Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that a
policeman and three civilians lost their lives during Saturday night attack in Fotta village of Gombi Local Government .
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Mohammed Ibrahim, in Yola.
It said contrary to media reports that seven policemen were killed, it was four people that lost their lives including a policeman..
“ The fact of the issue is that, unknown gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons attacked Fotta village in Gombi local government.
“As a result, three civilian and one policeman were killed the statement said.
It added that the policeman, a Corporal, was attached to Delta Police command and was on a visit to Fotta, to see his family.
Ekiti
Ahead of the June 21 governorship election in Ekiti,
the police have warned political thugs to leave the state or risk imprisonment.
The new Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Felix Nyanna,gave the warning in Ado-Ekiti at a stakeholders’ meeting.
Nyanna, who said that the command was battle ready to combat any act of violence, added that the warning was also directed at sponsors of thugs.
The police boss said leaders of political parties in the state might soon be compelled to sign an undertaking not to promote violence or thuggery.
FCT
The Minister of Interior, Mr Abba Moro, has directed
the Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mr David Parradang, to work out modalities for resuscitating the air border patrol unit of the service.
Moro gave the directive when Mr Mark Snoxell, the Managing Director, Dornier Aviation Nigeria (DANA) Ltd, visited him in Abuja. He said the resuscitation of the unit was necessary in order to intensify efforts being made by the service to patrol the country’s borders to address the current security challenges.
“We have taken steps to resuscitate our border patrol by setting up a committee to examine our preparations for air border patrol against the existence and operations of our aircraft patrol units.
Gombe
No fewer than 62,125 domestic animals had
been vaccinated against rabies, contagious bovine pleura pneumonia and rinderpest in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State. Head of Department of Agriculture in the council, Alhaji Sale Ababi, made this known to newsmen in Kumo, headquarters of Akko recently.
Ababi said 320 dogs were vaccinated against rabies; 29,300 cattle against contagious bovine pleura pneumonia and 32,555 sheep and goats against rinderpest.
He also said the three emirates in the local government namely Akko, Gwana and Pindiga were covered during the exercise.
Jigawa
The Malammadori Local Government Council, Jigawa
State, said it had earmarked N500,000 for the procurement of environmental sanitation kits to enhance sanitation services in the area.
The Chairman of the Council, Alhaji Lawan Abdu, said this at the inauguration of waste clearing and sanitation exercise in Malammadori.
Abdu, represented by the Director, Social Welfare in the council, Yusuf Isma’il, said the clearing tools would be distributed to community and organisations to mobilise participation in the sanitation exercise.
He said the council had introduced routine environmental exercise to clear waste and improve the sanitary condition of the town.
Kadana
Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, has called on the
federal government to resuscitate the Nigerian Inter-religious Council (NIREC) to promote inter-faith harmony and unity in the country.
The Emir made the call when he led a team of traditional rulers from the North-West Zone to receive President Goodluck Jonathan at the Hassan Katsina House in Kaduna.
Our correspondent reports that the President was in Kaduna for the PDP North West Zone unity rally.
The Emir noted that the unity of the country could best be promoted if more attention was given to the security of lives and property, of which NIREC could play significant roles.
Kwara
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Mr
Ambrose Aisebo, has warned politicians against political campaign, saying the ban was still in force in the state.
Aisabor gave the warning at a meeting he held with leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ilorin.
He reminded them that Section 10 of the Electoral Act of 2010 provides that political campaign should commence three months to election, adding that campaign could not commence until November 16.
“You can hold your meetings, rallies and processions, but you cannot campaign for now,” he added, and stressed that political campaign was not the same thing as political rally, meeting or procession.
Kano
The Kano State Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation
Agency said it had evacuated about 235 lunatics from the streets in 14 local government areas in the state.
The Executive Secretary of the agency, Alhaji Ali Bashir, said this in an interview with newsmen in Kano recently.
He said 49 of them were females, while the 186 were males.
Bashir said the exercise was necessary in order to ensure that lunatics were not allowed to roam the streets.
Ondo
The Chairman, Ondo State Universal Basic Education
Board (SUBEB), Mr Ade Adeniyi, has commended the various contractors and developers handling various primary school projects in the state.
Adeniyi made the commendation at Owo in Owo Local Government Area of the state after an inspection visit to some school building projects in Ondo North District of the state. “My assessment is that we are making progress because we have some very good developments,’’ he remarked.
Adeniyi said that the contractors and developers were on their toes to deliver the mega schools, “because we have made it clear to them that we will not take excuses anymore.’’
Oyo
The Federal Government has been urged to ensure the
promulgation of a legislation on Cancer Control Plan (CCP) for the country.
The call was made in Ibadan Director, Ibadan Cancer Registry, by Prof. Femi Ogunbiyi, in an interview with newsmen. Ogunbiyi, who is also the Vice President, African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, said if CCP was passed into law, it would ensure compulsory registration of all cancer cases in the country.
He said that CCP was a document developed by the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer, for African countries.
Ogun
The Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Associa
tion of Nigeria (FIBAN), has sought for appropriate legislation to regulate unguarded messages on the nation’s airwaves.
FIBAN’s National President, Mr Yemi Sonde, stated this in Abeokuta during a visit to the Ogun State House of Assembly.
Sonde described as unfortunate the proliferation of non-professionals in the broadcast industry, saying this had adversely affected the society through unguarded messages. The FIBAN boss explained that the legislation would go a long way in controlling and sanitizing the broadcast industry.
Plateau
The Plateau Commissioner for Works, Mr Chris Hassan,
last Tuesday said N800 million would be paid as compensation to residents whose property were affected by ongoing roads projects in the state.
Hassan made this known in Jos, while speaking with journalists after inspecting some of the projects across the state. The commissioner noted that non payment of the compensation had slowed down the pace of work in some areas, and assured those affected that the payment would commence “in a few days”.
Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal (left), discussing with the president general, Unity Schools Old Students Association (usosa), Mr Kabiru Koko, during the visit of the members to the Speaker in Abuja, yesterday. With them is Rep. Stella Ngwu. Photo: NAN
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.