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THE STATES

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Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State has warned
people against playing  politics with  the lingering crisis between farmers and herdsmen in parts of the state.
Suswam said this at Ayilamo, Logo Local Government area, while addressing displaced people in the area.
“Stop making politics on the ongoing attacks and killings of innocent people in the state.
“We are a peace-loving people historically and we will always ensure that peace and unity prevail and our brothers living among us,” he said.

FCT

Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission
(NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie,  has said the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) would facilitate sharing of research findings amongst universities.
Okojie, who said this at an inaugural meeting of NgREN Board, added that the project was significant to the Nigerian University System (NUS).
He noted that NgREN was conceived after many initiatives to address connectivity needs of the NUS, yielded little or no result.
“There is a need to address the dearth of basic net-working infrastructure, especially broadband connectivity which is hindering the deployment of ICT solutions in the universities, ‘’ he said.

Jigawa

The Federal University in Dutse is considering the pos
sibility of introducing Mass Communication Study due to high demand for the course in Jigawa State.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jibrila Amin, stated this while addressing newsmen to mark its third Founders Day in Dutse.
“We have started reaching out to some professors of mass communication in other universities to come and assess the facilities and what it takes’’, he said.
He said that the institution would also commence post-graduate courses in economics, English and communication studies.

Kaduna
Residents of Kaduna metropolis have lamented the in
adequate provision of refuse clearance and evacuation equipment by the state government.
Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna, the residents said the indiscriminate dumping of refuse within the metropolis was gradually turning into an eyesore.
Abdulkareem Hassan, who lives in Tudun Wada area of the state said, “I pay local refuse collectors to clear my dustbins whenever it is due for collection.

Kwara
An Ilorin Area Court has dissolved the three -year -old
marriage between Munirat Ahmed and Dauda Ahmed on ground of “lousiness”.
Munirat, who resides at Edun area, Ilorin told the court that her husband was lousy and could not keep secrets.
She prayed the court to dissolve her marriage to Dauda, adding that, she cannot continue with a man that will reveal all their marital plans to outsiders.
The petitioner told the court that her husband sought advice from friends to run his family affairs.
“My husband does not care who his   enemy is, he will continue to explain his family problems in the public,” she said.

Kebbi
The Emir of Gwandu in Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammad
Bashar, has advised youths to shun tribal and religious bigotry in order to promote peaceful coexistence in the country.
He made the call in Birnin Kebbi, when he received members of the Kebbi State Youth Alliance, who paid him a visit. He also urged the youths to promote their heritage and cultural values, and respect their leaders and elders.
Bashar said “God in his infinite mercy brought us to live together and we need to be kind to one another”.

Lagos

A 38-year-old driver, Stephen Igwe, was has been
charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly stealing his employer’s N4.5million jeep.
Igwe, who resides at No. 40, Olushi St., Lagos Island, was charged with stealing.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Prosecutor, Cpl. Ejima Oteke, told the court that the accused committed the offence at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos.
Oteke said the accused, who was sent on an errand, absconded with a black Nissan Murano jeep with registration number JC667-SMK belonging to his employer, Rear-Adm. Joseph Oladeinde.

Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Independent Electoral Commission
(NASIEC), has reassured the electorate in the state of its determination to conduct free, fair and credible local government election slated for March 22.
The NASIEC Chairman in the state, Dr Abdullahi Modibbo, gave the assurance in Lafia at a meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.
“The commission is determined to conduct credible local government election that will be emulated by other states in the country.
“Elections in Nigeria had been characterised by all kinds of sentiments thereby leading to the breakdown of law and order,” he said.

Osun

A 29-year-old man, Micheal Kolade, was last Thursday
brought before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged fraud and theft of N1.3million.
The prosecutor, Insp. Wilson Mereti, told the court that the accused, his accomplices, Gbolagale Adebiyi and one Daniel, now at large, committed the offence between February 11 and February 20 at Ibromu Quarters in Ile-Ife.
Mereti said the accused and his accomplices conspired and committed felony and theft when they fraudulently obtained a bus from one Ogunlowo Olatunde under the pretext of buying it.
He said the accused and his accomplices deceived their victim with a false bank deposit alert, reflecting that they had paid N1.37million into his bank account for the bus.
He said the appearance of the fake alert on Olatunde’s phone deceived him into giving the bus and its documents to the accused thinking they had struck a genuine deal.

Ondo

Ondo State Government has promised to give special
package and welfare to teachers posted to difficult and remote areas.
The Commissioner for Education, Mr Jide Adejuyigbe, stated this recently in Akure at a stakeholders’ meeting on monitoring and supervision of public secondary schools.
The meeting was organised by state Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
“We are looking at a special package for teachers posted to remote areas; we are also considering some incentives to ensure their staying there,’’ the commissioner said.
Adejuyigbe rejected the notion that there was an acute shortage of teachers in the state public schools.

Ogun

The  member representing Imeko Afon Constituency
in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Salmon Adeleke,  has commended the  state government for  beefing up security in the state.
Adeleke gave the commendation in Abeokuta in an interview with newsmen.
He  said  the donation of a patrol van to the police in Imeko Afon was an indication  of Gov.  Ibikunle Amosun’s commitment to safety of lives and properties.
The lawmaker, however, appealed to the  Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, to intensify  patrol of  the area.

Yobe

The, Yobe State Government has said that the closure of
Federal Government Colleges in the three north-eastern states would help the students and their parents overcome fear arising from armed attacks.
Our correspondent reports that the Federal Government ordered the closure of unity colleges in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states in February following attacks on the colleges by gunmen.
Commissioner for Justice, Alhaji Ahmed Goniri, stated the government’s position in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
Goniri, who is also chairman, Federal Government College (FGC), Buni-Yadi Relief Committee, said: “Parents and students are still in a state of phobia and fear; the temporary closure will give them the opportunity to overcome fear.”

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of  Edo State, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’  Forum,  Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti  State at a retreat of Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Lagos, last Friday

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State at a retreat of Nigerian Governors’ Forum in Lagos, last Friday

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Yahaya Bello: Senator Hails EFCC’s Probe Of N80.2bn Fraud

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Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has commended the efforts by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) to apprehend and prosecute the immediate past governors of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over an alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
This is just as she also hailed the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for ceding 14 properties that were initially forfeited to the federal government to the government and people of Enugu State.
Reacting to Bello’s excuse for not honouring the EFCC’s invitation, the lawmaker emphasized the need for the commission to investigate other corrupt public officials to avoid the impression that their actions against former governor were meant to witch hunt him.
In a now-viral video, the EFCC chairman had claimed Belloh told him that a female senator (name withheld) allegedly gathered journalists to humiliate him anytime he was at the agency’s Abuja office for interrogation.
“I called Yahaya Bello, as a serving governor, to come to my office to clear himself. I shouldn’t have done that. But he said because a certain senator had planted over 100 journalists in my office, he would not come.
“I told him that he would be allowed to use my private gate to give him a cover, but he said my men should come to his village to interrogate him,” Olukoyede was quoted as saying.
But Senator Natasha in a statement signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Arogbonlo Israel and issued at the weekend in Abuja, reminded Yahaya Bello of the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution, given his former position as the chief security officer of Kogi.
“I was surprised to hear that Yahaya Bello evaded the invitation from the EFCC, despite having served as Kogi’s former chief security officer. As a former governor, he should understand the importance of respecting Nigeria’s laws and constitution.
“It’s a well-known fact that ‘he who comes into equity must come with clean hands’. As such, I advise him to honour the invitation and clear his name while he still has the chance.
“I’d also like to take this moment to appreciate the diligence of the EFCC in handling the case so far. No Nigerian is above the law, and therefore the agency must see this case through to the end if they are to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption,” she said.

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Senate  Frowns Over Continued Depreciation Of Naira

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Worried over the  latest depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies, the Senate through its Committee on Finance, has  stated that the Legislature  is  exploring a range of policy options to mitigate the impact of Naira depreciation and foster economic stability in the country.
These, according to the committee, in a statement signed by its chairman, Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) and released yesterday, includes robust oversight of fiscal policies, engagement with key stakeholders, and the formulation of targeted interventions to support key sectors of the economy.
Senator Musa said the statement became necessary “to address the current state of the economy and the need for concerted efforts at tackling the instability and continuous depreciation of the Naira.”
This is even as he hoped that the “economic managers will adhere strictly to the norms and standards set by this administration to ensure that we achieve the desired outcomes in taking Nigeria to its economic growth and prosperity”, pledging the support of the National Assembly to the executive arm of government to achieve the set goals.
He, however, urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resilient as they navigate these uncertain times, saying “together, we can overcome the challenges facing our economy and chart a path towards prosperity for all.”
The statement titled: “State of the Nation Economy and Naira Depreciation’, reads “The Nigerian economy is facing significant challenges, exacerbated by both internal and external factors.

“Despite efforts to stabilize and bolster economic growth, the numerous initiatives and bold but necessary steps and policy decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu, the persistent depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies has become a pressing concern.

“The recent depreciation of the Naira underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard the stability and resilience of our currency.

“The Senate Committee on Finance is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to working collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to implement effective policies and strategies.

“It is imperative that we address the root causes of Naira depreciation, including but not limited to fluctuations in global oil prices, fiscal deficits, and structural imbalances in the economy.”

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WIW: Banigo Advocates Legislative Impetus

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The Senator, representing Rivers West Senatorial District at National Assembly Sen.Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo has advocated for legislative backings to enforce immunisation as a pre-condition for admission into nursing, primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
Banigo made the assertion recently in a statement to commemorate this year’s week-long immunisation campaign in line with the World Health Organisation advocacy.
Banigo, a Harvard-trained Public Health personnel, explained that such legislation would strengthen the National Immunisation Policy in the administration of vaccines, saves lives, helps in the child normal growth, prevents serious illness and disabilities such as poliomyelitis .
The former Deputy Governor of Rivers State who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary), noted that Nigeria must attain at least, 90 percent vaccine coverage for all childhood and adolescence; stressing that a fully vaccinated child should have received BCG, Mussels and three doses of DTP and Polio .
She emphasised the need for collective efforts by stakeholders in the campaign against preventable diseases .
The theme for this year’s World Immunisation Week is “Humanly Possible: Saving Lives Through Immunisation” while the national theme is “Vaccine Works For All”.

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