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Bauchi

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA) has commenced investigations into the activities of a HIV positive herbalist allegedly spreading the virus to his female clients.

The harbalist had been sentenced to 24 years imprisonment by a Bauchi Shari’ah Court for allegedly spreading the virus.

Dr Rilwanu Muhammad, the Executive Secretary of the agency, told newsmen in Bauchi on Friday that the agency was disturbed by the development.

Sheikh Aliyu Sa’idu, a commissioner in the Bauchi State Shari’ah Commission, alleged that the convict, Magaji Ali, had been spreading HIV by luring his female clients into sex as part of the love potion to make their husbands love them.

The Islamic scholar alleged that “the herbalist not only sleeps with them, but also collects N5,000 as service charge and possibly infects them before delivering the love potion”.

He made the allegation in a lecture organised by the Islamic Health Students Association of Nigeria, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe branch.

 

 

FCT

Nigeria’s achievements in the health sector would be showcased during the forthcoming meeting of World Health Assembly, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Minister of Health, has said.

The Minister was speaking to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja at a briefing on the forthcoming assembly scheduled for Geneva, Switzerland from May 17 to May 21

“The meeting is an opportunity for us to showcase what we have achieved in the health sector since the last meeting.

“It will also allow the World Health Organisation (WHO) to understand the peculiar problems of some countries and to also decide how those countries could be helped,” he said.

He said that Nigeria had made a lot of achievements in eradicating guinea worm.

“We have continued to sustain the zero reporting of guinea worm. In the past fifteen months, Nigeria has not recorded a single case of guinea worm,” he said.

On polio, Chukwu said that the country has recorded only three cases this year.

“Since the beginning of this year, we have not recorded more than three cases of polio. The recent one was recorded last week.

“If you compare that with the 360 cases recorded between January and May last year, you will know that this is something encouraging,” he said.

The Minister, who said that a report on Nigeria’s performance in the health sector would be issued during the assembly, said that some protocols and resolutions would be adopted at the meeting.

 Jigawa

The Jigawa Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Muktari Birniwa, says the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) established in Maigatari Local Government Area of the state is fully operational.

Birniwa, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen  on Wednesday in Dutse, said the state government had renovated all dilapidated buildings around the site.

He said that access roads, electricity, water and communications facilities were provided in the zone for effective and efficient commercial activities in the area.

The commissioner stated that two major firms were presently operating in the EPPS, including the state owned Tricycle Assembly Plant and Gum Arabic Company which were meant to export finished products to other parts of the world.

“Some American investors had visited the zone and did feasibility studies and indicated their interest to invest in the area,” he said.

Biennia stated that some companies had requested the government to establish immigration office in the area, to regulate and check the influx of people who would be doing business in the zone.

 

Kebbi

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has approved the release of N91.7 million for the Kebbi Community-Based Agricultural and Rural Development Programme (CBARDP). 

Dr. Usman Shehu, the Programme Manager, Kebbi Agricultural and Rural Development Authority, disclosed this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.

The statement said the fund would be utilised to build the capacity of rural communities for the period April 2010 to March 2013.

It said the three tiers of government and benefitting communities would contribute counterpart fund totalling N506 million.

“The approval was sequel to the mid-term review meeting between IFAD and the CBARDP officials on impact of the programme.

“The review indicated that the programmme had impacted positively on the social, economic and environmental aspects as it had improved the livelihoods and living conditions of the targeted communities”, it stated.

 

Kaduna

Farmers in Zaria and its environs have expressed concern over the delay in fertiliser distribution for the 2010 farming season.

Investigations revealed that farmers in the area had already started clearing their farmlands in readiness for planting.

 A farmer, Alhaji Aliyu Africana, noted that the commodity usually arrived when farmers had already resorted to other alternatives.

  “Most of us do not wait for the official fertiliser rather, we procure the commodity at the black market for use as at and when due.

  “Nevertheless, I want to appeal to the state government to expedite action toward ensuring the availability of the commodity in good time”, Africana said.

  Another farmer, Mahmud Alfa, noted that the delay was a source of worry not only to  farmers but also to the society at large, as it might lead to poor yield.

He urged the state government to distribute the commodity to encourage farmers.

 

Niger

One person died in a communal clash over farmland between Gbasua and Ndafu communities in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger on Wednesday, witnesses said.

Ten other persons suffered injuries in the clash, while a house was burnt and agricultural products destroyed, witnesses told newsmen in Minna.

Sources say that the dispute over the land began some years ago when a member of one of the communities allegedly encroached on the land leading to a protest from members of the other community.

 

Ondo

A driver attached to Mr Kole Bolodeoku, a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly, committed suicide on Thursday.

The lifeless body of the driver, who was simply identified as Dayo, was found hanging in his room at Fanibi layout, Akure.

A source said that the deceased was hail and hearty the previous day and had planned to drive his boss to the House on Thursday for a mourning session in honour of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Efforts to speak with Bolodeoku, who represents Ese-Odo  constituency, proved abortive as he appeared too confused to talk.

Other residents in the area also wore mournful looks and refused to speak on the development.

Mr Adeniran Aremu, the state Police Public Relations Officer, who confirmed receiving a report of the the incident, said that  investigation had commenced.

“It is true that Honourable Bolodeoku’s driver hanged himself early this morning and the command has swung into action to unravel the circumstance surrounding the death of the driver,’’ he said.

 

 

Oyo

 The Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Oyedemi Muslim, on Thursday in Ibadan warned residents against  unauthorised cutting of  roads.

Muslim gave the warning while briefing newsmen on activities to mark the third anniversary of  Gov. Adebayo Alao-Akala’s government.

The commissioner also said anybody caught dumping refuse on the roads would be prosecuted.

He said government would no longer tolerate the blockage of  drains with refuse.

Muslim further warned those washing vehicles on roads to desist forthwith as they would be arrested and prosecuted.

Other offences, according to the commissioner, include road side trading and hawking, illegal construction on road set backs and dumping of  construction materials on roads.

He said those who illegally park or abandon  their faulty vehicles on the roads would not be spared.

 

 

Plateau

As part of its peace-building efforts, the Military Special Task Force maintaining security in Plateau has commenced the provision of free medical services and water supply to communities in Jos.

 The areas benefitting include Tudun Wada, Dogon Dutse, Dutse Uku, Rikkos and Angwan Rukuba areas.

It was gathered that no fewer than 500 patients are being treated daily in these areas by the Medical Corps of the 3 Armoured Division Hospital of the Nigerian Army, Jos.

 Similarly, the Nigerian Army water tankers supply water in these areas which had suffered acute water scarcity for years.

 Residents of these areas were seen trooping out to take advantage of these services, while people from other parts of the city also come, especially, for medical services.

 Speaking to newsmen, on Friday, in Jos, the Commander of the hospital,  Maj. Folarin Orolugbagbe, said the exercise was in the spirit of  “civil-military cooperation”.

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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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