Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The proposed Kafin Zaki dam in Bauchi State, is to be
re-designed to accommodate the interests of communities in Yobe and Jigawa states.
Vice President Namadi Sambo stated this in Bauchi during the North East Zonal Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He said that President Goodluck Jonathan, who authorized the re-designing of the dam, had also directed that work should commence on the project.
Sambo also said that the completion of another dam in Taraba, the Mambilla Hydropower project, would transform the North East sub-region.
Benue
Suspected Fulani Herdsmen, have attacked some vil
lages in Agatu local government area of Benue State, killing over 19 people and abducting others in the process.
It was gathered that more than 15 people, including women and children were whisked away by the gunmen to unknown destination.
Sources say the gunmen also razed houses and destroyed farmlands during the late night invasion.
The council chairman, Stephen Dutse, said the attackers invaded the villages of Olegaje, Ogumogbo, Ejuma and Ogbagaji, the headquarters of the local government.
FCT
The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said it
would join the rest of the world to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chinua Achebe’s novel, Arrow of God.
The National Vice President of the association, Danja Abdullahi, told newsmen in Abuja that the event would come up on April 3 in Abuja.
He said that ANA resolved to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Achebe’s novel “because Chinua Achebe was a hero in the literary world, besides being a worthy son of Nigeria.
“This year marks the golden anniversary of the publication of the novel, Arrow of God, by Chinua Achebe, his third novel after Things Fall Apart and No Longer at Ease.
Jigawa
The Birniwa Local Government Area of Jigawa State
is targeting immunisation of 121, 000 animals against various diseases within four weeks, the Chairman, Malam Muhammad Bundai, said recently.
Bundai gave the assurance while inspecting animal vaccination in Birniwa.
He urged Fulani herdsmen to present their animals for vaccination to check outbreak of diseases and improve animal health.
The chairman said that the council had provided logistics support to facilitate smooth conduct of the exercise.
Kaduna
The Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of
Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria, Kaduna State, has approved the appointment of three acting directors to substantive positions.
The approval is contained in a statement issued by the institute’s Chief Principal Public Relations Officer, Mr Paul Mshelizah in Zaria.
The statement quoted Mshelizah as saying the decision was taken at the 19th meeting of the council held in Zaria, Kaduna State on March 28, chaired by its Chairman, Mr Olusola Akanmode.
The new appointees are Alhaji Sule Bello, who is now the institute’s substantive Registrar, Mr Uzoma Ugoke, who becomes the Director, Library and Information and Mr Femi Jemirin, now the institute’s Director, Consultancy Services.
Kano
Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,
has declared that the ongoing National Conference would end up as another talk show, as it was meant to waste government’s fund.
In an interview with the BBC Hausa service in Kaduna recently, he wondered why a whopping N7 billion was budgeted for the conference, while only a paltry N2 billion was given to three North-Eastern states grappling with terrorism and insurgency.
Kwankwaso stated that the President, Goodluck Jonathan, hurriedly organised the conference because he was short of ideas on how to run the country.
He alleged that the motive behind the confab was to open old wounds with a clear intent to cause confusion in the polity.
Kwara
A lawmaker, Dr Rafiu Ibrahim, says the pres
ence of “too many old people’’ at the National Conference may be a negation of President Goodluck Jonathan’s good intention of convening it.
Ibrahim, who said this in Ilorin, recently, told newsmen that the ongoing National Conference was a laudable event which had too many old people as delegates.
The lawmaker, who was inaugurated as Honorary President of Mess Committee of the Nigeria Navy School of Health Sciences in Offa, Kwara said the timeliness of the conference was apt.
Lagos
Some residents of Ejigbo in Alimosho Local Gov
ernment Area of Lagos State have urged the state government to provide an efficient network of drains in the area.
In separate interviews with newsmen in Lagos, they said that functional drainage channels would give room for easy flow of waste water into the canals.
“In Ejigbo, most homes don’t know where to discharge waste water because there is no functional drainage system.
“So, what happens is that the water is discharged in the compounds and you know this can cause health problems.
Ogun
A member of the Ogun State House of As
sembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide, has urged delegates to the National Conference to put the interest of the nation first in all their deliberations.
Elemide, (APC-Odeda), made the call in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen
The lawmaker said that the outcome of the on-going national conference would only be meaningful if the interest and future of the nation were put into consideration in all issues to be discussed.
He stated that lack of love for one another had been a major factor affecting development and growth of the country.
He added that Nigerians should love one another irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.
The legislator noted that Nigeria would be a better place if the fear of God, love and honesty were allowed to reign supreme at the conference.
He, however, urged the leadership of the country to ensure that the views of Nigerians were not subverted at the end of the conference.
Ondo
The Chairman of Ondo State Cocoa Revolution
Implementation Committee, Dr Jibayo Oyebade, says cocoa produced in the state for chocolate production, has received world certification and recognition.
Oyebade told newsmen in Akure, that the product had already been presented to the partnering firm overseas, Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate firm, Netherland.
“We taught our cocoa farmers how to improve the quality of their cocoa, through proper fermentation.
“Our partners have taken our sample and are satisfied with it. I am proud that our effort has yielded good results. We want to reproduce chocolate from our own cocoa” he said.
Zamfara
The National Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle
Breeders Association, Alhaji Abdullahi Bodejo, has called on Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, to convene a nationwide meeting of Fulanis.
Bodejo made the call in Gusau while conferring the title of Sardaunan Fulani on Shema.
He explained that such a meeting would help to find lasting solutions to problems involving Fulani and others in the country.
“If a meeting is convened by a personality like the Katsina state governor, I am very certain that the truth about us will come to light’’, Bodejo said.
L-R: Former President Shehu Shagari, Deputy Governor of Kano Stae, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduji, an Activist, Dr Junaid Mohammed and High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Muhammad Saleem, at the 75th National Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Abuja last Sunday. Photo: NAN
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the mangrove wetlands in Ogoniland have been officially designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The designation, according to HYPREP, underscores the global ecological significance of Ogoniland’s mangrove wetlands and highlights ongoing restoration efforts aimed at addressing environmental degradation in the area.
In a press statement issued by the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, the recognition was described as a major milestone for the agency, the people of Ogoni and other stakeholders working towards environmental restoration in the region.
Zabbey explained that the mangrove wetlands, which cover more than 31,700 hectares, consist of islands, tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove forests that support a wide range of biodiversity. The ecosystem provides habitat for several species including fin fish, shellfish, crustaceans, crocodiles, turtles and the endangered grey parrot.
He noted that beyond biodiversity conservation, the wetland also provides essential ecosystem services such as fisheries production, flood control, water purification and carbon storage. According to him, the international recognition will further support local livelihoods, promote ecotourism and bring global attention to the region.
The HYPREP coordinator disclosed that the designation followed a meticulous process that began in 2024 when the project submitted a memorandum to the National Council on Environment seeking support for the recognition of the Ogoni wetlands as a Ramsar site.
Following the council’s review and approval, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally wrote to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat requesting international recognition of the wetlands.
After a comprehensive ecological assessment, the Ramsar Secretariat granted the designation, officially recognising the Ogoniland wetlands as one of the world’s sites of international importance.
Zabbey said the recognition would strengthen ongoing environmental restoration efforts in the area and encourage stronger conservation measures and sustainable management of the wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations.
He added that the designation also fulfils a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, marking another significant step in the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
The HYPREP project coordinator reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring the Ogoni environment through the remediation of oil-polluted land, shorelines and mangrove ecosystems.
He also called for collective responsibility and stakeholder support to sustain the progress of the Ogoni cleanup programme and facilitate the development of a comprehensive and sustainable management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetlands.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, has attributed the successes of the 12-day programme organised for adolescent girls aimed at eliminating Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) in some parts of the State to the ability of the respective stakeholders to take ownership of the programme.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa, who dropped the hint in an interview at the end of the programme in Elele-Alimini Community in Emohua Local Government Area on Saturday, said the event had a buy-in component, an ownership mentality, whereby facilitators, staff, and everyone involved took ownership of the project.
She explained that the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had packaged a series of training sessions for adolescent girls aimed at ending the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in some communities across the State.
According to her, the initiative was designed to educate young girls on the harmful effects of the practice and empower them to become advocates against it within their communities.
She noted that the programme, which lasted for several weeks, targeted adolescent girls from different local government areas where the practice is still prevalent, stressing that
data collected by UNICEF and the Ministry revealed that Female Genital Mutilation is still practised in some parts of the State, prompting the need for intensified sensitisation and community engagement.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa explained that the programme adopted a “train-the-trainer” approach where adolescent girls were educated on the dangers of the practice and encouraged to share the knowledge with their peers, families and communities.
“This is a programme by the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation with support from UNICEF and UNFPA to train adolescent girls towards ending Female Genital Mutilation, which is still practised in some local government areas,” she said.
She further explained that each participating local government area had a three-day training session, with the exercise running for a total of 12 days.
The local government areas, where the programme took place, she noted, included Ahoada West, Abua-Odual, and Emohua, adding that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the state government and development partners to eliminate harmful traditional practices and protect the rights and wellbeing of girls.
She revealed that prior to the training of the adolescent girls, the Ministry and its partners had also engaged community facilitators, including older women and men, to sensitise them on the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
According to her, the involvement of community leaders and adults is essential in addressing the cultural and social factors that sustain the practice.
Speaking on the response of the participants, the permanent secretary expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and enthusiasm shown by the girls throughout the training sessions.
She noted that many of the participants said they were learning about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation for the first time.
“The girls are between the ages of 12 and 17 and from the interactions we had with them, they were very excited. Some of them are hearing these things for the first time and never knew that the practice is harmful,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training would enable the girls to serve as advocates for change within their communities.
She added that the Rivers State Government, alongside its partners, would continue to intensify efforts and expand community-based interventions aimed at ending the practice across the State.
Meanwhile, the participants for Emohua Local Government Area were drawn from Elele-Alimini, Egbeda, Rumuji, Ibaa, Rumuekpe, Rumuakunde, Eligbarada, and Ogbakiri Communities.
The participants,who spoke in separate interviews described the training as eye-opening, noting that it helped them better understand issues surrounding adolescent health, personal hygiene, reproductive health, and the harmful consequences of Female Genital Mutilation.
Favour Azukwu from Rumuekpe community, said the programme provided a deeper understanding of the dangers associated with the practice, particularly its impact on the health and wellbeing of girls and women.
She explained that the training sessions exposed participants to the medical, social and psychological effects of Female Genital Mutilation, including severe bleeding, infections and complications during childbirth.
She revealed that she personally experienced the practice at the age of 12 and suffered heavy bleeding afterwards, an experience that has strengthened her determination to advocate for its eradication.
According to her, many communities still practise Female Genital Mutilation because it is perceived as a cultural tradition, despite the dangers associated with it.
“I do not support Female Genital Mutilation because there are many dangers involved. I experienced severe bleeding when it was done to me as a child.
Another participant, Glory Ken, a 16-year-old secondary school student from Rumuji community, said the programme broadened her understanding of several important topics affecting adolescents.
She explained that beyond the discussion on Female Genital Mutilation, the training also focused on issues such as personal hygiene, reproductive health, peer education, and self-care.
According to her, the sessions helped participants understand the importance of making informed health decisions and supporting one another as peer educators.
“I learned about many things that affect young people in society and how to take care of myself. I also learned that Female Genital Mutilation is harmful to our health. The message I am taking back to my community is that this practice should stop,” she said.
Also speaking, Goodness Kenjika Nyeche described the programme as very impactful.
She noted that the training equipped participants with the skills and confidence to educate others about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation.
She said she plans to organise sensitisation among adolescents in her community, particularly girls between the ages of 10 and 19, to ensure they understand the dangers associated with the practice.
“I learned many things from this programme and I feel very good about it. I will educate other young girls in my community and help them understand why Female Genital Mutilation should not continue,” she said.
For Queen Dike from Ibaa community, the programme helped clarify misconceptions surrounding the practice.
She explained that in some communities, the practice is still referred to as circumcision and is viewed as part of cultural identity.
She said the training helped participants understand that Female Genital Mutilation involves the cutting or removal of parts of the female genital organs and that it has serious health consequences.
She stressed that awareness and education are key to ending the practice, especially among communities that continue to uphold it as tradition.
“I think the programme is very helpful because many people still believe it is part of culture. More awareness is needed so people can understand why it should stop,” she said.
Another participant, MyJoy Echika Amadi, said the programme provided critical information about adolescent health and the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
She described the initiative as enlightening and said it encouraged young people to become advocates for change in their communities.
According to her, participants were encouraged to use various platforms such as churches, peer groups, schools and community gatherings to spread awareness about the harmful effects of the practice.
“This programme has enlightened us about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. I will do my best to create awareness in my community and encourage people to stop the practice,” she said.
Many of the participants emphasised that the knowledge gained during the programme has empowered them to challenge harmful traditions and promote healthier practices among young people.
They also called on the Rivers State Government, development partners and civil society organisations to sustain the sensitisation campaigns and extend the training to more communities across the State.
According to them, empowering young people with the right information will play a critical role in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation and protecting the rights, health and dignity of girls in Rivers State.
The participants expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, UNICEF and UNFPA for organising the programme and for investing in the wellbeing and future of adolescent girls in the State.
