Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr Parah Bawa, has applauded the 16-year jail term passed on six drug dealers in Bauchi State.
He said that the sentence was against the usual two-year jail terms handed to drugs barons in the state, adding that the sudden change did not come as a surprise as the Act establishing NDLEA recommended lengthy jail terms for such offenders.
“It is not new, as a matter of fact the NDLEA Act recommends jail terms of up to 25 years. “But most of the times, it depends on the discretions of the judge and the facts and circumstances surrounding the issue. “So the judges, most of the times, use this one to pass their judgments; so it is still below the recommended standard or law, it can be up to a minimum of 25 years.
“I think it only agrees with the clamour by the agency for this type of terms; the chairman of the agency will be very happy about this; he has been emphasising the need for long jail terms to be given. “Specifically, he was saying if they could make it a minimum of 15 years, it will serve as a lesson to others”, Bawa added.
“If you sentence somebody to 15 years imprisonment, by the time he finishes his term and comes out, his mates who are doing legitimate businesses would have gone very far, and there is no way he will be able to catch up with them. “The 15 years is what we want and we are happy about it and if all other courts can make it a standard, other people will actually learn their lesson”, he concluded.
Benue
The Special Adviser, Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Benue, Mr Solomon Wombo, says the bureau has instituted accounting systems aimed at making the administration financially transparent.
Wombo made the statement in Makurdi on Friday in an interview with newsmen.
He said the bureau was collaborating with the anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all financial leakages in local government administration were blocked.
The adviser said his office had put in place measures for the effective monitoring of projects to ensure they were development-oriented.
Wombo said the focus of the local government administration was to provide service to the people at the grassroots, adding that all funds were directed toward achieving the aim.
“As soon as salaries are paid, any money that is left is channelled
toward development projects.
“I am satisfied so far with what is happening at the local government areas in the state and very soon I shall invite experts to document local government projects for the world to see,’’ he said.
Wombo said he often undertook unscheduled inspection visits to project sites at the councils to ensure that funds were used for the benefit of the people.
FCT
Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State has called for collaboration among all levels of government and various stakeholders in the task of guiding youths for national development.
Kwankwaso said this on Saturday in Abuja, at the launch of a book entitled “Soccer in Africa“written by Abdulwaheed Adebiyi
. Kwankwaso, who was represented by Alhaji Rabiu Bichi, noted that youth constituted 70 per cent of the country’s population, hence they must be properly guided to develop the country.
He said that the Kano State Government was promoting youth development by creating a friendly environment for them to thrive.
“The government has established three football making machines which are producing footballs for youths and secondary school students who are interested in football.“
He noted with delight that some youths playing in clubs initiated by the government had been signed on by clubs outside the country.
He commended the author for publishing the book and assured him of the government’s support.
Kaduna
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj. Gen. Garba Wahab has warned soldiers deployed to UN Mission Areas against violating laws guiding peacekeeping operations.
Wahab gave the warning during the graduation of 800 soldiers who participated in pre-deployment training at the Nigerian Army Peace Keeping Centre in Jaji near Kaduna on Saturday.
According to him, any soldier that runs fowl of the law will be repatriated and sanctioned.
“There were one or two allegations which have been investigated and found out to be true and the UN has zero tolerance for sexual misconduct by troops.
“Nothing is worse than for Nigerian soldiers to be sent out to safeguard somebody and to turn round and abuse their women.
“As you are aware, Nigeria is the largest troop contributing country to the United Nations’ Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) operations.
“In this regard, you should strive to live above board and avoid anything that will ridicule the good image of our dear country built over the years in the area of international peace and security.
Katsina
The Katsina State Police Command on Saturday confirmed the arrest of a middle-aged butcher, Ahmed Ubale-Mainama, for allegedly setting ablaze the Funtua Upper Shari’ah Court on Thursday.
DSP Yusuf Wasi’u, the Command’s Spokesman, who confirmed the arrest to the newsmen, said that investigation was in progress.
He said the suspect would soon be charged to court for criminal assault and destruction of government property.
Our correspondent who was at the scene, reports that the fire destroyed the Judge’s chamber and Registrar’s office while documents were burnt.
Also reports that part of the court hall was burnt leading to disruption in the activities of the court.
The incident has forced the Judge, Alhaji Nasiru Lawal-Dayi, to entertain guests at his clerk’s office.
An eye witness, Malam Shuaibu Garba, told newsmen that he met Ubale-Mainama at the premises after he set the court ablaze and did not run away until policemen came and arrested him.
Kwara
Worried by the spate of encroachment on land belonging to public schools, the Kwara State Assembly has urged the state government to find a permanent solution to the menace.
The Assembly in a motion entitled, “Encroachment into our Public Schools,’’ observed that schools were expected to be located in a conducive environment.
The motion was moved by Mr Suleman Sunaboro, the Chairman, House Committee on Education.
“ Schools are expected to be located in a conducive and serene environment suitable for teaching and learning with specific boundary.
“But it is alarming and disturbing to note that residential and public buildings and in some cases, markets are located within the premises of public schools,’’ he said.
Kebbi
The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Saturday directed tertiary institutions in the country to take serious measures to address increase in social vices on their campuses.
The minister gave the directive on Saturday in a message to the 11th Joint Convocation of the Waziri Umaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin kebbi.
Represented by the Director, Inspectorate Services, Dr. Elisha Kutara, the minister said such vices had become impediments to research and academic activities in the institutions.
Rufa’i said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must evolve practical measures to ensure that students remain morally upright in character and learning.
Lagos
The police in Lagos have arrested a middle-aged man whose gang has been terrorising members of the public with toy gun in Ikeja area of Lagos.
The Lagos Police Spokesperson, Mrs Ngozi Braide, told newsmen on Saturday, that the suspect was arrested on Thursday.
He said the suspect and others now at large, attempted to carry out their criminal activities at the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Market, Alausa, when a team of police men who had been on their trail, arrested the suspect.
“They attempted to use the toy gun on the operators of a business centre at POWA market.
Nasarawa
The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has donated N10 million to victims of the recent communal clashes that erupted at Assakio in Lafia-East Local Government of Nasarawa State.
The bank’s regional head, Mr John Idoko, presented the cheque on behalf of the bank to the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka.
He said that UBA was deeply touched by the recent happenings in its business community and saw the need to assist by providing a token, noting that the bank enjoyed tremendous patronage and support from the people of the state.
He said that the bank decided to assist in the peace process by making the donation as part of its social responsibility, adding that the bank decided to make the donation through government because of its belief that “the state government is in touch with those affected by the crisis”.
Osun
The Police last Thursday arraigned a 32-year-old man, Adeoye Olatunji, before an Osogbo Senior Magistrates’ Court for alleged impersonation and fraud.
The Police Prosecutor, Mr Elisha Olusegun, told the court that the accused on Oct. 20, 2011 in Osogbo, impersonated as a staff member of the Nigeria Customs Service.
Olusegun added that the accused promised to assist the son of one Olatundun Lawal to be enlisted into the Nigeria Customs Service and obtained N1. 2 million from the complainant (Lawal) for the assistance.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 1 (1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defence counsel, Mr Sunday Atofarati, pleaded that the accused be granted bail in liberal terms, adding that he would not jump bail and would provide credible surety.
The Senior Magistrate, Adewunmi Makanjuola, upheld the prayer of the counsel and granted the accused bail in the sum of N1. 5 million with one surety in like sum.
Makanjuola added that the accused should deposit N1. 2 million to the court or produce certificate of ownership, swear to an affidavit of means and two passport photographs.
Zamfara
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara on Sunday offered to support the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the coming local government council poll slated for Saturday.
This is however on the condition ANPP “continues to display fairness to all.”
The immediate past governor, Alhaji Mamuda Shinkafi said this in Gusau while presenting candidates for the June 23 poll.
“We believe in the state governor’s pronouncement that the elections will be free and fair and we are waiting to see this accomplished.”
Shinkafi pleaded with the state government, security agencies and the state electoral commission (ZMSIEC) to ensure free, fair and credible contest during the election.
He urged the stakeholders in the exercise to make sure that “only true winners of the elections into the offices of chairmen and councillors are given certificate of return.”
He cautioned the electorate against money politics, adding that they should vote based on their conscience and be convinced that the candidates they voted would work for the benefit of the people.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has announced that the mangrove wetlands in Ogoniland have been officially designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance by the Secretariat of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
The designation, according to HYPREP, underscores the global ecological significance of Ogoniland’s mangrove wetlands and highlights ongoing restoration efforts aimed at addressing environmental degradation in the area.
In a press statement issued by the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, the recognition was described as a major milestone for the agency, the people of Ogoni and other stakeholders working towards environmental restoration in the region.
Zabbey explained that the mangrove wetlands, which cover more than 31,700 hectares, consist of islands, tidal creeks, mudflats and mangrove forests that support a wide range of biodiversity. The ecosystem provides habitat for several species including fin fish, shellfish, crustaceans, crocodiles, turtles and the endangered grey parrot.
He noted that beyond biodiversity conservation, the wetland also provides essential ecosystem services such as fisheries production, flood control, water purification and carbon storage. According to him, the international recognition will further support local livelihoods, promote ecotourism and bring global attention to the region.
The HYPREP coordinator disclosed that the designation followed a meticulous process that began in 2024 when the project submitted a memorandum to the National Council on Environment seeking support for the recognition of the Ogoni wetlands as a Ramsar site.
Following the council’s review and approval, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Chairman of HYPREP’s Governing Council, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, formally wrote to the Ramsar Convention Secretariat requesting international recognition of the wetlands.
After a comprehensive ecological assessment, the Ramsar Secretariat granted the designation, officially recognising the Ogoniland wetlands as one of the world’s sites of international importance.
Zabbey said the recognition would strengthen ongoing environmental restoration efforts in the area and encourage stronger conservation measures and sustainable management of the wetlands for the benefit of present and future generations.
He added that the designation also fulfils a key recommendation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Environmental Assessment Report on Ogoniland, marking another significant step in the implementation of the report’s recommendations.
The HYPREP project coordinator reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to restoring the Ogoni environment through the remediation of oil-polluted land, shorelines and mangrove ecosystems.
He also called for collective responsibility and stakeholder support to sustain the progress of the Ogoni cleanup programme and facilitate the development of a comprehensive and sustainable management plan for the Ogoni mangrove wetlands.
The Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Lauretta Davies-Dimkpa, has attributed the successes of the 12-day programme organised for adolescent girls aimed at eliminating Female Genital Mutilation(FGM) in some parts of the State to the ability of the respective stakeholders to take ownership of the programme.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa, who dropped the hint in an interview at the end of the programme in Elele-Alimini Community in Emohua Local Government Area on Saturday, said the event had a buy-in component, an ownership mentality, whereby facilitators, staff, and everyone involved took ownership of the project.
She explained that the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) had packaged a series of training sessions for adolescent girls aimed at ending the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in some communities across the State.
According to her, the initiative was designed to educate young girls on the harmful effects of the practice and empower them to become advocates against it within their communities.
She noted that the programme, which lasted for several weeks, targeted adolescent girls from different local government areas where the practice is still prevalent, stressing that
data collected by UNICEF and the Ministry revealed that Female Genital Mutilation is still practised in some parts of the State, prompting the need for intensified sensitisation and community engagement.
Mrs Davies-Dimkpa explained that the programme adopted a “train-the-trainer” approach where adolescent girls were educated on the dangers of the practice and encouraged to share the knowledge with their peers, families and communities.
“This is a programme by the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation with support from UNICEF and UNFPA to train adolescent girls towards ending Female Genital Mutilation, which is still practised in some local government areas,” she said.
She further explained that each participating local government area had a three-day training session, with the exercise running for a total of 12 days.
The local government areas, where the programme took place, she noted, included Ahoada West, Abua-Odual, and Emohua, adding that the initiative is part of broader efforts by the state government and development partners to eliminate harmful traditional practices and protect the rights and wellbeing of girls.
She revealed that prior to the training of the adolescent girls, the Ministry and its partners had also engaged community facilitators, including older women and men, to sensitise them on the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
According to her, the involvement of community leaders and adults is essential in addressing the cultural and social factors that sustain the practice.
Speaking on the response of the participants, the permanent secretary expressed satisfaction with the level of engagement and enthusiasm shown by the girls throughout the training sessions.
She noted that many of the participants said they were learning about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation for the first time.
“The girls are between the ages of 12 and 17 and from the interactions we had with them, they were very excited. Some of them are hearing these things for the first time and never knew that the practice is harmful,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training would enable the girls to serve as advocates for change within their communities.
She added that the Rivers State Government, alongside its partners, would continue to intensify efforts and expand community-based interventions aimed at ending the practice across the State.
Meanwhile, the participants for Emohua Local Government Area were drawn from Elele-Alimini, Egbeda, Rumuji, Ibaa, Rumuekpe, Rumuakunde, Eligbarada, and Ogbakiri Communities.
The participants,who spoke in separate interviews described the training as eye-opening, noting that it helped them better understand issues surrounding adolescent health, personal hygiene, reproductive health, and the harmful consequences of Female Genital Mutilation.
Favour Azukwu from Rumuekpe community, said the programme provided a deeper understanding of the dangers associated with the practice, particularly its impact on the health and wellbeing of girls and women.
She explained that the training sessions exposed participants to the medical, social and psychological effects of Female Genital Mutilation, including severe bleeding, infections and complications during childbirth.
She revealed that she personally experienced the practice at the age of 12 and suffered heavy bleeding afterwards, an experience that has strengthened her determination to advocate for its eradication.
According to her, many communities still practise Female Genital Mutilation because it is perceived as a cultural tradition, despite the dangers associated with it.
“I do not support Female Genital Mutilation because there are many dangers involved. I experienced severe bleeding when it was done to me as a child.
Another participant, Glory Ken, a 16-year-old secondary school student from Rumuji community, said the programme broadened her understanding of several important topics affecting adolescents.
She explained that beyond the discussion on Female Genital Mutilation, the training also focused on issues such as personal hygiene, reproductive health, peer education, and self-care.
According to her, the sessions helped participants understand the importance of making informed health decisions and supporting one another as peer educators.
“I learned about many things that affect young people in society and how to take care of myself. I also learned that Female Genital Mutilation is harmful to our health. The message I am taking back to my community is that this practice should stop,” she said.
Also speaking, Goodness Kenjika Nyeche described the programme as very impactful.
She noted that the training equipped participants with the skills and confidence to educate others about the harmful effects of Female Genital Mutilation.
She said she plans to organise sensitisation among adolescents in her community, particularly girls between the ages of 10 and 19, to ensure they understand the dangers associated with the practice.
“I learned many things from this programme and I feel very good about it. I will educate other young girls in my community and help them understand why Female Genital Mutilation should not continue,” she said.
For Queen Dike from Ibaa community, the programme helped clarify misconceptions surrounding the practice.
She explained that in some communities, the practice is still referred to as circumcision and is viewed as part of cultural identity.
She said the training helped participants understand that Female Genital Mutilation involves the cutting or removal of parts of the female genital organs and that it has serious health consequences.
She stressed that awareness and education are key to ending the practice, especially among communities that continue to uphold it as tradition.
“I think the programme is very helpful because many people still believe it is part of culture. More awareness is needed so people can understand why it should stop,” she said.
Another participant, MyJoy Echika Amadi, said the programme provided critical information about adolescent health and the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
She described the initiative as enlightening and said it encouraged young people to become advocates for change in their communities.
According to her, participants were encouraged to use various platforms such as churches, peer groups, schools and community gatherings to spread awareness about the harmful effects of the practice.
“This programme has enlightened us about the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. I will do my best to create awareness in my community and encourage people to stop the practice,” she said.
Many of the participants emphasised that the knowledge gained during the programme has empowered them to challenge harmful traditions and promote healthier practices among young people.
They also called on the Rivers State Government, development partners and civil society organisations to sustain the sensitisation campaigns and extend the training to more communities across the State.
According to them, empowering young people with the right information will play a critical role in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation and protecting the rights, health and dignity of girls in Rivers State.
The participants expressed appreciation to the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, UNICEF and UNFPA for organising the programme and for investing in the wellbeing and future of adolescent girls in the State.
