NEWS
Osun Governor Inaugurates Committee to Resolve Land Disputes
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Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has inaugurated a 100-member committee to investigate the long-standing land disputes between Ifon, Ilobu, and Erin-Osun towns in the state.
The committee’s establishment is a response to the bloody clashes that have resulted in loss of life and destruction of property in the affected communities.
Speaking during the inauguration on Monday, Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kola Adewusi, tasked the committee with finding a lasting solution to the crisis.
He emphasised that peace is essential for growth and development.
“It is, therefore, imperative to urgently nurture peace in the affected communities with a view to permanently exhuming the toxic seeds of animosity sown over the years.
“There is also the need to transform differences into dialogue, not enmity,” the governor stressed.
The committee comprises 25 representatives from each of the affected communities and 25 members from the state government.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, will serve as the chairman.
A retired judge and Chairman of the state Boundary Commission, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, will be the co-chairman.
Four other traditional rulers and government-appointed individuals will also be part of the committee.
The members have been given two weeks to conduct their findings and submit a report to the state government.
“No doubt, it is through reasoned discourse that the fabric of peace can be woven, which will, in turn, propel the prosperity of the state,” he said.
The governor also urged the committee members to deploy their wealth of experience to bear on the critical assignment.
He urged them to bear in mind that peace is essential in any society for social harmony, security, and economic stability.
The committee’s terms of reference include investigating the remote and immediate causes of the dispute.
The committee is also expected to determine and mark the exact boundaries among the three communities, and other related matters.(NAN)
NEWS
Benue Govt insists on Justice Maurice Ikpambese’s removal as CJ
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The Benue Goverment has said that the Chief Judge (CJ), Justice Maurice Ikpambese, stands removed from office.
This is contained in a statement on Monday signed by Mr Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Gov. Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi.
The government also urged the embattled CJ to prepare and defend the allegations preferred on him by the State Government.
‘The House of Assembly acted within the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
”The CJ is advised to defend the allegations against him at the National Judicial Commission and stop making unnecessary public statements to whip up sentiments.
“The government is strong in the opinion that the lawmakers acted in the overall interest of the state and in line with Section 292(1)(a) (ii) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which provides that a Chief Judge may only be disposed of by the Governor, acting on an address supported by two-thirds of the House of Assembly.
“Ikpambese’s alleged sins and malfeasances have since been forwarded to NJC for adjudication and discipline as enshrined in Section 153(1)(i) of the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended).
“We advice the embattled Judge to prepare to defend himself at the NJC,” the government said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Feb. 19, the NJC insisted that justice Ikpambese remained the chief judge of Benue.
In a statement signed by a spokesperson for the council, Kemi Ogedengbe, the NJC said Ikpambese remains the state’s chief judge until the complaints brought against the chief judge are investigated and deliberated upon by the council.
The NJC said the purported removal of the chief judge by the Benue State House of Assembly cannot stand.
“The attention of the NJC has been drawn to a certain media report to the effect that the Benue house of assembly has purportedly passed a Resolution recommending the removal of justice Ikpambese from office.
“Unfortunate as this development is, council wishes to reiterate that there are clear and unambiguous provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 on discipline and appointment of Judicial Officers vested in the Council, which clearly are not adhered to in the instant case.
“Although, the council had this morning received a petition against justice Ikpambese, that petition is yet to be investigated in line with Council’s investigation procedure and the principles of fair hearing.”(NAN)
NEWS
C’River Govt Partners Korean Agency to Train Officials.
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From Ene Asuquo,Calabar
In a move towards enhancing digital governance in Cross River State, the state government, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is set to train over 100 government officials in e-governance.
This initiative aims to equip officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to improve the delivery of services and increase transparency in government operations.
In a letter to the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr.
Justin Beshel, the training programme is designed to address the critical need for competency in digital tools and technologies that can streamline government processes and enhance citizen engagement.Officials involved in the training will receive insights into best practices in e-governance, enabling them to implement innovative solutions that can transform the way government interacts with its citizens.
As the state moves towards a more digital future, the successful implementation of this training program will serve as a model for other state’s in Nigeria looking to adopt similar e-governance strategies.
The government of Cross River State is poised to lead the way in creating a more connected and efficient public sector, ultimately benefiting its citizens through improved services and increased accountability.
NEWS
BSU Holds 1st Pan-African Applied Theatre Conference in 34 Years
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The Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi, on Monday held its first international conference on Pan-African Applied Theatre since its establishment in 1991.
Prof. Tor Iorapuu, BSU Vice Chancellor, described Applied Theatre arts as a risky area of study that only those with special and unique interests venture into.
Iorapuu stated that Applied Theatre was the practice of using theatre-based techniques as tools to discover, learn and explore issues of concern to communities.
The VC said that the theme of the conference, “Applied Theatre in Africa: Borders, Boundaries and The New Frontiers”, was apt.
He emphasised that the conference organised in partnership with the University of Regina, Canada, and the Royal School of Speech and Drama in the United Kingdom was to identify problems and actively rehearse solutions to provoke and shape social change.
He appreciated the works of scholars like Prof. Iorwuese Hagher and others who organised the first and second Nigerian Pan-African applied theatre conference in 1981 and 82.
Benue Deputy Governor Sam Ode, who declared the conference open, said the Applied Theatre has shaped his life and leadership orientation.
Ode said the conference was a testament to the power of theatre and performance to bring people together, to challenge assumptions, and to inspire positive change.
The deputy stated that theatre was a weapon for social change to reimaging communities in a fragmented global space.
“As a deputy governor of Benue and a Theatre Arts alumnus, I am reminded of the profound impact that theatre and performance have had on my life and career.
“The skills I acquired through my foundational background in Theatre Arts have been invaluable in navigating life’s challenges, including my present position.
“Theatre has taught me the importance of empathy, creativity, and collaboration – essential qualities for effective leadership and governance.
“We will push the boundaries of applied theatre, challenge existing narratives, and explore new frontiers.
“We will celebrate the achievements of applied theatre practitioners and scholars across Africa while also acknowledging the challenges and complexities that we face.
“As we embark on this journey, I urge you all to be bold, to be creative, and to be open to new ideas and perspectives.
“Let us harness the collective energy and expertise in this room to advance the field of applied theatre in Africa and beyond,” he said. (NAN)