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THE STATES

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Adamawa

Worried by the level of insecurity, a coalition of Islamic and Christian Leaders in Michika, Adamawa, has set up a committee to sensitise communities on peace building and conflict resolution.

The Public Relation Officer of the group, Alhaji Abdulrahaman Mutawale told newsmen in Mubi on Sunday that the measure was aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the people in the area.

Mutawale said members of the sensitisation sub-committees had already been inaugurated across the 16 wards in the area to create awareness on the need for people to live in peace and harmony.

He said the group in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) had held various meetings between religious and community leaders on the need to promote peace in the area.

 

Benue

Governor of Benue Gabriel Suswam has urged the people to unite in the interest of development in the state.

Suswam was speaking Sunday at St Theresa’s Parish, Makurdi, in a thanks-giving mass in honour of Mr Fidelis Audu, Chairman, Makurdi Local Government Council.

The governor, who was represented by Dr Eugene Aliegba, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said peace was necessary for sustainable development.

He called on the people to desist from fomenting trouble on the account of their political differences but to play the game of politics according to the rules.

He said politics ought to be devoid of violence and advised them to shun violence.

 

Borno

Governor of Borno  Kashim Shettima on Sunday attributed last Tuesday’s inauguration of caretaker committees for the 27 local governments in the state to security reasons.

Some opposition parties in the state had accused the governor of refusing to conduct elections into the councils for political reasons.

But Shettima told newsmen in Maiduguri that the committees were inaugurated because of the difficulties in organising polls, especially against the current security challenges in the state.

Shettima said that, government planned to conduct credible elections for the councils once the security situation improved.

 

FCT

The new Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, Dr Montaser Abuzaid, said in Abuja on Sunday that he would promote the existing cordial relations between the two countries.

“I will work to promote the existing relations between Nigerian and the State of Palestine, especially in the areas of culture, sports and education,’’ Abuzaid told newsmen.

He said the two countries could do a lot together in the area of culture considering that the role of the embassy was to facilitate contact between the two countries’ relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

“We can organise student exchange programmes as well as sporting activities; we can also explore each other’s tourism sector as Palestine is blessed with many historic and tourist sites,’’ Abuzaid said.

 

Kaduna

The Catholic Diocese of Kaduna Province on Sunday called on the faithful to contribute toward improving the lives of the less privileged in the society.

The Provincial Organising Committee Chairman, Rev. Fr. Michael Gadache, made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna at the launch of Lenten Campaign for the diocese.

Gadache said that arrangements for the event had reached their zenith as the faithful and other dignitaries were being sensitised to brace up for the success of the programme.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr John Bagu told newmen that Rev Fr. Peter Babangida would preside over the event at the St. Pius X Catholic Church, Unguwar Romi, Kaduna South Local Government Area.

 

Kano

Former President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has said that leaders at all levels must be involved in providing security in the country.

Gen. Babangida said this in Kano on Saturday when he paid a condolence visit to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in his palace, over the multiple bomb blasts that killed about 200 people in Kano.

Babangida, who ruled the country between 1985 and 1993, said it was the responsibility of not only the Federal Government , but leaders at all levels, to ensure peace and stability in the country.

 

Kebbi

Two female councillors in Maiyama and Kalgo Local Government Areas of Kebbi died on Wednesday in a motor accident on Funtua – Zaria road.

The Chairman of the state chapter of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Musa Dan-Illela, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday in an interview with newsmen.

He said that the deceased, Hajiya Ruqqayya Mohammed and Sa’adatu Umar were travelling to Abuja to witness the Supreme Court sitting in the case filed by Alhaji Abubakar Mallam of CPC against the election of Gov. Saidu Dakingari.

 

Lagos

The Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), an NGO, on Saturday in Lagos pledged to sensitise Nigerians on various opportunities on wealth creation.

President of the group, Mrs Lola Okanlawon said during an interactive session with journalists, that the aim was to promote the establishment of small and medium entreprises in the country.

She said that the NGO was principally focussed on creating wealth and not alleviating poverty.

As part of the strategy, Okanlawon said the group had concluded plans to organise a workshop to expose men and women on how to earn a living in the oil and gas industry.

Osun

A group of Young Professionals has been inaugurated in Ile-Ife, Osun on Saturday, with a pledge to impact positively on the lives of Nigerians.

The group has membership from various professions, including medicine, engineering, the academics and law.

Leader of the group, Dr Bayo Olokun, promised that it would work to improve the quality of life of the citizenry.

Olokun, who is a consultant at the National Hospital, Abuja, said the group would offer humanitarian services to the people, especially the less previledged.

“Our aim is to make a better Nigeria, the country has invested so much in her people, we want the nation to be properly positioned.

 

Plateau

The Yakubu Gowon Foundation has distributed 800 pairs of school sandals to female pupils of some primary schools in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau.

The beneficiaries are pupils of L.E.A. Primary Schools in Jimakwi, Pukien, Pangjem and Pangsot Local Government Areas.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mr Dan Tenshak, said the initiative was in line with the organisation’s advocacy on girl-child education.

“It is in line with the foundation’s way of assisting indigent students. The initiative will also create awareness on the challenges of girl-child education toward bridging the gender gap in learning.”

He noted that education was becoming more expensive, and stressed the need for governments and NGOs to encourage girls from poor homes to pursue their dreams.

 

Sokoto

Stakeholders from the 23 local governments in Sokoto State have expressed their support to fast track the formulation of a draft policy on water and sanitation for the state Our correspondent reports that the state government and a USAID- assisted non governmental organisation,  Research Triangle Institute / Leadership. Empowerment , Advocacy and Development –RTI/ LEAD  are championing the formulation of the policy .

A public hearing on the draft policy was conducted on January 28 by the state Ministry of Water Resources and the organisation .

A statement signed by Alhaji Tijjani Mohammed , the Deputy Chief of Party ( DCoP) of the organisation, said in Sokoto on Sunday that the public hearing was attended by the various stakeholders in the state .

 

Yobe

The Deputy Governor of Yobe State Alhaji Abubakar Ali, has expressed the hope that the new 200-bed hospital in Damaturu would prevent the people from seeking medical attention outside the state.

Ali, who is also the Commissioner for Health, told newsmen in an interview on Sunday that the ultra modern hospital had adequate provisions for laboratory examinations, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

He said the services of consultants engaged from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital would be an advantage to the facility.

“Travelling out of the state to seek medical treatment will soon be a thing of the past. The new hospital will decongest the existing specialist hospital, which is overstretched,” he said.

He said a committee had been constituted to equip the hospital with state-of-the-art facilities “to promote efficiency and qualitative healthcare delivery to the people.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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