NEWS
Traditional Rulers Visit Plateau Community After Attack, Shocked Over Discoveries.
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
As natives of Plateau State are still counting their loses following the recent Fulani herdsmen invasion in Danda Chugwi community where 7 members of a household perish, Traditional rulers of Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area has visited scene of incidents take stock of damages.
The Gwom Rwey Vwang, Da.
Gyang Gutt Balak described the level of destruction as unacceptable considering how a five year old baby who sighted the killer herders was shot dead despite taking cover inside a drum.Da Balak who led the delegation with Gwom Turu, Da. Ezekiel Dalyop, Gwom Chugwi, Da. Atyos Mwadkwon Mandung, Gwom Fwil, Rev Bitrus D.
Choji Rtd and various associations in the District for a condolence visit yesterday to the attacked community charged them to be vigilant at all time.He expressed dismay over the pathetic condition of a four month old baby, David Pam who lost his mother during the attack but the evil and the attackers shot his right arm that was traumatically amputated at Vom Christian Hospital.
The Traditional ruler called on government to live up to its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and urged the villagers to continue to be patriotic, selfless and law abiding in defending themselves and their community from bandits.
The Deputy Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Ayuba Jakaba expressed sadness over the recent developments in the Local Government Area and hinted that the Council Chairman has introduced a “Know your neighbour” policy aimed at checkmating strangers and frivolous expenses among members whose means of livelihood is not known in the community.
Jakaba said Jos South authority will continue to take deliberate efforts towards protecting vulnerable communities for the purpose of economic well being and prosperity of the people.
A resident of the community, Rev. Danjuma Kala expressed gratitudes for the visit disclosed that the village loss 7 persons during the attack and two persons were inflicted with gunshots injuries while a four months old baby was amputated adding that the incident will continue to lingered on the minds and lives of the community.
President Vwang Development Association (VDA) Jonah Gwaru expressed grief over the incident and called for collaborative efforts between vigilante groups and hunters to protect innocent citizens.
NEWS
NYSC Members Lack Nothing in Daura – Emir
The Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar- Faruk, says National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members do not suffer anything in his domain, as they lack nothing.
The emir made the statement when he received the NYSC Coordinator in the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Sa’idu, on a courtesy visit on Thursday in Daura.
According to the emir, NYSC is the only programme left for all Nigerians that ensure unity, from government to communities and individuals.
Umar-Faruk called on all Nigerians to see the NYSC members as, ”Children of necessity, orphans who has no family, Children that also need assistance, protection, guidance and comfort.
“NYSC members should not be seen as vulnerable for exploitation and molestation, they should be provided with shelter, food and everything that will make them comfortable in any place they found themselves
“Corps members don’t suffer anything in my domain, they lack nothing, because I always do my best to ensure they are well accommodated.
”He advised other communities in the country to do the same for the development and sustenance of the scheme, stressing that NYSC has done so much for the unity and integration of Nigeria after the civil war.
Earlier, Sa’idu told the emir that he was in his palace being one of the critical stakeholders to report that he has resumed office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state, and also to request for his blessings.
The coordinator assured the emir that the scheme would continue to collaborate with the Emirate Council towards the development of the country and the nation’s unity.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of the NYSC Katsina State End of Service Year Publication to the Emir. (NAN)
NEWS
Host Communities, Litigations Delay Trust Fund Implementation – HOSTCOM
The Host Communities of Nigeria Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM) says some delays in Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund creation and implementation are caused by community members and litigations.
The HOSTCOM said pending issues by host communities in choosing members and chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) delayed the implementation of the HCDT funds.
Dr Benjamin Tamaranebi, National President, HOSTCOM, disclosed this to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja while making clarifications on recent claims on the Host Community Project Funding in Akwa Ibom.
Report says that HCDTs are responsible for managing and distributing oil company funds to the host communities, ensuring that resources are used effectively for community development projects.
Host communities in Akwa Ibom had expressed frustration over the delayed release of funds by oil companies to HCDT which it said hindered the implementation of projects outlined in their respective development plans.
Community representatives from HCDTs in Ibeno, Eket, Mbo, Esit Eket, Uruan and Ikot Abasi LGAs claimed that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) failed to enforce statutory sanctions on oil companies that delay funds.
Tamaranebi, who condemned the recent publication regarding alleged delays in funding development projects in host communities in the state, urged the public to disregard it as it was unfounded.
“We must state clearly that some of the delays of HCDTs creation are caused by community members and litigations over who wants to be a member and chairman of the Board of Trustees which has nothing to do with NUPRC.
“So, we advise communities to conduct themselves properly for the benefit of the HCDT funds,” he said.
He recalled that the NUPRC initiated the HCDTs Forum to meet with community representatives through its HCDT trustees to address broader issues and grievances ensuring continuous dialogue between host communities and the operators.
The national president said the forum had promoted transparency and accountability ensuring that community voices were heard at a higher level.
Tamaranebi said there was registration of reputable 34 asset/fund manager to invest 20 per cent of the three per cent Operating Expenses or Expenditure (OPEX) on behalf of the trusts.
“Some of the trusts are already benefiting from the dividend of this investments.
“These achievements underscore the commitment of the NUPRC and Settlors to the sustainable development of host communities.
“We encourage all stakeholders, including community members and operators, to maintain open lines of communication with the HOSTCOM or NUPRC,” he said.
On concerns regarding funding or implementation of projects, he urged parties to engage with HOSTCOM directly for resolution rather than resorting to public statements that may misinform or escalate tensions.
He added that HOSTCOM was actively monitoring the situation in Akwa Ibom and other states to continue to advocate for the rights and developmental needs of local communities.(NAN)
NEWS
Nigerian Army Emphasises Responsible Social Media use for National Security
The Nigerian Army has stressed the importance of responsible social media usage in contributing to national security and development.
Maj. Gen. Sanusi Dahiru, Deputy Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, made this remark at the 37th Nigerian Army Social Media Seminar in Calabar on Thursday.
Dahiru, who was the Special Guest of Honour said the seminar, noted that social media could shape the security environment but could also be misused to spread harmful content.
He encouraged Nigerians to support the army and promote community engagement.
On his part, Maj. Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, Chief of Civil Military Affairs, emphasised responsible online behaviour to enhance national security.
He warned against spreading unverified information and urged Nigerians to be mindful of those sowing discord.
Dr Erasmus Ekpang, Cross River’s Commissioner for Information, acknowledged social media’s impact on society but also highlighted its negative tendencies, such as cyberbullying and depression.
He advocated for the military’s involvement in social media to address security challenges.
(NAN)