Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged its members to use the period of Easter to pray for peace and unity in the state and country at large.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the state Chairman, Rev. Fr Moses Taparki, and Secretary, Rev. Habila Kakaba.
“All christians are called upon to make the maximum use of the passion period of Easter to pray and intercede for Adamawa and Nigeria, for return of peace in our country.
“Pray for our leaders at all levels, government, traditional and religious leaders. Pray for the oneness and unity of the land and the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.
It urged Christians to continue to be security conscious and cooperate with government and security agents in ensuring a crime-free state.
CAN lauded the state government’s commitment to peace and security, particularly its promotion of inter-religious activities through the state chapter of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council [NIRE).
Bauchi
The State Security Service (SSS) operatives in Bauchi on Sunday repelled an attack by gunmen on their training school, killing two of the attackers.
Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, said that one of the attackers had been apprehended.
“I am just coming from the scene. Two of the assailants were killed while one of them was arrested alive.
“The arrested person told us that they were four in number. It means that one of them has escaped.”
According to him, a rod and wire cutter, pair of pliers, ropes, spanner and cell phones were recovered at the scene.
He, however, said apart from the two people killed, no other lives were lost, adding that no damage was done to property at the Senior Staff Training School of the SSS.
An Assistant Director of the SSS, Mr Olu Justine, said that intelligence report on an impending attack on the school had earlier been gathered while the operatives were placed on alert.
FCT
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in Abuja, has urged the National Assembly to pass a bill banning public office holders from going abroad for medical treatment.
This was contained in a statement issued by Prof. Is-haq Akintola, Director in Abuja.
According to the statement, the group also demanded that all public office holders withdraw their children and wards studying in foreign institutions and enrol them in Nigerian schools.
“We charge the National Assembly to initiate and pass a bill prohibiting people whose children and wards attend overseas institutions from holding public office.
“This is the only way to compel government to pay attention to our decaying education sector. Who feels it knows.’’
The group said this was the only way Nigerian schools and hospitals could become effective as the public office holders would strive to bring them to international standards.
On the Easter celebration, the group urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the austere and selfless life of Jesus Christ.
Jigawa
A team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on the Commercial Agriculture and Development Project on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Gov Sule Lamido of Jigawa.
The team leader, Alhaji Muhammad Umar, said in Dutse, that the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of possible partnership with the state government.
Umar disclosed that the ministry was already working with five states on the project and identified them as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Cross River.
He also identified the 15 areas of collaboration on the project with the states to include poultry management, sorghum, cassava, tomatoes, cotton, oil palm, cocoa, rice and fruit trees cultivation, among others.
Lagos
Nigerian Army chaplain directors of the Catholic and protestant denominations have called for genuine transformation during the Easter in the face of Nigeria’s current challenges.
The Director (Catholic), Rev. Fr. Charles Iroegbu, told newsmen in Lagos that the spirit of Easter should bring laughter to the sad and disappointed in the society.
Kaduna
A farmer, Muhammad Baban-Iro of Rigasa Area in Kaduna on Thursday appeared before a Kaduna Sharia Court for refusing to refund N32,000 being the bride price and other expenses allegedly paid on his daughter.
The demand was made by the suitor following the discovery that she had tested positive to HIV.
One Ibrahim Bala of the same area had gone to the court to complain against Baban-Iro for allegedly collecting the money as bride price and other expenses incurred on his daughter for marriage.
Bala said he decided to discontinue with the marriage following the outcome of a hospital test which showed that his fiancee was HIV-positive.
The complainant said although he could have kept quiet if the lady’s father had allowed him to swap with the younger sister of his bride-to-be, but the man refused, saying he would rather refund.
Katsina
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has expressed concern over the failure of Katsina State Government to implement the N18,000-minimum wage for its members.
In a statement, signed by the state NULGE Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Haruna, on Friday in Katsina, the union called on the government to promptly implement the wage policy for its members.
“We are appealing to the state government to expedite action on the issue to ensure that the implementation takes effect from this April, along with the payment of arrears,’’ the statement said.
Kwara
An Ophthalmologist, Prof Abdulraheem Mahmoud says 75 percent of the one million Nigerians with blindness should not have been blind.
Mahmoud, said the causes of the blindness were either preventable or curable, and noted that majority of the blind people were poor.
He made the observation in Ilorin at the inaugural lecture of the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Science of the University of Ilorin.
ateau
As Christians mark Easter, Chief Whip, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Tim Golu, on Saturday warned the country’s leaders against playing politics with the lives of citizens.
“Nigerian leaders must refrain from hypocrisy and love the governed sincerely and from their hearts.
“Leaders must avoid the temptation to play politics with the lives of Nigerians and the existence of the nation.
“The country belongs to all of us and must be placed above every other consideration,’’ Golu said in Jos in an Easter message.
Taraba
David Sabo Kente Foundation has donated N10 million for the revival of Ajikwen Education Trust Fund to enable it to render financial assistance to students of Jukun descent.
The Chairman of the foundation, Chief David Kente, announced the donation in Wukari, Taraba, on Saturday during the Jukun Youth Cultural Day celebration.
Kente, who was the chairman of the occasion, said education was the “live wire” of every modern society and needed to be supported by all well-meaning citizens.
He advised other Jukun people to “give up fighting wars” in order to attract foreign investments to enhance economic development in the area.
“The Kwararafa kingdom cannot continue military campaigns and capturing of kingdoms to pay tribute to it as our forefathers did.
“We have to change our priorities in order to cope with the challenges of the current world which is a global village,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Wunuken Ali, the President of Jukun Youth Cultural and Development Association, said it was time to intensify contact with Jukun descendants “spread across 26 states’’ of the country to ensure unity of purpose.
Koto Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has introduced “vibrant policies” to develop the agriculture sector in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Jabbi Kilgore, said this in Sokoto on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said “the ministry is working toward taping available human and mineral resources in the state to move the sector forward”.
Kilgore added that the measure was to ensure massive food production for local consumption and export.
The commissioner said the ministry had already taken measures to provide modern farming inputs at government-subsidised price for sale to farmers.
He said 150 tractors had been distributed to medium and large-scale farmers on loan basis while fertilisers were provided for both rainy and dry season farming.
“The state government wants to modernise farming methods and attract participation of people in the sector.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has taken prompt steps to unravel the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station recently commissioned by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
This is even as the Project has restated its determination and commitment to supplying quality potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
HYPREP said while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt that it has commenced an investigation into the collapse of the overhead tank at the Gwara Water Station in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The high-level committee set up by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as an interim measure, is mandated to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The Vice Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gowon Ichibor while addressing newsmen said the committee has already swung into action, as it has visited the site of the incident to take stock and assess the situation.
Barrister Ichibor noted that the committee is firmly on top of the situation, as it is poised to carry out a painstaking investigation to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.
He further indicated that it is hasty and premature at this point, to pinpoint what might have caused the incident but promised to furnish the public with all necessary information in connection with the overhead tank collapse as soon as possible.
While assuring affected communities of HYPREP’s determination to restore the water facility as quickly as possible, he said the committee would tidy up its work in less than no time and promptly brief the press on its findings.
The committee did not, however, foreclose the possibility of recommending appropriate punitive measures and sanctions to be meted out to culprits at the end of its assignment, to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, HYPREP’s Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, who also lent his voice, described the incident as a temporary setback, as the Project would take appropriate and prompt actions to restore potable water supply to the affected Ogoni communities.
He also reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to upholding global best practices, standards and quality in the execution of projects, and sympathised with the affected communities over the unfortunate incident, saying, 16 water facilities have already been commissioned, which are effectively and satisfactorily serving over 40 Ogoni communities.
With the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, he revealed that 40 Ogoni communities are currently enjoying potable water.
The head of communications further disclosed plans by HYPREP to provide potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
While regretting the unfortunate incident, Dr Mba-Nwigoh urged Ogoni people and residents of Gwara community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, and eschew all forms of speculations and rumour-mongering, as the Project is on top of its game to remedy the situation.
He reeled out the achievements and milestones so far recorded by HYPREP, saying, the Ogoni cleanup programme is very much on course.
It would be recalled that HYPREP had earlier in a statement said it was deeply disturbed by the collapse of the overhead tank at Gwara Water Station, stressing that the
Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, had set up a high-level committee to determine the immediate and remote
causes of the incident.
It further noted that the committee had already visited the site and begun a detailed investigation to establish whether the collapse resulted from structural failure or possible third-party interference.
HYPREP, in a statement signed by its management, expressed concern over the incident and sympathised with the Gwara community, urging residents to remain calm as efforts are being made to restore the damaged facility and resume water supply to affected areas.
The Project assured that it remains committed to delivering quality projects that meet international standards, adding that internal and external quality control measures have been introduced, including the engagement of EcoProject as Project Consultant, supervision by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, and oversight by water supervisors.
It noted that aside from this isolated case, 16 water stations have been commissioned across Ogoniland, providing water to over 40 communities, with some facilities operating successfully for more than two years.
The Project added that sustainability plans have been put in place to ensure continuous water supply to communities. These include the formation of Water Consumers Associations (WCA), construction of solar farms for alternative power, and training of laboratory staff.
It also stated that one of the key features of the HYPREP water projects is the establishment of laboratories to ensure that water supplied to communities meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
HYPREP reaffirmed its commitment to quality service delivery and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The Project has also set up a technical sub-committee over the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, to foster and promote accountability in the implementation of projects.
As the Ogoni cleanup programme being implemented by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) continues to record significant milestones across thematic areas, the Federal Government says such gestures further demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to environmental sustainability and ensuring the Project brings benefits to Ogoni people.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who made this assertion during the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water schemes in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in line with HYPREP’s mandate to provide potable water to Ogoniland, said the provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The latest commissioning brings the water stations to 16, providing access to potable water to 45 Ogoni communities , a development the Minister explains as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to peace ,environmental justice and socio-economic empowerment in Ogoniland, a beacon of hope for communities long affected by environmental degradation.
Lawal noted that the latest commissioning is restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource .
”The provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life. It also signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring that the people of Ogoniland reap the full benefits of environmental remediation efforts.We
will continue to ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to clean, safe and sustainable drinking water. With this initiative, we are not just commissioning infrastructure but restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource”, he said.
While commending the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, development partners, stakeholders and traditional rulers, among others for their relentless commitment towards the actualisation of these projects, he urged communities to protect and take ownership of the projects, emphasising that their longevity and effectiveness depend on their collective efforts of maintaining and protecting them for posterity.
In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey maintained that the Project remains resolute in its resolve to ensure that it completes and delivers all projects initiated within the time frame for the use and benefit of Ogoni people in line with the directives of the Governing Council and under the leadership of the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
To achieve this, Zabbey explained that “We
continue to work closely with community leaders, youth and women, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure solutions are identified and implementation continues smoothly.
”We remain guided by the principle of partnership, dialogue, transparency and accountability, knowing that sustainable progress is best achieved through collaboration and mutual understanding. That is the hallmark of HYPREP,” he said.
He appealed to the people to continue to reinforce peace and understanding, using dialogue as a vital tool for resolving disputes, especially around project sites and within communities, noting that the concurrent implementation of over 100 projects across Ogoniland reflects the seriousness and dedication of HYPREP, a momentum that must be sustained through mutual trust and collaboration.
For the Project Coordinator, the event was an ideal opportunity to provide a project status update to Ogoni people, as he excitedly announced the milestone achievements recorded so far to include environmental remediation-94 percent completion in Phase 1 of mangrove restoration; shoreline at 67.1percent; Phase 2 land remediation at 36.55 percent; potable water-14 completed water facilities inaugurated, supplying potable water to 40 Ogoni communities, while the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities last Saturday increased the number of communities with access to clean and safe water to 45.
Other milestones are the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) at 92 percent complete and the processes of operationalising the Centre has begun with the just concluded colloquium, while the Ogoni Power Project is progressing steadily with wayleave compensation and construction works at Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations ongoing. The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is at 76.8 percent with 98.7 percent achieved in the Buan Cottage Hospital. The Ogoni public study being conducted by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); over 7,000 women and youths have benefited from various employment opportunities, while over 5,000 have been trained in multiple skills and provided start-up skits, among other programmes.
Zabbey further hinted of the commencement of some demand-driven skills areas this quarter, which include cybersecurity, full-stack development, mud logging, software development, GIS and commercial diving.
In their separate goodwill messages, the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dumnamene Deekor; Chairman,Great Green Wall, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mr Nwizug Gordon; representative of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Igo Weli; former Secretary to Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani; and former Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Prof Roseline Konya; all commended the Minister of Environment and HYPREP for their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup programme.
Earlier, the Minister and his entourage had paid a courtesy call on Mene Bua Kenwigbara, King D.Y Barile, at his palace, where the former was conferred a chieftaincy title of Mene Anua Le Maa 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom; and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP as Mene doo Letam 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom.
Also decorated were the Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari.
Highpoints of the event were the formal commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities by the Minister and the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Tony Attach,represented by Mr Igo Weli; the symbolic issuance of education support Items;and the visit to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Park for symbolic tree planting by the Minister; the Project Coordinator; BoT Chairman; Senator Abe; Igo Weli; Director General, NEASRA, Prof Innocent Barikor; and Zina Wiwa, the daughter of the legendary environmentalist; and the visit to the CEER.
In two years, the Minister of Environment, has visited Ogoniland five times to commission 16 water stations, supplying potable water to 45 Ogoni communities and ensuring that other projects get equal attention, a clear demonstration of his unflinching commitment to the accelerated implementation of the Ogoni cleanup programme in line with Priority 3, Deliverable 3 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and driven under the visionary and passionate leadership of Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as Project Coordinator.
A professor of English linguistics at the Rivers State University (RSU) Nkpolu Oroworukwu Port Harcourt, Prof. Isaac Enyi Ngulube, has advocated for better and improved funding for language centres in Nigeria, such as NINLAN Aba and Nigeria French Language Village, Badagry, for optimum value and effective local languages development.
He also called for funded research on the development of orthographies and language documents across the country to rescue local languages from extinction, as well as having a well-planned and implemented mother tongue education in all institutions in the country, from primary to tertiary.
Prof. Ngulube made with these assertions while presenting his inaugural lecture at the university’s 121st inaugural lecture with the topic “The Career of Rough Beats: Language, Literature and the Development of our Common Humanity” held in Port Harcourt, Wednesday.
The erudite scholar, in the lecture, stressed that the study of English language, linguistics, and literature is very broad, large, and difficult, adding that he overcame the rough roads through resilience and determination.
He described language as “a purely human and non-instinctive means of communicating ideas and emotions,” noting that “the word is a fundamental need in language; you cannot study language without the use of language.”
He urged parents to be cautious with their utterances, warning that “what they refer to their children as is what they will automatically end up becoming.”
He recommended a branded English language for every profession or course of study, stressing that embedding oral literature in the teaching of students from primary to tertiary level will enable them to know their traditions and roots of origin.
“Tell them the folk stories and moonlight tales; you are sending them back to their people. You must be a human being first before becoming a medical doctor, engineer, or anything else,” Ngulube said.
He also called for better and improved production of quality language and literature teachers, provision of modern teaching/instructional materials, improved welfare packages for teachers, and provision of better infrastructure at both primary and secondary school levels.
He used the opportunity to appreciate the Vice Chancellor for the approval of the Department of English Language and Literature, adding that it had been his long-held dream for the university.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, while highlighting the lecture, opined that the lecturer x-rayed the lecturer’s journey into the study of English language, linguistics, and literature, describing the field as broad, large, and difficult, but with determination and focus, he was able to defeat the beasts he encountered on his way.
Zeb-Obipi agreed with the lecturer’s recommendations on ways to improve indigenous languages in the country and directed that modalities be worked out for the university to have the Department of English Language and Literature, among others.
He highlighted RSU’s recent victory in the Bilingual Community Project organized by the French Embassy, describing it as proof of the university’s rising excellence in language studies.