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THE STATES

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Bauchi
The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency has vaccinated 1,400 inmates and 240 prisons’ staff against  Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM).
The Chairman of the agency,   Mr Adamu Gamawa, made this known in Bauchi State last Thursday in an interview with newsmen.
According to him, the proactive measure is to prevent the occurrence of the disease among prison inmates in view of the congestion in the prisons.
He said that the measure would be replicated in similar public facilities to prevent the spread of the disease.

Borno
The Victims Support Fund (VSF), last Thursday, said it was set to support 17,000 pupils affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.
The VSF Executive Director, Prof. Sunday Ochoche, disclosed this at the launch of distribution of educational materials in Benisheikh, headquarters of Kaga Local Government of Borno.
Ochoche said beneficiaries would be drawn from 30 primary schools in six local governments devastated by the insurgency, namely Gubio, Chibok, Askira/Uba, Konduga, Kaga and Magumeri.
He added that the distribution and proper use of educational materials such as school bag and others would improve the quality of education not only in insurgency affected areas, but the entire state.

FCT
The Federal High Court, Abuja, last Thursday reserved ruling on whether or not it will reverse its order on witness protection in the ongoing trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu to April 25.
Justice Binta Nyako, on March 27, insisted that she would not review her judgment on the issue of protecting the identity of the witnesses as long they were security operatives.
“I will not vary my order on protection of security operatives; It is either they wear a mask or are behind a screen.
“Security operatives need to be protected not because of this case but because of the future, and so as long as the witnesses are security personnel, they will be taken behind a screen,” Nyako said.

Kaduna
The Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) says it would engage no fewer than 25,000 ad-hoc staff, to conduct election into the 23 local government councils in the state.
KAD-SIECOM Commissioner for Public Affairs and Information,  Prof. Andrew Nkom, made the disclosure to newsmen last Thursday in Kaduna.
Our correspondent  reports that preparations for the local government polls was coming barely two years, after the APC-led administration of Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, took over the affairs of the state.
When Governor El-Rufai assumed office in May 2015, he promised to run an autonomous local government system, with funds disbursed directly to the council accounts.
However, the local council areas had so far been run by Interim Committees, appointed after every six months by the state government.
El-Rufai said, recently, that the local government elections would be conducted within the next four months.

Katsina
No fewer than 44,000 children were targeted for immunisation against Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) in Katsina State, an official has said.
The Executive Chairman, Katsina State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHDA), Dr Maawuyya Aliyu, made this known at Barawa village, Batagarawa Local Government Area at the launch of the immunisation exercise.
He said that immunisation would be conducted in the affected communities of Batsari, Batagarawa, Jibiya, Faskari and Funtua local government areas.
He further said that over 6,000 children would be immunised in Barawa village alone.
“The vaccines are only meant for the affected communities, so as to curtail its spread to other parts of the state.”

Kogi
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised alarm over possible outbreak of Cerebro-Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in Kogi State, urging the state government and relevant stakeholders to be proactive.
The state Acting Chairman of NMA, Dr Godwin Tijani, spoke in Lokoja last Thursday, while reacting to the recent reported cases of meningitis in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Technical Assistant (Communication), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Lawal Bakare, had on Monday declared that the Federal Government was making efforts to stop the disease from spreading.
Bakare said the government had activated an Emergency Operations Centre to manage the ongoing outbreak of the disease in five North-West states.

Kwara
The Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has directed its College of Agriculture to facilitate clearing and allocation of land to all students interested in farming.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. AbdulRasheed Na’Allah, gave the directive on Thursday during his visit to the college as part of his tour of the colleges in the university.
Na’Allah also asked the college to collaborate with the Department of Works and Physical Planning to commence the project in earnest.
He said the initiative was aimed at encouraging students, regardless of academic disciplines, to tap into opportunities abound in the agric sector.
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Lagos
A 28-year-old man, Abiola Okanlawon, who allegedly defiled an 11-year-old girl, was last Thursday arraigned in an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Okanlawon of no fixed address was arraigned on a two-count charge of unlawful sexual intercourse and indecent assault.
The accused entered a “not guilty” plea.
The prosecutor, Insp. Moses Uademevbo, said that the accused committed the offences sometime in March 2016, at No. 158, Railway Line in Mushin, Lagos.
Uademevbo alleged that the defendant had unlawful carnal knowledge of an 11-year-old girl.

Nasarawa
A 17-year-old boy last Thursday appeared before a Mararaba Upper Area Court, Nasarawa State, charged with attacking a trader, Mohammed Bello, and inflicting injuries on him.
Ibrahim, who resides at Nyanya, Abuja, and is facing a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, trespass, mischief and causing hurt, denied committing the offences.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Steve Kwaza, told the court that the accused and one Danhayiya Abu, who is still at large, committed the offences on March 30, at 12.30 p.m.
“The defendant entered the shop of one Mohammed Bello at Ruga Market, Mararaba, destroying most his valuable properties, the cost of which is yet to be ascertained.’’

Ogun
Chancellor, Covenant University (CU), Ota in Ogun State, Dr David Oyedepo, has appealed to intellectuals to ensure they communicate to their listeners in the language they will understand.
Oyedepo stated this last Thursday in Ota at the university’s inaugural lecture series.
A professor of Stylistics, Christopher Awonuga, delivered the lecture tagged: “What does this text mean: Stylistics and the process of interpretation.’’
Oyedepo said that no matter how intelligent and knowledgeable a man is in a particular field, once he could not put his message across to his listeners meaningfully, he could not be said to have communicated to them.

Ondo
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State last Thursday, promised to give  scholarships to students of the state who excelled at the recently concluded National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Sciences (JETS) competition.
Akeredolu made the promise during the presentation of trophies won by the students at the 20th edition of the competition in Akure.
He assured that government would continue to monitor the progress of the students.
“This means a lot to the state and we owe you a lot of responsibility. I appeal to you not to rest on your oars, you have just started.

Osun
The Yeyeluwa  (queen) of Ife,  Wuraola Ogunwusi, has called for the return of brotherly love between the Yoruba and Arewa communities which existed before the recent communal dispute in Ile-Ife.
The queen made the call when she visited the communities in Enuwa and Sabo, Ile-Ife, Osun, on Thursday to commiserate with them on the recent clash in which some persons died and properties were destroyed.
At Enuwa, Wuraola was received by the committee that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, set up to look into the crisis.
“Peace is sacrosanct and we should pursue it with all we have because violence has nothing to be gained from rather, it will destroy what has been laboured to achieve,”  she said.

Oyo
Director of Public Health, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr Oyewole Lawal, last Thursday confirmed two suspected cases of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in Ojoo, Akinyele Local Government Area.
Lawal made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan. “Our Surveillance Committee has reported two patients in the Hausa Community of Ojoo area of Ibadan, who manifested some symptoms of CSM.
“The two suspects arrived Ibadan from the Northern part of the country and they manifested some symptoms of CSM.
“We have beefed-up tracking and increased surveillance efforts in all primary healthcare centres at the local government levels, secondary healthcare level and all the private hospitals around Ojoo.

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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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.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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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.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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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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