Nation
THE STATES
FCT
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has uncovered a payroll racket at the Federal Ministry of Information and Communication, Abuja, a statement said.
The anti-graft agency said in a statement, signed by its Head of Public Enlightenment, Mr Mike Sowe, in Abuja on Monday that preliminary investigations had revealed that
about N16.7 million had been siphoned by the syndicate.
It stated that ICPC investigators discovered that the syndicate operated by reinstating names of downsized and retired staff of the ministry in the payroll system.
“The second stage involved using forged documents bearing names of the downsized or retired staff to open bank accounts.
Gombe
A lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Yola Dr Keftin Namal, has advocated a political solution to the current security challenges in the country.
He told newsmen in Gombe on Tuesday that while it was imperative for the security agencies to be proactive in their approach to the issue, other options should not be foreclosed.
“Although there is the need for security agents to be proactive, the issue of Boko Haram for example, is better addressed politically. Each elected politician from the affected constituencies should be deployed to his or her area to parley with and obtain a truce with members of the group.’’
Jigawa
The Jigawa Government says it has distributed 12,459 tonnes of assorted fertiliser worth N997 million to farmers this farming season.
Alhaji Mohammed Danzomo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, disclosed this in Dutse in an interview with newsmen.
He said the fertiliser would be sold to farmers at the rate of N2,000 per bag.
He said NPK and Urea brands cost N4,000 at the open market, adding that the government had subsidised the cost by more than 50 per cent.
Danzomo said that 12,459 tonnes of fertiliser, representing 415 trucks, had been distributed to the 27 local government areas, the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and research Institutes for onward distribution to farmers.
Kaduna
Former Minister of Information, Prof. Jerry Gana has inaugurated a five-man Governing Council of TIMEX School of Communications, Kaduna.
Gana inaugurated the council during the opening of a 3-day National Communication summit, organised by the school.
The school, which was established in 2010 by Kabiru Dangogo, former Head of Union Bank Public Relation Unit, is the first of its kind in the North.
Gana, who commended Dangogo for using his money for the development of people and public relations in the country, urged members of the council to use their vast experience to develop the school.
In his speech, Dangogo, who is the chief executive of the Institution, said the school had made some progress since its establishment a year ago.
Kano
The Kano State Government is to set up a special court to try erring pilgrims from the state as from the next Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, said in Kano on Tuesday that the court would prosecute erring pilgrims after they had returned from the Holy Land.
Ganduje said soon after returning from the Holy Land that “we can not try the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, because we don’t have the powers to do so.
“But all evidence of against them will be brought to Nigeria, and the offenders will be tried here in Kano.” He said Islam had forbidden pilgrims from misbehaving in the Holy Land, stressing that the state government would not condone any misdeeds.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government has donated three cows and assorted food items worth about N4 million to the state NYSC orientation camp.
Presenting the items to the NYSC Co-ordinator in the state on Tuesday, Alhaji Labiru Musa, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Rural, Social Development, Youth and Spots, said the gesture was to assist the 2011 ‘Batch B’ NYSC members.
He said the donation included N500,000 cash to be spent on the fumigation of the camp and purchase of insecticide and toiletries for the corps members.
Musa said the gesture was part of the state government’s commitment toward ensuring a successful orientation programme for the corps members.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government has earmarked about N4 billion for the resettlement and compensation of 137,023 victims of the 2010 flooding, which also killed five persons and destroyed seedlings worth N33 million.
Gov Saidu Dakingari disclosed this on Monday in Birnin Kebbi when Alhaji Khalid Yusuf, the Managing Director of the Sokoto River Rima Basin Development Authority, led the new management team on a courtesy visit.
Dakingari said that 50 per cent of the earmarked amount had been released as compensation to the flood victims while the flood relief committee had yet to conclude its report.
The governor said that people residing along flood plains had been relocated to higher ground to avoid future flood.
He said that the measure was in response to the weather forecast by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) predicting possible flooding this year.
Lagos
Suspected armed robbers took advantage of the floods in Lagos metropolis to rob motorists.
Our correspondent reports that most parts of Lagos were flooded following a downpour that occurred throughout Sunday.
The floods submerged houses and vehicles and paralysed traffic.
Witnesses told our correspondent that hoodlums exploited the chaotic traffic situation which continued on Monday to rob motorists and commuters.
The route on which some of the robberies occurred included the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Dr Paul Adesanya, who witnessed a robbery on the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, told our correspondent that the perpetrators were within the ages of 20 and 22.
A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered Sen. Ibrahim Musa (CPC-Niger North) ,charged for alleged falsification and forgery, to be remanded in prison custody.
Sen. Nuhu Aliyu of the PDP had approached the elections petition tribunal to challenge Musa’s victory in the April senatorial election.
Musa, who was said to have been invited to the state police headquarters, Dutsen Kura, early on Monday was arraigned before the court around 5:42p.m.
The First Information Report (FIR) read by the prosecution counsel, M.A Igwe, stated that the senator was being charged for criminal conspiracy, forgery as well as using fake tax clearance receipt to mislead public officers.
He further stated that the offence was contrary to section 97, 364, 366 and 322 of the penal code.
Osun
The Osun State Government has agreed to pay the
N18,000 minimum wage to its workers.
Mr Sunday Akere, the Director of Research and Strategy, Osun State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), made the announcement in Osogbo in an interview with newsmen.
“We will pay the N18,000. We will not beg labour for any reduction, because it is already a constitutional issue. It is also the right of Nigerian workers.’’
He said that once Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, who is currently on official trip to China returns home, the effective date when government would commence paying the wage would be announced.
Oyo
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, has said the military was facing the challenges of rebuilding itself and subordinating to civil authority.
Ihejirika said this at the opening ceremony of the workshop on civil-military relations held for officers and men at the 2 Division, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.
To tackle the new challenges, the army chief said the military needed a complete re-orientation.
Ihejirika, who noted that there had been frictions in civil-military interactions in the past, said the trend globally was to establish a Department of Civil Military Affairs as was conceived by the army headquarters.
“The establishment of this department is to ensure that the personnel of the Nigerian Army are fully sensitised on this concept.
Plateau
The Plateau Government has spent about N10 billion on the three Agricultural Services Training Centres in the last four years, Gov. Jonah Jang has disclosed.
Jang disclosed this when he received Mr Goerge Deek, the Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Israel, in Jos.
“The centres are costing Plateau N10 billion and the Israeli government is committing N2 billion into the project. The centres are being replicated in the three senatorial districts.
“Kassa (Plateau-North) and Mangu (Plateau-Central) centres were commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010. Shendam (Plateau-South) will soon be completed.
Zamfara
Following allegation of diversion by some members of the Fertiliser Distribution Committee, Gov Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara has instituted a probe into the activities of the committee.
Yari announced this while fielding questions from newsmen in Gusau.
He said he had received reports that some persons entrusted with the distribution of the commodity to farmers had allegedly diverted them for their personal gains.
“Right now, the issue is under investigation and as soon as the report comes to me, I will take appropriate action on all those found wanting in this important state assignment.“
“My administration will not fold its arms and watch some unpatriotic persons diverting fertiliser that is meant to assist the farmers in enhancing their agricultural productivity.”
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