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Borno

The Nigerian Army says Boko Haram terrorists now
evade drones and aircraft surveillance by hiding in makeshift camps covered with shrubs.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman,  revealed this new tactic in a statement in Maiduguri.
Usman said in the statement that the discovery was made during a clearance operation in the North Eastern area of Kumshe in Borno.
“Troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B, attached to 21 Brigade have braved harsh climatic conditions to clear seven villages of Boko Haram terrorists’ presence in the North East of Kumshe village.
“The villages are Mulfuta, Baibawa, Jenere, Bembem, Maksamari, Bula Kafie and Bula Bodi”.
FCT

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), has expressed the readiness of the commission to offer the required training to officers of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), in order to enhance its operations.
The acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu, gave the assurance in Abuja when he received a delegation from the FRC, led by the Chairman, Mr Victor Muruako.
Magu said that the EFCC had world class training facilities and resource persons to aid the operations of the FRC.
In his remarks, Muruako expressed the need for the two agencies to partner to eradicate economic and financial crimes among revenue generating agencies.
“ Fiscal Responsibility Commission always has to force these revenue generating agencies to submit their annual statement of account.”

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested four
suspected armed robbers along the Kaduna-Abuja highway.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer  DSP Zubairu Abubakar, disclosed this in Kaduna in an interview with newsmen.
According to him, the patrol team of Sabon Tasha Division received a distress call from a woman who was robbed by armed men at the Kakau over head bridge.
“When the patrol team arrived the scene, the robbers jumped out of their vehicle and ran into the bush.
`Members of the patrol team chased them and succeeded in arresting four of them,” Abubakar said.

Kano
No fewer than 3.6 million malnourished children have
been treated in Kano State under the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) programme of UNICEF which  started in the state in 2010.
The Nutrition Officer, Kano State Ministry of Health,  Hajiya Halima Musa, made the disclosure during a field trip to Sharada Primary Health Center, Kano, organized for journalists by UNICEF recently.
The trip was to acquaint journalists drawn from Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Taraba, Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Adamawa and Jigawa, on malnutrition control in the state.
She said that 30 centers for the treatment of malnutrition had been opened in six selected local governments of the state.
Musa further revealed that 103,376 malnourished children were treated across the centers in 2015.
Kogi

Governor Yahya Bello of Kogi State, has warned those
using religion and ethnicity to divide the people of the state to desist from that.
Bello gave the warning in Lokoja while speaking at the inauguration of the state chapter of the Coalition for the All Progressive Congress (APC) Support Groups.
He said that the state had witnessed dirty politics of tribalism and ethnicity and stressed the need for a complete break.
” Our plan is to usher in a better and greater Kogi where people will see themselves as one irrespective of tribe and religion and ensure that the state rank among the best in Nigeria.
“Kwara
The Olomu of Omu-Aran In Kwara State, Oba Charles
Ibitoye, has commended the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) for the distribution of free prepaid meters to its customers in Omu-Aran district.
He gave the commendation while addressing members of the Artisan Congress of Nigeria, Omu-Aran chapter, in his palace in Omu-Aran on Sunday.
Our ccorespondent reports that IBEDC had, a few days ago, begun free installation of 517 meters under its Free Prepaid Meters Roll-out Scheme to customers in the district.
Omu-Aran district comprises Offa, Ajase-Ipo, Oro, Oke-Onigbin, Oko, Osi and Egbe, among others.

Lagos
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)  has called on
individuals and corporate bodies to support the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to improve on its rescue operations during emergencies.
The branch Chairman of the NSE, Mr Olalekan Taiwo, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
Taiwo said disasters could affect everybody wherever they occurred, adding that it required cooperation from everyone to improve disaster and rescue management and reduce casualties.
“All hands should be on deck to ensure that disaster management and rescue operations are not left in the hands of government alone.
Nassarawa

Nasarawa State Chairman of All Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Ahmed Suleiman-Wambai,  has urged the state chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to suspend its ongoing strike.
Sulieman-Wambai, who is also the Sole Administrator of Lafia Local Government Area (LGA), made the call shortly after a stakeholders meeting in Lafia.
He said that the teachers should call off the strike and return to their duty posts in the interest of the pupils and the state in general.
“It is not the intention of the state or the respective LGAs not to pay any worker in the state; the situation should be blamed on the state’s dwindling resources brought about by a downturn in the nation’s economy”, he said.
Niger

The Niger State  Commissioner for Information, Cul
ture and Tourism, Mr Jonathan Vatsa,  has   appealed to traders in the state to reduce prices of commodities in this holy month of Ramadan.
Vatsa told journalists in Minna last Thursday that it was unfair to increase the prices of food during Ramadan.
“We are all experiencing hard times; so we should not add to it by increasing the prices of goods and services unjustly”, he said.
According to him, reducing the prices of food stuffs during Ramadan and thereafter attracts rich rewards from Allah, the Creator of the universe.
No fewer than 19 persons lost their lives in an auto
crash that occurred on Sunday along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway recently.
Our correspondent reports that the accident occurred at about 1 p.m. around Fidiwo/Ajebo axis of the road.
The Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Mr Babatunde Akinbiyi, confirmed the accident.
According to him, the accident involved a tanker, laden with fuel, with plate number, RAN 571 XA, and an 18-seater passenger bus with registration number LAGOS AGL 373 XR and an articulated vehicle marked AJG 40 XA.
Akinbiyi explained that the fuel truck travelling towards Ibadan rammed into the articulated vehicle conveying cement, while trying to overtake it at a diversion, and collided with commercial bus heading towards Lagos.
He said all the 19 occupants of the bus lost their lives on the spot, adding that evacuation was ongoing at the time of filing this report.

Oyo
The face-off between the Oyo State Government and
labour may soon be over as the two parties commenced reconciliatory talks in Ibadan.
Our correspondent  reports that workers led by the national leadership of the NLC had on June 6 declared an indefinite strike over their unpaid six months salaries.
The workers also rejected government’s controversial education initiative to involve private participation in the management of public secondary schools while also demanding the withdrawal of all charges against the labour leaders in a court of law.
A five-hour reconciliatory meeting facilitated by the State House of Assembly, however, held at the Executive Chambers of the Governors Office.
Speaking after the meeting, which ended at exactly 8.15p.m., the parties told newsmen that the reconciliatory process was on course.

Taraba
A group, Concerned Taraba Tiv Youth Frontier
(CTTYF), has donated relief materials to victims of herdsmen’s attacks currently camping in Sabon-Gida, Dan-Anacha and Korum villages of Taraba.
The Chairman of group Mr Dooior Torkula, presented the materials to the Chief of Gassol, Simon Erentsa for onward distribution to the IDPs in the three camps.
Torkula said the group decided to assist so as to reduce the effects of the economic crunch being experienced in the country, saying the IDPs were the worst hit in the period.
He urged the people not to lose faith as the Federal and State Governments were doing everything possible to ensure security of lives and property.
The chairman appealed to the displaced persons to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement and criminal act to the security agencies.

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Key Regulators, Asset Owners Impressed With HYPREP’s Milestones

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Strategic regulators and other stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the pace, quality and magnitude of work carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

In their separate speeches at the 2025 4th quarter key regulators / asset owners meeting held in Port Harcourt, the strategic stakeholders commended HYPREP for the significant milestones achieved with excellent efficiency and transparency, demonstrating capacity and commitment to sustaining collaboration with development partners for the overall success of the Project.

The regulators particularly lauded HYPREP for the landmark success in the implementation of the land and shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration, provision of reticulated potable water, the various sustainable livelihood programmes, donation of ambulances to health facilities in Ogoni, the construction of Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, as well as the ongoing Ogoni Power Project, adding that their independent field reports have shown proofs of HYPREP driving even beyond its mandates.

The goodwill messages were made by representatives of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development (CEHRD), Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), and Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Ministry of Power, the Rivers State University, the Rivers State Ministry of Water and Rural Development, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.

Following the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit’s presentation on the status of HYPREP projects, participants offered feedback on areas of concern. They reassured HYPREP and the people of Ogoni of their continued support for the Project’s success. They also suggested that the quarterly review meeting be sustained as it enables them to report, evaluate and proffer solutions to areas of concern.

Participants also commended HYPREP for improved community and stakeholder engagement and for adding to what they saw the previous time. “We commend HYPREP for the quality work done at sites. The progress is phenomenal, because HYPREP is scoring good grades, above average,” Prof. Iyenemi Kakulu from Rivers State University said.

In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who was represented by Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services, commended the regulators and asset owners for their cooperation with the Project, and for making themselves available for fieldwork and the regular review meetings.

Prof Zabbey reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to best practice in waste management, particularly waste generation and disposal, calling on the Regulators for adequate logistics support, saying HYPREP’s priority is to focus on the core recommendations by UNEP, especially, remediation(soil, shoreline) mangrove restoration, provision of potable water, interventions in public health care services and sustainable livelihood for the people.

The Project Coordinator further highlighted the status of the Project, the successes achieved across all thematic areas, and assured that HYPREP will soon complete most of the ongoing projects and roll out others. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the Ogoni cleanup, ensure quality control, and foster effective collaboration.

Consequently, the quarterly key regulators/asset owners meeting is HYPREP’s strategic stakeholder management model, further underscoring the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership for development, and accountability, all of which are harbingers of effective project delivery.

Speaking to newsmen, HYPREP Project Support Lead and representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, described his involvement with HYPREPas an encouraging and insightful experience, saying, the Project is implementing a wide range of projects across Ogoniland, spanning immediate remediation works as well as livelihood support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of affected communities.

Engr Igbinomwanhia emphasised that Renaissance Africa Energy remains fully committed to supporting the objectives of the Ogoni cleanup project, noting that the company has a long history of collaboration with HYPREP.

He added that the partnership has been characterised by continuous learning, adaptation and a willingness to respond to observations and recommendations aimed at improving outcomes.

He further emphasised the importance of safety in all project operations, particularly given the challenging terrain and operating conditions in Ogoniland.

He noted that safety is treated as a critical priority and that contractors are continually reminded to maintain high safety standards, stressing that lessons learnt from previous operational challenges like the collapse of the water tank in Gwara Community are being applied to strengthen safety practices and overall performance.

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Maternal Mortality: RSG Identifies 6 High Risk Local Government Areas

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The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.

State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.

The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.

Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.

“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring

“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.

She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.

Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.

He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.

He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.

Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.

The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who  is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.

 

John Bibor

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HoS Hails Fubara Over Provision of Accommodation for Permanent Secretaries

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The Head of Service (HoS) of Rivers State, Dr. Mrs. Inyingi S. I. Brown, has commended Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving befitting accommodation for Permanent Secretaries in the state.
This commendation was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to the Head of Service, Governor Fubara has continued to demonstrate uncommon commitment to the welfare of civil servants in Rivers State, stressing that such gestures underscore his people-oriented leadership style. She urged civil servants across the state to remain supportive of the governor’s administration in order to sustain good governance and effective public service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the Body of Permanent Secretaries, Dr. Brown congratulated Governor Fubara on the occasion of his 51st birthday, describing him as “a Governor who leads by serving.”
She further praised the governor’s service-driven and people-centred leadership approach, noting that it has significantly contributed to institutional stability and improved efficiency within the state’s public service. Special appreciation was expressed for the approval of a befitting accommodation complex for Permanent Secretaries, which she said reflects the governor’s commitment to staff welfare and enhanced productivity.
As part of activities to mark the governor’s birthday, the Body of Permanent Secretaries announced the sponsorship of 329 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) forms for indigent students across the state.
A breakdown of the initiative shows that 319 forms will be distributed across the 319 political wards in Rivers State, while five forms are allocated to non-indigenes and five forms to persons living with disabilities.
Interested applicants are advised to contact the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, for further details.
The Body of Permanent Secretaries wished Governor Fubara continued good health, divine wisdom, and greater accomplishments in his service to the people of Rivers State.
By: John Bibor
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