Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Rural Information and Communication Technology Centre (RITC) in Mubi, Adamawa, has trained 30 unemployed youths from Mubi North Local Government Area of the state.
The Manager of the centre, Malam Abdulkareem Abubakar, told newsmen in Mubi on Monday that the 30 were trained in Computer Appreciation and Software Application.
He said that the graduates were exposed to various aspects of IT during the three months training.
Established under the Federal Government’s Rural Information and Communication Technology (RICT) scheme, Abubakar said the centre was designed to provide training and enhance IT development at the grass-roots level.
Bauchi
No fewer than 100 suspected political thugs on Monday in Bauchi surrendered their weapons and promised to turn a new leaf.
The youths gathered at Mallam Goje Enclave in Bauchi Metropolis to surrender their weapons and promised to shun political violence.
The youths confessed to previous crimes, which they committed, at the forum organised by one Alhaji Uba Boris and attended by Hajiya Hawa Yuguda, Wife of the State Governor.
Boris said most of the youths indulged in political violence locally known as “sara suka” (a group that specialises in killing people along the north-eastern part of the country).
He attributed their renouncing of violence to efforts made by the government to empower youths.
Borno
The Borno State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday, called on the State Government to address the killing of innocent people in the state urgently.
The Chairman of the chapter, Rev. Yuguda Mdurvwa, made the call while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.
Mdurvwa pointed out that the Christian community in the state had suffered great losses in recent times, following attacks by unidentified gunmen.
“A number of churches, clergy men and other Christians have been killed in recent times in cold blood in Maiduguri.
FCT
Mrs Fidelia Njeze, the Minister of Aviation, on Monday in Abuja gave a six-week ultimatum to the Committee on the Removal of Disabled Aircraft to submit its report.
Njeze gave the ultimatum during the inauguration of the 12-member committee, chaired by Capt. Mohammed Ruma, the Director, Safety and Technical Policy Department of the ministry.
“The purpose of this gathering is to formally bring together professionals and stakeholders to outline the responsibilities to manage the removal of disabled aircraft as it is consistent with safety and security of aircraft and airport operations.
Jigawa
Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa has commended the Nigerian military for its contributions to peacekeeping operations in the West African sub-region.
Receiving members of the Course 33 of Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, on Monday in Dutse, Lamido said the Nigerian military had played significant roles in ensuring peace among African countries.
He said the military also ensured that the country remained one, united and an indivisible entity.
“To be frank, the military has displayed uncommon brotherhood for its African brothers in ensuring that peace prevails on the continent each time they are deployed to any troubled state,” he said.
Kaduna
The Minister of Defence, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, on Monday in Jaji, Kaduna State, called for adequate media coverage of Nigerian contingents on peace support operations.
The minister, who was represented by the Army Director of Information, Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, made the call at the opening ceremony of a capacity building workshop for defence correspondents in Jaji.
Katsina
The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of CPC in Katsina State, Alhaji Aliyu Gidado, has alleged the registration of ineligible and foreign persons in some parts of the state.
Gidado told newsmen after a closed-door meeting of the 34 local government chairmen of the party in Katsina on Monday that some Nigerians were registered in Mai’adua Local Government Area.
He also alleged that some politicians were selling voters cards and bribing INEC officials to facilitate the registration of ineligible persons.
Gidado complained of inadequate registration materials in many registration units and urged INEC to address the anomalies.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Wara, however, dismissed the allegations.
He said additional DDC machines had been received and distributed to areas where they were lacking.
Kogi
Kogi chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) on Monday in Abuja staged a protest at the party’s National Secretariat, requesting for fresh primaries.
A governorship aspirant, Mr. George Olumoroti, told newsmen during the protest that its essence was to pressurise the party to conduct fresh primaries.
“The prospects of ACN in Kogi state now are very high and we cannot afford to go to the polls without somebody that is popularly elected,” he said.
Olumoroti said the primaries which held on January 12 were annulled due to some malpractice and rescheduled to January 23.
He said the exercise did not hold on the day while there was no explanation by the secretariat.
Lagos
Popular Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, recently gave his life to Jesus Christ at a church service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Yaba, Lagos.
Sunny Ade dedicated himself to Christ during an alter call by the RCCG’s General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
The Juju music maestro was among 30 worshippers at the service that rushed to the altar to be prayed for by the General Overseer.
When Adeboye asked that the persons who answered the call were to confess their sins, Sunny Ade was the first to kneel down.
During the thanksgiving, Sunny Ade expressed gratitude to God for his mercies and for making him see the day.
In his characteristic style, Sunny Ade rendered a song in Yoruba with members of his band: “If not for God, I would have been gone and buried. I thank you God for my life”.
Earlier in his message, Adeboye had told the congregation that anyone who had not given his life to Christ should not rejoice and praise God because such a person was hell-bound.
Oyo
Voter registration is set to commence in 478 polling units in Oyo State as the state INEC on Sunday took delivery of 837 Direct Data Capturing (DDC) machines.
Alhaji Ayodele Afolami, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC in Oyo, told newsmen on phone that since the voter registration started the exercise had not taken place in 478 polling units out of the 4,783 in the state.
He said that the machines had been dispatched to all the outstanding 478 units.
“The machines have been configured and all that the registration officers need do is to charge the battery and commence registration,’’ he explained.
Plateau
Five persons were killed and three others injured in a midnight attack on Sunday by unknown gunmen on Dagiru, a village in Farin Lamba, Vom, Plateau State.
The development forced an emergency security council meeting presided over by Governor Jonah Jang, where urgent measures were taken to restore peace in the crises-ridden state.
Mr James Mannok, Director of Press Affairs, confirmed the meeting in an interview with correspondents.
Mr Moses Dalyop, Chairman, Jos South Local Government Area, told correspondent that the attackers came in two Hilux vehicles and were “dressed in black jackets as soldiers”.
Sokoto
Atiku Kafur, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 10, has stressed the need for officers and men under his command to abide strictly by the ethics of policing.
Addressing officers and men of the Sokoto State Police Command on Monday in Sokoto, Kafur said it was only through abiding by the ethics that the police would effectively provide adequate security in the country.
He said the police faced the major task of mapping out a formidable strategy that would enhance security in the country as “we are approaching the April general elections’’.
Yobe
Alhaji Abbagana Tata, PDP Chairman in Yobe State, has alleged that 50 people from a border village in Niger Republic were transported into the state to register as voters.
“Forty persons were brought in to register in Korsoli and 10 others in Karigide villages in Machina Local Government Area of the state,’’ he added.
Tata, who made the allegation in Damaturu on Tuesday, accused some public officers of hiring people from Niger Republic to register as voters in the state.
“We are aware of government officials smuggling youths from Niger Republic, Borno and Kano States to register in order to boost the voter register in their favour,” he added.
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