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NCAC Hails El-Rufai For Demolishing Sex Party House

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Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, has commended Government Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State for ordering the demolition of a house slated as venue for a sex party in Kaduna State.
Runsewe who gave the commendation in a statement yesterday said organising such sex party was a total disrespect for the Nigerian culture.
The house, located in Sabon Tasha, on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, was demolished on Dec. 31, 2020 by the Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency.
Runsewe said that Governor El-Rufai deserved kudos for prompt response to the disgusting sex party by promptly demolishing the building as a warning to others who could be planning such immorality.
“But for this intervention by the governor, Kaduna State possibly would become the new capital and destination for sex tourism in Nigeria.
“This will lead to social disconnect and dislocations with drug peddling in tow and our children destroyed in the process.
“In 1992, Senegal and Uganda, experienced massive influx of sex tourists and immediately took hard measures to curb it because if left unchecked, sex tourism will damage the spiritual, moral and cultural values of any society.
“And there is no sentiments about dealing with it as Governor El-Rufai has done,’’ he stated.
In 2020, NCAC had a serious battle with cross dresser influencers and social deviants, nailing the spread of defiant influences to the walls.
Runsewe said NCAC would be doing more in 2021 to ensure that Nigerian cultures remained respected and upheld.
He stated that there was the need for parents to monitor their children closely and nip untoward attitudes and activities in the bud.
“Certainly, Governor El-Rufai has vindicated our position on the need to stop and arrest the unfortunate presence and foreign behavioural influence threatening our cultures and traditions.
“Am sure with the pulling down of the house planned for the sex party, sufficient signals have been sent to other deviants, their sponsors and publics.
“The law of this country must be applied to the fullest to stop this rage from the pit of darkness,’’ he added.
Runsewe called on other governors to support the full restoration and enthronement of Nigerian cultural values to rid the nation of strange characters and lifestyles.
“This is how Boko Haram and “Yahoo-Yahoo’’ started and before we knew it, our society and young persons were left to drink from the polluted waters of social vices leaving us to struggle on all fronts.
“So let those who are angry at the response of Governor El-Rufai go to check out various campaigns mounted against sex tourism by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation   and the Universal Federation of Travel Agencies,’’ he stated.
Runsewe who is also President, Africa Region of World Craft Council, stated also that NCAC would be reviewing and reviving the campaign to promote true Nigerian cultural values.
He said this would be targeted at youths and the older generation to rid Nigeria of devil’s plan to destroy young persons and their future wellbeing.
“Our culture no doubt is under threat from all sides, but with what Gov. El Rufai has done in Kaduna State, I am convinced that we shall battle the demons of immoral living and enemies of  our cultures and traditions to a standstill,’’ he added.

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FG Begins Tolling On Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi Highway

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The Federal Government yesterday began the tolling of the 227.2km Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafia-Makurdi Highway with the inauguration of the Garaku Toll Plaza axis of the road.
Certain categories of vehicles, including security, diplomatic, ambulances and tricycles are, however, exempted from the tolling.
The Tide’s source reports that the road is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project under the aegis of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
Speaking during the inauguration, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, described the corridor as a vital infrastructure route in Nigeria.
According to him, it is essential for both the economic and social activities of the central and northern parts of the country.
Umahi was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo.
He recalled that the Federal Government under the previous administration in 2023, executed a 25-year toll of rates concession agreement with MS China Harbour Operations and Maintenance Company.
The Minister said that the government rehabilitated and upgraded the roads through the preferential credit loan from China Exim Bank.
He explained that it was agreed, among other things, that the road would be tolled, and maintained by a private party and revenue collected would be used to repay the loan.
“The Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Makurdi project is the first among the nine corridors being concessioned under the Highways Development and Management Initiative (HDMI) Phase 1 to commence operations.
“In the coming months, the Federal Government will continue with the launching and operationalisation of the remaining ones located across the six geopolitical zones of this country.
“This initiative has opened a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, as it gives the Federal Government the opportunity to overcome bad routes,” he said.
Umahi said the collection of tolls would generate the much-needed revenue for the maintenance and expansion of the Renewed Hope Road Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said that the Tinubu administration was committed to building a robust, interconnected infrastructure for socio-economic growth.
“The toll order fee schedule for Abuja-Keffi-Akwanga-Lafayette-Makurdi Federal Highway has been designated as follows: cars-N500; SUV Jeep-N800; minibuses N1000, and multi-axle vehicles, trucks and buses N1600.
“However, frequent road users like the commercial light vehicles defined under the Federal Highways Act, will enjoy a 50 per cent discount.
“Authorised vehicles, pedal vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, and other modes of two or three wheels transport used by mainly disadvantaged populations will be offered a 100 per cent discount,” he said.

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Foundation Seeks Community Approach To Tackle Climate Change

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A non-governmental organisation, Ashoka Ford Foundation, is seeking for a community approach to tackling climate change.
It also needs local engagement in shaping policies that drive environmental sustainability.
The Director of Ashoka Anglophone West Africa, Mrs Josephine Nzerem said this at the Climate Justice Environmental sustainability Committee of Practice organised by the foundation in Port Harcourt.
Nzerem said the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJOP) was an initiative launched in 2024 to foster collaboration among key stakeholders in addressing environmental challenges in the Niger Delta.
According to her, “This ongoing efforts focus on engaging the Alode Community at Ajuri Palace Water Works Road, Alode, Nchia Eleme, Rivers State to deepen grassroots participation and drive sustainable climate change,” she said.
She further said that the Climate Justice Community of Practice (CJCOP) was designed to be a transformative platform where government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector players and educational institutions can create solutions that prioritise climate resilience and equitable environmental policies.
“Ashoka’s approach emphasises grassroots mobilisation and institutional collaboration to ensure inclusive and community driven solutions
The CJCOP will equip young people with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for climate justice, build sustainable solution and actively participate in decision making process.
Nzerem also said that climate change also breeds gender-based violence as women and children have become the most vulnerable, and stressed the need for the women to make their voices loud on the issue.
“The intersection of gender-based violence and climate change is often overlooked.Women and youth who are disproportionately affected, struggle to have their voices heard and recognised. Many fear speaking up, yet their own experiences are critical to shaping effective solutions,” and added that achieving true climate justice requires a holistic approach, one that integrates every aspect of life to build a sustainable and equitable future.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has assured of its preparedness to partner with relevant stakeholders to address the issue of climate change in the state.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joe Johnson said this at the Climate Justice Environmental Sustainability Committee of Practice conference organised by Ashoka Ford Foundation in Port Harcourt.
The Commissioner who spoke alongside his Environment counterpart, Tambari Sydney Igbara said the government will not allow the activiaties of the multinational corporations operating in the State to impact negatively on the lives of the people.
He also described the state as very safe for investors, adding that night life has returned to Port Harcourt, the state capital.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, MrTambari Sydney Igbara said the government is happy to see groups such as Ashoka Ford Foundation coming out to educate people about climate change.

He said the doors of the ministry is open to suggestions on how to address the issue of climate change in the state and other environmental issues in the state.

Also speaking the Regional Director Centre For Development Support Initiative (CEDSI) Dr Mina Ogbanga said time has come for community voices to be heard as far as climate change was concerned.

She said this was necessary as the effects of climate change are being felt by communities.

John Bibor

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Okehi Clan Demands Recognition, Upgrade Of Chieftaincy Stool

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The people of Okehi Clan in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State have once again made a passionate appeal to the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to consider recognising and upgrading the highly respected stool of their monarch, Eze Ibezim Eke, Onyerishi Agwuru (IV).
The people made the call during the coronation of Dr Chike Promise as the Chimereugo 1 of Etche land by His Eminence Ochie Emmanuel Opurum, 0nyishi /Ochie of Etcheland.
The Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman of UmuolaObibi, Prince Udo Njoku, who spoke on behalf of the people, stressed that if the monarch is given government recognition, it would enhance the people’s participation in governance,as they are one of the most peaceful people in the State and have total support for the Governor and the overall development of the State.
Also speaking, the newly crowned Eze of Etcheland, Eze Promise assured his people that he would be a servant leader as he has always been to them.
He used the medium to thank the governor of the state for his development strides in Etcheland, while also promising to work cordially with the state government to maintain peace at all times within his domain.
Eze Promise was well celebrated by his people on his coronation as the community was agog on the day.

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