Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Women Education Empower Initiative (WEEIN), an NGO, says it trained 120 women in different skills in Adamawa.
Addressing the trainees at their graduation ceremony in Yola, the Chairperson of WEEIN, Hajiya Zainab Nyako, urged them to make good use of the training, to become self-reliant.
Nyako, who is also the wife of the Adamawa governor, urged them to form cooperative societies, to enable them source loans and assistance to establish their businesses.
She said WEEIN would assist them secure registration with relevant bodies and organisations, such as NAFDAC for their products.
Benue
The Commissioner for Education in Benue State, Dr Elizabeth Ugo, has charged the host community of the College of Advanced and Professional Studies (CAPS) to support the college to enable them benefit from the institution.
Ugo made the call in Makurdi at a meeting between the college management and the host community.
The commissioner was represented by Dr Jem Tor-Anyiin, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry.
She said the institution needed absolute peace to enable it to operate effectively for the overall benefit of the state in particular and the country at large.
Ekiti
The Ekiti State Government has concluded arrangements to provide jobs for 1,500 youths under its Youth Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (YCAD).
The move is aimed at reducing unemployment in the state and ensuring that agriculture contributes 50 per cent of the state’s Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR).
The initiative is also intended to turn the Farm Settlements in the state into Centres of Excellence in Agriculture and ensure all-round production of cash crops in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Babajide Arowosafe, disclosed these in an interview with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti.
FCT
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has advised Nigerians to ensure they know their HIV/AIDS status before planning marriage.
The Director General of the agency, Prof. John Idoko, told newsmen in Abuja that most Nigerians would usually wait until they were about going into marriage before they go for tests to know their status.
“Nigerians should not wait until when planning their marriage or when they are sick before knowing their status. It is advisable to go for voluntary counselling and testing early.
Kano
A Kano-based environmentalist, Malam Haruna Balarabe, has advised residents to clear their drainage ahead of the rainy season.
Balarabe, who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Kano said that it would prevent the state from being flooded during the season.
“Everybody has an obligation to contribute to the environment and prevent it from being affected by disasters because disasters affect everyone,’’ he said.
Lagos
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested four suspected drug traffickers, including two men who ingested 124 wraps of liquid cocaine sealed in condoms.
NDLEA spokesperson, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju said in a statement issued in Lagos that the liquid cocaine, weighing 3.3kg, was poured into male condoms before it was ingested by the suspects.
The statement added that the two suspects excreted 70 and 54 wraps of the oily cocaine.
Niger
Governor of Niger State Babangida Aliyu has promised to sponsor interested directors in the state civil service to obtain masters degree in their fields of specialisation.
Aliyu made this known in Minna during an interactive session with Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Directors in the service.
He expressed the hope that the gesture would impact positively on their service delivery.
According to him, directors with more than five years before retirement from service will receive full grant, while those with less then three years will receive half of the cost of their education.
Oyo
The Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr Yunus Akintunde, says the 50 roads being constructed by the state government will be inaugurated in May.
Akintunde said this while inspecting construction work on the Wakajiye, Isebo–Papa, Olosan and Ajibode Alfonso-Apete roads in Ibadan.
The commissioner, who expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of the contractors, appealed to benefiting communities to monitor the projects to ensure quality jobs.
He said the ongoing road and bridge projects would cost N11 billion, adding that the initiative was to make life more meaningful to the people of the state.
Sokoto
The Federal Government has spent more than N5 billion on the 35 Model Almajiri Schools established nationwide, since the project began in December 2010.
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETF), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, told newsmen in Sokoto that the schools were not part of the 51 currently being constructed by the Universal Basic Education Commission.
Yakubu, who was in Sokoto for the inauguration of one of the schools on Tuesday by President Goodluck Jonathan, said the schools were located in the 18 northern states and that 10 of the schools had boarding facilities.
Taraba
The Nigeria-Sao Tome and Principe Joint Development Authority has donated a block of hostel worth N22.5 million to the Government Secondary School, Jalingo.
The Acting Chairman of the Authority, Mr Collins Kalabare, made the donation in Jalingo on behalf of the two countries.
He said the donation of the female hostel was one of the numerous benefits in the cooperation between the two sister countries which shared common economic interest in their Joint Development Zone (JDZ) in the Gulf of Guinea.
Yobe
The Yobe Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Idi Gubana has said that a comprehensive transport system and fertiliser distribution network would be provided for farmers, this cropping season.
The commissioner disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Damaturu.
He explained that ministries of Agriculture, Youth Development and Local Government Affairs “were working on a convenient means of transport for farmers across the state in view of the ban on motorcycles”.
Idi said that arrangements had reached advanced stage to provide farmers with alternative transport in the 17 local government areas in the state.
Zamfara
The Acting Governor of Zamfara, Alhaji Ibrahim Wakkala, has ordered the demolition of part of the on-going water treatment plant at Talata Mafara over non-adherence to contract specifications.
Wakkala ordered the demolition after an inspection visit to the project site.
The project, which was awarded at N6.7 billion, is expected at its completion, to provide five million gallons of treated water to Talata Mafara, Maradun, Bakura and Maru Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
The acting governor expressed reservation on the competence of the contractor handling the job.
Wakkala also directed that part of the project must be demolished and adjusted to meet the specified standard.
He said that engineering consultants handling the projects had raised observations over the contractor’s violation of contract agreement, which made the government to take action to forestall poor job completion
He said the government would not compromise quality and standard in any job it awarded in line with its principle of transparency and accountability.
Wakkala directed the State Ministry of Water Resources to invite the company for further discussions so as to ensure that every part of the project was done in accordance with the design and contract agreement.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Adullahi Abdulkadir said the project consisted of a five million gallon capacity water treatment plant, laboratory, office complex and a staff canteen.
He said the project was first awarded by the immediate past administration to supply water toTalata Mafara and Maradun LGAs, pointing out that it was reviewed and expanded to cover Maru and Bakura LGAs.
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