Nation

THE STATES

Published

13 years ago

August 17, 2011

Adamawa

No fewer than 13 families in Shuwa District in the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa, have been displaced by flood, the Sole Administrator of the Development AreaAlhaji Suleiman Duhu has said.

Duhu told the newsmen that several hectares of farmlands had also been destroyed by floods in Mayo-Wandi and Kirchinga Villages, following a heavy down pour last Thursday.

He said that the rain which lasted for about six hours caused the Kwasagama River to burst its banks, submerging houses and farmlands.

Duhu said that the flood destroyed maize, millet and sorghum plantations and washed away part of the Shuwa-Kwirchinga-Tzuyal access road.

He said that most of the displaced families are now residing with their relatives in the area.

The sole administrator said that the development area would monitor the villages, to ascertain.

Bauchi

Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State last Friday swore in 16 commissioners and 20 advisers as members of the state executive council.

The immediate past Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abubakar Faggo, who lost his bid to return to the House in the April general elections, was among the new cabinet members.

Yugudaalso swore in 19 Local Government Caretaker Chairmen, while the 20th person was absent on health ground.

Shortly after the appointees took the oath of office, the governor said that the commissioners and advisers were chosen on merit.

He said that the cabinet members were personally selected by him unlike in the last dispensation when most of the former commissioners and advisers were imposed on him by his political associates.

Ile-Ife

The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu has said that ObafemiAwolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Osun, would soon perform open heart surgery.

Chukwu made the statement during an assessment visit to the hospital preparatory to the inauguration of the Federal Government/VAMED projects in the institution.

The minister said the medical team for the surgery had been trained and nearly all the equipment needed installed.

He also said that DNA analysis could be done by both the OAUTHC and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital and called on Nigerians to make effective use of the facilities instead of going overseas for medical treatment.

Taraba

The PDP in Taraba has called on residents of the state to show understanding on the delay in filling up the ministerial slot meant for the state.

The Chairman of the party in the state, Dr Abdulmumini Vaki, made the call in an interview with a correspondent on Saturday in Jalingo.

Vaki assured that the state would eventually get its slot.

People of the state through their representatives, unanimously rejected the nomination of the immediate former Minister of Water Resources, Mr Obadia Ando, by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Vaki gave an assurance that Gov. Danbaba Suntai and Jonathan were committed to appointing an acceptable person to replace Ando.

The party chairman also debunked rumours making the rounds that plans were on to impeach the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sani Danladi.

“It is baseless. Mind you, the PDP and the state’s assembly are one family.

Jos

Sen. Gyang Dantong has advised Nigerian leaders to emulate Britain’s handling of the London protests to rid the nation of incessant violence.

“Insecurity and crises are worldwide, but what matters is the way we handle such situations,’’ Dantong told newsmen in Jos on Sunday.

“The perpetrators of the London violence have been arrested, tried and sent to prison, unlike in Nigeria where those arrested were usually freed.

“If anyone had said that London will be insecure today, no one would have agreed, but that is the reality.

“So, you can see that the handling of the violence is the difference; In London, hundreds have been arrested, charged to court and jailed; The rioters have been taken off the streets and away from the society.

Kaduna

A cleric of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) Revelation Sanctuary, Barnawa, Kaduna Pastor Chucks Godswill on Sunday urged Nigerian leaders to reposition themselves for selfless service.

Godswill said this while delivering a sermon entitled “Reposition Yourself”, stressing that it aimed at encouraging Nigerians on what seemed hopeless in the nation.

The cleric said that if the leaders repositioned themselves for selfless service, there would be a better Nigeria.

He urged leaders at all levels to work according to what they were called for, stressing that “selfless service

is the only motto to moving the nation forward.’’

Katsina

A 19-year old man, Aminu Usman, was on Friday found dead and hanged on an iron bar in front of the residence of one Alhaji Adis’s in Sha’iskawa quarters in Katsina metropolis.

An eyewitness said that the body of Usman was discovered shortly after the Muslim morning prayers.

The witness said residents of the area were confused as they never heard sounds of struggling from the deceased before his death.

The deceased had taken his pre-dawn meal (Sahur) and washed two sets of clothes few minutes before he was found dead.

The deceased, said to be a secondary school leaver, was described as ‘ ‘quiet’’ and never seen engaged in a fight with anyone.

Kebbi

The coordinator of the Kebbi office of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Alhaji Yahaya Fanna, has alerted the public of the sale of sub-standard tyres and other products in the state.

Fanna, who visited the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in the state,Alhaji Umar Babuga, in Birnin Kebbi, cautioned the public on the purchase of sub-standard products, especially for domestic use.

He solicited the support of the NOA in enlightening the public to be wary of the products they purchased.

He said in addition to sub-standard tyres, torch lights and electric cables were among the sub-standard products sold in the markets.

Lagos

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, has said that 80 babies have been delivered since the 59th Annual Convention of the church began on Monday.

Adeboye, who made the announcement at the Redemption Camp on Saturday, said 37 of the babies were boys while 42 were girls.

The pastor, who expressed happiness over the development, said “the boys are catching up with the girls’’.

Delivering a sermon titled “The seven categories of progress,” the clergyman urged Nigerians to imbibe the virtues of Jesus Christ by submitting to Him.

Maiduguri

Hajiya Nana Shettima, the wife of the Borno State Governor, on Saturday presented food items to members of the Muslim Widows and Orphans Association in Maiduguri.

She donated several bags of rice and sugar.

Speaking at the event, Shettima pointed out that the gesture was in fulfilment of Islamic teachings of assisting the needy, particularly during the Ramadan.

“As a woman I always feel touched when I remember the pains the less-privilege go through trying to get food in the current harsh economic situation in the country.

“I decided to make the presentation during the month because Ramadan is a period of sober reflection, repentance and charity.”

Shettima urged widows and those who were yet to be members of the association to register so they could be eligible to benefit from government’s assistance to the group.

Minna

Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger last Saturday pledged to sustain the state’s polio-free status for the next 10 years.

Speaking during a one-day sensitisation campaign against polio at the palace of the Emir of Minna, Aliyu said the state would strengthen its primary healthcare system to take proactive action on polio eradication and other routine immunisation.

“We must sustain the efforts of the past two years of a zero polio state and ensure that we achieve the total eradication of polio among our citizenry”, he said.

He called on stakeholders to continue to support the effort to sustain the gains already recorded in the fight against polio and sustain the momentum for the next 10 years.

Osogbo

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Friday assumed the portfolio of Commissioner for Works in the state cabinet, while his Deputy Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, took charge of the Ministry of Education.

The governor announced the appointments during the inauguration of a 14-member cabinet in Osogbo.

He urged his colleague commissioners in other ministries to perform their duties well.

Aregbesolaurged the Commissioners to draw inspiration from the late Chief obafemi Awolowo, the Premier of the defunct Western Region, who belived that his cabinet was one that “any head of government in the world will be proud of”.

Quoting Awolowo, the governor said his team was “a well knit, highly disciplined and fanctically loyal team”.

Yola

The Adamawa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ADCCIMA) has declared that Savannah Sugar Company, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, has no case to answer in the compensation dispute between the sugar company and its host community.

Nation

FG Begins Tolling On Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway

Published

7 hours ago

February 5, 2025

The Tide

The Federal Government yesterday began the tolling of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Highway with the inauguration of the Garaku Toll Plaza axis of the road.
Certain categories of vehicles, including security, diplomatic, ambulances and tricycles are, however, exempted from the tolling.
The Tide’s source reports that the road is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project under the aegis of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the corridor as a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria.
According to him, it is essential for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern parts of the country.
Umahi was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.
He recalled that the Federal Government under the previous administration in 2023, executed a 25-year toll of rates concession agreement with MS China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company.
The Minister said that the government rehabilitated and upgraded the roads through the preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank.
He explained that it was agreed, among other things, that the road would be tolled, and maintained by a private party and revenue collected would be used to repay the loan.
“The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi project is the first among the nine corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase 1 to commence operations.
“In the coming months, the Federal Government will continue with the launching and operationalisation of the remaining ones located across the six geopolitical zones of this country.
“This initiative has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, as it gives the Federal Government the opportunity to overcome bad routes,” he said.
Umahi said the collection of tolls would generate the much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of the Renewed Hope Road Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said that the Tinubu administration was committed to building a robust, interconnected infrastructure for socio-economic growth.
“The toll order fee schedule for Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafayette-Makurdi Federal Highway has been designated as follows: cars-N500; SUV Jeep-N800; minibuses N1000, and multi-axle vehicles, trucks and buses N1600.
“However, frequent road users like the commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highways Act, will enjoy a 50 per cent discount.
“Authorised vehicles, pedal vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two or three wheels transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100 per cent discount,” he said.

Nation

Foundation Seeks Community Approach To Tackle Climate Change

Published

7 hours ago

February 5, 2025

The Tide

A non-governmental organisation, Ashoka Ford Foundation, is seeking for a community approach to tackling climate change.
It also needs local engagement in shaping policies that drive environmental sustainability.
The Director of Ashoka Anglophone West Africa, Mrs Josephine Nzerem said this at the Climate Justice Environmental sustainability Committee of Practice organised by the foundation in Port Harcourt.
Nzerem said the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJOP) was an initiative launched in 2024 to foster collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta.
According to her, “This ongoing efforts focus on engaging the Alode Community at Ajuri Palace Water Works Road, Alode, Nchia Eleme, Rivers State to deepen grassroots participation and drive sustainable climate change,” she said.
She further said that the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJCOP) was designed to be a transformative platform where government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector players and educational institutions can create solutions that prioritise climate resilience and equitable environmental policies.
“Ashoka’s approach emphasises grassroots mobilisation and institutional collaboration to ensure inclusive and community driven solutions
The CJCOP will equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for climate justice, build sustainable solution and actively participate in decision making process.
Nzerem also said that climate change also breeds gender-based violence as women and children have become the most vulnerable, and stressed the need for the women to make their voices loud on the issue.
“The intersection of gender-based violence and climate change is often overlooked.Women and youth who are disproportionately affected, struggle to have their voices heard and recognised. Many fear speaking up, yet their own experiences are critical to shaping effective solutions,” and added that achieving true climate justice requires a holistic approach, one that integrates every aspect of life to build a sustainable and equitable future.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has assured of its preparedness to partner with relevant stakeholders to address the issue of climate change in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson said this at the Climate Justice Environmental Sustainability Committee of Practice conference organised by Ashoka Ford Foundation in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner who spoke alongside his Environment counterpart, Tambari Sydney Igbara said the government will not allow the activiaties of the multinational corporations operating in the State to impact negatively on the lives of the people.
He also described the state as very safe for investors, adding that night life has returned to Port Harcourt, the state capital.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, MrTambari Sydney Igbara said the government is happy to see groups such as Ashoka Ford Foundation coming out to educate people about climate change.

He said the doors of the ministry is open to suggestions on how to address the issue of climate change in the state and other environmental issues in the state.

Also speaking the Regional Director Centre For Development Support Initiative (CEDSI) Dr Mina Ogbanga said time has come for community voices to be heard as far as climate change was concerned.

She said this was necessary as the effects of climate change are being felt by communities.

John Bibor

Nation

Okehi Clan Demands Recognition, Upgrade Of Chieftaincy Stool

Published

8 hours ago

February 5, 2025

The Tide

The people of Okehi Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have once again made a passionate appeal to the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to consider recognising and upgrading the highly respected stool of their monarch, Eze Ibezim Eke, Onyerishi Agwuru (IV).
The people made the call during the coronation of Dr Chike Promise as the Chimereugo 1 of Etche land by His Eminence Ochie Emmanuel Opurum, 0nyishi /Ochie of Etcheland.
The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of UmuolaObibi, Prince Udo Njoku, who spoke on behalf of the people, stressed that if the monarch is given government recognition, it would enhance the people’s participation in governance,as they are one of the most peaceful people in the State and have total support for the Governor and the overall development of the State.
Also speaking, the newly crowned Eze of Etcheland, Eze Promise assured his people that he would be a servant leader as he has always been to them.
He used the medium to thank the governor of the state for his development strides in Etcheland, while also promising to work cordially with the state government to maintain peace at all times within his domain.
Eze Promise was well celebrated by his people on his coronation as the community was agog on the day.