Nation
THE STATES
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State said he aban
doned the use of bullet proof cars as an act of sympathy with the suffering masses who had no means of self protection from terrorists.
Shettima stated this in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
He said that the action was also aimed at showing that the terrorists had no super natural powers.
“We have to dare the terrorists; I have bullet proof cars, but I do not use them; I want to be exposed to the elements as the ordinary people do,” Shettima said.
He said the bullet proof cars were only kept for the use of visitors who might be afraid to use ordinary cars.
“We have so many bullet proof cars but we only use them for our guests”, he added.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government says it will immunise over
1.7 million children against polio in the ongoing immunisation campaign in the state.
Executive Secretary of the state Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHDCA), Dr Kabiru Ibrahim, disclosed this to newsmen in Dutse.
Ibrahim said that enough personnel had been engaged to conduct the exercise simultaneously across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The executive secretary commended traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders in the state for their support and cooperation for the smooth conduct of the exercise, so far.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Electricity Company says it has com
menced customer enumeration using Geographic Information System in four states under its franchise.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communication of the company, Abdulazeez Abdullahi and made available to newsmen in Kaduna.
The statement said that the exercise would be conducted across the company’s franchise states of Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.
It said that the exercise had commenced in Kaduna State, using NYSC members.
The statement explained that the exercise would capture the data of existing customers, prospective ones, identify undeveloped and developed properties, as well as vacant houses.
Kano
Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central), has called on ca
dets at the Nigeria Police Academy,Wudil, Kano State, to change the current perception of the society about the Nigeria police.
Sani made the call while addressing Kaduna State cadets currently undergoing training at the Academy.
“As cadets you have the duty to change the perception of the society about the Nigeria police as time has passed when the police was for those who could not make it academically,” he said.
Sani, who, is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Local Debts, also urged the cadets to avoid corrupt practices and any act capable of denting the image of the Force.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has procured firefighting
equipment worth N35million to effectively tackle fire outbreak in the state.
The State Director, of Fire Service, Alhaji Bello Zagga, disclosed this to newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the equipment would be distributed to the department’s outfits located in the 21 local government areas of the state.
“The equipment include fire extinguishers, safety jackets, fume and other relevant materials”, he said.
Zagga said the department had this year repaired four fire fighting vehicles and trained 30 officers on rapid response to emergency situations.
Kogi
A Kogi-based lawyer, Daniel Makolo, has called on Presi
dent Muhammadu Buhari to appoint a Kogi indigene to replace the Minister of State for Labour, late James Ocholi
Makolo made the call at a press conference in Lokoja in Lokoja.
He said that for almost seven months, Kogi had been denied representation in the Federal Executive Council meetings, adding that there was a dire need for the representation.
According to him, the meeting has the primary purpose of promoting good governance and welfare of all persons in the country on the principles of freedom, equality and justice and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of the people.
Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is to ensure that
there is steady electricity supply at the terminals to facilitate trade, the Executive Director, Finance, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko has said.
Bello-Koko told newsmen in Lagos that power supply to port facilities was important.
He said that several grey areas of concern to stakeholders would be improved upon with constant power supply to facilities.
“We are looking at a 24-hour cargo clearing time frame as template to drive others. “If we can get the energy stabilised, things like cargo examination can take place, even in the evening.
“With power supply, several repair and maintenance services of equipment that tends to delay operations in terminals can be carried out in the night,’’ Bello-Koko said.
Nasarawa
The Federal University, Lafia, has terminated the appoint
ment of 35 of its non-teaching staff over the inability of the institution to pay their salaries.
Vice Chancellor of the university,Prof. Mohammed Sanusi-Liman, told newsmen in Lafia that the council took the decision due to paucity of funds.
Sanusi-Liman explained that the affected staff, who were employed by the institution earlier in the year, comprised 11 corps members who were retained after their service year and 24 others.
Niger
Rice and Cassava Value Chain Development Programme
(VCDP) farmers in Niger State have commended the Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development for empowering farmers.
The Chairman Bankoregi Progressive Farmers Association, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, made the commendation during a visit by Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbe in Katcha, Niger State.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has received the
report of the State Committee on Participatory Management of Schools, saying the recommendations would form the fulcrum of the state’s new education policy.
According to him, countries that were developing were those who used education and technology to drive development, adding that they embraced discipline, rule of law and basic tenets of a modern society.
Our correspondent reports that the 31-man committee inaugurated on July 12 was headed by Prof Adeniyi Gbadegesin, the Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The committee was to review the status and standard of education in the state as well as recommend suitable and plausible options to government and other relevant means of emhancing the overall standard of education in the state.
Sokoto
Senator Aliyu Wamakko has challenged journalists in
the country to strive to foster unity amongst the nation’s heterogeneous society.
“You should work to foster sustainable, peace, unity and even socio-economic prosperity in the country”, Wamakko told newsmen in Sokoto.
Wamakko said that journalists as watchdogs should routinely educate the people on the realities on the ground.
He enjoined them to be objective, factual and adhere to the ethics of the profession, adding that this should be done devoid of any intimidation, blackmail or distortion of facts.
Wamakko, who represents Sokoto Central, further called on the journalists to always work professionally by reporting the facts in order to maintain the respect known in the field.
Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has ap
pointed Senator Jeremiah Useni as the Chancellor of Taraba University, Jalingo.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Hassan Mijinyawa, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo.
According to the statement, the appointment is with immediate effect.
Our correspondent reports that Useni is a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from Plateau State.
He is a retired Army General and also a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory , Abuja.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has taken prompt steps to unravel the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station recently commissioned by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
This is even as the Project has restated its determination and commitment to supplying quality potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
HYPREP said while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt that it has commenced an investigation into the collapse of the overhead tank at the Gwara Water Station in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The high-level committee set up by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as an interim measure, is mandated to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The Vice Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gowon Ichibor while addressing newsmen said the committee has already swung into action, as it has visited the site of the incident to take stock and assess the situation.
Barrister Ichibor noted that the committee is firmly on top of the situation, as it is poised to carry out a painstaking investigation to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.
He further indicated that it is hasty and premature at this point, to pinpoint what might have caused the incident but promised to furnish the public with all necessary information in connection with the overhead tank collapse as soon as possible.
While assuring affected communities of HYPREP’s determination to restore the water facility as quickly as possible, he said the committee would tidy up its work in less than no time and promptly brief the press on its findings.
The committee did not, however, foreclose the possibility of recommending appropriate punitive measures and sanctions to be meted out to culprits at the end of its assignment, to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, HYPREP’s Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, who also lent his voice, described the incident as a temporary setback, as the Project would take appropriate and prompt actions to restore potable water supply to the affected Ogoni communities.
He also reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to upholding global best practices, standards and quality in the execution of projects, and sympathised with the affected communities over the unfortunate incident, saying, 16 water facilities have already been commissioned, which are effectively and satisfactorily serving over 40 Ogoni communities.
With the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, he revealed that 40 Ogoni communities are currently enjoying potable water.
The head of communications further disclosed plans by HYPREP to provide potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
While regretting the unfortunate incident, Dr Mba-Nwigoh urged Ogoni people and residents of Gwara community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, and eschew all forms of speculations and rumour-mongering, as the Project is on top of its game to remedy the situation.
He reeled out the achievements and milestones so far recorded by HYPREP, saying, the Ogoni cleanup programme is very much on course.
It would be recalled that HYPREP had earlier in a statement said it was deeply disturbed by the collapse of the overhead tank at Gwara Water Station, stressing that the
Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, had set up a high-level committee to determine the immediate and remote
causes of the incident.
It further noted that the committee had already visited the site and begun a detailed investigation to establish whether the collapse resulted from structural failure or possible third-party interference.
HYPREP, in a statement signed by its management, expressed concern over the incident and sympathised with the Gwara community, urging residents to remain calm as efforts are being made to restore the damaged facility and resume water supply to affected areas.
The Project assured that it remains committed to delivering quality projects that meet international standards, adding that internal and external quality control measures have been introduced, including the engagement of EcoProject as Project Consultant, supervision by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, and oversight by water supervisors.
It noted that aside from this isolated case, 16 water stations have been commissioned across Ogoniland, providing water to over 40 communities, with some facilities operating successfully for more than two years.
The Project added that sustainability plans have been put in place to ensure continuous water supply to communities. These include the formation of Water Consumers Associations (WCA), construction of solar farms for alternative power, and training of laboratory staff.
It also stated that one of the key features of the HYPREP water projects is the establishment of laboratories to ensure that water supplied to communities meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
HYPREP reaffirmed its commitment to quality service delivery and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The Project has also set up a technical sub-committee over the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, to foster and promote accountability in the implementation of projects.
As the Ogoni cleanup programme being implemented by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) continues to record significant milestones across thematic areas, the Federal Government says such gestures further demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to environmental sustainability and ensuring the Project brings benefits to Ogoni people.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who made this assertion during the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water schemes in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in line with HYPREP’s mandate to provide potable water to Ogoniland, said the provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The latest commissioning brings the water stations to 16, providing access to potable water to 45 Ogoni communities , a development the Minister explains as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to peace ,environmental justice and socio-economic empowerment in Ogoniland, a beacon of hope for communities long affected by environmental degradation.
Lawal noted that the latest commissioning is restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource .
”The provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life. It also signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring that the people of Ogoniland reap the full benefits of environmental remediation efforts.We
will continue to ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to clean, safe and sustainable drinking water. With this initiative, we are not just commissioning infrastructure but restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource”, he said.
While commending the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, development partners, stakeholders and traditional rulers, among others for their relentless commitment towards the actualisation of these projects, he urged communities to protect and take ownership of the projects, emphasising that their longevity and effectiveness depend on their collective efforts of maintaining and protecting them for posterity.
In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey maintained that the Project remains resolute in its resolve to ensure that it completes and delivers all projects initiated within the time frame for the use and benefit of Ogoni people in line with the directives of the Governing Council and under the leadership of the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
To achieve this, Zabbey explained that “We
continue to work closely with community leaders, youth and women, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure solutions are identified and implementation continues smoothly.
”We remain guided by the principle of partnership, dialogue, transparency and accountability, knowing that sustainable progress is best achieved through collaboration and mutual understanding. That is the hallmark of HYPREP,” he said.
He appealed to the people to continue to reinforce peace and understanding, using dialogue as a vital tool for resolving disputes, especially around project sites and within communities, noting that the concurrent implementation of over 100 projects across Ogoniland reflects the seriousness and dedication of HYPREP, a momentum that must be sustained through mutual trust and collaboration.
For the Project Coordinator, the event was an ideal opportunity to provide a project status update to Ogoni people, as he excitedly announced the milestone achievements recorded so far to include environmental remediation-94 percent completion in Phase 1 of mangrove restoration; shoreline at 67.1percent; Phase 2 land remediation at 36.55 percent; potable water-14 completed water facilities inaugurated, supplying potable water to 40 Ogoni communities, while the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities last Saturday increased the number of communities with access to clean and safe water to 45.
Other milestones are the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) at 92 percent complete and the processes of operationalising the Centre has begun with the just concluded colloquium, while the Ogoni Power Project is progressing steadily with wayleave compensation and construction works at Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations ongoing. The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is at 76.8 percent with 98.7 percent achieved in the Buan Cottage Hospital. The Ogoni public study being conducted by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); over 7,000 women and youths have benefited from various employment opportunities, while over 5,000 have been trained in multiple skills and provided start-up skits, among other programmes.
Zabbey further hinted of the commencement of some demand-driven skills areas this quarter, which include cybersecurity, full-stack development, mud logging, software development, GIS and commercial diving.
In their separate goodwill messages, the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dumnamene Deekor; Chairman,Great Green Wall, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mr Nwizug Gordon; representative of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Igo Weli; former Secretary to Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani; and former Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Prof Roseline Konya; all commended the Minister of Environment and HYPREP for their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup programme.
Earlier, the Minister and his entourage had paid a courtesy call on Mene Bua Kenwigbara, King D.Y Barile, at his palace, where the former was conferred a chieftaincy title of Mene Anua Le Maa 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom; and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP as Mene doo Letam 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom.
Also decorated were the Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari.
Highpoints of the event were the formal commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities by the Minister and the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Tony Attach,represented by Mr Igo Weli; the symbolic issuance of education support Items;and the visit to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Park for symbolic tree planting by the Minister; the Project Coordinator; BoT Chairman; Senator Abe; Igo Weli; Director General, NEASRA, Prof Innocent Barikor; and Zina Wiwa, the daughter of the legendary environmentalist; and the visit to the CEER.
In two years, the Minister of Environment, has visited Ogoniland five times to commission 16 water stations, supplying potable water to 45 Ogoni communities and ensuring that other projects get equal attention, a clear demonstration of his unflinching commitment to the accelerated implementation of the Ogoni cleanup programme in line with Priority 3, Deliverable 3 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and driven under the visionary and passionate leadership of Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as Project Coordinator.
A professor of English linguistics at the Rivers State University (RSU) Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt, Prof. Isaac Enyi Ngulube, has advocated for better and improved funding for language centres in Nigeria, such as NINLAN Aba and Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, for optimum value and effective local languages development.
He also called for funded research on the development of orthographies and language documents across the country to rescue local languages from extinction, as well as having a well-planned and implemented mother tongue education in all institutions in the country, from primary to tertiary.
Prof. Ngulube made with these assertions while presenting his inaugural lecture at the university’s 121st inaugural lecture with the topic “The Career of Rough Beats: Language, Literature and the Development of our Common Humanity” held in Port Harcourt, Wednesday.
The erudite scholar, in the lecture, stressed that the study of English language, linguistics, and literature is very broad, large, and difficult, adding that he overcame the rough roads through resilience and determination.
He described language as “a purely human and non-instinctive means of communicating ideas and emotions,” noting that “the word is a fundamental need in language; you cannot study language without the use of language.”
He urged parents to be cautious with their utterances, warning that “what they refer to their children as is what they will automatically end up becoming.”
He recommended a branded English language for every profession or course of study, stressing that embedding oral literature in the teaching of students from primary to tertiary level will enable them to know their traditions and roots of origin.
“Tell them the folk stories and moonlight tales; you are sending them back to their people. You must be a human being first before becoming a medical doctor, engineer, or anything else,” Ngulube said.
He also called for better and improved production of quality language and literature teachers, provision of modern teaching/instructional materials, improved welfare packages for teachers, and provision of better infrastructure at both primary and secondary school levels.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the Vice Chancellor for the approval of the Department of English Language and Literature, adding that it had been his long-held dream for the university.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, while highlighting the lecture, opined that the lecturer x-rayed the lecturer’s journey into the study of English language, linguistics, and literature, describing the field as broad, large, and difficult, but with determination and focus, he was able to defeat the beasts he encountered on his way.
Zeb-Obipi agreed with the lecturer’s recommendations on ways to improve indigenous languages in the country and directed that modalities be worked out for the university to have the Department of English Language and Literature, among others.
He highlighted RSU’s recent victory in the Bilingual Community Project organized by the French Embassy, describing it as proof of the university’s rising excellence in language studies.