Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Adamawa chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged its members to use the period of Easter to pray for peace and unity in the state and country at large.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the state Chairman, Rev. Fr Moses Taparki, and Secretary, Rev. Habila Kakaba.
“All christians are called upon to make the maximum use of the passion period of Easter to pray and intercede for Adamawa and Nigeria, for return of peace in our country.
“Pray for our leaders at all levels, government, traditional and religious leaders. Pray for the oneness and unity of the land and the people of Nigeria,” the statement said.
It urged Christians to continue to be security conscious and cooperate with government and security agents in ensuring a crime-free state.
CAN lauded the state government’s commitment to peace and security, particularly its promotion of inter-religious activities through the state chapter of Nigeria Inter-Religious Council [NIRE).
Bauchi
The State Security Service (SSS) operatives in Bauchi on Sunday repelled an attack by gunmen on their training school, killing two of the attackers.
Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Mohammed Ladan, said that one of the attackers had been apprehended.
“I am just coming from the scene. Two of the assailants were killed while one of them was arrested alive.
“The arrested person told us that they were four in number. It means that one of them has escaped.”
According to him, a rod and wire cutter, pair of pliers, ropes, spanner and cell phones were recovered at the scene.
He, however, said apart from the two people killed, no other lives were lost, adding that no damage was done to property at the Senior Staff Training School of the SSS.
An Assistant Director of the SSS, Mr Olu Justine, said that intelligence report on an impending attack on the school had earlier been gathered while the operatives were placed on alert.
FCT
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), in Abuja, has urged the National Assembly to pass a bill banning public office holders from going abroad for medical treatment.
This was contained in a statement issued by Prof. Is-haq Akintola, Director in Abuja.
According to the statement, the group also demanded that all public office holders withdraw their children and wards studying in foreign institutions and enrol them in Nigerian schools.
“We charge the National Assembly to initiate and pass a bill prohibiting people whose children and wards attend overseas institutions from holding public office.
“This is the only way to compel government to pay attention to our decaying education sector. Who feels it knows.’’
The group said this was the only way Nigerian schools and hospitals could become effective as the public office holders would strive to bring them to international standards.
On the Easter celebration, the group urged Nigerian leaders to emulate the austere and selfless life of Jesus Christ.
Jigawa
A team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture on the Commercial Agriculture and Development Project on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to Gov Sule Lamido of Jigawa.
The team leader, Alhaji Muhammad Umar, said in Dutse, that the purpose of the visit was to explore areas of possible partnership with the state government.
Umar disclosed that the ministry was already working with five states on the project and identified them as Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Enugu and Cross River.
He also identified the 15 areas of collaboration on the project with the states to include poultry management, sorghum, cassava, tomatoes, cotton, oil palm, cocoa, rice and fruit trees cultivation, among others.
Lagos
Nigerian Army chaplain directors of the Catholic and protestant denominations have called for genuine transformation during the Easter in the face of Nigeria’s current challenges.
The Director (Catholic), Rev. Fr. Charles Iroegbu, told newsmen in Lagos that the spirit of Easter should bring laughter to the sad and disappointed in the society.
Kaduna
A farmer, Muhammad Baban-Iro of Rigasa Area in Kaduna on Thursday appeared before a Kaduna Sharia Court for refusing to refund N32,000 being the bride price and other expenses allegedly paid on his daughter.
The demand was made by the suitor following the discovery that she had tested positive to HIV.
One Ibrahim Bala of the same area had gone to the court to complain against Baban-Iro for allegedly collecting the money as bride price and other expenses incurred on his daughter for marriage.
Bala said he decided to discontinue with the marriage following the outcome of a hospital test which showed that his fiancee was HIV-positive.
The complainant said although he could have kept quiet if the lady’s father had allowed him to swap with the younger sister of his bride-to-be, but the man refused, saying he would rather refund.
Katsina
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has expressed concern over the failure of Katsina State Government to implement the N18,000-minimum wage for its members.
In a statement, signed by the state NULGE Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Haruna, on Friday in Katsina, the union called on the government to promptly implement the wage policy for its members.
“We are appealing to the state government to expedite action on the issue to ensure that the implementation takes effect from this April, along with the payment of arrears,’’ the statement said.
Kwara
An Ophthalmologist, Prof Abdulraheem Mahmoud says 75 percent of the one million Nigerians with blindness should not have been blind.
Mahmoud, said the causes of the blindness were either preventable or curable, and noted that majority of the blind people were poor.
He made the observation in Ilorin at the inaugural lecture of the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Clinical Science of the University of Ilorin.
ateau
As Christians mark Easter, Chief Whip, Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Tim Golu, on Saturday warned the country’s leaders against playing politics with the lives of citizens.
“Nigerian leaders must refrain from hypocrisy and love the governed sincerely and from their hearts.
“Leaders must avoid the temptation to play politics with the lives of Nigerians and the existence of the nation.
“The country belongs to all of us and must be placed above every other consideration,’’ Golu said in Jos in an Easter message.
Taraba
David Sabo Kente Foundation has donated N10 million for the revival of Ajikwen Education Trust Fund to enable it to render financial assistance to students of Jukun descent.
The Chairman of the foundation, Chief David Kente, announced the donation in Wukari, Taraba, on Saturday during the Jukun Youth Cultural Day celebration.
Kente, who was the chairman of the occasion, said education was the “live wire” of every modern society and needed to be supported by all well-meaning citizens.
He advised other Jukun people to “give up fighting wars” in order to attract foreign investments to enhance economic development in the area.
“The Kwararafa kingdom cannot continue military campaigns and capturing of kingdoms to pay tribute to it as our forefathers did.
“We have to change our priorities in order to cope with the challenges of the current world which is a global village,” he said.
Earlier, Mr Wunuken Ali, the President of Jukun Youth Cultural and Development Association, said it was time to intensify contact with Jukun descendants “spread across 26 states’’ of the country to ensure unity of purpose.
Koto Sokoto
Sokoto State Government has introduced “vibrant policies” to develop the agriculture sector in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Jabbi Kilgore, said this in Sokoto on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said “the ministry is working toward taping available human and mineral resources in the state to move the sector forward”.
Kilgore added that the measure was to ensure massive food production for local consumption and export.
The commissioner said the ministry had already taken measures to provide modern farming inputs at government-subsidised price for sale to farmers.
He said 150 tractors had been distributed to medium and large-scale farmers on loan basis while fertilisers were provided for both rainy and dry season farming.
“The state government wants to modernise farming methods and attract participation of people in the sector.
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