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Ekiti
An Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that
Ayodele Ojo, 45, be remanded in prison custody over alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl in Ijero-Ekiti.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Bamikole Olasunkanmi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on February 18 when he unlawfully had carnal knowledge of the teenager at Ijero-Ekiti.
He said the offence contravened Section 221(1) of the criminal code, cap. C 16, Laws of Ekiti State 2012.
Bamikole said he had duplicated and sent the case file to the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
The plea of the accused was not taken and his counsel, Mr Tosin Osundahunsi, sought for an adjournment.

FCT
The House of Representatives has mandated its Com
mittee on Gas to investigate the alleged non-remittance of funds from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Bonny, to the Federation Account.
The committee, which would investigate the non-remittance from 2004 till date, had three weeks to summit its report.
This resolution was sequel to a motion by Rep. Aminu Suleiman (APC- Kano) which was unanimously adopted without debate when put to vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.
Suleiman said that NLNG Bonny had breached Section 162(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which makes it mandatory for all ‘revenue’ collected by the government of the federation to be remitted into the Federation Account.

Kano
The Nigeria Environmental Standards, Regulations and
Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has solicited the support of media organisations in the dissemination of its activities.
NESREA’s Northwest Zonal Director, Dr Ahmed Kasim, made the call during a familiarisation visit to newsmen in Kano recently.
“Our activities will have more impact on individuals, groups and corporations with the full support of the media.
Kasim said the agency would continue to open its doors for consultations and advise from media organisations operating in the state.
Malam Muntari Tukur, NAN Kano correspondent, told Kasim that the agency would accord him the same good relationship it had with the former director.

Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said that local government
councils would be provided additional funds to combat criminal activities in their respective areas.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Nurudden Kangiwa, told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that the gesture would help to enhance peaceful coexistence in the state.
Kangiwa said prompt release of funds to the councils on security matters would be accorded priority.
Kangiwa, however, urged the councils to extend support to vigilante groups in their areas by providing them with stipends and working tools.
The SSG said the state government would continue to collaborate with stakeholders on security to ensure a secured and peaceful environment through the 24-hour joint security patrol of the state.

Kogi
The Kogi State Government said it was in the process of
constructing public toilets in strategic areas in Lokoja to check open defecation in the state capital.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Mike Abu, the Chief Press Secretary to the state Deputy Governor, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, in Lokoja, recently.
It said that the decision was announced by Gov. Idris Wada at a meeting with the members of the organising committee of the National Environmental Sanitation Day 2014 headed by the Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Malam.
The statement said that the decision was to check indiscriminate open defecation by residents.

Kwara

The Chairman, Baruten Local Government Area of
Kwara State, Malam Mohammed Omar-Bio, has solicited the assistance of the state government for victims of the rainstorm in the area.
Omar-Bio made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Kosubosu, headquarters of the council after an on-the-spot assessment of places affected by the rainstorm.
He said that a childless octogenarian, Mrs Kumbayeruma Gaaku, was among victims of the devastating rainstorm that wreaked havoc in the area.
“The effect was so much, particularly the house of an old woman, who has no child; I can assure you that we shall definitely do something to alleviate their sufferings.
“When we get back to the office, I and other members of my team will put heads together and see what we can do; very soon, you shall hear from us.

Lagos

A 24-year-old man , Valentine Ezike, charged with
obtaining N116, 000 on the pretext of procuring a Dubai visa for his client, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, who lives at No. 22, Francis Odoni St., Ajangbadi, Ojo, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and theft.
The Prosecutor, ASP Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences sometime in February 2013, in Ojo.
He said the accused obtained N116, 000 from one Mr Peter Chidiebere, with the promise to assist him to get a Dubai visa.

Nasarawa

The Acting Provost of College of Agriculture, Lafia,
Nasarawa State, Dr Mohammed Salihu,  has warned new students of the institution to shun cultism and indiscipline.
Salihu gave the warning in Lafia at the matriculation of 4,000 students for the 2013/2014 academic session.
The acting provost also urged the students to strive for academic excellence in order to justify their parents’ investments in them.
Salihu also warned the students against vices such as examination malpractice, indecent dressing and drug abuse.
Ogun
The Ogun State House of Assembly says it is
taking steps towards the establishment of state lottery board.
The Speaker of the assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, stated this in Abeokuta at a Public Forum on the Bill for an Act to establish Lottery Board for the state.
The speaker said when passed and assented to, it would also regulate public on-line lotteries.
Adekunbi, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Tola Banjo, said the need to protect the interest of citizens and regulate the activities of operators necessitated the bill.

Plateau
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Zone 4, Jos,
said recently that it had recorded “significant reduction in fatal accidents’’ in the early part of this year in the zone.
“The zone, which comprises Nasarawa, Plateau and Benue states, has recorded less accidents when compared to the early part of 2013 accident rate,’’ the corps said.
Mr Yakubu Attah, the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer (ZCO), disclosed this while briefing newsmen on their activities in Jos.
“In January 2014, the zone has recorded 38 fatal accidents that claimed the lives of 55 people while 434 people sustained injuries.

Taraba
The Acting Governor of Taraba State, Garba Umar, has
urged the people to live peacefully with one another to achieve peace in the state.
Umar disclosed this in Jalingo at the inauguration of projects recently.
According to him, living in peace would enhance development in the state.
“As this administration makes concerted efforts to improve living standards, let me reiterate the fact that our objective can only be achieved if we continue to give peace a chance.

Yobe
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has directed
political office holders to interact with people at the grassroots to assess the impact of government’s programmes on the lives of the citizens.
He gave the directive in Damaturu while swearing into office two former national legislators and two former commissioners as special advisers.
Gaidam said the advisers were appointed to tap their potentials for the socio-economic development of the state.
“We are glad to have the right calibre of people into the offices to fast track and move the state forward,’’ he said.

Asiwaju of Egbe, General Yinka Adeniyi (rtd) (left), presenting an award to  Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State (right), at the inauguration of the revitalised ECW Hospital in  Egbe, Kogi, last Saturday.

Asiwaju of Egbe, General Yinka Adeniyi (rtd) (left), presenting an award to Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State (right), at the inauguration of the revitalised ECW Hospital in Egbe, Kogi, last Saturday.

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Monarch Hails Fubara Over Road Project

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Ogene of Asa Asi Asaga Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Eze Andrew Enemuwa, has expressed gratitude to the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for the award of the contract for construction of Igiri- Ubimini-Egbeda-Elele road project.
Eze Enemuwa said the people of the local government are proud associating with a visionary leader like Governor Fubara whose interest in the development of his people knows no bounds.
The monarch, also the Secretary of Ogba Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Council said the unprecedented crowd of ONELGA people that attended the event shows that Governor Fubara is greatly loved and cherished by the people.
The Eze Dike Di Nu Obi of Ogbaland said the presence of the traditional rulers at the event speaks volumes.
The Okene Asa Kaka urged the people of the area to support Governor Fubara to attract more development to the local government area.

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1,680 Children Abducted In Nigeria -UNICEF

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As Nigeria marks 10 years anniversary of the abduction of the Chibok girls, the United Nations Children Fund( UNICEF) has  put the number of abducted children at different schools within the last 10 years in Nigeria at 1,680.
The organisation said this at an event it organised in conjunction with the Faculty of Media and Communications Studies in the University of Port Harcourt to mark the 10 years anniversary of Chibok girls abductions.
According to UNICEF release read by Communication officer, UNICEF Nigeria Dr Mrs Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, 180 children were killed within the period under review due to attacks on schools, while an estimated 60 school Staff were kidnapped,14 killed and more than 70 attacks on schools.
It urged the Nigerian Government and security agencies to intensify effort towards the rescue of the 90 remaining Chibok girls.
UNICEF described the Chibok girls saga as a wakeup call to the severe risks children face in their pursuit of education
‘Today, reflecting on this tragedy and other recent abductions, it is evident that our efforts to safeguard our children’s future must be amplified
“Given this alarming statistics, we must address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of this crisis,” it said.
UNICEF also said that the threat of abduction of students is severely affecting children’s learning.
“As at 2021, over one million children were afraid to return to school and in 2020, around 11,500 schools were closed due to attacks”, it said.
It called on the government and the international community to ensure that all schools have the resources and tools to fully implement the minimum standards for safe schools, focus on the most vulnerable regions and address critical gaps in safe schools infrastructure.
UNICEF also called for preparedness for natural disasters, conflicts and comprehensive approaches to violence against children.
Others include, strengthening law enforcement and security measures to protect educational institutions and communities from attacks and abduction, prioritising education and child protection in national policies and budget allocations to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all Nigerian children and ensure the continuity of education and learning when schools are shut through multiple learning pathways such as radio and TV programme and through digital platforms the Nigerian learning Passport.
Ogwe said UNICEF is working with the Nigerian Government to ensure that every child can access safe learning environment.
“The agency has supported the inauguration of state safe school steering committees and the drafting of state costed implementation plans for safe schools in 13 States.
“It also provides school grants, safety kits training and awareness raising to accelerate the implementation of the minimum standards for safe schools.
“As we remember the Chibok girls and all children whose rights to education have been compromised, let this somber anniversary serves as a catalyst for change”, UNICEF said.
Speaking with The Tide, Dr Nwachukwu Ginikanwa said the anniversary should serve as a wakeup call to the authorities to take the issue of security seriously.

John Bibor

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Fubara Has Rekindled Rivers Hope-Former Envoy

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As the one year anniversary of the Governor Siminalayi Fubara administration in Rivers State draws closer, a former Chairman of Eleme Local Government Council, Amb.Oji Ngofa, says the Governor has rekindled the hope of Rivers people.
Amb. Ngofa said within the one year of the administration, the Governor has shown a sense of connecting the people and the government unlike the immediate past administration led by Chief Nyesom Wike.
The former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) explained that within one year, Rivers people are seeing a visionary leadership whose imagination is essentially focused on the desire to improve the lives of the people, with the sole aim of creating an economy where everyone can participate.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the forrmer Ambassador said Governor Fubara has been able to engage relevant stakeholders and sectors of the State which, according to him, remains the hallmark of leadership.
He emphasised that with Governor Fubara, no doubt, Rivers State is in safe hands, saying with Governor Fubara, there is the likelihood that the State would be greater than other States.
He noted that the Governor’s vision to develop and give capacity to the people in order to participate in the economy as well as creating the enabling environment for business to flourish in the State, coupled with his peaceful nature, have all combined to endear him to the people.
Amb Ngofa said real power comes from how well one is connected with the people through good leadership, and the people on their own voluntarily surrender to you just as Governor Fubara has demonstrated within the past one year, stressing that that has informed his decision as an astute politician just like all well-meaning Rivers people to align with the Governor in order to move the State forward .
He described Governor Fubara’s milestones in infrastructure, human capital development, health and agriculture as monumental.
Amb Ngofa urged the Governor to ensure his revitalisa- tion programme on Songhai Farms extends to Buguma and Andoni fish farms and Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), and expand on the initiative, as it is critical in job creation for the teeming youths of the State.
“ In his one year in office as governor, Rivers people have seen the difference in terms of governance and total departure from self. Now Rivers people are having easy access to their governor. His focus is on policies and programmes that are capable of revitalising the economy aimed at improving the wellbeing of Rivers people, not just one man. Projects are springing up in all parts of the State, not necessarily in Port Harcourt and Obio,/ Akpor. All in just one year despite the distractions”, he said.

The Port Harcourt ring road loan to small skill medium businesses are one of the biggest achievements of his administration
Aleto- Woji road abandoned by the last administration had been carried on by a government that has interest of the people at heart
Despite the destruction ,he had demonstrated sense of focus on his primary duties as a governor
We are not just seeing monumental projects ,Rivers people are seeing total commitment to create an economy that will enable Rivers people to have a hold on there lives especially with projects like revitalizing Shonghai ,plaintain farms .
It is critical focusing on human capital development .I am aware of his programme of revitalising the economy ,state owned industries through public private partnership
Rivers people hope had been rekindled and those of us who are critic to the governor Wike led administration had been vindicated
Urging Eleme people to support the administration of governor Fubara to achieve their common dream which is development.

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