Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

July 7, 2011

Bauchi

Some private hospitals in Bauchi State have stopped rendering service to civil servants under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Our correspondent gathers that the stoppage followed the inability of the state government to pay for such services on behalf of the civil servants who enrolled into the programme.

Some of the Chief Medical Directors of the affected private hospitals told newsmen that they were being owed amounts ranging from N5 million to N25 million.

‘’The Bauchi State Government has yet to pay us for the services we have rendered to its enrollees between April 2009 and September 2009 as well as between November 2010 and February 2011.

Benue

The effective implementation of the Rural Finance Institution Building Programme (RUFIN) will ensure the success of the Federal Government’s transformation agenda, a director has said.

The Benue State Director Cooperatives, Mr David Bauchi, said this in an interview with the newsmen in Makurdi on Tuesday.

“If well implemented, RUFIN can serve as a catalyst that will ensure the success of government transformation programme, especially in the rural areas in the country.’’

Borno

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has advised the people of Borno State to clean up drains and culverts to prevent flooding this rainy season.

Malam Zakariya Darazo, the North East Manager of the agency, who gave the advice on Tuesday in Maiduguri in an interview with newsmen said the state would experience heavy rainfall this year.

According to him, rainfall might cause flooding just as he predicted bumper harvest.

Darazo also advised the people and traders to always remain indoors whenever they observed dark clouds.

FCT

A cross-section of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents have called on the Federal Government to employ the use of modern security devices to check the spate of insecurity in parts of the country.

Some of them, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja decried the time wasted at some check-points across the metropolis.

Mr Sylvester Fayemiwo, an employee of Ecoscan, Garki, Abuja expressed discomfort over some of the measures used by security operatives at some check-points.

“I believe there are modern devices they can use that can be more effective than the current stop and search system,’’ Fayemiwo said.

Kaduna

Alhaji Balarabe Musa, former governor of old Kaduna State, has advised the Federal Government to dialogue with members of the militant Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

He told newsmen in Kaduna last Tuesday that government should adopt “practical strategies aimed at ending the crisis by engaging the members politically”.

Musa advised government to accept making mistakes in the way it handled the problem initially.

“I am canvassing for the use of dialogue and political resolution for two reasons. Firstly, the world over, such crises are resolved through dialogue and secondly, the use of force doesn’t solve crisis.’’

Katsina

A former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, has blamed the current security challenges in the country on the lack of accurate intelligence by security agencies.

Coomassie told newsmen in Katsina that the security situation was worrisome and called for urgent solution.

He noted that the sporadic bomb blasts, threats of the Boko Haram militants and other security lapses were all traceable to the lack of effective and accurate intelligence by security agencies.

“We have dealt with groups such as Maitatsine sect in Kano and similar cases in other parts of the country with the help of efficient intelligence.’’

Lagos

To achieve success in “rolling back’’ malaria, the cycle of infection must be broken, the National Professional Officer (Malaria) with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tolu Arowolo has urged.

The Roll Back Malaria Partnership (RBM) is the global framework for coordinated action against malaria. It forges consensus among key actors in malaria control, harmonises action and mobilises resources to fight malaria in endemic countries.

In an interview with newsmen Arowolo listed the cycle to include unkempt environment, incomplete treatment and the attitude of not using the Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN).

She explained that if an individual did not complete malaria treatment, mosquitoes could transmit the malaria parasite from the individual with malaria to another person.

“And how can you break the cycle? It is either by treatment, either by prevention, by having a barrier or causing a barrier between human and mosquitoes.

Niger

The presidential panel on post-election violence has urged the people of Niger to provide useful information that will assist the panel to deliver on its terms of reference.

Justice Samson Uwaifo (rtd), sub-committee ‘A’ Chairman of the panel, made the call in Minna on Tuesday.

Uwaifo was speaking when he led his team on a courtesy visit on the acting Governor of Niger, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto.

He said that his sub-committee was in the state on a fact-finding mission with regard to the post-election violence that took place in the state.

“If there is anybody with useful information, which will help us meet the terms of reference given by the Federal Government let him come up with it.”

Ogun

Female staff of Ijebu-Ode Local Government of Ogun failed to come to work last Tuesday, while market women also closed their shops over the observance of a traditional festival, “Agemo”.

“Agemo’, a traditional masquerade of Ijebu-Ode people, is believed to come to town with other deities after three days of traditional rituals during the festival and must not be seen by women.

The belief is that a woman, who mistakenly comes across Agemo will die.

Based on the assumption, the palace of Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, issued a statement last week and posted it in strategic places in the town advising women to keep off from the streets.

Ondo

The Chairman, ad- hoc Committee on Local Government Creation in Ondo State, Mr Lawrence Ajetumobi, says that states are vested with powers to create new local governments.

Ajetunmobi made this known in Akure while receiving memorandum on creation of the proposed Ogbese Local Council from the present Akure North Local Government.

He said, however, that states’s constitutional provision to create more councils was subject to approval of State Assembly and final enlistment by the National Assembly.

According to him, the committee will strictly follow all constitutional procedures to ensure the success of the exercise in the state without acrimony.

At the presentation of the memorandum were traditional rulers including Oloba of Oba- Ile, Oba Joseph Agunbiade, Alayede of Ayede- Ogbese, Oba(Prof) Iseoluwa Oluyide, Olu of Owode, Chief Samuel Fapohunda and Chief Olu of Ilado, Chief Johnson Ajomale.

Oyo

The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has graduated 99,379 students since its inception 40 years ago, the Rector, Prof. Olusegun Odunola, said.

Odunola made the fact known in Ibadan at a news conference to mark the institution’s 40th anniversary celebration.

He said the polytechnic had become a citadel of learning for Nigerians with 51 accredited programmes at both the National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) levels.

“The institution since establishment has distinguished herself from its peers through brilliant performance in both academic and extra-curricular activities.

Plateau

Retired Col. Fidelis Attahiru , running mate to Plateau Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Governorship candidate in the April 26, 2011 election, has been suspended from the party.

Mr Amos Gizo, the party chairman, who announced the action in Jos, said that four other top shots of the party had also been suspended over alleged “gross misconduct”.

The others included Gizo’s Deputy, John Haruna, Mr Philip Samci, Vice-Chairman, Central Zone, as well as Sen. Silas Janfa and Moses Atan.

Sokoto

Sokoto State Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Arzika Tureta, has urged PDP supporters in the state to ignore acts of provocation by the opposition during the campaigns for the local government elections.

Tureta, who was the Director-General of the Wamakko/Shagari Campaign Organisation, said “we should not engage in any form of violence as it is not in our character’’.

He told newsmen in Sokoto that all the candidates fielded were credible, sincere and committed party members who would work towards the successful implementation of the party’s manifestoes.

He said as democrats, PDP members should exhibit high sense of political maturity at all times.

Tureta said the party had already taken measure to promote its “lofty ideals” for the overall political development of the state.

Nation

HYPREP Marks 15 Years Of UNEP Report, Highlights Major Cleanup Milestones

Published

1 week ago

August 10, 2026

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has commemorated the 15th anniversary of the release of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, reaffirming its commitment to restoring the environment and improving the livelihoods of affected communities.

In a statement signed by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, to commemorate the anniversary, HYPREP described the anniversary as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s environmental restoration efforts, noting that the project has made remarkable progress in implementing the recommendations of the landmark UNEP report released on August 4, 2011.

The UNEP report had revealed extensive oil pollution across Ogoniland, severe environmental degradation, and serious public health risks resulting from decades of petroleum operations. It also recommended an initial $1 billion fund to commence the cleanup of the affected communities.

According to HYPREP, the Federal Government formally launched the Ogoni clean-up in 2016, while the Project Coordination Office was established in 2017 to drive the implementation of UNEP’s recommendations.
Zabbey said the current administration has continued to prioritise the project under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Providing an update on the cleanup, the Project Coordinator disclosed that 30 of the 65 contaminated sites identified by UNEP have been fully remediated, while work is ongoing at several medium- and high-risk locations. It also stated that more than 1.5 million mangrove seedlings have been planted as part of what it described as the world’s largest restoration of oil-degraded mangroves, with over 1,000 hectares of shoreline already rehabilitated.

Zabbey further revealed that 49 Ogoni communities have been connected to potable water schemes through multiple water projects and booster stations aimed at providing safe drinking water across the region.

In the health sector, he said the 100-bed Ogoni Specialist Hospital in Kpite and the 43-bed Cottage Hospital in Buan are nearing completion, adding that several existing health facilities have been upgraded with modern medical equipment, while five ambulances have been donated to improve emergency healthcare services. The Project Coordinator also disclosed that a three-year human health biomonitoring study is being conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

On economic empowerment, Zabbey stated that the Project has created more than 8,000 direct jobs and trained thousands of Ogoni youths and women in various vocational and technical skills, including software development, cybersecurity, aviation, commercial diving, seafaring, mechatronics, and creative arts. The project also reported awarding scholarships to more than 1,000 students, providing grants to small businesses, and supporting persons living with special needs through skills acquisition programmes.

The statement further highlighted ongoing legacy projects, including the Ogoni Power Project and the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, which it said is about 96 per cent complete. HYPREP also welcomed the recent designation of the Ogoni Wetland as a Ramsar Site of International Importance and pledged to continue promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of the ecosystem.

Marking the anniversary, Zabbey said the progress achieved over the past 15 years demonstrates the collective commitment of government, development partners, stakeholders, and local communities to restoring Ogoniland. He called for renewed collaboration to sustain the cleanup effort, promote environmental sustainability, and support the long-term development of the region. 3

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

2 months 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 months 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.