Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

December 9, 2013

Ekiti

Sunday Sulaiman, 38, said to offer spiritual protection
to armed robbers, has been arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, told newsmen that Sulaiman was picked up for organising prayer sessions for robbers tormenting residents of Ado-Ekiti.
He accused the suspect of offering spiritual backing to the robbers, who in turn gave him certain percentage of loot they got from each operation.
Sulaiman, a native of Saare in Kwara, was said to arrange “prayer warriors at the Way of Salvation Church Ministry’’ for the suspected robbers.’’

Gombe

The North East governments said they were
committed to the implementation of recommendations of their economic summits held in Bauchi in 2012 and recently in Gombe State.
The governors expressed the commitment when receiving the recommendations of the summits.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, who spoke on behalf of the governors of the six states, said all of them had agreed to implement the recommendations of the summits.
The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, Yobe and Gombe.
“We the governors of the North East sub-region hereby accept all the recommendations of the North East economic summit held in Yankari in 2012 and that of the second summit in Gombe in 2013.

Kaduna

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on
the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ratify its agreement with the Federal Government so as to resume work immediately.
The National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr Anthony Sani, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna .
The ACF said calling off the five-month-old strike would be in the best interest of students, parents and the educational system.
“We wish to call on ASUU to please hasten the completion of the said paper work with a view to calling off the strike forthwith,” it said.

Kebbi

As part of efforts to enhance fish production and
reduce unemployment, the Kebbi State Government says it will construct five pilot fish ponds to train job seekers in small and medium-scale fish farming.
The state Director of Fisheries,Alhaji Mustapha Dole, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, recently.
Dole said the ponds would be located in Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Zuru, Bagudo and Yauri zonal offices.
He said the identified job seekers in the areas would be trained on techniques of producing fish feeds locally.

Lagos

President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN) Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to embrace peace.
Kaigama said in an interview with newsmen that peace could only be achieved through personal orientation and cultivation.
The cleric, who commended the Federal Government on the measures it had taken in curtailing the security challenges in the country, urged Nigerians to always be at peace with themselves and their neighbours.
“Multiplying security agents on the streets can only bring about artificial peace. Even if we supply five soldiers to every family in Nigeria, peace cannot be achieved in total.
Nassarawa

Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says his
administration would implement the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Alakyo killings.
He gave the assurance when he visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Obi, Alhaji Umaru Ogiri, in Obi Local government area of the state.
Al-Makura said that any person found involved in the killings would not be spared.
“I want to appeal to the people of Obi not take judgement into their own hands.
“The judicial commission of inquiry has now completed its proceedings, we are waiting for the outcome of the inquiry and I can assure you that we will implement it,” he said.

Niger

The Niger State government says it has begun the
evacuation of mentally-ill from the streets, to mark the International Day for People with Disability.
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hasana Adamu, said at a media briefing in Minna that 15 of such people had been removed for rehabilitation so far.
She also said that the evacuation of such mentally-challenged persons from the streets would enhance clean environment.
“Last week, we were able to pick 15 mentally-challenged persons from the streets of Minna to our psychiatric home in Bida’’, she said.

Ogun

The General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation,
Mrs Monsurat Agboola, says the corporation has introduced the use of water meters in the state.
Agboola made this known in Abeokuta while defending the corporation’s 2014 budget in the House of Assembly.
She said the corporation had started trial installation of meters to determine the water consumption of some select table and sachet water producers.
She added that the corporation would thereafter move on to installation of prepaid meters designed specifically for the water industry to determine the tariff applicable to them.

Osun

The Chairman, Osun State Technical Committee on
Federal Road Safety Commission, Prof. Joseph Fawole,has advised motorists to cultivate the habit of complying with traffic rules.
Fawole gave the advice in Osogbo during a road show conducted by the committee as part of its awareness campaign to warn motorists against road accidents this festive season.
The committee chairman said motorists should on their own be able to obey the traffic rules and regulations without having to be apprehended by law-enforcement agents.
Plateau

The Plateau State Government has been called upon
to checkmate middlemen who buy rice at very cheap rates and resell to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortage.
The chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RiFAN) in Plateau State, Mr Joshua Bitrus, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
“The middlemen often extort farmers by buying at very cheap rates and reselling to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortages.
“It would be proper to include rice in the state government’s initiative in order to encourage farmers to continue to produce the commodity in large quantity and because of several advantages inherent in it,” he said.
Sokoto

The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Water Resources, Mr Lasun Yusuf, said last Thursday that the Federal Government had spent more than N60 billion on water-related projects across the country this year.
Yusuf said this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto on the sideline of the committee’s oversight visit in the state.
He said about N100 billion was earmarked for constituency projects in 2013, adding that the projects were located in the 360 federal constituencies nationwide.
“These projects include the provisions of motorized boreholes and their accessories, open-dug wells and tube wells, among others.

Zamfara

The Zamfara State Widows Association, says it
would take a legal action against the Hisbah Commission over an alleged meddlesomeness.
The Chairperson of the association, Hajiya Ladidi Lawali, issued the threat when she led members on protest against the commission over its pronouncement at the Emir’s palace in Gusau.
The commission had announced the removal of the founder of the association, Alhaji Sa’idu Koshe, as its leader.
Ladidi alleged that the commission had hijacked the affairs of the association from its founder which she described as injustice.

Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, placing the 2014 Budget proposal before the State House of Assembly in Yola, last Friday.

Nation

RSU, Otonti Nduka Foundation Holds Centenary Conference, Unveil Book on Values in Nigeria

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State University and the Otonti Nduka Foundation for Values Education jointly hosted a two-day National Conference on 8 and 9 May 2026 to examine the state of values in Nigeria.

The two days conference held at Rivers State University convocation arena brought together academics, policymakers, legal experts and education leaders under the theme _“Trends and Challenges in Upholding Values in Nigeria.”_

The gathering focused on policy gaps, curriculum reform, and the role of ethics in public service and education.

The event opened on Friday with remarks from Vice Chancellor Prof. Chief Isaac Zeb-Obipi, who stressed the need to address declining moral and civic values across Nigeria’s education and public sectors. A book of abstracts for the plenary sessions was also presented to participants.

Key speakers included former Attorney General Chief Dr Kanu Agabi, SAN; NERDC Executive Secretary Prof. Shehu Salisu; Prof. Hauwa Imam, FNAE, of the University of Abuja; former Rivers SUBEB Chairman Ven Dr Fyneface Akah, ; former NIMASA DG Dr Hon. Dakuku Adol-Peterside; and RSU Director of ICT Prof. Sunny Orike.

Discussions centered on integrating values education into schools, tertiary institutions and public institutions, alongside the impact of technology on moral development among young Nigerians. Panel and plenary sessions produced practical recommendations for curriculum and policy reform.

On Saturday, the foundation marked its centenary with the unveiling of the book _Otonti Nduka in History_, launched by Chief Engr. Grant Offor, FNSE. The Nigerian Academy of Education held a ceremonial procession led by its President Prof. Olu Jegede and the Ikwerre Professors Forum.

In a communiqué, participants called for stronger collaboration between government, civil society and academia to mainstream values education nationwide. They recommended reviewing teacher training curricula and expanding digital platforms to promote ethical civic engagement, with the foundation pledging to share the outcomes with education authorities for implementation.

Dignitaries present included Ogbakor Ikwerre Worldwide as Chief Host, Prof. Emeritus Chief T. Uzodimma Nwala, the Ikenga 1 of Mbaise and first philosophy student of Prof. Otonti Nduka, alongside scholars and community leaders.

Amadi Akujobi

Nation

Shell, MAN Back Rivers’ Drive for Expanded Gas Supply to Industries

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.

The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.

According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.

He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.

“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.

Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.

He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.

Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.

Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.

He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.

According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.

Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.

He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.

The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.

Chairman of MAN, Rivers and Bayelsa Branch, Elder Vincent Okuku, described gas as indispensable to industrial operations, noting that many manufacturers continue to struggle with the high cost of alternative energy sources.

Similarly, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Chinyere Ngozi Nwoga, said the transition to natural gas had become increasingly necessary for businesses seeking stable and cost-efficient operations.

“Pipeline natural gas provides a more cost-effective and reliable source of energy for industries,” she stated.

Also speaking, former Chairman of MAN in Rivers and Bayelsa States, Mrs. Emilia Akpan, stressed the need to align energy infrastructure development with investment in human capacity.

She maintained that rebuilding the state’s economy would require not only reliable energy supply but also the development of technical skills needed to support long-term industrial growth.

By Kevin Nengia

Nation

City Boy Movement Hails Onyesoh’s APC Primary Win

Published

2 days ago

May 18, 2026

The Tide

The City Boy Movement in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state has commended Senator Allwell Onyesoh on his victory in the APC primary election for Rivers East Senatorial District.

Chairman of the group in Etche, Dr. Fortune Uchenna Obi, spoke to journalists in Okehi Ward after participating in Monday’s direct primary. He described Onyesoh’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2027 senatorial election as a reflection of the people’s will.

Dr. Obi said the senator has performed well during his first term and deserves re-election. He also thanked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, leader of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Rainbow Coalition in Rivers State, for supporting Onyesoh’s candidacy. According to him, Wike’s backing was instrumental to the senator’s nomination, clearance, and victory at the primary.

He further praised voters in Etche and across Rivers East for turning out in large numbers at ward centers and urged them to sustain the support to ensure Onyesoh’s success in the January 2027 general election.