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Rivers International Marathon: A Gateway to Global Spotlight on Rivers State, Says Governor Fubara

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Promising Talent Cultivation and Economic Boost”

Governor Similanayi Fubara of Rivers State has unequivocally affirmed that the upcoming Rivers State International Marathon is poised to captivate the global spotlight and shine a positive light on the state.

His declaration came during a meticulously organized press conference in Port Harcourt, River State, aimed at updating the media on the extensive lineup of activities slated for the international marathon, set to take place on May 18, 2024.

Represented by the esteemed Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Christopher Green elaborated on the multifaceted benefits of the international marathon. He underscored its pivotal role in combating social vices, particularly among the youth, citing the allure of cash prizes as a compelling incentive for young participants.

Furthermore,the commissioner emphasized the ripple effect of talent discovery that the event promises, foreseeing a surge in local talent development as a direct result of participation.

Expanding on the economic front, the governor highlighted the myriad opportunities that will emerge for local businesses during the marathon’s preparation phase and on the event day itself. Anticipating brisk commercial activity, Barrister Green envisaged a boost to the state’s economy, with local enterprises poised to thrive amidst the influx of participants and spectators.

Crucially, the marathon serves as a powerful platform to showcase the state’s exemplary security credentials. As international athletes descend upon Nigeria from various corners of the globe, they will bear witness to Rivers State’s status as a secure haven, thereby dispelling any lingering doubts and bolstering investor confidence in the region’s safety.

Moreover, beyond its economic and security implications, the marathon provides an invaluable opportunity to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rivers State. By spotlighting indigenous traditions and customs, the event promises to invigorate the tourism sector, enticing visitors to explore the state’s vibrant tapestry of cultures.

Echoing the governor’s sentiments, project consultant Femi Abegunde of Arch Raphael Limited lauded the marathon as a trailblazing endeavor that sets a benchmark for future athletic endeavors in Nigeria and beyond. He underscored the inclusivity of the event, with special provisions made to accommodate and challenge indigenous athletes to surpass existing records set by their Nigerian counterparts in marathons nationwide.

Abegunde went further by revealing the plan for local athletes saying the introduction of the Nigerian elite prize tag underscores the commitment to fostering local talent and elevating the country’s standing in the global marathon community. As Governor Fubara reaffirmed, the Rivers State International Marathon is not merely a race; it is a catalyst for positive change, uniting communities, promoting athleticism, and propelling Rivers State onto the world stage with pride and distinction.

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Internal Security: Police EOD Recovers Explosives, Prevents Calamity In Borno

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As IGP Commends Officers, Assures of Continuous Strides in Ensuring Safety, Security

The Nigeria Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has again successfully recovered unexploded military ordnances in Maiduguri on 22nd November 2024, following reports from vigilant residents.

Acting swiftly, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) team was deployed to secure the affected areas.

All ordnances were safely evacuated without any loss of life, injury, or property damage, and normalcy has been restored.

In the Dala Kacchallah area, the operatives recovered six (6) unexploded projectiles and one (1) mortar bomb near an uncompleted building.

Reports indicate that the items, washed ashore by recent flooding, were abandoned by local scavengers. Similarly, at the Gwange Riverbank, a military hand grenade was discovered.

In both instances, the EOD-CBRN team safely removed the ordnances, declared the areas safe, and conducted explosive risk awareness campaigns to sensitize residents.

Commending the professionalism and prompt response of the EOD-CBRN Unit, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM has assured Nigerians of the Force’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security.

The IGP also noted that the EOD team in Borno State has been consistent in responsiveness and professionalism in preventing series of calamities as many IEDs have been safely recovered in many instances within the state. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origins of the recovered items and to prevent future occurrences.

The Inspector-General of Police urges members of the public to refrain from handling suspicious objects and to promptly report such discoveries to the police.

The Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mandate to protect lives and property across Maiduguri and its environs.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA

23RD NOVEMBER, 2024

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Fire guts LAUTECH teaching hospital

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Property worth millions of naira were on Saturday destroyed at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, as a result of a fire incident.

The incident, which happened around 5 am in a paediatric consultant’s office, affected electronic gadgets, engines, books, office equipment, roofs, and others worth millions of naira.

A credible source told our correspondent that the fire incident was suspected to have started from an electric spark.

It was learnt that about 16 patients had to be quickly rushed out of the ward.

However, in a statement sent to PUNCH Online in Ibadan, the state capital, on Saturday, the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Ogunleye Omotayo, said no life was lost in the fire incident.

The statement read, “The management of the institution wishes to state that the fire incident that occurred early this morning (Saturday), as carried by some news media, was put out without any remarkable damage to the hospital.

“Noting that no human damage was recorded in the incident, the management wishes to state that Investigation is still ongoing with regard to the cause of the incident.

“At the moment, light has been restored, and work activities have resumed in the section where the fire incident took place.

“The management wishes to thank all staff, the state Fire Service, and all other well-wishers for their concerns and prompt response. The fire incident raised no cause for alarm. Everyone is advised to go about their normal daily activities without fear.”

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Nothing wrong having a Christian as Alaafin of Oyo, says Oladigbolu

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Rahman Oladigbolu, a Nigerian filmmaker, says he sees no reason why the Alaafin of Oyo cannot be a Christian.

Two years ago, Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, died at the Afe Babalola Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, after battling an undisclosed illness.

He was 83 years old and had been on the throne for 52 years — the longest-reigning Nigerian monarch at the time.

Since his death, the throne has been vacant.

Speaking in an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo, Oladigbolu, a prince in the Oyo kingdom, said religion should not be a factor in the selection of the next Alaafin.

“In Oyo, where I came from, we are trying to select a new king. It has been the tradition for some decades that the Alaafin of Oyo will be a Muslim,” he said.

“Now, we have some Christians among the people vying for the position, and there are discussions about whether Oyo can have a Christian Oba. Of course, if you can have a Muslim Alaafin, I see no reason you can’t have a Christian Alaafin.

“The whole point should be to ensure that people would not be talking about religion in issues like this, but it is difficult because of the agenda of people wanting to impose their religion on others.

“So these are where all the problems still lie, and until we’re able to understand it, I don’t see how we can move forward.”

Oladigbolu said education and enlightenment are necessary to solve division caused by religion.

“It is only enlightenment that can carry people to the point where religious considerations no longer matter in societal affairs,” he said.

“When people are enlightened to the point where it doesn’t, then it won’t.

“But today, they still see each other from their religious prism because even the behavior of people that occupy positions in society gets influenced by religion.”

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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