Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

October 6, 2010

Adamawa

Mr Kassim Gaidam, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa, has urged Nigerians to work toward achieving fair and credible elections in the 2011 general elections.

Gaidam made the statement in Yola last week at the maiden zonal interactive meeting between INEC and leaders of political parties in Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the onerous task of achieving a transparent election should not be left alone for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He tasked political parties to field credible candidates so that the nation’s drive toward a crisis-free electoral exercise would be realisable.

The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensure that votes are counted in 2011 and future elections.

Bauchi

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged Nigerians to work towards the realisation of the dreams of heroes of the country’s nationalists.

This they could do by shunning “mistrust and divisive tendencies’’ in order to move the country to greatness.

Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, NIPR’s National President, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi last week as part of Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee.

“It is our ardent prayer that Nigeria will move from a theatre of mistrust to a circle of faith and ultimate renewal on the premise of shared responsibility.

“What we need now is the building and promotion of patriotic leadership capable of removing all negative barriers in our relationship with one another to enable the opening of new pages through dialogue and consensus-building to arrive at our desired destination.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue in Makurdi last week reiterated the need for peace and harmony during and after the 2011 general elections.

Suswan, who made this known at Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary celebration, appealed to the youths to shun all the temptation to indulge in thuggery.

“The success or failure of our democratic enterprise as a nation will be defined by how well we conduct ourselves before, during and after the forthcoming elections in 2011,” he said.

“Our youths must rise up to reject those who would want to use them to foment trouble.

“Our younger ones should ask those intending to use and dump them to instead engage their own children.”

Ekiti

Nigerians have been urged to support the government in the spirit of Nigeria’s independence anniversary, by training the less-privileged and indigent children in the country.

The Chief Executive of Fili Foundation, an NGO, Chief Abiodun Ajayi, told newsmen last Sunday in Ekiti, that less-privileged citizens should be sponsored to schools.

He said that some great talents could be found in these children, if given the opportunity to go to school.

“The biggest support we can give to the less-privileged and brilliant children, who come from genuine poor homes is to train them,’’ he said.

FCT

The Peers Mentoring Programme (PMP), Nigeria and Peers Mentoring Programme International, in collaboration with the NEPAD Business Group, have inaugurated a development fund to help informal sector businesses in Nigeria.

Dr Robert Aniebo, Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Business Group, Nigeria, told newsmen in Abuja last Sunday that the collaboration would help to improve the economy.

“This fund will help to employ and coach at least one million mentors to sensitise, mobilise and formalise at least 1,000,000 informal sector businesses in Nigeria,’’ he said.

He said Nigerians should take full advantage of the initiative and create awareness among peers and peer groups, particularly at the grassroots.

Kwara

The PDP in Kwara has announced the suspension of its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hajia Aishat Ibraheem, over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension of Ibraheem came as another group, identifying itself as Concerned Kwara PDP Elders Forum called on the party’s National Secretariat to dissolve the state’s executive of the party over various allegations.

A statement made available to newsmen last Sunday in Ilorin by the forum, called for dissolution of the state’s executive of the party for flouting the directive of the National Secretariat on new membership and list of delegates.

Lagos

Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, says external borrowing must be conducted under strictest statutory framework and with careful discipline.

Owasanoye made the statement while delivering a lecture entitled; “Law and Nigeria’s External Borrowing: Diagnosing the Past, Prognosing the Future” last week in Lagos.

“External debt is a hindrance to development and economic delivery,” he said

He attributed Nigeria’s past history of recklessness and unbridled external borrowing to corruption and absence of clear statutory and constitutional framework.

“The constitution says nothing of internal or external borrowing. It says nothing of the purpose, process or the authority,” he said.

Oyo

Activities marking Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary came to a climax last week in Ibadan as primary and secondary school students marched past Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State at the saluting dais.

The governor had earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary outfits.

Masquerades, traditional dancers, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Scout, teachers and other groups also participated in the march past.

Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of the anniversary cake and the inauguration of a new anthem for the state.

Plateau

Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau last week pardoned 10 convicts as part of activities marking the golden jubilee celebration of the nation’s independence.

Four of the 10 convicts were granted unconditional release, three are to be given option of fines, while the others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Jang, who spoke after a march past at the Jos polo ground, said he took the decision after consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy.

He challenged those who regained their freedom to reciprocate the gesture by conducting themselves responsibly and avoiding a repeat of the mistake.

“We have suffered wars and communal clashes; we have witnessed bloody change of power; we have held several constitutional conferences,’’ the governor lamented.

Sokoto

Alhaji Ibrahim Gobir, a PDP senatorial aspirant for Sokoto East Senatorial District, has pledged to build “a standard international market’’ at Illela, if elected.

Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto last Sunday that the market would boost economic activities in the sub-region in particular and the continent at large.

He said the market would serve as a trade zone among Niger Republic, Mali and other African countries.

Gobir promised to introduce legislation that would enhance the living condition of the people if given the opportunity to be in the Senate.

Zamfara

PDP presidential aspirant, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that only generational change in leadership can turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the desired national development.

Saraki, who made the statement in Gusau last week during a campaign tour of Zamfara, said: “Nigeria needs young and energetic leaders who can turn around the fortunes of the country for speedy development.

“It is time we made Nigeria work and this can only be possible if we elect leaders that can drive the country in the right direction.”

Saraki said his efforts at transforming Kwara from an economy largely dependent on federal revenue allocation to agriculture-driven one and independent generation of electricity for economic growth were some of his pragmatic approach to leadership.

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.