Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Nigerian Army has inaugurated environmental sani
tation in Maiduguri as part of the 2016 Army Day celebration.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Brig.- Gen. Victor Ezugwu, started the exercise at the Monday Market, Maiduguri.
Ezugwu said the objective of the exercise was to mobilise residents of the state towards cleaning their environment.
He said that the programme was launched in partnership with the State Government to ensure that all parts of the state were kept clean.
“We are here today to flag off environmental sanitation at the Maiduguri Monday Market as part of this years’ Army Day celebration.
Ekiti
Spokesman of Farmers‘ Congress in Ikole Local Govern
ment Area, Ekiti, Mr Olaolu Adeniji, has advised farmers to cultivate cocoyam in large quantities as another means of boosting their income.
Adeniji gave the advice in Odo-Oro – Ekiti during the monthly meeting of the farmers‘ congress.
While noting that demand for cocoyam had increased in recent times, Adeniji said, “there is need for our farmers to expand their cocoyam farms while others should embrace its cultivation.
“Farmlands in the state are conducive for the production of quality cocoyam, especially the red one, which nutritionists confirmed as good and beneficial for a healthy living.
“Large scale cultivation of cocoyam will no doubt increase the income of farmers at the end of the farming season and consequently change their living standard for better, “ he said.
FCT
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Chief Audu Ogbeh, has advised online media operators to endeavour to confirm their reports and ensure professionalism.
Ogbeh made the statement in Abuja while reacting to an online publication which accused him and staff of the ministry of sharing N2 billion from N20 billion meant to pay agro dealers.
The minister noted that criminality in the name of social media was unacceptable and a source of concern to the government.
The minister said the online report claimed that in paying the agro dealers, the leadership of the ministry paid N13 billion and shared N2 billion.
Gombe
Gombe State said that it would resuscitate the dormant
Manto Tomatoes Processing Company in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner of Commerce and Industries in the state, Alhaji Bakura Mohammed, gave this indication in an interview with newsmen in Gombe.
He said that apart from boosting commercial activities and generating revenue for the state, the company would also create employment opportunities for the people.
The Commissioner stated that Gombe government was committed to improving its Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) base and reducing its dependence on Federal Allocation.
According to him, tomato farmers in the state will have a ready market whenever the company resumes production.
Kaduna
The United States Chapter of Southern Kaduna in the
Diaspora (SOKAD) on Saturday donated books and instructional materials worth N330,000 to Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) Primary School, Tunga Nok.
Tunga Nok is in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Presenting the items to the beneficiary in Kaduna, the President of SOKAD, Dr Likita Aminu, said the gesture was part of the organisation’s contribution to the state’s educational development.
Aminu said: “On May 6, 2013 our organisation, SOKAD, donated school supplies worth N158, 000 to Zack-Zawan Primary School, Sanga Local Government Area.
“On that day, SOKAD said the gesture was the beginning of series of such donations to come.
Kogi
The National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS)
has given seven days ultimatum to Governor Mr Yahaya Bello of Kogi State to unconditionally reopen the state university in Anyigba.
A statement signed by the National President of NANS, Mr Tijani Shehu, and made available to the newsmen in Abuja, stated that the ultimatum would take effect from July 4.
It said that the association called on the governor to immediately address their requests bothering on the state’s economy, welfare of Nigerian students of Kogi State origin and state workers.
It said that failure of the government to do so; the students would stage a protest on the streets of the state capital, Lokoja.
It said that the position of the association was based on the preliminary report from its Joint Campus Committee, Kogi State chapter.
An environmentalist, Mr Samuel Buoye, has identified
indiscriminate felling of trees as one of the major impediments in the fight against environmental degradation and deforestation.
Buoye, who is attached to Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, said removing trees deprived the forest of portions of its canopy that was a major component of environmental protection.
“This canopy is meant to block the sun’s ray during the day and hold in heat at night.
“This disruption leads to more extreme temperature swings that can be harmful to plants and animals,” he said.
According to him, fewer forests mean larger amounts of greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded Janilu
Bashiru, a 24-year-old businessman, in prison custody after he pleaded guilty to allegation of drug trafficking.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had arraigned the accused on the charge.
In a short ruling, the trial judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody.
Obiozor then adjourned the case till Sept.15 for a review of facts and sentence.
The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, following the plea of the accused, had earlier urged the court to remand him in prison custody.
In the charge, the prosecution alleged that the accused committed the offence on May 2 at the Iyana Iba area of Lagos.
Aernan said that following a tip-off, about 350g of Cannabis Sativa was recovered from the accused.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government said that it would as
sist rice millers and farmers in the state to access loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to boost rice production.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources, Mr Yusuf Lawee, stated this in an an interview with newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the measure was designed to boost rice production for local consumption and export in line with the Federal Government’s drive to diversify the economy.
Lawee said that as soon as the paper works were completed, the rice millers and growers would be able to access the loan and increase their production capacity.
He said the state government was also working towards expanding the scope of the pilot rice incubation plant project in the state.
Osun
The Superintendent in-charge, Christ Apostolic Church
(CAC), Modakeke District Coordinating Council (DCC), Pastor Samuel Esho, has enjoined Christians to desist from every form of immorality.
Esho gave the charge during 11th Osun State Sunday School Rally, entitled: “Going into Perfection”, held at CAC Oke-Anu, Modakeke DCC Headquarters, Ife North-East LG Area of Osun State recently.
He lamented the level of atrocities being committed among Christians today, saying that many had turned away from God.
“This was not the experience among Christians in the olden days; we all have turned away from God.”
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government says it has concluded ar
rangement to train youth in the state on all-year-round farming.
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Mannir, made this known on Saturday in Sokoto.
Mannir told newsmen that the training was aimed at creating job opportunities for unemployed youths as well as enhance food production for internal consumption and export.
He explained that the state would exploit available fertile land to produce assorted foods crops.
He said that the state government would encourage local government councils to actively participate in farming activities and food production.
The Commissioner said the ministry was partnering with the State College of Agriculture, Wurno, to train the youths on poultry, fish farming and livestock rearing.
He said that the training in farming for economic benefit would also prevent youths’ migration from rural areas to urban areas in search of white collar jobs.
He called on the people of the state, especially youths, to embrace farming for a living.
The commissioner said that government would make available modern farming inputs at subsidised rates to encourage massive participation in the agriculture sector.
Nation
NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.
The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.
In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.
The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.
They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.
The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.
“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.
The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.
“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.
The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.
“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.
The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.
“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.
Nation
New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation
The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.
Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.
He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.
“We are committed to transparency.
My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.
“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”
“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.
“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.
“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.
“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.
“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.
“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated
CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.
Akujobi amadi
Nation
Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection
The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.
A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.
“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”
“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”
“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”
“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”
Akujobi Amadi
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