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THE STATES

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government says it will close all
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state in January 2017.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Martins Babale, made this known in Yola while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Security Council meeting.
Babale said that the administration was not happy with the continuous existence of IDPs in camps across the state.
The deputy governor, who is also the chairman of the State Emergency Management Agency, said that the continuous stay of IDPs in the camps when all parts of the state affected by the insurgency had been recovered, was not good publicity for the state.

Benue
The wife of the Benue State Governor, Mrs Eunice Ortom,
has donated two cows and foodstuffs worth millions of naira to 300 widows and youths in the state.
Ortom donated the foodstuffs in Tse-Aondona-Naka in Gwer-West Local Government Area of the state, including bags of rice, salt, millet, guinea corn, garri, and gallons palm oil.
Ortom, who hails from the local government area, said she made the donation so that her kinsmen would be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year merrily.
The governor’s wife, who was accompanied by her siblings and children, assured the people of the area that Governor Samuel Ortom would uplift their living standard.

Borno
The Nigerian Army says it has arrested about 1,240 sus
pected Boko Haram terrorists during a mop-up operation by troops inside the Sambisa forest.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. -Gen. Leo Irabor, disclosed this while giving update to newsmen on Operation Rescue Final at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Irabor said that 413 of the suspects were adults; 323 were female adults; 251 male children, while 253 were female children.
He said that the suspects were apprehended during a mop-up operation against the sect members in the forest.

Ekiti
A Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti has ordered one 54-
year old Gabriel Asateru to be remanded in prison over alleged defilement of a five-year old girl.
The police prosecutor, Insp. Bayo Ajiboye, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 23 at Ifishin-Ekiti.
Ajiboye said the accused, on the said date, defiled the minor by luring her to sit on his laps.
Ajiboye said a duplicate of the case file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), for legal advice.

Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has con
doled with Malam Sidi and Jigawa State communities of Kwami and Nafada local government areas over the death of 22 persons in vehicle crashes.
They were crushed by a vehicle during Maulud celebration on December 12 in an accident that left 33 others hospitalised.
Dankwambo, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ahmed Yayari, said he received news of the incident with shock while out of the state.
The governor called on the families to take it as an act of God and to continue to pray for the souls of the deceased.

Kaduna
The Nigerian Police, have said that they have arrested 17
suspects and recovered different types of arms and ammunitions since it started a special operation in southern Kaduna State.
The special security outfit, tagged “Operation Harmony”, to restore lasting peace in southern Kaduna, was launched on December 24.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) incharge of the Operations, Mr Habila Joshak, paraded the suspects to newsmen in Kafanchan, and said the suspects were  all linked to the crisis.
The items recovered from the suspects included, six locally made AK-47 guns, four pump action guns, two revolver guns  and one single barret.
He also said 75 different of types of ammunition and 13 cartridges were also recovered.
Katsina
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) says no
fewer than 141 people had so far lost their lives in road accidents in Katsina State in 2016.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Alhaji Abdu Bagadawa, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Katsina.
He explained that over 116 road accidents had been recorded while 559 persons had sustained various degrees of injuries in road crashes across the state.
Bagadawa attributed the accidents to dangerous driving, speeding, over-loading, wrong overtaking, route violation and burst tyres.

Kebbi
Governor Atiku Bagudu of  Kebbi State said that  the
litigation on tenure of past chairmen had delayed  the conduct of local government  election  in the state.
Bagudu  made the disclosure while conducting  the swearing-in  ceremony for 18 newly appointed sole administrators of local government councils  in Birnin Kebbi.
He said the determination of  the  suit  would enable his administration  to conduct fresh local government election.
The governor, however,  urged  the newly appointed administrators to ensure rapid development in rural areas by ensuring comprehensive implementation of policies and programmes of the state and Federal Government.

Kwara
The Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed, says
that the proposed creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state, when created, will bring about development and drive revenue generation at the local level in the state.
The governor said this in Ilorin during the submission of the report of Committee on Creation of LCDAs by its Chairman, Alhaji Kawu Baraje.
Ahmed said that revenue to be generated from the planned LCDAs revenue would fund their operations and contribute to the promotion of welfare and other socio economic benefits for the people at the grassroots.
He said the establishment of the committee was informed by the desire of his administration to bring development to the grassroots in the state.

Kogi
An environmentalist, Mrs Chinelo Agu, has called for
intensified awareness about fire prevention and training on emergency response to fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
Agu, a lecturer at the Shell Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lokoja.
She said that government agencies and other relevant stakeholders, responsible for emergency management, should educate the populace on the management of emergency situations.
The environmentalist also stressed the need for every employee in the Ministries, Departments, parastatal Agencies (MDAs), and organisations to undergo a special training on safety and emergency response to fire outbreaks.
Niger
The  Commissioner of Police in Niger State, Mr Zubairu
Muazu, says the state police command recorded violence free Christmas celebration due to the residents’ peaceful conduct during the period.
Muazu said in Minna that crime or violence was not recorded in the state during the period because the command was conscious of its duty.
This, he explained, was made possible by the cooperation received from residents.
He said that the police would continue to initiate various forms of security measures to sustain the peaceful nature the area was known for.
Ogun
The Ogun State House of Assembly has passed the 2017
Appropriation Bill of N221.09 billion into law.
The legislature however cut N38.5 million from the initial N221.12 billion presented to the House by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.
The bill, passed at the assembly’s plenary, had a recurrent expenditure of N91.4 billion while N118.5 billion was appropriated for capital expenditure.
Amosun had on November 22 presented a fiscal proposal of N221.12 billion to the House.
The Majority Leader, Mr Adeyinka Mafe, moved the motion for the third reading which was seconded by Mr Mojeed Soyebo, after which the Clerk, Mr Lanre Bisiriyu, did the third reading.
Ondo
Ondo State Governor-elect, Chief Rotimi Akeredolu, has
inaugurated a 21-member Transition Committee ahead of his inauguration on February 24, 2017.
Akeredolu also inaugurated two other committees to help chart a course for the incoming administration.
He said that the transition committee, headed by Dr Funso Kupolokun would “interact with the incumbent government of Ondo State to ensure a seamless transition and effective receipt of detailed handover notes.”
The governor-elect, also announced the formation of a 158-member Strategic Development and Policy Implementation Committee, headed by Mr Agboola Ajayi.

Osun
A 30- year-old man, Kola Banjo, who allegedly stole a mo
torcycle valued N133,000, was arraigned before a Modakeke Magistrates’ Court in Osun State.
The accused is facing a charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Glory Ona said the accused committed the offence on December 1, around 4.00 a.m. at No 4, Yaya Quarters, Modakeke, in Ife North-East.
She said the accused stole a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with registration No: WDE 378 AQ; property of one Oluwaseyi Ojediran.
Taraba
The police in Taraba State have confirmed the death of one
person in an attack on the convoy of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Alhaji Adamu Mohammed, in Ibi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, David Misal said in an interview with newsmen in Jalingo that the incident occurred at about 6 p.m. last Wednesday at Mala village.
He added that three persons, critically injured in the attack, were on admission at the Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo.

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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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