Katsina State Executive Council Approved N15.6 Billion Naira Socio Economic Project

The Katsina state Executive council has approved for the execution of various projects amounting to over fifteen point six billion naira for the socio- economic wellbeing of people in the state.

The state commissioner for works, housing and Transport, Engineer Tasi'u Dandagoro disclosed during a press briefing shortly after the executive council meeting presided over by Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

According to the commissioner, the projects include the asphalt lay on existing nine surface dressed roads across the state including the provision of shoulders on the roads.

Such roads, he said included Tudun Iya- Maska- Dandume road; Fago- Dannakola- Rijiyar Tsamiya road; Dogon Marke- Yari bori- Kafur road and Malumfashi- Dankanjiba- Mahuta road.

Others, according to Engineer Tasi'u Dandagoro include Batsari- Jibiya road; Dandume- Sabuwa road and Tama- Bindawa- Charanchi roads.

The rest of the roads, he said include Bakori- Kandarawa; Eka- Kadandani- kuraye - Yargamji as well as Mararrabar Sayaya- Sayaya- Mazoji- Tashar Icce roads. 

Engineer Tasi'u Dandagoro announced that Katsina state government will this year construct 150 affordable housing units at the total sum of 1.932 billion naira.

The works commissioner also announced that 38 reinforce concrete line drains will be constructed in communities that are prone to flood in the state.

Also speaking during the press briefing, the state commissioner of Health, Hajiya Mariyatu Bala Usman announced that a standard medical laboratory will be constructed this year.

She announced that a substantial number of health workers request to attend in service training in both Nigerian Institutions and abroad had been approved by the executive council.

The state commissioner of information, culture and Home affairs, Alhaji Hamza Muhammad Borodo who coordinated the press briefing announced that the executive council has approved for the establishment of Faculty of Agriculture for Umar Musa Yar'adua university Katsina.

On his part, the commissioner for sports, Alhaji Abdu Habu Dankum announced that the state government will spend 242 million naira for the provision of tattern tracks at Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

He said other facilities would also be provided to make the stadium to accommodate Olympic sporting tournaments in future.

Alhaji Abdu Habu Dankum announced that the development would help the state government to generate revenue through sports and engage youths meaningfully.

Maikaya Campaign Organisation Felicitates With Amazon Ahmed Ladidi

The leadership and members of Maikaya Campaign Organization  has rejoice and congratulate one of her strongest loyalist,  Amazon Ahmed Ladidi, on the occasion of her birthday; 1st February 2018.

In a press release by Comr. Yahaya Idris on behalf of the Maikaya Campaign Organisation,  he said that Ladidi's valuable contributions to  Maikaya organization and passion for the common good have continued to be exemplary to those who wish Nigeria and particularly Nasarawa State well.

"Your irreducible loyalty to the struggle ahead 2019 election has indeed proven that you're an icon success to reckoned with Yahaya said.

Quoting Hon. Mohammed Maikaya,  he said "Ladidi tremendous achievements in the area of making youths at State level is a welcome development".

"This is yet another birthday that is not only well deserved but also timely, Maikaya stated.

The DG Maikaya campaign Organization, Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Sabo Keana also added his voice by saying,  "As you add another fresh year to your age, we pray to Almighty Allah to grant you good health, wisdom and courage to meet the challenges of your respective office in the Maikaya Campaign Organisation (MCO) to justify the confidence reposed in you by this great converted political union. 

2019: APC Presidential Aspirant Promises To Prioritise Security

Mr.  Ibrahim Lajada 

An All Progressives Congress Presidential Aspirant, Mr Ibrahim Lajada has promised to priotise security if voted president in 2019.

Lajada made the promise in Abuja on Sunday while fielding questions from newsmen.

`Protecting the lives of Nigerians will be a priority to me if I become president of Nigeria in 201i9, "he said.

 `The first thing I will do if I am voted into office is to ensure that there was a well equipped military manpower to combat any threat to the sovereignty of the country,``he said. 

Ladaja who commended Buhari on talking insecurity, urged him to do more to check the current security situation in the country.  

"I commend the president on his achievement so far in the area of security  but there are still more to do in the area of security in the country,"he said.

The presidential hopeful said that, there was a need to provide modern gadgets for the military to combat insurgents in the North East and other criminal activities in other parts of the country.

He said that there should be adequate provision for the families of military men who paid the supreme price to protect the country.

"The families of military and security personnel who lost their lives in protecting the country should be well catered for,"he said.

He said that there was need also to make the Nigerian Military and other security agencies compete favorably with their counterparts globally. 

On the herdsmen and farmers clashes, he promised to take drastic measures to check the ugly situation if voted president.

He noted that the if the attacks by herdsmen was allowed to continue, it would deter foreign investors from coming into the country

``Protecting the lives of Nigerians will be a priority to me if I become president of Nigeria,``he said.

He said that there should be adequate provision for the families of military men who paid the supreme price to protect the country.

Ladaja who commended Buhari on security, urged the government to do more to check the current security situation in the country.  

He said that there was need also to make the Nigerian Military and other security agencies compete favorably with their counterparts globally. 

On the herdsmen and farmers clashes, he said that it should not be allowed to go out of hands, says he will tackle it frontally when voted into house.

On the economy, Lajada promised to create more job opportunities by reforming the economy sector by enhancing the capacities of the small businessmen.

"In doing this  I will ensure that there is steady power supply to boost the economy,he said.

He added that that the country would become the poorest in the world if it failed to create jobs for the teeming unemployed in 2018. 

"Having built my own business of oil and gas from the scratch if given the opportunity, I will transform the country,"he said.

He said that his campaign organisation which comprised of Nigerians across the country would mobilise support for his ambition.

"Lets be sincere with ourselves, President Buhari has not done anything for him to run for second term. 

"If you ask the governors who have endorsed him to tell you what he has done to deserve a second term, they would not be able. If the president goes for a second term the country would not survive,he said.

Lajada who will be 40 years in some months time runs an  oil and gas business  in the USA.

Permanent Voters Card Is Now A Requirement For our Year 2018 Pro Bono Publico Service - Castle of Law

At Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, there is a deliberate policy to make legal services available to all. This policy is rooted in our belief that as a Law Firm the most useful contribution we can make to the society is to use our knowledge and expertise to make meaningful impacts on the lives of the less privileged, thereby bridging the gap in access to rights, services and justice.

Our Pro-Bono Publico services come fully packaged with legal counsel and representation with the same quality and intensity our paid briefs enjoy for the indigents.

We are very much interested in bridging the gap between a wrong and it's remedy, taking pride in making our own little contribution to addressing the issue of access to justice by poor and marginalised Nigerians.

The nature of our free legal services has meant that we've connected to the people we serve, and the issues they face have become our own reality as a firm.  

It is therefore in keeping with our corporate sense of duty to the people and our society that we now introduce an innovation in our pro-bono publico services.

Going forward, and at the point of contact, beneficiaries of our Pro-Bono services would be expected to present their Permanent Voters Card as a pass to continue enjoying our free legal services. This in no way impinges on the innate quality of our Pro-Bono services ; completely free and qualitative.

We believe that this introduction is necessary as a social responsibility to the people and the nation. There is , however, the need to adequately and properly capture this innovation in a national strategy. All law firms and legal aides groups are hereby invited and urged to adopt this innovation to give it more width and spread.

This way we engender an awareness in our political culture and provide safeguards for our democracy and the democratic processes.

Signed

The Management,

Kayode Ajulo & Co. Castle of Law, Nigeria.

Police Nabs Four Man Gang Of Vehicle Robbers, Recover 19 Vehicles From Them

Hafsoh Isiaq, Osogbo 

The Osun State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has arrested a four man gang of armed robbers who specializes in snatching motor vehicles from their owners at gun point. 

The command's Commissioner of Police Olafimihan Adeoye while parading the suspects said 19 vehicle were recovered from them

The suspects includes Kehinde Badmus (the ring leader),  Adeleke Timothy, Akoodu Olufemi, and Adenle Babatunde Olusola. 

The cars were recovered four suspects who are Adeleke Timothy, Akoodu Olufemi, Kehinde Badmos and Adenle Babatunde Olusola. 

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Fimihan Adeoye paraded the suspects.

The CP said 12 Toyota Camry cars, four Toyota Corolla cars, one Toyota Highlander Jeep, one Nissan Sunny car, were recovered from the suspects.

Other items recovered are one locally made pistol, one life cartridge local charms and 13 pieces of 6 yards Ankara.

Adeoye said their arrest was prompted following the complaints by some of their victims including Mrs Nasir Olanike Fatima, Mr Shittu Saheed, Mr Bamidele Babatunde, Mr Adewale Adebiyi and Mr Lateef Akerele.

He added that upon receipt of the complaint,  a team of police officers lead by SP Adaramola O. Felix swung into action where investigations lead the team to Ondo,  Oyo, Who, Ekiti and Osun states respectively.

While commending the efforts of the FSARS men for the operation, Adeoye said the suspects will be charged to court in due course. 

Save Ijaw Nation Commends Gov Dickson On Restructuring

……Calls upon APC government to be sincere with implementation of recommendations

The Save Ijaw Nation Group has commended the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, for what it called His consistency, in the advocacy, for the Restructuring of the country, especially as preparation intensifies, towards the 2019, General elections.

The group commended Governor Dickson, for consistently speaking out at this critical time and for supporting the Opinion of patriotic Nigerians who have been talking, about the current structure of Nigeria, which is No longer working.

It also appreciated the Governor Dickson's consistent position on the need to review the long exclusive list in the 1999 Constitution to allow for the transfer of several items to the concurrent legislative list.

In a statement issued in Abuja today, by the Spokesman of the group, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the group said, it is instructive to note that when white pap is gotten from a black pot and the chicken begins to come home to roost, perhaps for once the nation will get it right and live as a nation should truly do.

"As much as we and Nigerians have given up on the APC and their style of administration of the country, it came as a pleasant surprise that the party's committee will come up with the recommendations it did and in the form it did.

Perhaps the ears that once were blocked and the heart once made rigid can now hear and reason. We commend and salute the courage and statemanship of the Governor of Bayelsa state, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson who has come out openly to commend the Governor Nasir Elrufai led committee about their sincerity and for doing for once what is expected of leaders who listens to the agitation of the people."

"We strongly align our opinion, with Governor Dickson, when He did say that the recommendations had further strengthened the agitations for true federalism and resource control in the Niger Delta and he cannot be less right in his assertion."

"Our group join the governor of Bayelsa state to call on the APC to be sincere with the implementation of the recommendations as restructuring Nigeria would calm frayed nerves and strengthen the nation’s unity.

We call on the leadership of the APC to ensure implementation of the recommendations of its committee on restructuring before the conduct of the 2019 General elections if only they wish to redeem whatever is left of their draining integrity."

The Group further said, implementing the report before 2019 general elections is the only true test of the sincerity of the APC on the recommendations.

"What the APC committee did in its recommendations was the most fundamental of all the approaches to the burning issue of restructuring in the best interest of the country."

"As a politician driven by conviction beyond partisanship, we commend the Governor of Bayelsa state for his courage in admitting a one-time good from the obviously disappointing APC and also commend the APC on its bold recommendations on restructuring because it was right and worthy of appreciation."

The group further posited, that it hoped that the recommendations of Governor Seriake Dickson must be seriously looked into by all Nigerians, while also challenging the APC to prove doubtful elements in the country wrong by putting in place the right measures to implement the report

Press Release Issued At The End Of A Consultative Meeting Of The Leaders Of Thought Of The Ijaw Nationality

PRESS RELEASE ISSUED AT THE END OF A CONSULTATIVE MEETING OF THE LEADERS OF THOUGHT OF THE IJAW NATIONALITY 

Leaders of Thought of the Ijaw ethnic nation, held an Emergency Consultative Meeting at the country home of Elderstatesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, OFR, CON, in Kiagbodo, Delta State. Amongst others, the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Rt. Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson; the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency (Barr.) Deacon Kingsley Burutu Utuaro, former Governors, former Ministers, members of the National Assembly, President General, Ijaw Youth Congress, IYC, Barr. Oweilaimi, Academics, Clergy and other Leaders were in attendance.

2. The Meeting discussed issues pertaining to current events in the country, the situation in the Niger Delta and matters pertaining to the wellbeing of the Ijaw people.

3. After exhaustive discussions, the Ijaw Leaders agreed as follows:

i.       Reaffirmed the collective determination to preserve the unity and promote the interest of the Ijaw nation and the wellbeing of its people in the six States of the Federation within the context of a united Nigeria;

ii.     Reviewed with satisfaction the on-going efforts to conduct elections to fill positions in the Ijaw National Congress;

iii.    Re-echoed and commended various groups in the country, who have continued to bring up the question of Restructuring of the country to the centre place in national discourse;

iv.    Reaffirmed the position that Restructuring of the country is about the survival of the Nigerian nation and that the Ijaw people will align themselves to candidates who canvass the position in the forth coming 2019 General Elections;

v.     Salutes the work on by the Committee on Restructuring set up by the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) led by Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; hoping that this is being done with genuine commitment and sincerity;

vi.    Constituted a high level Committee, led by Prof. Emeritus Dagogo Fubara, to further study the recommendations of the Governor El-Rufai Committee, realizing that the Ijaws have been the most affected and short changed by the prevailing situation in the country;

vii.   Calls on the ruling APC to take the gauntlet, to open the report of the El-Rufai Committee alongside the earlier work done by the 2014 National Conference, for national debate within a set time frame;

viii.  Calls on Mr. President, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to show the courage in setting a legislative agenda in place to implement the outcome of the critical issues raised in these Reports, as a way of bringing about a Nigeria where equity, fair play and justice reigns;

ix.    Reaffirmed its commitment towards the proposed South-South Mega Rally on restructuring to be held in Yenagoa on 24th March, 2018 under the auspices of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF); Issued in Kiagbodo, Delta State on Tuesday, 30th January, 2018.

x.     Noted with concern and worry, reports regarding possible winding down of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, PAP since this has been the instrument for sustaining peace and security in the Niger Delta Region;

xi.    Commended Governor Henry Seriake Dickson for his untiring work in building bridges of peace and unity across the country, and his efforts to position Bayelsa State as the light house of socio-economic transformation in Nigeria;

xii.   Express appreciation to the Elder Statesman, Chief (Dr.) Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, for his continued leadership, doggedness and contributions to the stability and progress of Nigeria.

The Expensive Joke Of Delta APC

By Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza

Jokes generally are meant to elicit laughter from members of the public or whoever is the recipient of the joke. In some instances, when jokes sound more toxic it obviously elicits responses or reactions that may not be complimentary.

In the true sense of it, jokes make more sense when it comes from comedians or those who want to lift the spirit of the listener or recipient of the joke. Jokes are meant to be treated as jokes or dismissed outrightly as having no genuine or reasonable effect.

But when a political party, in this instance, the All Progressive Congress APC, that is supposed to be serious in the business of galvanizing public opinion or interests towards the attainment of good for the larger members of the public,  turns itself to a mere joker, then there is cause for concern about the mental status of such group or individuals who make up the group.

One of such dry jokes of the APC in Delta State was the tissue of lies dished out in the name of article by one uninformed/deluded character called Erefoluwa Keka, who claimed to be the Publicity Secretary of Warri South West APC on pages 28 and 29 in the January 30, 2018, edition of the Vanguard newspaper, where he painted pictures that are at variance with the realities on ground in Delta State. 

The misguided author of the article, while trying to give an over bloated impression of the capacity of Delta APC, clearly demonstrated that he didn't spare a minute to allow his write up to benefit from a moment of deep thought.

The author of the article and his pay masters in our own thinking could benefit from the services of an ophthalmologist who specialises in the treatment of glaucoma to enable them see and realize that even those who contested against Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the Governorship primaries of the PDP are holding senior and very sensitive positions in the cabinet of the Okowa led administration. Besides, a good number of the foot soldiers of other contestants in the PDP Primaries are today advising and assisting Governor Okowa in various capacities. And so to talk about an attempt to depress or suppress those who contested against him, is to say the least, another dry joke.

The joker called Delta State APC, represented in this instance by Erefoluwa Keka, talked about the mismanagement of the Peoples mandate. We must sincerely thank them for acknowledging for the first time that Governor Okowa indeed got the mandate of the people. For this open acknowledgment, we will forgive them for attempting to distract the government that came to be on account of this freely given mandate of the people when they (the APC) challenged Senator Okowa's victory up to the Supreme Court. But again, we suggest that the ophthalmologist may need to stay close by, as the author Erefoluwa Keka and his co- travellers may benefit from another clinical examination to see that thousands of young Deltans have now become entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

The attempt to accuse Dr Okowa of running a clannish and nepotistic administration is yet another joke that is not well thought out, as every section and ethnic groups in the state are fully represented in the Okowa administration. 

Reading through paragraph seven of the article, we are tempted to believe that the author may not have visited Delta State in the last two years, otherwise, he would have seen the efforts of the Okowa led administration in the area of road construction, aggressive opening-up of rural communities, reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools, revamping of technical colleges in the state, rehabilitation and equipping of hospitals, tackling of flood through the construction of storm drainages and so many other social and infrastructural development projects across the state.

In the last two and half years, the Okowa led administration has awarded contracts for the construction and reconstruction of 150 roads and line drainages out of which over 40 have been completed and commissioned. What makes the article a joke is the fact that the author who claimed to reside in Warri South West is not even aware that road construction is going on in the very remote creek of Okerenkoko in Warri South West as well as 18.7km roads in Ogulaha, Obotobe I & II, Sokebolo and Yokri roads in Burutu Local Government Area. Oporoza, the 2.193km Obitonbon Rigid Concrete Pavement road in Ogidigben, Ode-Itsekiri township roads among others. 

The writer also alleged that teachers in the employ of the Delta State Government are being owed salaries, that is another joke! It is on record that the Okowa led administration is one of the very few administrations in the country that have constantly paid the workers in the State employ, including teachers and have also assisted the local government councils in the state to lessen the burden of payment of Primary School Teachers and Local Government workers. 

The Okowa administration has also taken seriously the issue of settlement of the inherited pension liabilities which came about as a result of the migration from the old pension scheme to the contributory pension scheme. 

The jokers in Delta State APC who are always in the business of equating the serious act of governance with propaganda, are talking about re-introduction of school fees in Delta when primary and secondary education are still free in the state. It is imperative to point out that the scholarship and bursary schemes in the state are still in operation,  but the jokers in the APC are looking for ways to have access to the funds and lavish it hence they could not understand the functionality of the reforms introduced to make the initiative result oriented.

The Federal Sports Authority represented by the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Barr. Solomon Dalung, has commended the Okowa led administration's efforts in the area of sports development. The reconstruction of the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba and the assistance in the completion of the Delta Polytechnic Stadium in Ozoro are clear manifestations of Governor Okowa's commitment to the development of sports in the State. 

One other reason why we suspect that the APC members are not seeing clearly, is the allegation of abolition of the free Medicare for under-5 and pregnant women as well as senior citizens of seventy years and above. On the contrary, the Okowa led administration having launched the Universal Health Coverage scheme, undertook the responsibility of paying the premium for this class of Deltans.

Another joke that tends not to agree with the age of the writer is the allegation that the Okowa led administration is building roads in the strong hold of opposition leaders to achieve political points. While we commend them for even accepting that we have built roads in the supposed enclaves of the opposition leaders, we want to set the records straight by reminding them that our roads and programmes are neither initiated nor executed on the basis of partisanship. But come to think of it, the multiple projects they (APC Delta) acknowledged have been executed in Delta North, were they also for the purpose of achieving political points?

One of the first strategic decisions taken by Governor Okowa on assumption of office is the restructuring and repositioning Of DESOPADEC. The decision which necessitated the amendment of the parent act was of the view to getting oil bearing communities to reap adequately from the establishment of the agency. We are not in any way surprised that Erefoluwa Keka and other members of the APC are not able to see the difference and the impact of DESOPADEC because what they are used to is how to short-change the people through phantom contracts. 

We are very very convinced that the modest achievements of Governor Okowa in the area of upgrade of infrastructure across the three Senatorial Districts, the all inclusive governance structure, the pursuit for peaceful and harmonious relationship among the various ethnic groups clearly make him the preferred candidate in the 2019 elections.

  

Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza is the State Delta State Publicity Secretary of PDP.

Bayelsa Gets New Commissioner Of Police

CP Don Awunah

Bayelsa State Police Command has announced the resumption of new Commissioner of Police. 

He is CP Don Awunah. He takes over from CP Asuquo Amba, who has been redeployed to Counter Terrorism Unit, Force Headquarters Abuja.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer in Bayelsa command, DSP Asinim Butswat, said the new Commissioner of Police assumed duty 29 January, 2018. 

Until his present posting, he was the Commissioner of Police in charge of Counter Terrorism Unit, Force Headquarters Abuja.

CP Awunah is a Benue born seasoned Police officer, with vast experience in policing. 

He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1988, after successful academic career from the University of Lagos. He holds BA (Hon) Philosophy, M.A. International Relations and Strategic Studies and M.A. Peace and Security Studies.

He is also a proud Fellow of Security Institute (fsi), Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and has attended several courses, notable among them are: Crime Prevention: Transnational Organized Crime-Unafei Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan; Study Tour of England and Scotland Police Formations; Community Policing Training, Huston, USA, Police Leadership Management-Community Policing, Scottish Police College, Scotland; Train the Trainers Workshop on Trafficking in persons in collaboration with ABA-Africa, Minna, Nigeria, and National Security Training, Israel.

Awunah has held several command positions such as Community Policing Project Manager, Contingent Commander, Nigeria Police Contingent-United Nations Integrated Mission, Timor-Leste. Area Commander Owerri, Area Command, Imo State; Assistant Commissioner of Police, CID Department Akwa Ibom State; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Edo State. Deputy Commissioner of Police-Homicide Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Deputy Commissioner of Police-Force Public Relations Officer; Commissioner of Police Training/Courses, POLAC Kano and Commissioner of Police, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) Force Headquarters Abuja.

The statement said the Commissioner held a maiden briefing, yesterday 30/01/2018, with the Officers of the Command, where he charged them to be discipline and exhibit courage and compassion in the discharge of their duties. 

He cautioned officers against unprofessional conduct and promised to imbibe democratic policing with professionalism and best practices. He encouraged the officers to reach out and partner with the public to ensure the security of lives and property, as economic activities can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

"The Command by this announcement, solicits the co-operation and partnership of the good and well meaning people of Bayelsa State, to accord the new Commissioner of Police, the necessary support to discharge his duties of maintaining law and order in the State", the statement concluded.

I Have Done Well As Police Inspector General - Idris

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, has given himself a pass mark, saying he has done well as Nigeria’s police chief.

IGP Idris, who delivered a keynote address on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during the 9th General Assembly of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, said his “successes” in the police was because of a code of conduct for police officers, which he said he successfully “institutionalised”.

The code is otherwise called ‘Our Creed’, IGP Idris said.

“This code of conduct for police officers has succeeded in eliminating all forms of illegal and unlawful conducts that are not in conformity with the principles of democratic policing, such as unlawful arrest, prolonged detentions, torture, commercialisation of bail process, incivility to members of the public, extra-judicial killings and victimisation,” IGP Idris told the traditional rulers, which included the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar.

He said such conducts had in the past contributed to the negative perception of the police.

He appealed to the traditional rulers to help sensitise Nigerians that they do not have to pay money to secure their release on bail at any police station.

“Encourage your subjects to report any police officer who demands money for bail to the Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU) which is domiciled in my office through the online media and phone calls,” the IGP said.

The IGP acknowledged the recent nationwide campaign for the abrogation of the dreaded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS for its impunity.

He said the abrogation would be counter-productive to the nation’s fight against crimes.

“There may have been misconducts among some of the officers but that will not be enough to dismantle the unit to the detriment of public interest,” he said.

“To make the FSARs more responsive, effective and of high ethical standards, I have reorganised and repositioned the Unit which is now under the direct supervision of a Commissioner of Police in the Office of the DIG Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja.

“The Unit is now to concentrate only on heinous crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. They are not to be involved in land cases and other minor offences. The Commissioners of Police in the states are also to have a close supervision on the activities of FSARS in their states.

“The traditional rulers have the role and responsibilities to observe the activities of FSARS and you can attest that they have been a tremendous improvement in their conducts and actions,” the IGP said.

The IGP said his “successes” in crime-fighting across the nation was because of the support from the various traditional rulers.

He, however, advised the traditional rulers to desist from conferring chieftaincy titles on persons with a questionable source of livelihood.

“If children and youth in our communities are aware early in life, that crime is evil and does not pay, it will reduce criminal tendencies in them,” he said.

Governorship Aspirant Reiterates Need To Address Gender Barrier In Politics, Governance

Medinat Adesoye,  Osogbo 

A governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) for the September 22 gubernatorial election in Osun State, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi has reiterated the need to address the issues of gender barrier in politics and governance so as to encourage inclusiveness.

Alabi said this while delivering a public lecture organised by National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) Osun State chapter.

The NAWOJ lecture with the theme "The Role of Woman in Nation Building" was held at the Press Center of the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Osogbo, capital of Osun State on Tuesday.

He expressed the need to encourage and support the female children to gain quality education that can enable them serve the nation without inhibition of any form. 

Alabi explained that if the female children are given the opportunity, they could do well like their male counterpart.

According to him "the female children are regarded more or less important thereby preferring the male children to the female children which also affect their development in life particularly on education." 

He also emphasized the need to give chance to women to participate in politics and be part of governance. He said they have huge roles to play.

Earlier, the Osun NUJ chairman, Comrade Olalere Abiodun encouraged the women to show interest and participate in politics so as to enable them to partake in governance..

Speaking on the occasion, the National Auditor of NAWOJ, Mrs Olushola Jacob said about 59 women were elected as councillors in the just concluded local government election in the state and that it was a good development that the women were allowed to contest and voted to serve.

Katsina Goverment To Facilitate The Establishment Of Textile Factory

Governor Aminu Bello Masari has pledged to do everything possible to facilitate the establishment of textile factory in the state by Vilisco Holland company.

Alhaji Aminu Masari was speaking when he received the chief executive officer of the Vilisco Holland company, Mr David  Suddens who led the company' s team to pay a courtesy call at the government house council chamber.

The Governor told the company officials that any investment that touches cotton is an investment worthwhile for the people of Katsina state.

He said before the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, Katsina state was responsible for 60% of cotton being produced in the country.

Alhaji Aminu Masari announced that huge market exist for Vilisco Holland wrappers as women in Nigeria cherished wearing such wrappers.

On the request for adequate energy for the textile factory to take off, Governor Masari who agreed that Nigeria has a sad story of trying to produced energy however assured that the current leadership is up to the task.

So far, he said Nigeria under president Buhari had achieved 7,200 megawatts in December last year.

In Katsina state, Alhaji Aminu Masari explained that three energy projects are coming up soon.

These, he said include two solar powered energy and a wind energy.

He announced efforts being made by the federal government to turn around the production of energy, adding that they include 33 KVA lines being energised for Daura, Katsina and that of kankara.

He revealed that very soon the minister of works, housing and power will be coming to commission the energise Funtua 33 KVA line.

The Governor therefore expressed the hope that Katsina state government will meet the expectations of the vilisco Holland company for the textile factory to come on board . 

Earlier, the chief executive officer of Vilisco Holland company, Mr David Suddens told the Governor that the company has over 100 years presence in Nigeria.

Mr David announced that the company plans to start spinning and weaving in Nigeria as against staying in Holland and shipping the wrappers.

He said the company had started printing of wrappers in Ivory coast while the company hitherto import its products to Nigeria from the textile in Pakistan.

Mr David told Governor Masari that textile is a competitive business that needed uninterrupted energy and requested the government to intervene in that regard.

The special Adviser to the Governor on international relations and investment, Alhaji Ibrahim Zakari told Governor Masari that the company officials visited Katsina before and are here to formalise arrangement to establish a textile factory in Malumfashi.

Evacuated Libya Returnees Presented With 10,000 Cash By Osun Government

Hafsoh Isiaq, Osogbo

Osun State Government under the leadership of Mr Rauf Aregbesola has presented cash of 10,000 naira each to Libya returnees who are indigenes of the state recently evacuated while uniting them with their families.

The state indigene returnees were handed over to their various families in Osogbo, on Monday by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon Mudasiru Toogun.

The returnees who include nine females, a young man and a five month old baby, arrived Nigeria previous Friday and were received at the Hajj Camp, Port Harcourt International Airport.

They were camped in Osogbo and taken care of by the government.

Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Toogun commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his timely response for the evacuation of the returnees to Osun, stating that the governor is always concerned about the plight of Osun indigenes within and outside the country.

Toogun appreciated Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ministries of Special Duties, Youth and Special Needs, Heath, Osun State Police Command and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) for their various contribution to the welfare and security actions on the Libya returnees.

He urged the Osun Libya returnees to comport themselves and behave well in the society, just as he appealed to their relatives to embrace and accord them with love, care and affection.

In his remarks, the General Manager of OSEMA, Mr Olanipekun Olarewaju lauded the state government for the hospitality accorded the returnees since their arrival to the time of their departure.

The returnees appreciated the state government for the welfare packages provided them, and the good hospitality they received since their arrival.

One of the parents of the returnees who pleaded anonymity appreciated the state government for the hospitality and care bestowed on their children and urged the government not to relent in its efforts to re-integrate them into the society to become responsible citizens.

2019 Election Is A Referendum On Restructuring- Ijaw Leaders

Arising from a meeting of Ijaw Leaders  of Thought on Tuesday, prominent Ijaw leaders across the country have vowed to only support candidates and particularly presidential candidates who genuinely believe and support a restructured Nigeria. 

The meeting which held in the Country home of the foremost Ijaw Leader and elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State took far reaching decisions.  

The leaders urged President Muhammadu Buhari to show political will in ensuring that the country is restructured before the 2019 elections. They said they want a restructured country within the context of a corporate, united and peaceful Nigeria that guarantees equal right for all Nigerians adding that only restructuring can guarantee peace in the country.                   

Shedding more light on the position of the leaders of Thought, Bayelsa State  Governor, Honorable Henry Seriake Dickson said the 2019 Election Will Be A Referendum On Restructuring with its concomitant derivatives of resource control, devolution of power, state police and in deed fiscal federalism! 

He said: "Restructuring is about our existence as a people, it is  not about APC or PDP. We as Ijaws, want a Nigeria that is fair, just and equitable and this is what restructuring represents."  A press statement signed  by the Special Adviser on Ijaw Affairs to the Governor, Dr Felix Tuodolo said the meeting also set up committee to present a coherent position on the Restructuring from the Ijaw point of view.

Prominent amongst those at the meeting were:  Chief Edwin Clark, Deacon Kingsley Otuaro, Alabo Tonye- Graham Douglas, Chief Brodericks Bosimo formers ministers,  Ambassador God knows Igali, Prof. Dagogo Fubara, Prof Nimi Briggs, Prof Joe Ajienka, Prof C. Dime, Prof Steve Azaiki, Dr Pius Sinebe, Chief Wellington Okrika, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw Affairs, Hon Dressy Dressman top government functionaries and a host of other Ijaw leaders.

Police Parade Kidnappers Of 9 Years Old Girl And Armed Robbery Gang

…….Parade Police Impersonator

The Nigeria Police has arrested 6 suspected kidnapper namely: Bello Musa (Gang leader), Musa Sani, Ibrahim Rere, Hudu Yahaya, and Isah Aliyu for kidnapping of one Hadiza Husseini and demanding for Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000.00) at Anguwa Bala Village in Karu LGA of Kaduna State.

Exhibits recovered from them include two locally made dane guns, One locally made pistol, One short Dane gun and six live cartridges.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Jimoh Moshood said that the victim was rescued without payment of any ransom.

The Force spokesperson further said that the suspects during interrogation confessed to the crime and admitted to the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the offence and they will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation.

In the meantime, the one John Torsoo was also paraded for impersonation.

He was arrested by the operatives of the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department (FCIID) in possession of suspected fake documents of auctioned vehicles which he used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

John Torsoo has obtained under false pretence the following amount from four victims: N125,000.00, N135,000.00, N100,000.00 and N84,000.00 respectively amounting to a total of N444,000.00 Only.

Among the exhibits are Fake Documents to Claim Auctioned Vehicles and Seventy Five Thousand Naira (N75,000.00) Proceed of Crime.

“The suspect will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation, CSP Jimoh said.

IGP Idris Appeals To Traditional Rulers To Assist Police In Tracking Criminals In The Country

L-R; The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar III  and The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Kpotun- Idris

Mohammed Baba Busu, Port Hacourt

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Kpotun- Idris, has appealed  to traditional rulers in the country to assist the police in managing the security architecture of the country.

Idris stated this  on Tuesday in PortHarcourt during the general assembly of the council of traditional rulers.

The number one cop, while addressing the assembly, urged them to provide the police with useful information on crime in their localities to enable them to apprehend crime suspects.

He appealed to them to expand the scope of their relationship with the police to accommodate providing logistic support to enable effective police duties.

Idris said the traditional rulers could do that by appealing to their well to do subjects with legitimate sources of income to support the police in fighting crime  in the country.

He, however, appealed to them to refrain from giving Chieftaincy titles to people without legitimate sources of income as that would amount to glorifying criminals.

The top cop advised the Royal fathers not to condone criminality in their domain by exposing all persons with dubious intentions.

Idris, who chronicled the various efforts of the police in having a synergy with the traditional institution in the country, said the efforts had started paying off with more arrests and prosecution of criminals across the country.

He said during such engagements with the police, the traditional rulers were exposed to new Technics in crime detection and also received feedback from the traditional rulers.

Idris said the traditional rulers were at a vintage position to assist the police in crime prevention owing to its respect and authority in the land.

He said they knew their terrain and could lead officers to apprehend criminals that sought refuge in their domain.

According to Idris, the police management team led by him are using community policing to engage different stakeholders in building a cohesive security architecture for the country.

Nigerian Primary School Enrolment Drops To 39.4 Percent

Ajoke Babareke, Enugu

Current Primary School enrollment figure in Nigeria is now 39.4 Percent.

This is one of the key findings of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey five MICs 5, of 2016 and 2017.

The survey also revealed that 60 Percent of children in school Age are out of school.

MICs also revealed that Northeast with 39.5 percent retains the highest number of out of school Age children while Southeast maintains 7.7 percent,lowest of school age children who are out of school.

According to the survey on enrolment of primary school age in Nigeria, "In urban areas there are about 52% , while in rural area we have 33.7%. The Southeast has the highest enrollment with 60.5%, followed by South West, 56.5%, South South 52.5%,  North central is 48.2%, North west 32.5% while Northeast has the worst enrollment of children with 27.2%"

Earlier at a Media Dialogue, in Enugu State, where the key findings on MICs were discussed, UNICEF Evaluation Expert, Maureen Zubie Okolo said Right Data Interpretation by media practitioners and all stakeholders in Nigeria would form basis of advocacy, fund raising and sustenance of development activities in the country.

Okolo also said Data informs policy decisions and enhance advocacy on priorities and development issues.

A representative of Nigerian Child Right Information Bureau, Olumide Osayinpeju also identified MICs as instrumental to strengthening national statistics.

"The two surveys helps in monitoring and tracking progress of towards national and international development goals" he said.

He emphasized the need to use data figures accurately in the advocacy reports of development partners like UNICEF and other related agencies.

According to him, "this is Paramount to the government of the federation it is to guide against contentious issues"

"Issues of data has become very urgent and important not only to the government of Nigeria but also to key partners and stakeholders" Osayinpeju added.

Speaking on Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey MICs and Demographic and Health Survey DHS, the CRIBs representative emphasized that the two surveys are initiatives designed to assist countries in monitoring human development in general and situation of children and women in particular.

FG Issues Red Alert On UBEC Fund

Ajoke Babareke, Abuja

The Federal government has issued red alert to state governments over non-assessment of Funds made available to them through the Universal Basic Education Commission.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu gave the warning while receiving the Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja .

Mallam Adamu who observed that some states have not accessed their funds since 2015, noted that this could have helped them to improve basic education delivery.

The Minister emphasized that solid foundation must be developed at basic education level if the system must be right at other levels.

He assured of Federal Government’s commitment to work with the states in the areas of teacher development and Technical/Vocational

Studies, as both forms part of the Ministerial Strategic Plan developed by the Ministry.

The Minister also directed the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education, Dr. Hamid  Bobboyi to consider possible assistance to Niger state to develop the three special teacher training institutes spread across the state; as well as the plans to re-train teachers in the state rather than contemplating sack which can worsen unemployment situation in the country.

Speaking earlier, Governor Bello briefed the Minister on the deplorable condition of the education sector he inherited, stressing that the situation was terrible in terms of infrastructure and teacher quality.

According to him, the aim of his visit was to solicit assistance of the Minister towards achieving the objective of strengthening the specialized teacher institutes to train fresh teachers, as well as building capacity of existing teachers instead of sacking the non-capable ones.