Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

April 17, 2017

Benue
Police in Benue on Friday said they had deployed 3,325 personnel on special duty across the state for the Easter celebration.
Spokesman of the command, Mr Moses Yamu, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, told newsmen in Makurdi that the measure was to ensure security of lives and property during the period.
He said the figure did not include personnel on essential task force duties in the state.
Yamu said that some of the personnel were posted to churches and other places of worship.
He said that the command had embarked on “Operation Show of Force” to demonstrate its readiness to combat crime and ensure peaceful celebration during the period.

Borno
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it has uncovered a fake Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) centre in Maiduguri.
The Commandant of the corps in Borno State, Mr Ibrahim Abdullahi, told newsmen yesterday in Maiduguri that operators of the fake centre were defrauding applicants.
Abdullahi explained that the centre was uncovered on Thursday at the Kawu Shopping Complex along Lagos Street of the metropolis.
He said that men of the command also arrested one Abizo Precious Idowu, a 31-year-old from Imo who had collected N1,200 each to register about 180 students under the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

FCT
The Federal Government last Wednesday said no fewer than 420,000 people had received meningitis vaccination in Zamfara so as to curb the outbreak in the country.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, announced this after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja.
He said that about 70 per cent of meningitis outbreak in the country was recorded in Zamfara.
Ehanire said that all the medical teams had arrived in the state to improve the application of the vaccine.
“As of now, about 420,000 people have been vaccinated in Zamfara state and I can tell you that we are beginning to see the `plato’ that is to say that the epidemic is no more rising,
“It is beginning to flatten out and we hope that it is going to come down soon.

Kaduna
Kaduna state command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had deployed over 3000 of its personnel to ensure peaceful Easter celebration.
State Commandant of the Corps, Alhaji Modu Bunu, stated this in a press statement Thursday, issued on his behalf by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Orndiir Terzungwe.
Bunu urged all residents to live in peace as both Islam and Christianity preached peaceful coexistence
He assured that the Corps, in collaboration with other agencies, would provide security before, during and after the festivity.
He warned people in the habit of engaging in acts capable of breaching the peace, that trouble makers would face the full wrath of the law.
He appealed to parents and guardians to intensify monitoring of their wards to prevent them from being victims of criminals.

Kano
The Federal Government last Thursday restated its commitment toward the promotion of heritage sites in the country.
The Minister of Information and Culture made the remark at a retreat for management staff and Curators of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, held in Kano.
The minister, represented by the Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Mr Yusuf Abdallah, said promoting the nation’s heritage sites would not only boost tourism, but also create job opportunities and enhance socio-economic activities in the country.
“The government is making efforts to develop and promote heritage sites with a view to boosting tourism in the country for the overall economic development of the nation.

Katsina
Funtua Local Government Council in Katsina State lastThursday confirmed the death of six persons and the hospitalisation of 24 others as a result of outbreak of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis.
Primary Health Care Coordinator of the Council, Mrs Muibat Abdullahi, told newsmen that the outbreak started from a Quranic (Almajiri) school at Unguwar Dahiru area of Makera ward in Funtua town.
She said authorities were alerted and in response, officials of Medicine San Frontiers (Doctors without Borders) conducted tests on isolated persons’ specimens and diagnosed meningitis type ‘C’, which is different with other cases of meningitis in the country.
Abdullahi said San Frontiers supported them with drugs and other relevant consumables while Katsina state government procured vaccines for immediate immunisation of people around the area.

Kogi
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has said that the decision to probe finances of the state, from 2003 to 2016, was not aimed at settling political scores with his predecessors.
The governor stated this in Lokoja last Wednesday, while receiving the report of a commission of inquiry set up to probe the finances of the state under two previous administrations.
He said that the attempt to look into what went wrong in the past would guide his administration against repeating similar mistakes.
According to him, the exercise is “not a witch hunt or blackmail”.
He lamented that Kogi, created 25 years ago, had remained largely undeveloped due to mismanagement and massive looting of available resources, declaring that the situation would be corrected.

Lagos
Lagos State requires about 720 million gallons of water daily but currently produces 210 million gallons, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said last Thursday
Ambode gave the figure when he received a delegation from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) led by its President, Dr Frank Jacobs, at the Lagos House in Ikeja.
The governor said that the state had a water deficit of about 500 million gallons.
“Water is one infrastructure that we are trying to create in the city; it is clear that we have a deficit.
“The city actually needs a minimum of 720 million gallons of water per day; right now, there is a shortfall of about 500 million.
He said that his administration would continue to bridge the daily deficit of potable water in the state without inflicting tax burden on the people.
The governor said that his administration had intensified investments in the water sector, especially by putting measures in place to revamp the 48 mini water works across the state to ensure optimum performance.

Ondo
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has directed that the ban on logging activities in the free forest areas in the state be lifted.
The government had banned logging activities in the state in March. The directive was announced by Segun Ajiboye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Wednesday in Akure.
However, Ajiboye, said the ban on logging activities in the forest reserve areas in the state remained in force.
“While assuring the people of the state of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu preparedness to work for the general benefit of the people and the development of the state, the ban on logging activities in the forest reserve areas is meant to ensure that the general commonwealth of the people of the state is not pillaged by a few criminally-minded people,” he said.

Plateau
The maiden edition of the Jos Carnival kicked – off last Wednesday, with a fiesta for Plateau State children.
Wife of the Plateau Governor, Mrs. Regina Lalong, accompanied by the children, ushered in the carnival with a walk.
The governor’s wife, in a speech, said that the carnival was, in itself, a testimony to the fact that permanent peace had returned to Plateau.
“That we are holding a carnival confirms that Plateau is stable; it is a clarion call to the whole world to come to Plateau and explore the massive opportunities it offers,” she said.
She said that the carnival would showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state to tourists and remind them of Plateau’s place as the leading tourists destination in the country.

Sokoto
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended Nigeria for its swift response to tackle the meningitis epidemic in some parts of the country.
The Country Representative of the organisation in Nigeria, Dr Alemu Wondi, made the commendation in Sokoto State last Thursday when he paid a courtesy visit on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III.
“We are here to see how to contribute to shorten the period of the outbreak in the state and other parts of Nigeria.
“ Nigeria has also made crucial efforts to eradicate polio, although the country is yet to be certified polio free.

Yobe
The Yobe State Government has constructed 250 toilets and bathrooms in each of the three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Damaturu , the state capital.
General Manager, Yobe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) told Alhaji Mohammed Bukar, newsmen last Friday in Damaturu that the toilets were constructed in Pompomari, Kukareta, and Muhammadu Gombe farm camps.
Bukar said that the projects were embarked upon to check open defecation and promote personal hygiene in the camps.u.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.