Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

June 21, 2012

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Parah Bawa, has applauded the 16-year jail term passed on six drug dealers in Bauchi State.

He said that the sentence was against the usual two-year jail terms handed to drugs barons in the state, adding that the sudden change did not come as a surprise as the Act establishing NDLEA recommended lengthy jail terms for such offenders.

“It is not new, as a matter of fact the NDLEA Act recommends jail terms of up to 25 years. “But most of the times, it depends on the discretions of the judge and the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. “So the judges, most of the times, use this one to pass their judgments; so it is still below the recommended standard or law, it can be up to a minimum of 25 years.

“I think it only agrees with the clamour by the agency for this type of terms; the chairman of the agency will be very happy about this; he has been emphasising the need for long jail terms to be given. “Specifically, he was saying if they could make it a minimum of 15 years, it will serve as a lesson to others”, Bawa added.

“If you sentence somebody to 15 years imprisonment, by the time he finishes his term and comes out, his mates who are doing legitimate businesses would have gone very far, and there is no way he will be able to catch up with them. “The 15 years is what we want and we are happy about it and if all other courts can make it a standard, other people will actually learn their lesson”, he concluded.

Benue

The Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, Mr Solomon Wombo, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.

Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with newsmen.

He said the bureau was collaborating with the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.

The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were development-oriented.

Wombo said the focus of the local government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.

“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled

toward development projects.

“I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.

Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.

FCT

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has called for collaboration among all levels of government and various stakeholders in the task of guiding youths for national development.

Kwankwaso said this on Saturday in Abuja, at the launch of a book entitled “Soccer in Africa“written by Abdulwaheed Adebiyi

. Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, noted that youth constituted 70 per cent of the country’s population, hence they must be properly guided to develop the country.

He said that the Kano State Government was promoting youth development by creating a friendly environment for them to thrive.

“The government has established three football making machines which are producing footballs for youths and secondary school students who are interested in football.“

He noted with delight that some youths playing in clubs initiated by the government had been signed on by clubs outside the country.

He commended the author for publishing the book and assured him of the government’s support.

Kaduna

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission Areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.

Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in pre-deployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.

According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.

“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.

“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.

“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.

“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security.

Katsina

The Katsina State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged butcher, Ahmed Ubale-Mainama, for allegedly setting ablaze the Funtua Upper Shari’ah Court on Thursday.

DSP Yusuf Wasi’u, the Command’s Spokesman, who confirmed the arrest to the newsmen, said that investigation was in progress.

He said the suspect would soon be charged to court for criminal assault and destruction of government property.

Our correspondent who was at the scene, reports that the fire destroyed the Judge’s chamber and Registrar’s office while documents were burnt.

Also reports that part of the court hall was burnt leading to disruption in the activities of the court.

The incident has forced the Judge, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Dayi, to entertain guests at his clerk’s office.

An eye witness, Malam Shuaibu Garba, told newsmen that he met Ubale-Mainama at the premises after he set the court ablaze and did not run away until policemen came and arrested him.

Kwara

Worried by the spate of encroachment on land belonging to public schools, the Kwara State Assembly has urged the state government to find a permanent solution to the menace.

The Assembly in a motion entitled, “Encroachment into our Public Schools,’’ observed that schools were expected to be located in a conducive environment.

The motion was moved by Mr Suleman Sunaboro, the Chairman, House Committee on Education.

“ Schools are expected to be located in a conducive and serene environment suitable for teaching and learning with specific boundary.

“But it is alarming and disturbing to note that residential and public buildings and in some cases, markets are located within the premises of public schools,’’ he said.

Kebbi

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.

The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.

Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.

Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.

Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested a middle-aged man whose gang has been terrorising members of the public with toy gun in Ikeja area of Lagos.

The Lagos Police Spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Braide, told newsmen on Saturday, that the suspect was arrested on Thursday.

He said the suspect and others now at large, attempted to carry out their criminal activities at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Market, Alausa, when a team of police men who had been on their trail, arrested the suspect.

“They attempted to use the toy gun on the operators of a business centre at POWA market.

Nasarawa

The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa State.

The bank’s regional head, Mr John Idoko, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka.

He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token, noting that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state.

He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility, adding that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that “the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis”.

Osun

The Police last Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged impersonation and fraud.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance.

According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety.

The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum.

Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs.

Zamfara

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara on Sunday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council poll slated for Saturday.

This is however on the condition ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”

The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.

“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”

Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.

He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”

He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.

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.