Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa Director of Diseases Control, Dr L.C Barka, on Thursday confirmed the outbreak of Cerebro Spinal Meningitis (CSM) in Lamurde Local Government Area of the state.
CSM is a dangerous epidemic and endemic, febrile disease, characterised by inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, giving rise to severe headaches, tenderness of the back of the neck, paralysis of the ocular muscles, etc.
It is sometimes marked by a cutaneous eruption, when it is often called spotted fever. It is not contagious.
Barka told newsmen in Yola that the outbreak was recorded in Rugange and Gyawana villages of the area.
The director said that 29 persons were affected, out of which five were confirmed dead.
“We have already dispatched a medical team to the affected villages to contain the situation and the report we have now is that things are under control.”
Benue
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Makurdi, Bishop Nathan Inyom, has challenged the church to lead the crusade against corruption in the country.
Inyom told the newsmen in Makurdi that it was important for the church to enlist its members in the fight against corruption.
He said the call had become imperative owing to the high level of corruption in the country.
According to Inyom, the church with a large follower-ship, and which spans the social strata, is better positioned to tackle the menace of corruption in the country.
The cleric stated that the job was too much to be left in the hands of the anti-graft institutions.
Borno
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State has approved the employment of 200 fresh graduates into the state civil service.
Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Communications, announced this on Wednesday in a statement in Maiduguri.
Gusau said the recuitment would involve qualified university and polytechnic graduates.
“Governor Kashim Shettima has given a go ahead to the Borno State Civil Service Commission to recruit 200 fresh graduates into the service.
“Those to be recruited will include both university and polytechnic graduates.”.
Gusau explained that the gesture was aimed at reducing graduate unemployment in the state as well as fill existing job vacancies in the service.
FCT
First Lady Patience Jonathan has stressed the need for Nigerians to unite “to tackle the security challenge in some parts of the country.’’
She made the call in a statement signed by Mr Ayo Osinlu, her Special Assistant, Media, in
Abuja.
The statement, which was her message to commemorate the Easter celebrations, urged Nigerians to unite, irrespective of their differences to assist the government and security agencies to tackle the challenges.
She said: “Christians should continue to do good to all and embrace peace, selflessness, tolerance and truthfulness.
“Nigerians must unite, irrespective of their religious, political, ethnic or tribal differences to assist the government to tackle the security challenge in some parts of the country.’’
The president’s wife urged Christians to “seize the opportunity to reflect on the essence of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made on the Cross of Calvary to bring salvation to mankind and ensure it is not in vain.’’
Gombe
Health officials in Gombe and Akko Local Government Councils in Gombe State on Tuesday said that they have solved the problem of resistance to application of polio vaccines in six wards of the councils.
In Gombe council, the Immunisation Officer, Malam Abdulraham Mohammed, told newsmen that areas with high resistance cases such as Shamaki, Bolari West, Nasarawo and Pantami had been successfully settled.
Mohammed said no single case of non compliance was recorded in the areas due to the intervention of the ward committees, comprising traditional and religious leaders, who prevailed on parents to allow their children to be immunised.
“For example, in Shamaki Ward, the District Head, Alhaji Usman Mohammed, marked the houses that resisted the immunisation and they were revisited immediately and they complied,” he said.
Jigawa
The Commissioner of Police in Jigawa, Mr. Kayode Theophilus, on Thursday in Kazaure warned that any policeman caught extorting motorists would face the full wrath of the law.
Theophilus gave the warning during an interactive session with officers and men of the Police and members of the Police Public Relations Committee drawn from Kazaure zone.
He described as “embarrassing to police leadership” the attitude of some policemen who continue to collect N20 bribe from motorists.
He said the command would no longer condone such attitude, warning that anyone caught would be seriously sanctioned.
Kaduna
The Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by the Kaduna State Government to investigate the causes of post-election violence in the state has received over 120 memoranda.
Co-chairman of the committee, Air Vice Marshal Ishaya Shekari, disclosed this in Zaria, while fielding questions from newsmen.
“People have really responded. So far, we have received over 120 memoranda from the public.
“Don’t be surprised that the figure may rise to 200 before the end of the exercise.
“We are impressed with the level of compliance by the public, and we hope to come out with good and workable recommendations at the end of this exercise,” he said.
Lagos
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Thursday called on the Federal Government to float a national carrier to eliminate fare discrepancies among foreign airlines.
The Deputy President of NUATE, Mr Samuelson Aturu, made the call while speaking with newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
He said that Nigeria needed a national carrier to protect its interest in the global aviation industry, in spite the various flag carriers operating into the country,
He called for the establishment of a competitive commission to regulate the operations and fares of the mega carriers operating into the country, adding that such commission existed in other countries.
Aturu, however, condemned the mega carriers, especially British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airlines, for charging what he called “cut throat prices” in Nigeria, in spite the country’s huge market.
Ogun
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Ogun Command, Abdulmajeed Alli, has donated items worth over N300, 000 to the Stella Obasanjo Orphanage in Abeokuta in remembrance of his late daughter.
The items included foodstuff, baby pampers, soaps and medicare materials, among others.
Alli told newsmen that the gesture was part of his late daughter’s vision to encourage the less-privileged and also set up an orphanage before her untimely death.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Home, the Permanent Secretary, Ogun Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Aderonke Adeyokun, thanked the donor on behalf of the children..
Plateau
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Plateau has distributed 2,000 crates of eggs to hospitals and clinics to improve the nutritional quality of pregnant women and children.
The Commisisoner, Mrs Olivia Dazyam, told newsmen in Jos that the eggs were from the state government’s egg mop-up programme following a glut of the commodity this year.
She said that it was only the Northern Senatorial zone that had so far benefited.
Dazyam said that more eggs would be purchased in the mop-up initiative, and blamed the glut on security challenges facing the state.
She said that poultry farming had been a major occupation of many people in Plateau, and that the decision to intervene was a social service to minimise losses by farmers and encourage them to stay in business.
“Many farmers have so much eggs in stock and we felt that we should not allow the eggs to just waste away,” she said.
Sokoto
Chief Chaise Ejemeka, the leader of Igbo community in Sokoto State, has called on the security agencies to work out modalities to flush out those behind the spate of terrorism in the country.
“There is a need for the security agencies to adopt security measures to apprehend those involved in these deadly acts, Ejemaka told newsmen in Sokoto.
He stressed the need for the security agencies to provide an enabling environment for Nigerians to go about their normal affairs without harassment or intimidation.
“This will only be possible through a well coordinated security approach,’’ he said.
Ejemaka urged Nigerians to be watchful and report any suspected character to the nearest security agencies for prompt action.
The Igbo leader stressed the need for training and re-training of security officers to update their knowledge on how to tackle the current security situation in the country.
Yobe
The Yobe State Government plans to construct four dams before the end of the year to promote irrigation in the state, Alhaji Idi Gubana, the Commissioner for Agriculture, has said.
Gubana, who disclosed this in Damaturu while fielding questions from newsmen, said that feasibility studies on the projects had reached an advanced stage.
He explained that government was concentrating on dam construction to supplement rain-fed agriculture.
“Government is working hard to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
“The amount of rainfall in the state has been unreliable in sustaining agriculture so, government is placing emphasis on irrigation farming,” Gubana said.
The commissioner noted that 400 boreholes had been constructed across the state for irrigation farming this season.
“Irrigation farmers in the state were provided with fertiliser and improved seeds. I am happy to say that wheat, rice, maize and vegetables harvest were good and promising.’’
Meanwhile, a hungarian company is to establish tomatoes cottage factory in Gashua, the commissioner said.
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