Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa State, recently said that the administration would provide more loans to farmers to boost food production in the state.
Bindow made this disclosure at the distribution of 9,421 tonnes of fertiliser and water pumps by the Ministry of local government and chieftaincy affairs in collaboration with ALGON in Yola South local government area.
He expressed the hope that the loans would assist small holder farmers to expand their agricultural activities as well as boost food production.
The governor said that the timely and adequate distribution of agricultural inputs was in fulfillment of his campaign promises.
Borno
The Borno State Police Command last Sunday, said it had deployed 3, 000 policemen to Maiduguri and other areas liberated from the Boko Haram insurgents.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, ASP Victor Isuzu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Isuzu said that the measure became imperative to enhance security network in Maiduguri and other communities liberated from the insurgents.
He explained that the command had taken proactive steps to deal with security threats, protect lives and property in the state.
He said that the personnel had already resumed duty in their various posts.
Ekiti
The Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh, last Saturday said, “the suffering of the masses was caused by some few privileged Nigerians; who plundered the commonwealth without thinking about the poor.
He, therefore, urged Nigerian leaders to live a life that would positively affect their followers rather than earthly acquisition of wealth.
Our correspondent report that the primate said this during the burial service of former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Prof., Babalola Borishade at St Andrew Cathedral Anglican Church, Usi-Ekiti, in Ido/Osi local government area of Ekiti.
The primate, who delivered his sermon through the Arch Bishop of Ondo Province and Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Revd George Laosebikan, called on Nigerian leaders to live a life worthy of emulation.
FCT
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) last Thursday said its Agusta 109 Light Utility Helicopter suffered a mishap while undertaking a liaison mission in the North East.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Adesanya stated that the helicopter’s target was to further enhance synergy between Nigerian Army and NAF in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
He noted that the incidence, which occurred on Thursday, July 6, was as a result of airborne technical fault.
Kaduna
The Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, says President Buhari has resolved to work with Ibrahim Magu as EFCC Chairman to stamp out endemic corruption in the country.
Osinbajo, who spoke at the inauguration of the Kaduna office of the anti-graft agency last Thursday, said that those who think that they were winning in fighting back against the government’s war on corruption, should wake up.
Represented by Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, Osinbajo said, so long as Buhari remained Nigeria’ s President, Magu would continue to work as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Mr Chairman, two weeks ago, I discussed the EFCC and your appointment with President Muhammadu Buhari and he told me he has every confidence in you and every confidence in the commission and the work that you have been doing, and as long as he is president you remain the chairman of the EFCC,’’ he said.
Kogi
The Nigerian Army has offered free medical and environmental sanitation services to the people of Kogi State as part of activities to commemorate the 2017 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).
Regimental Medical Officer, Medical Reception Station, Army Records, Lokoja, Maj. Michael Bokos, who led the medical team on Saturday, told newsmen that the army was celebrating itself to show its friendliness with the public.
“It is just a way to showcase ourselves to the general public that we are civil-friendly, and interacting with our communities in terms of security, sanitation, healthcare, among others.
“Today, we felt that it is necessary to come out here and offer free medical checkups and treatment to the people as directed by the Army Headquarters all over the country.
Lagos
A former Deputy Comptroller General, Nigerian Customs Service, Mr Musa Tahir, last Thursday, said that he had no clue why the service paid N12 million into Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia’s bank account.
Giving his testimony during cross-examination by Mr Olawale Akoni in the trial before an Ikeja High Court, Tahir said, “I have seen Hon. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia but I have never met her one on one.
“I don’t know why the former Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko said the money should be paid into my colleague, Musa Omale’s account to be forwarded into the company’s account of the judge.
“I don’t have the paper in which the CGC wrote the directive; the paper was handed over to Omale who worked in my office.
Nasarawa
A Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State, last Thursday, sentenced two men, Kabiru Ibrahim and Yusuf Danjuma, to two months imprisonment, each for smoking cannabis sativa (a.k.a.Indian hemp).
The judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, said he convicted the defendants as they admitted committing the offence.
He, however, gave the convicts N2, 000 option of fine each, and warned them to desist from committing crime.
The convicts, who had no definite addresses, were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, constituting public nuisance and making the atmosphere noxious for human health.
Niger
An economist, Prof. Kenneth Nnadi, has advised parents and guardians to encourage children to study mathematics because it was the driving force behind technological advancement.
Nnadi, a senior lecturer in the Department of Maritime Management Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna, on Saturday.ý
“Mathematics ýis the key to every science discipline; it sharpens intelligent quotient and boosts confidence and courage.
“Prospective scholars must dare mathematics; the dearth of mathematicians will impede global progress and force the world to a standstill.
Osun
The Osun State Government says it will continue to provide the needed support for farmers in the state in their efforts to boost food production.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Kunle Ige, made the promise when he received the executive members of the state chapter of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Osogbo.
He pledged that the state government would continue to give the required support to all genuine farmers, without any form of discrimination, so as to boost food production and banish hunger in the state.
He said that the government had initiated plans to guarantee the farmers’ easy access to loans, agro-chemicals, farm equipment and improved seedlings, adding, however, that the government could no longer afford to subsidise the inputs.
Taraba
The Taraba State House of Assembly recently commenced public hearing on the proposed Anti- open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Bill.
Our correspondent reports that the Speaker, Mr Abel Diah, flagged off the hearing in Jalingo, with Dr. Mark Useni, Chairman, House Ad-hoc-Committee on Public Hearing on the bill, presiding.
Diah, in a brief speech, asked the stakeholders to freely contribute to the bill to enable the House arrive at a position that would be in the interest of the people.
Representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), NGOs and other groups, who spoke on the bill, said that it would promote peace between herdsmen and farmers.
The Permanent Secretary in the agriculture ministry, Mr Isaac Mela, opined that the bill, when passed and signed into law, would boost both crop and animal production in Taraba.
Yobe
The Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the Abari camp in Damaturu, say they are now facing food scarcity, as they have planted their remaining grains in their farmlands.
One of the IDPs, Modu Bukar, told reporters in Damaturu last Tuesday that most of the IDPs had used the available grains as seeds for their crop growing.
“Most of us planted millet, sorghum and groundnuts, mostly from food assistance given to us by the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs),’’ he said.
Another IDP, Ali Mohammed, said: “We are facing food challenges because we have planted what was left with us; we will, therefore, appreciate any support extended to us,’’ he said.
Reports that a Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, on Monday, visited Yobe to monitor the supply of food items, under the newly launched door-to-door food distribution initiative for IDPs.
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