NEWS
Orokere Community Seeks Govt’s Intervention on Provision of Basic Infrastructure
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A socio-cultural group, the Orokere-Amuro Welfare Association (OWA) in Orokere Amuro has appealed to Kogi State and Local Governments to rehabilitate the deteriorated roads and provision of modern healthcare facilities in the community.
The National President of OWA, Segun Peter, made the call during the 2024 Orokere Day celebration and Fund Raising ceremony, at Orokere-Amuro in Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Peter described Orokere Day as a special day reserved for the celebration of Orokere Amuro’s rich and alluring cultural heritage, tradition and unity.
According to him, the day presents an opportunity of enhanced cohesiveness, increased sense of community awareness among sons and daughters of Orokere Amuro, as well as providing bigger synergy required to embark on community self-help projects.
“Over the years, the proceeds of donations from the events have been judiciously used to solve myriads of community needs in terms of social infrastructure and others.
“Thus, one of the features of this year’s event is to raise N50,000,000 fund for the completion of the ongoing Orokere Amuro Town Hall project.
“The project, upon completion, will be of immense benefits to our community,” Peter said
He therefore urged the sons and daughters of the community to always remember home and collectively contribute their quota towards addressing the pressing needs of the community for the benefits of the people.
Peter appealed to the State and Local Governments to come to the aid of the community in rehabilitating the dilapidated community township roads as well as the upgrade of the community Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) to a modern health facility.
Peter also called for youth empowerment especially in agriculture with farm inputs noting that some of the youths were already engaging in farming activities.
“Currently, our major focus is to complete our town hall, which will provide an avenue for community engagement, and several occasions that will unite the community.
“Beyond town-hall, we want the government to help in rehabilitating our community roads that had been destroyed by erosion and are no longer motor-able.
“We need government intervention so as to put our community roads in good shape because the roads were never like that before.
“We also lack quality healthcare centres because as big as Orokere is, there is no modern hospital, all that we have are clinics that attend to minimal health issues.
“To get quality medical service, we have to travel very far with many risks attached to it.
“With government support, the existing primary healthcare centre can be upgraded to cottage hospital. We will appreciate it if the government can come to our aid in this direction.
“We want government to also empower them with farm inputs to improve their farming activities now that attention is being shifted away from the white collar job,
“We have most of our youths who are already engaging in agriculture, and they need to be supported. This would go a long way in helping the wellness of our community,” Peter said.
In his remarks, the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, House of Reps, Elder Leke Abejide, congratulated the people of Orokere community for their celebration and urged them to continue to sustain peace and harmony in the entire Yagba land
Abejide, who was represented by Dr Samuel Babatunde, (aka Esanuaje), assured the people of Orokere of his support towards the completion of the town hall and other developmental projects for the benefits of the community.
The royal fathers of the day: the Elulu of Mopaland, HRM Oba Muyiwa Ibeun; and the Alamuro of Amuroland, HRM Oba Alfred Modupe Aiyedogbon, said the celebration had been fostering unity and peaceful coexistence amongst Mopamuro communities.
The Elulu, who is the Chairman Mopamuro Traditional Council, and represented by the Oba of Odole- Mopa, Bayo James stressed that such gathering had engendered continuous peace and progress in Mopamuro land.
Alamuro noted that Orokere has remained a pace-setter and one of the leading communities in Amuro land, adding that the celebration is also a way to showcase their various cultural heritage.
Alamuro urged other Amuro communities to emulate what Orokere is doing in community development through fundraising; saying the government cannot do it alone.
“We should not wait for the government or politicians to do all the developmental projects in our communities because the government cannot do it alone,” Alamuro said.
Also speaking, Commodore Michael Folusho Daniel (MFD) rtd, a former Kogi Assembly Lawmaker, who represented Mopamuro constituency, said the Orokere community has remained united and peaceful with self-helped developmental efforts.
He urged various communities to continue to help themselves in addressing some of their challenges while looking forward to government assistance to come, stressing that self-help remained the best form of help.
MFD, who is the Asiwaju of Orokere and Akingbade of Amuroland, stressed the need for the government to improve the condition of the youths through job creation and empowerment programmes.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his tremendous achievements within his short term in office, saying he had started on a good footing and urged him to sustain his good work.
In their separate interviews with newsmen; Hon. Komolafe Dennis, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter Party Affairs; and Hon. Bukola Obajemu, LG Special Assistant to Governor and former Vice Chairman Mopamuro, both expressed their gratitude to God for making the Orokere day a reality.
The highlights of the occasion include: cultural displays, fund raising, free medical services, and award presentation to Orokere sons daughters who have made tremendous impacts in the community through their commitment and selfless services.
There was also the delivery of Public lecture, which centred on “The Need for Unity, Commitment and Selflessness as Keys To a Better Community Development”, as well as a variety of programs such as football match, Orokere local food delicacies like Popolo and Papa, among others.
Some Economic Experts on Thursday urged the speedy intervention of the Federal Government following the hike in the Pump Price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the NNPC Ltd..
Checks by our correspondent showed that barely three weeks after increasing the pump price, the NNPC Retail Outlets in the FCT on Tuesday increased its fuel pump price again to N1,060 per litre as against N1,030.
our checks also revealed that most filling stations operated by the major marketers retained their old prices.
TotalEnergies and Cornoil fuel stations opposite the NNPC Ltd. Towers still sell at N1,109, Ardova Plc. and NIPCO sell at N1,125 and N1,150 respectively, while Kopdem Nig Ltd.
sell at N1,170 without queues.An oil and gas expert who spoke under annonymity, said the change by the NNPC Ltd. while other marketers maintained their former prices signified that the NNPC Ltd. was trying to catch up with the existing price.
The expert urged the Federal Government to hasten intervention measures towards assisting common Nigerians to convert their vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to alleviate the suffering being experienced due to high price of fuel.
Also speaking with newsmen, Dr Chijioke Ekechukwu expressed worry over the adjustment of pump price, the third time in two months, adding that the increase in price was an additional stress to the hardship being experienced currently.
“We cannot over emphasise the impact these constant increases are having on the hardship being experienced by Nigerians currently.
“Disposable incomes have continued to be eroded, and the quality and standard of living are at their lowest ebb.
“I expect an urgent intervention in this regard to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians,” he said.
Another expert, Mr Yushau Aliyu who decried inflation said the NNPC Ltd. would continue to adjust pump prices upward unless the domestic functional refineries registered their supply strategy.
“The NNPC Ltd. are bent on using inferior price models grossly influenced and guided by poor exchange rates regime and devastating inflationary measures,” he said. (NAN)
Dr Mutiu Oladele-Bukola, Veterinary Doctor at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moore Plantation, Ibadan, has called on governments to institute laws guiding abattoir operations.
Oladele-Bukola made the call in an interview on Thursday in Ibadan.
He said that governments should also enforce absolute compliance to the law for a standard operation by the abattoirs.
He said that the waste management practices in many Nigerian slaughter houses were poor, posing public health and environmental hazards to inhabitants.
According to him, open dump waste disposal and direct disposal of effluents into water bodies are still common practices in many abattoirs.
“These practices expose inhabitants and neighbouring communities to pathogens, with great risks to public health.
“Bacteria and fungi break down these organic materials to produce biomass leading to cellular multiplication.
“Most abattoir effluents are channeled to surrounding water bodies, causing water pollution.
“Many communities in Nigeria get their drinking water directly from rivers and streams that receive these effluents from abattoirs,” he said.
The veterinarian added that these water bodies also served as sources of water for farming activities, exposing plants and animals to pathogenic microbes.
“Polluted animals can lead to food-borne diseases, which could be life-threatening, especially in immune-compromised individuals,” he said.
Oladele-Bukola emphasised the need for improved sanitary conditions and optimal waste management in abattoirs across Nigeria.
He advocated a robust and holistic review of the policies and legislative framework guiding abattoir activities and management in the country.
“Efforts must be made to expedite the passage, and enforcement of the Meat Inspection and Hygiene Act, currently before the National Assembly.
“The said Act should also be reviewed to accommodate expert views on contemporary methods of waste management.
“New policies should reflect and enforce modern standards of waste treatment and disposal in line with global best practices.
“The traditional practice of floor slaughter and carcass dressing should be replaced with the rail system which ensures minimal carcass contamination,” he added.
Oladele-Bukola equally called for improved technology for waste treatment and energy conversion.
He stressed the importance of training for veterinary officers, butchers and abattoir staff for an acceptable level of hygiene and waste management.
“To attract individuals with a good level of formal education to the sector, government and major players must make abattoir jobs socially and economically appealing.
“Proper implementation of waste management systems, education of abattoir workers and enforcement of regulations and compliance to international standards, would contribute to the promotion of both public and planetary health,” Oladele-Bukola said. (NAN)
The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Mr Kingsley Igwe as Registrar of Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN).
Mr Ismail Omipidan, the ministers spokesman, said this in Statement to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
Oyetola said the appointment was part of efforts to reposition CRFFN for better efficiency and management.
He said that Igwe, who was also the National Secretary, National Association Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), took over from the acting Registrar, Mrs Chinyere Uronta.
The appointment was announced in a letter signed on behalf of the Minister by the Director, Maritime Services, Mr Babatunde Sule.
Oyetola said that his appointment was in accordance with the relevant provisions of CRFFN Act 2007 for a duration of four years in the first instance.
He said that Igwe, from Imo State, had Master’s degree in Transportation and also an active member of the CRFFN.
The Minister stated that the appointment was with immediate effect.
Report says that in August 2024, Igwe was the best performing participant at a CRFFN training supervised by the Minister in Lagos.
It would be recalled that the Council had been enmeshed in crisis of confidence and insolvency, leading to its inability to pay salaries since January 2024.
However, Oyetola has stepped in to arrange a bailout loan for the payment of salaries till August. (NAN)
Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Community, Kill 15
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi Gunmen suspected to be Fulani armed militia, on Wednesday night, reportedly invaded Anyiin town in the...
Nigerians Among Most Malnourished in Sub-Saharan Africa – Abbas
ShareBy Ubong Ukpong, Abuja Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas yesterday described growing malnutrition and food insecurity as...
Oparah Remains Suspended, not our National Woman Leader – Labour Party
ShareThe leadership of Labour Party (LP) says Ms Oluchi Oparah, its former National Treasurer, is not the National Woman Leader...
Fuel Hike: Experts Seek Speedy Intervention of FG
Share Some Economic Experts on Thursday urged the speedy intervention of the Federal Government following the hike in the Pump...
10 political Parties to Participate in C’River LG Polls – CROSIEC Chairman
Share Chairman of Cross River Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC), Dr Ekong Boco, says 10 political parties will be participating in...
Vet Doctor Calls for Law to Guide Abattoir Operations in Nigeria
Share Dr Mutiu Oladele-Bukola, Veterinary Doctor at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Obafemi Awolowo University, Moore Plantation,...
Minister Appoints Kingsley Igwe, CRFFN Registrar
Share The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Mr Kingsley Igwe as...
Veteran Actor, Abdusalam Sanyaolu “Agbako” Dies at 101
Share Veteran Actor, Pa Abdusalam Sanyaolu, popularly known as “Agbako” is dead. Bolaji Amusan, National President, Theatre Arts and Motion...
10 Fear Dead in Ibadan Building Collapse
ShareTen persons were feared dead when a storey building collapsed on Thursday morning in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. The General...
Court Dismisses Suit Against Tinubu over Appointment of NDDC Board Chair
Share A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, dismissed a suit filed against President Bola Tinubu and others over...