Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Director-General, National Orientation Agency
(NOA), Mr Garba Abari, says tapping into the positive features of the youth population would enhance the nation’s development.
Abari said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
He noted that the youths under the age of 35 constituted between 16 and 62 per cent of the country’s population, adding that there were varieties of talents which could be tapped for the advancement of the nation.
Statistics quoted to have put the youth between 16 and 62 per cent population and below the age of 35, thus making Nigeria a country of very young people.
“In this younger population is energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity, they are curious to know what is happening around the world.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State command of the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has warned Private Guards Companies (PGCs) operating in the state not to sell or lease their licences.
The State Commandant, Mr Muhammad Durumin-Iya, gave the warning in an interview with the newsmen in Dutse.
Durumin-Iya said the warning became necessary to check quackery among the PGCs operating in the state.
He said that the licenses were only issued to registered PGCs, adding that the “Licenses are not transferable”.
“In line with the NSCDC mandate of monitoring, regulating, supervising, registering, training and licensing Private Guards Companies (PGCs), licenses are issued to only registered companies”, he said.
Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State, has inau
gurated the Kaduna State Treasury Single Account (TSA) Operations Manual.
This is contained in a statement issued by Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, which was made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the manual was presented at the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) West Africa workshop on TSA implementation in Lagos.
It said that the manual contained records of the experience of Kaduna State in implementing the Treasury Single Account, which it commenced last year.
Kano
The Kano State Fire Service has concluded arrange
ments to train 80 additional staff on fire fighting to enhance the performance of the service.
The Director of the service, Alhaji Mohammed Rilwan, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Kano.
“We will train our staff on modern method of fire fighting,” Rilwan said.
According to him, 47 staff are undergoing training at the Fire Service Training College, located at Dakata in Nassarawa local government area of the state.
“They will be passing out of the training in two weeks time,” he added.
Katsina
Katsina
Two suspected secret cult members have allegedly
stabbed to death an 18-year-old SS II student, Abdullahi Muhammad, in Katsina.
An eye witness told newsmen in Katsina that the deceased was killed by suspected miscreants identified as“Kauraye’’.
The eye witness said the deceased was killed at about 9.30 p.m. in front of his family compound for his refusal to give his cell phone to the assassins.
Family sources said that the two killers came on a motorcycle and asked the deceased to release his phone to them.
The source said that when the deceased refused to comply, the hoodlums stabbed him in the neck with a knife.
According to the source, the victim slumped and the suspects picked the phone and zoomed off immediately to an unknown destination on their motorcycle.
Kebbi
Residents of Gesse Phase 1, a community in Birnin
Kebbi, have appealed to the Kebbi State government to construct additional drains and waterways in the area to prevent flood.
The ward head of the area, Alhaji Auwalu Argungu, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
Argungu recalled that a recent three-hour downpour destroyed houses, foodstuffs and livestock in the community, although no life was lost.
He also said that past administrations in the state had pledged to construct roads, drainages and waterways in the area but did not actualize those pledges.
The ward head said that a permanent solution was needed to address flooding in the area, adding “the magnitude of the problem was beyond communal effort.’’
Kogi
The Kogi State Government has inaugurated a new
300 joint security outfits dedicated to fighting kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Jerry Omodara said in a statement in Lokoja that the outfit is code named “Operation Total Freedom”.
Omodara who inaugurated the outfit on behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello said that members of the outfit were drawn from the police, the army, the navy and the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC).
Our correspondent reports that the state government recently handed over 114 patrol vehicles to the various security agencies in the state.
According to him, the stage government would provide the outfit with communication equipment to ease communication flow among its members.
He said that the state government had also worked out issues relating to stipends and other welfare for the outfit’s personnel.
Kwara
The Kwara State House of Assembly has approved
the extension of the tenure of elected executives of Offa Local Government Council to November 10.
The approval was sequel to a request by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed contained in a letter read by the Speaker, Dr Ali at plenary.
Our correspondent reports that the tenure of the chairman and councillors expired last Friday.
The tenure of other 15 council chairmen in the state would, however, expire on November 10.
The motion for tenure extension of the Offa council executives was moved by the House Leader, Hassan Oyeleke, and seconded by Saheed Popoola, who represents Ojomu-Balogun Constituency.
Niger
The Unilever UK has invested N7.5 million in the construc
tion of borehole and a business outlet in
Dabara community of Suleja local government area of Niger State.
Our correspondent reports that the managers of the project, Technoserve Sunlight Water Centre (SWC), donated 40 water carts and 50 number 160 litres of water containers to the community for the launch of the project.
Technoserve Market Consultant for the SWC, said that the project was part of the initiatives to engage business solutions in resolving the water challenges of rural people.
Our correspondent reports that Unilever UK works in collaboration with TechnoServe in Nigeria to provide a strictly private-sector approach to solve the water access problem in communities across the country.
Oyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Oyo State com
mand, says it apprehended 1,818 traffic offenders in the state in August.
The state’s sector commander, Mr Yusuf Salami, told the newsmen in Ibadan that the offenders committed 2,040 offences in August.
He said that 553 offenders were arrested for not using their seat-belts while driving, making it the most prevalent offence committed. “Other offenders include 531 riding motorcycles without wearing crash helmets and 321 driving with expired or worn-out tyres ,’’ he said.
Plateau
Poultry farmers in Plateau State say they record low pa
tronage and experience hike in the price of feeds in recent times.
The Chairman, Poultry Association of Nigeria in the state, Mr John Dasar, spoke to newsmen in Jos.
“This period is, indeed, tough for us; the sale is low, while cost of production is high; government must step in to help us,’’ he said.
He attributed the low patronage to the poor purchasing power of most families occasioned by the worsening economic situation nationwide. He explained that low patronage had also led to an excess in supply of poultry products, particularly eggs, compared to the demand.
Sokoto
The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA),
says flood and windstorm displaced no fewer than 7, 290 people and destroyed many farms in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, between April and September, 2016.
The agency’s Head of Sokoto Zonal Operations Office, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad, told newsmen in Sokoto that the twin disasters affected 17 local government areas in the three states.
According to him, a total of 3,309 houses were also destroyed in the three states. Muhammad said Sokoto recorded the highest cases, with 14 local government areas affected.
He listed the areas as: Tangaza, Dange-Shuni, Gudu, Sokoto South, Sokoto North, Bodinga, Wamakko, Wurno, Gwadabawa, Binji,Kebbe, Kware, Rabah and Sabon-Birni.
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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