Nation
THE STATES

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State (left), with the Minister for Information, Mr Lai Mohammed during the Minister’s visit to the Governor at the Government House in Jos, recently.
Benue
The Benue Commissioner of Police, Mr Paul Yakadi, on
Tuesday said that Fulani herdsmen had started leaving the state to end the ongoing crisis with farmers.
Yakadi told newsmen in Makurdi that the herdsmen decided to leave to give peace a chance.
“The herdsmen have started leaving the state for peace to reign. They are leaving in their numbers, but that does not mean the crisis has ended.
“We believe that in no distant time peace will return in the affected local governments and the people will return to their homes again.
FCT
The African and Arts Cultural and Heritage Association
Abuja (AACHA) has called on Nigerians to go back to their cultural roots of moonlight tales and games.
The President of the association Mr Kanayo Chukwumezie,made the call in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.
Chukwumezie said that there were different games that existed in the various cultural settings in the country which are at the verge of extinction.
“In those day, we use to play moonlight games of different types that involved singing and dancing and our parents would gather us to tell us stories that teach moral lesson.
Kwara
No fewer than 50 drivers had been convicted for viola
tion of road traffic regulations in the last two months in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said.
The Director of Operations, FRSC, Omu-Aran Unit Command, Mr Abdulhakeem Abdulkareem, told newsmen that the infractions were committed between January and February.
Abdukareem said that the convicts were among the offenders who appeared at mobile courts periodically setup by the corps in conjunction with the state judiciary.
Kano
The Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has
commended electricity customers in Bichi Local Government Area of the state for heeding its advice on energy conservation.
This is contained in a statement signed by the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mohammed Kandi, which was issued to newsmen in Kano .
According to the statement, the adoption of the energy conservation may not be unconnected with the series of campaigns carried out by officials of the company recently.
Katsina
The West African Cotton Company (WACOT) has drilled
bore holes for irrigation farmers in some Local Government Areas in Katsina state following shortage of water to boost dry season farming.
The company also distributed water pumping machines to the farmers in the state.
Dr Mustapaha Kabir-Daudawa, the company’s Project Representative, made this known at Bakori Local Government Area of the state at “Field Day’’ organised for farmers.
Kabir-Daudawa said the initiative was part of the company’s efforts to enhance farming activities, food security and job creation.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Chapter of National Union of Local Govern
ment Employees (NULGE), has appealed to the state government to pay up the three years arrears of leave grant owed workers.
The State Chairman of NULGE Alhaji Bello Barade, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin-Kebbi.
He, however, commended the state government for regular payment of salaries of local government staff, but stressed that there was need for the leave grant arrears to be paid.
This, he said, was necessary to improve their performance and economic well being.
promoting their welfare, so long as they remained dedicated to their duties.
Lagos
A 28-year-old man, Joshua Tabit, has been arraigned
before the Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing four generators within 10 days.
Tabit of no fixed address, who is facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, however, told the court on Tuesday that the charges against him were bogus.
“I am not guilty because the accusations are untrue,” Tabit said before Magistrate Bola Olagbegi-Adelabu.
The prosecutor , Cpl Mary Ajiteru, had told the court that the defendant committed the offences with others still at large on February 17 and February 26.
She said the defendant, on February 17, at about 3.00p.m. stole one Elpack 3,300 volts generator at No. 1-2 Prince Olajubu Close, Unity Estate, Bayeku Road, Ikorodu.
“He also stole a generator worth N75,000, the propery of Prince Oluwashina Olajubu,” she said.
Plateauu
The Commander of Operation Safe Haven, the security
taskforce Maj.-Gen. Tagbo Ude, charged with maintaining peace in Plateau, has confirmed the establishment of strike force units.
Ude, who made the disclosure in Gashish community, a flash point in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, said the units became necessary to improve response to calls in crises-prone communities.
“For as long as I will be here, the strike force base will remain; the idea is to reduce our reaction time to distress calls.
“If you recall, before I took over, so many villagers deserted their villages.
“But with the establishment of the strike force, most of the villagers have returned while schools have reopened with children moving to school normally,’’ he said.
Osun
Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, has announced the cre
ation of 31 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), in addition to the existing 30 Local Government Areas in the state. Aregbesola, in a state-wide broadcast in Osogbo, also announced the creation of three Area Councils and Two Administrative offices. He said the new LCDAs were created based on the request of the people to expand the scope of local government administration and enhance their participation. “The requests for new councils have been granted; all constitutional requirements have been met and the prescribed procedure followed to the letter.
“The importance of the local government cannot be overstated. It is where the government is designed to be closest to the people,” he said.
Ondo
The Ondo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has ad
vised intending for the 2016 Hajj from the state to engage in physical exercises to attain fitness for successful Hajj rites.
The Chairman of the board, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Ajifowowe, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Akure.
“ Physical fitness is one of the prerequisites for a successful Hajj,” Ajifowowe said.
He said that the Hajj was a rigorous religious exercise that demanded perseverance.
“Those that want to perform this year’s Hajj should try as much as possible to engage in physical exercises.
“Because Hajj is a rigorous exercise during which you will trek a lot.
“So, whoever that is used to riding vehicles always, should start trekking now,so that when he eventually gets to Mecca, the trekking will not have negative effects on him.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ibadan
has Tuesday remanded in prison custody a 29-year-old man, Dare Idogbe, charged with stealing a motorcycle at the court’s gate.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Richard, remanded Idogbe at the Agodi Prison to review the facts of the case and to pronounce sentence.
Idogbe, whose address was not provided in the charge sheet, had at his arraignment pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against him.
Subsequently, the magistrate adjourned the case for sentencing on Thursday.
Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Sunday Ogunremi, had told the court that Idogbe and one other person now at large conspired to steal a Bajaj motorcycle valued at N150,000.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Zakat and Endowment Committee has
doled out 78 sewing machines, 400 bags of millet and 30 grinding machines to the needy, to encourage self reliance.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said while distributing the items that the gesture was part of government’s efforts to encourage entrepreneurship in rural communities.
The governor, represented by Alhaji Al-Mustapha Abdulkadir, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Religious Affairs, pledged that the administration would come up with more empowerment programmes to reduce the level of poverty in the state.
Tambuwal stressed that the overall aim was to make people enterprising, self-reliant and self sustaining.
He solicited for prayers for peace in the country and success of the present administration.
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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