The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Community leaders

  • Dickson to meet varsity community leaders

    BaYelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson will meet leaders of Amassoma, host community to the state’s Niger Delta University (NDU) following a protest that claimed lives and injured others in the area.

    Dickson, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Francis Agbo, said the meeting followed the unfortunate destruction of property, breakdown of law and order, as well as deaths in Amassoma.

    He named some of those invited as the Ibenanaowei of Ogboin; Amananaowei of Amassoma; representatives of the Community Development Committee (CDC) and a leaders of Amassoma, including women and youths.

    The statement warned that latecomers would not be allowed into the venue of the parley holding on May 25 at the Government House.

    The Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress (APC) continued their fight.

    PDP accused the APC of plotting to destroy NDU.

    But APC, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Doifie Buokoribo, condemned as callous attempts by the PDP-led government to justify the killing of protesters by the police.

     

     

     

  • Biological Diversity Day: Obaseki implores environment activists to deepen awareness

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has implored environment activists, community leaders and local councils to deepen the crusade to preserve the pristine features in Nigeria’s forest belt, noting that more stakeholders are needed in the crusade for the protection of the country’s unique flora and fauna.

    The governor made the call on the occasion of the commemoration of the World Biological Diversity Day marked every May 22, by the United Nations and its various organs.

    According to him, “On this day, it is important to stress the need to conserve nature and preserve the defining features of our pristine flora and fauna, not just for the sake of humans but to sustain diverse ecosystem and other organisms that benefit from our peculiar biological makeup.

    He maintained that it was time to recognise the roles of local communities and local governments in driving government policies on the protection and preservation of our natural world.

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    “Most times the disruptions recorded in biological communities result from the poor knowledge of the long term value of the balance in our ecosystem.

    “The current danger posed by human activities can be mitigated if more stakeholders are identified and carried along in the campaign to save the diverse, interconnection and harmonious relationship among the various animals, plants, the physical environment and other elements of the ecosystem.”

    He described the theme for the 2018 celebration, Celebrating 25 years of Action on Biodiversity, as germane, adding that the partnership with ProForest will enable the state government properly manage and conserve the defining features of its biodiversity.

    He said the state government was working with the Federal Government to preserve the Okomu Forest Reserve, noting that the Okomu National Park is a national asset that must be promoted to boost tourism receipts for the state and the country at large.

    “The commemoration also demands that we synergise to protect wildlife and other elements of the ecosystem that benefit from conserving the environment,” he added.

    According to the United Nations, “2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Since entering into force, the Convention has been implemented through the vision and leadership displayed by countries, non-governmental and inter-governmental organisations, indigenous peoples and local communities, the scientific community and individuals alike.”

    “The results are considerable: the development of scientific guidance for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity for biomes around the world, the entry into force of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation and the creation and implementation of national biodiversity strategies and action plans.”

     

  • OML 30 community leaders unite to tackle oil firm

    Following the crisis in communities hosting Oil Mining Lease (OML) 30, stakeholders have called for a common front to tackle Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL).

    The call was made at a meeting of traditional rulers, the Community Representative Committee (CRC), and the Community Development Board (CDB), at the palace of Dr. Wilson Ojakovo, Oharisi lll, Ovie of Ughelli on Wednesday.

    Residents had alleged that soldiers, supposedly brought in by new  operators, invaded their communities.

    According to reports, different operators, not properly introduced to their leaders, had been parading OML 30.

    Besides, the known operator, HEOSL, had failed to meet its obligations to the communities since March 2017.

    In his address, read by secretary to monarchs of OML 30, the Ovie urged parties to unite to form a formidable force against erring companies.

    Noting the continued neglect of the people by the operator, he said they should stop HEOSL from causing more havoc.

    “We do not benefit much from the business of oil exploration that is being carried out in our lands, and we are here today to do something about that. We want this trend that has continued for so long to stop.

    “Rather than take advantage of the transition among operators to negotiate our stake in the oil business as a united people, we are divided among ourselves.

    “I, therefore, want to appeal to us that this is not the time to fight among ourselves. If we do that now, we should not blame the oil corporations for divide-and-rule in future, because we would have succeeded in dividing ourselves for them to take advantage once again.

    “But now is the time for us to determine how best we can benefit from the oil exploration business in OML 30.”

     

     

  • Al-Makura cautions religious, community leaders

    Al-Makura cautions religious, community leaders

    Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has urged religious, community and opinion leaders to caution their followers against hate speeches capable of breaching the peace in the country.

    He made the call yesterday in Lafia while donating operational vehicles to security agencies in the state.

    He noted that nothing instigated and escalated crisis more than inflammatory utterances, urging the people to desist from such acts.

    He warned that any individual or groups caught making utterances capable of igniting conflict in the state would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    “I would like to appreciate the security operatives who are on the trail of such perpetrators as a number of arrests have been made, while some are already standing trials,’’ Al-Makura said.

    He charged the courts to sanction the perpetrators appropriately in line with the provisions of the law to serve as deterrent to others.

    “This is the only way utterances capable of generating crisis can be reduced, especially as the country prepares for the 2019 general elections,’’ he said.

    The governor also called on all ethnic nationalities in Nasarawa State, especially those living at the boarder communities to eschew bitterness and embrace peace and harmony.

    He gave assurance that his administration would continue to do all within the constitutional provisions, to ensure that a peaceful atmosphere for socio-economic activities thrived in the state.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Umaru Al-Makura, on behalf of the state government donated 35 vehicles to security agencies to boost their operational efficiency in tackling security challenges, especially along the border communities with Benue State.

     

  • Enugu compiles directory on community leaders

    The Enugu State government has said it is compiling a directory of community leaders to improve security and other services.

    Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Poverty Reduction Obinna Mbaeke spoke in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu, yesterday.

    Mbaeke said the database would include contact details of all town union presidents, secretaries, traditional rulers and three members of the neighbourhood watch associations in each community.

    According to him, this will serve as a compendium of people that can be reached in emergency, and in building relationships among neighbourhood groups.

    “Before now, each neighbourhood existed on its own but with this programme, if there is an incident in one community by the touch of a button, security agents will be alerted. And by doing that, fellow neighbourhood groups can block likely escape routes,” Mbaeke said.

    Mbaeke explained that the beauty of the database was that the average resident of Enugu State could own a copy, and will know who to call in any emergency.

    He said the database would eliminate the routine of looking for those who know the divisional police officer or police commissioner.

    The commissioner said security operatives’ numbers would be part of the database.

    Mbaeke said the directory would make hiding of persons kidnapped in urban areas difficult in rural communities.

  • Lawmaker, community leaders seek peace in Kwara

    Lawmaker, community leaders seek peace in Kwara

    The need for peaceful coexistence and unity among Kwara State residents has resonated in Igbaja, Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.

    Politicians, community leaders and traditional rulers took turns to preach unity among the three ethnic groups in Kwara South senatorial district. They said peace is the antidote for growth and development in the area. The three ethnic groups are Igbominas, Ibolos and Ekitis of Kwara State.

    The event was the distribution of sets of computer to Muslim Community Primary School and ECWA Demonstration School all in Igbaja.

    The event was organised to coincide with the birthday anniversary of the former All Progressives Congress (APC) Kwara state House of Assembly aspirant, Kayode Oyin-Zubair.

    Member of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Prince Saheed Popoola attended the occasion.

    Prince Popoola said, “There is need for peace and unity among the three prominent ethnic groups in Kwara South. They are the Igbominas, Ibolos and Ekitis. In unity and harmonious coexistence there will be growth and development. It is the best for the three ethnic groups.

    “What he has done today is a signal to the well-heeled in the society to always spare a thought for the masses and less privileged in the society. I want to assure that we will not relent in our struggle for the betterment of our society.

    Today’s occasion is eventful and I congratulate our friend for good outing. I am here to felicitate with him. I want pray for God to continue to raise him up. It is a very nice occasion.”

    In his remark, founder, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Alhaji Abdulraheem Oladimeji said the people stand to gain in peace and unity.

    Alhaji Oladimeji, who is also the Jagunmolu of Igbomina land urged well-to-do and philanthropic minded people to emulate the kind gesture of Kayode Oyin-Zubair be assisting the needy in the society.

    “But not many of us can do what this our son is doing today as many of us are self-centred and tight-fisted,” he said.

    Represented by Dean Faculty of Education, Al-Hikmah University, Igbaja campus, Prof Julius Lawal, said that “we have a lot to gain in unity.

    If there is unity development will not elude us and no government will take us for a ride.”

    Also speaking, Oludopo of Oke-Iya Ipo, Alhaji Saheed Obadoye aligned with other speakers in praying for harmonious relationship between the communities in the entire Igbomina land and Kwara south in general.

    Earlier, the donor of the sets of computer, Kayode Oyin-Zubair said gesture is aimed at encouraging pupils to be interested in education.

    He said, “This will encourage them to be interested in acquiring education. I still hope to extend same to other three schools in the community. I urge the well-meaning sons and daughters of Igbaja to borrow a leaf from us as government alone cannot do everything.”

  • Deposed maonarch: Community leaders sue for peace

    Deposed maonarch: Community leaders sue for peace

    A group, Igboye Community Elders Forum, in Epe has urged youths of the town to remain law abiding and peaceful.
    It explained that the final judgment in the litigation on the deposed monarch, Oba Michael Onakoya, would be determined by through law.
    The elders, in a statement, explained why the annual Ojude Oba festival did not hold this year.
    The forum said the event was postponed “to ensure a well planned programme that will involve the valuable contributions of all in order to meet the demand and standard of a world cultural festival”.
    The statement was signed by forum Chairman Safiuriyu Bakare and Secretary Anthony Oguntimehin for the four ruling houses of Igboye.
    It said the failure of the community to hold the event had nothing to do with the litigation between a section of the Ewade ruling house and embattled Oba Onakoya.
    The statement said there was no breakdown of law and order in the town on the day it was to celebrate Ojude Oba.
    The forum described as false the information on the deposed oba, noting that the right to appeal and seek further redress would be entertained.
    “Understanding that there is a legal wrestling surrounding the kingship in a court of law, it will be an act of subjudice to discuss on the subject matter,” it said.
    The forum explained that it decided to shed light on development in the community to allay fears of indigenes, residents and visitors.
    It urged parties in the matter to remain law abiding and peaceful.
    “Parents and guardians should monitor their wards in order not to be dragged into subterfuge approach to incite the peaceful youths of the community to wreck havoc that will lead to the destruction of life and property,” the group said.

  • Ambode charges community leaders to address menace of cultism

    Ambode charges community leaders to address menace of cultism

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Friday continued the ongoing statewide commissioning of projects to mark his one year in office, just as he charged royal fathers, traditional chiefs and Community Development Associations (CDC) to address the menace of cultism and hoodlums for peace to thrive.

    Governor Ambode, who spoke in Surulere while commissioning a block of 18 classrooms with modern facilities at Lagos Progressive Senior High School and newly upgraded 900 meters Adekunle Kuye Link Road with covered drains, walkways and street light, urged the community leaders to compliment the effort of his administration to massively develop the State by promoting peace and clean environment at all times.

    The Governor, who was represented by the Special Adviser on Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, assured the people that his administration was committed to a safe, secure and clean community, but people must be security-conscious at all times.

    In her welcome address, Executive Secretary of Surulere Local Government, Mrs. Hussein Bamidele thanked Governor Ambode for the projects, saying they would go a long way in boosting the education the students and ease movement in the area.

    Also, a community leader and former Chairman of Coker Aguda Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Chief Mrs Omobolanle Adetutu-Akinyemi said the projects would impact positively on the residents of the area, and commended the Governor for the projects.

    On his part, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1, Desmond Elliot said the projects confirmed the importance attached to education and economic development of the area by the Governor.

    In Lagos Island, Governor Ambode commissioned the newly rehabilitated Olowogbowo Primary Health Centre (PHC) and network of roads in chain of projects being handed over to the public ahead to mark his one year anniversary.

    The road network covers Savage and Onitolo Streets, all in Lagos Island. They will facilitate easy movement of people around the area.

    The health facility located within the Apongbon precinct was upgraded to function for 24 hours with modern equipment, maternity centre and Tuberculosis Treatment centre.

    Speaking through Benjamin Olabinjo, his Special Adviser on Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, at the commissioning, the Governor said the projects represented the fulfillment of his campaign promise to run an all inclusive government where every part of Lagos will feel a sense of belonging.

    He said that his administration was supporting the 37 Local Council Development Areas and the 20 Local Governments in the state to build 114 roads and 90 percent of state government’s counterpart funding for the project had been released.

    The Governor also disclosed that a reform initiated by his government within the local government system in the state was already yielding positive results.

    Ambode, who urged the people to take ownership of government’s projects within their locality, also charged them to continue to support the state government by paying their taxes.

    In Mushin Local Government, the Governor also commissioned a Block of 18 classrooms with modern facilities at Oduduwa Senior Secondary School, Mushin.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, the Governor urged residents to always cooperate with the government both at the local and state levels, to allow dividends of democracy reach them as promised by his government, especially while canvassing their support during the electioneering campaign.

    In his remark, the Honourable representing Mushin Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sobru Olawale Layiwola, commended Governor Ambode for his strides within eleven months of his administration, especially in the area of road construction and street lighting across the metropolis.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Executive Secretary of Mushin Local Government, Mr. Jide Bello, lauded Governor Ambode especially for his leadership style which has given governance a human face and brought it closer to the people.

    The Governor also commissioned various projects in Ikeja Local Government, Onigbongbo and Ojodu Local Council Development Areas in continuation of his quest to transform the State.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, the Governor commissioned 250metres Bisi Ogabi Street with drainage, Solar Powered Street Lights and Customized Letter Boxes.

    At Onigbongbo LCDA, Governor Ambode also commissioned the upgrading of Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Access road to Lagos Homes, Ilupeju.

    In Ojodu LCDA, the Governor commissioned the construction and rehabilitation of 12 blocks of classrooms at Oke-Ira Primary School, Construction of Irepodun and Otunla Street/roads also in Oke-Ira.

  • Community leaders warn against killing road project

    Community leaders warn against killing road project

    Community leaders on Micheal Ogun/Durojaiye Streets in Obele Oniwala, Surulere, have warned against killing the Lagos State Government’s plan to construct road in the area through fictitious claims.

    Some residents are said to be complaining of, among others, an attempt to move high tension wire unto their roof.

    But Surulere Local Government Executive Secretary Mrs Bamidele Hussain denied the claim, saying some government agencies had visited the place and approved the road.

    The road, she said, is one of the 114 roads embarked upon by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “Contrary to the allegation that Ikeja Disco did not approve the relocation of electric poles, Surulere Local Government is under Eko Disco which have duly approved the shift as well as issued outage order accordingly. Indeed, relocation of the electric poles have commenced,” she said.

    According to her, the Obele Oniwala Community Development Association submitted Michael Ogun/Durojaiye roads as part of the 20 roads proposed to be Mrs Hussain said only buildings with illegal structures erected on road setback and drainage will be affected.

    Baale of Surulere High Chief Kareem Jinadu Awoyemi appealed to the council chief not to be discouraged by some of the residents’ attitude.

    Awoyemi said the area is residential and not commercial, adding: “There were no shops in front of the buildings when we moved here; you only have trees in front of the houses. People demolished trees in front of their houses; some erected shops there, others dug soakaway formerly at the back yard to pave the way for more rooms in their apartment,” he said.

    The road, he said, would bring more development to the area.

    The community CDA Vice-Chairman Mr Oluwole Onalaru said only a few residents were making the fictitious claims.

    “Government has briefed us concerning the road construction and we support it. It’s going to bring progress to our community,” he said.

    CDA Assistant Secretary Gloria Queen said a series of meetings were held with the residents to enlighten them about the project.

    The Eko Disco, she said, also assured us that shifting of the high tension wire would cause no problem.

  • Community leaders protest relocation of inmates

    Community leaders protest relocation of inmates

    Community leaders in Anambra State, under the aegis of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), yesterday, marched on the streets of Awka protesting the Federal Government’s relocation of 47 suspected Boko Haram insurgents to Ekwulobia prisons.

    They said the development had made investors flee the state.

    The protesters chanted war songs and carried placards with inscriptions: “Ekwulobia is not a maximum prison”; “Investors are fleeing”; “Enough is enough, Southeast does not need Boko Haram suspects”; “We will not fold our arms and watch”.

    Speaking through its National President, Dr Jude Okolo and Secretary-General, Mr. Peter Nwagu, the group said it received with shock, news of the relocation through the Nigeria Prisons Service.

    They said the relocation was not well thought out, ill conceived, ill considered, grossly insensitive, condemnable and unacceptable to Anambra people, nay Southeast region.

    “The Ekwulobia prison is a minimum prison located in the middle of a densely populated community and surrounded by tertiary institutions; it is inadequate for such inmates of high security risk.

    “There is no military presence in the case of recurrent prison breaks associated with the insurgents.

    “This is a flagrant disregard for prison conventions and best practices worldwide. The courts in Anambra have no jurisdiction to try them for offences committed in other states, so why bring them here.

    “The continued presence of these inmates is a trauma too many for Ndi Igbo. It is incomprehensive that a minimum security prison in a densely populated community with no military presence should be considered suitable to house these dreaded detainees.

    “We urge the Federal Government to rescind this decision and take steps to relocate these detainees from Anambra” they said.