Nation
THE STATE
Ogun
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, at the weekend held its first convocation ceremony with a call on the country leaders to take serious steps towards industrial revolution.
The University’s chancellor, Prof. Akin Mabogunje who made the call in his speech also stressed the need for mankind to establish a new relation with its environment “If it is to continue to live and work in relative peace, safety and security.”
Gombe
Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Isa Umar, has said that a bill would soon be presented to the state House of Assembly for the transformation of Gombe State Action Committee on AID (GOMSACA) to a full-fledge agency.
The commissioner disclosed this while delivering a speech during the International Centre for AID Care and Treatment Programmes (ICAP) and local council stakeholders’ forum in Gombe.
Osun
A call has been made to the Federal Government to extend part of the Education Intervention Fund (EIF) and Education Trust Fund (ETF) being enjoyed by the public universities to their private counterparts in the country to enhance the development of the nation’s tertiary education system.
The call was made by the Vice Chancellor of Bowen University and Chairman Committee of Vice Chancellors and Registrars Private Universities (CVCRPU), Prof Timothy Olagbemiro.
Speaking during the fourth convocation of Bowen University Iwo, Osun State at the weekend, the vice chancellor noted that the request would assist private universities to fulfill their objective by providing qualitative education for the overall development of the society.
Olagbemino who under scored the role private universities have played since the liberalisation of the educational sector said proprietors of such institutions also deserve the support by the government in the spirit of equity, fair play and social justice.
He urged President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to consider the demand by CVCRPU saying that the government should also be sensitive to the development in the private educational sector if the objective of revamping the nation’s university system is to be achieved.
Kaduna
The Kaduna State government has donated 200 motorcycles to the state police command in order to check the rising crime rate in the remote areas of the state.
Disclosing this to journalists recently, the state Police Commissioner, Tambari Yabo Muhammad, said the command has all the while received support from the government in order to fight crime.
He said: “Before I came to the state, the government had launched the Operation Yaki exercise and as at today, over 70 Hilux vehicles have been given to the command to check crime. And the interesting aspect of the exercise was the donation of over 200 motorcycles by the state government to curtail crimes in areas that were not accessible to vehicles. All these were tailored toward making the state a crime free state and model to other states of the federation.
“We want to acknowledge that it is not only in the city that crimes are rampant but in the remote areas as well where access is difficult.
With the new motorcycles, I believe my personnel can move in and check the rate of crime. This is a plus to the state government and I am yet to see any state that has done this in recent times,” Muhammad said.
Tambari Mohammad who was formerly at the Lagos Airport added that closed circuit television cameras, connected to the state command, would soon be mounted in particular locations to monitor events throughout the state.
Oshogbo
Tragedy struck at the weekend in Oshogbo, Osun State, when a mobile police man shot and killed a septuagerian identified as Mr Jacob Odedeji.
Odedeji and members of his family were returning to Lagos from Oyan, Kwara State, where the wedding of his son took place.
The solemisation of the deceased son’s wedding, according to sources, was held at Saint Peters Anglican Church, Oyan, less than an hour before the incident.
We learnt that Odedeji’s driver allegedly refused to stop when waved down by policemen at a road block in front of the moribund Oshogbo Stell Rolling Company.
Another version of the story had it that the policeman was provoked when the driver refused to part with a N20 graft demanded from him.
Angered by the drivers stance, one of the policeman allegedly shot into the car, killing Odedeji on the spot and injuring another occupant of the car who was later rushed to Osun State General Hospital, Asubiaro, Oshogbo.
The policeman reportedly shot sporadically into the car and escaped the area immediately, apparently for fear of a mob attack.
The shooting engendered a melee in the entire neighbourhood as commuters and motorists scampered for safety, creating a traffic bottleneck.
Osun State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) confirmed the incident.
Benue
Governor Gabriel Suswan of Benue State has called on solar energy experts in the country to promote their skills and expertise, so that Nigeria can use them to solve the power problems of the nation.
Speaking at the weekend in Makurdi during the Annual Meeting of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria, Suswan urged the experts to make themselves more available because those who plan to use solar energy as an alternative means of scheming the power problems of the country were not aware of the existence of local experts in the sector.
The governor stated that Nigeria had abundant sunlight, which is the primary raw material for solar energy, pointing out that there was no need why the country should be importing experts in this area with the huge potential it has.
He declared that with the success of the solar powered streetlights in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, his administration had concluded plans to extend the same facility to the major towns of the state to provide illumination for the people at night.
Suswam said that in the quest to enhance the availability of power in the state for industrial and domestic use, his administration has invited alternative energy experts from Canada to explore the wind energy potential of the state.
He promised to contribute to the programmes and activities of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria at all times, describing the society as relevant to the growth of the nation.
Ondo
Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has been cautioned to beware of sycophants who could make him to derail and not to perform creditably. He was advised to open his doors to those who have genuine interest to make significant contributions to good governance in the state.
The plea was made at the weekend by Pastor William Oluwole Falae of the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ayo District Headquarters (Assembly centre), at an ordination service in Akure, the state capital.
Falae, who also urged the wife of the governor, Mrs.Olukemi Mimiko, to always pray for her husband so as to bring good governance to the doorsteps of the masses, noted that for them to have meaningful impact in the state, they must do at all times shun wrong advice.
The cleric said people should be very careful when they occupy any exalted office and admonished the governor to have people-oriented programmes so as to move the state forward.
According to him, to bridge the gap between the young and old, there must be recognition of the reality of where we are coming from and where we are heading to which would usher in positive charge.
He also called on the governor to make the villager habitable and comfortable with the provision of basic amenities in order to bridge the gap between the rural and urban centres.
Katsina
Four siblings have died in Katsina metropolis under circumstances that appear to be mysterious. The four youths, namely Halliru Dalhatu, Muntaka Dalhatu, Bashir Magaji and Zaidu Salihu aged between 19 and 23, were found dead in a shop in Kota Guga, where they had slept the night before.
An eye-witness who spoke with newsmen said the deceased were hale and hearty before they went to sleep in the shop, but were found dead early the next day.
He said it was about 7a.m that shop owners in the area realised that the shop was still close, and the youths had not been seen around.
They raised alarm and forced their way into the shop and found all four of them dead. Police later invited parents of the decease to the scene and the bodies taken to the state’s General Hospital in Katsina for autopsy.
Traders around the scene said they suspected the deceased might have died from suffocation or food poisoning as a local drink, fura denunu, was sold in the shop.
The state Police Commissioner, Mr Dan’ azumi Doma, who confirmed the incident, said the police also suspected food poisoning, as possible cause of death. Doma said the command is expecting medical reports from the General Hospital, while investigation of the case is on going.
Lagos
The Federal Government has appealed the judgement of a federal High court in Lagos which declared the deportation of the vaswani brothers and thirty other Indians illegal last week
The Government has also urged the court to stay execution of its judgement pending the determination of the appeal filed at the court of appeal in Lagos.
The Vaswani brothers were deported over allegations of evading payment of custom duties on imported rice.
Justice Mohammed Liman of the federal high court voided government’s letters withdrawing the expartiate quota to the foreigners declaring the action as null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
The judge, who held that due process of law and fair hearing was not followed in the entire process culminating in the deportation set aside the decision, further restrained government from confiscating or selling the business premises of the foreigners and disturbing them from carrying out their business.
Citing section 18, 19 and 45 of the Immigration Act, Justice Liman said governments action, “is an administrative one which must be based on law and the constitution empowers the court to determine whether those actions are in accordance with the law.
Kano
Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau has said that the contruction of Kanawa International Market sited in the state capital would cost N15 billion.
Governor Shekarau disclosed this at the weekend while speaking with journalists shortly after the inauguration of the National Executive Council members of the Moslem Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in Gombe.
He added that the project was conceived to be executed under the Public Private Partnership (PPP), noting that the state government had provided a land for the project in which over N400 million was spent for compensation and resettlement of the villages that were displaced as a result of the project.
According to him, the proposed market, which after completion was expected to be the biggest market in the West African sub-region, would among other facilities, house a telecommunications centre, banks, clinic, school, among others.
Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration says it will henceforth sanction any plot owner with overgrown weeds in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Minister, Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero made this threat on Thursday in Abuja during an unscheduled inspection of some strategic locations in some Districts of the Federal Capital City, Abuja aimed at personally assessing the performance of operational departments of the FCT administration.
The Minister reiterated that plot owners should take possession of their property and keep them clean or else the FCT administration will clean them but for a cost.
“The government cannot sit down and fold its arms to see overgrown grasses taking over strategic locations in the Federal Capital City while the men of the underworld gladly take advantage,” he restated.
Senator Aliero warned that all affect property owners are hereby advised to cut such grasses and keep them clean or face sanction by the FCT Administration.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.
Donatus Ebi
The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.
Akujobi Amadi