Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a payroll racket at the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication, Abuja, a statement said.
The anti-graft agency said in a statement, signed by its Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr Mike Sowe, in Abuja on Monday that preliminary investigations had revealed that
about N16.7 million had been siphoned by the syndicate.
It stated that ICPC investigators discovered that the syndicate operated by reinstating names of downsized and retired staff of the ministry in the payroll system.
“The second stage involved using forged documents bearing names of the downsized or retired staff to open bank accounts.
Gombe
A lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Yola Dr Keftin Namal, has advocated a political solution to the current security challenges in the country.
He told newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday that while it was imperative for the security agencies to be proactive in their approach to the issue, other options should not be foreclosed.
“Although there is the need for security agents to be proactive, the issue of Boko Haram for example, is better addressed politically. Each elected politician from the affected constituencies should be deployed to his or her area to parley with and obtain a truce with members of the group.’’
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government says it has distributed 12,459 tonnes of assorted fertiliser worth N997 million to farmers this farming season.
Alhaji Mohammed Danzomo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed this in Dutse in an interview with newsmen.
He said the fertiliser would be sold to farmers at the rate of N2,000 per bag.
He said NPK and Urea brands cost N4,000 at the open market, adding that the government had subsidised the cost by more than 50 per cent.
Danzomo said that 12,459 tonnes of fertiliser, representing 415 trucks, had been distributed to the 27 local government areas, the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and research Institutes for onward distribution to farmers.
Kaduna
Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana has inaugurated a five-man Governing Council of TIMEX School of Communications, Kaduna.
Gana inaugurated the council during the opening of a 3-day National Communication summit, organised by the school.
The school, which was established in 2010 by Kabiru Dangogo, former Head of Union Bank Public Relation Unit, is the first of its kind in the North.
Gana, who commended Dangogo for using his money for the development of people and public relations in the country, urged members of the council to use their vast experience to develop the school.
In his speech, Dangogo, who is the chief executive of the Institution, said the school had made some progress since its establishment a year ago.
Kano
The Kano State Government is to set up a special court to try erring pilgrims from the state as from the next Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said in Kano on Tuesday that the court would prosecute erring pilgrims after they had returned from the Holy Land.
Ganduje said soon after returning from the Holy Land that “we can not try the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, because we don’t have the powers to do so.
“But all evidence of against them will be brought to Nigeria, and the offenders will be tried here in Kano.” He said Islam had forbidden pilgrims from misbehaving in the Holy Land, stressing that the state government would not condone any misdeeds.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has donated three cows and assorted food items worth about N4 million to the state NYSC orientation camp.
Presenting the items to the NYSC Co-ordinator in the state on Tuesday, Alhaji Labiru Musa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural, Social Development, Youth and Spots, said the gesture was to assist the 2011 ‘Batch B’ NYSC members.
He said the donation included N500,000 cash to be spent on the fumigation of the camp and purchase of insecticide and toiletries for the corps members.
Musa said the gesture was part of the state government’s commitment toward ensuring a successful orientation programme for the corps members.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has earmarked about N4 billion for the resettlement and compensation of 137,023 victims of the 2010 flooding, which also killed five persons and destroyed seedlings worth N33 million.
Gov Saidu Dakingari disclosed this on Monday in Birnin Kebbi when Alhaji Khalid Yusuf, the Managing Director of the Sokoto River Rima Basin Development Authority, led the new management team on a courtesy visit.
Dakingari said that 50 per cent of the earmarked amount had been released as compensation to the flood victims while the flood relief committee had yet to conclude its report.
The governor said that people residing along flood plains had been relocated to higher ground to avoid future flood.
He said that the measure was in response to the weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) predicting possible flooding this year.
Lagos
Suspected armed robbers took advantage of the floods in Lagos metropolis to rob motorists.
Our correspondent reports that most parts of Lagos were flooded following a downpour that occurred throughout Sunday.
The floods submerged houses and vehicles and paralysed traffic.
Witnesses told our correspondent that hoodlums exploited the chaotic traffic situation which continued on Monday to rob motorists and commuters.
The route on which some of the robberies occurred included the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Dr Paul Adesanya, who witnessed a robbery on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, told our correspondent that the perpetrators were within the ages of 20 and 22.
A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered Sen. Ibrahim Musa (CPC-Niger North) ,charged for alleged falsification and forgery, to be remanded in prison custody.
Sen. Nuhu Aliyu of the PDP had approached the elections petition tribunal to challenge Musa’s victory in the April senatorial election.
Musa, who was said to have been invited to the state police headquarters, Dutsen Kura, early on Monday was arraigned before the court around 5:42p.m.
The First Information Report (FIR) read by the prosecution counsel, M.A Igwe, stated that the senator was being charged for criminal conspiracy, forgery as well as using fake tax clearance receipt to mislead public officers.
He further stated that the offence was contrary to section 97, 364, 366 and 322 of the penal code.
Osun
The Osun State Government has agreed to pay the
N18,000 minimum wage to its workers.
Mr Sunday Akere, the Director of Research and Strategy, Osun State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), made the announcement in Osogbo in an interview with newsmen.
“We will pay the N18,000. We will not beg labour for any reduction, because it is already a constitutional issue. It is also the right of Nigerian workers.’’
He said that once Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, who is currently on official trip to China returns home, the effective date when government would commence paying the wage would be announced.
Oyo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has said the military was facing the challenges of rebuilding itself and subordinating to civil authority.
Ihejirika said this at the opening ceremony of the workshop on civil-military relations held for officers and men at the 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
To tackle the new challenges, the army chief said the military needed a complete re-orientation.
Ihejirika, who noted that there had been frictions in civil-military interactions in the past, said the trend globally was to establish a Department of Civil Military Affairs as was conceived by the army headquarters.
“The establishment of this department is to ensure that the personnel of the Nigerian Army are fully sensitised on this concept.
Plateau
The Plateau Government has spent about N10 billion on the three Agricultural Services Training Centres in the last four years, Gov. Jonah Jang has disclosed.
Jang disclosed this when he received Mr Goerge Deek, the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Israel, in Jos.
“The centres are costing Plateau N10 billion and the Israeli government is committing N2 billion into the project. The centres are being replicated in the three senatorial districts.
“Kassa (Plateau-North) and Mangu (Plateau-Central) centres were commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. Shendam (Plateau-South) will soon be completed.
Zamfara
Following allegation of diversion by some members of the Fertiliser Distribution Committee, Gov Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara has instituted a probe into the activities of the committee.
Yari announced this while fielding questions from newsmen in Gusau.
He said he had received reports that some persons entrusted with the distribution of the commodity to farmers had allegedly diverted them for their personal gains.
“Right now, the issue is under investigation and as soon as the report comes to me, I will take appropriate action on all those found wanting in this important state assignment.“
“My administration will not fold its arms and watch some unpatriotic persons diverting fertiliser that is meant to assist the farmers in enhancing their agricultural productivity.”
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema /Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor