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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency
(ADSEMA) says no fewer than 2,000 school-aged children of Internally Displaced Persons, have enrolled into the Safe School programme in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr.  Haruna Furo, who disclosed this to newsmen in Yola, said the initiative was part of the Federal Government’s special education package for the children of IDPs nationwide.
According to him, the programme is a collaboration between  State Universal Basic Education Board, National Emergency Management Agency, and UNICEF.
He disclosed that the main objective of the programme was to ensure that the education of the affected children did not suffer any setback while living in the camps.
“Presently, the Safe School programme for children of IDPs in both primary and secondary schools had commenced in six designated camps across the state.
“Over 2000 children have enrolled in the programme and about 165 of them, already admitted into various Unity Schools and Colleges across the country.” Furo said.

Bauchi
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the North
East Zone has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to be fair to all Nigerians without religious prejudice or ethnic sentiment.
The Chairman of the association in the zone, Rev. Shuaibu Byal, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi.
Byal said that the generality of Nigerians from different walks of life and without prejudice to religion and ethnicity voted for the president.
He said that it would be fair for the Buhari administration to consider every part of the country for appointment into the various political offices irrespective of religion, regional or ethnic differences.
“Appointments into political offices have always been based on ethnicity and religion in this country.
“Now that the long awaited change has come, Nigerians expect a shift from such predispositions.
“As Nigerians, we expect fairness and equity in appointments into political offices, particularly by ensuring a balance between the two major religions, to strengthen trust and confidence among us,’’ he said.

Ekiti

Former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Mr.
Olufemi Bamitile, said the new administration of President Muhammadu Buhari would restore Nigeria’s lost glory.
Bamitile said this in his country home, Kuta in Ekiti East Local Government Area of Ekiti State when he addressed a gathering of party faithful to celebrate the inauguration of President Buhari.
He commended the courage of APC supporters in the state and urged them to continue working for the success of the party.

FCT

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria
(HURIWA), an NGO, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to pay attention to police reforms and to wage total war against corruption and mass poverty.
National coordinator, HURIWA, Mr Emmanuel Onwubiko, made this call in a signed statement made available to journalists in Abuja.
Onwubiko described the smooth civilian -to-civilian transition programme that took place on May 29 as  unprecedented and successful.
He urged the new Federal Government to begin without further delay the comprehensive overhaul of the anti-graft machinery by appointing tested, trusted, fearless, incorruptible and competent persons to his cabinet.
The HURIWA boss stressed the need to appoint competent and qualified persons to head the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Offences Commission (ICPC).
He said HURIWA believed that the current leadership of the two anti corruption agencies have compromised in very unpleasant dimension.

Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has
pledged to continue to pursue probity, transparency and accountability in running the affairs of the state.
He spoke while taking oath of office for a second term in office in Gombe administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Akila Heman at the Pantami Stadium Gombe.
The governor promised to carry all stakeholders along to give them a sense of belonging.
He said the sporadic attacks from insurgents and the hosting of internally displaced persons from the neighbouring states affected by the crisis had negative impact on the lean resources of the state.
The governor, however, said his commitment and stringent fiscal management had led to the transformation of the state into a modern metropolis for other states to emulate.

Jigawa

Some persons displaced as a result of the Boko Haram
insurgency, have resorted to begging in major streets of Hadejia town in Jigawa, to fend for themselves.
Sources said that the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), comprising of women and children, roam the streets, offices, market places and other strategic locations, to beg for alms.
According to sources some of the IDPs were taking refuge in unoccupied stalls at Hadejia market, due to lack of approved camp in the area, while others, who migrated from Yobe and Borno states, as well as Niger Republic, were staying with relations in Hadejia town.
Hauwa Bakari, one of the displaced persons, said she was forced to beg to fend for herself and her three children.

Kano

Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, said that his
administration would employ female sanitary Inspectors to strengthen personal hygiene in many homes in the state.
Ganduje announced this in Kano while launching a campaign on “Keep Kano Clean” at the Gyadi-Gyadi dumping site in Tarauni Local Government Area of the state.
He said that the present administration would focus more on strengthening personal and environmental hygiene with seriousness, to keep Kano clean.
The female inspectors, he said, would go into houses to ensure that children and everyone in the house observed personal and environmental cleanliness, as it used to be.
He further said that sanitary inspectors would be posted to all markets and slaughter houses in the state, to oversee their activities, stressing that the new administration would not tolerate negligence in sanitation issues.

Kwara

An economist, Mr. Babatunde Salami, has blamed poor
economic management and unjustifiable high debt profile for the country’s failing economy.
Salami made the remark while speaking with newsmen in Ilorin.
According to him, it is pitiable that it may take about four or more years to offset the over N14 trillion loan borrowed by government.
He stressed that it was unimaginable that the level of development was not commensurate with the country’s debt profile.
Lagos

The Women Advocates Research and Documentation
Centre (WARDC) has urged the Federal Government to establish an Independent Electoral Offences Tribunal to address issues of electoral violence in the country.
The Executive Director of the centre, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, made the call at a joint media briefing with the International Foundation for Electoral System and the European Union on “Issues and Challenges of Post 2015 Election’’.

Plateau

Elder statesman and All Progressives Congress (APC)
chieftain in Plateau, Alhaji Yahaya Kwande, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to resort to the use of internal mechanisms in fighting corruption.
He told newsmen in Jos last Saturday that corruption was not a new thing in Nigeria as it predated the colonial era.
Kwande however said that the scourge of corruption escalated because institutional mechanisms for fighting it such as checks and balances in the various Ministry’s Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were relegated to the background.
He lamented that, in recent time, even commissioners and deputy governors were mere figures heads who acted on issues, including corruption among their staff, only on the directives of either the president or the governors.

Sokoto

Former VC Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Prof. Shehu
Riskuwa, has expressed confidence that the present administration would weed out Boko Haram insurgency.
Riskuwa told newsmen in Sokoto that President Muhammadu Buhari, being an army general, would come out with stringent security measures that would end the killings of innocent souls.
He said that Buhari had the political will to end the activities of the insurgents, hence the decision to relocate the military central command to Maiduguri showed that the administration was committed to tackling the insurgency.
He explained that ‘’ it has been part of his campaign to bring to an end the activities of the insurgents.

Secretary, Nuj,  Fct, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche (left), presenting a nomination form for the post of the Nuj President to the National Secretary of the union, Mr Shu'Aibu Leman, on behalf of Mustapha Lamidi of the News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), during the submission of the form for Nuj Election in Abuja recently. With them are the contestant, Mr Mustapha Lamidi (2nd-right) and Chairman, Nan Chapel, Mr Felix Ajide.

Secretary, Nuj, Fct, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche (left), presenting a nomination form for the post of the Nuj President to the National Secretary of the union, Mr Shu’Aibu Leman, on behalf of Mustapha Lamidi of the News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), during the submission of the form for Nuj Election in Abuja recently. With them are the contestant, Mr Mustapha Lamidi (2nd-right) and Chairman, Nan Chapel, Mr Felix Ajide.

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MOSIEND Calls For RSG, NDDC, Stakeholders’ Intervention In Obolo Nation

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The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has decried the neglect of communities in Obolo Nation and others in the Niger Delta Region

MOSIEND also called on the stakeholders to empower the youths in skill acquisition and other meaningful ventures to better their lives

This call was on Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt, Radio program, Talk of the Town, by MOSIEND Eastern Zonal Coordinator of MOSIEND Half Hour Comrade Tammy Bruce Longjohn, alongside Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Amos Zebedee Udu, and Unyeada Clan Chairman Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere monitored by our correspondent

The spokepersons underscores the urgent need for government agencies and development partners to respond decisively to the dire state of basic amenities in the area.

MOSIEND leaders in Obolo Nation lamented the absence of potable water, electricity, access roads, and other functional public infrastructures in the clans

“What is troubling is that these complaints continue to echo without corresponding action from the Rivers State Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission, and the oil companies operating in and around the area”.

According to the MOSIEND leaders, the situation has reached a point where community members, particularly youths and women, require deliberate intervention to rebuild livelihoods and restore hope.

They also emphasised the need for empowerment programmes, vocational training, and investments in local economies that depend heavily on fishing and trade.

The Clan leaders call for provision of small engine boats for fishermen and the construction of proper market spaces for the communities

Asarama Clan Chairman, Comrade Udu noted that the community participates fully in electoral processes yet continues to live without clean water or electricity.

He insisted that the clan is not benefiting as they ought to from any MoU with oil companies nor from NDDC projects, raises concerns about the fairness and inclusiveness of development planning in the state.

Equally troubling is the account from Unyeada Clan Chairman, Comrade Owen Wilson Ngere, who highlighted the alarming state of Unyeada Primary School, where children are forced to learn on bare floors without desks, chairs, or basic sanitation facilities.

” For a region that hosts oil and gas activities, such conditions are unacceptable and should concern all stakeholders”.

The Unyeada Clan Commended NDDC for the installation of solar lights in the communities, noting that the project is not enough for the entire community as they
appeal for more of the solar project in the area

While the leaders expressed appreciation to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the ongoing construction of roads in the area, and to the local council Chairman for the provision of potable water in some communities, .

“Obolo Nation has shown remarkable restraint and continues to maintain peace, as noted by the MOSIEND Coordinator”.

“The issues highlighted are not demands for luxury,but are basic necessities that every community in the Niger Delta deserves.

“The time for promises has passed; what Obolo communities need now is visible, sustained, and inclusive development.

 

Chinedu Wosu

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Film Festival: Don, Others Urge Govt To Partner RIFF

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Prominent academics and industry players have called on government at all levels to partner with the Rivers State International Film Festival (RIFF) to unlock the hidden potentials of the film industry and market the State to the international community.

The appeal was made at the opening ceremony of the 3rd edition of the festival, held recently at Ezewali Event Centre in Port Harcourt.

The festival, which featured film screenings, workshops, and discussions, aimed to promote Nigerian culture and provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.

A lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Femi Shaka; Mr Tobechukwu Daniel: and the Chief Executive Officer of Down Town Cinema, Mrs Nneka Clareth commended the Chief Executive Officer of RIFF, Kate Ezeigbo for her efforts in promoting the culture of the Niger Delta and Nigeria through film.

According to Prof Shaka, “They are telling our stories the way nobody else will tell it. It gives them the opportunity to show the world what we have.”

He urged the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and other Governors from the Niger Delta States to support RIFF, describing it as a marketplace where upcoming stars can showcase their talents.

Mr Tobechukwu Daniel, one of the founding fathers of RIFF, expressed satisfaction with the four-day programme, which was jam-packed with activities that had a direct impact on the participants and the industry.

He emphasised the need for government partnership, stating that funding from governments, multinationals, and captains of industries is crucial for the growth of the film industry.

“The international participation in RIFF programmes will boost our economy, as they will watch our cinema, buy our films, and give our youths opportunities to showcase their talent,” Daniel said, advising actors and actresses to focus on professionalism rather than godfatherism.

Mrs Nneka Clareth, who has been in the business for 12 years, noted that lack of funding is a setback to the nation.

“I want the government to support Nollywood in totality, because Nollywood covers visibility, sustainability, culture, tourism, storytelling, and a whole lot,” she said.

The festival, which featured free medical treatment, film production, scriptwriting, and discussions on various topics by professionals, drew participants from different parts of the world.

The organisers commended Kate Ezeigbo and her team for putting together a wonderful event, urging participants to make proper use of the opportunity.

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Hausa Community Lauds Council Boss Over Free Medical Outreach

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The Chairman of Hausa Butchers Association in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Alhaji Hamisu Jika, has commended the Chairman of the local government council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma for organising a successful free medical outreach programme that benefited thousands of people in the area.

The outreach, which was organised by the local government council provided free medical services to thousands of people, including the elderly, women, and children, healing many with different ailments.

Alhaji Jika described Hon Abuba as a visionary leader, who has the welfare of his people at heart, noting that he is a de-tribalised Nigerian citizen who is determined to run an all-inclusive government.

He pledged the total support of the Hausa community to the administration of the council chairman in all its programmes and policies.

According to Alhaji Jika, the Hausa community in Ahoada East is law-abiding and will continue to maintain the existing peace in the area.

“Honestly, I want to tell you that we are peace-loving people and we are solidly behind the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East in all his programmes and policies in the local government,” he said.

The chairman revealed that the Hausas and their hosts, the Ahoada people, have been enjoying a cordial relationship since they started settling in the area, stressing that the council chairman has been a good leader who does not condone evil.

He expressed optimism that Hon Abuba will improve the comfort and wellbeing of the people and transform the council area, noting that the chairman has his people at heart.

He, therefore, called on both indigenes and non-indigenes of the local government to rally round the chairman, as he needs their support to take the local government to another level.

He appealed to the chairman to look into the welfare of Hausa people and help them with soft loans to boost their businesses, noting that some of the Hausas were born and brought up in Ahoada and have married there, and there is understanding and cordiality amongst them in the area.

Alhaji Jika also called on the youths to be law-abiding and stay away from trouble, stressing that where there is no peace, there will not be any meaningful development.

It was gathered that the Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, Hon Solomon Abuba Ochoma has indeed started well and is working hard to fulfill his electioneering promises, making him a charismatic leader and the man of the people.

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