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THE STATES

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13 years ago

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An estimated 400 children have died from the inhalation of lead poison in six communities in Zamfara due to improper mining practices.

The National Coordinator, African Youth Initiative on Climate Change (AYICC), Nigeria chapter, Mr Hamzat Bala Lawal, disclosed this while speaking with our correspondent in Abuja.

Lawal, who is also the advisor, Nigerian Youth Climate Action Network (NYCAN) and member, Steering Committee, told our correspondent that the root cause of the lead poisoning crisis was unsafe mining and ore processing.

He stressed the need to provide access to facilities and programmes to people engaged in mining and ore processing, to enable them safely mine and process ore without exposing themselves or others to toxic lead.

 

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Government has earmarked N71 million for the rehabilitation of three agricultural skills acquisition centres, an official said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, made this known in Kazaure while inspecting wet season farming project sites in the area.

Idris said that the project would be executed at Kila Danzomo and Malam-Madori and would be upgraded and equipped with modern facilities.

He said the centres would provide training on crop, livestock, poultry and fishery production as well as agro-processing.

“The trainees are to be exposed to various fields of agriculture during their six-month training programme at each of the centres.

 

Kano

Kano State Film-makers’ Association, Kannywood, says that it has initiated new policies to ensure enforcement of morality in the industry.

The Public Relations Officer of the Association, Malam Nura Hussain, noted in an interview in Kano that the industry had operated for over a decade without being properly guided or regulated morally.

He said the new policies would ensure registration of all those working in the industry who should be members of various guilds.

Hussain said the guilds would be answerable to the Motion Pictures Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria, the mother organisation guiding the industry.

“To enforce the new policies, we have to seek collaboration with the national and state censorship boards.

 

Kogi

A member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr Henry Ojuola, (ACN-Yagba East) has warned that current agitation for a change in the leadership of the house was unnecessary.

Speaking to newsmen in Lokoja, Ojuola noted that the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, and other principal officers had discharged their duties well and expressed worry over “the rush to change the leadership of the house,” after barely one year in office, blaming the move on external forces.

He called on his colleagues to borrow a leaf from the House of Representatives, which he said, had been enjoying stability after choosing its leaders.

The ACN member noted that the house was able to pass several bills into law because of the support the speaker was enjoying and urged Bello to remain focused in providing good leadership for the house.

 

Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command has arrested two members of a vigilance group for alleged murder of three persons in Patigi Local Government area in Kwara State.

The Commissioner of Police in Kwara, Mr Chinwike Asadu, made the disclosure  in an interview  in Ilorin.

Asadu said the killing of the three persons whose identity had yet to be ascertained occurred on August 31 in Patigi.

He said that two members of the vigilance group in Patigi who allegedly committed the offence and threw the corpses into a river were being detained at the State Police Headquarters in Ilorin.

The commissioner said that police detectives were in Patigi for full investigation to unravel the cause of the killing.

 

Lagos

The Executive Secretary, Jetties and Petroleum Tank Farms Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON), Mr Enoch Kanawa,  has urged the Federal Government to publish payments of oil subsidy allowances regularly.

He told newsmen in Lagos that most of the marketers were not aware of government’s activities on subsidy payments.

He alleged that the issue of payment of subsidy allowances to petroleum products marketers was at the root cause of the scarcity of the products in some parts of the country.

“Acclaimed payment of subsidy to marketers by the government should be published.

“Many major importers of petroleum products have not received any money as far as I know.

“And this lack of openness poses a serious threat to the socio-economic growth of the country,”  he said.

 

Nasarawa

Executive Director, Adult and Non-Formal Education in Nasarawa State, Mr William Ebuga,  has called for a massive increase in the number of people enrolling for adult and non-formal education in the state.

Ebuga made the call in Lafia at a meeting of the agency with non-governmental association of Literacy Support Services in collaboration with Nasarawa State Network for Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO).

He said the government, through the agency, was ready to create an enabling environment for NGOs and other development partners interested in embarking on adult and non-formal education in the state.

The executive director said, “the agency is highly delighted to begin a partnership discussion, particularly on how to add value to the effort we are making towards the education for all in the state by 2015.”

He called on other development partners to cooperate with the government to meet the target, adding that government alone could not undertake the programme.

Responding, the care-taker Chairman of Non-Governmental Association of Literacy Support Services, Mr Charse Olule expressed gratitude to the agency for taking the step.

 

Ogun

The expectation that Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s ad ministration would recover the N70 billion owed the state by the Federal Government before the end of its tenure informed the taking of a N18.38 billion loan from UBA in 2010.

The Director-General of Due Process Office, Mr Gbenga Abiola, made this known while giving evidence on the circumstance that led to the former governor taking the loan.

Abiola said that during the period, the state government was expecting that the Federal Government would pay the N70 billion it was owing the state.

“Government at that time decided to seek for the loan hoping to pay off immediately the N70 billion entered the purse of the state, and in addition, it was the state legislature that brought the idea of borrowing to finance the budget.

“But when it became obvious that the money was not forthcoming after the loan had been drawn, government decided to refund the balance of about N8 billion to the bank,’’ Abiola explained.

 

Osun

The Osun State House of Assembly has dissolved the 30 local government caretaker management committees in the state.

Speaker of the House, Mr Najeem Salam, announced the dissolution during plenary following the expiration of the six- month tenure of the committees.

Our correspondent  reports that the tenure of the caretaker chairmen took effect from March 2 and lapsed on September 2.

Salam ordered the chairmen to hand over all government property in their possession to the heads of administration.

He said the House had yet to receive the list of fresh nominees to replace the outgoing chairmen, adding that the account of the local government councils had now been frozen.

 

Oyo

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death of former CBN governor, Mr Ola Vincent, as a great loss to the country.

The governor, in a statement issued in Ibadan by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo, said the news of the demise came as a rude shock.

“It was with rude shock that I received the news of the passing away of Pa Ola Vincent in a Lagos hospital.

“ Even though he died at the ripe age of 87, nevertheless his death is very unfortunate and a great loss to Nigeria.

“He was a world-class economist, distinguished banker and public servant. He was an illustrious son of Nigeria,’’ Ajimobi said.

Ajimobi said Vincent’s tenure as CBN governor witnessed rapid economic growth owing to his sound economic policies and administrative dexterity.

“It is particularly painful that Pa Vincent passed away at such an auspicious time when his wealth of experience is most needed to salvage the country from its present economic doldrums.

 

Sokoto

Chairman of Ansaruddeen Society of Nigeria, Sokoto State branch, Sheikh Bilyaminu Ajani, has called on Nigerians to continue praying for peace, progress and political stability of the nation .

Ajani told our correspondent in Sokoto that the country needed contant prayers for God’s intervention in all its affairs.

He said fervent prayers would enable Nigerians to overcome the present challenges threatening the nation’s corporate existence, stressing: “All hands should be on deck to promote peace and ensure smooth implementation of ongoing reforms.

“It is only through prayers that the current insecurity challenges will be a thing of the past for the country to move forward.’’

 

Taraba

Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State has appointed Alhaji Ibrahim Maishanu, the Commissioner of Police in the state, as the state Amirul Hajj for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

A press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa, and made available to our correspondent in Jalingo, said Maishanu and three other members would lead the pilgrims during the exercise.

According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary, Teaching Service Board, Alhaji Ibrahim Imam is to serve as the secretary of the team.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Governmental Affairs, Dr Yusha’u Ahmed and the Village Head of Chachangi, Alhaji Tanimu Hamisu would serve as members, it added.

It stated that the governor called on the team to guide the pilgrims to ensure that they serve as good ambassadors of the country.

 

Zamfara

The on-going verification of staff in government establishments in Zamfara State is not aimed at dismissing any worker from the state workforce, an official of the workers union, has said.

Alhaji Abdullahi Madomawa, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), gave the assurance on Friday in Gusau in an interview with our correspondent.

He said the exercise was meant to screen out workers who were employed through “unofficial channels”.

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Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

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2 days ago

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January 23, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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5 days ago

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January 19, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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5 days ago

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January 19, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

By: Donatus Ebi

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