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THE STATES

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L-R: Convener, Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), Mr Mark Lipo, representative of vice President, Joseph Malomo and representative of plateau Governor, Mr Stephen Gadong, at the commemoration of stefanos Foundation Internally displace persons (IDP) camp anniversary and launching of coalition for CMR in Jos on Saturday.

L-R: Convener, Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), Mr Mark Lipo, representative of vice President, Joseph Malomo and representative of plateau Governor, Mr Stephen Gadong, at the commemoration of stefanos Foundation Internally displace persons (IDP) camp anniversary and launching of coalition for CMR in Jos on Saturday.

Borno

The Borno State chapter of  the Nigeria Union of Teach
ers  (NUT) has donated reading glasses to 140 teachers with eye problems after free medical treatment.
The state Chairman of NUT, Alhaji Bulama Abiso, disclosed this in Maiduguri  in an interview with newsmen
He said 14 out of the beneficiaries would undergo eye surgery, while others were given free eyeglasses.
Abiso said the free eye screening was conducted by a team of medical experts from Afro Eye Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).
He said patients with minor eye problems were treated at its medical centre, while those with surgical cases were referred to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for operation.
Abiso said that the gesture was part of the union’s efforts
Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti High Court has sentenced one David
Olugboyega to death by hanging for armed robbery involving N14,570.
Justice John Adeyeye passed the judgment following the confessional statement of the convict and the conclusion of trial by the prosecution.
During trial, the prosecutor, Mr Alaba Adeyemi, told the court that the convict committed the offence on March 20, 2003 at Araromi Street, Ikere -Ekiti.
He said the convict, armed with dangerous weapons including gun and cutlass, robbed three people of N14,570.
Specifically, Adeyemi said the convict robbed Kola Owolabi of N8,000; Beatrice Olawumi, N5,000 and Idowu Abiodun, N1,570.
The prosecution called seven witnesses to prove the case.
The convict, who made confessional statement at the police station, opted to defend himself without a lawyer.

FCT
Director-General of Centre for Management Develop
ment (CMD), Dr Kabir Kabo has warned unaccredited management training institutions and uncertified consultants to close shop or face the wrath of the law.
Kabo gave the warning in a statement in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim.
Kabo said the Nigerian Council for Management Development Act gave it a regulatory role to sanction any management consultant or training institution that undertook training programme without accreditation.
CMD, which is a parastatal agency under the National Planning Commission, is the operational arm of the council.
The visit took Kabo to some organisations, including Jheyah Nig. Ltd., PAN Training Centre, Shehu Shafi’i and Co. and Rafisa Safety and Management Consultants.
The DG added that the council was determined to ensure quality assurance, control and intervention in the operations of manpower and management developers.

Jigawa
The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate
(PTAD) has commenced the verification of federal pensioners in Jigawa State.
This is contained in a statement by the PTAD Director-General, Nellie Mayshak, in Dutse. The statement stated that the verification, which began on November  2 with pensioners in the North-West – Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara, would end on November  14.
It stated that South-East – Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia and Imo would hold between November  30 and December 12, while North-East, South-West, South-South and North-Central would hold in the first quarter of 2016.

Kaduna
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of
Nigeria (IPMAN), Kaduna branch, has appealed to the Department of Petroleum Resources to urgently address the current fuel scarcity in the area.
The IPMAN Spokesperson, Alhaji Sani Yushau, made the appeal in an interview with  newsmen.
Yashau said the problem had been worsened by the inability of the refinery in Kaduna to produce as well as the non transportation of fuel from Lagos by marketers.
Kano

The Department For International Development (DFID),
has promised to partner the Kano State Government in addressing the problem of unemployment in the state.
The Manager in charge of DFID’s training programme in Kano, Dr Muhammad Sagagi,  stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
Sagagi had had an audience with Alhaji Kabir Rurum, the Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly.
He said the programme focusing on Kano, Kaduna and Katsina States was tagged Way Out ‘Mafita.’
According to him, the three states have the highest number of unemployed people in the country.

Katsina
Senator Mustapha Bukar (Katsina North), has rolled out
his free eye treatment for no fewer than 7,000 people in his constituency.
Speaking at the inauguration of the free eye programme, Bukar noted that the beneficiaries were selected from the 12 local government areas of the senatorial district.
He said the free eye treatment and surgery was instituted as part of welfare programmes for the people.
“Many of the beneficiaries could not afford such medical treatments or operations due to financial constraints.
“We engage 20;qualified doctors for the exercise and it is expected to be completed within one month.”
He restated his commitment to introduce more programmes that would improve the living standards of the people.

Lagos
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities
(SSANU), has called on the Federal Government to find ways of improving the working conditions for its members.
The National President of SSANU, Mr Samson Ugwoke, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen  in Lagos.
According to him, rather than relieving workers in the system, the government should seek means of improving the living conditions in the universities.
It will be recalled that members of the association had in June, protested a circular directing Vice-Chancellors of Federal Government universities to stop accommodating their staff school teachers in their emolument structure.

Nasarawa

Governor  Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has of
fered free medical services to all persons living with disabilities in the state. Al-Makura disclosed this during the commemoration of World Disability Day in Lafia.
He said the state government had embarked on a census and registration of all persons with disabilities across the 13 local government areas to enable them to access the service and other gestures from the government.
He said the state had tried the free medical services in the past without success due to activities of saboteurs.

Oyo
An Alternative Therapy Medical Practitioner and Nutri
tionist, Dr Ayelara Oni,  says lemon is an anti-cancer food.
Oni made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. She said lemon was acidic to taste but was an alkaline-forming food, explaining that this was why it was good for balancing a highly acidic condition in the body, thereby balancing the body’s pH.
She added that lemon contained 22 anti- cancer compounds, including limonene, which was the natural oil that help to slow or halt the growth of cancer.
Oni, who is also a Director at a herbal store, said lemon had a substance called flavonol glycosides which could stop cell division in cancers.

Plateau

The Executive Chairman, Plateau State Universal Basic
Education Board,  Prof. Mathew Sule, has called for the establishment of health clubs in public schools to enlighten children on prevention of HIV/AIDS.
Sule made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos.
He said such clubs would be good platforms to enlighten pupils and students on the ultimate target of eradicating the pandemic in the society.
He added that “the best time to inculcate knowledge in children is when they are minors; that is the time such awareness could be firmly rooted in their subconscious.’’
The SUBEB boss explained that the health clubs, which were already part of school curriculum activities in Plateau, should serve as platforms for enlightenment on AIDS and the dangers it posed to the society.
He exressed regret that many children had been made orphans by the scourge, pointing out that such persons were worst hit because they would find it difficult to acquire education and other neccesities of life.

Sokoto

Former Treasurer of APC in Sokoto State, Alhaji Muktari
Mapia,  has advised the state independent electoral commission to use card readers in the forth coming local government election.
Mapia told newsmen in Sokoto that using card readers would enhance the credibility of the conduct of the election.
He called on the commission to provide a level playing field for the conduct of transparent election to usher ­in democratically elected leaders at the grassroots.
The former treasurer also called on leaders of political parties in the state to sensitise their followers to the dangers of involvement in political violence and thuggery.
He advised security agencies to brace up for the challenges by providing a peaceful atmosphere for the conduct of the election in the state.

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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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.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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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.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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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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