Nation

THE STATES

Published

15 years ago

October 6, 2010

Adamawa

Mr Kassim Gaidam, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Adamawa, has urged Nigerians to work toward achieving fair and credible elections in the 2011 general elections.

Gaidam made the statement in Yola last week at the maiden zonal interactive meeting between INEC and leaders of political parties in Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba States.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner said that the onerous task of achieving a transparent election should not be left alone for officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He tasked political parties to field credible candidates so that the nation’s drive toward a crisis-free electoral exercise would be realisable.

The REC reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensure that votes are counted in 2011 and future elections.

Bauchi

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has urged Nigerians to work towards the realisation of the dreams of heroes of the country’s nationalists.

This they could do by shunning “mistrust and divisive tendencies’’ in order to move the country to greatness.

Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, NIPR’s National President, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi last week as part of Nigeria’s Golden Jubilee.

“It is our ardent prayer that Nigeria will move from a theatre of mistrust to a circle of faith and ultimate renewal on the premise of shared responsibility.

“What we need now is the building and promotion of patriotic leadership capable of removing all negative barriers in our relationship with one another to enable the opening of new pages through dialogue and consensus-building to arrive at our desired destination.

Benue

Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue in Makurdi last week reiterated the need for peace and harmony during and after the 2011 general elections.

Suswan, who made this known at Nigeria’s 50th independence anniversary celebration, appealed to the youths to shun all the temptation to indulge in thuggery.

“The success or failure of our democratic enterprise as a nation will be defined by how well we conduct ourselves before, during and after the forthcoming elections in 2011,” he said.

“Our youths must rise up to reject those who would want to use them to foment trouble.

“Our younger ones should ask those intending to use and dump them to instead engage their own children.”

Ekiti

Nigerians have been urged to support the government in the spirit of Nigeria’s independence anniversary, by training the less-privileged and indigent children in the country.

The Chief Executive of Fili Foundation, an NGO, Chief Abiodun Ajayi, told newsmen last Sunday in Ekiti, that less-privileged citizens should be sponsored to schools.

He said that some great talents could be found in these children, if given the opportunity to go to school.

“The biggest support we can give to the less-privileged and brilliant children, who come from genuine poor homes is to train them,’’ he said.

FCT

The Peers Mentoring Programme (PMP), Nigeria and Peers Mentoring Programme International, in collaboration with the NEPAD Business Group, have inaugurated a development fund to help informal sector businesses in Nigeria.

Dr Robert Aniebo, Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Business Group, Nigeria, told newsmen in Abuja last Sunday that the collaboration would help to improve the economy.

“This fund will help to employ and coach at least one million mentors to sensitise, mobilise and formalise at least 1,000,000 informal sector businesses in Nigeria,’’ he said.

He said Nigerians should take full advantage of the initiative and create awareness among peers and peer groups, particularly at the grassroots.

Kwara

The PDP in Kwara has announced the suspension of its Assistant Publicity Secretary, Hajia Aishat Ibraheem, over alleged anti-party activities.

The suspension of Ibraheem came as another group, identifying itself as Concerned Kwara PDP Elders Forum called on the party’s National Secretariat to dissolve the state’s executive of the party over various allegations.

A statement made available to newsmen last Sunday in Ilorin by the forum, called for dissolution of the state’s executive of the party for flouting the directive of the National Secretariat on new membership and list of delegates.

Lagos

Director of Research, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, says external borrowing must be conducted under strictest statutory framework and with careful discipline.

Owasanoye made the statement while delivering a lecture entitled; “Law and Nigeria’s External Borrowing: Diagnosing the Past, Prognosing the Future” last week in Lagos.

“External debt is a hindrance to development and economic delivery,” he said

He attributed Nigeria’s past history of recklessness and unbridled external borrowing to corruption and absence of clear statutory and constitutional framework.

“The constitution says nothing of internal or external borrowing. It says nothing of the purpose, process or the authority,” he said.

Oyo

Activities marking Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary came to a climax last week in Ibadan as primary and secondary school students marched past Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State at the saluting dais.

The governor had earlier inspected a guard of honour mounted by the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary outfits.

Masquerades, traditional dancers, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Boys’ Scout, teachers and other groups also participated in the march past.

Highlights of the ceremony were the cutting of the anniversary cake and the inauguration of a new anthem for the state.

Plateau

Gov. Jonah Jang of Plateau last week pardoned 10 convicts as part of activities marking the golden jubilee celebration of the nation’s independence.

Four of the 10 convicts were granted unconditional release, three are to be given option of fines, while the others had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.

Jang, who spoke after a march past at the Jos polo ground, said he took the decision after consultation with the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy.

He challenged those who regained their freedom to reciprocate the gesture by conducting themselves responsibly and avoiding a repeat of the mistake.

“We have suffered wars and communal clashes; we have witnessed bloody change of power; we have held several constitutional conferences,’’ the governor lamented.

Sokoto

Alhaji Ibrahim Gobir, a PDP senatorial aspirant for Sokoto East Senatorial District, has pledged to build “a standard international market’’ at Illela, if elected.

Gobir told newsmen in Sokoto last Sunday that the market would boost economic activities in the sub-region in particular and the continent at large.

He said the market would serve as a trade zone among Niger Republic, Mali and other African countries.

Gobir promised to introduce legislation that would enhance the living condition of the people if given the opportunity to be in the Senate.

Zamfara

PDP presidential aspirant, Dr Bukola Saraki, has said that only generational change in leadership can turn around the fortunes of Nigeria for the desired national development.

Saraki, who made the statement in Gusau last week during a campaign tour of Zamfara, said: “Nigeria needs young and energetic leaders who can turn around the fortunes of the country for speedy development.

“It is time we made Nigeria work and this can only be possible if we elect leaders that can drive the country in the right direction.”

Saraki said his efforts at transforming Kwara from an economy largely dependent on federal revenue allocation to agriculture-driven one and independent generation of electricity for economic growth were some of his pragmatic approach to leadership.

Nation

PH based Ibadan indigenes vow commitment To Rules of law

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

Indigenes of Ibadan residing in Port Harcourt under the aegis of Oluyole progressive Union have vowed to remain law-abiding and support government efforts towards the development of the state.

The Association said this during its 30th anniversary in Port Harcourt.

President of the Association , Pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel said members of the Association have never been indicted for any criminal activities in the state, stressing that they are ready to work and support the government towards the development of the state if given the opportunity.

He listed some achievements of the association within the last 30 years to include, promoting unity among its members , encouraging members development efforts , while over 24 plots of land have been acquired by the association in Ibadan Oyo state for onward distribution to members.

Emmanuel said the anniversary was not only to thank God for the continuous existence of the group, but recognize some individuals who have contributed towards its growth and sustenance.

Meanwhile in an address, the Public Relations Officer of the Association Mr Abdulganiyu Abdulwaheed said Oluyole progressive Union was borned out of the need to unite the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes resident in Port Harcourt city and environs.

“When we saw the growing numbers of Ibadan indigenes residing in Port Harcourt,it was felt that a need existed for this wards to come together and know each other, but more importantly to see if we can collectively and work together as brothers and sisters”

Abdulwaheed use the occasion to pay glowing tributes to the founding fathers of the club, some of who are late and mentioned their names as, late Pa,R. A. Arulogun, late Alhaja Hamzat Olalekan, High Chief Kola Babalola (SAN), late Ismail Onifade Sonbe and Elder Biodun Popoola who is alive.

Also some of the founding members according to him, are,Mr Sikiru Fakunle,Akeem Azeez Oyeranmi who is l and Adedeji Taofeek who is late.

Also are,Mr Mansur Adegoke amongst other

He also listed past and present presidents of the club as ,Mr Fakunle O Sikiru, Oyeranmi Azeez,Adekunle Hakeem,Mr Popoola M Taiwo , Alhaji Rasheed A Olawoore ,Olubadan Rasheed and pastor Oyedeji Emmanuel Kamaru the current president of the club.

Some of those who spoke to newsmen including Alhaji Moshood Ola Ogundijo,Engr Abiodun Popoola, Fakunle Sikiru,Taye Popoola, Alhaji Rasheed Olawore and Deacon Sunday Ezekiel Atoyebi thanked the members for sustaining the club in the last 30 years.

They prayed for the continuous unity of members, while also calling on them to avoid anything that will put the association in disrepute.

High point of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving members of the club as well as others who contributed to the development of the club and the launching of the club’s almanac.

By: John Bibor

Nation

LECAN Plans Free Electrical Installation Training Program in Rivers, Honors Veterans

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Licenced Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria, (LECAN) Rivers State chapter has announced its preparedness to organize free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State in 2026 as part of its social responsibility policy and commitment to grooming professionals in the electricity industry.

Chairman of LECAN in Rivers State, Engr Lekia Emmanuel who disclosed this during a special end of year event of the association held in Port Harcourt on Thursday, said the move was aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring sanity in the energy sector.

He explained that the training will be conducted under the supervision and certification of, Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, the parent and regulatory body of LECAN.

Engr Lekia Emmanuel further hinted that the association will embark on intensive sensitization of the public on safety standards and enforcements through the mass media while strengthening stakeholders collaboration.

He explained that, ” We in LECAN has resolved to promote professionalism in the electricity sector by carrying out free electrical installation training for youths in Rivers State, this will enable young Nigerians to develop great potentials in this important sector of the Nigeria economy.”

“It will also help in checking the infiltration of quacks, we’ll also engage critical stakeholders to enhance safety standards and enforcement in the electricity related activities and contracts.”

The association also used the event to honor veterans and other personalities that have contributed immensely to the development of the association with Excellence Service Awards.

These include; Engr Jamila Yusuf, Area Inspecting Engineer, Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office, Elder Igwe Worli, Patron, Chief Afuedeli Moses, LECAN Zonal Coordinator, Mr Friday Deetam Kor, Comrade Valentine Nwigwe, Elder Mission Saagbara and Mr Austine Obilor.

In her remarks, the Area Inspecting Engineer Port Harcourt Inspectorate Field office of NEMSA, who was represented by Engr Josephine Ekpo commended LECAN for its commitment to safety standards and professionalism and assured a robust collaboration with the association.

On his part, the Secretary of Rivers State chapter of LECAN, Engr Nornubari Kor expressed gratitude to God for making the association to carry through the 2025 fiscal year with remarkable achievements.

He urged members of the LECAN to key into the activities of the association in 2026 with renewed zeal and deep sense of commitments to achieve desired objectives.

Nation

Alliance Française PH, FIGN, Nexal Move To Eradicate GBV

Published

6 days ago

December 8, 2025

The Tide

The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”

The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.

The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.

The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.

The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.

According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.

“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said

She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.

The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.

“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.

Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”

However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.

Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.