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Adamawa
The Nigeria Police Force is to organise a National Security Summit to tackle issues bordering on national security.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja, Hyiecent Dagala, made this known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to Governor Mohammed Bindow of Adamawa in Yola.
Dagala said the summit would bring together all major stakeholders in the security sector to brainstorm and proffer solutions to the security challenges facing the country.
The DIG, who is also the coordinator of the police operation in the North-East, said that the summit would look into issues of clashes between farmers and herdsmen and kidnapping, among many others.
Dagala said that his visit to the North-East was on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, to meet with officers and men in the sub-region to discuss challenges in their areas of operation.

FCT
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr Matthew Urhoghide, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
The lawmaker told journalists on Wednesday that the move was evidence that the president was ready to fight corruption irrespective of who was involved.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, who announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday, said Buhari also ordered investigation into allegations of violations of law and due process against the SGF.
The Senate Ad hoc Committee on Mounting Humanitarian Crises in the North-East had, in an interim report, indicted Lawal in the award of contracts under the Presidential Initiative on the North-East (PINE).

Jigawa
A Chinese company, said its proposed sugarcane company in Kaugama local government area of Jigawa State would generate 5,000 indirect jobs to youths in the state.
The representative of the group, Mr Wilkins Lam, said this at a sensitisation workshop in Dutse on Thursday.Lam said that the company would also provide clinic and a vocational school in the area. He added that the facilities, when established, would enhance the livelihood of communities both within and outside the project area.
The representative assured that as a reliable and committed investor, the group would continue to service its obligations as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the state government.

Kaduna
The Nigerian Army on Wednesday, began a special military exercise in Southern Kaduna code-named ”Operation Harbin Kunama II” – Scorpion Sting-, to checkmate farmers/herdsmen and ethno-religious crises in the area.
The three-decade-old crisis mostly occurred in Kaura, Kafanchan and Zango-Kataf local government areas.
The operation, which is also to flush out bandits and cattle rustlers, will be extended to parts of Plateau, Kano and Bauchi states.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, called on the people of the area to maintain the peace and avoid reprisal attacks.
Buratai said the operation was to ensure security and safety of the people.

Lagos
A housewife, Remilekun Adepegba, who allegedly assaulted and beat her 13-year-old  housekeeper to a pulp, was on Wednesday charged before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.
The 35-year-old,  who resides at No. 111, Otta Road, Orile-Agege,  is facing a charge of assault.
The  accused offence was committed on April 4 in her residence at her apartment, according to the prosecutor, Insp. Clifford Ogu.
Ogu said the accused beat up her 13-year-old housekeeper, alleging that she failed to do her duties.
“The woman descended on the girl and beat her until she became unconscious. It was one of the neighbours who intervened and rushed her to the hospital.’’

Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Police Command, on Wednesday, said it lacked adequate manpower and communication gadgets to tackle crime in the state.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, made this disclosure in Lafia in a welcome address to the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr Shuaibu Gambo, who was on a two-day working visit to the state.
“The command has a paucity of manpower, the problem is compounded daily by the transfer of men in large numbers out of the command.
“Presently, the command has a staff strength of 4,000 men to police, the population of more than two million residents of Nasarawa; I believe this is grossly inadequate,” he said.

Niger
Eight gunmen last Sunday kidnapped a Trader, Alhaji Nuhu Isa, in Lambata village of Gurara local government area of Niger State.
The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Mr Philip Ayuba, disclosed this to newsmen in Minna, last Tuesday.
Ayuba said the gunmen had already used the victim’s cell phone to call his family and demanded N1 million ransom.
He said the kidnappers came with sophisticated weapons shooting indiscriminately in the village before taking the trader away.
He said the command had already swung into action to rescue the trader alive.
“We are collaborating with other security agencies to rescue the trader alive,” the commandant said.

Oyo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has alerted the Oyo State Police Command of moves by some individuals to misuse the law enforcement agents in the manner that could cause the breakdown of law and order.
The Olubadan made the accusation at his palace in Ibadan while receiving the new Deputy Inspector General of Police, South West, DIG Foluso Adebanjo.
Adetunji specifically mentioned the case of Oloode village in Oluyole local government where one Lukman Alao was deposed as Baale and promptly replaced on January 9 with Baale Dauda Odeyemi.
According to the first class monarch, “ Alao has become a law unto himself using mercenaries procured outside Oyo State to molest and arrest law abiding citizens.
“Part of his mode of operation is continuous use of number plate of Baale Oloode long after his removal from office.

Osun
The Osun State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Olufimihan Adeoye, said  citizens have no absolute rights that cannot be violated by the police.
Adeoye, while paying a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Wednesday, however, said that such violation must be within the ambit of the law.
He said that the operations of the police were limitless; hence, he advised the public to always cooperate with police officers on official duties.
“Rights are not absolute free and they can be violated by the police as long as they are done within the ambit and in accordance to the law.
“The police can stop and search any person, but it must be done professionally and in accordance with the law; so, there is no absolute freedom of movement.
“When a policeman stops and searches an individual, such a person should allow the officer, once it is established that the policeman is genuine.

Sokoto
The Sokoto State Chapter of the Agricultural and Allied Employees Union (AEWUN) has postponed its delegates conference it earlier planned to hold.
A source told newsmen in Sokoto on Thursday, that the postponement of the conference might not be unconnected with the fear of possible breach of the peace.
It was gathered that the executives to run the affairs of the union for the next four years were to be elected on Thursday,if not for the sudden shift in the date.
It was also learnt that the action was taken sequel to the alleged interference of “ external forces and interests”in  the exercise.
It was further gathered that tension has been brewing in the union, especially over divided interests on the chairmanship post.

Taraba
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State, on Thursday urged traditional rulers to promote love and unity while striving to make their domains models in the efforts toward peace and stability.
“We want permanent peace in the state and traditional rulers are key to this quest. You must strive to be models by setting good examples for all to follow,” he said.
Ishaku spoke in Jalingo, at a meeting with traditional rulers from Jalingo and Ardo Kola local government areas.
The governor reminded the traditional rulers of the important roles they were expected to play as custodians of good cultures and warm traditions, and appealed to them to always offer suggestions that would aid the quest for a better Taraba.
He also tasked them to mobilise and sensitise their subjects on policies and programmes of government to gauge their feelings and also ensure massive support.

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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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