Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has sponsored 44 medical students to study in Alexandra Institute, Cairo in Egypt to boost the state’s health services.
Gov. Isa Yuguda made this known on Sunday in Bauchi, while declaring open a two-day sensitisation workshop organised for traditional rulers and religious leaders in the state.
Represented by the state’s Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdulkadir, Yuguda said that the 44 students, comprising 22 males and 22 females, were selected from various parts of the state.
The governor said that the students were granted full sponsorship, explaining that the state government paid in advance for the accommodation, feeding and other expenses before the departure of the students.
Yuguda said that the students, who were currently receiving lectures, were equipped with necessary facilities such as laptops, clothing and others needed for their studies.
Ekiti
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has deployed 2,320 corps members to Ekiti, its Public Relations Officer for the state, Mrs Funso olusoji, has said.
She told between on Sunday at Ise/Emure in Ise-Orun Local Government Area of the state, that the 2,320 corps members would participate in the ongoing 2010 batch “B” orientation programme.
Olusoji explained that the number included 500 corps members posted to Lagos State but who would participate in the orientation programme in Ekiti.
The three-week orientation will hold between July 6 and July 27.
The public relations officer said that the NYSC had put in place necessary steps to ensure the safety of lives and properties of corps members in the state.
She commended traditional rulers for their efforts at sensitising members on the culture and traditions of Ekiti people “but we are asking for more of their co-operation in the days ahead.”
She appealed to the Ado Business District of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to restore electricity to the orientation camp, which she noted had been in blackout “from time immemorial.’’
FCT
Ahead of 2011 general elections, an aspirant to the House of Representatives from Osun State Banji Obabunmi has warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against imposition of candidates as such may spell doom for the party in the coming polls.
Obabunmi, who is also the Coordinator for Fatai Akinbade Campaign Organisation (FACO) in North Central States, said in Abuja that the battle for the governorship ticket in Osun State was not working well within PDP.
Obabunmi said: “Failure to stop imposition of candidate especially in Osun state, means the party may be heading for its downfall in Osun, if this happens, it will affect the South West PDP equation in large measures.”
The FACO coordinator said that FCT Abuja, the North and Central States should remain steadfast and ready “to accept internal democracy as a model to real democracy”,.
Katsina
The All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) members in Katsina State on Saturday elected new state executives of the party with Alhaji Gide Sabuwar-Kasa emerging as the state chairman.
Our correspondent reports that this was the high point of a peaceful congress of the party which took place at the ANPP state secretariat in Katsina.
Our corespondent further reports that the congress, which started with the screening of delegates at 9 am and ended up at 3.30pm, had all the executive members elected unopposed.
Alhaji Aminu Wada was also elected as the Deputy Chairman of the party during the congress, while Alhaji Musa Maikudi was elected as the treasurer.
Others included Nuraddeen Abdullahi, Abdullahi Ingawa and Shugaba Baidu who were elected vice-chairmen Katsina, Daura and Funtua zones respectively.
Alhaji Mansur Safana was elected the state secretary of the ANPP with Sani Iliya, Aminu Sule and Lawal Garbar as assistant secretaries I, II and III respectively, among others.
The congress which was conducted peacefully also elected the local government chairmen of the party for the 34 local government areas of the state.
Kwara
The former Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Raliat Elelu-Habeeb, who was removed by the state government in 2009, has challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.
In the notice of appeal filed on Friday, July 2, 2010, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin through her counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), on Sunday, Habeeb is seeking to reverse her removal by the government.
In the suit No. SC/CA/IL/81/2009, the respondent said she was dissatisfied with the decision of the Court of Appeal which ruled on July 2, 2010, that the Federal High Court which had ordered the reinstatement of the sacked Chief judge lacked jurisdiction.
Joined in the case are the National Judicial Council (NJC), the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, the Attorney-General of Kwara State and Kwara State House of Assembly.
Ondo
The Osemawe Dynasty of Ondo Kingdom in Ondo State on Saturday began celebrations to mark 500 years anniversary of traditional rulership by the Osemawes.
Chief Olu Adeduro, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee on Publicity and Publication, told the newsmen on Sunday that the celebration was aimed at bringing home the sons and daughters of the kingdom.
Adeduro, who is the Saro of Ondo, said sons and daughters of the town both at home and abroad had arrived for the event scheduled for July 3 to July 18.
“The celebration of 500 years of uninterrupted traditional rulership by the Osemawes was to evaluate the past, the present and propel the future, with a view to facilitating the development of the kingdom and its people,” he said.
The chairman added that after the parade held on July 3, there would be an ‘’Idijo’’, the day for Oba Festival on Sunday, while ceremonies and presentation of gifts to the Osemawe by the indigenes would come up from July 5 to July 18.
He explained that there would be an exhibition of Ondo cultural artefact, traditional wears and drums on July 7 at the palace which would be followed by tree planting and launch of Ondo Heritage Museum at the Osemawe Royal Pack on July 10.
Adeduro said that High chiefs and other chiefs would pay homage to the Oba on July 12, adding that there would be a documentary on the evolution of the kingdom for five centuries at the palace on July 15.
The programme will end on July 18 with an inter-denominational thanksgiving service at the Oba Adesanoye Civic Centre.
The current Osemawe, Oba Victor Kiladejo, from the Jilo Ruling House, one of the three ruling houses in Ondo, is the 44th king to ascend the Osemawe throne.
Oyo
Two unidentified men were killed in Ibadan in the early hours of Saturday in a multiple accident involving a truck, a bus and a motorcycle.
Eye witnesses told newsmen that the truck with registration number AH333LSD was coming from Agodi gate towards Total Garden when the driver suddenly lost control.
“The truck then ran over the two men on a motorcycle with registration number OC535AYT, hit a bus with registration number A694TAN before crashing into a school wall,’’ one of them said.
ASP Stephen Akpan, the Divisional Traffic Officer, Yemetu Divisional Police Station, told newsmen at the scene of the accident that the incident was caused by brake failure.
A fire brigade team led by Supt. William Oladejo, was at the scene to take the mutilated bodies of the victims to the Adeoye Hospital mortuary.
The driver of the truck, who was unhurt, was seen weeping at scene of the accident, and attempts by our correspondent to hear his own side of the story proved abortive.
Plateau
The Plateau government is to float a N1 billion Agriculture Credit Scheme for small-scale farmers, in its bid to boost agriculture in the state.
Mr Na’Allah Mutbam, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, told newsmen on Sunday in Jos, that the state was securing the fund from the CBN.
“CBN has put in place N200 billion Agriculture Credit Scheme but the amount made available for the state for small-scale farmers is N1 billion,” he said.
Mutbam said that the state ministries of finance and agriculture and natural resources were partnering with a commercial bank to secure the fund from CBN.
He explained that the fund, when approved by the CBN, would be deposited in the commercial bank for onward disbursement to the farmers.
The commissioner noted that the fund would be disbursed through the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in the state “to make sure that the big farmers do not hijack it from the small-scale farmers.”
“We are also partnering with the farmers in the state to key into the scheme because the scheme has three components, namely the farmers, federal and state governments,” he added.
Mutbam said that the Fadama III programme had disbursed cheques worth N100 million to organised farmer groups across the 17 local government areas of the state.
He called on farmers to register with AFAN and to form cooperative societies to enable them to benefit from the schemes and to boost their farming activities.
Sokoto
Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has urged members of the Zabarmawa communities to continue to be law-abiding, peace loving and enterprising in their daily endeavours.
Wamakko spoke in Sokoto on Saturday at the inauguration of the state’s youths wing of the Zabarkano association and the presentation of certificates, as well as merit awards to some personalities.
The governor said the state has acknowledged the immense contributions of members of the communities to the socio-economic growth of the state and the nation in general.
Wamakko, who was represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Bello Rabah, advised the people in the area to keep the tempo.
Alhaji Mahmdu Lambo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youths Empowerment, praised the association for complementing the efforts of the government in the monthly sanitation exercise and other programmes.
Lambo promised that the state government would continue to promote cordial relationship among the various communities in the state.
The chairman of the association , Alhaji Aminu Suleiman, represented by the secretary, Alhaji Jaáfar Yarima, said the body was formed in order to foster unity and peace among the various communities.
Shekarau also said that the establishment of NBB&P in the state was a step towards mobilising stakeholders’ support and advocacy for women’s rights to reproductive health.
In an address at the occasion, Dr Ademola Owoduni, a consultant at the Federal medical Centre, Gusau, said that ignorance and poverty were major impediments to women’s attainment of effective reproductive health, especially in the Northern part of the country.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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