Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Nomadic Settlement in Adamawa, Dr. Louis Mandama has said that government is resolved to stem any crisis between farmers and nomads in the state.
He gave the assurance on Monday in Yola, on the heels of a threat allegedly made by some nomads, asking farmers in Song Local Government Area to ensure that they harvested their crops before December 15.
Mandama told newsmen that though the ministry had not received any official report on the threat letter, he was aware that the state House of Assembly had waded into the issue.
Mandama said that officials of the ministry were making efforts to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herdsmen across the state.
Benue
Governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswam has advised youths to embrace entrepreneurship, saying that white collar jobs are difficult to secure.
Suswam gave the advice in Makurdi while inaugurating the Royal Shopping Mall built by Mrs Helen Torkula, wife of the Tor Tiv, Orchivirigh Alfred Torkula.
He stressed the administration’s desire to continue to rehabilitate dilapidated infrastructure to boost economic growth in the state.
According to him, the state government under his leadership, has provided an enabling environment for businesses to thrive by ensuring that lives and property are adequately protected.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has called on owners of undeveloped plots of land in the state to clear them immediately or risk losing such lands.
It noted that bushes on the undeveloped lands had become haven to criminals in the state.
The state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, in a statement said that government was not pleased with the many pockets of bushes that abound in the state capital particularly.
He noted that the bushes, apart from being used as hideouts by miscreants to carry out their nefarious activities, do not portray a good image for the state capital.
Afuye tasked owners of the undeveloped plots as well as other citizens in the state to imbibe the habit of clean and healthy living.
FCT
The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie has blamed Nigerian universities for failing to advise students on the needs of the labour market.
Okojie made the statement in Abuja on Monday at the inaugural meeting of the National Labour Market Information Systems (NLMIS).
He said that the lack of regular advice to the Nigerian Universities System on graduate needs of the labour market had led to a mismatch, thereby, aggravating the unemployment situation in the country.
He said that the quality and focus of training offered by the universities were not in tune with the needs of the society and that the situation had led to a high rate of unemployment.
Gombe
There was low turnout of women in parts of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State at the on-going vaccination against Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM).
Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Kumo, headquarters of Akko Local Government on Tuesday reports that the women, who turned out for the exercise were few.
Akko Local Government Council, Primary Health Care Coordinator, Miss Lois Lakurbe, said women in Kumo East ward refused to come out based on the instructions given to them by their husbands.
She said that when she noticed the problem, she decided to deploy a team of vaccinators who went from house to house to immunise them.
“Initially, that was not the arrangement, the vaccinators were supposed to be stationed in all the health centres in the local government so that people will go and meet them.
Kano
A sickle cell anaemia patient, Hajiya Bilkisu Hassan, has appealed to the Kano State Government to establish special centres for the treatment of the disease.
She told newsmen in Kano on Tuesday that the provision of the facilities was necessary to provide drugs to the patients to enable them to effectively manage the disease.
Hassan said sickle cell patients needed serious counselling, support and assistance.
“We want Gov. Rabi’u Kwankwaso to emulate his Katsina State counterpart by establishing such centres to cater for sickle cell patients in the state.
“When established, such centres will only take care of sickle cell patients, because of the peculiar nature of the disease.”
Kebbi
The Birnin Kebbi Local Government chapter of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has appealed to the state government to absorb the 1,000 unemployed NCE holders in the council.
The NUT Chairman, Mallam Sarki Zaki, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the graduates had been idle for two years.
He said that the employment of NCE holders into teaching jobs would reduce the dearth of teachers currently being experienced in the area.
Zaki described the condition of the unemployed graduates as pathetic, noting with regret that most of them were roaming the streets and exposed to anti-social activities.
Lagos
Head of Civil Engineering Department at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olubayo Olateju said the property industry in Nigeria did not record the anticipated improvement this year.
Olateju said in an interview on Tuesday in Lagos that the impact could be measured by the level of transactions and construction done during the year.
“Globally commercial real estate transactions and constructions, considered key indicators of economic activities, have started to show signs of recovery, but this have not fully been experienced in Nigeria,” he said.
Nasarawa
No fewer than 100 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Agwatashi, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa have defected to the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC).
The defectors were received at the CPC’s office in Agwatashi,amid pomp and ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the duo of Samuel Agena and Baba Ado explained that their decision to join the party was informed by the leadership style of Gov. Tanko Al-makura.
Niger
An outbreak of diarrhoea has claimed two lives in Bangi headquarters of Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
The Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Chindo, told newsmen in Minna on Tuesday that only two persons died as a result of the outbreak of the disease, contrary to claims that eight persons lost their lives.
He said the ministry had deployed its personnel and medical supplies to the town to contain the possible spread of the disease and treat the victims free of charge.
“I have directed that a query be issued to the affected health officials for not reporting the outbreak to the ministry on time.
“We have also advocated for the prompt report of any outbreak to the ministry, so that necessary investigations are carried out and medications supplied to the affected communities to contain the outbreak.”
Plateau
The Plateau Chamber of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture (PLACCIMA) has announced the cancellation of the annual Jos Trade Fair due to the security challenges in the state.
“The security situation does not seem to be improving much, and we are compelled to cancel the trade fair,” Mr Yusuf Sarumi, PLACIMMA’s Vice-President, told newsmen in Jos.
He said the chamber had to take the decision because of constant threats to lives and property.
“With the spate of bombings everywhere, we don’t want to endanger the lives of the exhibitors, participants and organisers. We have shifted the activity to next year and hope that the security situation would have improved.”
Sarumi noted with regret, the disappointment stakeholders might suffer, saying the decision was “in the best
interest of all’’.
He, however, commended stakeholders that had participated in planning the event, and appealed to them to “understand and bear with us”.
Yobe
Director of the Yobe State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS (YOSACA), Hajiya Farida Mamudo says the agency is to recruit traditional birth attendants to complement the fight against the disease, ahead of the 2015 target.
Mamudo said in Damaturu in an interview with newsmen that the agency would train the attendants on safe practises in handling maternal and child health care, to prevent the spread of the disease.
“This is one of the key activities contained in our work plan for 2012, to boost safe maternal and child delivery across the state. “
She explained that the plan would also provide testing kits, anti-retro viral drugs and food supplements, to health centres in the state to combat the scourge, “for appreciable progress towards the 2015 target.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.
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