Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Fadama 111 Office says it has disbursed N58 milion to Fadama Community Associations (FCAs) in the state between January and March 2011.
The State Coordinator, Mr. Ali Garba, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi recently.
Garba said that the money was disbursed to FCAs in the 20 local government areas of the state.
He urged the benefiting associations to make judicious use of the fund to enhance their economic well-being.
Benue
Mr. Terseer Tsumba, Speaker of Benue House of Assembly, recently congratulated members of the House who were successful in the Assembly election.
He also appealed to his colleagues who lost in the election to put in their best in their new endeavours.
Tsumba, who made the remarks in Makurdi, said that those who fought the battle and won as incumbents needed to be supported.
He urged the members to continue to co-operate with one another in the House so that their names would be written in gold.
Ekiti
The ACN said recently that it would work with President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed unity government if he followed democratic norms acceptable to the party.
The Chairman an of the party in Ekiti State, Chief Jide Awe, made this known in Ado-Ekiti recently while addressing reporters.
Awe said that ACN did not see anything wrong in joining the government of the President-elect if it was to add value to governance and move the nation forward.
According to him, Jonathan will have to first convince the party that he will not derail from the good attributes which made him secure the votes of people in ACN strongholds.
FCT
A Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Monday in Abuja called on INEC to conduct a comprehensive study of the 2011 elections to identify successes and failures.
Mr. Auwal Rafasanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, and spokesman of the group, made the call at a news conference.
He said the exercise would serve as a guide to INEC in conducting future elections.
Gombe
The Independent National Elecoral Commission (INEC) recently cancelled the governorship and State House of Assembly elections at the Jankai polling unit in Gombe metropolis.
Mr. Godfrey Miri, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State, told nesmen that the elections had to be cancelled because voting commenced in the unit ahead of the scheduled time of noon.
“We received reports that voting had commence in the unit as early as 8 am. Consequently, we sent our men who confirmed the early commencement of voting, as a result, the elections in the unit had to be cancelled.
“Apart from commencement of voting ahead of schedule, we discovered a lot of under aged voters in that polling unit,” he said.
Kano
The incoming Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso administration will sustain the implementation of the Sharia legal system in Kano State, a party official said.
The Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the State Chapter of PDP, Alhaji Gambo Danpass, made the statement in Kano on Monday in an interview with newsmen.
Danpass said “the PDP government under Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso will continue to pursue the Sharia code with an approach better than the one being implementated by the out-going ANPP administration in the state.
“It was Dr. Kwankwaso who started Sharia during his first tenure as governor of the state, and so, he cannot truncate what he initiated”.
Katsina
Musawa Local Government Council of Katsina State says it has designed programmes to sanitise the operations of food vendors and patent medicine dealers in the area.
The Council’s Director of Water and Sanitation Department, Alhaji Adamu Hussaini, told newsmen recently in Musawa that the programmes were aimed at promoting public health.
Hussaini said the council had introduced special teams of trained environmental health officers that monitor the activities of food vendors and patent medicine stores across the area.
Kwara
An IIorin-based lawyer, Mr. Razaq Gold said recently that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had justified the confidence reposed in it by conducting credible elections in Nigeria.
He told newsmen in Ilorin that the Professor Attahiru Jega-led commission had shown the world that Nigeria was a leading light in Africa.
“The successful conduct of the general elections by INEC has shown that Nigeria is blessed with people who can organise credible elections contrary to the beliefs of many.
Lagos
A 41-year-old civil servant, Mr. Afeez Ojedele, on Tuesday urged the Mushin Grade “a” Customary Court to dissolve his 13-year-old marriage to Risikat, as both of them had remarried.
Risikat, who concurred with the petitioner, also pleaded with the court to end the marriage, saying “My heart now belongs to somebody else”.
Ojedele had told the court that Risikat packed out of their matrimonial home in February 2005, following a misunderstanding between them.
He adjourned the case till August 31 for further hearing and ordered the petitioner to pay Risikat N5,000 for the upkeep of their younger son.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State governor elect Tanko Al-Makura has promised to be fair and just to every citizen of the state irrespective of tribe and religious affiliation.
Al-Makura made the promise on Sunday when newsmen paid him a courtesy visit in Lafia to congratulate him on his election victory.
“I promise that my government will not bear any prejudice against anybody, I will also make sure I do justice and be fair to all the citizens of Nasarawa State,’’ he said.
“Let us forget about our differences, politically, religiously and culturally and come together to lift Nasarawa up.
“Let us also put aside the struggle and propaganda behind us, as election has come and gone and let us now focus on the development of the state.”
Oyo
The Federal Government has expressed concernover the frequent occurrence of road accidents on Nigerian roads, resulting to loss of lives and material resources.
Alhaji Muhammad Sidi-Sani, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), made the announcement at a sensitisation workshop, held for stakeholders in Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) management recently in Ibadan.
Sidi-Sani who was represented by the South West Zonal Coordinator of the NEMA, Mr. Iyiola Akande, said the agency had decided to organise the workshop with a view to reducing loss of lives on Nigeria roads.
Plateau
The Labour Party’s Publicity Secretary in Plateau State, Mr. Sylvanus Namang, says the party will not congratulate Governor Jonah Jang over his election victory.
Jang defeated Pauline Tallen, his deputy and LP candidate, in the just-concluded governorship election to secure a second-term tenure.
Namang told newsmen in Jos recently that the LP would not congratulate Jang as it would mean consenting to “a wrong”.
“We have all the information on how the governorship poll was manipulated in favour of Jang and I don’t think it is politically right to congratulate him.
Sokoto
President Goodluck Jonathan has been called upon to lay emphasis on workers’ welfare to enhance their productivity.
Dr. Shehu Sidi, the Head of European Languages, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto recently.
“Paying attention to the welfare of the nation’s workforce will ensure the smooth implementation of Federal Government’s programmes,” Sidi stressed.
Zamfara
Zamfara State governor-elect Abdulazeez Yaei Abubakar has promised to run an open government that will accept criticism as a check and balance mechanism for good governance.
Yari made the promise at his Talata Mafara residence recently when executives of Zamfara council of the NUJ paid him congratulatory visit.
He noted that for any administration to be transparent, the Media must be allowed to function without undue censorship.
“I will make my administration open for advice and criticisms so that where I am right, the Media will encourage me and where I am wrong, I will be criticised,” he said.
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