Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Bauchi State Government, Thursday had warned leaders and elders of communities in Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Area to desist from destroying the peace they have all agreed upon to reign in the state.
The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Abdu Aliyu Ilelah on behalf of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibahim Dandija.
The statement revealed that government was taking steps to avoid frequent crisis in the two councils pointing out that security operatives and representatives of elders would tour the councils to recover animals either stolen or lost during the crisis.
It said the government would soon rebuild the palace of the District Head of Lere in Tafawa Balewa Local Government, which was destroyed during the crisis and urged those who fled the area to return and assist in the building.
The statement further warned that anybody who obstructs the building team in the area would be punished and called on the people of the area to partner with the government in bringing lasting peace to the area.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State had assured its citizenry that the state government would raise money from the capital market to subsidize its low revenue base.
The governor gave the assurance last Friday during the hosting of the Managing Director, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc, Ladi Balogun and other members of the bank’s management in his office in Ado-Ekiti.
Governor Fayemi said his administration would go to the capital market to raise bonds in view of what he called the ‘precarious financial situation’ of the state.
Fayemi noted that his administration was poised to develop sectors such as agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, health, education, urban renewal initiative and job creation, maintaining that it would build an enduring, long-term and mutually benefiting relationships with financial institutions in the country to strengthen the state’s economy.
On its part, the MD, FCMB, Ladi Balogun said his bank was interested in helping Ekiti raise the intended bond as one of the issuing houses.
Balogun revealed that civil servants in the state could also benefit from the direct credit system being operated by FCMB which he said would help them obtain loans within 24 hours even when they do not operate accounts with the bank.
FCT
Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve the lot of Nigerian children.
The MoU was endorsed by the Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Bukola Saraki and signed at the forum’s secretariat, Abuja by Mr. Asishana Okauru, on behalf of the governors and Suomi Sukai, the country representative of UNICEF.
Saraki revealed that the Mou was aimed at promoting child-friendly government systems and values, exploration of opportunities of leverage resources and translation of politics into results for children.
The partnership he said would also ensure the recognition and realization of children’s rights in the country as part of efforts at achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
Saraki maintained that the signing marks another milestone for he governors’ forum, pointing out that it had earlier successfully partnerships with the Bill and Belinda Gates Foundation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, UNDP and DFID.
“The initiative are in furtherance of NGF’s mission of fostering national unity and development” he said.
Jos
Mushin Women in Jos, the Plateau State capital, have appealed to warring factions in the state go put an end to the killings and destruction of properties in the state.
The Mushim women leader, Hajiya Khadjat Gambo Hawaja made the appeal in a peaceful protest against the recent killings in the state.
Clad in white, the women said the protest became necessary following the sufferings of women and children in the state.
Hajiya Hawaja said “we have lost our husbands and children. Some of them are in prison for the reason having being arrested in their homes.”
She appealed that the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven and other security agencies to remain in the state to prevent further violence.
Receiving the protesting women at the Jos Central Mosque, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Ibrahim Baba Hassan promised to deliver the women’s letter to governor Jonah David Jang.
While nothing that lawmakers have done all they could to stop the violence, Jang said “it is all about carrying everybody along. We cannot live in isolation. We must co-exist, Muslims, Christians, Hausas, Berom, Afizeres and Anagutas.”
no
Kano State Governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau has inaugurated a multi-million information and technology centre built and equipped by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for Rumfa College, Kano.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Abdulkareem Hassan, Sheharau expressed appreciation to Shell for the gigantic project expressing hopes that it would be maximally utilized for the benefit of the students by making them computer literate which is the global phenomenon.
According to him, the project was the first of its kind in the state, urging he school to ensure that they provide maximum protection of the ICT facilities.
The project he stated was an important one, which he believes would impact positively on the acquisition of computer skills by the students of the college in meeting up with the Millennium Development Goals.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Shell Exploration and Production Company, Mr. Chike Onyejekwe, explained that the donation of the ICT centre was part of the oil firm’s corporate responsibility in contributing to the development of computer literacy among secondary and tertiary institutions in the state.
Kogi
The governorship candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Idris Maiyanga had threatened to sue the party if it decided to substitute him.
Maiyanga who wont he CPC’s governorship primary in the state alleged that the national leadership of the party was making moves to replace him with an unpopular candidate.
Describing the purported moves as a departure from the party’s rules Maiyanga stated that he would contest the substitution even in court.
He said “I have worked and sponsored this party with my money. The entire congresses held in the state were sponsored by me. I don’t understand why the party would want to repay me this way.”
Maiyanga urged the party leadership at the state and national levels to concentrate on the party’s victory instead of going contrary to its rules.
Lagos
The Lagos State government, had announced a new salary structure for public servants under it employ, effective from January 1, 2011.
Addressing newsmen last Thursday, at the Government House, Lagos, the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension and Training, Mr. Jide Sanwo-Olu, said the decision was reached during a special session by the State Executive Council.
Sanwo-Olu stated that workers of the state government would be paid one month salary arrears.
While noting that the state government was yet to reveal the details of the package, the commissioner said however, that details will come before the end of this week.
He said “details will come by next week. We don’t want to do it all by ourselves but will allow the union members to see it before announcing it.”
Sanwo-Olu further urged all civil servants in the state to double their efforts in the discharge of their duties in order for their efforts to commensurate with the new salary structure adding that the government would not condone any laxity in the state civil service.
Oyo
Doctors in Oyo State have lamented what they called the ‘progressive decline of healthcare services’ in the state owned hospitals.
They said their strike would subsist until their demand are met by the government.
The chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Millicent Obajimi, who spoke with reporters in Ibadan said the NMA was demanding the implementation of CONMESS and the recruitment of more doctors in the state and local government hospitals across the state.
Obajimi said the 30-year-old Adeoye Maternity Hospital, which is the largest state hospital was a shadow of itself due to insufficient doctors.
She said “the Department of Surgery alone in this hospital used to boost of four general surgeons, three orthopaedic surgeons two plastic surgeons, two urologists among others but now had only one elderly and retired general surgeon employed on contact as the only one serving the whole of Oyo State.
Obajimi also revealed that the department of Internal Medicine which used to have at least four specialist physicians, no longer have any adding that it is now being runned by young medical officers.
Osun
The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) have been called upon to intervene in the crisis between Osun and Oyo States over the ownership of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.
The Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola made the call last Friday while receiving he YCE members led by it national chairman, Major General Adeyinka Adebayo in his office.
Aregbesola who expressed concern over the huge toll which the crisis has taken on the university said Yoruba people have a traditional norm which guides joint ownership of property and stressed the need for the Oyo State government to take such consideration to allow peace to resign.
He commended the YCE for its maintenance of peace and unity among Yoruba communities and appealed to the council to be in the vanguard of social re-orientation, which he said his administration was embarking upon.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government had launched concerted efforts towards the improvement of Agriculture and Agro business in the state.
Through the Zamfara State Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Programme (ZACAREP), farmers have been registered and given incentives in terms of Agricultural imput such as fertilizers, agro chemicals, pesticides, tractors and other mechanized farm implements, as well as improved seedlings.
Addressing Zamfara State Government House correspondent on the state of agriculture in the state, Governor Shinkafi disclosed that the state government had offered free tractor services to the farmers as a pragmatic approach to promoting mechanized agriculture and increasing agricultural yields in the state.
He stated that apart from providing incentives to the farmers, it had also put in place a policy to buy excess agricultural produce from farmers during harvest seasons at good prices in order to give the farmers value for their labour.
In is words “the state is also producing about 10,000 tones of cash crops such as ground nuts, cotton, soyabeans among others each year in recent years.”
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