Nation
THE STATES
Nasarawa
The National Association of Students of English and Literature Studies (NASELS), Nasarawa State University. Keffi (NSUK), has celebrated its 2009 week.
The events marking the week began with the end up of a five man electoral committee that was charged to conduct a free and fair election.
At the end of voting, the former vice president, Clement Takat, won the office of the president unopposed. All other positions also went unopposed.
The next day saw the swearing in of the new leaders, drama presentations, songs, recitation of poems, talk shows and comedy, among others.
At the main show, the class Rep of the 400- level class, Osita Okafor introduced Love Oni and Precious Ona who acted as comperes.
The NASELS choir kicked off the night by singing the national anthem as well the NSUK anthem.
NASELS outgoing president, Austine Okonjo who took over the stage, thanked everyone, especially the students for making his tenure a success.
Okonjo also apologised for any short coming of his administration.
The Head of Department, Associate Prof. Umelo Ojinmah, administered the oath of office to the new executive.
Ojimah urged them not to allow unionism take place of academics.
In his address, the new president, Mr. Takat, promised to focus on programmes that will bring unity among the diverse students in the department.
He also asked for the help and cooperation of the students to enable him actualize his manifesto.
However, there were many talk-shows on issues ranging from education to literature, fashion, education, sports etc.
Taraba
As part of effort to contribute to the United Nations (UNs) Campaign for a green world, intending Christian pilgrims from Taraba State have unanimously agreed to plant no fewer than 1,000 trees in Israel.
The state, according to the chairman, Christian Pilgrim Board, Rev. Innocent R. Solomon, will not only be the first in Nigeria but also the first in the African continent to achieve this.
This was made known Tuesday to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, by the chairman before departing for the Holy Land with other pilgrims.
According to him, the state will be planting trees as a mark of honour, as well as to promote the UNs call to ensure a a green world.
“We are going to be planting about 1,000 trees to contribute to the United Nations’ (UNs) Campaign to bring about green world”, he said.
The state, which has a total of 335 intending pilgrims, yesterday left for Israel under the leadership of the chairman of Traditional Council the ANU-UKA of Wukari, Dr. Shekaru Y. Ansyu Masa Ibi Nuryo II.
Plateau
The newly-appointed Plateau State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Tunde Nurudeen, has disclosed that he would work with the state police command to ensure corps members posted to the state enjoy maximum security in the service of the fatherland.
Mr Nurudeen also warned those who are out to forment trouble to desist from such as any harm done to any corps member in the state would not be tolerated.
He made this call after taking over from his predecessor, Mr. Ezekiel Aiyedogbon, who has been posted to head the Public Relations Department in the NYSC Headquarters, Abuja.
According to him, the staff of the scheme are expected to perform their duties as assigned and do away with rumour mongering, as this is capable of derailing the ideals of the scheme.
While relating his experiences on the job, he noted that working under the NYSC has been worthwhile as there are many testimonies to attest to this.
In his Hand-over speech, the out-going coordinator, Aiyegbon who had spent only 59 days in Plateau, described the in-coming coordinator as a hardworking and dependable person and sought the support of every member of staff to make his tenure a success.
Responding on behalf of the staff, Mrs. Elizabeth Iyizoba pledged their support and promised to work in harmony to ensure the ideals of the scheme are achieved.
Ogun
Daredevil armed robbers killed three policemen in Ogere, Ogun State, during a bank raid yesterday.
Among those killed was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Mr. Simon Otene.
During the operation, a female police officer was also shot, but she did not die. She was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The incident occurred only 10 days after the Police Area Command in Ijebu-ode, Omolodum Oladokun, was allegedly killed by rioting youths.
The rubbers were said to have attacked the bank, which share a fence with the police station.
The robbers, according to a source, had divided themselves into two groups, with one attacking the bank and the other the police station.
The State Police Commissioner, Mr. Hashimu Argungu, confirmed the incident. Argungu who spoke on phone, said: “the detail of the situation is still sketchy, but we learn that he was killed when the robbers, who came in a bus, attacked the station; we are still investigating”.
A source in the town, however, said the bandits came to set free some armed robbers allegedly detained in the police station.
“They said some robbers were arrested around this place some days ago and detained in the station in Ogere. So, it was not the bank that they came for originally. Though it was difficult to know if they eventually raided the bank”, the source said.
Borno
To address the poor state of roads in Borno, the state government has procured 133 units of heavy duty and earth moving construction equipment.
Inspecting the equipment Wednesday at Ramat Square, Maiduguri the commissioner for Works and Transport Mustapha Alkai Gajibo disclosed that the equipment including bulldozers, pay loaders, rollers, excavators and forklifts cost N3.8 billion.
He added that they would be inaugurated Friday by the Minister of works, Housing and Urban Development Mohammed Lawan Hassan.
The equipment would be used by the Borno Road Maintenance Agency (BORMA)
Zamfara
The Zamfara State government has approved N1.9 billion for the purchase of equipment to run engineering-related courses at the state-owned Abdu-Gasau Polytechnic, Talata Matara.
Governor Mohamuda Shinkafi said in Gusau on Tuesday that the project was part of efforts to meet National Board for Technical Education’s conditions for the accreditation of engineering courses at the polytechnic.
Shinkafi who spoke when Mr Klaus-Dieter Hand, the director of Africa Affairs of PHYWE system, a German company, visited him, said the government was determined to set a sound technology base for rapid development of the state.
He stressed that no society would prosper without a sound technical education base that could prepare its citizens for the global challenges of the 21st century.
The governor added that the government would ensure that the equipment was supplied within the shortest possible time.
He gave an assurance that as soon as due process was completed, government would release part of the conrtact sum for the supply.
He said the state government has significantly improved structures in secondary schools and some tertiary institutions in the last two years.
Speaking during the visit, Hand said he was in the state to present a report by his firm to the government, which emanated from the recent visit of the state delegation to the firm in Germany for collaboration in technological development.
He promised the governor that the company would collaborate with the state in realising its technological development dreams.
Kano
The Kano State government has rehabilitated and upgraded facilities at the Aminu Kano Community School at a total cost of N1.1 billion.
This was in fulfillment of a pledge the state governor, Malam (Dr) Ibrahim Shekarau made during the 40th anniversary of the college last year.
The Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Musa Salihu, disclosed this while handing over the contract to the contractors at the college’s Conference Hall, Tuesday.
Salihu, said that the government has already committed 50 per cent of the total amount estimated at about N550 million, while the other portion of the contract will commence in earnest.
He gave the breakdown of the projects as follows: Administration Block at the cost of N92,693,206, Multipurpose Hall worth N120,004,083.55, College Library Block at N83,897,541.52, School’s Mosque at N20,339,321.42, Ablution Area at N4,856,266.22, Bedroom at N52,522,083.50.
Others are three Bedroom flats at N117,722,263.90, a Guest House at N7,462,731.22, Road and Parking Space to gulp N26,332,258.97, External Electrical works at N1,239,999.50 and External Mechanical Works that cost N17,338,244.10.
The Commissioner also gave a brief history of the college which was established in 1967.
Ekiti
Witnesses Tuesday admitted irregularities in some of the results tendered for some polling units in Orin-ora Ward of Ido-Osi council area of Ekiti State at the election petition tribunal hearing the government petition filed by the Action Congress (AC) and its governorship candidate, Dr Nayode Feyemi, against the outcome of the April 25 rerun election in the state. The witnesses, who were called by the first respond, Governor Segun Oni, told the tribunal that the election was free and fair in their polling units while being led in their evidence by counsel to the governor, Duro Adeyele (SAN), They, however, blamed the irregularities in the results tendered by the Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC) on its officials.
For instance, Davo Dada who was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polling agent at unit 009 of the Ward, has tendered the result form EC8A for the unit and admitted that all the contents were correct as recorded by the presiding officer.
Under cross – examination by counsel to the petitioners, Anthony Adeniyi, he said the total valid scores recorded for both PDP and AC were 92 but on the result from ECZA, the presiding officer wrote 93 .
Besides, while the presiding officer wrote 93 as the total valid votes in one column, in another he simply wrote 1.
Also, of the 150 ballot papers issued for the unit, 93 was recorded as total number of used ballot papers and another 62 as unused ballot papers.
Dada, who was the respondent witness 40 (RW40), attributed the difference in his specimen signature, which was requested from him by Adeniyi and that of the one oath and the form EC8A, to the fact that he shortened his signature on the form EC8A
He, however affirmed that the election was free and fair in his unit, adding that AC polling agent signed the result and took away his own copy.
The second witness, Aina Oluwaseyi, who was PDP polling agent for unit 19, tendered the form EC8A containing the result for the unit. He told the tribunal that the election was conducted without any hitch.
Lagos
A Lagos High Court, Ikeja, yesterday dismissed a N200 billion suit instituted against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by four companies belonging to former Chief Executive of Inter-Continental Bank Plc and his wife.
The suit sought to enforce rights of the companies allegedly breached by the commission.
In dismissing the suit, Justice Morenike Obadina said the suit lacked merit.
She awarded N20,000 costs against the companies, Tropics Finance and Investment Company Limited, Tropics Properties Limited, Tropics Securities Limited and Tropics Holding Limited.
Justice Obadina said the EFCC Act empowers it to take the steps it took against the companies while investigating them over the alleged movement of over N15 billion from the bank to a Summit Limited account.
Summit Limited belongs to Akingbola and former bank chairman, Chief Raymond Obieri.
EFCC said the funds were later moved to the accounts of the four companies with the bank which they claimed were frozen by the commission.
Akingbola and his wife, Anthonia, are being investigated by the commission over alleged tax evasion and money laundering.
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