By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) officials in collaboration with operatives of security personnel have uncovered an illegal oil refining warehouse in Mabushi, opposite Mobile filling station on Ahmadu Bello way in Abuja.

The Director, Department of Development Control (FCTA), Mukhtar Galadima after the operation on Thursday, said the illegal refining site was discovered during the continuation of the city cleaning exercise.

According to him, about three to four plots of lands designated for commercial purposes have been converted to an area where oil and diesel are being adulterated and circulated to other parts of the city.

Galadima explained that the city sanitation task force will look into the provision of the law and make necessary recommendations to the FCT Administration for further actions on the plots used for the activity.

He said there was no arrest but the items used in carrying out the illegal refining have been impounded.

Galadima said, “During the continuation of our city sanitation exercise in Mabushi opposite Mobile filling station on Ahmadu way, we discovered an illegal refining site where oil and diesel are being adulterated, we have done the needful by moving the items to Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“From what we have seen so far, about three or four plots of lands designated for commercial purposes have been converted to unapproved activities, which we believe the owners are fully aware of or there will be consequences.

“We are going to look at the provision of the law and make necessary recommendations to the FCT Administration”

He said the administration will continue to go tough on activities being carried out without government approval, especially revocation of the titles.

Collaborating, Head, operations FCT Directorate of Road Traffic Service (DRTS), Deborah Osho said the city management team during the exercise also discovered that most of the areas in the Nation’s capital have been converted to illegal car mart and motor parks.

She disclosed that fifteen vehicles have so far been impounded since the operation commenced about two days ago.

From Alice Onukwugha, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has harped on the need for people in the state to live in peace and harmony, saying it is key to achieving economic development in the state.

The governor also reiterated the resolve of his administration to enthrone an enviable state that satisfies the dreams and aspirations of all residents.

Fubara made the assertions at the funeral service in honour of late Kalabari Monarch, His Serene Majesty, King Theophilus J.

The governor charged all residents to embrace peace, exhibit mutual harmony among themselves and contribute meaningfully towards the betterment of the State.

He said: “We are in a difficult period but just be peaceful. We cannot achieve progress in an environment of violence. We cannot grow our State to the level of our aspirations when there is trouble.”

“We can only advance to our dream State in a peaceful environment. I urge every one of you to be peaceful. Peace is the only instrument that can bring development.”

The governor further applauded the level of cooperation seen between the bereaved family and the entire Kalabari people through the various stages of preparations leading to the eventual burial of their late king.

He urged the Kalabari people to continue to live in peace even after the burial of their late king, and called on Rivers people not to lose faith in his administration.

Earlier in his sermon, the Intercontinental Youth Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Belemina Obunge, who represented the General Overseer of the Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, noted the need for people to render service to God in their lifetime.

Obunge, who preached on the topic: “Don’t wait until you’re late” said there is need for people to seek God fervently, serve him truthfully while also living peaceably with neighbours in their various communities.

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigeria Army, Major General Hassan Dada, has directed Brigade Commanders in the South-East to ensure proper security of NYSC camps in their areas.

Dada gave the directive on Thursday in Enugu when the NYSC Acting Director, South-East Area office, Mr Jimba Chris paid him a courtesy visit.

The GOC said that it was important for the commanders to relate well with the NYSC for effective service delivery.

Dada urged the NYSC coordinators to inform the Army on time about the opening of orientation camps, so as to adequately mobilise army personnel to ensure proper security of the corps members.

Earlier, Chris said that the visit was to re-emphasise the request for the deployment of army personnel to orientation camps for the security of corps members.

The NYSC South-East office supervises Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo.