Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
No fewer than 27 organisations have declared their readiness to campaign for the re-election of Gov. Murtala Nyako of Adamawa on the PDP platform in 2012.
The party’s Chairman in the state, Alhaji Mijinyawa Kugama, made the announcement at the inauguration of the office of the Adamawa Consensus Forum for the Nyako/Ngilari 2012 Support Group.
Kugama said the emergence of the growing number of interest groups clamouring to work for the re-election of Nyako was a welcome development and a testimony of his good performance in transforming Adamawa.
“As far as we are concerned in the PDP, this is a pointer that Nyako’s team is a winning one that is just waiting for 2012 to renew its mandate with ease.”
In his remarks, Nyako lauded all those working to ensure PDP’s victory and gave assurance that his administration would continue to ensure fairness to all parts of the state in terms of development projects in line with the party’s manifesto.
He said the PDP had been good to the Adamawa people at all levels and its re-election would ensure continued provision of democracy dividends.
‘’Some say PDP will lead Nigeria for 60 years. As for the people of Adamawa we won’t mind PDP ruling for 600 years.’’
Bauchi
Bauchi State House of Assembly has approved the request earlier submitted to it by Gov. Isa Yuguda to appoint Directors-General but warned him against incurring additional fund for the exercise.
The approval followed reports of an ad hoc committee earlier set up by the House under Alhaji Hassan Ningi to investigate if the request was in line with the nation’s constitution.
Ningi, in his reports at the House plenary session on Thursday, presided over by Speaker Yahaya Miya, said that Yuguda had the power to appoint personal aides under the 1999 Constitution.
He told the legislators that the committee, in the course of its investigations, discovered that under Section 208 (2) D of the amended 1999 Constitution, the governor has the power to appoint personal staff and ascribe any name to them.
Miya observed that the appointment of directors-general ranked below the special advisers but placed above senior special assistants to the governor.
He, therefore, advised that since they were above special assistants, the nominations must be submitted to the House for confirmation.
FCT
A don, Prof. Saleh Dauda, has called on African leaders to embrace constitutionalism in governance to enhance peace in the continent.
Dauda, who teaches political science and international relations at the University of Abuja, made the call in Gwagwalada, FCT, while reacting to the death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi on Thursday.
Gaddafi, who ruled his country for 42 years, was killed on Thursday in Sirte, his home town, while trying to escape from being captured by rebels, who had been fighting to overthrow his government.
Dauda told newmen that the Libyan people revolted against Gaddafi because he denied them their fundamental human rights.
Dauda, therefore, called on African leaders to ensure that the wishes and desires of their people were given utmost attention because, according to him, the quest for change is a global phenomenon.
He also called on politicians in the continent to see political office as a call to service “within a specific period”.
Gombe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Gombe State is to engage the services of 1,052 ad-hoc staff for the conduct of the Balanga/Billiri Federal Constituency bye-election fixed for October 22.
The INEC Administrative Secretary in Gombe State, Alhaji Mohammed Giro, told newsmen in Gombe that 20 permanent staff would be involved in the election.
Giro said that the training of the ad-hoc staff, most of them NYSC members has, commenced adding that voting would take place in 317 polling units in the two local government areas of Balanga and Billiri.
The administrative secretary said, “We are fully prepared for the conduct of election and had already assigned all ad-hoc staff to all the polling units.
“They are expected to report to their places of assignment as soon as their training is concluded. We are also in possession of non-sensitive election material and the sensitive ones will arrive in Gombe on Thursday.
Kaduna
The National President, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Mr Mohammed Auwal-Ibrahim, says colleges of education are critical to the production of quality teachers in the education system.
He spoke with journalists shortly after the opening of an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Delegate Conference of COEASU held at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Zaria last Thursday.
Auwal-Ibrahim observed that colleges of education were the necessary path toward the production of sound teachers, “while teachers are central to the educational development of any nation’’.
“Growth and development of any sector of the nation’s economy lies on the quality of teachers to produce the basic manpower needed in the sector,” he said.
He appealed to government to accord special attention to teacher-education with a view to graduating quality teachers, who would in turn contribute to national growth and development.
Kano
An economist, Dr Aminu Ahmed, has advised the non-oil producing states in the country to diversify their revenue base and explore the potential of solid mineral resources.
Ahmed told newsmen in Kano that the diversification of Nigeria’s revenue sources would safeguard the nation from plunging into economic crisis.
He noted that there were over 400 sites with various mineral resources in commercial quantities across the country, adding, however, that “the main problem to our economic growth is the lack of political will”.
He stressed that successive governments had failed to explore the enormous potentials and opportunities existing in the solid minerals sector, resulting in the country’s over-dependence on oil.
Ahmed, who identified diamond, gold, gypsum, limestone and glass as some of the country’s solid minerals that were in high demand in the international market, said that the minerals could also be processed locally.
Kwara
Wife of Kwara Governor, Mrs Omolewa Ahmad, has called on political office holders in the state to make use of her Charity Foundation’s free health care to enhance the health care delivery of the people.
Ahmed, the initiator of LEAH Charity Foundation, said this in Ilesha Baruba in Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara on Wednesday during the inauguration of Clinic-On Wheel Programme.
She said that the clinic-on-wheel programme became necessary due to the increasing rate of malaria, diabetes, blindness and hypertension in the state.
The clinic-on-wheel programme is a mobile clinic that affords the people the opportunity to access health care services from the team of medical experts going round the communities.
The Kwara first lady said, “LEAH Charity Foundation is offering free drugs for newly diagnosed malaria cases, provision of free prescription eye glasses and free cataract operation.”
She pointed out that the medical team would be around for some weeks moving round the three districts of the local government area.
Lagos
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it is not against any meeting with the Federal Government, its ministers or agents, but insists that such meeting must have a clear agenda.
Mr Owei Lakemfa, the Acting General Secretary of NLC, said this on Saturday in a statement made available in Lagos.
Lakemfa said he was reacting to the meeting allegedly held between the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Mr Emeka Wogu, and some labour leaders in Abuja on October 20.
He said that the leadership of NLC boycotted the meeting because there was no clear agenda.
“For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state that labour is not averse to any meeting with the Federal Government, its ministers or agents,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
Nasarawa State Governor Umaru Al-makura, on Wednesday submitted four separate requests to the state House of Assembly, including the one asking for the confirmation of his proposed 18-man cabinet.
The governor also asked the legislature to approve his proposal to appoint 20 special advisers.
The requests were presented to the House by the Majority Leader, Assemblyman Godiya Akwashiki (PDP-Nasarawa Eggon West).
The requests include the legislature’s consideration and approval of the 2011 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, which aims at capturing expenses that are not reflected in the 2011 budget.
Others are a bill seeking the amendment of the Remuneration of Political and Public Office Holders and a bill for the Establishment, Structure, Composition, Finance and Functions of Local Government System (Second Amendment).
After some intense debate, the House resolved to prune down Al-makura’s request for 20 special advisers to 15.
Niger
No fewer than 11 pregnant women from Niger have been barred from performing this year’s Hajj by the State Pilgrims Welfare Commission.
The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Mamman Mohammad, announced this in an interview with newsmen in Minna on Wednesday.
He said those disqualified were detected following the thorough screening of female prospective pilgrims.
Mohammad said the commission’s medical team detected the women during the screening preparatory to their departure to Saudi Arabia.
He said the screening was a success as all the pregnant women, who had attempted to beat the exercise, were detected and barred from the Hajj.
Mohammad said barring such women from the pilgrimage was due to the health hazard that could be encountered during the exercise.
He said it was in line with the guidelines of the Saudi Arabian Government and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that forbade them from undertaking the Hajj.
Mohammad said the state lost seven seats as penalty from NAHCON over the inability to detect some pregnant women during the 2010 Hajj operation which resulted in miscarriages.
Nation
HMSPR Oil, NCDMB, NIMASA, Stakeholders Praise Tamrose for Phenomenal Growth, Exemplary Local Content Capacity Building and Financial Fidelity …Pledge Increased Financial and Institutional Support for Indigenous Companies
The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has renewed the Federal Government’s commitment to unlocking wider financial and institutional support for indigenous oil and gas service companies, citing the success of Tamrose Limited and the Nigerian Content Intervention Fund (NCI Fund) as a strong demonstration of what structured, accessible support can achieve.
Speaking at a landmark stakeholder event held at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Headquarters in Yenagoa, the Minister commended Tamrose Limited for its financial discipline and operational growth following the full repayment of its $10 million NCI Fund facility. He noted that the company’s progress underscores the importance of expanding support mechanisms to enable more Nigerian-owned companies to scale capacity and deepen their participation in the country’s offshore and marine logistics sector.
He said, “Over 70 companies have accessed the NCI Fund, yet only 21 have fully repaid their loans — and Tamrose is one of them. Their achievement reflects the very purpose for which the Fund was created: to strengthen local capacity and empower Nigerian service companies to compete at home and across Africa. Through this support, Tamrose has not only grown its operations but expanded beyond Nigeria’s shores, increasing its fleet from four vessels to fifteen, creating jobs for Nigerians, and setting a clear benchmark for operational excellence. As Minister and Chairman of NCDMB, our commitment is to continue fostering this kind of growth by ensuring that indigenous companies receive the support they need to scale, thrive, and deepen their contribution to the nation’s oil and gas sector.’’
Also speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the General Manager, Corporate Communications & Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, described Tamrose as an example of the outcomes envisioned when indigenous firms apply discipline, capability, and innovation in their operations noting, “Today is not just a celebration of one company; it is a reaffirmation of what is achievable through the Nigerian Content framework. Tamrose has shown strong leadership, financial fidelity, and accountability. Their growth—from a small operator to a major marine logistics service provider—is proof that the NCI Fund is working. This is why we will continue to support more credible Nigerian companies to access this fund and expand their capacity.”
The event themed “Celebration of Growth and Impact” hosted by Tamrose in collaboration NCDMB, brought together senior government officials, leaders of international and indigenous oil companies, financial institutions, traditional rulers, and other strategic partners. Distinguished guests included Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director of the Bank of Industry; Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA; Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd), former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State; and representatives of Keystone Bank, ExxonMobil, First E&P, and Oriental Energy.
In his remarks, Mr. Ambrose Ovbiebo, Executive Chairman of Tamrose Limited, expressed appreciation to the Ministry, NCDMB, and Bank of Industry for their support and reiterated the company’s commitment to strengthening indigenous capacity in offshore marine logistics. He said, ‘’We are gathered here today using Tamrose as a point of contact, a convergence and amplification of the voices of all Nigerian entrepreneurs in the oil and gas sector and beyond. We are here to say loudly that Nigeria can work, and that indigenous Nigerian companies can scale and dominate Africa and indeed the world — with the right government and institutional support. In 2019, Tamrose accessed and secured a US $10 million facility through the NCI Fund. That singular support from NCDMB turned out to become not just pivotal, but a foundational catalyst that has propelled and continues to accelerate our growth and evolution as a company. Since then, our operations have grown from four vessels to fifteen active units, comprising ten security patrol vessels and five platform supply vessels — all purpose-built and carefully selected, to safely deliver our hallmark excellent services of reliability and efficiency. ‘’
Over the years, Tamrose Limited has consistently demonstrated its commitment to indigenous capacity development, human capital growth, and community empowerment through a range of initiatives. Since accessing the NCI Fund in 2019, the company has expanded its fleet from four to fifteen vessels — achieving about 300% fleet growth and extending operations from Nigeria to Angola while proudly flying the Nigerian flag everywhere they go. Tamrose has created nearly 250 direct jobs, supported over 600 indirect family livelihoods across the maritime ecosystem, and trained more than 100 cadets under the Tamrose Cadetship Training Scheme to international seafaring standards. The company has also enhanced healthcare accessibility for its workforce, enrolling over 1,500 employees in HMOs, and significantly accelerated NCDMB’s goal of achieving 70% local content by 2027. Beyond business growth, these initiatives underscore Tamrose’s ongoing commitment to building a strong, skilled, and sustainable Nigerian maritime sector.
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has taken prompt steps to unravel the circumstances surrounding the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station recently commissioned by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal in Ogoniland, Rivers State.
This is even as the Project has restated its determination and commitment to supplying quality potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
HYPREP said while addressing journalists in Port Harcourt that it has commenced an investigation into the collapse of the overhead tank at the Gwara Water Station in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The high-level committee set up by the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as an interim measure, is mandated to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident.
The Vice Chairman of the committee, Barrister Gowon Ichibor while addressing newsmen said the committee has already swung into action, as it has visited the site of the incident to take stock and assess the situation.
Barrister Ichibor noted that the committee is firmly on top of the situation, as it is poised to carry out a painstaking investigation to unravel the immediate and remote causes of the unfortunate incident.
He further indicated that it is hasty and premature at this point, to pinpoint what might have caused the incident but promised to furnish the public with all necessary information in connection with the overhead tank collapse as soon as possible.
While assuring affected communities of HYPREP’s determination to restore the water facility as quickly as possible, he said the committee would tidy up its work in less than no time and promptly brief the press on its findings.
The committee did not, however, foreclose the possibility of recommending appropriate punitive measures and sanctions to be meted out to culprits at the end of its assignment, to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, HYPREP’s Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, who also lent his voice, described the incident as a temporary setback, as the Project would take appropriate and prompt actions to restore potable water supply to the affected Ogoni communities.
He also reaffirmed HYPREP’s commitment to upholding global best practices, standards and quality in the execution of projects, and sympathised with the affected communities over the unfortunate incident, saying, 16 water facilities have already been commissioned, which are effectively and satisfactorily serving over 40 Ogoni communities.
With the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, he revealed that 40 Ogoni communities are currently enjoying potable water.
The head of communications further disclosed plans by HYPREP to provide potable water to 65 Ogoni communities before the end of the year.
While regretting the unfortunate incident, Dr Mba-Nwigoh urged Ogoni people and residents of Gwara community to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding, and eschew all forms of speculations and rumour-mongering, as the Project is on top of its game to remedy the situation.
He reeled out the achievements and milestones so far recorded by HYPREP, saying, the Ogoni cleanup programme is very much on course.
It would be recalled that HYPREP had earlier in a statement said it was deeply disturbed by the collapse of the overhead tank at Gwara Water Station, stressing that the
Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, had set up a high-level committee to determine the immediate and remote
causes of the incident.
It further noted that the committee had already visited the site and begun a detailed investigation to establish whether the collapse resulted from structural failure or possible third-party interference.
HYPREP, in a statement signed by its management, expressed concern over the incident and sympathised with the Gwara community, urging residents to remain calm as efforts are being made to restore the damaged facility and resume water supply to affected areas.
The Project assured that it remains committed to delivering quality projects that meet international standards, adding that internal and external quality control measures have been introduced, including the engagement of EcoProject as Project Consultant, supervision by the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, and oversight by water supervisors.
It noted that aside from this isolated case, 16 water stations have been commissioned across Ogoniland, providing water to over 40 communities, with some facilities operating successfully for more than two years.
The Project added that sustainability plans have been put in place to ensure continuous water supply to communities. These include the formation of Water Consumers Associations (WCA), construction of solar farms for alternative power, and training of laboratory staff.
It also stated that one of the key features of the HYPREP water projects is the establishment of laboratories to ensure that water supplied to communities meets the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard.
HYPREP reaffirmed its commitment to quality service delivery and assured that all necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and prevent future occurrences.
The Project has also set up a technical sub-committee over the collapse of the overhead tank of the Gwara Water Station, to foster and promote accountability in the implementation of projects.
As the Ogoni cleanup programme being implemented by the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP) continues to record significant milestones across thematic areas, the Federal Government says such gestures further demonstrate President Bola Tinubu’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to environmental sustainability and ensuring the Project brings benefits to Ogoni people.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who made this assertion during the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water schemes in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, in line with HYPREP’s mandate to provide potable water to Ogoniland, said the provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life.
The latest commissioning brings the water stations to 16, providing access to potable water to 45 Ogoni communities , a development the Minister explains as part of President Tinubu’s commitment to peace ,environmental justice and socio-economic empowerment in Ogoniland, a beacon of hope for communities long affected by environmental degradation.
Lawal noted that the latest commissioning is restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource .
”The provision of potable water is a critical step towards improving public health, reducing waterborne diseases and enhancing the overall quality of life. It also signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring that the people of Ogoniland reap the full benefits of environmental remediation efforts.We
will continue to ensure that communities in Ogoniland have access to clean, safe and sustainable drinking water. With this initiative, we are not just commissioning infrastructure but restoring hope and dignity to the communities long deprived of this essential resource”, he said.
While commending the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, development partners, stakeholders and traditional rulers, among others for their relentless commitment towards the actualisation of these projects, he urged communities to protect and take ownership of the projects, emphasising that their longevity and effectiveness depend on their collective efforts of maintaining and protecting them for posterity.
In his speech at the event, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey maintained that the Project remains resolute in its resolve to ensure that it completes and delivers all projects initiated within the time frame for the use and benefit of Ogoni people in line with the directives of the Governing Council and under the leadership of the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal.
To achieve this, Zabbey explained that “We
continue to work closely with community leaders, youth and women, contractors and other stakeholders to ensure solutions are identified and implementation continues smoothly.
”We remain guided by the principle of partnership, dialogue, transparency and accountability, knowing that sustainable progress is best achieved through collaboration and mutual understanding. That is the hallmark of HYPREP,” he said.
He appealed to the people to continue to reinforce peace and understanding, using dialogue as a vital tool for resolving disputes, especially around project sites and within communities, noting that the concurrent implementation of over 100 projects across Ogoniland reflects the seriousness and dedication of HYPREP, a momentum that must be sustained through mutual trust and collaboration.
For the Project Coordinator, the event was an ideal opportunity to provide a project status update to Ogoni people, as he excitedly announced the milestone achievements recorded so far to include environmental remediation-94 percent completion in Phase 1 of mangrove restoration; shoreline at 67.1percent; Phase 2 land remediation at 36.55 percent; potable water-14 completed water facilities inaugurated, supplying potable water to 40 Ogoni communities, while the commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities last Saturday increased the number of communities with access to clean and safe water to 45.
Other milestones are the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER) at 92 percent complete and the processes of operationalising the Centre has begun with the just concluded colloquium, while the Ogoni Power Project is progressing steadily with wayleave compensation and construction works at Bodo and Wiiyaakara substations ongoing. The Ogoni Specialist Hospital is at 76.8 percent with 98.7 percent achieved in the Buan Cottage Hospital. The Ogoni public study being conducted by the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC); over 7,000 women and youths have benefited from various employment opportunities, while over 5,000 have been trained in multiple skills and provided start-up skits, among other programmes.
Zabbey further hinted of the commencement of some demand-driven skills areas this quarter, which include cybersecurity, full-stack development, mud logging, software development, GIS and commercial diving.
In their separate goodwill messages, the member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Dumnamene Deekor; Chairman,Great Green Wall, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mr Nwizug Gordon; representative of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Mr Igo Weli; former Secretary to Rivers State Government, Chief Kenneth Kobani; and former Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Prof Roseline Konya; all commended the Minister of Environment and HYPREP for their commitment to the Ogoni cleanup programme.
Earlier, the Minister and his entourage had paid a courtesy call on Mene Bua Kenwigbara, King D.Y Barile, at his palace, where the former was conferred a chieftaincy title of Mene Anua Le Maa 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom; and the Project Coordinator of HYPREP as Mene doo Letam 1 of Ken-Khana Kingdom.
Also decorated were the Chairman of Ogoni Trust Fund Incorporated, Hon Emmanuel Deeyah; and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Kambari.
Highpoints of the event were the formal commissioning of the Bane and Gwara water facilities by the Minister and the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, Engr Tony Attach,represented by Mr Igo Weli; the symbolic issuance of education support Items;and the visit to the Ken Saro-Wiwa Memorial Park for symbolic tree planting by the Minister; the Project Coordinator; BoT Chairman; Senator Abe; Igo Weli; Director General, NEASRA, Prof Innocent Barikor; and Zina Wiwa, the daughter of the legendary environmentalist; and the visit to the CEER.
In two years, the Minister of Environment, has visited Ogoniland five times to commission 16 water stations, supplying potable water to 45 Ogoni communities and ensuring that other projects get equal attention, a clear demonstration of his unflinching commitment to the accelerated implementation of the Ogoni cleanup programme in line with Priority 3, Deliverable 3 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and driven under the visionary and passionate leadership of Prof Nenibarini Zabbey as Project Coordinator.
-
Featured3 days ago
Fubara Frowns At Slow Pace Of Ndele–Omofo–Egmini–Agba-Ndele Road Project ….Says Contract May Be Reviewed
-
Nation21 hours ago
HMSPR Oil, NCDMB, NIMASA, Stakeholders Praise Tamrose for Phenomenal Growth, Exemplary Local Content Capacity Building and Financial Fidelity …Pledge Increased Financial and Institutional Support for Indigenous Companies
-
Education7 hours agoTest