Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Dr. Abdul Solihu, Lecturer, Department of General Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, on Saturday warned Nigerians against actions that could cause natural disasters.Dr. Abdul Solihu, Lecturer, Department of General Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia, on Saturday warned Nigerians against actions that could cause natural disasters.
Solihu gave the warning in a lecture at the First International Lecture Series, jointly organised by two non-governmental Islamic groups, The Companion and The Criterion in Abuja. Solihu gave the warning in a lecture at the First International Lecture Series, jointly organised by two non-governmental Islamic groups, The Companion and The Criterion in Abuja.
The lecturer, who decried the alarming rate of natural disasters worldwide, said most of the disasters experienced were caused by human activities.The lecturer, who decried the alarming rate of natural disasters worldwide, said most of the disasters experienced were caused by human activities.
Adamawa
The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo, has called for agriculture to be given a “pride of place” in the country.
The Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo, has called for agriculture to be given a prideofplace in the country.
Barkindo made the call when he was presented with the staff of office as the 12th Lamido of Adamawa on Saturday. Barkindo made the call when he was presented with the staff of office as the 12th Lamido of Adamawa on Saturday.
“We must ensure that we banish hunger and poverty from our midst and give all our people the life, dignity and prosperity which they so rightly deserve,” Barkindo said.
Bauchi
Tafawa Balewa (Bauchi), June 19, 2010 (NAN)Rep. Dogara Yakubu, from Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa Constituency, on Saturday began the vaccination of over 50,000 cattle against various diseases in the areas. Tafawa Balewa (Bauchi), June 19, 2010 (NAN)Rep. Dogara Yakubu, from Bogoro, Dass and Tafawa Balewa Constituency, on Saturday began the vaccination of over 50,000 cattle against various diseases in the areas.
Performing the exercise in Ternam village of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Yakubu said the exercise was to ensure that the Fulani electorate reaped dividends of democracy. Performing the exercise in Ternam village of Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi state, Yakubu said the exercise was to ensure that the Fulani electorate reaped dividends of democracy.
The lawmaker explained that the exercise would be done across the three local government areas of the constituency.The lawmaker explained that the exercise would be done across the three local government areas of the constituency.
Kaduna
Doctors and stakeholders in Kaduna on Saturday called for efforts to reduce cases of sickle cell anaemia in the country. Doctors and stakeholders in Kaduna on Saturday called for efforts to reduce cases of sickle cell anaemia in the country.
An NGO, Sickle Cell Patient Health Promoting Centre, doctors and other stakeholders made the call at a rally to mark the second World Sickle Cell Day. An NGO, Sickle Cell Patient Health Promoting Centre, doctors and other stakeholders made the call at a rally to mark the second World Sickle Cell Day.
Dr Amina Mohammed, a physician and consultant in Kaduna, said sickle cell was as a result of the gene present in a child. Dr Amina Mohammed, a physician and consultant in Kaduna, said sickle cell was as result of the gene present in a child.
Lagos
The re-branded Air Nigeria Airline will resume flight operations to Benin and Owerri airports in July, a statement said. The re-branded Air Nigeria Airline will resume flight operations to Benin and Owerri airports in July, a statement said.
The statement, issued by the airline’s spokesman, Francis Aiyigbe in Lagos on Friday, said the resumption of operations to the airports was in line with the company’s new vision to connect every major city on its route.The statement, issued by the airline’s spokesman, Francis Aiyigbe in Lagos on Friday, said the resumption of operations to the airports was in line with the company’s new vision to connect every major city on its route.
Nasarawa
The National Population Commission (NPC), has called on Nigerians to use the opportunity of the commission’s Birth Registration Pilot Programme to register their wards and acquire birth certificates. The National Population Commission (NPC), has called on Nigerians to use the opportunity of the commission’s Birth Registration Pilot Programme to register their wards and acquire birth certificates.
Alhaji Sama’illa Makama, Chairman of the Commission, made the call during a supervisory visit to Birth Registration Centres in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, on Saturday. Alhaji Sama’illa Makama, Chairman of the Commission, made the call during a supervisory visit to Birth Registration Centres in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa state, on Saturday.
Niger
Two youths, Mohammed Ahmed and Yusuf Shu’aibu, were on Friday arraigned at a Minna Magistrate Court for allegedly robbing a motorcyclist, Danladi Zarki. Two youths, Mohammed Ahmed and Yusuf Shu’aibu, were on Friday arraigned at a Minna Magistrate Court for allegedly robbing a motorcyclist, Danladi Zarki.
The prosecutor, Tanimu Bako, told the court that Zarki reported the incident on June 13about 7pm at Lapai police station.The prosecutor, Tanimu Bako, told the court that Zarki reported the incident on June 13about 7pm at Lapai police station.
Bako told the court that the suspects allegedly beat up the complainant with a cutlass and a stick during the attack.Bako told the court that the suspects allegedly beat up the complainant with a cutlass and a stick during the attack.
He said the complainant also alleged that the suspects dispossessed him of his motorcycle, valued at 100,000, a Nokia handset, valued at N5,000 and N2,000 cash. He said the complainant also alleged that the suspects dispossessed him of his motorcycle, valued at 100,000, a Nokia handset, valued at N5,000 and N2,000 cash.
Ondo
The Ondo State government spent N1 billion to provide infrastructures in rural communities, the Commissioner for Community Development and Co-operative Services, Mr Clement Faboyede, has said.The Ondo State government spent N1 billion to provide infrastructures in rural communities, the Commissioner for Community Development and Co-operative Services, Mr Clement Faboyede, has said.
He told the House of Assembly Committee on Community Development on Friday in Akure during a visit to his office that the ministry had reached out to 80 communities in 15 local government areas.He told the House of Assembly Committee on Community Development on Friday in Akure during a visit to his office that the ministry had reached out to 80 communities in 15 local government areas.
The commissioner said different development projects were executed in the areas based on the request of the communities.The commissioner said different development projects were executed in the areas based on the request of the communities.
OYO
The Muslim Congress (TMC), a religious organisation, has called for a durable solution to the plight of refugees and Internally Displaced People (IDP) across the globe.The Muslim Congress (TMC), a religious organisation, has called for a durable solution to the plight of refugees and Internally Displaced People (IDP) across the globe.
The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Luqman AbdurRaheem on Saturday in Ibadan, to commemorate the World Refugee Day. The organisation made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr. Luqman AbdurRaheem on Saturday in Ibadan, to commemorate the World Refugee Day.
Yobe
Alhaji Shettima Saleh, former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship aspirant and immediate past Commissioner for Rural Development in Yobe, on Saturday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Alhaji Shettima Saleh, former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governorship aspirant and immediate past Commissioner for Rural Development in Yobe, on Saturday defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Saleh, who obtained the PDP membership card at the Sarkin Kasuwa Ward in Gashua, said PDP had greater democratic processes and potentials of developing the state at a faster rate.Saleh, who obtained the PDP membership card at the Sarkin Kasuwa Ward in Gashua, said PDP had greater democratic processes and potentials of developing the state at a faster rate.
The former ANPP stalwart said ANPP had derailed from the basic principles of democracy and commitment to improve the lives of the people.The former ANPP stalwart said ANPP had derailed from the basic principles of democracy and commitment to improve the lives of the people.
In a bid to meaningfully engage secondary school students in Ogoniland during the Christmas holidays and beyond, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) has trained them on petroleum jelly and liquid soap making.
This is even as the Project has partnered with the National Orientation Agency(NOA) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) to keep the students away from crime and other related social vices during the Yuletide, by giving them pep talks that would put them on their toes during the period.
This came to the fore as HYPREP recently organised an Ogoni Young Men Mentorship programme and life skill workshop with the theme, ‘Career Coaching: Developing The Young Minds’ at Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, headquarters of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The beneficiaries of the programme are essentially members of environmental clubs in 13 schools in four local government areas of Khana, Gokana, Tai and Eleme.
At the event, both NOA and NDLEA gave career talks to the students, aimed at keeping them off social vices like drug abuse and addiction as well as negative peer influences through out the Christmas holidays and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof NeinibariniZabbey said the Project deemed it necessary to invite the National Orientation Agency and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) to speak to the students in order to shield them from negative peer influences as they are preparing to go for the Christmas holidays.
He explained that the workshop would enable the students to know when the signs of the negative peer influences start coming.
Zabbey, who was represented at the occasion by HYPREP’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee, said the Project is not only going to train the beneficiaries but also give them the tools and skills that would grow them in the future so that they would start making money for themselves.
Also addressing the students, the Rivers State Coordinator of the National Orientation Agency(NOA), Mr Young Ayo-Tamuno expressed delight for meeting young minds, to discuss issues on values, describing it as a great opportunity.
He noted that there are seven values which constitute the role and commitment of the government towards the citizenry and another seven core values which constitute the code for the citizens.
While commending HYPREP for organising the event, Ayo-Tamuno said team work is key to making Nigeria a better place for all, as both the government and the citizens have their respective roles to play, with each staying committed and focused.
The Chief Programme Officer of NOA, Mr Henry Ayede was the one who actually mounted the rostrum and drilled the students on the seven core values embodied in the National Value Charter for citizens, and stressed the need for them to imbibe them and put them to practice as they grow up.
Ayede listed the values to include discipline, duty of care, leadership, tolerance and respect, transparency, environmental awareness and resilience.
He also underscored the need for the students to imbibe the spirit of hard work and dignity of labour, contending that while hard work and dedication contribute to success, every job can contribute to national development.
According to him, dignity in labour is the foundation of success.
On his part, Mr Bill Ebiokpo of the Media/ Advocacy Unit of NDLEA, who represented the Bori Area Commander of the agency, advised the students to guard against drug abuse and addiction, which he said have far reaching consequences.
The Principal of the Senior Secondary of Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Barrister Bob Agbozi thanked HYPREP for organising the programme, which he said enriched his knowledge and that of the students on the core values guiding the society, saying inculcating such values in young people and teaching them practical skills have contributed immensely to the greatness of advanced countries and even countries like Rwanda in Africa.
He noted that the career coaching would change the behavioral pattern of the students particularly during the Yuletide.
He also thanked NOA for the career talks and urged it to replicate the programme in other places, not only in schools but also in market places.
The training of the students on petroleum jelly and liquid soap making was anchored by an expert, MrsLekpa Abel, with HYPREP workers lending a helping hand.
It was, indeed, a practical session with the students, who came face to face with the production materials of the products.
Donatus Ebi
It was celebration galore as the people of Isu Community in Etche Local Government Area of River State held a civic reception in honour of the Council Chairman, Dr Uzodinma Nwafor .
The epoch- making ceremony which took place recently at the community ancestral home saw the attendance of the political class, the clergy, opinion leaders, the academia, youths, women, elders and chiefs gather to honour their brand new chairman.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Etche Local Government Council, Dr Uzodinma Nwafor expressed gratitude to the people for according him such honour, saying it shows their unwavering support to the development of Etche.
Nwafor announced the readiness of his administration to embark on electrification of Ozuzu clan including Isu community.
The Etche council boss also said the market at Isu will be reconstructed to improve the economic life of the people.
He revealed that the two projects will commence in January as efforts are on to mobilise the contractors.
Nwafor told the mammoth crowd that his major concern remains, peace and unity of the entire Etche, saying security of lives and property remains top on his agenda as no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of violence.
He urged parents to encourage their wards and children to refrain from violence and embrace peace. “Let us allow Etche to be at peace .Don’t allow any body to use you set Etche ablaze. Parents advise your children to stay away from crime .We must stay in peace and unity. Our children must shun violence ,it can’t take us anywhere as a people ,” he declared.
He thanked the people for their support as well thank their son, former commissioner for Energy ,Okey Amadi for being a Pilar of his political sojourne.
Earlier, the Isu opinion leader and Principal, Community Secondary School, Mgbosomini in Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area, Mr Chijioke Amadi said the honour done Etche chairman was a collective division of his people.
Amadi described the council boss as an illustrious son who has contributed immensely to the wellbeing of the community.
He declared that his community and the entire Etche will keep supporting him because he is doing well.
Amadi urged the people to keep praying for him and the Rivers State Governor to succeed in delivering dividends of democracy.
Senate has set up an adhoc committee to investigate the demolition of buildings in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT by the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, just as it summoned the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to appear before it to explain the reasons behind the demolitions, which have left many residents stranded
The resolutions followed a motion by Senator Ireti Kingibe ( FCT), who expressed concern over the illegal demolition of structures in the nation’s capital and called for an immediate stop to further demolitions.
The Red Chamber particularly ordered the FCDA to halt ongoing demolitions of property in the Territory within the next two weeks pending the report of its adhoc committee constituted to probe the issue.
The adhoc committee, to be chaired by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, has the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru; Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Tahir Monguno, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, Senator Sahabi Ya’u, Senator Victor Umeh, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Idiat Adebule and Senator Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe, as members.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who announced the composition of the committee, gave it two weeks to submit its report.
Akpabio while reading the resolution of the Senate, said: “The Senate urges the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to stop further demolitions of structures, except those ordered by courts of competent jurisdictions, until the adhoc committee constituted by the Senate to ascertain the propriety or otherwise of the exercise concludes its investigation and interface with the FCT administration within the next two weeks.”
Kingibe in her lead debate said that in recent times, the demolition exercise in the FCT was no longer based on reasons that necessitated the demolition.
She urged the Senate to be further concerned that the current demolition in the FCT was not in line with due process of court orders to demolish.
“As such, a cross section of individuals had suffered untold hardships occasioned by massive demolition, which has led to a loss of properties worth billions of naira.
“Also concerned that at the moment, an estate by name, Messrs Paulosa, for which late Colonel Paul Osakpawan Ogbebor is the chairman, is currently under revocation and demolition. And from reliable information, the said plot of land was allocated to him in 1984 with requisite title document.
“And further concerned that the owner of this estate was a patriotic Nigerian who served the nation meritoriously and one of the first intakes of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, with registration Number 001,” Kingibe said.
She urged the Senate to accordingly resolve to urge the FCT administration to halt the ongoing revocation and demolition of the said property, “as it does not fall within the purview of the reasons for the massive demolition being carried by the FCDA.”
Senator Kingibe also advocated thatall demolitions should follow due process while the Senate set up a committee to investigate the matters arising from the demolition.
However, Senator Sunday Karimi ( Kogi West) in his contribution said the Senate needs to hear from the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, before ordering a halt to the demolitions.
“If you look at this motion, the presenter said, a specific land allocation was mentioned belonging to one Paul Ogbebor.
“We don’t know anything about this thing and we are just coming because of this to tell the minister to stop?
“There is need to investigate this matter before giving any directive. We must hear from the minister. But we have to hear before we say stop demolition.
“Let’s hear from the Minister. You cannot shave a man’s head at his back. We need to hear from the Minister,” Karimi said.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (Ondo Central), however disagreed with Karimi, saying that the request that the Senate should call on the FCT minister to halt further demolitions was in order.
He said: “Mr. President, with respect I disagree with Mr. Karimi. I think we need to be fair to everyone. There is before us an allegation that says certain steps are to be taken which will culminate in demolition. Are we saying that we should allow the place to be demolished while we are trying to look into it?”
In his response, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio agreed with the chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, saying “my thought is in line with yours. If we just say, continue the demolition, and then we start investigation, what are we then investigating?”
He, thereafter, read the resolution of the Senate calling on the FCT Minister to halt further demolitions of property in the FCT pending the investigative report of its adhoc committee chaired by the Deputy Senate President.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi