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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government says it will close all
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state in January 2017.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Martins Babale, made this known in Yola while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Security Council meeting.
Babale said that the administration was not happy with the continuous existence of IDPs in camps across the state.
The deputy governor, who is also the chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, said that the continuous stay of IDPs in the camps when all parts of the state affected by the insurgency had been recovered, was not good publicity for the state.

Benue
The wife of the Benue State Governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom,
has donated two cows and foodstuffs worth millions of naira to 300 widows and youths in the state.
Ortom donated the foodstuffs in Tse-Aondona-Naka in Gwer-West Local Government Area of the state, including bags of rice, salt, millet, guinea corn, garri, and gallons palm oil.
Ortom, who hails from the local government area, said she made the donation so that her kinsmen would be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year merrily.
The governor’s wife, who was accompanied by her siblings and children, assured the people of the area that Governor Samuel Ortom would uplift their living standard.

Borno
The Nigerian Army says it has arrested about 1,240 sus
pected Boko Haram terrorists during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Leo Irabor, disclosed this while giving update to newsmen on Operation Rescue Final at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Irabor said that 413 of the suspects were adults; 323 were female adults; 251 male children, while 253 were female children.
He said that the suspects were apprehended during a mop-up operation against the sect members in the forest.

Ekiti
A Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti has ordered one 54-
year old Gabriel Asateru to be remanded in prison over alleged defilement of a five-year old girl.
The police prosecutor, Insp. Bayo Ajiboye, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 23 at Ifishin-Ekiti.
Ajiboye said the accused, on the said date, defiled the minor by luring her to sit on his laps.
Ajiboye said a duplicate of the case file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for legal advice.

Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has con
doled with Malam Sidi and Jigawa State communities of Kwami and Nafada local government areas over the death of 22 persons in vehicle crashes.
They were crushed by a vehicle during Maulud celebration on December 12 in an accident that left 33 others hospitalised.
Dankwambo, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, said he received news of the incident with shock while out of the state.
The governor called on the families to take it as an act of God and to continue to pray for the souls of the deceased.

Kaduna
The Nigerian Police, have said that they have arrested 17
suspects and recovered different types of arms and ammunitions since it started a special operation in southern Kaduna State.
The special security outfit, tagged “Operation Harmony”, to restore lasting peace in southern Kaduna, was launched on December 24.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) incharge of the Operations, Mr Habila Joshak, paraded the suspects to newsmen in Kafanchan, and said the suspects were  all linked to the crisis.
The items recovered from the suspects included, six locally made AK-47 guns, four pump action guns, two revolver guns  and one single barret.
He also said 75 different of types of ammunition and 13 cartridges were also recovered.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says no
fewer than 141 people had so far lost their lives in road accidents in Katsina State in 2016.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Alhaji Abdu Bagadawa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.
He explained that over 116 road accidents had been recorded while 559 persons had sustained various degrees of injuries in road crashes across the state.
Bagadawa attributed the accidents to dangerous driving, speeding, over-loading, wrong overtaking, route violation and burst tyres.

Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of  Kebbi State said that  the
litigation on tenure of past chairmen had delayed  the conduct of local government  election  in the state.
Bagudu  made the disclosure while conducting  the swearing-in  ceremony for 18 newly appointed sole administrators of local government councils  in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the determination of  the  suit  would enable his administration  to conduct fresh local government election.
The governor, however,  urged  the newly appointed administrators to ensure rapid development in rural areas by ensuring comprehensive implementation of policies and programmes of the state and Federal Government.

Kwara
The Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, says
that the proposed creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, when created, will bring about development and drive revenue generation at the local level in the state.
The governor said this in Ilorin during the submission of the report of Committee on Creation of LCDAs by its Chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje.
Ahmed said that revenue to be generated from the planned LCDAs revenue would fund their operations and contribute to the promotion of welfare and other socio economic benefits for the people at the grassroots.
He said the establishment of the committee was informed by the desire of his administration to bring development to the grassroots in the state.

Kogi
An environmentalist, Mrs Chinelo Agu, has called for
intensified awareness about fire prevention and training on emergency response to fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
Agu, a lecturer at the Shell Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja.
She said that government agencies and other relevant stakeholders, responsible for emergency management, should educate the populace on the management of emergency situations.
The environmentalist also stressed the need for every employee in the Ministries, Departments, parastatal Agencies (MDAs), and organisations to undergo a special training on safety and emergency response to fire outbreaks.
Niger
The  Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Mr Zubairu
Muazu, says the state police command recorded violence free Christmas celebration due to the residents’ peaceful conduct during the period.
Muazu said in Minna that crime or violence was not recorded in the state during the period because the command was conscious of its duty.
This, he explained, was made possible by the cooperation received from residents.
He said that the police would continue to initiate various forms of security measures to sustain the peaceful nature the area was known for.
Ogun
The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the 2017
Appropriation Bill of N221.09 billion into law.
The legislature however cut N38.5 million from the initial N221.12 billion presented to the House by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The bill, passed at the assembly’s plenary, had a recurrent expenditure of N91.4 billion while N118.5 billion was appropriated for capital expenditure.
Amosun had on November 22 presented a fiscal proposal of N221.12 billion to the House.
The Majority Leader, Mr Adeyinka Mafe, moved the motion for the third reading which was seconded by Mr Mojeed Soyebo, after which the Clerk, Mr Lanre Bisiriyu, did the third reading.
Ondo
Ondo State Governor-elect, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, has
inaugurated a 21-member Transition Committee ahead of his inauguration on February 24, 2017.
Akeredolu also inaugurated two other committees to help chart a course for the incoming administration.
He said that the transition committee, headed by Dr Funso Kupolokun would “interact with the incumbent government of Ondo State to ensure a seamless transition and effective receipt of detailed handover notes.”
The governor-elect, also announced the formation of a 158-member Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, headed by Mr Agboola Ajayi.

Osun
A 30- year-old man, Kola Banjo, who allegedly stole a mo
torcycle valued N133,000, was arraigned before a Modakeke Magistrates’ Court in Osun State.
The accused is facing a charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Glory Ona said the accused committed the offence on December 1, around 4.00 a.m. at No 4, Yaya Quarters, Modakeke, in Ife North-East.
She said the accused stole a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration No: WDE 378 AQ; property of one Oluwaseyi Ojediran.
Taraba
The police in Taraba State have confirmed the death of one
person in an attack on the convoy of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, David Misal said in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo that the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. last Wednesday at Mala village.
He added that three persons, critically injured in the attack, were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

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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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