Nation
THE STATES
Abuja
In an effort to reduce maternal mortality in the country, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has provided “mama kits’ for pregnant woman to encourage ante-natal attendance.
Mama kits contain hospital requirements for expectant mothers.
The Executive Director of the agency, Dr Ado Mohammed, said this during an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
“That also encourages them. The kits has the normal materials that a woman brings when she is coming to deliver.”
Mohammed said facilities that used to witness three birth per month now record 40 births per month while in some facilities about 100 attend ante-natal care in a month.
He said the development had renewed confidence in the health system.
Mohammed added that a lot had been achieved as more women now attend ante natal care and also demanded for services in terms of skilled attendant.
According to the director, the remarkable achievement is that 1,000 facilities have midwives running 24-hour service.
Adamawa
Alhaji Musa Dantakarda, a PDP stalwart in Mubi, Adamawa, on Sunday called on opposition parties to support the new Murtala Nyako administration to enable it transform the state.
Reacting to Nyako’s victory at the Feb.4, governorship election, Dantakarda said that would also enable the governor continue with the sound programmes initiated in the last four years.
Dantakarda, who was the Chairman of the Nyako campaign organisation, said in Mubi that such cooperation would assist in building a new Adamawa.
“The parties and their candidates should support the PDP administration to work for the progress of our people.
“Adamawa should be our first priority and we must work together as one for the common good of the state,” Dantakarda said.
According to him, the PDP’s victory at the polls has shown the confidence the electorate reposed in its ability to transform the socio-economic condition of the state.
Borno
Women came out in large numbers to vote for candidates of their choice in Saturday’s by-election in Konduga constituency of Borno House of Assembly.
Our correspondent reports that the women, mainly housewives, began trooping to polling units as early as 7.30 a.m., outnumbering the men.
Some women, interviewed by our correspondent, attributed the women’s large turnout to the economic situation in the country.
“We came out because we are tired of being left behind. We want to effect a change by ourselves.
“We want to make sure that we elect a candidate that we can trust and who can make life better for us,” Mrs Yagunsu Umar, a voter, said.
Umar said she was mobilised by a women group that went from house to houses to sensitise women on the need to excercise their franchise.
FCT
The Secretary of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Health and Human Services Secretariat, in Abuja Dr Ademola Onakomaiya has on Sunday warned the public against patronising fake medical personnel in some hospitals in the territory.
He told newsmen while parading a suspected fake medical personnel at the secretariat in Abuja on Sunday that most people posing as medical personnel were fake, especially in private hospitals.
The secretary said the secretariat was, through the Private Health Establishment Registration and Monitoring Committee, monitoring and regulating the activities of private health care providers in the FCT.
He said it was in the course of duty that the secretarial staff discovered an unqualified medical care provider in a private hospital in Kubwa.
“The 45-year-old man who was parading himself as an optometrist in a hospital was apprehended by our monitoring team.
Kebbi
The Kebbi Government spent N9.2 million on the purchase of forms for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, organised by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, a statement said in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
The statement, issued by Alhaji Abubakar Mua’zu, the Press Secretary to the Governor, said the 2000 forms would be distributed free to encourage good performance among students in public examinations.
It said the forms would be issued to qualified students in six education centers, who possessed a minimum of five credits in the Senior School Certificate Examinations.
The statement, said the gesture was in line with the policy of the state government to encourage students to acquire tertiary education.
Kaduna
Sen. Mohammed Sani-Sale said on Sunday that the just concluded by-election into the House of Representatives in Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State was marked with intimidation.
He told Journalists in Zaria that the by-election was not conducted freely and fairly considering the illegality surrounding it.
Sani-Sale, an ex-army general, who represents Kaduna Central on the platform of CPC said, “I want to press my utmost disappointment over what happened during the by-election. I thought we are matured enough to conduct ourselves well, what I saw we had not learnt any lesson from the past.
“The mass disorderliness among the electorate and the inability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fully prepare for the election has shown that we still have a long way to go. I therefore call for outright cancelation of the election,” he added.
Kogi
Kogi State council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured six journalists and two corporate organisations with awards for excellent performance.
Our correspondent reports that the awards were given in Lokoja on Saturday during the maiden edition of the state NUJ end of year/New Year get together ceremony to take stock of the previous year and plan for the New Year.
The awardees are Mr Timothy Yusuf of NTA, Mr Abel Ada-Musa and Mr James Oyewole, both of Graphic newspaper and Alhaji Yekini Jimoh of the Tribune newspaper.
Others are Mr Mike Abu of the Post newspaper, a Lokoja-based fortnight tabloid, and the state correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Kola Adeyemi.
Kogi Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kogi FM 94) and FRCN Prime FM 101.5, Lokoja, received the corporate award.
Speaking at the ceremony, chairman of the council, Malam Ali Atabor, said the union decided to honour the journalists as a way of celebrating and recognising excellence as well as good conduct and character of members.
Lagos
An actor, Nobert Young, says the lack of professionalism is the bane of the motion picture industry in Nigeria.
Young also identified tribalism, favouratism and mediocrity, among others, as factors militating the growth of the industry.
He made the observation in an interview with the newsmen in Lagos on Sunday, saying, “an otherwise very big industry, very big money-making industry, but people because of their mediocrity will not let it grow.
“If the professionals are handling this industry do you know how much we are talking about here, billions of naira?”
He decried the absence of control in the industry, saying “everybody comes in to do what he likes.
“You can’t tell a man that he doesn’t have talent because whatever he produces, there is always a market for it.
“He may not hit the target but he will make some money from whatever he produces. So, it is up to the viewing public to choose what to buy.”
Young suggested that the personnel involved in creating story lines, scripts, acting and directing of films be trained and retrained in order to get the desired change in the industry.
Ogun
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Adejoke Orelope- Adefulire, has called for collaboration with religious bodies and well-meaning organisations to tackle youth restiveness and juvenile delinquencies.
Orelope-Adefulire made the call at the 2012 Hope Day of the Habitation of Hope, a care ministry founded by Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye, the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
“Government alone cannot fight the scourge,’’ Orelope-Adefulire said.
She said that governments, at all levels, were committed to taking disadvantaged children off the streets and providing them with an enabling environment to develop their talents.
“Our people look up to their spiritual heads for guidance and direction, and it is only appropriate to also put in place other measures beyond preaching the gospel or ministering, through which lives can be changed and more souls can be saved,’’ she stated.
Taraba
The police in Jalingo have intercepted a vehicle allegedly conveying a consignment of arms and ammunition between Zakibiam in Benue and Wukari in Taraba State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ibiang Mbasieke, told newsmen that the vehicle, a Toyota Carina E with Registration No. AA775ABE, was intercepted at a stop and search check-point near Wukari on Friday.
He said nine single-barreled guns, two locally made revolver pistols and one long range gun as well as several rounds of ammunition and cartridges were found in the car.
Mbasieke explained that the driver and one other occupant were arrested by the police, while investigations continue in the matter.
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