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THE STATES

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The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) will to
day hold its 2016 Second Anniversary Annual Lecture at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Director-General of the commission, Malam Is’haq Modibbo Kawu, made this known to newsmen in a statement in Abuja.
According to Kawu, the theme for this year’s edition of the lecture series is; “ Broadcasting, Democracy and the Challenge of the New Nigeria’’.
He said that the lecture would be delivered by  immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof.Attahiru Jega .

Gombe

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, has
urged herdsmen in the country to enrol their children in school, especially the girl-child, to acquire necessary knowledge and skills that would guide their lives.
Assistant National Secretary of the association Dr Ibrahim Abdullahi,  made the call in an interview with newsnen in Gombe.
According to him, it is very important for the herdsmen to key into various government policies, including the nomadic education programme, which offers them unfettered access to education.
He expressed dismay at the response of the Fulanis to western education, saying that it was important to key in so as to tap its full potentials.

Jigawa

Parents have been advised to monitor the movement of
their children especially during holidays.
The head of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Jigawa, Alhaji Abdu Abdul, gave the advice during interview with newsmen in Dutse.
Abdul said the montoring would enable parents to know the kind of company kept by their children to prevent the children from being involved in drug- related crimes.
He identified the absence of counseling or limited guidance from parents as one of the major causes of drug misuse among youths.
“There is the need for parents to be more concerned with the affairs of their children and help them make good friends in school and at home.
Kaduna

Governor Nasir El-Rufa‘i of Kaduna State has inaugu
rated a library and research centre of the state’s Ministry of Budget and Planning named after Abidu Yazid.
El-Rufai explained at the inauguration in Kaduna that Yazid was honoured for his sacrifices and contributions to the development of the state throughout his public service.
He disclosed that Yazid., a development economist, was responsible for drawing up the first development plan of the then North Central State in 1970.
He added that Yazid was also part of the special Federal Government‘s Planning Team that produced the Reconstruction Development Plan for the liberated defunct East Central State, immediately after the cessation of the Nigerian civil war.
Katsina

Former Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema
and his counsel, have shunned the sitting of the State Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate missing funds during his administration.
Our correspondent reports that counsel to other top government officials during Shema’s administration were also absent at the sitting.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the commission, Justice Surajo Muhammed, assured that the commission would be free and fair in the discharge of its duties.
“This commission will discharge its duties without fear or favour; we shall provide a level- playing ground for all as this is not a criminal court but a commission of Inquiry.” he said.
Kogi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has urged con
tractors handling the River Port project in Lokoja to ensure its completion by December.
The governor gave the charge while inspecting ongoing works on the port.
He said that it’s quick completion would aid socio-economic development of the state.
Bello, who was conducted round the project site by the Managing Director of National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr Boss Mustapha, said that he was eagerly awaiting the completion of the project.
He said that the port would open the economy of the North to foreign investors.

Kwara

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria has com
mended the management of the University of Ilorin for providing the skills acquisition laboratory in its Department of Nursing.
Leader, Council’s Accreditation Team to the University of Ilorin’s Department of Nursing, Prof. Ijeoma Ehiemere, gave the commendation after an assessment tour of facilities in the department.
She noted that the university had put in place a robust staff development programme for the training of potential nurses.
Ehiemere said what the team saw at the College of Health Sciences of the university were commendable.
She described the skills acquisition/simulation centre and a robust staff development programme as exceptional.
The leader pointed out that some of the staff had been sent on study leave with pay, nationally and internationally.

Niger

Governor Sani Bello of Niger State has called on Nige
rians to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in their dealings to ensure peace and national development.
He made the call when he received Dr Mathias Echioda, the new Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger chapter in Minna recently.
“One of the things that has divided us as a nation is religious sentiment. It was never like this in the past and I don’t know why it is like this now.
“We had a better life and better understanding which brought more progress to the country.
“It is time for us to move away from all forms of sentiments. It is not healthy and it is anti- progress for the development of the country”, he said.
He added that there was no justification for Christian Religious Studies not be taught in unity schools if the Islamic Religion Studies was being taught.
“If IRS is being taught in schools, what now happens to the Christians students, it means they are being forced to go out and play. That is against our moral value”.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Government has released over N60
million for the payment of backlog of pensions and gratuities to pensioners in the state.
the Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Budget and Planning, Mr Muazu Adamu-Gosho,disclosed this to newsmen in Lafia.
He said that the money was for payment to retired workers in the state and local governments.
Adamu-Gosho said that data to ascertain the accurate number of pensioners in the state had been taken to facilitate monthly payment of pensions, while gratuities would be paid in arrears in view of paucity of funds.

Osun

Thirty-two-year-old Tijani Kamorudeen, who allegedly
broke into a house and stole a laptop and other valuables valued at N161, 000, has  been arraigned in Osogbo.
The accused, who pleaded not guilty, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and theft at an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecutor Fagboyinbo Abiodun told the court that the accused committed the offences on June 18 at about 2.00 a.m. at Jemoja compound in Ido-Osun.
Abiodun, an inspector, alleged that the accused broke into the house of the complainant, Akinfenwa Reuben, and carted away some valuables including a laptop, phones, three ear pieces and a pair of shoes, all valued at N161, 400.

Sokoto

The Sokoto State-owned Independent Power Project
(IPP) will inject 38 megawatts of electricity into the national grid when energised.
The Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEADCO),   Mr Garba Haruna,disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto.
Haruna was speaking shortly after inspecting the project with the Chairman, Board of Trustees of KAEDCO, Mr Yusuf Hamisu. ‘’The lPP project is certainly a reality as it has reached over 90 per cent completion stage.
“The line had since been run into the transmission where the power will be up taken into the national grid.

Zamfara

Dealers of sachet water in Gusau have complained of
low patronage, caused by the current rainy season, our correspondent reports.
A cross section of the dealers expressed the concern in a market survey conducted by our correspondent  in Gusau.
Dealer of Rahama sachet water, Alhaji Aminu Bello,said that there was low patronage during rainy season, compared to dry season when the business was flourishing.
Bello said that during dry season, he supplied between 4,000 and 3,700 bags of water daily while he hardly sold up to 1,000 bags during the rainy season.

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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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