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THE STATES

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Ekiti
A 44-year-old wife, Modupe Alegbeleye, last Thursday told an Ikole-Ekiti Customary Court in Ekiti State  that she denied her husband, Ebenezer Alegbeleye, sex because of the cigarette odour  from him.
Report that Modupe said this while replying to a statement by her husband that she denied him sex for three months.
According to her, my husband likes smoking cigarettes but I do not like its odour.
“So, whenever he smoked and demanded sex; I was always turning down his demand as I hated cigarette’s odour.
“Although, I knew that my husband was a cigarette smoker before we started our relationship, I was always advising him to stop it.
“I was also praying  so that he would quit it, but to no avail.

FCT
The United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional $9.5 million to the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) to ensure more than 175,000 mothers and children under five do not suffer from malnutrition during this year’s “lean” season.
The grant from USAID’s Health, Population, and Nutrition Office, augments ongoing support for the humanitarian assistance in Nigeria by its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and Food for Peace (FFP), and seeks to bridge a funding shortfall announced by WFP late last month.
The grant will fund a blanket supplementary feeding program to protect the nutrition status of children aged six months to five years and lactating women in IDP and host communities of Borno State through provision of specialized nutritious foods.

Gombe
The reduction of average speed by mere five per cent could reduce fatality of accident by 80 per cent in an event of automobile crash,  Sector Commander of  Federal Road Safety Corps in Gombe, Mr. David Mendie, said last  Sunday.
Mendie, who stated this during a Thanksgiving service at the Saint James Catholic Church, Gombe, marking the end of United Nationa’s 4th Global Road Safety Week, said a credible research had proved so.
“Research has so much said that if an average speed is cut by five per cent, there is tendency for the reduction of fatality by 80 per cent whenever road crash occurs”, he said.
He said that based on the findings, the need for road users to adhere to the recommended speed limit, could not be over-emphasised.
According to him, FRSC in Gombe has intensified campaign on the need for motorists to manage speed while driving.

Kaduna
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) last Tuesday donated a 350-seat ultra-modern lecture theatre to the Department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
The ICAN National President, Mr Dicon Titus-Soetan,  said at the inauguration of the facility, that the donation was part of the institute’s efforts to encourage the study of accounting.
Titus-Soetan urged the university to make judicious use of the theatre.
He said that ICAN, established in 1965 with the aim of training accountants and regulating accounting practice, had 42,000 members so far.

Kano
The Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje has called on Muslims in the state to pray for peace and development of the country during the Holy month of Ramadan.
The governor made the call in a statement by the Commissioner  for Information, Youth and Culture, Malam Mohammed Garba and made available to newsmen in Kano on Saturday.
He also called on the people of the state to strictly adhere to the dictates and teachings of Islam during this Holy month of Ramadan.
The governor also urged Muslims to strive to imbibe in greater measure, the virtues of piety, self-discipline, tolerance, justice, fairness and compassion for the less-privileged and fear of Allah in all their undertakings, which the Ramadan fast promotes.
He said fasting, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, should not be just a period for abstaining from food and drink, but also be used to make greater sacrifice by praying fervently for peace, security and rapid socio-economic development of the state and the country in general.

Lagos
Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode of Lagos State last Saturday said his administration was determined to protect children from abuse or molestation in order  to safeguard their future while  preparing  them for the challenges of life.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, said this in Lagos at the 2017 Children’s Day Celebration organised by the Ministry of Education as part of activities to mark the  Lagos at 50 anniversary.
The theme of the Children’s Day celebration  was “ Children of  Today, Our Keepers Tomorrow.’’
“ We must protect these children today so that they can protect us tomorrow.
“It is a double celebration for us all in the state. It is children’s day and Lagos at 50 celebration.
“I was a child like you 50 years ago and some of us occupying leadership positions today got here because of the opportunities given to us by this great state.

Nasarawa
Some secondary school students in Nasarawa State, have called for truce between the government and labour unions to end the ongoing workers strike by academic staff in tertiary institutions in the state.
Secondary school teachers in the state have also joined the strike.
A cross section of the students appealed to the government and union leaders to ‘take step’to end the strike in the interest of the students.
They made the call  in Keffi  on Tuesday in separate interviews with newsmen
Recall  that on May 12, labour unions in the academic sector embarked on indefinite strike to demand payment of their salary arrears, payment of their full salary and other entitlements.

Niger
The Nigerian Army said it raided a Boko Haram cell at Mokwa and its environs in Niger State last  Thursday and arrested three leaders of the terrorist group.
The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, named the suspects as Mustapha Muhammed (Adam Bitri), Ali Saleh and Uba Mohammed.
Usman said that they were picked up at their hideout at Gidan Mai village on Mokwa-Tegina road.
“Preliminary investigation has confirmed that one of the terrorists, Mustapha Muhammed (Adam Bitri), along with one Bakura (at large), was among the group of the Boko Haram terrorists that kidnapped the late elder statesman, Alhaji Shettima Ali Monguno, in Maiduguri on May 13, 2013.

Osun
The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, has urged Muslims  to take advantage of  the Ramadan  to pray ceaselessly for the nation as demanded by Prophet Muhammed.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker,  Mr Goke Butika,quoted Salaam as saying in his  Ramadan message  on  Saturday in Osogbo  that  the economic challenges the nation was facing would be tackled with prayers.
He also enjoined Islamic clerics  to use the Ramadan lectures to speak the truth to those in power, saying leaders at this time would appreciate this in the spirit of the season.

Oyo
Rep. Abiodun Olasupo (APC- Iseyin/Iwajowa/Kajola/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency) says the bill on whistle blowing  is at an advanced stage of being passed by the National Assembly.
Olasupo also said the National Assembly was  working hard to ensure that all enabling laws   protect the identity of whistle blowers and strengthen  the principle.
The federal lawmaker spoke in Iseyin during a  routine tour of his constituency to inaugurate projects and brief constituents.
“You should not be surprised that all the measures used in the anti-corruption crusade today were developed by President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
“The Jonathan administration developed the policies  of whistle blowing, Bank Verification Number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) but lacked  the political will to implement them.

Plateau
The PDP in Plateau State has gone philosophical over the gale of defections that has emasculated its fold, declaring last Sunday that God was “sieving the chaff from the grain”.
“The defections do not surprise us; we believe that God is sieving. He is blowing away the chaff and leaving only the grain,” the party’s Chairman, Mr Damishi Sango, told journalists in Jos.
Our correspondent  reported that the party has lost many of its key members including Sen. Joshua Dariye, Rep. Edward Pwajok and Yusuf Gagdi, Deputy Speaker, Plateau House of Assembly, to the APC.
The party, which also had 13 members to APC’s 11, when the Plateau House of Assembly was inaugurated in June 2015, currently has only eight, while the APC has 16.
But Sango told newsmen that the defecting members had only confirmed that they were only interested in where there was power.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has earmarked over N202.3 million for the digitisation of its Radio and Television stations, Rima Radio and Rima Television.
Reports have it that the state’s Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jeli, disclosed this in Sokoto, on Saturday, at a news briefing to mark the two years of Governor  Aminu Tambuwal in office.
He said that the state government has concluded arrangements to meet National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) digitisation deadline for state-owned media organisations.
“The government is fully aware of the deadline set by the NBC for the digitisation of all broadcast stations in the country.
“As such, the ministry has made contacts with companies with bias in Radio and TV equipment, for the supply of radio and television digital equipment for the state-owned broadcast stations.

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World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

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The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.
This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.
Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.
In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.
“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.
She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.
“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.
She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.
By John Bibor
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Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

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The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.
In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.
He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.
Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.
According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.
Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.
He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.
The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.
He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.
Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.
“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.
The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.
John Bibor
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Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

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The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

 

Tonye Orabere

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