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THE STATES

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8 years ago

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Adamawa
The Adamawa State Government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) last Thursday, launched the rehabilitation of some block of classrooms destroyed  by Boko Haram insurgents in seven local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Balwhona Primary School in Gombi Local Government Area, the state Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, said the work that was being supported by  UNICEF would be handled by members  of the School-Based Management Committee (SBMC) of  the benefiting schools.
Farauta, who was represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Francis Pius, said 40 schools were selected to benefit from the support in Gombi, Mubi North, Mubi South, Maiha, Hong, Michika and Madagali  local government areas.
The Director, Social Mobilisation of Adamawa State Universal Education Board (ADSUBEB), Mrs Fadimatu Alfa, said the UNICEF package was N25 million shared among the SBMCs in the 40 benefiting schools with different amounts depending on the rehabilitation work needed.

Benue
The Benue State Police Command last Wednesday, arraigned Mrs. Queen Akwaza, wife of a wanted criminal suspect, Terwase Akwaza, over alleged refusal to disclose her husband’s whereabouts.
Mrs. Akwaza, who appeared before a Makurdi Chief Magistrate’s Court, was charged with criminal conspiracy, screening of armed robbery and kidnapping suspects and acts of terrorism.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, Mr Hyacinth Gbakor, are punishable under sections 1(2)(b), 6(a)(b)(c) of the robbery and firearms acts, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Section 1(2) of Terrorism Prevention (Amendment) Act, 2013.
Gbakor told the court that on June 15, 2017,  a team of Police Joint Task Force Patrol, led by Mr Simon Majinga,  arrested eight persons, who were arraigned in the same court, on July 7, for the same crimes.

Ekiti
The Ekiti  State Coordinator of  the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Dayo Famosaya, last Wednesday urged Nigerians to embrace the practice of  hand washing  in order to prevent  epidemics.
Famosaya made the call at a  sensitisation programme organised for community leaders and heads of worship houses  in Ilupeju-Ekiti, Oye Local Government Area of  Ekiti State.
The programme was organised by the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF).
The Health Educator for Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs Abimbola Adeyemi,  on her part, urged  participants and  voluntary mobilisers to diligently disseminate the information they had learnt to residents.

Kaduna
No fewer than 81 students displaced by Boko Haram insurgency are studying under the Safe School Initiative in Kaduna State.
Vice Chairman, Presidential Committee on North East Initiative, Tijjani Tumsah, made this known during a routine evaluation and monitoring of students under the Initiative in Kaduna.
According to him, the students were making progress and should be encouraged to be useful to themselves and the society.
He said five of the students had passed their JAMB and had written the West African School CertificateExamination (WASC) and were now waiting for the NECO examination.

Katsina
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdulmanaf Daura, has called on government to deploy police and military personnel to border communities to stem cross-border crimes.
The chieftain, who is also the APC North West Organising Secretary, said criminals were taking advantage of the country’s porous borders to terrorise border communities.
Daura told  newsmen last Thursday, that recent attack on border communities by bandits in Sandamu and Mai’adua Local Governments in Katsina State, was worrisome and requires reinforcement of security to the borders.
The armed bandits attacked Rijiyar Tsamiya village in Sandamu Local Government, killing a businessman, Alhaji Ado Kero, a week ago.

Kogi
Ijumu Local Government Administrator, Alhaji Taufiq Isa, standing trial over alleged assassination attempt on Sen. Dino Melaye (APC Kogi West) said he never sent anybody to attack the Senator.
Isa disclosed this in his written statement tendered before Justice Aromeh Akogwu, Resident High Court Judge, Kabba, sitting in Lokoja  at the resumed hearing of the case last Thursday.
The prosecution tendered the statement as exhibit at the resumed hearing of the case of culpable homicide and conspiracy preferred against the accused and four others.
The council boss said he did not send anybody and neither knew the people that allegedly attacked the senator.

Kwara
The management of the University of Ilorin, last Thursday, warned students of the institution, particularly female students, against walking alone in dark alleys at night.
The Registrar of the University, Mr Dada Obafemi, said the management had observed that many students were not careful enough about their personal security and safety rules while on the campus.
“Reports reaching management indicate that students, particularly female students, walk alone at night and in the early hours of the day between 12.00 midnight and 4.00 a.m.
“Many students have been seen walking alone in dark alleys, through the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Works Department to the road linking the Bank area at night, not minding the risks involved”, he added.

Lagos
The police have arraigned  a 25 year -old man, Leonard Akoji , who  allegedly  stole a laptop worth N180,000 from one Mr Benjamin Nwobi, his friend.
The accused,  whose address is unknown, was docked in a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, where he is facing a charge of stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Akpan Ikem, told the court that the accused committed the offence at No 6, Hundeyin Street, Badagry on July 4.
He said the Apple laptop belonged to his friend, who is the complainant.

Nasarawa
A Mararaba Upper Area Court in Nasarawa State, last Thursday, sentenced an 18-year-old man, Victor Yakubu, to 18 months imprisonment for stealing a cell phone valued at N27,500.
The convict, who is a generator repairer, was sentenced as he pleaded guilty to the charge.
The judge, Ibrahim Shekarau, however, gave the convict, an option of N8, 000 fine, and warned him to be of good behaviour.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Hamen Donald, told the court that the matter was reported at‘A’ Division Police Station, Mararaba, by one Atiku Ibrahim on June 28.

Osun
The Speaker of  Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, says the electoral defeat suffered by the All Progressives  Congress (APC) in the July 8 senatorial bye-election will  not affect the fortunes  of the party.
Salaam,  in a statement issued last Thursday in Osogbo  by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Goke Butika, described the defeat as  an electoral set back and a wake-up call.
The speaker, who said the development would strengthen  the APC  for  future elections, promised that all the loopholes identified during the poll  would be critically addressed.
The APC caucus in the assembly, he said, however, passed  a vote of confidence on Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Salaam said the enduring achievements of the governor in the areas of education, security, infrastructure and health could not be ignored.

Oyo
The Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Oyo State has appealed to all members  irrespective of factional affiliation to unite and work towards the success of  the party in future elections.
The Publicity Secretary of   the PDP in  the state, Mr Ismaila Asipa, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
He was reacting to the Supreme Court judgment which declared Sen.  Ahmed Makarfi  as  the authentic National Chairman of the party.
Asipa  urged all PDP members to see the judgment as a victory for all.

Plateau
The Plateau State Government announced last Thursday that appointed local government councillors would only be entitled to sitting allowances.
“Appointed local government councillors will only be entitled to sitting allowances; they will sit just once in a week and be paid the allowances for that sitting. No more salaries,” Governor Simon Lalong stated in Jos.
The governor, who spoke at an APC stakeholders meeting in Mangu, said that the step was part of measures to cut the cost of governance in view of the current economic recession.
Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, the governor confirmed that interim management committees would soon be appointed for the 17 local governments to replace those sacked on June 29.

Sokoto
Councillors in Sokoto North Local Government of Sokoto State have denied plotting to impeach the Chairman, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim.
The councillors made the denial when they spoke to newsmen in Sokoto, last Thursday, while reacting to social media posts on the alleged impeachment plot.
Postings in the social media alleged that eight out of the 11 councillors had signed impeachment notice to remove the chairman.
Speaking on the matter, the Councillor representing Sarkin Musulmi, “B” ward, Alhaji Abdullahi Sidi, said,” there was never any plan to impeach the chairman.

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Ensure That Ogoni Is Heard In The Right Way, HYPREP Urges Creative Arts Trainees

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2 days ago

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August 22, 2025

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As the 100 Ogoni youths trained by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Creative Arts close out their training on Tuesday at the Theatre Arts Department, University of Port Harcourt, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has urged the beneficiaries to use the skills acquired to ensure that the Ogoni stories are told and heard in the right way.

The trainees, who had completed a four- month training in script writing, film production and make-up are beneficiaries of the HYPREP sustainable livelihood programme, aimed at providing high demand skills to Ogoni youths in the lucrative creative arts and entertainment industry.

Zabbey described the Creative Arts training as well as other programmes and interventions as HYPREP’s strategic sustained effort to create alternative sources of livelihood.

”Targeted capacity building for Ogoni youths and women remains a central strategy in HYPREP’s livelihood restoration and improvement efforts. Our goal is to reach every part of the Ogoni community and ensure that no group or talent pool is left behind. This training is a deliberate step to empower young people who aspire to make their mark in the creative and entertainment industry”, he said.

While commending the trainees for producing four short films within the training period, one of which was premiered at the ceremony-Dirty Festival, the Project Coordinator noted that the training would serve as a springboard into the industry, and enable them earn a living, become entrepreneurs, and open new doors of opportunities for themselves and their communities. The three other movies are Open Pain, Bomu and Green War.

He enjoined them to utilise their skills and platforms to promote civic responsibility, peace, and environmental sustainability, urging them to ensure that Ogoni is heard in the right way, speak for HYPREP and highlight the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the UNEP Report.

Other speakers at the event, including the Director of Technical Services of HYPREP, Prof. Damian-Paul Aguiyi; Dr Ovunda Ihunwo, Head of the Theatre Arts Department of the University of Port Harcourt; Chief Douglas Experience, the Project Coordinator of Halibiz Consult Limited; and Mrs Josephine Nzidee, Head, Sustainable Livelihood of HYPREP, all applauded HYPREP for the training, and charged the trainees to maximise the opportunity.

The trainees were later presented certificates of participation.

Visibly elated Ms Lebee Tornwe, one of the beneficiaries, thanked HYPREP and the Project Coordinator for offering the trainees the rare opportunity to acquire skills in the creative arts and entertainment industry, and expressed delight that Dr Ihunwo and Halibiz Consult Limited gave their all in grooming them.

With the wrapping up of the Creative Arts training(100), HYPREP has trained 230 Ogoni youths in high demand skill sets ,viz; seafaring(100); and aviation (30). The Project will this year, commence training in other skill areas, including Mechatronic, Aviation, Full-Stack Development, Commercial Diving, Underwater Welding and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Still in the offing is the training for Ogoni Persons Living with Disabilities in five skill sets- fish farming; basic computer skills; photography; fashion and design; and shoemaking in line with their Needs Assessment and HYPREP’s policy of inclusivity.

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NYCOP Urges Stakeholders To Develop, Empower Ogoni Youths

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6 days ago

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August 18, 2025

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The National Youth Council of Ogoni People (NYCOP) had called on stakeholders to work collaboratively towards the development and empowerment of Ogoni youths.

NYCOP made the call in a communique issue over the weekend after an emergency Congress in Port Harcourt and signed by its President, Comrade Raymond Nwibani Marcus.

In the communique, NYCOP endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s appointments of the Governing Council and Board of Trustees (BOT) members of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), particularly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Nwika Deeyah as Chairman of HYPREP’s BOT.

It respectfully appealed to the President to consider appointing a representative from the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) under the leadership of Engr. Olu Andah Wai-Ogosu, being the pioneering social vehicle for Ogoni advocacy since the inception of the Ogoni struggle, adding that it would significantly contribute to the decision-making process.

The body commended the overall management of HYPREP and urges the President to continue funding the HYPREP project.

NYCOP furthermore recommended considering the conversion of HYPREP from a project to a full-fledged agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The communique also stated that NYCOP thanked President Tinubu for establishing the Federal University of Environmental Technology, and for appointing key staff, forming a dialogue committee, and initiating infrastructural projects like the Eleme axis of the East-West Road and the Bonny-Bodo Road, significantly enhancing regional connectivity and economic prospects.

 

In solidarity with the Renewed Hope Agenda, the endorsed President Tinubu’s second-term bid, saying it believes his leadership embodies the aspirations of the Ogoni people and Nigerians at large.

“After thorough consideration of the Disciplinary Committee’s report, NYCOP resolves:

” To indefinitely suspend Comrade Nade Nade Burale from his position as Secretary General due to misconduct.

“To declare Comrade Saviour Imeabe persona non grata on Ogoni youth issues, given his actions’ potential to instigate crisis in Ogoni and beyond” the communique stated.

NYCOP in his resolution issued a 7-day ultimatum to former HYPREP BOT Chairman Mike Nwialeghi to explain the $100 million HYPREP fund investment, warning of potential litigation.

NYCOP reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ogoni youth interests and preventing personal aggrandizement.

According to the communique the resolutions demonstrate NYCOP’s efforts to promote the collective welfare and advancement of Ogoni youth.

“We will no longer tolerate any individual or group using the name or issues of Ogoni youth for personal aggrandizement.

” Our mandate is clear: to promote the collective welfare and advancement of Ogoni youth” the communique said.

NYCOP passes a vote of confidence in Hon. Emmanuel Nwika Deeyah, acknowledging his impeccable credentials and credibility to lead the BOT of HYPREP effectively.

 

Kiadum Edookor

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Minister Commissions Four Water Projects In Ogoniland  …Harps On Community Ownership

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2 weeks ago

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August 11, 2025

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The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, last Thursday commissioned four additional water projects in four Ogoni communities in Rivers State, stressing the need for the communities to take full ownership of the projects by protecting them.

 

 

Indeed, the commissioning ceremony, which took place in Bodo City, witnessed another landmark achievement in the commitment of the Federal Government to the full implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Ogoni environment, specifically in the provision of potable water to communities, following the commissioning of the water projects in Bodo, Uegwere-Boue, Taabaa and Eteo Communities in Gokana, Khana and Eleme Local Government Areas, respectively.

 

While commissioning the gigantic water projects in Bodo, the Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP Governing Council, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, urged the communities to work with HYPREP, own and safeguard the facilities against vandalism, stressing that the sustainability of the projects begins with community stewardship.

 

He noted that providing water to communities underscores a shared commitment to the health, dignity and well-being of the Ogoni people, and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the full implementation of the UNEP Report and the sustainable development of Ogoniland, correct historical wrongs and deliver genuine remediation, development and renewal to affected communities.

 

Acknowledging the contributions of traditional and youth leaders, NGOs and Renaissance/JV partners, the Minister noted that the actualisation of the projects attests to stakeholders’ collaboration and collective resolve, adding that the projects symbolise hope, equity and justice for communities that have long endured the consequences of environmental degradation.

 

Meanwhile,the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has noted that the water commissioning is part of HYPREP’s contribution to the Renewed Hope National Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as driven by the Minister of Environment.

 

Zabbey announced that stakeholders’ interests in and acceptability of HYPREP have remarkably increased, describing it as indicative of growing confidence and ownership of the Project by the people.

 

 

He said the Project is deepening stakeholders’ engagement, strengthening monitoring and evaluation, reinforcing transparency and accountability, while pushing to ensure that the benefits of the Project reach every single corner of Ogoniland.

 

Beyond remediation, livelihood, public health interventions, among other projects, the Project Coordinator explained that HYPREP has significantly expanded its peace building efforts in line with the Project’s mandate, which has helped to foster unity, stability and collaboration across Ogoniland.

 

Goodwill messages from the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Africa Energy Limited, Engr Tony Attah, who was represented by General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Igo Weli; Chief Kenneth Kobani; Mr Legborsi Saro Pyagbara; and Gbenemene Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nne, paid glowing tributes to HYPREP for the successes recorded.

 

Also in attendance were the Director General of the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency(NESREA), Prof Innocent Barikor and other eminent Ogoni sons and daughters.

 

The Minister also commissioned the Gokana Area Office, an initiative of HYPREP, to foster project-community relationships; presented symbolic cook stoves to fisher folk-a programme aimed at reducing dependence on mangroves for firewood; and visited the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER).

 

With the latest commissioning, HYPREP has now provided potable water to 40 communities and hopes to cover more by the end of the year.

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