Nation

THE STATES

Published

9 years ago

August 16, 2017

Borno
The United Nations last Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to support the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East region.
The UN Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr Peter Lundberg, said this at a press conference in Maiduguri.
Lundberg said the UN would continue to support Nigeria to address the major problems affecting education, health, malnutrition and security challenges occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency.
He said the raid conducted by the military on UN Humanitarian facility in Maiduguri would not affect its relations with Nigeria, adding that the issue had been amicably resolved.
“I am very pleased to inform you that our relationship of collaboration and trust is intact, and at this stage we are focused on the work ahead, to ensure that the millions of vulnerable people in the North-East are supported with life saving humanitarian aid”, he said.

FCT
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike due to the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill the 2009 agreement made with the union.
President of the union Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, disclosed this at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
Ogunyemi said the decision to embark on the industrial action was resolved at its emergency National Executive Council meeting held on August 12.
According to him, during the strike, “there shall be no teaching, no examination and no attendance of statutory meetings of any kind in any of our branches till government meets the union’s demands”.
The industrial action actually took effect from August 13.

Gombe
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last Saturday said it had arrested three farmers in Kulani village, Balanga Local Government Area of Gombe State for allegedly cultivating 160 Kilograms of Indian hemp.
The NDLEA Commandant in the state, Mr Aliyu Adole, told newsmen in Gombe.
Adole said many farmers were involved in the cultivation of the weed in the state and the agency had been on their trail.
He said the agency had been monitoring the suspects before their arrest, adding, “this morning my boys went to the bush and brought them with the exhibits.’’
The commandant said the agency would continue to comb villages in the state to apprehend those involved in the cultivation of Cannabis.

Jigawa
The Jigawa State Agency for Nomadic Education says it would soon distribute school uniforms free to 8,000 nomadic pupils in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ali Manu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Dutse last Sunday.
Manu said the items would be distributed to the pupils in 132 out of the 304 nomadic schools across the state.
He said the uniforms were provided by the state government to encourage children of herdsmen to go to school.
‘‘I assure you that very soon we will distribute these uniforms to the pupils in 132 nomadic schools across the state.
‘‘And they will be distributed to the pupils free,” the executive secretary said.

Kaduna
Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) say they are working hard to minimise the frequency of occurrence of conflicts in the North West, particularly in Southern Kaduna.
A survey conducted by newsmen indicated that various organisations had been meeting with key stakeholders, organising town hall meetings and bringing warring groups to agree to peace deals aimed at ending conflicts in some of the states in the zone.
They were also focusing on tracking hate speeches and encouraging residents to ignore divisive comments, especially in the social media.
In Kaduna State, where ethno-religious crises keep reccurring, some of the CSOs had been actively involved in peace-building and encouraging mutual respect among the diverse communities.

Kano
The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Sule Kazaure, has charged corps members to be committed in the discharge of their duties at their places of primary assignment.
Kazaure, made the call during an inspection visit to the permanent orientation camp at Kusalla la in Karaye Local Government Area of Kano State.
The DG, who was represented by the Director, Human Resources Department, Mrs. Eze Makinde said it was only through commitment, dedication and selfless service that the corps members could excel and achieve the desired results.
“You should also consider your posting to Kano State as a will of God, and put in all efforts through conducting yourselves in such a way others can admire you”, he said.

Kogi
Officials of Ecological Fund Office, under the aegis of Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, last Monday arrived in Kogi State for an assessment of flood and erosion sites.
Mr Abdullazeez Umar, who spoke on behalf of the team at the office of the Deputy governor in Lokoja, said that they were in the state to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the flood and erosion sites.
He said that the exercise was approved by the Federal Executive Council, as part of efforts to tackle the ecological problems facing the country via the effective management, co-ordination, monitoring and implementation of programmes.
Speaking, the Deputy Governor, Mr Simon Achuba, welcomed the team on behalf of the state government and said that their visit to Kogi was timely.

Lagos
The new President of Rotary Club of Omole Golden District 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Oshinibosi Abiodun, said last Sunday, that the club would provide 30 incubators and 10 phototherapy machines for Ifako/Ijaiye General Hospital.
Abiodun announced the plan during his installation as president for 2017/2018 at the Excellence Hotel, Omole, Ogba, Lagos
He promised that the club would continue to put smiles on the faces of the less-privileged during his tenure.
The Rotarian said that the incubators planned for Ifako/Ijaiye General Hospital would help in saving lives.
Abiodun said a visit to the hospital showed that the seven incubators there were the ones the club donated some years back.

Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested two persons in connection with a mob action that led to the death of a soldier, Lance Cpl. Ayuba Ali, on Mondaym in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Kennedy Idirisu, confirmed the arrest to newsmen last Monday in Lafia.
Idirisu said that available information revealed the victim, allegedly hit a street hawker at Agwan Affi area of the town while riding on a motorbike.
According to him, the victim, who was in mufti, tried to pacify the hawker and an altercation ensued resulting in irate youth beating him to coma.

Niger
The police last Friday, arraigned two men, Ado Sani and Shafiu Umar in a Minna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly killing two members of the force.
The defendants are standing trial on charges of criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, abduction, armed robbery, causing hurt, mischief and murder.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Danladi, told the court that one Alhaji Bello of Tagina Kabata village reported a case of abduction of seven persons to the police on June 2.
Danladi alleged that on May 5, the accused who hail from Allawa village, conspired with 16 others now at large, and committed the act at the Tagina Kabata Central Mosque.
He alleged that the accused robbed one of the victims of N750, 000.
He said that a team of five police detectives had gone to Allawa village on investigation, but the accused attacked them, killing two and injuring three.

Ondo
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) of Ondon State, last Monday called for more effective community policing as one of the ways to tackle criminal activities in rural areas.
Akeredolu gave the advice during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, at the Police headquarters in Akure.
He thanked the command for the selfless discharge of its duties and urged them to discourage loitering by non-uniformed people around checkpoints.
The governor canvassed for more police commands in the state, saying that the three existing commands were not enough to tackle the noticeable increase in criminal activities.
He said that five area commands were needed for effective policing of the state.

Taraba
A total of 1,100 intending pilgrims from Taraba State will commence their journey to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj tomorrow, Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Umaru Leme, has said.
Leme told newsmen in Jalingo last Monday that 177 of the pilgrims were sponsored by the state government and 37 by local councils.
According to him, the state governor, Mr Darius Ishaku has appointed the Lamido Gashaka, Alhaji Zubairu Sambo as leader of the state contingent for the pilgrimage.
He disclosed that the state government had released N310 million to the board to ensure successful hajj operation.
Leme said that 1,100 passports for the intending pilgrims had been processed and assured that all the pilgrims would be transported before the end of August.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

2 days 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.