Nation
THE STATES
Gombe
Kwami Local Government Council of Gombe State says it will plant one million different varieties of drought-resistant trees in each of the 10 wards of the local government.
Alhaji Ya’u Marafa, Chairman of council disclosed this in an interview in Kwami last Monday.
Marafa who spoke through his Personal Assistant, Alhaji Adamu Usman, said the decision to plant the trees was to guard against environmental challenges such as windstorms.
“As a permanent measure, the local government intends to plant one million seedlings – different varieties of drought-resistant trees, at least not less than 100 seedlings in each of the 10 wards of the local government.’’
A heavy windstorm destroyed houses, mosques and many public infrastructures in Mallam Sidi village, the headquarters of local government area a fortnight ago.
At least 200 houses were reportedly destroyed by the windstorm which also damaged shops and blew off the roof of the NYSC orientation camp.
He said the trees, which would be planted in three phases – in May, June and July – would serve as wind breakers.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Ministry of Education has banned the use of mobile phones by students in secondary schools across the state.
Prof. Haruna Wakili, the state Commissioner for Education, announced this on Monday at a meeting with Principals and Zonal Directors of Education at the Government Unity Secondary School, Ringim.
The commissioner also announced a ban on the use of vernacular during school hours.
Wakili charged principals to ensure compliance with the ban by their students at all time.
He said that any student found using mobile phone or speaking the mother-tongue should be sanctioned by the school authority.
Wakili said the introduction of French language and entrepreneurship subjects had also posed challenges to the education sector.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Malam Abdullahi Hudu, expressed satisfaction with the turn out of the principals at the meeting.
In his remarks the, the Chairman of the state chapter of All Nigeria Principals of Secondary Schools Conference, Malam Hussaini Abdullahi, commended the ministry for the decisions.
Kaduna
Malam Garba Ibrahim, the Chairman of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Kudan Local Government of Kaduna State, Malam Garba Ibrahim has called for the separation of local government and state joint accounts for accountability.
Ibrahim made the call in an interview with our correspondent at Hunkuyi, the headquarters of the local government.
He said the joint account was not in line with the wishes and aspirations of the people as majority of the people were not happy with the way local government funds were being managed through the joint account.
“There is no autonomy in project execution because people have no right to request from their chairmen the kind of projects they need.
“Projects are supposed to be in line with needs and aspirations of beneficiaries; however, the state governors decide whatever they like for the people,’’ Ibrahim said.
He said when such joint account was separated, there would be proper accountability because each chairman would be accountable for the money allocated to his council.
Kogi
Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has pledge his administration’ s resolve to ensure good governance by adhering to the principle of separation of powers and rule of law.
Wada made the pledge on Monday at the official inauguration of the newly constructed Judicial Service Commission (JSC)Secretariat extension in Lokoja.
The governor said he would not interfere in the affairs of other arms of government as they are equal partners.
“I will do my best to accord respect to the three arms. I will be a law-abiding governor.”
Wada commended the Chief Judge, Justice Nasiru Ajanah, for taking the state judiciary to greater heights in the administration of justice and provision of infrastructure.
He assured that things would soon change for better in all sectors of the state’s economy as his administration was doing all it could to improve the financial position of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Judge described the JSC as the “Engine room” of the Judiciary as it is saddled with the responsibility of appointments and recommendations for appointment of High Court Judges.
Kwara
A suspect awaiting trial, Stephen Okon, has expressed disappointment with members of his family for their failure to pursue his bail since he was arrested a year ago.
Okon was pardoned on Friday by the Kwara Criminal Justice Committee in Ilorin.
Okon, awaiting trial since March 17, 2011, told our source that he was punished for offences he knew nothing about.
Our source reports that the accused was arraigned for alleged mischief by fire and causing grievous hurt, before he was released by the committee headed by Kwara Chief Judge, Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb.
Okon, a father of two, was alleged to have burnt a shop beside his own at Eyenkorin, where he sold petrol as a black marketer.
The accused, according to the police prosecutor in the case, Insp. Abdulkareem Jimoh, was not caught in the act, but was arrested on suspicion that there was an impending misunderstanding between him and the owner of the burnt shop.
The pardoned inmate, who claimed to have his nuclear family in Ibadan and a brother in Sierra Leone, told newsmen after he was released that he was shocked that none of his family members bothered to secure him bail.
“I’m very disappointed in my family because this is the first time I would be arrested by the police and nobody showed up.
“I prayed to God to save me and my family because I’m a family man. I have two children and a wife. They are in Ibadan.
“I have not been detained like this before. This is the first time I would have a case with police and I ended up in prison”, he said.
He explained that a friend who was coming from Rivers to secure his bail was involved in an accident in which he broke his leg.
“He has been in the hospital for more than four months now. When I communicated with him, he told me that his situation could not allow him to pursue my freedom”, Okon said.
Lagos
The Chief Executive, of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, on Tuesday in Lagos advised members of the public to shun the temptation of raising money from illicit drugs.
He said this was necessary in order to avoid problems as the long arm of the law would not spare any offender when caught.
Giade was reacting to the agency’s arrest of a 43-year-old trader.
The trader was arrested for allegedly being in possession of substances suspected to be heroin and weighing 500 grammes, and said to be worth N2 million.
“It is morally wrong for anyone to turn to drug trafficking as a means of getting capital to start business.
“The agency will continue to invoke relevant sections of the NDLEA Act against offenders,’’ Giade said.
He said it was worrisome that the suspect actually invested the sum of N 2 million in the ill-fated illicit drug transaction.
“It would have been better for him to have put his money into something that will be legitimate and more profitable than this kind of illegal business.
“I urge others that may be having such thoughts or plans to have a re-think,’’ Giade said.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command has confirmed an attack on its mobile base in Akwanga by unknown gunmen in which one corporal was shot dead.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Cornelius Ocholi , told newsmen on Monday in Lafia that the incident took place on Sunday night.
Ocholi said that the gunmen, whose numbers could not be ascertained, stormed the Mobile Police 38 Base in Akwanga through a bush path at about 1: 00 a.m. and started shooting sporadically.
He said that policemen on duty quickly responded by engaging the attackers in a gun battle which resulted in the death of one officer whose name Ocholi gave as CPL. Madaki Yusuf.
The police spokesman explained that the late officer was hit by a bullet during the gun battle and all efforts to save him by medical personnel at the Ola Hospital in Akwanga failed.
He said that normalcy had been restored in the area saying, “the Squadron Commander,CSP. Reuben Abibo, has put men on alert at the base.
“Even the state’s Police Commissioner, Mr Abayomi Akeremale, is on his way to Akwanga now to assess the situation. ’’
Taraba
Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew in the state with immediate effect.
The governor announced the curfew on Monday evening after visiting the Ministry of Finance in Jalingo, scene of an explosion in which 11 people were killed and scores injured.
Suntai said the curfew, which will be on from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. everyday, would be in force until further notice.
Our correspondent reports that law enforcement agencies in the state have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the curfew.
The governor condemned the blast and expressed condolence to the bereaved.
He also visited the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, where he expressed sympathy with the victims receiving treatment there.
He said the government would pay all their hospital bills and directed the management of the hospital to forward bills to the Government House for payment.
He said that government and other law enforcement agencies were on red alert to stop further loss of lives and property.
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.