Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

16 years ago

on

Ekiti

 

Ekiti State government has declared its intention to inject about N196 million into the resuscitation of the Ire clay products company limited, Ire Ekiti.

The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Taiwo Olatunbosun, who disclosed this  while addressing journalists, said the moribund Ire Burnt Bricks Company was being resuscitated by the state government in collaboration with the Odua Investment Company and a foreign technical partner, Messrs CERATEC from Belgium.

Olatunbosun said the project, estimated to cost about N350 million, has reached an advanced stage, adding that it would soon join the league of dead companies that were resurrected by the state government for the benefit of the people.

The Information Commissioner said the state government has also approved the appointment of Tajudeen Bamidele Jimoh as the new Olosan of Osan-Ekiti in Moba Local Council of the state.

According to him, the selection of Jimoh was done with strict adherence to all relevant provisions of the law to fill the stool of Olasan, which became vacant in July 2006.

 

Ogun

 

The Ogun government has denied making illegal deductions from the local councils’ statutory allocations.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Aare Tunde Alabi, who spoke at the weekend in Abeokuta, described those spreading such rumoUr as  “mischievous people.”

He said thAt at present, all the councils in the country couldn’t sustain themselves due to insufficient funds, urging the federal government to increase funds meant for the councils.

Alabi, who spoke after the state joint Allocation Committee’s meeting, said he invited traditional rulers as well as representatives from the retirees, local government and teachers union, among others, to the meeting so as to lay the card before them to know that the government has nothing to hide.

According to the commissioner, there had been insinuations concerning the local councils allocations and to prove that the government has nothing to hide, “we invited all stakeholders to convince them that no dime is being deducted from the allocation.”

 

Lagos

 

A Federal High Court, Lagos, presided over  by Justice Mohammed Liman has restrained the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) from conducting a re-run election in Osun state East senatorial District.

It also restrained the electoral body from conducting polls to fill the Osogbo local council seat in the state House of Assembly slated for December 12, 2009.

The order was sequel to a motion ex parte brought before the court by the Action Congress party (AC) through its Counsel, Mr. Femi Falana, seeking an order of mandamus  to compel INEC to produce a current voter’s register.

Justice Liman also ordered INEC to stay all actions and avoid doing anything that is preparatory to the bye-election, pending  the hearing of the motion on notice, which must be heard and determined before December 20.

The court further granted AC leave to apply for an order of mandamus in terms of the reliefs contained in the  statement of reliefs and ground of the application. The Judge then fixed December 15 for the hearing of the substantive motion.

 

Benue

 

Leaders of Benue South Senatorial Districts of Benue State have resolved their difference over the agitation for the creation of Apa State out  of the present Benue State.

Rising from a meeting at the weekend, the movement for the creation of Apa State resolved that paramount ruler of Idomaland Ochidoma, Elias Ikoyi Obekpa, would lead the delegation for the creation of Apa to the National Assembly.

The weekend meeting also approved the appointment of Gen. Ebije Ikwue as chairman of the committee to reconcile all documents aimed at fast tracking the process. Several leaders of the movement called for unity of purpose in the attainment of the objective of the group, as they said there was no reason why leaders of the area should work at cross purposes.

The meeting was seen as an effort to reconcile differing opionions among the leaders of Benue South Senatorial District over the procedures being adopted in the agitation for the creation of Apa State.

The meting became necessary after certain leaders of opposition parties started sponsoring parties and media statements claiming that the agitation was being politicised and they have been left out in the scheme of things.

The resolution of the meeting presided over by the Och’Idoma is believed to have put the agitation back on track.

Agitation for creation of Apa State which dates back to the early 1980’s has always been a victim of internal squabbles between leaders of the zone.

 

Ondo

 

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) rose from its National Executive Council, (NEC) meeting in Akure, Ondo State capital yesterday with threats of closing down newspaper houses that default in payment of salaries of journalists on their payroll.

The union also decried poor practising journalists and called on operation of the industry to raise the standard of the wages of practitioners to be commensurate “with the enormous task and risk they face in the course of their duty”.

NUJ National president, Mallam Garba Mohammed, who made the comment after the meeting with journalists across the country in attendance, expressed concern that many journalists are being owed many months of salary arrears.

According to him, the matter is more digusting because the proprietors of these media houses are making enough profits to pay regular salaries to workers.

He said: “we have it on good authorities that not more than four newspaper houses for instance, are actually paying salaries of their workers regularly while many had not paid their workers for months.

 

Osun

 

Barring last minute hitches Osun Sate Election Petition Tribunal may resume sitting this week to continue hearing of the suit by Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, against the election of Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the People Democratic Party (PDP).

The  tribunal had been forced to adjourn sitting indefinitely due to the strike embarked upon on November 2, 2009, by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

But reprieve came Monday in a statement by the stinking onion, which indicated its readiness to waive  its position and give access to members of the tribunal to the venue, located within the Osun state judiciary premises so that the panel could continue its duty.

The AC had in a statement recently accused the state government of deliberately refusing to meet the demands of the striking union in order to shut out the tribunal from continuing to hear the petition.

The party also wrote a petition to the national head quarters of JUSUN, urging the union to allow members of the tribunal to continue their assignment despite the ongoing strike to enable the panel complete its assignment in good time.

The statement by Osun State Branch Secretary of JUSUN, Mr. Iyanda Sikiru Bola and public Secretary. Oladumi Akinyemi said the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the union had directed that the tribunal be allowed to continue its job unhindered. “Osun State branch of JUSUN hereby directs the secretary of the election tribunal sitting in Obogbo, Osun State to re-open for continuation of the ongoing election petition on retrial,” the statement said.

Stressing that the action was taken to facilitate the rule of law, good governance and democratic principles the union noted that “the tribunal should not be disturbed by our members while the ongoing strike of JUSUN persists.

 

Katsina

 

The family of president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua said yesterday that it would not hesitate to institute legal action against any media house that continues to report the president’s health maliciously. A statement signed by the President’s. Sister,” Hajia Maro Musa Yar’Adua in Katsine on hehalf of the family said its attention has been drawn to the false, malicious and obviously sponsored media reports that suggested that the president’s mother, Hajia Dada Habib Yar’Adua asked Mr. President to resign from office on account of ill health.

The reports, according to Hajia Mairo insinuated that Hajia Yar’Adua is disagreeing with the president’s wife. Turai, who the newspapers claimed was urging the president to sit tight, saying there was no time that the president’s mother suggested so.

To put the records straight the president’s mother has never spoken to the media.

She engjoys a cordial relationshion with her daughter-inlaw, Turai The president’s mother contrary to media reports, is supportive of Mr. President’s foray into politics and had always encouraged him to render selfless services to the good people of Nigeria, the family said. The family also said that instead of the media turning itself into malleable tools of a blackmail by disgruntled politicians” it should rather “cross check facts before going to press” most especially at this critical stage of the nation’s development.

Sequel to this, Hajia Mario Yar’Adua has instructed all the media houses “responsible for these falsehoods to retract the misleading report and apologise to the family or face legal action.”

FCT

 

The Natioknal Working Committee (NWC) of the People Democratioc Party (PDP) has summoned a meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party to discuss the health of president Umaru Yar’Adua, who is currently in hospital in Saudi Arabia. Also on the agenda of the NEC meeting expected to hold Thursday, December 10 at the National Secretariat of the Party, Abuja include deberative on the expected mid term convention by the first quarter of next year.

The party also called on the Inspector General of police to investigate the out come of the bye-election  in Ondo State, where it accused the Labour Party of rigging the out come of the Akoko South-East/Akoko South West federal constituency polls.

According to a top source at the PDP National Secretariat,”the aim of the meeting is for the party to inform members of the NEC of the health of the president and urge members of the party to pray for the quick recovery of the president.” This NEC meeting is a follow up to the Session for the President. When some ones is sick, the best hyou can offer to that person in to show empathy and prayers,” the source said.

Since the admission of the president is a Saudi hospital there has been strident calls for his resignation, but both the party and the federal Executive council have opposed such calls, stating that there is no vacancy in the presidential Villa as there is nothing to suggest that the president cannot perform his official duties. But some politicians and civil society groups have called on the president to resign,  claiming that the absence of the president has caused dislocations in the Nigerian economy.

 

Adamawa

 

Former Vic President, Atiku Abubakar, United Nations under-Secretary General, Prof. Ibrahaim Gambari and President, Nigerian Bar Assocation (NBA), Rotimie Akerodolu, have submitted that Nigeria must conduct credible elections in 2011 as a cardinal milestone in the country’s march towards nation hood.

Abubakar and Gambari spoke in Yola, Adamawa State, during the  weekend at the founders’ Day of the American University of Nigeria, while Akeredelu delivered a paper in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at “Sanyaolu Memorial lecture” organised by the state chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors in honour of their late chairman, Adefemi Sanyaolu.

In his keynote address entitled: “The persuit of excellence in the task of nation-building,” Gambari maintained that “free and fair elections are what we want to see in Nigeria next year. Anything short of that will not take us anywhere and will draw the hands of our development backward.

“Except you (the electorat) give leaders their mandate, there is no way you can tell them to be transparent.”

 

Kaduna

 

Amid persistent demand for President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s exit from office on health grounds, his younger sister, Hajia Binta Kuraya, says the Nigerian leader, if given the opportunity can still rule the country for another 16 years.

Although the  1999 constitution allows a four year tenure of two terms, Mrs Kuraya told journalists in Kaduna that the health of the President was not as poor as his opponents had portrayed it to most Nigerians.

But the Minority leader of the House of Respresentatives, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has appealed to the president to make a “very sincere assessment” on his state of health before deciding whether to quit or remain in office.

To the Catholic Bishop of Ilorin, Rev. Father Ayo-Maria Atoyebi, the President’s situation requires a spiritual approach an not constitutional means while (Yar’Adua’s classmates) under the aegis of Kefi Old Boys’ Assication (KOBA) decribed calls for his exist as callous and mischievous.

Hajia Kuraya said those calling for his brother’sw resignation to have the fea of god at heart in the interest of the nation’s democracy.

Kuraya, who incidentally was a one-time woman leader for the Atiku Abubakar campaign Organisation said she was embittered with the rumoured death of the President, saying that Yar’Adua would soon bounce back and resume work.

She said no matter the pressure, Yar’Adua “cannot be removed from office by anyone,” asserting that if Yar’Adua was given the chance, “the President has the ability and capacity to lead the country for another 16 years.”

 

Zamfara

 

A slight cabinet reshuffle has been effected by the Governor of Zamfara State, Mahmud Aliyu Shikafi.

The exercise affected about six commissioners and four speciall advisers, accordint to a statement made available to journatlists and signed by the Director of Press to the governor, Adamu Sani Katuru said those affected by the development include Dr. Na’Allah Isah Mayana who was moved from Ministry of Lands and Survey to Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Isiyaka  Zurmi awas moved from the finance Ministry to that of Local Government and Ehieftaincy Affairs while Engr. Kabim Marfa was moved from Water Resources Ministry to the of Education.

The statement equally indicate tht Bashir Madaro, who hold forth at the Education Ministry before the reshuffle, will now be in charge at the Ministry of lands and survey and Tukur Dangaladima has been moved from Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to that of Water Resources.

It said Allassaw Shinkafi, who was recently cleared by the state house of assembly, will assume duty as the new Commissioner of Finance.

Similary, Aliyu Admau Tsafe, who was in charge at the Budget and Economic Planning Ministry, will be given a new schedule of duty in due course.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Nation

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

2 days ago

on

January 23, 2026

By

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

Continue Reading

Nation

Diri Approves N200m Monthly Grant for Bayelsa Farmers, Targets Increased Local Rice Production

Published

6 days ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved a monthly support scheme of ?200 million for farmers in the state as part of efforts to boost food security and expand agricultural production.

The governor announced the approval on Tuesday at the flag-off ceremony of the 2026 dry season farming programme held at the state-owned rice farm in Otuasega community, Ogbia Local Government Area.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the volume of rice harvested during the last farming season, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources to ensure a significant increase in the production of homegrown rice in Bayelsa State by the end of 2026.

He stressed that despite the government’s provision of necessary support to the ministry and farmers, it was unacceptable that the state still had to procure rice from outside during the last Yuletide period.

The governor charged the Ministry of Agriculture to take food security seriously, noting that Bayelsa has a comparative advantage in several crop areas, with fertile soil that does not require fertiliser to produce organic crops.

While commending the Commissioner for Agriculture and other stakeholders for organising the event, Governor Diri urged the ministry to ensure that such initiatives go beyond yearly ceremonies and translate into tangible benefits for the people.

According to him, agriculture remains a key pillar of the state’s economic diversification drive, which his administration has prioritised through heavy investments. He also called on civil servants and residents to embrace agriculture as a way of life.

“Let it not be that we come here for a yearly ritual. This is something that affects us as a people and so we must all take it seriously. Food security will continue to be a top priority of my administration,” he said.

He added that agriculture strengthens the economy and highlighted the importance of transportation infrastructure in moving farm produce from rural communities to the state capital.

“We are investing in agriculture and connecting communities. The roads and bridges support agriculture. We have developed partnerships and collaborations and will continue to partner with other agencies to ensure Bayelsa attains the expected food security,” the governor stated.

Governor Diri further directed that by the end of 2026, the state should record a minimum production of 300,000 kilogrammes of rice, stressing that government would patronise local farmers rather than sourcing rice from outside the state.

On security concerns, he reiterated that the state’s anti-grazing law remains in force, warning herdsmen against destroying farmlands and urging farmers to report such incidents to security agencies instead of resorting to social media.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against allocating land in forest areas to herdsmen, warning that anyone found culpable would be sanctioned.

“For our farmers, we will always support you. Honourable Commissioner, identify the genuine farmers in the state. What we did for MSMEs will also be done for farmers. Henceforth, ?200 million will be set aside monthly to support farmers in Bayelsa State,” he added.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof. Beke Sese, described the event as a reaffirmation of the state government’s unwavering commitment to food security.

He commended Governor Diri for his substantial investment in the agricultural sector, noting that it has been the driving force behind the progress recorded so far.

Representatives of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Bayelsa State chapter, Nigerian Women in Agriculture Business, the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation and the Central Bank of Nigeria, among others, also lauded the governor’s sustained support for farmers, which they said has significantly improved the agricultural sector in the state.

Continue Reading

City Crime

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

6 days ago

on

January 19, 2026

By

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.

 

By: Donatus Ebi

Continue Reading

Trending