Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Government plans to set up a communication hotline linking the office of the governor with traditional rulers and their communities to effectively combat violent crimes across the state.
Gov. Murtala Nyako unveiled the plan when he addressed traditional rulers who paid him Sallah homage at Government House, Yola.
Nyako said the hotline would also link first class traditional rulers with their district and ward heads so that any security threat could be reported immediately for prompt action.
He said that a hotline already existed between him and heads of security agencies in the state, noting that the hotline helped in frustrating the bandits who attacked banks and police stations in Gombi town last week in their attempt to rob the banks.
Bornu
Alhaji Sa’idu Pindar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the April general elections in Borno State, has died.
Pindar died in an auto crash on the Kano-Abuja expressway on Wednesday, family members said.
Malam Ibrahim Biu, a relative of the deceased, said in Maiduguri on Thursday that the politician died on his way to Abuja for an engagement.
Pindar, a one-time Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, was the running mate of Alhaji Mohammed Goni, the PDP governorship candidate in the state.
Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno described Pindar’s death as ‘’shocking and a great loss to the state’’.
Gombe
The Gombe State NLC is to commence strike on Thursday following its inability to reach agreements with the government on the implementation of the N18,000 minimum wage.
This is contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) of NLC on Wednesday in Gombe.
The communique was signed by its chairman, Mr Ahmed Maisaka. According to the document, the council deliberated on the directive of the National Executive Council to proceed on an indefinite strike September 1, if an agreement is not reached on or before August 31.
The statement which expressed labour’s dismay on the inability of the state government to reach an amicable resolution on the minimum wage, stated that there was no going back on its action.
Kano
Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, senior counselor at Kano Emirate, has given the assurance that the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, will carry out all the Eid-el-Fitri durbar celebrations as is usually done.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sanusi, who is the “Wambai of Kano’’, urged the people to attend all the durbar celebration which usually lasts for three consecutive days.
He explained that the only amendment to the Durbar celebration’s calendar was the emir’s visit to the Government House which normally took place on the third day of the celebration.
The amendment, according to him, is that instead of the emir to visit the Government House, the governor would now pay a visit to the emir to congratulate him for the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.
Katsina
The Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir, on Wednesday in Katsina, said that attacks on traditional and political leaders as being experienced in the country was not Islamic.
Kabir, who paid a traditional sallah homage to the Gov. Ibrahim Shema, said “attack on traditional and political leaders in some parts of the country after the last presidential polls was unIslamic and condemnable “.
He noted that politics was all about opinion which provided every one the right to choose, and urged youths in the country not to go on rampage because of elections.
The emir also condemned the act of rumour mongering which according him, was one of the causes of violence.
He noted that the door of his emirate council was open for people to offer useful advice rather than castigating leaders and spreading rumours which could lead to political violence.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has earmarked N155.6 million for the establishment of an onion processing factory in Aliero.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Sani Kanya, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday that the factory would process raw onions into bottles and tin containers.
He said the idea was to preserve onions for a longer period of time and reduce the loss suffered by onion producers, especially when there was no market for the commodity.
Kanya said the factory would also help in encouraging farmers to produce the commodity in higher commercial quantity.
He added that the factory would employ 65 workers in addition to some experts who would be deployed from the state ministry of agriculture.
Kwara
The Kwara Agricultural Development Project (KWADP) has hailed the federal government’s intervention in the agriculture sector, saying that it is yielding positive results.
Mr. Sunday Atanda, the Managing Director of the agency, made the observation while speaking in Ilorin on Thursday.
Atanda noted that the government’s investment in the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) had catapulted Nigeria to become the world’s number one cassava producer, with about 42 million tonnes annually.
Acoording to him, the investment provides employment to rural dwellers and ensures food security.
Nasarawa
Gov. Umaru Al-makura of Nasarawa said on Thursday that his administration had no plan to retrench workers in view of the implementation of the new national minimum wage as was being speculated.
Al-makura stated this in Lafia while playing host to the leadership of organised labour in the state who paid him a Sallah homage.
He assured workers that efforts would be intensified toward improving their welfare, adding that “the N18,900 minimum wage is only a tip of the iceberg.”
Al-makura stressed the need to strengthen the existing relationship between the state government and the NLC and called on labour leaders to ensure that workers reciprocate government gesture through efficient service delivery.
Nation
HYPREP Trains Students On Petroleum Jelly, Liquid Soap Making
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
Nation
Community Organises Civic Reception For LG Boss
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.
Nation
Senate Summons Wike Over Demolition Of Houses …Set To Investigate FCDA Activities
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.
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