Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, is yet to declare
his desire to contest the presidency or a senate seat, his spokesman, Malam Danlami Takko, has said.
He said in Bauchi that it had become necessary to clear the air to prevent some people from using the people of the state to heat up the polity.
He said though Yuguda had the leadership qualities to contest for any of the posts, he had never declared his intent to do so.
“Judging by his background, the governor is capable and eligible to contest for the presidency or the senatorial seat come 2015 if he so decides,” he said.
FCT
The National Council on Science and Technology
(NCST), has called on Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) to work with Federal Ministry of Science and Technology (FMST) on projects to accelerate national development.
This is contained in a report of its 12th council meeting made available to journalists on Wednesday at the ongoing 13th Council Meeting in Minna.
SHESTCO should work with the ministry and other stakeholders to regenerate its rice, wheat and cassava projects.
The report stated that the council had proposed the establishment of the Nigerian equivalent of the U.S. Silicon Valley to be called SHESTCO Silicon Valley adding that in pursuit of the goal, the ministry hosted a team of UNESCO officials to partner with it to prepare the feasibility studies for the project.
Kaduna
The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) says it
is committed to the training of Nigerian youths under the National Open Apprenticeship Training (NOAT) programme.
The Kaduna State NDE Coordinator, Alhaji Isa Tandama, said in Kaduna on Thursday that this was in line with its mandate to create avenues for job creation for unemployed youths.
He said that the programme was part its Vocational Skills Development (VSD) programme which became necessary as the nation’s educational system did not favour technical education.
Tandama said the training was another platform to enhance economic development and empowerment initiative and that the directorate identified this and introduced the scheme from inception to empower youths.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State has urged
institutions, communities and individuals to support the government in protecting the environment.
Shema made the call at the inauguration of the Funtua Zonal Forestry Office and tree nursery in Mairuwa Village in Faskari local government area of the state, last Thursday.
Rrepresented by the District Head of Funtua, Alhaji Sambo Idris, he said government needed maximum support from the public, considering its huge investment in annual tree planting.
Kwara
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara last Wednes
day described the victory of the Governor-Elect of Ekiti, Mr Ayodele Fayose, as a positive development.
Ahmed, who said this last Wednesday in a congratulatory message to the governor-elect, noted that the June 21 election was an indication that democracy was on course.
He said the fact that the election went peacefully and an incumbent was defeated showed that Nigerians cherished democracy, especially when the atmosphere was conducive.
The governor urged the political class to imbibe an enduring lesson from the Ekiti experience that elections could be conducted devoid of hooliganism.
Ahmed also commended the All Progressives Congress candidate, Governor Kayode Fayemi, for his gallantry in defeat and political maturity in accepting the wish of Ekiti people.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board
(SUBEB) last Thursday blamed the deplorable state of infrastructure in public schools on years of neglect of the education sector in the state.
The Executive Chairman of the board, Mallam Abdulkarim Abdullahi, stated this during the board’s assessment visit to one of the public primary schools in Agyaragu Tofa, Lafia Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the neglect of the education sector in the state was responsible for the high level of infrastructure decay in the public schools across the state.
“Gov. Tanko Al-Makura is doing his best to improve on the standard of education in the state through the building of new schools and the renovation of the existing ones to meet with international standard. “The schools are now wearing a new look and equipped with facilities by the present administration under the leadership of Gov.Al-Makura,”he said.
Osun
The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr
Najeem Salaam, last Thursday commended Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State for displaying the spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the outcome of the June 21 governorship election.
Salaam who gave the commendation at the assembly‘s plenary in Osogbo said Fayemi’s display of maturity had guaranteed a place for him in the future of Ekiti and Nigerian politics.
“It is only the progressives, particularly the APC, that can produce such a fine, disciplined and compassionate mind to admit defeat gallantly in an election Gov. Fayemi’s action has guaranteed a place for him in the future of Ekiti, Yoruba and even Nigerian politics,” he said.
The speaker said the Ekiti people would continue to appreciate Fayemi’s positive contributions to the state.
Oyo
Chairman, Bodija Corn Millers Association, Bodija Mar
ket, Ibadan, Mr Wasiu Atanda, has called on Oyo State Government to establish a fire service station inside the market.
Atanda, who made the call in an interview in Ibadan following the gutting by fire of some shops in the market last Tuesday, said shop owners lost property worth about N23 million in the incident.
The chairman said there was the need for a fire service station within the market to ensure rapid and early intervention of the men of the service during emergency.
“There is a land at a place called Kara within the market where a fire station can be built for the benefit of traders and, even, the people living around the community,’’ he said.
The fire, which started around 4.30 a.m, destroyed shops belonging to the millers, hairdressers, fashion designers and hot drink sellers.
Plateau
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has kicked
against taxing of churches as proposed by the National Conference Committee on Religion.
The religious body made its position known in Jos at a press conference by the National Vice Chairman of PFN, Rev. Yakubu Pam, shortly after its North-Central zonal meeting.
Pam said that the PFN noted with concern the reported recommendation of the committee on religion that taxes be imposed on religious institutions.
According to the national vice chairman, the meeting deliberated on several issues affecting the nation and advised the politicians to be circumspect in their utterances and conduct while politicking.
Pam, who decried the plight of Nigerians in northern Nigeria, particularly Christians, however called on Nigerians irrespective of their religion or tribe to unite and defeat the enemy.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government last Wednesday, ap
proved a contract for the supply of medical equipment and furniture worth more than N216 million for the Wamakko Orthopaedic Hospital.
The Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Danladi Bako, who disclosed this in Sokoto, while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the weekly state executive council meeting said that state of the art equipment would be installed at the hospital to ensure smooth operations.
Bako said that the government would continue to accord priority to the development of the health sector through the provision of basic working facilities, to manage its health institutions.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government says it would remain fo
cused on institutional reforms to strengthen good governance in the state.
Special Adviser to the state governor on Media, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, in Damaturu, that the government embraced the reforms in spite of security challenges faced by the state.
Bego said the state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for State Partnership, Accountability, Responsiveness and Capability (SPARC) on June 21 with the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID).
He said the state government under the platform of Yobe State Socio Economic Reform Agenda (YOSERA) convened a summit to provide input to facilitate speedy socio-economic transformation of the state.
The special adviser said the reforms had translated in promoting service delivery, accountability, transparency and good governance.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.
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