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THE STATES

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Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Customary Court last Tuesday dissolved the eight-year-old marriage between one Rasak Bello and his wife, Aminat,  over irreconcilable differences.
The President of the court, Mrs Olayinka Akomolede, who listened to both parties,  dissolved the marriage, saying it had broken down irretrievably.
The  union was dissolved  on the grounds of lack of care for the petitioner and children, mismanagement of  his business,  fetishism, infidelity, stubbornness and frequent fighting.
The petitioner, Mr Rasak Bello, 43, a businessman, and a resident of No.7,  Basiri Street, Ado-Ekiti, had earlier told the court that he had  known the respondent for eight  years and they conducted a traditional marriage.

FCT
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has described late NAF instructor pilot, Group Capt. Adanu Ochai, who died in a plane crash in Kaduna as a hero who contributed  immensely to the nation.
Abubakar made the remark when he led senior officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a condolence visit to the family of the deceased in Kaduna.
A statement by the NAF Director, Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya, last Tuesday in Abuja, said the air chief pledged to support the family left behind by Ochai.
Late Ochai was the sole pilot on board the NAF Air Beetle aircraft which crashed in Kaduna on August 24.
During the visit, prayers were said for the family of late Ochai as well as for the repose of his soul.

Gombe
Gombe State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)   recorded “motor accident free” Eid-el Kabir, the Sector Commander, Malam Ibrahim Abubakar has said.
Abubakar made the disclosure lastTuesday in Gombe in an interview with newsmen.
He attributed the development to series of sensitisation campaigns embarked upon by the command.
“Our sensitisation campaigns yielded positive result; that was why we recorded crash free sallah.
“Since I came to Gombe State two months ago, we have not recorded any serious crash.
“Thank God the sallah celebration has come and gone, it was hitch-free no crash recorded.
“I am appealing to motorists to sustain the tempo by desisting from any act capable of causing crash,” he said.

Kaduna
A group of suspected kidnappers who abducted a director with the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is demanding  N40 million ransom, an official in the ministry has said.
The victim, Mr John Gorah, was abducted at midnight last Sunday at his residence located in Mararaban Rido, Kaduna.
The Deputy Director, Higher Education in the ministry, Mr Steven Haruna, told newsmen in Kaduna last Tuesday that the kidnappers had contacted the victim’s family.
Haruna explained that the kidnappers stormed the victim’s house, fired multiple gunshots in the air to scare people and pulled down a section of the fence before taking Gorah away.

Katsina
The Emir of Daura in Katsina State, Alhaji Farouk Umar has commended the President of Niger, Alhaji Muhammadou Yusouffou for his efforts in strengthening and sustaining the bond of brotherhood and mutual relationship between Nigeria and Niger.
Farouk made the commendation in Daura last Tuesday when he hosted the visiting president at his palace.
He said the relationship between Nigeria and Niger predated political independence of the two nations, stressing that “we inter-marry and conduct business activities together for many years.”
The emir said President Muhammadu Buhari returned from his UK medical trip in good spirit, saying “we would continue to support his policies and programmes for the development of Nigeria and Africa.

Kebbi
Association of People with Disabilities in Kebbi State last Tuesday appealed to the state Governor, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu to appoint members as special advisers for a sense of belonging.
The Chairman of the association, Malam Muhammad Argungu made the appeal in Birnin Kebbi when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the governor.
He said the appointment of members of the association as special advisers would ensure their access to government and enable them to contribute to the state’s policy and decision making.
He also appealed for award of scholarship to children of the members of the association schooling in tertiary institutions.

Kogi
The police in Kogi State have killed a suspected notorious armed robber and kidnapper on their wanted list for many years, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, said in Lokoja last Monday.
Inalegwu said that the suspect, identified as Lukman, was killed by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Obeiba in Ihima area of the state on Sunday afternoon..
He said the suspect was shot during an encounter with a team of SARS operatives.
Inalegwu said that Lukman was shot dead during a cross -fire with SARS men who came in from Abuja to arrest him.

Niger
The Police Command in Niger State says it has recorded “a no-crime, no-violence” Eid-el-Kabir celebration in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Austine Agbonlahor, disclosed this during an interview with newsmen in Minna last Tuesday.
Agbonlahor commended residents of the state  for their peaceful conduct during the celebration.
He said the feat was achieved through the cooperation the residents across the 25 local government areas of the state accorded police personnel.
He said the command would continue to initiate techniques that would guarantee safety and security of lives and property as well as create safe haven for legitimate businesses to thrive in the state.

Oyo
This year’s  ministers’ conference of the Nigeria Baptist Theological Seminary,  Ogbomoso (NBTS) will focus on renewing the spirituality and fellowship of  participants in order to promote   the country’s  peaceful co-existence, social harmony, economic buoyancy and political stability.
The President of  NBTS,  Rev.  Emiola Nihinlola said this  at the seminary in Ogbomoso while shedding light  on the  theme of this year’s conference tagged: “The Dynamics of Competent Gospel Ministry”.
Nihinlola, a professor and  Vice-Chairman, Association for Christian Theological Education in Africa (ACTEA),  said the conference would also focus on the principles, methods and critical issues related to the work of the gospel.

Plateau
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau State last Tuesday said it had arrested a 25-year-old man, Zulkifil Aliyu, who specialised in illegal narcotics trade within Jos metropolis.
The agency’s Commander in the State, Mr Ibrahim Bragi, confirmed Aliyu’s arrest to newsmen in Jos.
Bragi said that operatives of the agency arrested the suspect on May 19 at Laranto Village in Jos North.
He said during his arrest, the operatives found on the suspect 200 grammes of Tramadol tablets; 150 grammes of Diazepam tablets; 74 grammes of Exol tablets and 51 grammes of Cannabis Sativa.
According to him, the suspect in a confessional statement told the agency that he has been in the business for only three months.
The commander said the suspect confessed that he was getting his supplies from a man at Bauchi Road, and he in turn sold the substances as a retailer for profit.

Sokoto
Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, recently met with the President of Niger Republic, Muhammadou Yusouffou  at the Presidential Palace in Niamey to discuss issues of common interest for improved relations.
Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam said in a statement that the two leaders discussed issues of cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.
Imam said the two discussed important issues that bordered on education, trade and cultural integration between Sokoto State and Niger Republic.
“Sokoto and Niger Republic have long standing cultural, religious and family ties.
“So, our visit to the Palais De Presidence is meant to enhance these ties and also explore other important areas of cooperation like education and trade,” he  said.

Zamfara
Zamfara State Police Command last Tuesday said it had commenced massive search for three policemen who went missing after Monday’s attack on their outpost in Keta village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
A press release issued by the command’s spokesman in Gusau, DSP Mohammed Shehu, denied online media reports that the policemen and their DPO were kidnapped.
“No one was kidnapped as a result of the attack on the facility,” Shehu said, and called on the general public to disregard the report.
He explained that a police outpost was not managed by a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), adding that the three missing policemen ran into the bushes when the outpost was attacked.
The spokesman said “at the moment, combined units of Police Anti-Robbery Squad, Anti-Kidnapping and Mobile Force are combing the bushes in search of their colleagues as well as to arrest the gunmen.”

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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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