Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Adamawa acting Chief Judge, Justice Batimawus Lawi, has fixed April 3 for ruling in the case challenging the impeachment of former Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Adamawa House of Assembly.
The impeached speaker and deputy, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim and Mrs Wale Fwa respectively, had instituted the suit against the House, the new Speaker, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri and his deputy, Mr Laori Kwamoti.
The plaintiffs had asked the court to declare their removal in December 2011 as null and void.
Lawi fixed April 3 for ruling on Thursday, in spite of the absence of counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Kanu Agabi (SAN), who did not show up nor send representation during the court’s sitting on Wednesday.
Agabi was to appear and reply to submissions already made during previous sittings by counsels to the respondents, but after waiting in vain, the respondents called on the court to strike off the case.
Bauchi
The Bauchi State Office of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) has donated 60 ambulances, tri-cycles and motorcycles to the Bauchi State Government to boost health care services in the state.
The Focal Person of the MDGs Office in the state, Alhaji Sambo Jumberi, made the disclosure on Thursday in Bauchi while handing over the items to the state’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sangir Saleh.
Jumberi said the MDGs had earlier provided 40 ambulances to 40 healthcare centres and clinics in the state and had also provided 200 solar-propelled boreholes to some healthcare institutions.
He said the MDGs had also constructed 40 ten-bed-capacity health centres while some dispensaries were renovated.
Jumberi said the MDGs had similarly, provided drugs and equipment to 57 primary health centres in the state while 600 units of latrines were constructed in some rural areas to improve sanitary conditions of communities.
Borno
The Borno Police Command, on Sunday announced the arrest of 11suspects involved in an attack on Mobile Police Base, Bama.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Mr Samuel Tizhe, told newsmen in Maiduguri that one of the attackers was killed and several explosive devices were recovered.
“Some gun men launched an attack on a mobile police base in Bama around 5.30pm. The gallant officers successfully repelled the attack.
“One person was killed and 11 others arrested. arms and several improvised explosive devise (IED)s were recovered from them,” Tizhe said.
FCT
The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, said that only 10 countries out of the 23 West and Central African Regional Countries paid the 10,000 euros annual contribution for capacity building in the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
Dikko made the announcement while presenting the report of the Eighth Meeting of the Committee of Experts of the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region of the WCO in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Dikko, who is also the vice-chairman of the WCA Region of the WCO was represented by Deputy Comptroller-General of the NCS, Mr Manassah Jatau, at the meeting of the committee of experts.
He said that the payment of the annual contribution was adopted during the 15th conference of customs director generals of WCA in Bamako, Mali in 2010.
Gombe
Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Ado Mohammed, has commended Gombe State for having the lowest maternal and child mortality rate in the North East zone of the federation.
Mohammed gave the commendation at the launching of the free polio programme in Gombe on Saturday.
He also applauded the state for ensuring that there was no recorded case of polio since 2009.
Mohammed said that Gombe State was surrounded by states with cases of polio, charging the state to maintain the tempo.
He said the success achieved in Gombe State was as result of the government’s commitment as well as the effort put in by other development partners like WHO, UNICEF and other non-governmental bodies.
Kaduna
The newly deployed Police Commissioner in Kaduna State, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, said on Saturday that the gunmen who attacked villagers in Nayida Talakkwacha were on reprisal mission.
The gunmen, who attacked the villagers in the Chickun Local Government Area of the state, killed no fewer than 10 persons, including a pastor, injuring five others.
Abubakar, who addressed reporters in Kaduna after visiting the scene of the incident, said the attackers, were relations of victims of the April 2011 post election crisis.
“ The attack appeared to be a reappraisal by relations of those who were victims of the post-general election crisis in April 2011 in Kaduna State that lost their lives and property.”
Kano
In its efforts to reduce the emission of poisonous substances such as ‘dioxin’ and ‘furan’, the Federal Ministry of Environment has organised a training programme for scavengers and waste handlers in Kano State.
Dioxin is a highly toxic compound produced as a byproduct in some manufacturing processes.
Furan is a group of colourless, volatile, heterocyclic organic compounds containing a ring of four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom, obtained from wood tar used in nylon and tanning production.
The Project Manager and Technical Director, ‘Less Burnt for a Clean Earth Project’ in the ministry, Mr Idi Maleh, disclosed this in Kano in an interview with newsmen.
He said that the trainees were drawn from the Kano Waste Management and Sanitation Board, Kano State Ministry of Environment and eight local government areas in the state.
He said that the training was necessitated by the health implications of getting in contact with dioxin and furan.
Kogi
The Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, has approved the construction of two additional hostel blocks at the state-owned Polytechnic in Lokoja.
The Rector of the school, Prof. Mathew Ajibero, made the announcement on Saturday in Lokoja at the sixth matriculation ceremony of the polytechnic, saying that the hostels would be constructed this year at the Itakpe and Lokoja campuses of the institution.
He said that the governor had also approved the release of three new transformers and roll-on roll-off bins for the campuses.
Ajibero, who recalled that the governor made the approval during his maiden visit to the main campus about two weeks ago, said that the State Government had agreed to undertake the construction of new road network and water projects.
Kwara
A fish farmer, based in Ilorin, Mr Babatunde Daniels, has told the Kwara Government to partner fish farmers to boost fish production and create employment for residents of the state.
He made the call on Thursday in Ilorin in an interview with newsmen.
Daniels said the call became necessary because “fish farming is a lucrative venture that can provide jobs for the unemployed in the state, adding that “it takes little to start the business”.
He said that fingerlings in fresh water could get matured within a month and ready for sale.
The fish farmer said that proper training in fish farming with the support of the State Government, could create an enabling environment for jobless youths not only to be gainfully employed and self-sufficient but also garner experience on fish production.
He expressed the resolve of his organisation to liaise with the government in training people on how to produce fish, grass cutters, rabbits and pigs.L
Lagos
The Secretary of the State of Missouri, U.S., Ms Robin Carnahan, has identified women empowerment as a key factor for national development.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Carnahan said that any country seeking economic advancement must invest in the wealth of its women.
“Culture, child care, cash and confidence are some of the factors limiting women from achieving their full potential.’’
Carnahan said that women in top positions, be they political or corporate, must encourage women to participate in nation building.
She also urged women to train and mentor others as well as work with men and embrace technological advancements.
Niger
More than N27.7 billion pension has been paid by the Niger government under the Pay-As-You-Go and the Contributory Pension schemes in the state from May 2007 to December 2011, an official said.
Mr Benu Yahaya , Director General of of the state’s Pension Board told newsmen in Minna that N15.3 billion went into the Pay-As-You-Go pension scheme, while N12.4 billion was for the Contributory Pension Scheme.
He said the board had also settled the outstanding pension liability of N1.4 billion inherited from the previous administration in the state.
The director general added that the government had paid N453 million arrears of the 142 per cent pension increase, which came into effect in 2000.
Yahaya, who said the government had since 2007 domesticated the Pension Reform Act of 2004, also disclosed that an average of N200 million was being spent monthly on pension payment.
The amount, he explained, covered the pension of 12,121 people on the pension pay roll of the state government and the 25 local councils.
He said more than 50,000 civil servants in the state had registered with Pension Fund Administrators (PFA), adding that the government had been regular and up to date in the release of the pension funds.
Plateau
Plateau government has assured the NYSC batch “A” corps members posted to the state of adequate security during orientation and their places of primary assignment.
Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Lohfa Bako, who represented Gov. Jonah Jang, gave the assurance on Thursday in Jos, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2012 batch “A” corps members.
Bako said that adequate security arrangement had been made to ensure their safety during the service year.
The commissioner urged the Corps members not to entertain any fear as all hands were on deck to ensure their safety.
He, however, cautioned them on the need to be security conscious.
Plateau NYSC Coordinator, Mr Maram Maful, in his speech, said that the scheme, in collaboration with the various security agencies, had mapped out strategies to secure the corps members.
He commended the Plateau government for the support the scheme had received, and especially for the work going on at the permanent site in Mangu Local Government Area.
Our correspondent reports that 508 corps members, comprising 309 males and 199 females, were registered on camp.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to enhancing the safety of the seafaring profession and upgrading maritime institutions to international standards.
Speaking at the 2025 World Seafarers’ Day celebration in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, organised by NIMASA, with the theme, “My Harassment-Free Ship.
He said that this year’s theme “speaks to our collective duty to make every ship a safe and respectful workplace noting that harassment and bullying have no place in our maritime industry.
The Minister further emphasised the importance of continuous training and retraining to ensure seafarers remain competitive and employable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari, emphasised that seafarers are the backbone of international trade, facilitating the smooth transportation of goods and services across the globe.
He stressed the need to eliminate all forms of violence, harassment, and bullying against seafarers.
In his welcome address, the Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, emphasised the need for the maritime community to prioritise the welfare, safety of seafarers and maintain zero tolerance for harassment.
According to the DG, “Today provides opportunity for the Maritime Community to honor seafarers globally for their immense contribution to both domestic and international trade, powering the blue economy and connecting nations across oceans”.
He said that this year’s theme was particularly apt, as it was a call to action to “ensure that our seafarers feel safe, are valued and protected while at sea because the ship is not just their place of work; it is their temporary home. It must therefore reflect the highest standards of dignity and professionalism fostering zero tolerance for harassment”.
He declared that NIMASA must continue to play its part in ensuring that Nigeria contributes effectively to regulations affecting seafarers, as Nigeria remains the highest contributor of seafarers in Africa. “Our men and women sail on vessels in our domestic waters and also globally. This will continue to grow through the Nigerian Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) and the effort of our Maritime Training Institutions.
‘At the recently concluded 113th session of the International Labour Conference held in Geneva, seven (7) amendments to the MLC 2006 code addressing a broad range of issues affecting seafarers, including the recognition of seafarers as key workers, improved protection against ship board violence and harassment, enhanced access to shore leave and repatriation and updated medical and occupational safety standards were approved by an overwhelming majority.
These seven (7) amendments reflect collective global effort to align maritime Labour standards with the evolving landscape of global shipping.
I, therefore, call on shipowners, operators and crewing agencies to begin to review their operational manuals to align with these amendments ahead of the expected entry into force in December 2027. Our seafarers must be able to report grievances without fear of retaliation, while also ensuring protection against vexations or malicious complaints.
He added that NIMASA will play its role by establishing clear policies and procedures for preventing and addressing harassment on Nigerian-flagged vessels, ensuring confidential reporting channels for incidents of harassment and that reports are thoroughly investigated and addressed.
“Today is a clear reminder to us all – government, employers, unions, shipowners, and civil society- that seafarers should not be left alone in their struggles. They look up to us to help them foster a culture of zero tolerance on ships to protect their dignity”, he stated.
He also assured that under his leadership, NIMASA will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, particularly the renewal of entries into force by ship owners, operators, and relevant agencies come December 2027.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Stakeholders drawn across the four local government areas of Ogoniland in Rivers State, have expressed delight over the excellent performance of the Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey within the past two years, describing him as a true patriot, who has been showing leadership in delivering service to the people.
The stakeholders, who gave the indication in their separate goodwill messages during the mid-term stakeholders engagement and scorecard presentation organised by HYPREP in Port Harcourt, scored the Project Coordinator high on the Ogoni cleanup and the overall implementation of the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoniland.
The President of KAGOTE and Board member of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Hon Emma Deeyah, particularly commended Zabbey for turning around the fortunes of the Ogoni people, as they are now having value for the money earmarked for the cleanup project, describing the Project Coordinator as “one of our best.”
He noted that Zabbey has done well on the saddle, working very hard, being an administrator and leader with listening ears, striving assiduously to meet the yearnings and expectations of the people.
He said the Ogoni cleanup is a journey that has just begun, stressing that he was happy that the Project Coordinator is not on the saddle to amass wealth but to deliver and achieve results, and appealed to the Ogoni people to continue to give him their support.
On his part, member representing Gokana/Khana Federal Constituency in the National Assembly and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Host Communities, Rt Hon Dumnamene Dekor, said HYPREP under the watch of Zabbey is working with renewed vigour, and thanked the Project Coordinator for driving the Ogoni cleanup project with passion.
He noted that the funds dedicated and earmarked for the project are running out, disclosing that he was working on an Executive Bill, to facilitate the work of HYPREP.
While stressing the need for the people to take full responsibility of all the projects sited in their communities, Dekor regretted that some beneficiaries had sold the starter packs presented to them by HYPREP, while the water facility provided in his Bierra community has been vandalised.
The King of Tai Kingdom, King Samuel Nnee, said HYPREP under Zabbey as Project Coordinator has been delivering on its mandate, describing him as a square peg in a square hole, who has given hope to the Ogoni people.
The monarch urged the Ogoni people to give the Project Coordinator the necessary support.
The Paramount Ruler of Barako Community and member of the Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, Mene Kadilo Kabari, said Zabbey has always demonstrated that he is a true patriot by carrying along Ogoni people from all strata of the society, describing him as a performing Project Coordinator.
He noted that the bane of HYPREP before now had been the conflict between the Project Coordinator and the Minister of Environment, saying, under Zabbey, Ogoni people can now see what unity of purpose can achieve.
He expressed delight that the water facility which was the first commissioned by HYPREP in his community is functioning optimally following the solar-powered system installed by the Project.
The King of Eleme Kingdom, King(Dr) Philip Osaro Obelle thanked HYPREP’s management team for all that it is doing in Ogoniland, stressing that the Project was built on the graves, bellies and blood of Ogoni sons and daughters who lost their lives during the Ogoni struggle.
He, therefore, advised HYPREP “not to deviate from the expectations of our heroes but to do those things that would benefit Ogoni people for the betterment of Ogoniland.”
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Netherlands, Hon Oji Ngofa said HYPREP has been like the government of Ogoniland, and harped on the sustainability of all the projects.
According to him, Zabbey has been giving HYPREP a human face.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Barineme Fakae applauded Zabbey for the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration, and stressed the need for the implementation of the recommendations of its technical committee which recently submitted its report.
According to him, if the project succeeds, Ogoni people are going to succeed.
Chief Priscillia Vikue, on her part, thanked Zabbey for his outstanding performance, saying, the women of Ogoni are very happy with what he is doing in Ogoniland.
While scoring the Project Coordinator highly on his performance, she said the women are happy because Zabbey knows what he is doing with HYPREP.
“You went to school.You did not cut corners.You are a square peg in a square hole.You have engaged women and the youths. We have seen what you have done. And we give you A1”, she said, and challenged Zabbey to see how more women would participate in the project and also how to sustain it.
In his remarks, the Project Coordinator, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey said the mid-term engagement is important because “it allows us to present tangible evidence of progress in the Ogoni cleanup effort, reinforce accountability, deepen transparency, and most importantly, enables HYPREP to interact directly with the communities and stakeholders who are the heartbeat of this project.”
He noted that the scorecard presentation is designed to show what HYPREP has achieved across key thematic areas, what challenges it is currently grappling with, and what the road ahead looks like, saying, “it is a moment for stocktaking and for re-affirming our shared commitment to the success of the Ogoni cleanup project”.
According to him, HYPREP has recorded commendable progress in the implementation of its core mandates in line with UNEP recommendations and the directives in the official gazette establishing HYPREP.
Donatus Ebi
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
The South-South representative of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board, Rt. Hon. Aboh Uduyok, has concluded his one-day official visit to Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola, Rivers State, with the unveiling of the Mass Communication Department classroom building. The project was executed under the 2021 TETFund intervention project.
During the unveiling of the project, Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rt. Hon. Uduyok commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the educational sector and praised the polytechnic’s management for utilising TETFund resources judiciously.
He noted that the quality of ongoing projects met approved specifications, and expressed satisfaction with the institution’s progress.
The TETFund representative stated that his visit was aimed at familiarising himself with beneficiary schools, assess fund utilization, and identify challenges.
He assured the school management that he would convey their requests for constructing engineering works and hostel accommodations to the board and notify them of any approval.
Rt. Hon. Uduyok explained that the TETFund Board is not initiating new projects this year, except where necessary, due to presidential directives. However, he commended the institution for the commendable quality of both completed and ongoing projects.
In his welcome address, the Rector of Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Dr. Moses S. Neebee, thanked the TETFund representative for visiting, and highlighted the institution’s successes and challenges. He requested support for hostel accommodations and engineering works, emphasising that a higher institution without hostels is akin to a glorified secondary school.
Dr. Neebee while briefing the visitor on the institution’s progress, noted that it currently runs 21 National Diploma programme and five Higher National Diploma courses. He disclosed that the school accessed the 2021 TETFund release in full but faced challenges with the 2023 fund due to harsh economic conditions and bid process delays, which increased project costs. The Rector pleaded for assistance in securing additional funds for the 2023 intervention release.
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