Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has flagged-off the first batch of military empowerment programme for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Adamawa State.
Speaking at the ceremony in Malkohi Camp near Yola recently, Buratai, represented by the Acting GOC 3 Division, Jos, Brig Gen. Benjamin Ahanatu said the programme was organised to assist the displaced persons.
Buratai said the military, in addition to security provided humanitarian services, adding that the military would partner with stakeholders in that direction.
“The Army will continue to partner with other stakeholders whenever the need arise in areas of security and humanitarian services,” he said.
Benue
A student, Miss Stella Merkyaa who suffered multiple injuries from a gas explosion on July 18, died last Tuesday morning, Benue State Commissioner for Health,Cecilia Ojabo, has confirmed.
Our correspondent reports that Merkyaa, a student of the School of Midwifery, Makurdi suffered the multiple burns when her cooking gas exploded on her in the hostel.
The commissioner said that government had supported the deceased “in every possible way “ in her battle to survive the accident.
The deceased moved through four hospitals – Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State Teaching Hospital Makurdi, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Bingham Teaching Hospital, Masaka where she died.
FCT
The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria is collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to train aviation professionals and immigration officers in West Africa on travel documents management.
Deputy Rector at NCAT, Mr Dauda Yahaya disclosed this at the commencement of the training entitled: “Control of Authenticity and Validity of Travel Documents at Airport Borders”, in Abuja, recently.
Yahaya explained that ICAO had requested NCAT to facilitate the training with a view to enhancing the capacity of airport officials in combating the cases of fake travel documents.
“It was a request from ICAO that NCAT should host this training to improve the knowledge and skills of people handling our borders, particularly in the airport”, he said.
Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command arrested 19 suspects for allegedly committing various offences in the last two weeks, according to the Commissioner of Police, Attahiru Olukolu.
Olukolu disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Gombe recently.
According to him, the suspects included those who broke into the house of a teacher and removed 16 laptop computers meant for the education of his students.
He said based on information from members of the public, 14 of the computers were recovered. The commissioner said that some of the suspects were arrested for armed robbery, homicide and rape.
Kwara
Pastor Segun Olawale of Divine Favour Chapel, Ilorin has warned youths against violence and hooliganism in the November 18 local government elections in the state.
Olawale, who gave the warning in Ilorin while speaking with newsmen said that youths must say no to violence as election draws near.
He said youths must not allow themselves to be used as thugs to scatter polling units during elections.
The cleric also advised them to shun violence and be disciplined . “Youths must be seen as symbol of peace. They should go out to use their thumb to elect their favourite representatives instead of being lured into violence by politicians”, Olawale said.
Lagos
A 24-year-old load carrier, Abdulhayu Gomni appeared before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly bolting with customer’s loads worth N350, 000.
Gomni, who is facing a theft charge, however, pleaded innocent to the offence.
The prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie told the court that the accused committed the offence on September 20 at about 6:30 p.m at Carlos Plaza, Lagos Island.
Odigie said that the accused ran away with 35 bundles of materials valued at N350, 000 belonging to Stanley Oforma.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government has announced the merging of the state’s Customary Court of Appeal with the High Court.
Governor Umaru Al-Makura announced the merger during the retirement and valedictory court session in honour of the President of the state Customary Court of Appeal Justice Jibril Idrisu.
Al-Makura, who was represented by his Deputy, Silas Agara said the decision was based on the advice of the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“Government has observed that over the years, the Customary Court of Appeal has continued to record less number of cases”, he said.
Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC), Niger State Command has deployed 28 special trained officers to Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas to tackle kidnapping and banditry.
Corps Commandant in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Minna.
He noted that the special force was also provided with modern working facilities to protect lives and property along the axis.
He explained that the deployment was a normal routine posting to ensure that the corridor was safe from any form of security threat.
Osun
No fewer than 500 rural traders have been sensitised on the importance of hand washing at Olufi Market, Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State.
Our correspondent reports that the hand washing campaign was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Ayedaade Local Government.
Addressing the traders, a UNICEF consultant, Mrs Bidemi Omopariola said that “hand washing with soap was an easy, effective and affordable do-it-yourself protection that prevents infections and saves lives.’’
Omopariola said that the importance of hand washing could not be over emphasised at this critical period of reported outbreak of Monkey-pox in some states in the country.
Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Pankshin Unit in Plateau State has promised to sanction motorists for overloading and non-possession of Drivers’ Licence.
The Unit Commander, Mr Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, said this at a news conference in Pankshin in preparation for the command’s forthcoming ember months campaign beginning in Plateau Central Zone today.
“FRSC is taking nothing to chance, as we will go for drivers who are fond of indulging in overload and non-use of drivers’ licence during the period.
“This is because it has come to our notice that these two key rules are being deliberately flouted by motorists in the hinterland at the expense of precious lives of innocent commuters.
“This, we shall resist vehemently and impose tough sanctions,’’ the Asstant Corps Commander said.
Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Wamakko (APC- Sokoto) has urged politicians and wealthy Nigerians to focus on the welfare, security and comfort of the citizens and assist by providing jobs.
The lawmaker made the plea in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Bashir Mani.
Wamakko’s message came at the end of the screening and aptitude test for applicants of the Computer Graduate Recruitment Exercise which he facilitated.
The lawmaker, who was represented by his Director of Administration, Alhaji Al-Mustapha Alkali also advised the wealthy never to waver in uplifting the citizens in preference for priority attention to their selfish interests and desires.
“We, either as politicians, appointed officials or wealthy individuals should always strive to accord top priority to the provision of the basic needs for the people”, he said.
Zamfara
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it has started training 100 youths in five vocational skills in Zamfara State.
The skills are phone repairs, computer appreciation, confectionery, knitting as well as tie and dye.
The state NDE Coordinator, Mr Alhassan Muhammad, told newsmen in Gusa that the training was under the Basic National Open Apprenticeship Scheme (B-NOAS).
He said that the scheme was initiated by NDE as part of its measure to provide more employment opportunities to youths.
He said that the trainees comprised of 50 male and 50 female drawn from 14 Local Government areas of the state.
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