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Benue Massacre: Attackers Must Be Found, Dealt With-Buhari

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3 years ago

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President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter communal conflicts, urging that the attackers of innocent citizens in Benue must be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.
The Tide source reports that the Nigerian leader gave the order while condemning the recent bout of killings in Benue, in which tens of people were killed in Umogidi community, Entekpa-Adoka in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
The President urged that all efforts be made to end the “extreme violence”.
He also directed the secret services, police and military commanders to enhance surveillance on every front and to immediately review the security management in the affected areas.
President Buhari and King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan had earlier held a telephonic conversation yesterday, with both leaders expressing the satisfaction on security matters.
The two leaders had expressed satisfaction at the deepening of the Nigeria-Jordan strategic partnership in matters of security and other global issues.
In the conversation, the Jordanian leader called to wish the President a happy and successful Ramadan and to thank him especially for naming the auditorium in the newly-inaugurated National Counter Terrorism Center in Abuja after him.
The facility is named “King Abdullah Bin Hussein II Auditorium.”
Also yesterday, Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC- Imo West) met with President Buhari in Abuja to intimate the President with his interest in the seat of the Senate President.
He told newsmen after the meeting that there was the need to zone the Senate Presidency to the Southeast geopolitical zone.
Izunaso said he is the most suited for the position as he remains the highest ranking senator from the Southeast.
President Buhari on Wednesday inaugurated the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the mandate to guide implementation of the Nigeria Startup Act (NSA) 2022.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 14-member Council, chaired by him, the president directed the Secretariat, and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to ensure implementation of the Act.
According to him, the Act provides incentives and support for start-ups, including tax breaks and access to funding.
The inauguration preceded the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting and had members of the Digital Innovation Council in attendance.
The President presided over the meeting on Wednesday where the Council approved two contracts, worth N15.3 billion, for the supply and installation of information and communication technology (ICT) components and digital assistance devices for the 2023 population census.
The council awarded the construction of 283.4km roads to BUA Cement company under the Federal Government’s tax credit scheme at the cost of N328 billion.
The Council also approved a new bill, known as Nigeria Mining and Mineral Act, 2023, to replace the Nigerian mining law and update the law.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr Zainab Ahmed, also revealed that the Federal Government secured a World Bank facility worth US$800 million.
It will be used to attend to a segment of post-petroleum subsidy palliatives requirement in the country.
According to her, the US$ 800 million is the first tranche of palliatives to be disbursed through cash transfers to about 50 million Nigerians, who belong to the most vulnerable category of society.

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

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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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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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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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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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5 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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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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