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THE STATES

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Bauchi

The Bauchi State Government would soon take over the
management of some community schools in the state, the Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu has said.
Speaking on Friday in Bauchi during a meeting with members of the Parent-Teachers-Association (PTA), Zaranda Community Secondary School, Aminu said the take over of the community schools by the government was informed by its decision to ensure smooth running of the schools.
He revealed that the government had earlies posted some teachers to head such schools to ensure that government policies pertaining to education were implemented in those schools and warned that government would not pay compensation for lands where such schools were sited either for expansion or further development.
The commissioner, who told the Zaranda community that their school was among those schools that would be taken over by government, added that a standing committee had been appointed to assess the school to enable it to know its status.
Kano

Kano State Government has solicited for collective ef-S
forts in total eradication of polio in the state, saying it is a social responsibility.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran, made the call at a press conference held at the ministry to mark the World Polio Day celebrated annually on October 24.
The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Dahiru Musa, said that the ministry had organised a rally to celebrate all those committed to the fight against polio.
The Special Adviser to the government on Disabled, Alhaji Usman Yahya, who doubled as a member of the Polio Survivors Association, commended the efforts of the his fellow members.
The Director Primary Health and Disease Control of the Ministry, Dr Nasiru Mahmud, said the state government had spent over N140 million in the past year to strengthen routine immunisation in the state.

Kaduna

The Chief Imam of Nupe Central Mosque, Kaduna,
Malam Muhammad Nafi’u, on Friday urged Nigerians to pray for the success of the 2015 general elections.
Nafi’u who made the call after the Friday congregational prayers in Kaduna, said the prayers would help in restoring the faith of Nigerians, adding, “prayer is the solution to problems; It will also  strengthen the country’s unity.’’
He called on politicians to play politics with maturity, shun sectarianism and focus on what would bring unity among the people.
The clergyman said that politicians should see themselves as servants of the people and the youths to shun violence during campaigns.
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible polls in the forthcoming general elections.
Nafi’u reiterated that both Muslims and Christians should pray for the peace, unity and harmony of the country.

Katsina

The Musawa Local Government Council in Katsina State
said it has earmarked N4 million for the rehabilitation of boreholes and semi-urban water schemes in the area.
The Council Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Kira, disclosed this on Friday while handing over the working tools to the council’s Director of Water and Sanitation, Alhaji Adamu Hussaini-Garu.
Kira said the initiative was aimed at improving potable water supply in the area to safeguard public health adding that boreholes’ spare parts and other tools for the project were supplied through a committee established by the council.
He said the exercise would be handled through direct labour by the water and sanitation department, in collaboration with community water supply voluntary groups.
Kebbi

The Kebbi Command of the National Drug Law Enforce
ment Agency (NDLEA), on Friday promised to collaborate with the state Ministry of Information and Culture to fight drug abuse and human trafficking.
The Commandant of the agency in the state, Mr Okon Ulo, who gave the promise when he visited the ministry said that the command would establish a joint drug abuse control committee with the ministry.
The commandant said the ministry’s role in information dissemination was very vital, which underscored the importance of the partnership stating that the NDLEA would continue to rehabilitate drug offenders to make them fit back into the society.
The state Commissioner of Information and Culture, Alhaji Shehu Sambawa, assured NDLEA of the support of the ministry in the fight against drug abuse and drug trafficking.
Nasarawa

The Nasarawa State Police Command said on Friday it
had arrested 23 suspects and recovered four stolen vehicles, arms, ammunitions, charms and other items recovered from them..
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Ismaila Numan disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Lafia.
Numan said items recovered from the suspects include; “One AK 47 Rifle, eight locally made pistols, two live cartridges and two rounds of live ammunition. “Others are one Hilux bus, one Vectra and two end-of -discussion  Honda Accord, cutlass, face mask and police uniform among others.”
He said that five of the suspects were arrested for alleged armed robbery, eight for alleged rape, seven for alleged criminal conspiracy, one for alleged mischief and two arrested for illegal possession of arms.
Numan commended the public for supplying information to the command, saying that was responsible for the achievement it recorded.

Oyo

The Executive Director, Human of  Substance Empower
ment Initiative(HOSEI), an NGO, Miss Abiola Abiade, said on Saturday that only youths with different vocational skills would  survive economic hardship.
Abiade who said this in Ibadan at the graduation ceremony of 20 youths sponsored by the NGO on a three-month  vocational training programme declared that the organisation was ready to contribute its quota toward  women and girl child empowerment.
The Chairperson of  MAGI, Alhaja Tawa Malik, congratulated the graduands for completing  the programme and explained that MAGI was engaged  in sensitising women and the girl child against societal ills such as human trafficking.
Plateau

The Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) said it
would commence the installation of speed limiting device in commercial vehicles in the country from June, 2015.
The Sector Commander of the commission in Plateau, Mr Sunday Maku, who made this known on Friday in Jos at the commission’s “ember months” sensitization campaign, said that the measure was among others being taken to minimise road traffic crashes across the country.
Maku also decried the violation of traffic regulations by drivers “who consistently use phones, drive against traffic lanes, and overtake at bends and corners” and warned that offenders would be sanctioned.
In his remarks, Mr Jonah Emor, Chairman, Plateau chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, thanked FRSC for its sustained efforts to minimise road crashes in the country.

Taraba

A group of veteran labour leaders  in Taraba on Satur-
day advised   members of the Nigeria Labour Congress  against engaging in  partisan politics.
The spokesperson for the group, Alhaji Faruk Waziri, gave the advice at a news conference organised by the former labour leaders in Jalingo.
According to him, the independence and sanctity of labour union can only be preserved through political neutrality.
“We are compelled to issue a stern warning to labour unions, individuals or organisations against endorsing or aligning themselves with  any political candidate,” he said.

Zamfara

The United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), Kaduna field office, has commended the efforts of Zamfara Government in its fight against poliomyelitis.
UNICEF Communications Officer, Alhaji Rabiu Musa, at an occasion to mark this year’s World Polio Day in the state, described the measures put in place by the state government as “remarkable and worthy of emulation by all”.
He said that if the state government maintained the tempo, the issue of poliomyelitis would soon be history in the state.
In his contribution, the representative of WHO, Alhaji Yusuf Argungu, urged parents in the state to continue to present their children for immunisation against the six child-killer diseases.

Governor Sule Lamido (left) of Jigawa with the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi during Sallah Dutse on yesterday.

Governor Sule Lamido (left) of Jigawa with the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Nuhu Sunusi during Sallah Dutse on yesterday.

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NCSU Hails Tinubu’s Intervention in Rivers Crisis

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The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the political rift between Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, describing the move as timely, strategic and crucial to restoring stability in the State.
The union also urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to reciprocate the President’s peace efforts by working harmoniously with Governor Fubara to promote good governance and political stability.
Speaking in an interview in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU, Comrade Chukwuka Richman Osumah, said President Tinubu’s intervention has demonstrated responsible national leadership and reaffirmed his role as a unifying figure.
According to Osumah, the President’s action followed a formal appeal by the union calling for federal intervention in the protracted political crisis, a response he said clearly showed Tinubu’s concern for peace and development in Rivers State.
“By intervening at this critical moment, Mr President has done what was long expected of him as the father of the nation. His action has laid to rest doubts and speculations about his commitment to restoring peace and political stability in Rivers State,” Osumah said.
He expressed satisfaction that the intervention had effectively halted impeachment threats against Governor Fubara and his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noting that the development provides an opportunity for sober reflection and a renewed focus on governance.
Osumah said the resolution of the dispute would allow the governor to concentrate fully on delivering dividends of democracy and advancing development across the oil-rich State.
While acknowledging the political realities in Rivers State, the NCSU chairman said he had no objections to the recognition of Chief Wike as the political leader in the State, while Governor Fubara remains the constitutionally elected governor.
“The most important thing is peace. All parties must sheathe their swords and embrace reconciliation in the overall interest of Rivers people,” he said.
He appealed to lawmakers, particularly those aligned with Wike, to act in good faith by complying with the presidential directive to drop all impeachment plots and work collaboratively with the executive arm of government.
According to him, a harmonious relationship between the legislature and the executive would create opportunities for effective lawmaking, smooth execution of constituency projects and improved service delivery to citizens.
Osumah further advised the lawmakers to set aside emotions and sentiments and conduct themselves in line with democratic norms and legislative rules of engagement, warning that actions capable of destabilising governance would no longer be tolerated by the President.
He also noted that the President’s peace initiative has paved the way for lawmakers to fully relocate to the new Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, commending Governor Fubara for completing and equipping the facility to support effective legislative work.
Expressing optimism about the future, Osumah said Governor Fubara was disposed to reconciliation and would readily respond to genuine peace overtures from the lawmakers in the interest of the collective wellbeing of the State.

He concluded by thanking President Tinubu for once again demonstrating his commitment to Rivers State, urging all political actors to align with the presidential directive and prioritise stability, good governance and public service.

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Group Tasks Rivers Govt To Establish Foundation In Honour Of Onyeishi Etche, Oche ENB Opurum

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A sociocultural group in the Etche ethnic nationality of Rivers State, the ELGA Committee of Friends, has called on the Rivers State Government to establish a foundation in honour of His Eminence, Oche ENB Opurum, the Onyeishi Etche and the only surviving member of the founding fathers of Rivers State.
The call was made by the Mayor of the group, Eze Charles Nweke, during an exclusive interview in Port Harcourt. Nweke described Oche ENB Opurum as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience and commitment to the struggle that led to the creation of Rivers State, stressing that such historic contributions should not be allowed to fade into obscurity.
According to him, honouring Oche ENB Opurum would amount to honouring the collective sacrifices of the founding fathers of the state, while also serving as motivation to younger generations that selfless service to society is valued and remembered.
“To keep the memories of the founding fathers alive, the only surviving member needs to be properly honoured. That is why we are calling on the state government to set up a foundation in honour of Oche ENB Opurum,” Nweke said.
He added that beyond symbolic recognition, the government should also consider incentives and welfare support for families of the founding fathers of Rivers State, noting that some of them are currently living in difficult conditions.
Nweke warned that neglecting the families of those who fought for the state’s creation could discourage future generations from making similar sacrifices for society and the nation at large. He urged both government and non-governmental organisations to take practical steps to preserve the legacy of the state’s founders through institutional support, scholarships, and historical documentation.
Meanwhile, the ELGA Committee of Friends has commended the Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Chief Chima Boniface Njoku, for what it described as proactive and people-oriented leadership. Nweke noted that Njoku is the first chairman since the creation of the council to embark on comprehensive assessment tours across communities in the local government area.
He said the tour reflects the chairman’s commitment to grassroots development, adding that communities across Etche are already feeling the impact of his administration, particularly in the ongoing grading and rehabilitation of roads across Etcheland.
The group also passed a vote of confidence on the Executive Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon. Uchechukwu Obasi, praising his developmental strides and governance style.
According to Nweke, the leadership of both council chairmen has brought pride to the Etche nation, assuring them of the continued support of the group as they work to deliver dividends of democracy to their people.

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Registrar Bags Award Of Honour Urges Students To Prioritise Academics

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The Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Port Harcourt, Dr Ajie Chinonye, has charged Nigerian students, particularly those at the postgraduate level, to remain focused on academic excellence and eschew all forms of violence, cultism and social vices that undermine scholarship and societal development.
Dr. Ajie gave the charge while receiving an Award of Honour from the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, led by its President, Barrister Chidi Enyi, during a courtesy visit to him in his office.
He stressed that the primary purpose of studentship is the pursuit of knowledge, noting that academic excellence must be pursued with vigour and commitment. According to him, involvement in cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices poses serious danger not only to the university system but to society at large.
The Registrar reaffirmed that IAUE, under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku, maintains zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice and all acts inimical to the smooth running of the institution.
Dr. Ajie further urged postgraduate students to see themselves as role models, saying they have a responsibility to lead by example for undergraduates and younger scholars to emulate.
“As postgraduate students, you are expected to prove yourselves as the best in character, conduct and academics. Society looks up to you to demonstrate excellence in all standards,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr. Ajie disclosed that his background as a student unionist contributed significantly to his leadership journey, encouraging the students to leverage their positions to make positive impacts in society.
He also advised the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union to strengthen collaboration with Deans of Graduate Studies across institutions in the state, noting that such partnerships would enhance effective administration and help the union achieve its objectives.
While commending the union for its unity and commitment to promoting students’ welfare and scholarship, the Registrar assured them of the university management’s continued support towards initiatives that advance academic growth and student wellbeing.
In his remarks, the President of the Rivers State Postgraduate Students Union, Barrister Chidi Enyi, said the award was conferred on Dr. Ajie in recognition of his outstanding track record, commitment to educational development and exemplary service to humanity.
He expressed appreciation to the Registrar for his support for postgraduate students and promotion of academic excellence, adding that the union was proud to identify and work with leaders who prioritize education and student welfare.

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