The Nation News

Category: News

  • Enugu govt. tasks citizens to maintain environmental hygiene to avert outbreak of cholera

    From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

    Enugu State government led by governor Peter Mbah has called on the residents of the state to maintain a high level of hand, food and environmental hygiene to avert the outbreak of cholera.

    The Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary health care development agency, Ifeyinwa  Ani- Oshekwu made this call during a media chat in Enugu.

    She urged the citizens of the state to observe the call of keeping their environment clean to avert the outbreak of cholera pandemic that is currently ravaging some parts of the country.

    The Executive Secretary in summary described cholera as a disease of poor hygiene which have stayed over the years and has led to so many deaths.

    According to her, “Cholera is caused by a bacterium known as fibria choleric. It has two major variant, 01 variant and 0139 variant, both are highly contagious.

    “You can get it from water that is contaminated, food that is not well prepared or from poor hygiene  l sanitation and environment.

    “Cholera has seasonal Spike and its seasonal period is during the rainy season. At certain times of the year, we tend to witness a higher occurrence especially during the rainy season. 

    “People get infected through different ways, once an individual get infected with the bacterium, they continue to excrete it in their feces, especially in areas where we have poor sanitation.

    “People can explore open defecation, they can use the farm land or environment that is so poor. When the rain fall, it has an ability to wash this infected waste into water sources, especially those that probably use the stream”.

    “People can get infected via this contaminated water or food that has been contaminated with this organisms.

    When you use the restroom and did not wash your hands, it can be spread from person to person and that is what leads to the epidermic. 

    “The primary spread of cholera is through fico oral means, either through contaminated finger, water or food that is not well cooked” she said. 

    She further advised the citizens to play safe by drinking boil water gotten from open contaminated sources for 10 minutes, adding that citizens should ensure that their food are well cooked. 

    The executive secretary noted further that the people of the state should practice good hand care, by washing their hands before cooking, serving food, eating food and after using the bathroom.

    She also urged the citizens to ensure that their utensils, vegetables are washed with water and salt, and as well ensure that their environments.are kept clean always.

  • Ebonyi lawmaker, Nwoke partners Interpol Africa on security

    Uchenna Okeh, Abakaliki 

    Ebonyi State House of Assembly member, Victor Chidi Nwoke, representing Abakaliki North constituency has partnered the chairman of interpol Africa, CP Henry Uche on security. 

    Nwoke who received the new chairman of interpol Africa at his country home, Nkaliki in Abakaliki local government area of Ebonyi State, urged him (Uche) to assist him in recruiting youths of his constituents into the Nigerian Police Force.

    He, however congratulated the new chairman of the interpol Africa, Henry Uche for the elevation, and prayed for God’s protection upon him. 

    Nwoke further pleaded for his support in the area of recruitment of the youths of his constituents into the Nigerian Police Force, so as to minimise unemployment rate in his constituency and the society at large.

    “I appeal to you for more support in the areas of recruitment of the youths of my constituents into the Nigerian Police Force, so as to minimise unemployment rate in my constituency and the society at large”

    “Let me also use this medium to once again congratulate you on your recent emergence as the Chairman Interpol Africa, and I pray God to continue elevating you higher” he stated.

    Earlier in the remark, the new chairman of interpol Africa, CP. Henry Uche said he was delighted to have officially visited the Lawmaker at his residence after his election and inauguration as a legislature in the Ebonyi State.

    “I am highly delighted to have officially visited you at your residence after your election and inauguration as a legislature in the Ebonyi State hallowed chamber, I want to further congratulate you on your election victory during the polls and at the election petition tribunal which took place last year”

    He assured the Lawmaker, Nwoke of his unflinching support to ensure he succeeds, especially in the area of security and otherwise.

    “I want to assure you of my unflinching and ever ready support to ensure that you succeed in office, especially in the area of security and otherwise” he noted 

  • NPA laments over the activities of sea pirates, kidnappers in Nigeria

    NPA laments over the activities of sea pirates, kidnappers in Nigeria

    By Ene Ene , Calabar 

    The Nigeria Ports Authority, on Thursday, explained that the activities of sea pirates, kidnappers have played a major role in casting doubt in the minds of international key players in the maritime industry .

    NPA however, canvassed for strategic synergy among maritime stakeholders in the country to ensure effective and efficient port operations.

    The Manager of Calabar Port, Olumati Festus, made this known during a public lecture delivered at the Senate chambers of the University of Calabar.

    He stated that the establishment of federal ministry of Blue Economy by the present administration has placed enormous task on the shoulders of maritime stakeholders in ensuring that they pull their resources together and strategies to boost activities of the ministry to deliver on it’s mandate.

    The lecture theme; ‘Promoting Safety in Maritime Industries, Pollution Prevention and fire Safety’ was organized by the department of oceanography, University of calabar.

    He stressed  that without proper synergy among the various maritime stakeholders, the ministry would find it difficult to function efficiently.

    Olumati said “with collaboration of maritime security Stakeholders and management of Port Authority vessels cruising to and fro the water channel can deliver their goods and services without obstruction from sea pirates, kidnappers and other sea crimes disturbing maritime activities.

    “This is why we are calling for collaboration of maritime security Stakeholders and management of Nigeria Port Authority to ensure that vessels passing through our water ways delivery goods and services without hitch.”. He maintained.

    The Port manager stressed the need for the safety of vessels, personnel and other strategic components of the sector, adding  that no financial institution and insurance firms would guarantee letters of credit for exporters and importers whose businesses are sites  at destinations prone to the nefarious activities of anti maritime actors,    

    Olumati, however lauded  the Nigerian navy and the marine police for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the waterways  boundaries are safe for international trade to thrive.

  • Monarch advocates for peace, unity, development in Kogi

    Monarch advocates for peace, unity, development in Kogi

    By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, Kogi 

    The Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area Traditional Council HRM, Oba  Muyiwa Ibeun has advocated for peace,  unity and development in Kogi State.

    Oba Ibeun, who is the Elulu of Mopa gave the charged on Thursday at a meeting with the area traditional council.

    The Monarch who was newly coronated  as the Elulu of Mopa congratulated other Chiefs who were recently graded, part of which are HRH Oba Oloruntoba Reuben Faromo, the Oba of Ikeji; also Oba of Okedagun and Balogun of Mopa (HRH) Olafemi Clarence and others.

    He appreciated the Chiefs, stressing that they are his colleagues in the development of Mopamuro Local Government Area.

    Ibeun, however urged them as custodians of the people to entrench the spirit of unity that Mopamuro is known for to ease development.

    He added the Mopamuro Local Government Area Traditional Council is the  structure recognized by the government to relate with the Traditional Chiefs, with much emphasis on  unity of the people.

    Earlier in his remarks, the Alamuro of Amuro, His Royal Highness (HRH), Oba Modupe Aiyedogbon emphasized the need for unity, adding that it is when the traditional council is united they can bring development and growth for Mopamuro.

    The Adetula of Ilai, Oba Ibilaiye Samuel also thanked Oba Ibeun for his tireless efforts in coming up with   ideologies and projects that will make Mopamuro great again.

    On his part, the Baale of Patia, HRH, Rotimi Omokore applauded Oba Ibeun for his approach to leadership, ask other Obas to work with for the growth of the land.

    The Traditional Chiefs unanimously appreciate the Government of Kogi State led by governor, Usman Ahmed Ododo just as they  seek for more  collaboration and support for the continuous development of the State.

  • Gov. Ododo Flags- Off Loan disbursement, vows to boost agriculture in Kogi

    By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, Kogi 

    The Administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in partnership with the World Bank, has flagged off the Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan disbursement under the ACReSAL project. 

    Th Nations News Nigeria reports that the scheme is a proactive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of climate change and supporting community agricultural efforts.

    Governor Ododo, in his remarks at the flag off ceremony at the Government House in Lokoja earlier today, expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders involved in the project and emphasized his administration’s commitment to agricultural development. 

    The Governor noted that within five months, his administration has implemented various initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity,  including the provision of agricultural machineries for mechanization, agricultural inputs, training, and capacity building for farmers.

    The CRF loan disbursement prioritizes women, with 70% of the beneficiaries being female.  

    He urged the ACReSAL CRF  beneficiaries to  utilize the loan judiciously, stressing that it is designed to support their agricultural endeavors and improve their livelihoods.

    Ododo assured that the loan would boost agricultural practices in the catchment areas, leading to increased food production and security.

    Earlier, the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, represented by Jibril Abu, emphasized the importance of partnership for progress, as highlighted in the 17 thematic areas of the SDGs. 

    He commended the Governor for his leadership and commitment to the development of the state.

    Also, the State Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Ladi Jatto commended the Governor for his total commitment to the success of the project in the state, saying the Governor has made it easy for the people of Kogi to take advantage of the project. 

    She called on the beneficiaries to make the best of the opportunity presented by the presentation of cheques to them by using the funds for the purpose stipulated. 

    Each of the cluster group of farmers went home with 25,000 USD each. 

    The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru and his Environment and Ecological Management counterpart, Engr Olusegun Joseph, thanked the Governor for paying due attention to the plight of the rural poor. 

    The Obaro of Kabba and the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland also commended the Governor for his efforts in supporting the agricultural sector. 

    They urged the beneficiaries to ensure timely loan repayment, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and community development.

    The beneficiaries in their separate remarks expressed their gratitude to Governor Ododo for the unprecedented prompt payment of salaries, especially the recent payment of June salary before the Sallah celebration festival saying it’s the first of it’s kind for the workers of the state civil service. 

    They maintained that the salary had delivered multiple positive economic improvements on the living standards of the people.

    While appreciating the State Government for the opportunity, the beneficiaries assured Governor Ododo of their determination to ensure judicious use of the loan.

    The CRF loan disbursement is a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural development journey, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and the state’s agricultural sector as a whole.

  • Lawmakers pass bill to protect, prevent discrimination of people living with HIV, AIDs in Kogi

    Lawmakers pass bill to protect, prevent discrimination of people living with HIV, AIDs in Kogi

    By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, Kogi

    The Kogi State House of Assembly has passed into law a bill to provide for the prevention of HIV and AIDs based discrimination and promotion of the rights and dignity of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDs.

    The Lawmakers passed it into law at the floor of the house of assembly on Wednesday.

    It was gathered that the Speaker of the house, Aliyu Umar Yusuf before the passage of the bill led other members of the Assembly to consider the bill clause by clause after forming into committee of whole.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Joint Committee on Health, Judiciary, Justice, Legal Matters and protocol, Ochidi Usman Shehu, while presenting his report before the Lawmakers at the hallowed chamber, said the bill which has been passed into law will protect the rights and dignity of people living with and affected by the HIV and AIDS.

    He noted that the law will eliminate all forms of discrimination based on their HIV status, and to create a supportive environment for them to work under normal conditions for as long as they are medically fit to do so.

    On the terms of reference of the bill before it was passed, the Lawmaker explained that, the Joint Committee was mandated to determine the appropriateness of all the Clauses in the Legislative proposal and subject same to Legislative examination with a view to recommend the Bill to the members of the House for passage.

    ” The Committee considered the legislative provisions in the Bill and resolved that Public Hearing be held on the Bill to allow the critical stakeholders participate in the lawmaking process.

    “The public hearing was held on Thursday 30th May 2024 and in attendance were the Stakeholders, At the Public Hearing, views were exchanged, observations noted, and opinions expressed for better legislation”.

    “The Joint Committee, having analysed the submissions of the stakeholders and clauses of the Bill, come up with the following amendments for consideration and passage into law. The proposed amendments are to wit.  Page 12, No 11, sub-clause 3, should end with the following wordings “State or Federal Ministries or institutions or Health”. 

    “Page 16, Clause 19, sub-clause 3, for instance “Commissioner” was mentioned without mentioning which of the commissioner, we recommend it should read “Commissioner for Justice” and any other place where “Commissioner” is mentioned, the Commissioner designation should be mentioned. 

    ” Clause 6(1) as couched is a a mare statement, instead of the phase “have a right to freedom from discrimination” it should be couched to read: “people living with or affected by HIV or AIDS shalt not be discriminated upon based on their real or perceived HIV status”. 

    “Clause 7(1) is also an admonition that leaves as option for anyone to comply or not. To give it the force of Law since a breach of same would be sanctionable, the Clause should read thus: the rights of people living with HIV or AIDS is hereby protected and any form of HIV discrimination in any social or employment setting, health and educational institution or religious centres is hereby forbidden” he stated.

    The  Committee before the passage of the bill proposed that an amendments be considered to form part of the Bill for consideration.

     The Committee further recommends that all the clauses (Section) of the bill not affected by any of the proposed amendments should form part of the bill for consideration and passage, 

    except as otherwise resolved during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill. 

  • Kogi Assembly approves recruitment of 1050 hunters

    Kogi Assembly approves recruitment of 1050 hunters

    By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, Kogi 

    The Kogi State House of Assembly has approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters to strengthen the security architecture of the State.

    The Assembly gave the approval during the house plenary on Wednesday in Lokoja.

    The Nations News Nigeria gathered that the state government led by governor, Usman Ododo had forwarded a letter to the State house of Assembly requesting for approval of the recruitment of 50 hunters each for the 21 Local Government Areas of the State.

    The letter was sent to the House by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Salami Ozigi Deedat.

    After reading the letter at the hallow chamber, the Speaker of the House, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that it was previously resolved by the lawmakers that given the security challenges in the State, and the shortage of manpower, there was need for the recruitment to take place.

    In a voice vote, the Legislators unanimously approved the recruitment of 1050 hunters, adding that the payment of their salaries will be shouldered by the Caretaker Chairmen of the Local Government areas.

  • C’River: After 30 yrs of abandonment, Gov. Otu resumes work on Adiabo-Ikoneto road

    By Ene Ene,Calabar

    The governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu has after thirty years of abandonment, resumed work on the Adiabo-Ikoneto road in Odukpani Local Government Area of the state.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Adiabo community, Otu expressed gladness for the commencement of work on the road which has been abandoned for more than 30 years. 

    “This road has been a vision and dream. It gave me a lot of pain when work on this project stopped a few decades ago and looked like its completion would never happen. But I never knew that God was going to use me to get this project to fruition.”

    The Governor commended the people for their long-standing support throughout his political journey while pointing out that the Adiabo-Ikoneto road, when completed, will bring development to the area and also to the state. 

    He noted that the road would yield ease of access to Creek Town Road at the Odukpani area of the state. He recalled that the road should have been fixed since the regime of Late Sani Abacha GCFR as the Head of State of the defunct Military Government of Nigeria.  

     “We know what infrastructure does to every community. We are making an effort to take infrastructure to all nooks and crannies in the state. What we are doing here, we are also doing in Calabar; in the central district, and in the northern senatorial district. We are not leaving any locality out of it. We have shared the resources in a way and manner that is balanced so that our aggregate growth as a state can come off structurally.” He said.

    He stated that the administration is working tirelessly to ensure that government presence is evident and felt at rational quota in every part of the state, he maintained that “this government came to change the narrative and add value to life. We will create an economy that will carry everybody along, and also opportunities for everyone to benefit.”

    Otu tasked inhabitants of Adiabo-Ikoneto to be law-abiding, and supportive to the project, as discipline remains a critical ingredient for building a serene and robust society.

    The Governor expressed his belief that the project contractor, Zenith Construction Company Limited, who had been part of the abandoned project since its inception over two decades ago, having a good knowledge of the nagging issues of the project, would bring its expertise to bear and deliver the job in record time.

    In his remarks, the lead engineer of Zenith Construction Company Limited, Engr Tony Makhlof, expressed delight at the re-commencement of the project after over 30 years of hiatus.

    He applauded the governor and his cabinet for graciously approving the construction of the road.

    The construction company pledged to deliver on the project following contractual obligations, quality assurance and utmost professionalism.

    On the other hand, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Pius Ankpo, said the about 11-kilometre project will the construction of three bridges across swampy areas but it  is commencing with the first phase of 4.5 kilometres, to make for effective resource management.

    He promised that his Ministry would provide the professional supervision of the project to be completed at the stipulated 18-month period

  • C’River: NAPPS Affirms Okwu as new President, rejects Osok

    C’River: NAPPS Affirms Okwu as new President, rejects Osok

    By Ene Ene Calabar 

    The Cross River State chapter, National Association of  Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), has affirmed Gowin Okwu, as it’s new state president.

    The stakeholders of the association who affirmed  Okwu, alleged that the embattled state president Mr. Abraham Osok, came to power five months ago,via a kangaroo electoral process that was  marred by irregularities. 

    Speaking to our correspondent in Càlabar shortly after the affirmation by NAPPS stakeholders, Pioneer state president of NAAPS, Ramsey Ebam-Ndep, said, “We just did the affirmation of Sir Gowin Okwu as our new state president.

    “To the extent  that, the election that was  purported to have been conducted some months  ago  by some persons  was absolutely illegal. 

    “They constituted a particular team that was illegal to conduct that election. We  want to let people to  know that we have just affirmed our  new state president in the person of Godwin Okwu.

    “The certificate issued his opponent some months ago  by a particular  group was fake and illegal, and so we decided to do the right thing”. He said.

    In his post affirmation speech, NAAPS new  state  president, Godwin Okwu,lauded the stakeholders for finding him worthy to led, pledging to bring in reforms that would take the association to an enviable pedestal.

    Also, NAPPS  Board of Trustee (BOT), Ubong Edet-Iwang, averred that Okwu’s affirmation as the new state president remains one  of the best decisions ever taken by the school proprietors association given the potentials that  they see in Okwu regarding the transformation of  the association.

    In his remarks, NAPPS immediate past president in Cross River State and leader for  current move for actualization of NAAPS in the state, Elder Edet Obot, described Okwu as the ideal man who the association has been in dire to led as their state President.

    “All chapter Chairmen in three to four local chapters were denied thier franchise in the purported kangaroo elections that is tagged illegal. 

    “How could you deny some chapter Chairmen opportunity to participate in the electoral process and you think that we will honour that sham you call election. It won’t work”. Obot queried.

    In a telephone conversation shortly after the affirmation, Chairman NAAPS Board of Trustee ( BOT), who doubles as one time National President of the association, Saidu Mijinyawa, lauded the stakeholders for taking a bold step to  affirm  the  new state president.

    The BOT chairman urged stakeholders in Cross River State to  work like a team as team work  remains the surest way to achieve success.

    In a swift reaction, the embattled Cross River State NAPPS president, Abraham Osok, who spoke to our correspondent on phone said that Okwu’s affirmation was laughable saying ” I remain the authentic President of NAPPS in the state.
     

  • Gov. Ododo vows to end water scarcity, rehabilitates old Lokoja water works

    By Odimayo Olatunde Fredrick, Kogi

    The Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has reiterated the preparedness of his administration to end water scarcity in the state.

    The Nations News Nigeria reports that the governor, Ododo, equally approved the rehabilitation of Lokoja old water works.

    The Kogi State Commissioner for Water Resources, Yahaya  Farouk,  disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Lokoja.

    Farouk explained that the plant is intended to supply water to some areas of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, pending the completion of repairs at the Greater Lokoja Water Works which was damaged by floods in 2022.

    According to the Commissioner, “the State government is taking pragmatic steps to replace equipment submerged at the Greater Lokoja Water Works, though this will take at least 12 months to complete” he said.

    He emphasized the administration’s commitment to address the water scarcity, and however, appealed to residents for patience, assuring them that efforts are being made to resolve the issue.

    “Before Friday, contractors will resume work for the rehabilitation of old Lokoja water works. It has been approved and cashed back by the Governor of Kogi State. Within the shortest possible time, water supply will return to Lokoja metropolis” he stated.

    Farouk, however debunked reports making the rounds that the reservoir for old Lokoja water works has been sold out.

    “This is not true and should be disregarded by the general public. This are the hand work of mischief maker who keep spreading fake news just to discredit the government efforts at restoring water back to Lokoja metropolis”.

    The Commissioner seized the opportunity to intimate journalists about the arrest of some suspects who vandalized armoured cables for greater Lokoja Water works in Ganaja Village.

    “I am convinced that it was an internal problem. We wrote to the State Police command and arrest were made concerning some suspects who went to vandalized armoured cables meant for greater Lokoja water works.  

    “The private security agencies were engaged and later sent a report that some people has own up that the armoured cables was sold to someone in Ganaja.

    “We have tank A which will is supposed to serve supply to tank b have also been vandalized. We will arrest all of them no matter their hiding place. Any person that vandalize public infrastructure that is expected to serve the people will not go unpunished.

    “I want to use this opportunity to emphasize on community ownership of our installation across the State.  I must commend  Ayegunle Gbede a community in Kogi East that has been protecting our infrastructure in their locality. There were part of our water  equipment that was auction about five years ago.

    ” The auctioneers could not come close because the community stood their ground insisting that they must see the  ministry of water resources before any thing could be done. This is what we want and should be replicated across board. We must stand our ground to stop the vandalization of our critical infrastructure in Kogi State” he stressed.

    He maintained that the procurement process of greater Lokoja water works is about 80 percent, stressing that, the government has almost concluded plans with the contractors to bring the plant back to shape.

    He commended the robust relationship between the  government and working journalists in the State adding that, this has brought about rapid development and good governance for the people of Kogi State.