Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Members of Maiduguri Monday Market Youth Trad
ers Association in Borno State, recently donated relief materials worth millions of Naira to victims of Boko Haram crisis in the state.
Alhaji Kashim Abdullahi, the Chairman of the association, presented the materials to Gov. Kashim Shettima at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Abdullahi said that the gesture was aimed at assisting victims of the numerous Boko Haram attacks who had lost their means of livelihood.
“We are here to present these items as donation to victims of the Boko Haram crisis in the state.
Ekiti
The Director General of the National Orientation Agency,
Mr Mike Omeri, NOA, has advised the people of Ekiti State against act capable of disrupting the state’s gubernatorial election slated for June 21.
He gave the charge at a workshop last Thursday at Oye-Ekiti, organised by the agency to sensitise the public on the need to create an environment conducive for free, fair and credible election.
Omeri, who was represented by Fam Anene, Director, Political Matters, said politicians should embrace dialogue, accommodate each other, and work towards transforming the state.
He cautioned the people against voting more than once, called on parents to ensure that their children are not used as thugs.
FCT
UNESCO has renewed its commitment to develop a
framework to improve the quality of education in Nigeria.
The Director-General of the organisation, Prof. Hassana Alidou, made the pledge in Abuja recently at the ongoing workshop to pre-test an action research guidebook for youth and adult literacy in multilingual context.
The theme of the workshop is: “Empowering learners in a multilingual world”.
Alidou said the Universal Basic Education in Nigeria was constrained by finance, limited number of qualified teachers and supervisors, huge class size and high rate of school drop-out.
She observed that the problems undermined the efforts of the government to expand access to basic education to all children.
Gombe
Gombe State Executive Council has approved the re
lease of N5.8 billion for the execution of various road projects in the state.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Alhaji Shehu Hadi, told newsmen in Gombe that N1.4 billion of the amount would be spent on the construction of additional roads in Bajoga town.
He said N2.5 billion would be for the construction of Gaji Bauchi-Jurara-Daban, Fulani-Lubo-Zambuk-Baure roads, including the reconstruction of Lubo bridge.
According to him, N1.1 billion of the amount is for the provision and installation of street lights on 20 roads in Gombe metropolis.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government last Thursday demolished
two petrol stations within Ilorin metropolis for building without approval.
Our correspondent reports that the demolition was carried out by the state Town Planning and Development Authority (KTPDA).
One of the stations was situated on waterway near the Kuntu Bridge, while the other was directly opposite the Alawonla Compound, Okelele.
The Executive Secretary of KTPDA, Mr Raimi Adeoti, who led the demolition team, said the owners of the structures built illegally without approval.
Adeoti said the structures would hamper the free flow of water and endanger the lives of people living around the area, adding that KTPDA took the action to save lives and property.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State chapter of All Farmers Association of
Nigeria (AFAN) has appealed to the government to build more markets for the sale of agricultural products in the state.
The secretary of the association, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi recently.
He said the quest for the provision of outlets to sell farmers’ produce was occasioned by the increase in farming activities due to incentives for wet and dry season farming.
Idris said that farmers had responded to the call for increased rice production, especially considering the prompt purchase of the commodity by the SURE-P Office.
Lagos
A man, Francis Enyi, who stood surety for an accused,
was charged before an Itire Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for failing to produce him.
Enyi, 48, who resides at No. 8, Ali Ijaiye St., Lawanson, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and an attempt to pervert the course of justice.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Insp. Olakunle Shonibare, told the court that Enyi, who stood surety for one Chika Adole, had failed to produce him at Lawanson Police Post, Anjorin-Ikate, Surulere.
He said Adole was being investigated by the police over alleged threat to life.
Nasarawa
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State
said recently that the party would be stronger despite the defection of two lawmakers to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Stanley Buba, the Interim State Chairman of the party, told newsmen in Lafia that the recent defections would not affect the fortunes of APC in the state.
Our correspondent recalls that Mr Ahmed Kana (APC-Karu/Kokona/Keffi) and Mr Nathaniel Agyomesa (APC-Lafia North state constituency) recently defected to the PDP.
Buba described the action of the two legislators as good omen and not a setback for APC.
Osun
The Special Adviser on Environment to Osun State gov
ernor, Mr Bola Ilori, has advised residents of the state to ensure they clear their gutters and waterways as heavy rainfall begins.
Ilori, who spoke with newsmen in Osogbo recently, added that gutters, culverts, and other waterways must be cleared of grass, domestic wastes and sand, to prevent flooding.
“The few rains experienced so far this year may not have carried the wastes and sand far away; therefore, it is necessary to clear the debris to give room for water to flow.
Taraba
Member representing Wukari II Constituency in Taraba
State House of Assembly, Mr Daniel Gani, has called on the Federal Government to deploy soldiers in the area to avert further attacks by suspected herdsmen.
Gani made the call while addressing news conference in Jalingo.
He said the low presence of security personnel in the area was responsible for the ongoing senseless killing of innocent people.
“The only way to avert these brutal killings in Wukari and its environs is to massively deploy troops just like what the federal government did in Benue and Nasarawa states”, he said.
Gani said lack of seriousness on the part of the state Government left him with no option than to seek intervention from the federal government.
Yobe
The Speaker, Yobe State House of Assembly, Alhaji
Adamu Dala-Dogo, has urged politicians to promote ideals of democracy and good governance to enhance service delivery in the country.
The speaker, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He noted that Nigeria’s 15 years of uninterrupted democracy should have equipped politicians with the basic tenets of democracy and good governance, which were critical to service delivery.
“After this long experience, we are supposed to have surpassed sentiments and other primordial differences to institutionalise a strong democracy of service delivery and development.
“It is regrettable that after this experience, the political parties are still battling with the problems of internal democracy, while the rule of law which is the backbone of democracy is also lacking.”
Zamfara
A Gusau Magistrates’ Court has ordered the remand
of a 23-year-old man, Musa Sani of Mayana Area, Gusau, charged with the rape of an eight-year-old girl.
The Magistrate, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim, ordered that Sani should be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case till April 22 for mention.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Sgt. Daniel Longwal had told the court that on April 7, one Abubakar Salisu of Mayana Area, Gusau, reported the case at Central Police Station, Gusau.
Longwal said that on March 26, the complainant’s daughter was returning from an Islamic school when the accused took her to an isolated place and raped her.
Nation
HYPREP Trains Students On Petroleum Jelly, Liquid Soap Making
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
Nation
Community Organises Civic Reception For LG Boss
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.
Nation
Senate Summons Wike Over Demolition Of Houses …Set To Investigate FCDA Activities
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
-
Rivers2 days ago
Emulate Fubara’s Transformation Agenda, LG Boss Urges S’South Leaders … Calls For Investment In N’Delta
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Foundation Leads Campaign Against Genetically Modified Foods In Edo
-
Sports3 days ago
BFN Hold Clinic to Empower Coaches
-
Niger Delta3 days ago
Eno Recommits To Accountability, Effective Service Delivery
-
Sports3 days ago
NBA train youths, coaches in Nigeria
-
Business3 days ago
New Naira Notes Still Valid – CBN
-
Sports3 days ago
We’ll use Sports to Promote Peace, create Wealth in Tai…Chairman.
-
Business3 days ago
Onne OMT Port Acquires 2 Cranes For Container Haulage