Nation

THE STATES

Published

12 years ago

October 13, 2014

Borno

The Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Suleiman
Abba, said last Wednesday that the Borno Government had donated 40 operation vehicles to the police.
Abba disclosed this while addressing officers and men of the Borno Police Command during an official visit to Maiduguri.
He said that the donation was part of the ongoing Police Reform Programme of the Federal Government to transform the Police Force for better performance.

Ekiti
Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami
Abubakar, last Wednesday, said that the myriad of challenges currently facing Nigeria was of serious concern to him.
Abubakar made the assertion at the inauguration of some projects at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).
He said “as someone who was privileged to survive the civil war, and later returned the country to democracy, I am troubled by the challenges currently confronting our country.’’
He added that while the military onslaught against Boko Haram was good, “such war would be better complemented with negotiations.’’

Gombe

No fewer than 20 people sustained degree of
injuries in four road accidents recorded in Gombe State during the last Eid-el-Kabir period.
Mr Ayobami Omiyale, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state, disclosed this in an interviews with newsmen in Gombe.
Omiyale also said that the commission had impounded 73 vehicles for traffic offences during the period.
He advised motorists to be patient, avoid over-loading and speeding.
The sector commander also advised motorists not to go beyound 80 kilometres per hour on highways due to bad portions on some of the roads.
He urged the youth to always obey traffic rules and regulations and avoid the use of mobile phones while driving.
Lagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos last Thursday
fixed Oct. 29 to hear a committal proceeding filed by some pensioners against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), over disobedience of judgment.
The plaintiffs — Messrs James Jemilo, Thompson Edun, Jacob Amao, and Joachim Ajala – had filed the substantive suit for themselves and on behalf of all CBN pensioners, on May 6, 1999.
The suit was to compel the CBN to comply with the Federal Government’s directive on pension harmonisation.
Officials of the bank charged with contempt are: Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Alhaji Suleiman Barau; Director Human Resources, Ms Chizoba Mojekwu; and Director of Legal Services, Mr Simon Onekutu.
Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has
warned its staff against acts of indiscipline, absenteeism, abscondment or lateness to work.
The Registrar of the university, Alhaji Dalhatu Mamman, told newsmen in Keffi that the warning was issued to improve productivity and development in the institution.
“The institution will not and will never tolerate any act of absenteeism, lateness to duties and will sanction any truant staff who want to sabotage the good efforts of the management of the university and that of the State Government,” Mamman said.
The registrar said that the institution would not watch some staff sabotage the development goals of the institution and damage the image of the state government.
Niger

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Niger
state is collaborating with the state chapter of Nigerian Optometric Association to sensitise commercial drivers in Minna on their eye-sights.
The FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Ogochukwu Ugboma, who made the plan known during an enlightenment campaign in Minna, said the measure was aimed at reducing road accidents.
“Apart from using the ‘World Sight Day’ to sensitise the drivers on their eye-sight, we normally go to the motor packs every morning to enlighten them on other road safety issues before they set out on their journey.
“The mandate of the corps is to ensure that road traffic crashes are reduced to the barest minimum on our roads,’’ he said.

Ogun

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court yesterday re
manded a teenager, Hassan Muize, 19, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing a man to death, and injuring another.
The accused, whose plea was not taken, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, murder, attempted murder and belonging to secret cult.
The magistrate, Mr Martins Akinyemi, ordered the remand of the accused in Oba Prison, pending the advice of Director of Public Prosecution.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Moshood Hammed, said that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 23 at about 10.00 a.m. at Igbore in Abeokuta.

Ondo

An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court has remanded
a 25-year-old man, Kabiru Alabara, at Olokuta Prison over the alleged killing of a seven-year-old boy, Lucky Ezekiel.
The police prosecutor, ASP Isah Atanegbe, told the court that the accused killed the victim on Sept. 25 at about 11:30 p.m. at Camp 1, Ofosu Area of Idanre, Ondo State.
Atanegbe alleged that the accused killed the victim by hitting him with an object on the head and both arms, adding that this later resulted in his death.
According to the prosecutor, the offence is contrary to section 316 and punishable under section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Plateau

A PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Plateau, Mr
Geofrey Miri, has pledged to guard against misappropriation of funds meant for local governments in the state, if voted into office in 2015.
The aspirant made the pledge yesterday Thursday in Pankshin during a courtesy call on the Chairman of Pankshin Local Government, Mr Samuel Goar.
He said the visit was to notify the chairman of his ambition to contest the governorship seat of the state and seek to his prayer and support.
“I came out to contest the exalted seat of this our dear state, Plateau, to bring about total and positive change in all sectors of the state.
“I want to assure you sir, that the custom of fiddling with funds meant for you people in the local governments will stop forthwith, if I am voted, “ he said.

Sokoto

Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has
approved the appointment of a 13-man committee to organise reception for the state pilgrims returning from the Haj in Saudi Arabia.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the state government, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, in Sokoto yesterday.
The statement said that the committee has the Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Isa Bajini as its Chairman, while Murdasi Buwai, Director of Administration, state Roads Maintenance Agency is its Secretary.
The committee also has two prominent journalists, Hajiya Halima Sarkin-Tudu, General Manager, State Radio and Alhaji Yahuza Anka, a Retired Editor of the State’s Newspaper Company, among its members.

Nation

REAN, SON synergise to curb fake renewable energy product

Published

1 week 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 week 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 week 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.