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THE STATES

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Adamawa

 

The Adamawa Government plans to freight agricultural produce from Yola International Airport to other parts of the world, Gov. Murtala Nyako said on Wednesday.

Nyako disclosed this in Yola while declaring open a one week Agricultural Show tagged “Coping with Challenges in Agriculture to Ensure Food Security in Adamawa State”.

He said the plan, if well implemented, would enable the state to harness its agricultural potential and promote export to Europe and America.

Nyako also disclosed the government’s plans to construct warehouses at strategic locations in the state for the storage and marketing of farm produce.

 

Benue

 

The Benue Government said it awarded a contract of N4. 98 billion for the construction of the Greater Makurdi Water Works within the last three years,

 The Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr John Ngbede, made this known in Makurdi on Wednesday,during a ministerial briefing to mark three years of Gov. Gabriel Suswam’s administration. 

He said out of the amount, N3.99 billion had been paid to Gilmor Engineering (Nig.) Ltd., the construction firm handling the project.

 

 

FCT

 

Special prayers were offered on Friday at the Abuja National Mosque for the repose of the soul of the late President, Umaru Yar’Adua as well as for peace and stability of the country.

Our correspondent  reports that thousands of Muslim faithful thronged the mosque to offer prayers for the late President.

Ustaz Musa Muhamad in his sermon, stressed the need to obey Allah’s command and be of good behaviour.

He reminded the congregation that “everybody is going to give account on his or her  deeds on the day of Judgment, no matter how highly placed.

 

Kaduna

 

The Kaduna State Directorate of Vehicles Inspection (VIO), has impounded 1,122 vehicles for various traffic offences in the last four months.    Mr Nehemiah Abet, the state’s VIO Director, told newsmen on Friday in Kaduna that the offences included over loading, use of extra lights and over speeding.    Abet disclosed that vehicles that were not roadworthy and motorists who drove vehicles dangerously were also arrested, with some facing prosecution.    He said the vehicles included articulated or heavy duty trucks, commercial cars and buses as well as private luxury vehicles.   

 

Kano

 

Kano State Government spent more  than N20 billion on agricultural development between 2003 and 2009, Alhaji Musa Shanono,  the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said on Wednesday.

Shanono disclosed in Kano while declaring open the 4th bi-monthly meeting on the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP).

He said  the investment was  demonstration of the government’s commitment to the improvement of food security, poverty reduction and farmers’ livelihoods.

 

 

Katsina

 

A former military governor of Kaduna State, retired AVM Muktar Mohammed, has advised President Goodluck Jonathan to give priority to security during his tenure.

He gave the advice on Friday in Katsina in an interview with newsmen shortly after condoling with the family of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Mohammed said the advice became necessary in view of the current security situation in the country.

He urged the president to put the issue of security as number one item on his agenda in order to save the country from unforseen circumstances.

Mohammed stressed that the issue of security was crucial to the socio-economic and political development of any country.

 

 

Kogi

 

The Ohiopisa Eiyire of Obehira Community in Kogi, Alhaji Idrisu Okeji, has appealed to his subjects not to revenge the recent attack on the community by Okengwe and Idoma communities.

Seven youhs of Obehira Community lost their lives in the attack in which more than 200 houses were burnt.

Okeji, who made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Ageva, near Okene on Wednesday, noted that there was need for peace to prevail among the neighbouring communities.

He said that although the invasion inflicted “great and incalculable damage to life and property,’’ he had commenced meeting with various interest groups on the need to leave vengeance to God.

The traditional ruler commended the police for establishing its presence in Ageva, stressing that the action would go a long way in curtailing crisis.

 

Kwara

 

The Kwara Government has approved the selection of a businessman, Alhaji Muftau Gbadamosi, as the new Olofa of Offa in Offa Local Government Area of the state. 

Alhaji Ahmed Makama, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, made the announcement in a statement on Friday in Ilorin.

The statement said the approval, which takes effect from May 6, followed the demise of the former occupant of the stool, Oba Olawore Olanipekun on February  11. 

 

Lagos

 

 Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) has declared Force Majeure on Bonny Light lifting for May and June with effect from May 7.

A statement issued by the company’s spokesman, Mr Precious Okolobo in Lagos on Saturday, said that the declaration was as a result of production deferment from the leaks and fire incidents which occurred on the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) on May 5.

The statement said that several incidents were detected on the sections of the pipeline at Bodo West and Bera Gokana Local Government Area of  Rivers.

It added that preliminary investigations indicated that they were caused by crude theft activities, which made the company to shut down on May 5 to enable it carryout repair works.

 

Niger

 

Dr Isa Vatsa, Niger Commissioner for Water Resources, says the government has spent N284 million on water pumps to ease the water shortage in Minna and its environs.

Vatsa said this in Minna on Friday while speaking to newsmen.

‘’About N284 million was spent by the state government to buy 16 low lift water pumps for Chanchaga water works to ease the problem of water shortage in Minna and its environs,’’ he said.

He said that the pumps would be manufactured accordingto the specification of the state government.

The commissioner said that the pumps would supplement the four water pumps bought by the government earlier in 2010.

Vatsa said that more than N190 million would be spent in desilting Chanchaga dam reservoir in order to increase the volume of water supply to the public.

 

Osun

 

Osun lawmakers on Friday condoled with members of the family of the late president Umaru Yar’Adua and the Nigerian people over his death.

A cross section of the lawmakers, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo, said that it was unfortunate that death did not allow Yar’Adua to fulfill his desires for the country.

The speaker, Mr Adejare Bello, said “ judging by the late president’s humility, honesty, transparency and contentment, Nigeria has indeed lost a dedicated leader.“

 

Oyo

 

 With her motherly advice, the President of an Ibadan Grade C Customary Court, Mrs Ibijoke Adeleke-Gomes,  on Friday saved a 23-year-old marriage from crumbling.

Ramoni Bamidele, a pensioner, who filed for the divorce, had told the court that his wife, Funke, a trader, was very stubborn and that her attitude had changed negatively in the past two years.

 

Sokoto

 

 The Shagari Local  Government Council in Sokoto State has spent over

N72.4 million on the construction of 10 houses for traditional rulers in the area.

The Chairman of the council,  Alhaji Abdullahi Danjeka, disclosed this on Friday in Shagari, near Sokoto, when he received a team of journalists on a monitoring  visit of projects in the area.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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