Author: Gabby

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has called on Muslim clerics in the region to stay alert and prevent any activities that could undermine the peace and stability of their localities. Speaking on Thursday during a Sallah homage visit by the Wukari chapter of the Muslim Council of Nigeria at the TY Danjuma House in Wukari, the governor commended the peaceful observance of the Sallah festivities across the state.

Kefas reiterated his administration’s dedication to fostering peace, unity, and tolerance among all residents, regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. He emphasized that past conflicts should be considered closed chapters and must not resurface.

The governor also highlighted notable progress in his administration’s efforts in education, security, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and the payment of pensions and gratuities. He assured the people of Taraba that his government would continue to deliver democratic benefits to every part of the state.

Earlier, the leader of the Muslim delegation explained that the visit was to pay homage to the governor and express gratitude for his developmental achievements throughout Taraba.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stern warning to sachet water producers, urging them to cease manufacturing unregistered products and to update expired licenses or face punitive measures. This directive was delivered by Chukwuma Oligbu, the Director of NAFDAC for the South-South Zone, following an enforcement sweep across Rivers State, targeting areas such as Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.

As a result of the operation, 16 sachet water factories were forced to close, and their proprietors were summoned for interrogation. NAFDAC attributed the closures to multiple violations, including operating in unsanitary environments, utilizing unsafe filtration systems, submitting false addresses, and using lapsed licenses, among other infractions.

In a statement released on Thursday by Cyril Monye, the Public Relations Officer for the South-South Zone, the agency emphasized that any facility operating illegally or impeding inspection officers would be sealed, and the owners would face legal prosecution. The public was also encouraged to report any instances of unauthorized water production.

The affected factories include Obra Bo Table Water in Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water in Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water in Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA. Additionally, Obuta Table Water, S.P. Nimi Table Water, Soaltam Table Water, and Piasso Table Water, all located in Degema LGA, were shut down. In Akuku Toru LGA, Granpa Table Water, Daa Ajuka Table Water, and Diob Table Water in Abonnema were also closed. In Ikwerre LGA, AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water were among those sealed.

Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, has issued a stark warning regarding the decreasing number of Nigerians participating in elections. Speaking on Thursday in Umuahia during a lecture commemorating the third anniversary of his administration, Otti expressed concern that only 27% of registered voters actually cast ballots in the 2023 general elections.

He cautioned that voter apathy in Abia and across Nigeria could pave the way for incompetent or dishonest individuals to ascend to power. Otti emphasized that when citizens register but fail to vote, they inadvertently create an opening for corrupt or unprepared candidates to take control.

The governor acknowledged widespread disillusionment with the electoral process due to irregularities, but he argued that this should not be a reason to abandon the nation’s political future to unscrupulous elements. “You can say sometimes that when you come and exercise your will, it does not count,” he stated. “If votes do not count, why do politicians campaign? They could just sit down and write the results.”

In a related development, Otti announced the inclusion of commissioners for tertiary education, health, and basic and secondary education in the Abia State Security Council. This move aims to bolster security within the educational sector. He noted that while his administration has significantly reduced kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery, cultism remains a persistent challenge that must be tackled, starting from schools. “The other day, cultists went on a rampage and killed some people in Aba, and then we traced them back to the schools,” Otti revealed.

The Nigerian government has firmly refuted rumors of suspending the Student Upkeep Allowance under its education loan program. In an official statement released on Thursday, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) spokesperson, Mrs. Oseyemi Oluwatuyi, categorically denied any such directive.

Recent reports had suggested that the government decided to halt the disbursement of upkeep allowances to students. However, NELFUND has labeled these reports as entirely false and misleading, emphasizing that no such suspension has been ordered.

The organization urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information that could spread misinformation and create unnecessary panic among students and their families across the country. “The Fund remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting Nigerian students through sustainable financing initiatives,” the statement read.

The Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) has called off a planned excursion for its students to New Bussa, Niger State, due to safety worries expressed by parents and other stakeholders.

According to a statement from the university’s Deputy Registrar for Information and Public Affairs, Abdullahi Datti Abdullahi, Vice-Chancellor Musa Tukur Yakasai made the decision after evaluating intelligence reports on the security conditions in the area. The field exercise was originally intended for Level 400 Fisheries students as part of their mandatory curriculum.

Abdullahi clarified that the Vice-Chancellor had already rejected the proposal to visit New Bussa when it was first suggested, citing his prior knowledge of the security challenges there. The Department of Fisheries has since been directed to identify a safer location for the exercise.

As a result, the students will now complete their field work at Tiga Dam in Kano State, which is considered secure. The university emphasized that student safety is its highest priority, both on and off campus. Abdullahi stated, “The institution never compromises on the well-being and security of its students.” He added that there was never any intention to send students to an unsafe area like New Bussa.

The clarification comes after parents raised alarms about the proposed trip to Niger State, prompting the university to address the concerns publicly.

The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement for the North Central has called on residents and religious groups in Kwara and Kogi states to cease organizing “Ori Oke” prayer meetings in forests and on mountains, citing heightened security threats.

According to a statement from Abiodun Essiet, the SSA on Community Engagement for the North Central, these remote locations have increasingly become hideouts for bandits and other criminal elements. The statement emphasized that such gatherings could place worshippers in danger, urging them to refrain until the security situation improves.

“We appeal to the public and faith-based organizations to temporarily halt Ori Oke prayer sessions in forests and mountainous areas until peace is fully restored,” the statement read. It further noted that worship can be conducted anywhere, and forests are no longer safe due to criminal activity.

The office also called for cooperation with security agencies, which are making significant strides to maintain order and protect lives across the North Central region. Worshippers are encouraged to support these efforts by avoiding unnecessary risks.

The governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the time has come for Nigeria to establish state police forces. He believes this move is critical to addressing the nation’s persistent security challenges.

Speaking at the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) state primary elections held in Ibadan on Thursday, Makinde called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize the creation of state police without further delay. He argued that this would significantly enhance the country’s security framework.

According to Makinde, state police would empower local authorities to gather intelligence more effectively. This, in turn, would enable states to respond promptly and appropriately to security threats within their jurisdictions.

The governor stressed that the current security architecture is insufficient to curb criminal activities. He noted that decentralizing the police force would bring security closer to the people and improve overall safety.

Makinde’s remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity across Nigeria. His call for state police aligns with similar demands from other stakeholders who argue that the federal police force alone cannot handle the country’s diverse security needs.