From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

A female sociocultural group under the Izon Ladies Association (ILA) on Wednesday conducted a sensitization campaign at Bishop Diemeri Grammar School Ovom in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, on the Ideals of Boy Child.

The event aimed to educate students about the importance of good behavior and the dangers of social vices.

In her opening speech, President of ILA Bayelsa, Meg Agidee emphasized the need for students to avoid negative influences and cultivate positive habits.

Agidee encouraged the young students to be role models in their communities and resist peer pressure that could lead them astray.

She also called on other civil society groups to look towards the boy child, because “the neglected boy child today will marry our daughters tomorrow.

The campaign featured several speakers who addressed various aspects of youth development and challenges. Dr. Stella Ugolo delivered a presentation titled “The Ideal Boy Child,” focusing on the qualities that define a well-nurtured child.

Hon. Patricia Isenah followed with her version of the same theme, highlighting contemporary issues faced by boys today.

Christy Ebelli addressed the potential dangers posed by modern devices in her talk, “Devices Can Destroy the Ideal Boy Child.” She discussed how excessive screen time and exposure to harmful content can negatively impact children’s development.

Beatrice Koroye concluded the series of talks with a discussion on “Legal Implications for Deviant Behavior of the Ideal Boy Child.” She outlined the legal consequences of engaging in criminal activities and stressed the importance of understanding laws to guide behavior.

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dame Grace Fiepere, who reiterated the significance of nurturing ideal children for a better future.

Attendees enjoyed light refreshments before Chief Lilian Okus led a closing prayer, emphasizing unity and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

The sensitization campaign was well received, with students actively participating in discussions and asking questions about the topics presented.

The ILA’s initiative reflects a commitment to empowering youths in Bayelsa State and fostering a generation that is aware of its responsibilities and potential.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

Due to recent earth tremor in some parts of Abuja, the Acting Director General of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Abdulrahman Mohammed has set up an adhoc Committee on emergency preparedness plan.

Mohammed announced this after a meeting with stakeholders on recent vibrations in some parts of Mpape, Katampe and Maitama.

Abdulrahman informed that the ad hoc committee would sensitize residents on what to do during and after the tremor.

In a statement issued by FEMD and signed by Nkechi Isa, Head Public Affairs, I’m Abuja.

The FEMD boss said the earth tremor which first occurred on Saturday at Mpape exhibited no physical evidence of rock movement.

The Ag DG appealed to residents to always use the 112 emergency toll free numbers in the event of an emergency.

In a remark, Deputy Director, solid minerals, FCTA, Ulom Luke Ifop informed that fault lines under the ground place stress on the rocks causing tremors”.

This thing which has started will continue. There is a seismic substation at Toro and at Katampe Hill. We need a substation at Area 11, Asokoro and Maitama,” he said.

On his part, a water consultant, Taiwo Oyekan said human activities may have caused friction on the edges leading to the tremors.

Oyekan, who stated that there must be a blast threshold by quarry companies, suggested that all rock blasting in the area must be put on hold for now.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has confirmed earth tremors in some parts of the FCT urging residents not to panic.

The NGSA described the tremors as low and posing no threat.

In the meantime, FEMD has appealed to residents of the affected areas to evacuate their buildings in the event of a vibration.

FEMD appealed to residents to stay away from electric poles during the vibrations.

From Ekudayo Idowu, Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called for the establishment of a military Forward Operation Base in the eastern part of the state to help curb criminal activities in that area.

Abiodun made the call when he received the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Farooq Mijinyawa, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun noted that the high volume of commercial activities in the eastern part of the state also comes with criminal activities, hence the need to beef up security in the region.

The governor said a military presence is needed in the area to keep at bay criminals who migrate from neighbouring states to Ogun to cause havoc.

He said: “I think one of the things you can do to help us sustain the peace that we have been enjoying in Ogun State is to think of putting some base, maybe some form of Forward Operating Base in the eastern part of the state.

“Right now, we are at the center where we have the state capital. We have a presence in Ogun West, but I think because of the level of commercial activities that are beginning to evolve in the eastern flank of the state, particularly with our airport there, you are going to see an exponential increase in business activities.

“Because every now and then, there are issues that want to test our resolve to maintain peace and order, and as you know, as a law enforcement expert, it is the speed with which you respond to these issues that determines how quickly you neutralize them.

“The Brigade Commander has often had to respond with dispatch through OP-MESA to places like Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode when we have issues. In fact, at times, we had to put men to stay there, and Sagamu-Ogijo is where these bad boys are constantly traveling between Ikorodu, Ogijo, Sagamu, and at times have issues with cultists, which sometimes get very bad. We cannot have such news emanating from Ogun, which is the industrial hub of the nation.

“We cannot have news filtering out of the state that will make potential investors uncomfortable, and you know that part of dealing with criminals is to be proactive by discouraging them. When they see your presence, they want to go to places where they can easily perpetrate their crimes.

The governor emphasized that security is vital for economic activities, adding that his administration could not have implemented its vision in a chaotic environment, even as he lauded the Army for playing a critical role in the state’s security apparatus.

He said that although Ogun is one of the most peaceful states in the country, its geographical location has put pressure on the government to provide not only infrastructure but also security to the people at all times.

Abiodun described the new General Officer as a round peg in a round hole, stating that his education, training, and exposure have adequately prepared him for the top military position.

While calling for more cooperation and support for his administration to maintain peace and order, the governor promised to assist the Army and other security agencies in the state to optimally perform their constitutional duties.

Speaking earlier, General Mijinyawa appreciated the governor for his constant support to the Army, especially in the area of welfare for the wives of fallen heroes, annual Army celebrations, and needed logistics.