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We’ll continue to support LGs, Oyebanji assures Service Commission board members

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reassured the leadership of the Local Government Service Commission that his administration would continue to provide support for the local government administration in the state in order to ensure effective operations of the local government system for the good of the grassroots.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the assurance in Ado-Ekiti on Monday during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Local Government Service Commission led by its Chairman, Chief Samuel Abejide, said a well-resourced workforce would significantly transform local communities and improve service delivery to the grassroots.

Dispelling the notion that local government workers are second-class citizens, the Governor cited numerous initiatives and achievements recorded at various local governments as evidence of their potentials and capacity to transform various communities within their localities.

Stressing the importance of continuous training and professional development to equip workers with the necessary skills to meet the demand of their roles, the Governor assured that his administration remains committed to ensuring that local government become more effective in delivering essential service and fostering development.

While commending the leadership of the local government commission for providing a quality leadership, Oyebanji urged the local government workers to remain dedicated and professional in the discharge of their duties

“I keep telling people that local Government workers are not second class citizen, they are not, I believe that if they are properly resourced and I have said it during campaign that they have the capacity to change the narrative at the local government level and that is what they have been doing since I came on board, the interventions at various local government are quite commendable.

“it is an affirmation of my belief in their capacity to do things rightly and when you have a critical sector like that being a partner in progress with our government, we don’t have a choice other than to support them and we will continue to provide support for the commission and the rank and file at the local government level”, the Governor assured.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commission chairman, Chief Samuel Abejide, who expressed his profound gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering support for the local government administration in the state, said the purpose of the meeting was to thank the Governor for the recent appointment of two local government staff as permanent secretaries and other numerous achievements in the local Government.

He listed the Governor’s achievements in local government including the construction of local government service commission secretariat, approval of restoration of local government training fund, and various welfare packages for the workers, among others.

At the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs) Habibat Adubiaro, Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Folakemi Olomojobi; Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Folorunso Olabode, Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Commissioners in the Local Government Service Commission, and Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission, among others.

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NAPTIP insists no reported case of organ harvesting in Akwa Ibom

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, Akwa Ibom State Command, has insisted that there is no reported case of organ harvesting in any hospital within the state contrary to media reports.

This was contained in a statement, titled ‘Clarification on Misrepresentations regarding NAPTIP’S Presentation at the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Press Briefing’, signed by Ben Essang on behalf of the Zonal Commander, in Uyo on Tuesday.

Essang, flanked by Eno Akpan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Emem Ette, Director, Department of GBV, Ministry of Justice, as well as other stakeholders noted that the analogies presented at the event were drawn from global trends and intended “solely for the purpose of raising awareness without any specific reference to factual occurrences in Akwa Ibom State”.

According to him, “While NAPTIP promotes public awareness regarding the issue of organ harvesting, it’s important to clarify that there have been no reported incidents in any hospital or clinic within Akwa Ibom State.

“NAPTIP, Uyo Zonal Command therefore urges members of the public, government entities and organizations to ignore and disregard the publications.”

He also said human trafficking remained a pervasive global issue and urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious in their interaction, particularly concerning the welfare of both children and adults so they would not fall prey.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation of citizens in the fight against human trafficking in the state.

News

Federal Govt confirms bird flu outbreak in Kano

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, popularly known as bird flu, in Kano State.

The bird flu affects various bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.

The disease is said to have has raised concerns over its potential spread in the region.

According to a circular by the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr Columba Teru Vakuru, authorities highlighted the heightened risk of transmission during this period.

“We urge all state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to activate their surveillance systems immediately. Strict biosecurity measures must be implemented, and public awareness campaigns intensified to curb the spread of the virus,” the circular stated.

While revealing how the outbreak started, Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, Kano State chapter, Dr Usman Gwarzo, recounted an incident from December 2024 that sounded the alarm.

“A young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area purchased a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens.

“The duck suddenly died, and shortly after, the chickens followed,” Gwarzo explained.

The carcasses, according to him, were taken to the Gwale veterinary clinic, where avian influenza was suspected.

“Samples were sent for testing, and by the first week of January 2025, the results confirmed the presence of the virus,” he added.

He advised Kano residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious bird deaths to veterinary authorities.

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Soldier arrested with ammunition at Borno motor park

A soldier identified as Nathaniel Jeremiah, has been arrested by personnel of the 7 Division at the Borno Express Terminal Park in Maiduguri for illegal possession of ammunition.

Intelligence sources told security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama that Jeremiah, who was on welfare pass and en route to Adamawa State, was apprehended while attempting to board a vehicle at the terminal.

During the routine search, security operatives discovered 89 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition concealed in his personal bag.

The soldier was immediately taken into custody for interrogation, and the recovered ammunition was handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.