economist, was responsible for drawing up the first development plan of the then North Central State in 1970.
He added that Yazid was also part of the special Federal Government‘s Planning Team that produced the Reconstruction Development Plan for the liberated defunct East Central State, immediately after the cessation of the Nigerian civil war.
Katsina

Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema
and his counsel, have shunned the sitting of the State Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate missing funds during his administration.
Our correspondent reports that counsel to other top government officials during Shema’s administration were also absent at the sitting.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Surajo Muhammed, assured that the commission would be free and fair in the discharge of its duties.
“This commission will discharge its duties without fear or favour; we shall provide a level- playing ground for all as this is not a criminal court but a commission of Inquiry.” he said.
Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has urged con
tractors handling the River Port project in Lokoja to ensure its completion by December.
The governor gave the charge while inspecting ongoing works on the port.
He said that it’s quick completion would aid socio-economic development of the state.
Bello, who was conducted round the project site by the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Mustapha, said that he was eagerly awaiting the completion of the project.
He said that the port would open the economy of the North to foreign investors.

Kwara

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has com
mended the management of the University of Ilorin for providing the skills acquisition laboratory in its Department of Nursing.
Leader, Council’s Accreditation Team to the University of Ilorin’s Department of Nursing, Prof. Ijeoma Ehiemere, gave the commendation after an assessment tour of facilities in the department.
She noted that the university had put in place a robust staff development programme for the training of potential nurses.
Ehiemere said what the team saw at the College of Health Sciences of the university were commendable.
She described the skills acquisition/simulation centre and a robust staff development programme as exceptional.
The leader pointed out that some of the staff had been sent on study leave with pay, nationally and internationally.

Niger

Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has called on Nige
rians to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in their dealings to ensure peace and national development.
He made the call when he received Dr Mathias Echioda, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger chapter in Minna recently.
“One of the things that has divided us as a nation is religious sentiment. It was never like this in the past and I don’t know why it is like this now.
“We had a better life and better understanding which brought more progress to the country.
“It is time for us to move away from all forms of sentiments. It is not healthy and it is anti- progress for the development of the country”, he said.
He added that there was no justification for Christian Religious Studies not be taught in unity schools if the Islamic Religion Studies was being taught.
“If IRS is being taught in schools, what now happens to the Christians students, it means they are being forced to go out and play. That is against our moral value”.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government has released over N60
million for the payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities to pensioners in the state.
the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Budget and Planning, Mr Muazu Adamu-Gosho,disclosed this to newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the money was for payment to retired workers in the state and local governments.
Adamu-Gosho said that data to ascertain the accurate number of pensioners in the state had been taken to facilitate monthly payment of pensions, while gratuities would be paid in arrears in view of paucity of funds.

Osun

Thirty-two-year-old Tijani Kamorudeen, who allegedly
broke into a house and stole a laptop and other valuables valued at N161, 000, has been arraigned in Osogbo.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and theft at an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Fagboyinbo Abiodun told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 18 at about 2.00 a.m. at Jemoja compound in Ido-Osun.
Abiodun, an inspector, alleged that the accused broke into the house of the complainant, Akinfenwa Reuben, and carted away some valuables including a laptop, phones, three ear pieces and a pair of shoes, all valued at N161, 400.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State-owned Independent Power Project
(IPP) will inject 38 megawatts of electricity into the national grid when energised.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEADCO), Mr Garba Haruna,disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
Haruna was speaking shortly after inspecting the project with the Chairman, Board of Trustees of KAEDCO, Mr Yusuf Hamisu. ‘’The lPP project is certainly a reality as it has reached over 90 per cent completion stage.
“The line had since been run into the transmission where the power will be up taken into the national grid.

Zamfara

Dealers of sachet water in Gusau have complained of
low patronage, caused by the current rainy season, our correspondent reports.
A cross section of the dealers expressed the concern in a market survey conducted by our correspondent in Gusau.
Dealer of Rahama sachet water, Alhaji Aminu Bello,said that there was low patronage during rainy season, compared to dry season when the business was flourishing.
Bello said that during dry season, he supplied between 4,000 and 3,700 bags of water daily while he hardly sold up to 1,000 bags during the rainy season.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.