Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
The resolve of President Goodluck Jonathan to organise
a national conference was last Tuesday welcomed by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state as well as some eminent Nigerians across the country.
Fayemi, who addressed the people of the state shortly after the nationwide address of the president, called for sincerity in holding the forum.
The governor said the acceptance of dialogue as means of resolving the challenges confronting the nation was long overdue.
He, however, said that the fact that support for such a national dialogue was now coming from prominent members of the ruling PDP was a surprise.
Fayemi warned that the conference may be viewed with suspicion if no sincerity of purpose was attached to its organisation.
FCT
The Christian Association of Nigeria has extended its
goodwill to Nigerians as the country celebrates her 53rd Independence Anniversary but, however, said “as leader of the African continent, Nigeria deserved more than she has attained so far.”
The association said that the country was “yet to achieve the desired standard of conduct and performance envisaged by her founding fathers.”
President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in a statement last Monday in Abuja expressed “a strong hope that development would come as soon as all the challenges inhibiting her progress are surmounted.”
Oritsejafor said, “We must keep hope alive. We are still together and would be together. There has been modest improvement and development. It could be better. But the atmosphere is not encouraging enough to hold those administering the country accountable, talking about the security challenges. We must all return to the path of sanity to be able to develop.” he said.
Kano
The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote,
said last Tuesday that he would construct a 1,000-bed hospital in Kano to improve health care delivery in the state.
Dangote announced this while laying the foundation of Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultra-Modern Theatre and diagnostic complex at Murtala Muhammed Hospital in Kano metropolis said the project would make health care delivery easier and accessible to the people of the state.
In his remark, Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso commended, Aliko Dangote for initiating the project, which he said, would facilitate surgical operation in the hospital.
Kwankwaso said that the state government rehabilitated and equipped health training institutions to enable them to produce qualified health workers.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Labaran Yusuf, commended the governor and the president of Dangote Foundation for transforming the health sector in the state.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Board has barred 21
women from performing this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, Dr Ibrahim Aliyu, the Director of the state Medical Team, has said.
Aliyu said 19 of the women were dropped when they were found to be pregnant while two others were barred from performing the Hajj due to serious medical conditions.
The director disclosed this when he received the wife of the state governor, Hajia Fati Yero, who was at the state Hajj Camp for medical screening preparatory to her journey for the pilgrimage.
He said those screened out were carrying pregnancies of between three weeks to six months, adding that the screening would continue until the transportation of the pilgrims was concluded.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State last Wednes
day in Abuja called on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to link more farmers to markets for their produce.
Shema who made the call at a reception organised by USAID for the Lagos-Kano-Jibiya (LAKAJI) Agricultural Growth Corridor Investment Summit said most African farmers needed to be connected to agriculture and agro-allied markets for their produce.
The governor explained that the LAKAJI initiative, if well co-ordinated, would open more opportunities for Nigerian farmers, adding that the Katsina State Government had laid more emphasis on the growth of agriculture.
Kwara
Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kwara, Rev. Zacchaeus Fawenu, has commended President Goodluck Jonathan over his plan to organise a national conference.
Fawenu said in Ilorin that the proposed conference was the most positive agenda unveiled by the president in his Independence Day broadcast.
He described the move for national dialogue as a welcome idea, urging that it should not be politicised.
“If it is with genuine spirit of solving the problems at hand and the right stakeholders are brought in into the conference, I think it is going to be a way forward. ”It is a right agenda that I would welcome and I will encourage Nigerians and Christians in particular to actively take part in it,’’ he said.
Lagos
Some members of the academia have described as nec
essary President Goodluck Jonathan’s constitution of an advisory committee to set up modalities for a national dialogue or conference.
Lecturer in Political Science Department at the University of Lagos, Dr Samuel Ugo, described it as a welcome development and a relief to all concerned parties.
Also, Prof. Lai Olurode, a former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, said the move was a bold step by government towards national reconciliation and nationalism.
Ondo
The former Chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas,
Oba Lawrence Omowole, has urged Governor Olusegun Mimiko to complete the abandoned projects started by his predecessor, the late Dr. Olusegun Agagu.
He said it was the best way to immortalise the late Agagu.
Agagu’s remains will arrive in the state tomorrow from Lagos and will be laid-in-state at the Democracy Park in Akure, the state capital, and the Civic Centre in Iju-Odo, Okitipupa Local Government.
Oba Omowole, who is the Amapetu of Mahin Kingdom, described the late Agagu as a pragmatic leader, who would be missed by the people.
Speaking with reporters yesterday in Akure, the monarch said the late Agagu was a great politician, whose impact was felt in all sectors during his tenures as a minister and governor.
Osun
The second term bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola re
ceived a boost recently as the lawmakers representing Osun State at the National Assembly and their counterparts at the House of Assembly declared their support for him to contest for the second term in 2014.
Declaring their support in Osogbo at a rally to celebrate the 53rd Independence anniversary of Nigeria, the legislators attributed their resolve to what they described as sterling performances of the governor, which they said had brought about social and economic transformation of the state.
Oyo
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Oluyole
RS 11.32 Ibadan last Tuesday handed over a 10-month-old baby, Emmanuel to his family members at the Ibadan Central Hospital, Ososami, Ibadan. The FRSC team was led by the Unit Head of operation, Francis Adejare
Ajatta, who represented the unit commander, Commander Sanya Adeoye at the event received the baby from Dr Oriola Olafeso who was on duty.
However, baby Emmanuel who had earlier been christened Emmanuel by the FRSC and the medical team was revealed to be known as Abdul Rasak Abayomi Molumo by his father, Tajudeen Molumo.
According to the birth certificate issued by the National Population Commission displayed at the ceremony, the boy was born on June 17, 2007, to Mr and Mrs Tajudeen and Fatimoh Molumo.
Abdulrasak was recovered at an accident scene which occured at the Lagos/Ibadan expressway on Sepember 22, 2013, where his mother, Fatimoh had died. The baby was then handed over to a medical team which deposited him for proper medical examination and care at the Ibadan Central Hospital, Ososami road, Ibadan.
Taraba
The Commissioner of Police in Taraba State, Mr Jibril
Adeniji, said that the command arrested 138 youths who were being conveyed from Wukari to Jalingo on a suspicious mission.
Speaking with newsmen, he said that the youths, whose ages ranged from 20 to 30, were intercepted in Mutum-Biyu on Monday as they were being conveyed to Jalingo in seven buses.
“Although no incriminating items were found on them, we suspect that they were being drafted to the headquarters for some mischievous purpose,” Adeniji said.
The commissioner explained that when interrogated by the police, the suspects said they were invited for screening in Jalingo by one emergency rescue organisation.
Yobe
The Foundation for Peace and Non-Violence in Nigeria
recently in Abuja condemned the recent killing of more than 50 students of the College of Agriculture, Gubja in Yobe.
President of the foundation, Onengiya Erekosima, made the condemnation during a rally organised by the group called on those responsible for the “barbaric act’’ to embrace peace, adding that killing innocent people would not solve any problem.
The group’s president also urged the group responsible for the killings to follow the path which brought peace and stability to the Niger-Delta region.
“Nigeria is unbreakable and no amount of killings will break up the country,’’ he said.
Strategic regulators and other stakeholders have expressed satisfaction with the pace, quality and magnitude of work carried out by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) in Ogoniland, in line with the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In their separate speeches at the 2025 4th quarter key regulators / asset owners meeting held in Port Harcourt, the strategic stakeholders commended HYPREP for the significant milestones achieved with excellent efficiency and transparency, demonstrating capacity and commitment to sustaining collaboration with development partners for the overall success of the Project.
The regulators particularly lauded HYPREP for the landmark success in the implementation of the land and shoreline remediation, mangrove restoration, provision of reticulated potable water, the various sustainable livelihood programmes, donation of ambulances to health facilities in Ogoni, the construction of Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, as well as the ongoing Ogoni Power Project, adding that their independent field reports have shown proofs of HYPREP driving even beyond its mandates.
The goodwill messages were made by representatives of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Centre for Environment and Human Rights Development (CEHRD), Society for Women and Youths Affairs (SWAYA), Stakeholders Democracy Network (SDN), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC), and Federal Ministry of Environment. Others are the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the National Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Rivers State Ministry of Power, the Rivers State University, the Rivers State Ministry of Water and Rural Development, and Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
Following the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit’s presentation on the status of HYPREP projects, participants offered feedback on areas of concern. They reassured HYPREP and the people of Ogoni of their continued support for the Project’s success. They also suggested that the quarterly review meeting be sustained as it enables them to report, evaluate and proffer solutions to areas of concern.
Participants also commended HYPREP for improved community and stakeholder engagement and for adding to what they saw the previous time. “We commend HYPREP for the quality work done at sites. The progress is phenomenal, because HYPREP is scoring good grades, above average,” Prof. Iyenemi Kakulu from Rivers State University said.
In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who was represented by Prof Damian-Paul Aguiyi, Director of Technical Services, commended the regulators and asset owners for their cooperation with the Project, and for making themselves available for fieldwork and the regular review meetings.
Prof Zabbey reiterated HYPREP’s commitment to best practice in waste management, particularly waste generation and disposal, calling on the Regulators for adequate logistics support, saying HYPREP’s priority is to focus on the core recommendations by UNEP, especially, remediation(soil, shoreline) mangrove restoration, provision of potable water, interventions in public health care services and sustainable livelihood for the people.
The Project Coordinator further highlighted the status of the Project, the successes achieved across all thematic areas, and assured that HYPREP will soon complete most of the ongoing projects and roll out others. He explained that the purpose of the meeting was to review the progress of the Ogoni cleanup, ensure quality control, and foster effective collaboration.
Consequently, the quarterly key regulators/asset owners meeting is HYPREP’s strategic stakeholder management model, further underscoring the Project’s commitment to transparency, partnership for development, and accountability, all of which are harbingers of effective project delivery.
Speaking to newsmen, HYPREP Project Support Lead and representative of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Ehioze Igbinomwanhia, described his involvement with HYPREPas an encouraging and insightful experience, saying, the Project is implementing a wide range of projects across Ogoniland, spanning immediate remediation works as well as livelihood support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of affected communities.
Engr Igbinomwanhia emphasised that Renaissance Africa Energy remains fully committed to supporting the objectives of the Ogoni cleanup project, noting that the company has a long history of collaboration with HYPREP.
He added that the partnership has been characterised by continuous learning, adaptation and a willingness to respond to observations and recommendations aimed at improving outcomes.
He further emphasised the importance of safety in all project operations, particularly given the challenging terrain and operating conditions in Ogoniland.
He noted that safety is treated as a critical priority and that contractors are continually reminded to maintain high safety standards, stressing that lessons learnt from previous operational challenges like the collapse of the water tank in Gwara Community are being applied to strengthen safety practices and overall performance.
The Rivers state Government has identified six local government areas with the highest burden of maternal and Neonatal mortality in the state.
State Commissioner for Health Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh said this in an interview with newsmen at the Maternal and Neonatal Reduction innovation initiative ( Mamii)Rivers state activation workshop and state engagement meeting in Port Harcourt.
The event was organized by The Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with its Rivers state counterpart in Port Harcourt.
Dr Oreh also restated the preparedness of the state government to support current efforts by the federal government towards the reduction of maternal and infant mortalities in the country.
She mentioned the affected Local Government Areas to include, Andoni,Akuku Toru and Ahoada West
The rest according to the Commissioner are, Bonny, Etche and Emohua Local Government Areas.
She said the workshop will enable the team from the federal ministry of health and social welfare to brainstorm with the view to finding solution to the problem.
The Commissioner also gave reasons why the Mamii initiative was the best as far as finding solution to maternal mortality was concerned.
“The uniqueness of the Mamii initiative driven by the federal ministry of health and social welfare was that we used evidence to elicit the reasons for this deaths, so that the solutions will be context specific and tailored to the particular environment where those deaths are occuring
“For us in Rivers state we have six Mamii LGAs , nationally we we have 172 local government areas “the Commissioner said.
Earlier in her opening remarks,Dr Oreh said the state government is prepared to work with the federal ministry of health and social welfare to check the rate of maternal mortality in the state.
She commended The Minister of Health and Social welfare Professor Ali Muhammad Pategi for driving the Mamii initiative across the country and expressed optimism that the programm will see to the end of maternal mortality in the country.
Also speaking the National Coordinator Nigeria health sector Renewal Initiative Dr Adam Ahmed said Rivers state is the last state among Mamii states in the country to host the team.
He said the team will visit the affected Local Government Areas with the view to interacting with the people on how to check the trend.
He expressed the hope that with continuous efforts, maternal mortality will be checked.
Also speaking the permanent secretary Rivers state Ministry of Health Professor Justinah Jumbo said the government is not leaving any stone unturned towards reduction in maternal deaths.
The permanent secretary said Governor Siminalaye Fubara is a health friendly Governor who is desirous in improving the quality of health of Rivers people.
John Bibor
