Nation

THE STATES

Published

14 years ago

August 1, 2012

Adamawa

The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has reiterated his commitment to leaving a legacy by transforming the party.

Speaking to newsmen in Yola, Tukur said his programme of action included reconciliation, reformation and rehabilitation of the party based on equity and justice.

“I am one of those who founded the party and because of that, I felt I should come when the opportunity permits to show interest in leading the party, which I did. I am not in the job for the name or riches. For me, it is pay back, pure and simple.”

Tukur also replied people who said he was too old for the position, noting that what mattered was not years but having the ideas and ability to lead and deliver.

Bauchi

Barely 48 hours after three police officers were ambushed and killed by unknown gunmen along Bauchi-Gombe road, another police officer has been assassinated at his residence in Bauchi.

The deceased, Abdullahi Shehu, former ADC to the former Deputy Governor of the state, Abdulmalik Ibrahim, met his untimely death on Friday night when unknown gunmen invaded his Zango residence in Bauchi metropolis.

A family source said that the gunmen arrived at the residence of the deceased on a motorcycle at about 8.45 p.m. when he was having the Ramadan evening meal with some friends and relations.

The source said that one of the gunmen asked the gathering who among them was called Abdullahi, adding that the deceased then stood up to identify himself and was shot by one of the assailants. The family source added that the deceased had been buried in accordance with Islamic rite.

Benue

Chief Terkula Suswam, Managing Director, Ashitech Resource Ltd, has called on the Federal Government to map out grazing areas and animal tracks in all the states of the federation.

Suswam who made the call in Makurdi, said that if grazing areas and animal tracks were mapped out, it would go a long way in curtailing the incessant crises between herdsmen and farmers.

He urged the state government to set up committees to urgently wade into the lingering crisis between Fulaniherdsmen and Tiv farmers on one hand and the herdsmen and the Idoma farmers on the other hand.

He appealed to both the Nasarawa and Benue State Governments to beef up security in the areas that were prone to attack and implored the public to support any move by the states or Federal Government to restore peace in crises-ridden areas.

Kaduna

Kaduna State Governor Patrick Yakowa on Saturday stressed the need for Muslims to uphold family values as a panacea for peaceful coexistence.

Yokowa said this in Kaduna at the seventh Ramadan lecture organised by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). The governor, represented by his Deputy Dr Ramalan Yero, his deputy, observed that family values had been relegated to the background, partly resulting in youth restiveness.

Yakowa said parents should shape the society through proper moulding of their children. He urged the Muslim community to preach for the rekindling of family values, stressing that such would go a long way to curb youth restiveness in the society.

Malam Umar Paiko, the guest speaker, spoke on the need for the Muslim Umah to embrace charity as an important virtue, urged Muslims to sustain the lessons learnt during the fasting period. He called for increased prayers for the nation.

Kano

An environmental expert, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, has stressed the need for the residents of Kano State to ensure cleanliness of the state to guarantee good health.

Mohammed, who gave the advice in Kano in an interview said that the frequency of diseases in the state was due to unhygienic environment, adding that the best way of preventing disease was through the maintenance of good hygiene.

Mohammed, however, commended the state governor for improving the sanitary condition of the state and sustaining the monthly sanitation.

“I am appealing to government agencies, stakeholders and non-governmental organisations to sensitise the public on the dangers and importance of clean environment,’’ he said.

Katsina

The Independent National Election Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over “some irregularities’’ during the conduct of the bye-election into the state assembly in Dutsi Local Government, Katsina State.

The INEC National Commissioner, Amb. Ahmad Wali, expressed the concern in Dutsi while monitoring the exercise in the area.

“I went round and met many electorates in an orderly manner at their polling units; unfortunately, there are many cases of snatching of ballot papers and boxes in some polling units; it is unfortunate. “Polling units, where ballot papers or boxes were snatched will be cancelled,’’ he said.

He said that though it might be painful to realise that results in some polling units were cancelled, voters must learn to protect their votes in future elections in the area.

Kogi

Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has assured rural dwellers in the state of 24-hour qualitative and efficient health care delivery system as part of his transformation programme for the health sector.

Wada gave the assurance at Okpo, Olamaboro Local Government at a one-day free medical treatment organised by the state branch of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) for rural communities in the three senatorial districts of the state.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Yomi Awoniyi, said his vision for rural dwellers was one that would enable them to have 24-hour access to medical services in all cottage and general hospitals across the state.

He said that the state would employ adequate medical personnel and provide quality facilities in the hospitals as he called for inputs from the NMA on ways to improve health care delivery in the rural areas.

Kwara

Forty nine people were last Saturday prosecuted in Ilorin for violating the Kwara State environmental law. The culprits included housewives and students arrested at different parts of the state capital during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Some of those arrested were found roaming the streets, while some were playing football on the streets, during the exercise.

The presiding Judges of the two sanitation mobile courts, Mr. Kayode Oni and Alhaji Abdulhamad Yussuf, decried the high number of people prosecuted during the exercise.

They attributed the situation to lukewarm attitude to the scheme by some residents, coupled with lack of awareness about the monthly exercise.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Forestry, Chief Sanumal Bamisaiye, urged the people of the state to imbibe the culture of hygiene in order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Lagos

General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of

God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has mandated all provinces of the Church to impact their host communities not only spiritually but also with visible development projects.

Pastor Joseph Obayemi, Special Adviser to the General Overseer, said this last Sunday in Lagos at the commissioning of various projects to mark the 60th Annual Convention of the Church.

Obayemi explained that the projects, ranging from construction of boreholes and a maternity, renovation of existing schools and building new ones in the community, were part of the corporate social responsibilities of the RCCG.

Niger

A member representing Bida/South in Niger State House of Assembly, Malam Bala Faruq, has donated assorted grains worth over N10 million to his constituency.

The lawmaker said shortly after distributing the food items in Bida, that the gesture was aimed at cushioning the effect of fasting on his people.

He said that 1,200 bags of rice, 200 bags of millet, 100 bags of beans, 200 bags of sugar as well as 150 cartons of milk were distributed to the people.

“Things are really bad now, poverty is biting harder now, and I want to ensure that my people do the fasting with ease,’’ he said.

Faruq appealed to the beneficiaries to use the grains and provisions judiciously, and admonished them to worship Allah and pray fervently during the holy month of Ramadan for Nigeria to be peaceful and united.

Ogun

The Ogun State Government has appointed Prof. Saburi Adesanya as the acting Vice Chancellor of the state-owned university, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye Adesanya was the former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin) Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu, announced the appointment in Abeokuta in a press statement.

In the statement, Olaniyonu also announced the appointment of Mrs Omolara Osunsanya as the acting Registrar of the university. According to the statement, both appointments are with immediate effect.

Prof. Wale Olaitan and Mr Femi Oyewole, the former vice chancellor and registrar of the university were on Friday ordered to proceed on compulsory leave by the governing council of the institution.

Oyo

A medical consultant at Giwa Memorial Hospital, Ibadan Dr Gbenga Durojaiye,has urged Muslim smokers to use the opportunity of the Ramadan to quit the habit.

He warned those who smoked while breaking their fast (Iftar) that the first smoke inhaled immediately after ending the fast could be dangerous considering the state of the body at the time.

Speaking in Ibadan, Dr Durojaiye said that smoking could be dangerous for a fasting person whose body was trying to recoup after abstaining from water and food for so long.

“Smoking is the worst thing a person can do to his body, especially at iftar in Ramadan. “Those who do so and escape the risks involved must consider themselves lucky if they do not contract serious cardiovascular problem during this period,’’ he said.

Taraba

The Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba State, has approved the remittance of three per cent of the total monthly subvention of councils in the state to the Taraba University.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Yahaya said this while speaking with newsmen in Jalingo.

He said that, the institution would use the funds in staff recruitment and developing infra-structure. “Initially, we demanded for five per cent remittance but the bureau insisted that our demand was practically impossible.

“We will make judicious use of the three percent in developing our young institution.”

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.