Nation
THE STATES
FCT
Prof. Justus Sokefun of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has called on law students at the University to study hard so as not to become “charge and bail lawyers”.
Sokefun made the appeal at the inauguration of the Moot Court/Clinical Legal Education of the University in Abuja.
Sokefun who is the Dean, School of Law and Chairman of the occasion, represented the Vice Chancellor of the University.
“The issue here is not about the university you graduate from but what you make of your effort. Be successful lawyers and go beyond “charge and bail’’.
“Make reference to text books as recommended by the course material.”
Sokefun said it was purely professional and organised by the universities to develop law students in advocacy skills and prepare them for the future.
According to him, the Moot Court builds a lawyer’s confidence wherever he finds himself.
The President of the law students Abuja Centre, Emeka Kalu, also told newsmen that only a serious lawyer would be successful in the profession due to its challenges.
He advised his colleagues to be more serious in their studies, adding “this is the only way we can show the world that we are capable”.
Kaduna
Members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly last Saturday sympathised with the victims of the bomb explosion in Kaduna during the Easter celebrations.
The lawmakers visited the victims at various hospitals and donated money to settle their medical expenses.
The Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Dr Dogara Mato, led the delegation.
During the visit, various cash donations were given to the victims.
The places visited were Barau Dikko Specialists Hospital, 44 Nigerian Army Referral Hospital and St. Gerard Hospital, Kaduna.
At the 44 Army hospital, the Director, Brig-Gen. Napolion Amarie, expressed gratitude to the members for the donations to the victims.
At Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, the members were conducted round by the Matron in-Charge, Mrs Hassana Garba, while at St. Gerard Hospital, the Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday John conducted them round the institution.
Kano
The Almajiri Foundation of Nigeria has applauded the Federal Government for initiating the Almajiri Model School scheme.
The national chairman of the association, Yusuf Hassan, described the programme as “a noble idea which the foundation and all Northerners had been yearning for. ’’
According to him, the scheme was in line with the cardinal principles and objectives of the Almajiri Foundation of Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation.
Hassan, who decried the untold hardship being experienced by young Almajiri, said that they were not adequately taken care of in the society.
He said: “they roam about dangerously between fast moving vehicles in tattered clothes begging for food and money. “
He expressed optimism that the programme if sustained would completely rehabilitate the Almajiri by educating them in both religious and secular education, so that they could contribute to national development.
The chairman urged all state governments to ensure the construction of such Almajiri schools in each local government area of their respective states.
Hassan also implored the private sector and wealthy individuals to contribute their quota to the success of the scheme.
President Goodluck Jonathan had on April 10 inaugurated one of the schools at Gagi in Sokoto State.
Lagos
Residents of Akanni Crescent, Jakande Estate, Okokomaiko, Lagos, are seeking the assistance of the state government to solve the problem posed by a 20-year old swamp in the area.
The residents lamented the increasing flow of the swamp into their homes during the rainy season.
Mr Wale Odukoya, a resident of the area, said the situation was becoming worse, especially as the rainy season had set in.
Odukoya said that the swamp had existed in the area for about 20 years without efforts to checkmate its menace.
Mr Gbenga Olutobi, another resident, said that several appeals had been made to government to assist the inhabitants of the area but to no avail.
Olutobi said that “whenever it rains, the volume of the swamp increases and flows into our homes, damaging our property.”
Mrs Edith Omogiate, another resident, said the break of each rainy season raised anxieties among the people due to the problem encountered during the period.
Niger
President Goodluck Jonathan has pledged to make education accessible to all youths as part of the government’s policy on human capital development.
Jonathan made the pledge at the convocation of the Federal University of Technology Minna, last Saturday.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, said human development was part of the reasons for establishing federal universities in the federation.
He reiterated government’s commitment to provide quality education to the people.
“Let me point out that our administration is committed to improving education to ensure appropriate human capital development in Nigeria.“
Jonathan urged the universities to establish entrepreneurship training courses for their students, to equip them with the skills and make them become job creators rather than seekers after graduation.
He urged youths to maintain their resilience and determination in spite of daunting challenges.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mohammed Audu, said the management had instituted a scholarship scheme for students who excelled, to sustain the record in subsequent examinations.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State last Saturday installed Kehinde Olugbenle as the new monarch (Olu of Ilaro) for Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government area of the state.
Ilaro, a major town in the West Senatorial District, had been without a monarch since Feb. 20, 2008.
The administration of Amosun had upon assumption of office, initiated the process of selecting a successor to late monarch, Samuel Adekanbi.
Amsoun said that the installation was a great accomplishment for both his administration and the people of the district.
“It is my pleasure to present to Kehinde Olugbenle, the instrument of appointment and staff of office as the new Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewa land.
“This installation is a testimony to the divine word of God that whatever He proposes shall surely be accomplished.
“For this reason, the government and the entire people of Ogun rejoice with the good people of Ilaro and the entire Yewa land, even as we express gratitude to God who made this event a reality.“
Osun
The Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in Osun, Prof. Olubukola Oyawoye, has warned the residents to keep every part of the state clean to avoid flooding as the rainy season begins.
Oyawoye gave the warning in response to concerns expressed by some residents over the predictions by weather forecasters that with the onset of stormy rainy season, some parts of the state might experience flooding.
A statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday by Mr Babatunde Kolawole, the ministry’s Coordinating Director, quoted the commissioner as urging the people “to be environment friendly.’’
Oyawoye also warned the residents not to dump refuse into waterways as this could block the drains and cause flooding.
She said the 2012 weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency revealed that the downpour would be experienced between April and November.
Plateau
Military regimes’ intolerance of freedom of speech killed the Plateau government-owned Nigeria Standard newspapers, the media outfit’s General Manager, Mr Jonathan Ishaku, has said.
“Military regimes do not tolerate freedom of speech; unfortunately, that is the fulcrum on which the media operates.
“The regimes operate by suppressing public or dissenting opinions and would insist that public-owned media houses concur.
Ishaku, a two-time editor, managing director, and now general manager of the paper, said the paper used to publish daily and printed more than 40,000 copies on a daily average.
The paper was at its peak between the 1970s and the 1980s.
“I have been around and have seen the best and worst times of the Nigeria Standard. In those days, we hardly had unsold copies and that was a great feat considering the literacy level then.
“But currently, we struggle to publish twice or thrice a week and print less than 5,000 copies; we try to make our presence felt only in Plateau and Abuja.’’
The veteran journalist said the Nigeria Standard was established in 1972 to protect the views of the minority since they did not have any voice at the time.
“The papers on the stable discharged that mandate for some time and were indeed very famous; its editorials were greatly respected and read on the 7 o’clock Network News. The paper was also read in Lagos in the morning of publication date.
“Unfortunately, autocratic regimes came and had great links with some feudal establishments that felt their interests were being threatened with the focus on the rights of the minorities.
Sokoto
The Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, plans to establish its Faculty of Engineering in 2014, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Riskuwa Shehu, has said.
The construction of the faculty’s infrastructure had so far gulped more than N200 million between 2007 and the present date.
“This includes funding from the Federal Government for the project as well as internally generated revenue.’’
He said that the faculty would start with programmes in three fields of civil, electrical and chemical engineering.
“The structures at the faculty have reached about 70 per cent completion. Engineering is capital intensive there is also the challenge of getting the required manpower as well as the requisite equipment,’’ Shehu said.
He said that the management of the university would soon meet with the contractor handling the project to sort out all the grey areas to ensure timely completion.
“We have to do everything humanly possible to consolidate our gains and always consider our limited resources and work within them the challenge in respect of engineering is staff recruitment as they are hard to come by. Even older universities do not have enough manpower in this regard,’’ the vice chancellor said.
He said that the institution would send requests to its catchment states to “get their best graduates in engineering.
“We will recruit them and send them for higher training at all levels, both within and outside Nigeria”, he said.
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.