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THE STATES

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Bauchi
The Speaker of  the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, announced last  Saturday that the Federal Government would construct a police transit camp worth N300 million in Bauchi South.
Dogara, who made the announcement in Dass, headquarters of Dass Local Government Area in Bauchi State, said the contract for the construction of 60kilometres road in the area would start soon.
The road is expected to traverse Tudun Wuis, Wandi, Baraza, Buru, Zundu-Lucshi, Baza and Dot.
He explained that the camp would be sited in Kutaru in Dass Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of the state.

FCT
A university teacher, Dr Mustapha Hussaini, has solicited for assistance from the international community to complement Federal Government’s efforts towards rehabilitating the released 82 abducted Chibok girls.
Hussaini, a Criminologist and Head of the Department of Sociology, Federal University, Dutse made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen last Sunday.
He said that more than three years in captivity have affected the abducted girls psychologically.
Presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, disclosed in a statement last Saturday that the 82 abducted Chibok girls were released after negotiations and the release of some suspected Boko Haram members in government’s custody.

Kaduna
A teenager, Usman Gashash, has launched a campaign against all forms of child abuse through his guitar music in Kaduna State.
Gashash spoke with  journalists shortly after his performance with little kids at his parent’s house last Sunday in Kaduna.
The 10-year old boy appealed to the African Union to end child exploitation, early child marriage, kid-soldier, the killing of albinos and violence against children accused of witchcraft in the continent.
Reports say that Gashash has held series of campaign in schools, homes and in his neighbourhood, against all forms of child abuse and tortures, through his musical group.
The creative and talented young music artiste appealed to the continental body to find means of ending terror activities, religious extremism and insecurity destabilising millions of children.

Kebbi
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, last Sunday called for legislative action that ensures constitutional role for traditional leaders in the country.
Dogara made the call during a courtesy visit to Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu, in Birnin Kebbi, on the sidelines of the turbanning ceremony of the Chief Whip of the House, Alhassan Adodoguwa, as the Dallatun Kangiwa in Arewa Local Government Area of the state.
The Speaker was, however, represented at the occasion by the Deputy Leader of the House, Umar Jibril, who also led other members to the state.
He said that it was time for Nigerians to give traditional rulers constitutional recognition because, in the past, people derived their power and authority from the traditional institution.
“It is high time we started going down the memory lane to actualise this dream. We pray that we shall achieve this and promote the traditional rulers to their actual position in the country”.

Kogi
Sole Administrator and Chief Executive, National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO, Mr Bernard Nnagha, Itakpe says the Federal Government spends three to four million naira monthly to maintain the company.
He stated this in an interview with newsmen last Friday in Lokoja.
The sole administrator also said the amount, representing overhead allocation, was spent to maintain the security of the one billion-dollar government investment company, among others, in spite its moribund condition.
Nnagha also said about 800 members of staff working in the company received their salaries through the Integrated Pay Role and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Kwara
The Ilorin West Local Government Council of Kwara State says it will ensure the completion of the secretariat of the IGS/Asa Dam zone of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Tailors.
The chairman, Transitional Implementation Committee (TIC) of the council, Malam Abdulhameed Ali, made the pledge last Sunday while performing the foundation laying ceremony of the secretariat project.
He said one of the cardinal policies of the council was to uplift artisans in the area to boost their earnings.
Ali, who was awarded the best TIC Chairman in the state by the union, promised to mobilise support for the actualisation of the project.
Earlier, the President of the union, Mr Isiaka Abdulazeez, said the chairman was given the award because of his efforts at making life better for people of the grassroots.
He appealed to the chairman to assist the union in building “the befitting secretariat complex”.

Lagos
Nigeria’s Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, last Saturday in Lagos, called for the prosecution of those he described as detractors in the fight against corruption in the country.
Prof. Soyinka made the call at the opening of his Vision of the Child Art Exhibition, 2017 edition, at Freedom Park, Lagos with the theme: Enhance the Heritage; Advance the Future, in celebrating Lagos at 50.
He said that most times, the anti-corruption agency was sent on the wrong track or wild goose chase, resulting in no prosecution.
“When we talk about corruption, is it not time we legislate against detractors, who deliberately create distraction. Say for instance, the money just found in Lagos.
‘‘One governor claimed that the money belongs to his state government, claiming a proceed from the sale of some turbines and so on.

Nasarawa
Unknown gunmen last Saturday night, abducted the mother and sister of Mr Kassim Mohammed-Kassim, member representing (APC) Akwanga South Constituency at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly.
The Police spokesman in the state, DSP Kennedy Idirisu confirmed the abduction to  newsmen last  Sunday in Lafia.
According to Idirisu, the gunmen in their numbers, stormed the residence of the lawmaker at Moroa in Akwanga at about 8 pm and shot sporadically before whisking the two women away.
He said that the police were collaborating with the vigilante group in the area to locate the victims.
“As we speak, our men are already combing the areas in search of the victims and to apprehend the perpetrators,” Idirisu said.Sokoto

Sokoto
No fewer than 67 bandits have surrendered their arms in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, according to its Chairman, retired Col. Garba Moyi.
Moyi told newsmen in Sokoto last Sunday that the arms were surrendered under an Amnesty Programme of the state government, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bashir Garba. Isa Local Government is close to Niger Republic and had witnessed many acts of brigandage and cattle rustling.
Moyi said, “fifty five of them surrendered their arms on April 14,2017, and were rewarded with cash, land plots to build houses and farmlands, to the tune of N30.5million.
“ The remaining 12 surrendered their arms afterwards and we are expecting more of them to do so soon.
“Similar welfare packages are also being arranged for those who surrendered their arms subsequently.”
Moyi stated that the surrendered arms included  AK 47, pistols and submachine guns, among others. He did not specify the number of guns recovered.

Taraba
A violent clash between farmers and cattle rearers in Ussa and Takum Council Areas of Taraba State has left at least 15 people dead while several others  sustained various degrees of injuries.
The State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the state, Alhaji Sahabi Mahmoud,  and  the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Police Command, Mr David Misal (ASP), have confirmed the incident.
Reports  that while Sahabi said at least 15 of his members were killed and buried in Takum last Friday, Misal said that the police could only confirm five deaths as at the time of filing this report.
Sahabi, who spoke with newsmen in Jalingo last Saturday, also expressed fear that more corpses of his members might be in the bush as more than 150 of them were still missing.
He claimed that hundreds of livestock belonging to the herdsmen were wandering in the bush as their owners could not be traced.
He  called on  security agencies and the state government to come to the aid of hundreds of other cattle breeders, whom he said were trapped in the forests of Ussa and Takum to get out alive with their animals.
Meanwhile, the PPRO told newsmen in Jalingo last Saturday that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Yakubu Babas has relocated to Takum to ensure that the crisis was brought under control.

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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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