Nation
THE STATES
Borno
No fewer than 2,000 registered rice farmers in Borno are to benefit from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers Agricultural Programme in the state.
Consultant in charge of the programme in the state, Mr Abbah Kale, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, last Thursday, said, rice farming had already commenced in liberated communities.
Kale, said registration and bio-metric data capturing of beneficiaries was on-going, just as they had scaled up the exercise to cover other liberated local government areas.
He said that, the programme was introduced by the Federal Government as part of renewed effort to boost rice and wheat production in the country.
According to him, the programme is aimed at supporting farmers with agricultural inputs to enhance productivity, create job opportunities and diversify the country’s economy.
Benue
The Benue State House of Assembly has confirmed four commissioner nominees presented to it by Governor Samuel Ortom.
During the screening of the nominees on Thursday at plenary, the legislators, lauded Ortom for the choice he made and moved that the nominees should be confirmed as commissioners.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mr TerkimbiI Ikyange, advised the commissioners to put in their best to justify the confidence of the people who nominated them.
Ikyange, warned them not to abuse the privilege given to them but to always partner with the law makers in the overriding interest of the state.
The new commissioners are Mr Joseph Shmaor, a unionist, Mrs Ladi Isegbe, a civil servant; Mr Joseph Utsev, a lecturer and Mr Unenge Bernard, an engineer.
FCT
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) says, 525 migrants and refugees have died in the Mediterranean sea while trying to enter Europe.
According to data from the organisation, the deaths recorded were between Jan. 1 and March 12, as against the 482 deaths recorded within the same period in 2016.
The data on deaths of migrants was compiled by the IOM’s Global Migration Data Analysis Centre.
The report stated that, there were 19,653 estimated total arrivals by sea, with Italy having 15,843 arrivals within the stated period.
On Monday, Kelly Namia of IOM Athens reported that, 2,810 migrants and refugees entered Europe through Greece since the start of 2017, compared with 143,205 within the same period in 2016.
Spain, however, recorded 1,000 arrivals compared with no arrivals in the same period in 2016.
Jigawa
Jigawa State Government has inaugurated a 23-member working committee to fashion out ways of improving the quality of education and healthcare delivery in the state.
Malam Ibrahim Isma’l, the Public Relations Officer, Office of the Head of the State Civil Service (HoS) made this known in a statement on Thursday in Dutse.
He said that, the committee was charged with the responsibility of developing strategic partnerships between the state government and relevant stakeholders, including non-government actors to spur implementation of the action plan.
Kano
The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, says plans are on-going by the state government to provide low cost housing for low income earners in the state.
Abubakar, said this at a one-day Housing Forum organised by the Association of Housing Corporations of Nigeria in Kano State on Thursday.
The deputy governor stated that, apart from the 2,000 housing units presently under construction, the state would construct another 2,000.
”Kano State Government in its 2017 budget has made provision of N1.1 billion for the construction of one bed room, 2 bed room and 3 bed room detached bungalows to be executed by the State Housing Corporation.”
Kwara
The President of Kwara State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA), Alhaji Ahmed Raji, has decried the influx of sub-standard products into the country.
Raji, told newsmen in Ilorin last Thursday that all agencies regulating products must live up to expectation.
He expressed concern at the current situation whereby Nigerians imported garri, a Nigerian staple, from China, saying the development was absurd.
“We want the regulatory agencies to be more vigilant and pro-active so that they can give consumers value for their money.
“They should apprehend criminal minded people who are producing fake products and sanction them appropriately,” he said.
Kaduna
Save the Children, an International NGO, last Thursday urged all tiers of government to make more investment on girls education, social protection and women empowerment.
Mr Ekene Ifedilichukwu, the Nutrition Advocacy Coordinator of the organisation, made the call at a media training on nutrition reporting and budgeting in Kaduna.
Ifedilichukwu said that, investing in women would go a long way in improving the nutritional status of the vulnerable group in the society including children.
He noted that, such investment would assist in addressing the nation’s nutritional challenges.
Lagos
Eight ships laden with petrol and other commodities are to berth in Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Thursday.
The document noted that, four of the ships contained petrol, while other ships would berth with empty containers, crude palm olein and bulk fertiliser.
The document stated that, 22 ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods were expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from March 16 to March 27.
NPA said that, the expected ships contained buck wheat, containers, base oil, bulk corn, bulk sugar, bulk gypsum, bulk salt, cargoes, bulk fertiliser, empty containers, kerosene and petrol.
Niger
The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old-man, Mohammed Sani, over alleged rape of a 3-year-old girl.
The Tide reports that, the suspect, a resident of Cool-Cat area in Maitumbi of Bosso Local Government Area, was arrested after the victim complained of severe pains in her private part.
Mr Bala Elkana, the Police Public Relation Officers, told newsmen on Tuesday in Minna, that Sani committed the offence on March 4, and was arrested on March 8.
Nasarawa
The Chief Judge of Nasarawa State, Justice Suleiman Dikko, has warned Magistrates and Area Court Judges in the state against indulging in corruption.
Dikko, gave the warning at a sensitisation workshop in Lafia last Thursday.
He said that, the workshop was necessitated by the desire of the management of the judiciary to find lasting solution to the lingering problems confronting the justice administration in the state.
“Some of the problems we intend to address in this workshop include corruption which has eaten deep into the judicial system in the country.”
Ogun
A 38-year-old man, Sunday Alonge, who allegedly collected 19 bags of rice valued at N313,000 under false pretext, was on Thursday arraigned in an Ota Magistrates’ Court.
Alonge, who lives at No. 35 Falade St., Iyana-llogbo, Ota, is facing a two-court charge of conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretence.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Chudu Gbesi, told the court that the accused and others still at large, committed the offences on March 2 at about 11.30a.m. at No. 15 Fadina Compound, Idiroko Road, Ota.
Plateau
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) says, activities of cyber criminals are jeopardising the integrity of digital transactions.
Mr Bulus Dabit, the Plateau State Director of the agency, told newsmen in Jos last Thursday that this was in spite of its numerous advantages of digital over the conventional transactions.
Dabit, said that digital transactions were usually built on trust, but which was now being threatened by devious operators who used it to prey on consumers.
“Although trust is mutual in digital transactions, the consumer bears the greatest risk as he has to sometimes part with his money before accessing the goods or services.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Government, is targeting the production of 6,450 tonnes of rice and sorghum in the 2017 dry season farming, under the Fadama III project in the state.
The state Fadama III Project Coordinator, Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, made this known in Gusau on Thursday in an interview with newsmen
Reports gathered that, 1,290 farmers from three local government areas of Bakura, Maradun and Talata-Mafara were registered under the Fadama III project for the 2017 dry season farming.
Our correspondent also reports that each of the registered farmers would be supported with a 50-per-cent subsidy on all the inputs that are required for the farming activities.
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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