Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Madagali Local Government area of Adamawa says it will engage the services of private revenue collectors to boost its internally generated revenue.
The council chairman, Alhaji Chibado Tijjani, disclosed this to newsmen in Madagali.
Tijjani said that the measure became necessary because of the poor performance of the council’s revenue collectors.
“The performance of the council revenue collectors is not encouraging at all.
“We need to engage more serious tax agents to handle the revenue generation,” Tijjani said.
He urged the people in the council area to pay their taxes and other levies promptly to the government to enable it to meet the growing developmental needs of the electorate.
Bauchi
Bauchi State Government has identified 11 cotton producing areas and set up a committee to resuscitate and fast-track cotton production.
Alhaji Isa Jibril, the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s office, stated this when he received in audience the new Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, in his office on Monday.
He said that already, the state government had bought improved variety of cotton seeds, worth over N2 million, for sale to farmers at 50 per cent subsidy.
Jibril also told the deputy governor that the state government had disbursed a grant of N225 million to nine community banks to enable them to migrate to micro-finance banking.
Our correspondent reports that the deputy governor doubles as the chairman, Micro-finance bank committee
Benue
A 32-year-old teacher, John Agbo, was on Monday arraigned at a Makurdi Chief Magistrate’s Court for collecting N8,500 each from three persons to buy them fake admission forms.
Agbo, from Ugbokolo in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue, was charged for cheating in contravention of Section 322 of the Penal Code Law.
The Prosecutor, Mr Moses Akor, told the court that the complainants, Justine Tersoo, Doris Akputu and Jennifer Ikoamo, reported the matter to the B Division Police Station in Makurdi.
They said each gave N8,500 to the suspect to buy the admission form of Open University, Lafia, for them but the forms he brought were fake.
Akor further said that Agbo was arrested during police investigation and that N25,000 had been recovered from him.
However, when the case was mentioned on Monday at the court, the accused pleaded not guilty.
FCT
The Nigerian Navy yesterday signed a partnership agreement with an European firm, TP Marine Global services Ltd., to establish a ship building facility in Lagos.
Speaking at a brief ceremony in Abuja, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Ibrahim, said the project would be wholly financed by the firm while the navy would provide the land for the facility.
Ibrahim, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Rear Admiral, James Oladimeji, said the completion of the facility would mark the beginning of self reliance in ship maintenance and repairs in the navy.
Our correspondent reports that the facility will be sited at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos and will be engaged in ship building, repairs and maintenance of vessels.
Kano
The National Association of Kano State Students (NAKSS), has pleaded with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the State Security Service (SSS) to help it to locate the whereabouts of its missing member, Auwal Shanono.
A statement signed by the union’s National President, Auwal Dansherif, in Kano yesterday said that Shanono got missing recently.
The union also appealed to the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to assist in locating the missing student.
Katsina
Farmers in Funtua, Faskari, Malumfashi, Bakori and Dandume Local Government Areas of Katsina State on Tuesday called for the revival of the annual agricultural shows aimed at promoting professionalism and markets.
A cross section of farmers told newsmen in Funtua , Katsina State, that such shows would enhance competition among farmers and encourage the cultivation of varieties of crops.
They maintained that such initiative would also boost food production and provide the avenue for farmers to sell their produce at competitive prices to compensate for their investments.
Lagos
A former governor of Lagos State, Chief Lateef Jakande on Tuesday urged heads of governments at all levels to step up efforts to take education to its rightful position.
The renowned journalist and elder statesman told newsmen in Lagos that the poor state of education in Nigeria was due to neglect by succeeding governments.
“My advice to the newly inaugurated governments at all levels is for them to ensure that they honour all pledges they made during their election campaigns.
“First and foremost, they should make education their first priority by ensuring that they return it to its former high position,’’ Jakande said.
Ogun
Residents of Abeokuta and its environs have lamented the scarcity and high cost of kerosene, newsmen report.
The residents who besieged the NNPC mega station to purchase the commodity raised alarm over the alleged persistent hike in price by the management of the station.
Our correspondent who visited the mega station located at Abiola Way, Abeokuta yesterday, observed a disorderly crowd of customers pushing themselves in a bid to purchase the cooking commodity.
Some of the residents who spoke to newsmen alleged that the attendants did not follow due process in the sale of the commodity.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government has warned that it would no longer tolerate illegal extension of structures to the roads, particularly in Akure and other major towns.
The Commissioner for Land and Housing, Alhaji Sikiru Basaru, told newsmen in Akure that the state government was committed to the success of its urban development projects.
Basaru said that appropriate government authorities were ready to arrest and prosecute whoever violated the existing laws in the state.
“The development of our society is in the overall interest of everyone in the state.
“No society can move forward until the people cultivate the habit of obeying the rules, regulations and laws put in place by the government to facilitate development,’’ Basaru said.
Oyo
Mr Taiye Adeleye, the South-West Coordinator, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), said on Tuesday in Ibadan that the scheme had registered more than 90 per cent of the federal workforce.
Adeleye said at a one-day provider sensitisation seminar organised by the United Health Care International that the scheme was the best method of providing medical care worldwide.
He said the Federal Government would soon roll out a programme that would enhance the scheme to cover all Nigerians by 2015.
The coordinator said the scheme was also designed to cater for the vulnerable, physically challenged, orphans, aged and pregnant women.
“This scheme is designed by the Federal Government for different segments of the society.”
Adeleye said the NHIS had ensured that Health Management Organisations (HMOs) registered the beneficiaries and provided them with quality medical care and products.
The General Manager, United Health Care International, Dr Olusegun Odujebe, said the forum was organised to educate the health care providers and get feedback on their activities..
Plateau
Members of the House of Representatives voted for Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as Speaker on Monday because the PDP did not carry them along on its choice of who to vote for, Rep. Godfrey Gaiya said yesterday.
“We (members) were not carried along in arriving at the PDP decision; no one sought our input.
“The party just announced a candidate and issued a directive,” Gaiya (PDP-Kaduna) told newsmen in a telephone interview in Jos.
The defeat of Mrs Mulikat Akande-Adeola (PDP-Oyo) by Tambuwal (PDP-Sokoto) in Monday’s contest is seen as a negation of the PDP’s zoning formula, which reserves the seat for the South-West.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Governmnt spent N439 million on Ramadan feeding programme in four years, Governor Aliyu Wamakko has announced.
Receiving the report of the six-member committee set up to review the programme in Sokoto, Wamakko said his administration was committed to the sustenance of the programme as part of his campaign promises.
He said the Ramadan was a period when all acts of benevolence was highly rewarded by God.
Wamakko urged wealthy individuals, members of the state executive council and other top government officials to complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring that the programme was sustained and improved upon.
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