Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

March 23, 2012

Bauchi

The National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has employed 14 desk officers to assist in monitoring unwholesome drugs in some Local Government Areas of Bauchi state.

Mr Michael Attah, Bauchi state Unit Head of the agency, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Attah said the action was to boost NAFDAC activities at the grassroots level in view of the inadequate staff of the agency.

The unit head said the desk officers had been deployed to 14 out of the 20 local government areas of the state.

Attah said that the officers had been mandated to enlighten members of their communities on the dangers of unregistered, adulterated and fake drugs.

He said that the local councils had agreed to provide office and residential accommodation to the desk officers.

“The hawkers conduct their activities at odd times; sometimes we apprehend them whenever we visit the rural communities, sometime we don’t.

“When these drugs are exposed to the sun, some of its active ingredient will be affected, so instead of curing one’s ailment, one ends up with complications. ’’

Ekiti

The new Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Mr Ibrahim Maishanu, assumed office and promised to make the state better in terms of security and peaceful co-existence among the people.

Maishanualso pledged to implement the reform agenda of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, in the command.

The commissioner made the pledge at the Police headquarters in Ado- Ekiti at a handing over ceremony marking his official assumption of office.

Maishanu is the immediate past Commissioner of Police of Niger.

He succeeds Mr Olayinka Balogun, who has been posted to Edo as Commissioner of Police .

Maishanu promised to work harmoniously with the state government, members of the Police Community Relations Committee and the public to sustain the peace existing in the state.

He promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor and promised to unveil his policies and programmes in due course.

Maishanu’s predecessor, Balogun, had urged him to tackle corruption within the Police and ensure that all road blocks that had been dismantled did not resurrect anywhere in the state.

FCT

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plans to introduce a Ministerial Open House platform to unite policy makers and stakeholders and enrich public policy in the country.

The Agency’s Director-General, Mr. Mike Omeri, announced this when the Director, Speakers’ Corner Trust, Mr. Peter Bradley, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) plans to introduce a Ministerial Open House platform to unite policy makers and stakeholders and enrich public policy in the country.

The Agency’s Director-General, Mr. Mike Omeri, announced this on Tuesday when the Director, Speakers’ Corner Trust, Mr. Peter Bradley, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The NOA boss said it was high time that groups that had been denied access to government policy making process were considered in policy formulation.

“We intend to give policy makers and those who will be affected by such policies a platform for discussions so that stakeholders can make inputs into existing and intended policies.

Gombe

Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed,has commended Gombe State for having the lowest maternal and child mortality rate in the North East zone of the federation.

Mohammed gave the commendation at the launching of the free polio programme in Gombe last Saturday.

He also applauded the state for ensuring that there was no recorded case of polio since 2009.

Mohammed said that Gombe State was surrounded by states with cases of polio, charging the state to maintain the tempo.

He said the success achieved in Gombe State was a result of the government’s commitment as well as the effort put in by other development partners like WHO, UNICEF and other non-governmental bodies.

Mohammed said the agency would introduce community health inspectors in states and rural areas to enlighten the public on issues of hygiene and primary health.

According to him, health teams from Abuja will soon visit Gombe State to concretise the arrangement.

He commended traditional rulers and religious leader for mobilising their subjects to take advantage of health programmes.

Jigawa

The Jigawa State House of Assembly has passed the state’s 2012 appropriation bill of N104.4 billion.

Presenting the appropriation committee report before the passage of the bill, the Chairman of the Committee, Alhaji Babangida Mohammed, said the estimate now had an increment of N60 million from the initial budget proposal presented by Gov. SuleLamido.

Mohammed explained that the increase of N60 million which was not captured in the initial appropriation bill presented to the house would be used by Gunduma Health System to pay the salaries and allowances of medical personnel who would be recruited.

He said that several adjustments had been made in the capital expenditure, overhead, personnel cost and stabilisation fund.

Katsina

Katsina State House of Assembly has approved a total budget of N66.4 billion for the 34 local governments in the state for 2012.

The Speaker, Alhaji Ya’u Gwajo-gwajo, announced the approval in Katsina shortly after the House Committee on Appropriation presented its report on the local government budget proposals to the House.

He said that N48 billion was for their recurrent expenditure, while about N18 billion was for their capital projects during the year.

He directed the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the approved budget to the executive arm for assent.

The speaker also commended the house committee on appropriation for completing the budget screening on time.

Earlier, Alhaji Aliyu Iliyasu, the Appropriation Committee Chairman, said the Assembly had mandated the committee to work on the budget proposal based on the submission made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Lagos

Some Lagos residents have called on the National Assembly to involve the nation’s anti-corruption bodies in NASS probe panels to achieve desired results.

They spoke in separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos on Saturday on the revelations in the ongoing probes in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

They said that theEconomic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should have representatives each in the probe panels.

The Executive Director, Social Justice Advocacy Initiative (SJAI), Mr Damian Ugwu,decried what he called “corruption in the oversight functions of the National Assembly committees”.

Niger

More than N27.7 billion pension has been paid by the Niger government under the Pay-As-You-Go and the Contributory Pension schemes in the state from May 2007 to December 2011, an official said.

Director General of of the state’s Pension Board Mr Benu Yahaya , told newsmen in Minna that N15.3 billion went into the Pay-As-You-Go pension scheme, while N12.4 billion was for the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He said the board had also settled the outstanding pension liability of N1.4 billion inherited from the previous administration in the state.

Ogun

The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun, Prof. Kayode Makinde, has urged government at all level to overhaul Nigeria‘s health sector for better delivery.

Makinde made the call in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun.

The vice chancellor said it was time government and health practitioners adhered to the mission of medicine, “which is saving lives and not money-making venture”.

The don observed that the medicine profession has lost its compassion component in Nigeria.

“There is no secret; Nigeria medicine, largely has lost its compassion component. But then, those who are in healthcare should either have that compassion or get out of it.

“Money and materialism has replaced love; has replaced respect; has replaced anything that used to be of value when we are growing up. Nigerian medicine is just a little microcosm of the Nigeria society.

Osun

As this year’s rainy season draws near, the Osun Government has begun preparation to plough 1,000 acres of land for rice production at Osuntedo, Ejigbo Local Government Area.

The Coordinator, Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP) Mr Dele Ogundipe, disclosed this on Tuesday when he received Mr Wale Adedoyin, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Production, who visited the site.

He said government was looking forward to a production target of 2,000 tonnes of rice in 2012 from the site alone.

Ogundipe said no fewer than 20 farmers cooperative societies drawn from the community and other parts of the state would benefit from the project.

Each cooperative society, he said, would get a minimum of 50 acres, adding that tractors would also be provided for them to till the soil.

Plateau

The Plateau Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the collection of deposits from intending pilgrims, Alhaji Salisu Musa, the Executive Secretary of the Board, has said.

A pilgrim is expected to contribute N500,000 in the meantime, pending the announcement of the final figure for this year’s exercise by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCO).

Musa told newsmen in Jos that the Board would not receive “anything less than the N500,000 to scare away people that see the exercise as a business venture.

He said that some persons usually paid the deposits only to later sell their slots in the event of a shortage of the slots.

Taraba

The Taraba Government has approved N23 million for the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to organise the first Taraba Festival for Arts and Culture (TARAFEST 2012).

The Commissioner in-charge of the ministry, Mr Emmanuel Bello, disclosed the approval in Jalingo on Tuesday in an interview with newsmen.

He said that the event, which is going to be the first ever cultural fiesta in the state, would take place between April 11, and April 15, in Jalingo.

The commissioner explained that the festival was aimed at showcasing the arts and cultural heritage of the people of the state.

Nation

Army Graduates 384 Female Soldiers In Abuja

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2026

The Tide

The Nigerian Army has passed out 384 female soldiers of the 90 Regular Recruit Intake (90 RRI) following the successful completion of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in Giri, Abuja.

In a post shared on the Nigerian Army’s X handle, yesterday, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Nigerian Army Women Command, Giri, Abuja, Major Nsima Essien, said the passing-out ceremony was held on Wednesday, 28 October 2026, at the Nigerian Army School of Public Relations and Information (NASPRI), Giri, with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, represented by Major General Umar Gital Yusuf, as the Guest of Honour.

In his address, the Army Chief commended the female personnel for their dedication, resilience, discipline and commitment throughout the training exercise.

He described the successful completion of the exercise as an important milestone in their military careers and reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to developing a professional, disciplined and combat-ready force.

He urged the newly trained soldiers to uphold the values of teamwork, courage, loyalty and professionalism, while applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the exercise to their military duties.

Shaibu emphasised the importance of continuous training, physical fitness and operational preparedness in addressing contemporary security challenges before declaring the exercise closed.

Earlier, the Acting Commander of the Nigerian Army Women Command (NAWC), Colonel S. M. Ahmed, welcomed the special guest and other dignitaries to the ceremony.

Ahmed highlighted the significance of Exercise SHINING STAR 2026 in enhancing the physical fitness, military competence, discipline and operational readiness of the female personnel.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the authorities, instructors and other personnel whose efforts ensured the successful conduct of the exercise.

Highlights of the ceremony included obstacle-crossing demonstrations and weapons-handling exercises, during which the female soldiers demonstrated their ability to strip and assemble AK-47 rifles while blindfolded.

The demonstrations showcased the personnel’s physical endurance, confidence, weapons-handling skills and proficiency in basic military tasks.

“A total of 384 female personnel of the 90 RRI participated in the exercise, alongside 14 male personnel from the Headquarters, Directorate of Army Physical Training (HQ DAPT), and 70 male personnel from the 167 Special Forces Battalion, “ Ahmed said.

The ceremony attracted senior military officers from various units and formations, representatives of paramilitary agencies and other invited guests.

Eight male and female personnel who distinguished themselves during the exercise received awards presented by the Acting Commander of NAWC.

The event also featured a vote of thanks delivered by one of the beneficiaries, the presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the successful completion of the exercise.

The exercise forms part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to strengthen personnel development, improve military competence and enhance operational readiness in response to the country’s evolving security challenges.

Nation

IDGC: Group Takes Campaign To PH Schools

Published

4 weeks ago

October 16, 2026

The Tide

As the world marked the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child on Sunday, October 11, 2026, a non-governmental organisation, Stand Up for Women Society (SWS) has intensified its campaign against child marriage, urging schoolgirls to prioritise education, protect their rights and develop skills for a better future.
The organisation joined the global observance of the day under the theme, “International Day of the Girl Child: End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” with a sensitisation programme at Government Girls Secondary School, Oromenike, D-Line, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Led by its Vice Chairperson, Daba Benebo, the group engaged the students in discussions on the dangers of early marriage, teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse and other challenges that threaten the education, safety and development of the girl child.
Speaking during the programme, Benebo urged the students to reject early marriage and remain focused on their studies, stressing that education would empower them to make informed decisions about their lives and future.
She cautioned the girls against allowing anyone to deprive them of their right to education and dignity, advising them to report cases of harassment, abuse and other violations of their rights to the appropriate authorities.
Benebo assured the students that SWS remained available to support them whenever they encountered violations of their rights.
She also encouraged them to maintain discipline and responsible conduct while avoiding behaviours that could expose them to negative influences and jeopardise their future.
Beyond formal education, the SWS vice chairperson urged the students to acquire vocational skills that could provide additional opportunities for economic independence and help them navigate future challenges.
The sensitisation programme, enlivened by singing, dancing and to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child interactive sessions, provided an opportunity for the students to share their views and experiences on issues affecting the girl child.
One of the major issues raised during the discussion was the appropriate age for marriage. While some participants maintained that 18 years was the constitutionally approved age, the discussion highlighted the need to consider not only age but also the maturity, preparedness and responsibilities associated with marriage.

The speaker stressed that marriage required adequate mental and emotional preparation, as well as the capacity to shoulder its responsibilities.
She therefore advised the students to concentrate on acquiring a sound education before considering marriage, noting that education would equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions and manage family life.
The issue of teenage pregnancy also featured prominently during the question-and-answer session.
In addressing the subject, the speaker explained that pregnancy could occur even at the age of 12, using the example to underscore the vulnerability of young girls to the consequences of early sexual activity.
She advised the students to avoid sexual intercourse and prioritise their education, personal safety and future aspirations.
The discussion also examined the difficulties some girls encounter when living with hostile spouses, relatives or guardians.
Benebo encouraged the students to cultivate patience, humility and diligence, noting that these qualities could help them navigate difficult situations and build a brighter future.
However, she warned that patience and humility should never be interpreted as an obligation to endure violence, abuse or degrading treatment.
She urged girls experiencing hostile or abusive living conditions to seek help from their parents, trusted adults or appropriate support services rather than remain in environments that could expose them to physical or emotional trauma.
“When such happens, please return to your parents and engage in petty trade or learn a skill to support your education rather than stay in a hostile environment,” Benebo stressed.
The programme also underscored the importance of protecting girls from early marriage and other harmful practices that can disrupt their education, compromise their well-being and limit their opportunities in life.
It also reinforced the need for families, schools, communities and relevant organisations to work together to ensure that girls have access to education, vocational training, protection and the support they need to realise their potential.
For SWS, the message was clear: empowering the girl child begins with protecting her rights, investing in her education and equipping her with the confidence and skills to make informed choices about her future.

Stories by Kevin Nengia

Nation

Foundation Unveils Intra-Kalabari Mass Transit Scheme

Published

4 weeks ago

October 16, 2026

The Tide

The Egberipapa Foundation has unveiled a mass transit scheme aimed at easing transportation difficulties and improving connectivity among communities in the three Kalabari local government areas of Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru in Rivers State.
The initiative, established by former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Council, High Chief Sobomabo Jackrich, popularly known as Egberipapa, is designed to make transportation more accessible and affordable for residents across the Kalabari area.
The scheme was launched on Monday, October 12, 2026, and is expected to address longstanding transportation challenges confronting residents, particularly those in riverine and hard-to-reach communities.
Communities expected to benefit from the initiative include Krakrama, Minama, Angulama, Sangama, Omekwe-Tariama and Omekwe-Ama.
The project is expected to ease movement within and beyond the Central Group area, while providing residents with a more convenient means of transportation for their daily activities.
For decades, transportation difficulties have posed significant challenges to several Kalabari communities, making movement between settlements both cumbersome and expensive. These challenges have also affected commercial activities, social interactions and access to essential services.
The introduction of the mass transit scheme is therefore expected to provide relief to residents, strengthen inter-community connections and stimulate economic activities across the benefiting communities.
Beyond improving mobility, the initiative could contribute to community development by facilitating the movement of people and goods, supporting local businesses and enhancing social and economic interactions within the Kalabari area.
As the scheme gets underway, attention will be focused on its implementation, accessibility and sustainability, as well as its capacity to deliver lasting transportation benefits to the target communities.
The initiative represents a potentially significant step towards addressing transportation challenges and promoting grassroots development across the Kalabari Kingdom.