Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The PDP flag bearer for the June 21 Ekiti State guberna
torial election, Mr Ayo Fayose last Tuesday said the name of his running mate earlier submitted to INEC has been substituted.
The Director-General of the Campaign Organisation, Mr Dipo Anisulowo, who spoke on behalf of Fayose, said that the name Dr Olubunmi Olusola, who is in his 50s, was forwarded to INEC as a replacement for Ojo.
“The name of Pa Joshua Ojo, earlier submitted to the electoral body was done to beat the April 28 deadline earlier set by INEC. The actual name of our deputy was kept close to our chest as a political strategy since INEC timetable for the poll allowed for substitution of candidate or their deputies.
“The choice of Olusola was arrived at in order to give the people of the Southern part of the State a sense of belonging in the political calculation, “he said.
FCT
An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court in Life Camp has
sentenced 14 hawkers to two weeks in prison each for disobeying police order.
They are Ifeanyi Kingsley, Godwin Suswan, Stephen Monday, Davidson Uche, Samuel Elah, Ameobi Kalu and Collins Ogheleye.
The others are Chinwechi Chukwu, Asohera Uzoma, Thomas Bonfert, Joshua Arifuzo, Chibike Odenigbo, Usman Mohammed and Hamisu Mohammed.
Senior Magistrate Zubairu Mohammed convicted the accused, all of no fixed address, after they pleaded guilty to a two-count charge of joint act and disobeying order.
Gombe
The Gombe State Government has presented relief ma
terials worth N44 million to 2, 261 households affected by the April 17 windstorm disaster in the state.
Presenting the items to the victims, Dr. Arab Rukuje, Executive Secretary, Gombe State Emergency Management Agency, said that the gesture followed census of the victims in four local government areas affected by the disaster in the state.
Rukeje listed Akko, Billiri, Gombe and Kaltungo local governments as areas affected by the disaster.
“About 2, 261 household were reported to have been affected and the state government approved the provision of relief materials to those that are affected. These materials are to cushion their losses, which is why it is called relief materials, and we are doing it across board, so it is not compensation,” he said.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB), on Tuesday said it had rehabilitated over 40 primary and junior secondary schools in Hadejia Local Government Area.
The Education Secretary in the council, Alhaji Lawan Abubakar, said in an interview in Hadejia that three schools were also established to boost access to education in rural communities.
Abubakar said also that the board had in addition embarked on total rehabilitation of primary schools in Dubantu, Agumau, Garko and Maje, to provide conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning in the area.
Kaduna
The Adopt A Goal for Development Initiative (GAADI),
a Kaduna-based NGO, on Tuesday called for the reduction in the cost of governance to make public office less attractive.
The Head, Strategy and Coordination, Mr Atoye Ariyo-Dare, said in an interview in Kaduna, that Nigeria could address the problem of scarce resources by adopting the principle of fiscal federalism where every zone or state would develop its potentials and merely contribute something to the centre.
According to him every state in Nigeria has abundant mineral and human resources, which with good restructuring, would sustain it.
“Nigeria is yet to tap 50 per cent of the opportunities available to it. The world is currently moving towards a knowledge based economy, so what each state or zone needs to do is to expand the frontiers of opportunities for research and developments so that, ideas and innovations can drive the economy”, he said.
Katsina
More than 100, 000 registered commercial motorcycle
operators will be thrown out of job if the Kaduna State Government bans the use of commercial motorcycles, an official of the “Okada” riders, has said.
The state Chairman of Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN) Alhaji Garba Rabiu, made the claim in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Rabiu, who was reacting to the passage of the executive bill on the ban of “Okada” operation in parts of the state by the Kaduna State House of Assembly, said the decision would have negative economic consequences last many families.
Kebbi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi State,
has cautioned the state government against poor implementation of the newly introduced compulsory pension scheme for workers.
Malam Sadiq Ka’oje, the state NLC Chairman, in an interview in Birnin Kebbi, Tuesday, noted with concern that since the introduction of the scheme, the State Pension Board had not met, and contributors were yet to be issued with PIN numbers or linked with their pension administrators.
According to him, the contributors also need to be fully enlightened on the scheme, to enable them know how much would be deducted from their monthly salaries to avoid suspicion of foul play.
Kogi
The INEC says it will commence distribution of perma
nent voter cards to the electorate in Kogi State on May 23.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Olusegun Agbaje, who announced this in Lokoja last Tuesday said that the distribution of the cards would take place in all the 5,248 polling units in the 21 local government councils in the state.
Agbaje said that only those who participated in the last registration cards would be issued the cards, saying that the decision to distribute the cards at polling units was to facilitate easy collection by voters.
Kwara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State
has described the state government’s announcement of N3, 000 salary increment for workers as a “booby trap”.
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Chief Rex Olawoye, said last Tuesday that the said salary increment amounted to a deceit on the part of the state government.
Olawoye added that the said N3, 000 increment was a political gimmick to hoodwink patriotic workers to vote All Progressive Congress (APC) government back to power in 2015.
He called on the state government to clear the air as to whether the N3, 000 increment was monthly or annually.
Niger
The Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF) has commiser
ated with former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of his father-in-law, Alhaji Halilu Chiroma.
A statement issued in Minna by the Forum’s Chairman, Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger signed by Gov. Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Danladi Ndayebo, described the incident as “painful’’.
It said Chiroma’s death came at a time when his parental support and guidance were most needed and urged Buhari to be consoled by the fact that “from God we are and unto Him we all shall return’’.
It prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the bereaved family, especially Gen. Buhari’s wife, Hajiya Aisha Halilu-Buhari, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Osun
Chairman of Osun State House of Assembly Commit
tee on Education, Science and Technology, Folorunso Bamisayemi, says the dichotomy between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.sc) is “unjust and unfair’’.
Bamisayemi said this in an interview that there was no evidence to show that degree holders were more superior to HND holders in terms of competence.
He said that the training of HND graduates was to complement the degree holders, adding that it was high time government removed the dichotomy and recognised both the B.sc and HND holders and treat them as equals.
Bamisayemi however commended the Federal Government for setting up a committee to resolve the issue surrounding the dichotomy, saying “it is a right step in the right direction’’.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Teachers Service Board is to train
3,223 teachers in modern teaching methodology as part of effort to deepen and strengthen the profession to enhance improved performance and teaching outcomes.
Jelani said that the training was aimed to ensure the provision of effective and sustainable primary and secondary education in the state.
“If teachers are given qualitative training from the grassroots level, the output of our schools will contribute to promote sustainable educational development. Training is a continuous process and not something that you will come and finish in one day; we have already compiled names of our teachers for training and we will group them according to their levels and areas of training need and very soon the training will commence,’’ he said.
Jelani said that teachers training programme was part of the state government’s commitment to promote both primary and secondary education in the state.
L-R: Representative of the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (nema), Mr Eugene Eze, Deputy Governor of Bauchi State, Alhaji Sagir Saleh and Governor Isa Yuguda, at the presentation of relief materials by nema to Bauchi State Government in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo: NAN
Julius Berger Maintains Commitment to Timely Delivery with Holiday Work Schedule In the spirit of progress and dedication, workers on the Bodo-Bonny Road project, a transformative construction project awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, have continued their efforts undeterred by the Yuletide season. For many, the opportunity to contribute to the development of their communities through this landmark infrastructure project is a source of pride and fulfillment.
The 37.9 km road project, which connects Bodo in Gokana Local Government Area to Bonny Island in Rivers State, stands as a beacon of hope for the operational communities.
Julius Berger’s workforce, comprising a significant number of local indigenes, has been steadfast in their commitment to ensuring the project’s timely completion despite the challenging technical and logistical demands
The construction of this critical infrastructure requires specialized techniques and construction methodologies, including extensive sand filling for soil stabilization, to ensure a suitable foundation for construction.
The project also necessitates meticulous planning and coordination by the workforce and their supervisors, further underscoring the skill and precision involved in executing this project.During the holiday season, workers were seen diligently engaged in other activities such as base course installation, and sand-cement stabilization at key sections, including Apha Creek Bridge and Opobo Channel Bridge, the sight of heavy equipment from leading manufacturers like Caterpillar and Volvo further revealed the scale and complexity of the project.
Speaking about the project, John Hart, a member of the project team from Gokana, shared the pride he and his colleagues feel about the project,
“This road means everything to us. It connects our people to opportunities and development. For those of us working here, it’s more than a job, it’s our contribution to building a future for our communities.
Even during the holidays, we’re happy to give our all.”
Appreciating the team’s dedication, The Project Manager, Tim Nippert noted that, “Our workforce continues to exceed expectations. Working through the holidays and navigating the difficult terrain demonstrates their resolve and passion for delivering this project. Their ability to maintain steady progress under these conditions is truly remarkable.”
The Bodo-Bonny Road project is a critical component of Nigeria’s infrastructure development agenda. Featuring a 2-lane road with hard shoulders, 17 bridges spanning 3,200 meters, and reinforced concrete pavement on Bonny Island, it is designed to overcome environmental challenges while improving connectivity and stimulating socio-economic growth.
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.
