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Deputy Governor Martins Babale of Adamawa State (right) inaugurating the UNHCR Relief  Office in Yola recently. with him is the Assistant High Commissioner on  Refugees of UNHCR,Mr Volker Turk.

Deputy Governor Martins Babale of Adamawa State (right) inaugurating the UNHCR Relief Office in Yola recently. with him is the Assistant High Commissioner on Refugees of UNHCR,Mr Volker Turk.

Bauchi
The Director, Leprosy and Tuberculosis Control in Bauchi
state, Dr Yakubu Abdullahi, has advised parents to immunise new born babies with Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine to prevent Tuberculosis (TB).
Abdullahi gave the advice in an interview with newsmen  in Bauchi.
He said the diagnosis of tuberculosis in under- five children was often difficult due to the specimen collected from them.
He said that children could be diagnosed with the two various types of tuberculosis, which includes exposing the child to infected person and poor ventilation.
Other causes of the disease are overcrowding, malnutrition, immunity status, prolonged use of steroids and Cytotoxic drugs.

Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command has urged residents
of the state to be security conscious and prayerful during and after the Easter celebration.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mohammed Padah, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.
He said that the command had put measures in place to ensure protection of lives and properties of the citizenry.
“There is need for everybody to be security conscious while going about their normal businesses.
“ Adequate security has been put in place in conjunction with other security agencies in the state to ensure peace and security,’’ he said.

Kaduna
Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State has pledged
to offer quality service to the people irrespective of historical, ethnic or religious orientation.
El-Rufai made the pledge in Kafanchan, shortly after the endorsement of a peace declaration by 29 communities in five local government areas of the state.
The Kafanchan Peace Declaration was at the instance of Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD).
“We recognize everyone as a citizen of Kaduna State and in accessing social services, have no regard for his or her historical, ethnic and religious orientation.
“ We as a government are pursuing an investment strategy anchored on our conviction that the private sector is the engine of job creation and growth.

Katsina
The member representing Katsina South Senatorial Zone,
Sen. Abu Ibrahim has commenced skill acquisition training for 1, 775 persons from the zone.
Speaking at Malumfashi Training Centre the scheme focal person, Malam Babanyara Mailikelike, said beneficiaries comprised men and women across all ages from the 11 local governments that made up the zone.
The focal person said that between 150 and 180 beneficiaries were selected from political wards in each of the 11 local government areas.
Mailikelike said beneficiaries were trained on production of soap, perfume and cream, livestock and poultry keeping, food and animal feeds processing as well as interior decoration.

Jigawa
The Jigawa Government has constituted an 11-member
committee to verify construction of township roads and payment of compensation to those whose structures would be affected by the projects.
Malam Isama’I Ibrahim, the Public Relations Officer, Office of Secretary to the State Government (SSG), said this on Thursday while speaking with newsmen in Dutse.
Isama’I said that the SSG, Alhaji Adamu Abdulkadir, who inaugurated the committee, urged members to discharge their duties with the “fear of God’’.
The spokesperson said that aside from identifying the number of structures to be affected and pay compensation, the committee would also verify the authentic persons involved.
According to him, the committee will cost the compensation payments, and if possible, review the compensation rate.
Lagos
A 59-year-old businessman, Mr Joseph Olatunde, has
filed for divorce at an Igando Customary Court in Lagos State over his wife’s alleged shameful act.
Joseph, in his application, is seeking for the dissolution of his marriage to his wife, Kemi Olatunde , whom he said had gained a reputation as a street-fighter.
“My wife, who is a pastor, an evangelist, a church interpreter and women leader, fought with nine persons in a day in our street wearing only a bra and a tight.
“She fought from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., during which residents of the street were begging her to stop but she refused.
“ I also pleaded with her but she cursed and I was ashamed of myself.
“I had to take her pictures with my cell phone when she was fighting in the public with only the brassier covering her body and sent it to her family.” he said.

Nasarawa

A Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, Nasarawa
State, has ordered the remand of a student, Joseph Olowo, charged with trespass and attempted theft.
Olowo, 24, who resides at Mararaba, is facing a two-count charge of trespassing on private property and attempt to commit offence of stealing.
The judge, Mr Albert Maga, ordered the remand of the defendant following an oral application made by the prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji.
Maga ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody till April 5 when his bail application would be considered.
Adaji had objected to the bail on the grounds that the defendant was not a first time offender and had a pending case of theft to which he was admitted to bail on March 11.
Earlier, the prosecutor had told the court that Ameh Emmanuel of Behind Kapda Market, Mararaba, reported the case at the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba, on March 18.
Ogun

More than 2,500 residents of Ogun have benefitted from
the free health initiative organised by the wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari.
Our correspondent reports that the initiative included checking of Body Mass Index, screening of the eye and blood sugar level as well as distribution of free eye glasses and drugs.
The programme, which was meant to cater for 2,500 persons, saw more than 5,000 in attendance.
Speaking at the flagging off ceremony, Buhari said the programme was to cater for the health of young and old Nigerians.
The wife of the President, who was represented by Dr Abdulrahaman Kamal, said she had also organised similar initiatives targeted at women and children, particularly those hinterlands.
Ondo
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
says its members will work with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to obey the new safety idea.
Mr Folajimi Akinifesi, the Chairman of NURTW in Ondo state, told newsmen on Thursday in Akure that FRSC officials had briefed them on the safety device.
Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia, says: “A speed limiter is a governor used to limit the top speed of a vehicle.’’
Akinifesi said: “Our members will comply with the speed limiter because it is a safety precaution to reduce frequent road mishaps.
“Most of the accidents are caused by speeding, reckless driving and careless overtaking.

Osun
The Osun House of Assembly said it was determined to
outlaw street trading and illegal markets in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Najeem Salaam, said this at plenary in Osogbo during the consideration of a bill on street trading and illegal markets.
Salaam said it would become an offence for any person to engage in street trading or to operate an illegal market in the state once the bill was passed into law.
He said the law would ensure a clean environment, adding that this was one of the cardinal aims of the government.
Salaam, who noted that street trading had claimed many lives on the highways, added that the bill, when passed, would check this.
Sokoto

Head of the committee, Malam Lawal Maidoki said in
Sokoto that the gesture was to reduce burden on the poor and enhance their wellbeing.
He said, “the gesture is part of the monthly allocation being given by the state government to assist the less privileged among our society, to ease their suffering and ensure healthy and productive citizens.’’
The chairman explained that part of the money was used for the medication and rehabilitation of some mentally deranged persons.
Zamfara
An Islamic organisation, the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah
Wa’Ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), says  it has spent more than N100 million on developing its Islamic Centre in Guzape District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Sheikh Yusuf Rigachikun, the Deputy Chairman, National Ulama’u Council of JIBWIS, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gusau.
Rigachikun said the N300 million worth project started last year when the organisation signed the project contract agreement with an indigenous construction company, Coxa Integrated Limited (CIL).
He explained that the centre was aimed at providing a befitting facility for Muslims in the FCT and the country at large for knowledge acquisition and other religious activities.

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World Health Day: Rivers Govt Urges Regular Medical Check-Ups, Healthy Living

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The Rivers State Government has called on residents to prioritize regular medical check-ups as part of efforts to promote healthier living and prevent disease.
This message was contained in a statement issued by the Rivers State Ministry of Health in Port Harcourt to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day.
The statement, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Prof. Justina Jumbo, urged citizens to rely on credible health information from institutions such as the World Health Organization and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as other verified media outlets.
Jumbo emphasized the importance of adopting scientifically proven health practices, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, the use of hand sanitizers where necessary, and proper respiratory hygiene such as covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
She further advised residents to ensure that children receive routine vaccinations, maintain a balanced diet, reduce the intake of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and consume safe, clean water.
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged regular physical activity, recommending at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, while discouraging prolonged periods of inactivity. She stressed the need for adherence to prescribed treatments, avoidance of tobacco use and harmful drugs, and moderation in alcohol consumption.
In addition, Jumbo highlighted the importance of sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria, maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, and managing stress through adequate rest, relaxation, and social support.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” she called on individuals, families, communities, and governments to collaborate and rely on scientific knowledge to improve overall health and well-being.
“Science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare—from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks,” she said.
She, however, noted that the benefits of science can only be fully realized when people trust accurate information and make informed health decisions.
“Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventive care,” Jumbo added.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the Ministry of Health, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has recently employed trained health professionals into the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Hospital Management Board to strengthen healthcare delivery.
She urged residents to make health facilities their first point of call whenever they experience any health challenges and called for greater support for healthcare workers who continue to dedicate their lives to saving others.
By John Bibor
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Rumuji Youth Leader Condemns Protest, Disowns Alleged Government Empowerment Claim

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The Youth President of Rumuji Community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, Hon. Emeka S. Igwe, has condemned the recent protest to the Government House and Greenville NLNG Limited, allegedly instigated by one Anele Ogbu.
In a press statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Port Harcourt, Igwe dissociated the Rumuji community from the protest, describing it as counterproductive and not sanctioned by his office.
He also dismissed claims that the Rivers State Government is planning to empower over 100 youths in Odegu Kingdom and other communities in Emohua Local Government Area, stating that he has no knowledge of such an initiative.
Igwe warned Anele Ogbu to desist from actions capable of inciting unrest in the area, alleging that misleading information has been consistently circulated to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
He expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of misinformation, noting that if the purported government empowerment programme were genuine, it would have been officially communicated through appropriate government channels.
According to him, as the youth president of Rumuji, he would have been duly informed and mobilised youths from the community to participate in such a programme if it truly existed.
Igwe further questioned the credibility of the claims, arguing that an initiative of such magnitude targeting at least 100 youths per community across Emohua would not be disseminated informally by a single individual.
He reiterated that the protest did not emanate from his office and maintained that Anele Ogbu lacked the authority to mobilise youths on behalf of the Rumuji community.
The youth leader also alleged that an ongoing arson case involving Ogbu has contributed to tension and unrest in the community, further deepening divisions among residents.
He explained that the purpose of the statement was to clarify the situation, correct what he described as false narratives, and calm rising tensions in the area.
Igwe urged parents and guardians to caution their wards against being misled into participating in activities that could lead to unnecessary conflicts.
He also advised the general public to verify information from credible sources before acting on it, stressing the need for vigilance in the face of increasing misinformation.
“It is important for people to ask critical questions and avoid being drawn into actions that may have serious consequences,” he said.
The Rumuji youth president reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace and constructive engagement within the community.
John Bibor
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Haniel Jack Foundation Awards Five Rivers Indigenes Scholarship

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The Ibanibo Haniel Jack Foundation has awarded scholarships to five Rivers State indigenes in different tertiary institutions.

The scholarship programme was announced on Easter Sunday by Rev. Dr. Samuel Wachukwu, who is also the presiding pastor of Redeemer Baptist Church, at No. 44/46 Lumumba Street, Mile Two Diobu, in Port Harcourt.

Speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Barrister Karibi George, advised the recipients to justify the scholarship by ensuring that they put in their best and finish at the expected time.

George reminded them that opportunity comes but once and they should take advantage of the opportunity that comes their way judiciously.

“Those of you who are beneficiaries of this scholarship should also remember to help others and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“I advise you to justify the opportunity given to you and make the man who gave you the scholarship, yourself, and your family proud,” Barrister George said.

He explained that the scholarship spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels in various high institutions in Nigeria. He thanks Sir Jack for the gesture.

The scholarship is to promote education in our society, most especially for Rivers indigenes, and equally assist those who cannot immediately afford tuition fees.

It will interest you to know that
The scholarship was borne out of God’s blessings, and this is a way to give back to the society. Besides, two of the beneficiaries are direct employees of the chairman of the foundation, sir.
Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of White House Hotel, in Port Harcourt.

Chief Prezi Diffa, while presenting the awards, commended Sir Ibanibo Haniel Jack, who has deemed it necessary to give back to society.

Chief Diffa equally advised the beneficiaries to take their academics seriously and count themselves lucky.

“The man who has given you this scholarship wants to better your lives, so please put in every effort to ensure you finish the school with flying colors,” Chief Diffa said.

The beneficiaries are Isoboye Haniel Douglas, Naomi Douglas, Charles Batubo, Ajé Sokari, and
Dakoru Owen Amachree.

 

Tonye Orabere

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