Mato Congratulates Graduands Of Fidei Polytechnic

... Says God will Open Doors For Them To Become Great Achievers

By Terfa Naswem 

Co-Founder and Cultural Ambassador of Fidei Polytechnic, Gboko, Benue State, Rt. Hon. Mrs Dorathy Mato has congratulated Higher National Diploma (HND) and National Diploma (ND) graduands of Fidei Polytechnic.

In a Thanksgiving Mass held in their honour on Sunday, 1st December, 2024 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Chaplaincy, Fidei Polytechnic, Mato enormously appreciated the graduands for the discipline they exhibited throughout their years on campus. 

While encouraging them to keep the light shining even as they depart Fidei Polytechnic for prosperous beginning, she prayed God Almighty to open ample doors of opportunities so that they will have good jobs, become great achievers and get married to wonderful partners who will give them all the love that they want.

She commended Rev. Fr. Barr. Isaiah Ter, the Chaplain of the Chaplaincy for his potent contributions to the spiritual development of students and bringing out the latent talents in them for self-development.

The Thanksgiving Mass was attended by graduands, students, parents and guardians including staff of the Polytechnic.

Akura Eulogizes Rev. Fr. Dr. Alia For Redeploying Him To Serve The Benue People In High Capacity

...Assures the Governor of a continued loyalty and working synergy to move Benue State forward

By Iortyer Eric

Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, Hon. Dr. Dennis Akura, KSJI, JP, has expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for finding him worthy of redeployment and elevation to a higher Capacity to spearhead the development and stability of the Benue economy.

Dr. Akura expressed his delightfulness on 1st December, 2024, when he received an official notice of his redeployment to high capacity as Special Adviser on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kulas, NIPR.

He assured the Rev. Gentleman of his resolved to redouble his efforts to scout into the dwindling economic system of the state that has lingered over decades and applied his long standing worth of administrative experience to assist him the speedily reshape the phase of Benue economy and to fulfill his campaign promises to the Benue Masses beyond 2027.

While congratulating his new successor at the Bureau, Hon Denen Aondoakaa, who has been reassigned from Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Delivery to Principal Special Assistant on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dr. Dennis Akura, called on the management and staff of the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to maintain their usual good working relationship with the new Bureau Special Adviser to enable him succeed on his new mandate.

He finally called on the Benue Masses to come out en-mass to appreciate Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for the honor done to him & also to celebrate with him on his new higher elevation.

Iortyer Eric is Media and Publicity Aide to the SA on Financial and Economic Strategy, Planning and Development, Benue State.

Attack On Chevron's Olero/Dibi Flow Line: Godwin Ebosa Condemns Attack

... Urges Security Agencies To Fish Out, Prosecute Perpetrators

By Phoebe James 

A prominent  Indigene of Niger Delta, Mr Godwin Ebosa has condemned in strongest terms the recent attacks on the facility of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) at Olero / Dibi/ Abiteye in Delta state, describing it as an act of sabotage.

While further describing the development as premeditated, meant to reverse the success recorded on the nation's economy, to stop it's emergence from the present recession.

According to Ebosa , the attack was needless , capable of reversing the hand of the clock, saying the perpetrators must be brought to book, so as to serve as deterent to others.

The vandals reasons for the attack on the premise of not providing job opportunities for the indigenes was flimsy , and not meant to engage in the destruction of the company's properties.

He called for an urgent investigation into the destruction of the pipelines, stating that the reason was beyond meeting the eyes and pontificating puerilties, so as to get to the nitty-gritty of the circumstances surrounding the incidence.

While commending the community leaders around the area who had made useful sacrifices, making reference to Mr Sunny Omatseye, Tony Aderojo, David Odeli and Mike Odeli among others who have displayed sane leadership qualities overtime . 

He averred that these leaders for a long time had taken  the responsibility of interfacing between the oil company and communities seamlessly, and why were they not consulted by intimating them? .

No doubt , few rascals and irresponsible elements has constituted themselves as leaders to carry out such dastardly and destructive act, rather than deploy lawful means .

He advised the youths particularly in the Niger Delta Region to shun vandalism and destruction of government properties, capable of retarding the progress and development of the area.

The youths according to him are expected to protect the properties of multi nationals companies and report any untoward activities to the constituted authority, while channeling their grievances through appropriate channel.

While appealing to the youths to embrace truce rather than confrontation, he assured them that amicable resolution of crises is sine -qua- non to a crises free society.

"The recent attack and vandalization of the OLERO/DIBI/ABITEYE Crude Flow line operated by the American energy giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Delta State is a very sad development."

"It was a premeditated incident. And it was meant to wreak havoc on the nation's economy, and stop its emergence from the present recession."

 

 "The attack is uncalled for. It is clear that it is a deliberate act sabotage to the national interest. And those responsible for the heinous crime must be brought to face the full weight of the law."

"The reasons given by the faceless perpetrators, particularly that they were not provided jobs by Chevron multinational, was a worthless reason to destroy the pipelines."

 "It is puerile and unacceptable. It is clear that there is more to the attack than meets the eye, hence a thorough investigation is necessary to uncover the actual reason for the vandalism."

"In the area where the incident happened, there is a  structured leadership in place. We have responsible leaders such as Chief Sunny Omatseye, Mr. Tony Aderojo, Mr. David Odeli and Mr. Mike Odeli, among others, who have been living up to their responsibility as leaders of their people."

"These leaders have been taking up the challenges facing their people. If the perpetrators were honest with the reason given - it wouldn't have been necessary to go that far. "

"They should have intimated their leaders of such grievances. "

"It is unfortunate that a few rascals have resorted to destructive tendencies, rather than employ constitutional and lawful means to ventilate their anger."

"Our youths, particularly those in the oil-producing areas, must shun violence and vandalism of government facilities."

 "They should protect oil pipelines located in their localities and present their grievances to known leaders, who would then forward such demands to the oil companies and authorities concerned for action."

 "It is the only way to ensure that grievances are heard and addressed without resorting to violence or other unwholesome actions."

" Anything outside the foregoing has criminal connotations. And it is against the law."

"In conclusion, I make bold to say that the attack on the Olero/Dibi Flow line is outrightly despicable and unpatriotic."

"We urge security agencies to take immediate action to unravel the incident, uncover the identities of the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. "

"It will serve as a deterrent to those who want to commit such crimes in the future. "

"All hands must be on deck to fight this barbarism. The people of the region must join forces to fight this malaise."

 "Crude oil is the mainstay of the nation's economy, and therefrom, our state is given 13% derivation fund for development. "

"We mustn't fold our hands and pretend that all is well. 

Let us go all out against the common enemy."

SIGNED: MR. GODWIN EBOSA

SGBV: Why Imaan Is Advocating Life Sentence For Offenders

By Abubakar Yusuf 

For this year's 16 Days Global Activism Against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) to protect womanhood, stakeholders have gathered to mark the event at the national, and sub national levels all geared towards given adequate protection and attention against domestic violence of all forms , shapes and dimensions.

The 2024 program tagged "No Excuse " was an opportunity to review and reform policies directed and domesticated against violence prone women in the society.

It was also an event by the stakeholders to welcome the new Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi assuring her of their collective resolve to work with her , having been given ample space to drive the ministry to the promise land .

To mark the occasion for this year's 16 Days Global Activism Against Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV),  the Minister in her volition advocated life in prison for those involved in sexual abuse against women in Nigeria.

According to her , this will not only serve as deterent to others , but discourage any form of sexual abuses in all ramifications.

While advocating for life sentence for culprits, Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi promised to work with relevant authorities to ensure the policy came on board and to give women some level of protection and sense of belongings in Nigeria under the law .

Violence against women goes beyond homes , families , offices , among many others , while stressing the need to rejig the "Violence act" been proposed before the National Assembly to ensure it's passage along with the new position of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development,  as well as the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to the Minister , the exposure of women to all violence prone activities has reached its crescendo, hence concerted and concrete decisions must be put in place to continue to protect Nigerian women under the country's law and regulations.

Reviewing the magnitude of the domestic violence activities against women , she stated that the domestication of all anti women programs was not enough to protect , hence a legal framework that will give a blanket protection to our women.

While advocating for the law, she also promised to embark on more awareness, sensitization, and programs that will educate violators and perpetrators of domestic violence against women in the society.

Efforts are also been intensified to organize seminars, symposiums, workshops, talkshops that will prioritize safety regulations for women under the country's law , and encourage the practice under any other circumstances.

The Minster , Imaan Suleiman -Ibrahim fsi also used to challenge the state governments and local governments not to mark the occasion alone , but ensure it is characterised with all forms of activities designed from the first day to the last day tagged , Human Rights day.

She maintained that the protection of women in all forms and shapes cannot be overemphasized, hence the need for stakeholders to continue to collaborate against any act inimical to the welfare of womanhood in the society.

While commending the global body for their usual awareness and intervention, she promised to continue to deploy all necessary government machinery to synergise with the international communities and local collaborators.

Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.

St. Michael's College Of Health Technology Holds Matriculation And Graduation Ceremony

By Terfa Naswem 

St. Michael's College of Health Technology, Ihugh, Vandeikya, Benue State holds its 8th and 6th combined matriculation and graduation ceremony of Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) set 4.

The event took place on Friday, 29th November, 2024 at the college's premises and was attended by staff, students and invited guests.

The Spiritual Father of the day, Rev. Pastor G.N. Ulaa, the resident pastor of NKST Uka, Vandeikya, Benue State appreciated God for giving everyone at the event the privilege to see such a wonderful day.

The Host and Founder of the college, Rt. Hon. Mrs. Dorathy Mato said the establishment of the college is her contribution to the rural communities in area of health care services and to raise Community Health Workers to complement the efforts of the government in provision of Primary Health Care Services; to create job opportunities and produce youths who will be self employed, particularly in Kunav, Benue State and beyond.

The Proprietor of the college, Mr. Michael Mato represented Mr. Donald Terkimbir Upurugh commended all the staff for their potent impact on the development of the college and congratulated both the matriculating and graduating students.

The Guest Speaker, Principal Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Benue State on Youths and Students' Affairs, Comr. Nevkaa Jacob Ternenge eulogized Hon. Mato as a beacon of hope. He said working with Mato for years has equipped him to be able to effectively lead and manage situations in more pragmatic ways. 

He donated bags of cement to support the expansion of the college building and also donated cash to the college. He expressed his alacrity to always support the college when the need arises.

He commended the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for working towards siting the Benue State University of Agriculture, Science and Technology at Ihugh, Benue State which will create job opportunities and benefit those who graduated from the college and beyond.

The event was under the Distinguished Chairmanship of Sabastine Apaa (KSJ), Vice Chairman, Hon. Moses Andoor; Chairlady, Hon. Mrs. Jannet Orukuna; Vice Chairlady, Chief. Mrs. Seember Akaazua Muemue; Chief Host, Hon. Dennis Terkura Guda, Executive Chairman, Vandeikya LGC; Fathers of the Day, Zaki William Nongo, Ortar Mbawuar; Zaki Lubem Iangba, Ortar Mbaakune.

CIKDAS and Cultural Survival Partner to Amplify Indigenous Voices through Community Radio Workshop

By Dansu Peter 

Tagged ' Workshop 2,', the  community media advocacy and capacity building event, organised by CIKDAS with support from CULTURAL SURVIVAL, was a resounding success. 

The event brought together Youths , indigenous community members,  CSO and Physically challenged individuals,  to amplify their voices and promote their rights through community radio initiatives .

Participants emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems, promotion of organic foods culture, and protection of indigenous lands and rights. They also highlighted the crucial role community radio plays in disseminating vital information and advocating for community development.

The event's impact was impactful with attendees expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their experiences and connect with like-minded individuals.

In her welcome address, Jumoke Owoola, the Projects Director of  CIKDAS (  Center  for Indigenous Knowledge, Development and Sustainability) ,  poured encomium on the attendees for showing interests ,   as well as openly appreciated the intervention of Cultural Survival, an organisation that funded the project.

According to her , "Cultural Survival is a  non-profit organisation dedicated to defending the rights of the indigenous peoples as well as amplifying their voices and ideologies globally . They believe in supporting ideas that will always make the voices of indigenous people heard .

Continuing , Owoola who revealed that this was the second workshop to be carried upon by the same organisation on the same topic,  but in a different state in Yorubaland, revealed that , Indigenous radio preserves and promotes indigenous languages, cultures, and traditions. 

   "Community Radio provides a platform for indigenous voices, stories, and perspectives, amplifying their presence in the media landscape. Indigenous radio empowers indigenous communities, enabling them to take control of their own narratives and representations.

 It facilitates cultural exchange, understanding, and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples"

Owoola concluded the on the need for constant awareness and followup campaigns to get both indigenous and non indigenous people involved and informed on matters concerning the indigenous people.

" These are the reasons for getting the selected inhabitants to partake in the workshop"

 In his own remarks , one of the participants and key leader at the workshop Adekola  Azees  enthused that the workshop couldn't have come at a better time than this because it was an avenue to use not just  community radio in the dissemination of Indigenous Peoples rights , but to also use other forms of community media in carrying messages home .

" We are happy that this workshop is being done in our community despite its location . We are happy to learn that we can create ideas that can reshape our indigenous ideologies for community media to harp upon .Not only this , you can all see the overwhelming response as  people are ready to be the change agents needed in restoring our lost cultural heritage. Yoruba language is sweet to the ears , our foods are medicinal, we reason before we talk , and humility is always the beauty of any Yoruba individual. These are what we can still revive and promote "

The Baale  ( local head ) of Oko ope in Ijede town   who was represented at the occasion by  Mr.  Kuti Jelili praised the organiser , CIKDAS and the funding organization, Cultural Survival for thinking of hosting such a laudable program in his domain .

"  We are known for respecting Elders because we grow up seeing that positive cultural values are imbibed in us .

Also, unity is a must here irrespective of your ideology so far it's not harmful and misleading . Indigenous People are to be fully recognised in any society they found themselves . Their lands are to be protected , their voices are to be heard and there are policies that can be used for their development. 

I am hopeful that this workshop will foster  more community engagements, promotes participation and involvement in indigenous knowledge systems and cultural ideologies. As per the community radio, I believe that this workshop will allow people to create ideas that are culturally oriented, cultural friendly and sustainable. Imagine putting on your radio to learn how to revive those indigenous and organic foods  about going into extinction ?

"What is  Cultural Survival doing to make our  culture to survive in spite of the indigenous knowledge systems being neglected ? What can be done for those coming up to cherish the sweat and labours of their forefathers ? ,asked by Zaynab  Seriki, a  young woman thirsty for the impacts of indigenous peoples ideologies in her environment.

" I grew up knowing the numerical numbers in Yoruba language, our local languages were taught alongside the lingua franca at schools ; but reverse is the case nowadays . I believe this workshop will give the relevant authorities the boost needed in solving this problem. I am ready to focus on school children in creating programs that can help them know the rich African cultural heritage  that they are blessed with" .

 For Mrs. Kehinde Azees, 

 indigenous home training has been my passion for many years . Dressing to showcase Yoruba culture , behaving like well trained  or  someone from a good home with total humility. And , my neighbours can attest to this because I extend it to their children too . With this  community radio  workshop today , I can easily introduce the script to those working there or create an avenue for any youngsters in this community to freelance"

Orepitan Hakeem ..... who came in to represent the Apena of the town,  another key  traditional  Chief opined that the workshop has given credence to the fact  that indigenous people are relevant in the society .The unity in their coexistence is being hammered upon . And that in unity , there will be development. 

" Through this workshop now , I have learnt about the need for collaboration and collective action to address the challenges facing indigenous communities '

For Faseyi Tolani, " I came here as a  greyhound , I am leaving as a professional . I have just discovered that I can showcase the Yoruba oral poems that I am I am talented with on either the community radio or social media. Through these poems,  one brings  out the importance of indigenous Knowledge  "

As for Temilola Ajani, she  confessed openly that " this event has given me a voice and a platform to advocate for my community's rights. I am no longer shy or feel timid in raising my head high wherever my cultural identity is being trampled upon "

Adenuga Joy, a young graduate was happy while expressing herself.

" This workshop is a game changer and a break away from the norms. This has really changed my perception about indigenous people. It has emboldened me to appreciate our forefathers and their contributions . I learnt so much and made some connections too'

 Elike  David , one of the male participant called on  CIKDAS and Cultural Survival authorities to replicate this kind gesture soonest in other communities around them .

" We really thank both CIKDAS and CULTURAL SURVIVAL for this impactful experience, but like an Oliver Twist , we are asking for more . The knowledge is there now because you have reawakened the interest in us "

 Asides the facilitators, 50 participants were in attendance and different topics treated .

The questions and answers time indicated the interest and the enthusiasm put in by the attendees . Immediately after the event , selected participants were taken to a recording studio for practical purposes 

Topics treated were such as ,  Community Radio as a Tool for Social Change; Social and Environmental Issues ; Empowering Indigenous Voices and Perspectives ; Indigenous Rights  and Self Determination ;  and  Promoting Indigenous Cultures and Traditions .

 The  workshop was carried out  on the 27th November, 2004 ,  at  Ijede, Ikorodu, Lagos State, having had the first one done in Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State on the  September,2024.

Court Strikes Out Electricity Theft Charge Against Property Developer, Osakwe

By Dansu Peter 

Justice Binta Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, has struck out the criminal charges filed against a property developer, Mr Cecil Osakwe. 

The court struck out the charge following its withdrawal by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. 

Justice Nyako discharged Osakwe, after the prosecutor, Mamman  Alibaba, moved motion for the withdrawal of the criminal charge. 

Justice Nyako held, "it is hereby ordered as follows: That as requested by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Charge be and it is accordingly struck out. 

"That the Defendant is hereby discharged".

The federal government had filed a criminal charge against Osakwe over allegation of electricity theft. 

Before the case was struck out by the court, at the last adjourned date, the case was stalled due to some discrepancies in the statement of one of witnesses called by the federal government.

At the resumed trial, the prosecutor, Mr Alibaba Mamman called his witness, Mr John Suleiman who adopted his witness statement and identified some exhibits said to be the numbers of metres that were allegedly tempered with.

The defence counsel, Mr Victor Giwa, however, raised objections to the tendering of the exhibits on the grounds that the prosecutor had not attached such documents to the witness statement of Suleiman that he made available to him.

The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako agreed that, if such documents were not attached to Suleiman's witness statement, he was not the right person to tender the documents in court.

In view of the following, the prosecutor prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him put his house in order.

Earlier, a prosecution witness, Mr Gabriel Ojo who identified himself as a former staff of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, (AEDC) told the court that he had received a complaint from a whistle blower on the alleged theft of electricity at one of the property of the defendant.

Ojo said that he constituted a team who investigated the complaint after which the report was forwarded to the management of the AEDC.

"I believe that the management passed the report to the revenue protection unit but I do not know what happened thereafter," Ojo said.

He also told the court that he could not remember the names of the security guards at the defendants property that his team interacted with in the course of their investigations.

Rivers Crises: US, UK Urged To Withdraw Visa From Governor Fubara, Nigerian Judges For Derailing Democracy

By Dansu Peter 

The National Democratic Coalition (NDC) has called on democratic nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member states, to impose a visa ban on Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and several judges, including Justice M. Danagogo and Justice Wali.

The NDC made this call during a press conference in Abuja, where they expressed alarm over the erosion of democratic principles and constitutional governance in Rivers State under Governor Fubara's leadership.

In his address, convener Okwa Dan said Governor Fubara has made efforts to weaken the people's will and erode the rule of law, including influencing elections and pressuring the judiciary to support his authoritarian goals.

Dan also accused the governor of activating a "brown envelope mission" to bribe judges in Rivers State.

The NDC condemned the actions of judges like Justice Danagogo and Justice Wali, who have allegedly delivered verdicts that align with political interests rather than upholding the rule of law.

The group described these judges as "Brown Envelope Judges" who have eroded public confidence in the judiciary.

The NDC urged the international community to hold Governor Fubara and his associates accountable for their actions, which they believe undermine Nigeria's democratic future and destabilize the entire country.

"We call on the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and EU member states to impose a visa ban on Governor Fubara, Oko-Jumbo, and other associates," the NDC said.

"We also call on the international community to hold these individuals responsible for their actions and to support democratic governance in Nigeria."

The NDC commended the lawful halt of federal revenue to Rivers State as an essential step in holding Governor Fubara accountable. They also praised judges like Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, Chief Judge John Tsoho, and Justice Peter Lifu, who have set themselves apart from "brown envelope" manipulations.

The group called for international solidarity and urged civil society organizations, the media, and all well-meaning Nigerians to join them in the fight for democracy.

"This is a call to save democracy from the hands of devourers, and unpatriotic individuals. This is a fight for a just cause; where the law must never be undermined, intimidated, abused, or subdued by any political individual or faction for any reason.

"Additionally, we urge the judiciary to uphold its sacred duty as the custodian of justice. Judges must resist political interference and prioritize the rule of law above all else. The survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on a judiciary that is impartial, independent, and committed to justice.

"In conclusion, Rivers State stands at a critical juncture. The actions of Governor Fubara and his allies have placed the state’s democratic future in jeopardy. However, with collective action and international support in placing a visa ban on them, we can restore constitutional order and ensure that the voices of the people are heard."