Nation
THE STATES

L-R: FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed (left), welcoming Vice President Namadi Sambo, during the three-day prayer for the late mother of FCT Minister, in Bauchi last Saturday.
Bauchi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on all
politicians and political parties to team up against insurgency and other security challenges bedevilling the country.
The union in a nine point communiqué issued at the end of its national executive council meeting in Bauchi recently urged politicians and the supporters to be mindful of inflammatory statements that are capable of jeopardising the corporate existence of the nation.
NEC further appealed to the striking lecturers of Polytechnics, Colleges of Education and the Federal Government to urgently resolve all the grey areas of disagreement, to enable the resumption of academic activities in the various affected schools in the interest of the students and the nation at large.
Benue
The Benue State House of Assembly has appealed to the
Nigerian Air Force, Tactical Air Command (TAC) Makurdi, to halt the demolition of houses at Akpen village and its environs. The village is in the suburb of Makurdi.
The appeal followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Mr Benjamin Adanyi, a member representing Makurdi South constituency.
Adanyi told the house that the command had demolished houses at Akpen village, pointing out that as at the time he visited the area, five houses were demolished, rendering the occupants homeless. He said members of the community were in dispute with the command over the parcel of land, adding that the matter was before the assembly.
Gombe
The Society for Family Health (SFH), a non-governmental
organisation, says 35 per cent of expectant mothers in Gombe State delivers their babies in hospitals across the state.
The society said that the figure, which emanated from its monitoring and evaluation of public health facilities, represented an increase from the 28 per cent recorded in 2011.
Managing Director of the society, Mr Bright Ekweremadu, said this in Gombe while presenting the mid term report of the Gates Maternal and Neonatal Health Care project in the state.
According to him, at the commencement of the phase two of the project in 2011, only 28 per cent of expectant mothers accesses skilled care during delivery.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Kaltungo, Alhaji Sale Mohammed, said that because of the geographical topography of the state, many communities lacked access to quality health care service.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government said it recruited 1,564 teachers
for senior secondary schools across the State in the last six years.
The state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Haruna Wakili, who made this known in an interview in Dutse said the employment, which started in 2008, was done by the administration of Governor Sule Lamido to address shortage of qualified teachers in the state prior to his assumption of office in 2007.
The commissioner said the state government had been collaborating with the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) for continuous training of teachers to improve their quality.
According to him, 440 classrooms in various senior secondary schools were renovated within six years to make the environment conducive for learning.
Kaduna
Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State has signed the
law banning the operation of commercial motorcycles in Kaduna metropolis and some other major towns in the state.
Briefing newsmen after the weekly Security Council Meeting, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr Ben Bako, said the ban was aimed at reinforcing security in the state.
Bako said that the ban followed the influx of commercial motorcycles in the state following a similar ban on their operations in some neighbouring states such as Plateau, Niger, Kano and the FCT.
The Commissioner listed the areas affected by the ban to include Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Chikun, Igabi, Zaria, Jema’a, Sabon Gari and Birnin Gwari local government areas.
Niger
The Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON)
has reiterated its call for local government autonomy in order to ensure speedy development of the councils.
The ALGON National Deputy President, Mohammed Kantigi, made the call last Wednesday, in Minna when he appeared before the Niger House of Assembly for screening as a commissioner nominee.
He said, “I will articulate myself of what is expected of me. I will not allow people that brought us into power to cry. “I know that the governor is concerned with the welfare of his workers and surely he will not do anything contrary to that.
“He will bring in best hands to work with him in the State Executive Council because there are specific assignments he gives to people.
“We want to see if we can improve on what has been on ground. “I know the local government system very well and have been playing a role as the state financial secretary of ALGON,” he added.
Ogun
The Ogun Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board last Tuesday
assured this year’s intending pilgrims from the state of a hitch-free exercise.
The Chairman of the board, Dr Isiaq Yusuf, gave the assurance in Abeokuta at the commencement of a three-day screening exercise organised for intending pilgrims.
According to him, it is expected of a Muslim to perform the pilgrimage once in a lifetime after fulfilling all rights expected of a practising faithful.
He said pilgrims for this year’s exercise would be screened to meet required standards, adding that a total of 1,212 slots were allocated to the state by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Abuja.
Ondo
A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Akure last Thursday
sentenced three Benin citizens to three years in prison each for attempting to sell a 13-year-old boy. They are Kareem Saibu, 39, (father of the victim), Abdullateef Mumuni, 24 and Kadir Rasaq, 24. The Chief Magistrate, Mr Adebanji Ayeomoni, sentenced each of them without an option of fine.
The accused, of no fixed address, were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempt to sell human being, and they all pleaded guilty to the offences.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Zakari Ibrahim, told the court that the father of the victim and two others conspired to sell the minor for N8 million.
Ibrahim said the father brought the boy from Cotonou in Benin Republic to Nigeria to meet with the other accused persons, who live at Ibadan, to help him find buyers.
Plateau
Senator Gyang Pwajok, (PDP-Plateau), has condemned the
recent communal clash between the people of Irigwe and Rukuba in Bassa Local Government area of the state.
In a statement released in Jos by his Special Assistant on media, Chuwang Dung, the senator cautioned the communities to eschew violence.
Pwajok described “as sad and regrettable” that the two tribes that had co-existed for decades needed to take arms against each other.
He said that the clash over land matters was uncalled for and urged for dialogue among the leaders of the communities toward resolving the issue through dialogue.
The Senator further advised the warring communities to shun other acts capable of breaching peace in the area.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State government last Tuesday donated four
Ford pick-up vans to the state command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The vehicles were handed over to the Commandant of the corps, Mr Yusha’u Yamel, by the Permanent Secretary, Careers and Special Services, Alhaji Tukur Mohammed.
Mohammed said the vehicles were donated to enhance the operations of the corps, and to encourage it to provide adequate security for lives and property in the state.
He appealed to officers and men of the corps to make good use of the vehicles, promising that the state government would continue to assist all security agencies in the state to function effectively.
Taraba
The Federal Government said that 400,000 farmers would
benefit from the subsidised fertilisers and seeds under its Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) in Taraba.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, who made this known at the commencement of the scheme in Jalingo said the Federal Government had subsidised the commodity by 25 per cent, while the state government further subsidised it by another 25 per cent.
Represented by the Regional Director, North-East, Alhaji Ibrahim Arabi, Adesina said each registered farmer would get two bags of fertilisers and a bag of seeds.
The Acting Governor of Taraba, Alhaji Garba Umar, said the initiative would boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security in the state.
Umar said the state government would procure more fertilisers for the farmers to ensure food security and urged farmers to make good use of the inputs to ensure bumper harvests.
Nation
NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.
He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.
Nation
Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum
A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.
Nation
Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics
The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.
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