Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) has decried the increasing rate of consumption of alcohol by some primary school teachers during working hours.
The board’s Director of School Servives, Hajiya Fuloh Maikano, made the observation on Tuesday in Yola at a “train the trainer” workshop on abuse of alcohol for primary school headmasters.
The workshop was organised by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with ADSUBEB.
Maikano said such teachers, who were mostly in the rural areas, engaged in the consumption of local gin, popularly known as “Ogogoro” which had adverse effect on their health.
Borno
Another bomb exploded on Monday in Maiduguri near the customs round about, killing two children.
Maj.-Gen. Jack Nwaogbo, the Commander of the Military Task Force code named “Operation Restore Order’’, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri.
Nwaogbo said that three customs officers were also injured in the explosion, suspected to be a car bomb.
“Two people died in the blast; they are children believed to have accompanied their mothers hawking in the area.
“Three custom officers were also injured although the injuries were not life threatening,” he said.
Ekiti
The Ekiti Government has said that its decision to raise bonds from the capital market was because of the need to fast-track development in the state.
Mr Oladapo Kolawole, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, gave the explanation in Ado-Ekiti on Monday while addressing stakeholders at a public hearing on a bill to raise the bonds.
The bill is titled, “Ekiti State Bonds, Notes and Other Securities Issues Bill 2011”.
In the bill, the state’s governor is seeking the state legislators’ approval to enable the state government to raise bonds from the capital market for the execution of pressing capital projects at minimal and affordable interest rates.
While debating the bill during its first and second readings, most of the lawmakers expressed support for the executive bill.
FCT
The Cameroonian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Salahudeen Abbas, has commended the remarkable progress recorded so far by the American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola.
A statement by Mr Abbas Tahir, AUN’s Vice-President, Public Relations and Communications, on Tuesday said.
Abbas made the commendation when he visited the university while leading a 10-member Cameroonian officials to Yola for a diplomatic meeting on interconnection of power between the two countries.
The meeting also facilitated the inauguration of a bilateral technical committee of 23 members with respect to electricity sharing between the two countries.
Jigawa
The Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Jigawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul, has decried the high rate of drug trafficking and drug abuse in the state.
Abdul bared his mind at a seminar to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse, last Tuesday in Dutse, saying that the development had led to an upsurge in other crimes in the state.
He said that the high intake of hard drugs in the state had also caused a wave in the rate of armed rubbery, prostitution, pastoral and farmers’ conflicts as well as kidnapping.
The commander said that within five months, his command alone had arrested 156 suspects with 46 kilograms of various drugs of abuse in the state.
Kaduna
Bee-keeping Extension Society, a Kaduna-based NGO, has appealed to the Federal Government to engage youths in bee-keeping business to curb restiveness.
The president of the society, Mr Idris Mohammed, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Mohammed stressed the need for the government to provide the enabling environment to enable bee-keepers compete favourably with their international counterparts, as Nigerian honey had been adjudged the best worldwide.
Lagos
The Chairman of Conoil Plc, Dr Mike Adenuga, says exposure of shareholders to the provisions of International Finance Reports Standard (IFRS) will aid corporate governance.
Adenuga, who made the observation at a workshop in Lagos said that there was the need to educate shareholders on the new accounting method.
He promised that his company would train members of its audit committee on the new method.
Our correspondent reports that Adenuga, who was represented by a director in the company, Dr Moses Omatsola, charged shareholders to organise “exploratory workshop” on IFRS.
Oyo
The Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria (CAFAN) has suggested channelling flood waters to dams as an effective flood control strategy.
Mr Rotimi Oloye, the national Secretary-General of the association, made the suggestion while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Tuesday.
Oloye said that the strategy could also pave the way for more fish ponds in the country, adding that the numerous inland waterways in the country could be made viable for fish production.
Ogun
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun last Tuesday said that given the poor financial situation of the state, his administration might not be able to pay the N18,000 minimum wage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minimum wage issue has pitched most of the state governors against labour, for claiming that they had no adequate resources to pay.
Some of the governors had recently hinged the payment of the new wage on the upward review of the revenue allocation, which they said was grossly in favour of the Federal Government.
Osun
Chief Adelowo Adebiyi, the Chairman Osun Action Congress of Nigeria
(ACN) has called on the people of the state to support the state government’s environmental sanitation programme.
Adebiyi, who made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, noted that the programme was one of Aregbesola’s promises to give the state a face lift.
He said that the cause of restoring healthy living in the state, which is one of the items on the administration’s six-point agenda might fail if nothing was done.
“The battle to rid the state of filth is a major task without which the health of our people might be in danger.
Sokoto
Hajiya Luba Hassan, a PDP Ward Secretary in Sokoto South Local Government Area has appealed to the state government to provide some infrastructure in Gagi, to prevent floods in the area.
Hassan told newsmen in Sokoto that the infrastructure, including drainage, if provided, would prevent houses from collapsing.
“We lost two girls and several houses as a result of heavy rain fall about a week ago.
“Our Governor is a listening one and I am very optimistic that he will urgently do something about it because he is concerned about the yearning and aspiration of the governed.’’
Zamfara
The Zamfara Government says it will partner with France to develop irrigation agriculture to facilitate economic growth and place agriculture as a major revenue earner.
The Acting Governor of the state, Malam Ibrahim Muhammad, said this in Gusau when he received the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jean Michel Dumont, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Muhammad noted that Zamfara is an agrarian state which requires modern agricultural systems to boost its production capacity for enhanced revenue generation and the development of its economy.
According to him, the state looks forward to a partnership that will be mutually beneficial .
He commended the French Government for its foreign policy of non-interference in the internal politics of other countries.
Earlier, Dumont said he was in Zamfara to seek collaboration with the state in area of agricultural development.
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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