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THE STATES

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Adamawa

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) last
Thursday closed its case in the Adamawa Governorship Election Petitions
Tribunal after fielding 66 witnesses.

The ACN gubernatorial candidate is  Mr Marcus Gundiri  is challenging the return of Governor Murtala
Nyako as the duly elected governor of Adamawa.

The ACN, its gubernatorial candidate, who
joined the PDP, INEC and others as co-respondents alleged that the February 4,
2012 election was marred by irregularities.

Gundiri urged the tribunal to declare the
ACN candidate as the duly elected governor of the state or order the conduct
fresh election in the state.

The last witness olufwa Akin was a data
analyst, who conducts biometric analysis of election materials from some of the
polling units in the 11 Local Government Areas being challenged by the ACN.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Justice
Bitrus Sanga adjourned the petition to June 4, for the respondents to open
their defence.

 

Bauchi

The Bauchi State Primary Education Board
has set up a learning centre for female children hawking within the metropolis,
Mrs Karimatu Katagum, the Replication Coordinator, Girl Education Project, has
said.

Katagum said in Bauchi on Tuesday that the
centre was established in 2011 to provide basic education for girl-child
hawkers.

She said that study lessons were being
carried out for two hours daily, adding that more centres would be established
across the state.

“We have an impressive turn out of the
girls; and soon more will be established across the state,” the coordinator
said.

Katagum said that schools for married women
were also established in six local government areas mainly for school dropouts.

“The school is a second chance programme
for those women, who left education as a result of circumstances, and who are
still interested in making it up,” Katagum said.

She said that through the board, the
schools base management committees were set up by all the primary schools and
some junior secondary schools.

According to her, the committee advocates
for the enrolment, retention and supervision of the girl-child education in
communities.

 

Jigawa

Rivers State Governor and Chairman
Governors’ Forum of Nigeria, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers has attributed
the current security challenges in the country to ignorance and poverty.

Amaechi, said this in an interview on
Wednesday in Dutse, where he had gone to inaugurate a road project.

He advised his Jigawa counterpart, Alhaji
Sule Lamido, to give attention to education, adding that the sector was key to
human development.

The governor explained that in a society
where people were educated, it would be easier to bridge the gap between the
rich and the poor.

According to him, if people are educated,
they will be well informed as well as be gainfully employed or be on their own.

He commended Lamido for the progress
recorded in different sectors in the state and called on the people to support
him.

 

Kaduna

Two former security personnel at the
ongoing Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) week in Kaduna on Wednesday suggested
that massive employment of youths was a panacea to current national security
challenges.

Retired Rear Adm. Gbadejo Adedeji and
retired ACP Godson Uzowuru, made the suggestion in separate papers presented at
the occasion.

Adedeji said in his presentation:
“Understanding the Present Security Challenges in Nigeria”, that youth
unemployment was the major cause of criminality and terror activities in parts
of the country.

He also identified poor education, poverty,
bad governance and a lack of justice and fair play among politicians as some of
the causes of such challenges.

The resource persons advised governments to
address “these challenges and that would go a long way in tackling the security
crises the country is facing”.

On his part, Uzowuru said the failure of
intelligence gathering had complicated the current situation and advised the
police and State Security Service (SSS) to reintroduce the aspect in their surveillance
teams.

Uzowuru said in his lecture entitled:
“Overcoming the Current Security Challenges in Nigeria”, that inadequate
training of security personnel on basic security and the use of obsolete
security gadgets posed obstacles to the agencies.

 

Kano

Fistula Foundation, a Non-Governmental
Organisation, says it plans to raise awareness of Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF)
through film shows in Kano and other states in the northern part of the
country.

The director of the organisation, Malam
Musa Isa said in Kano on Thursday that the awareness level on the causes of the
condition was still low.

He said that a lack of proper understanding
of the condition and its management had caused many problems in some homes and
communities.

Isa said that the organisation had recently
supported 202 patients to undergo medical surgery and had empowered 118 to be
self-reliant.

“We are still denying the belief that early
marriage is responsible for the disease; rather,  a prolonged and
unattended labour make the woman to suffer and get infected with VVF in the
process,’’ he said.

 

Lagos

The police in Lagos have arrested a
32-year-old man (name withheld), who claimed to be a graduate of the Imo State
University, over alleged robbery.

Sources at the Victoria Island Police
Station said that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after his
gang attempted to rob a motorist on Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, of
his car.

The sources noted that they had been on the
trial of the suspects for some time due to their criminal activities, saying
that the regular monitoring of the area by a police patrol team foiled their
operation.

“Our investigation revealed that the
suspect is based in Imo State. He usually comes to Lagos to carry out robbery
operations with his gang members, after which he escapes and returns to Imo.

“The suspect claimed to have graduated from
the Imo State University in 2009, with a degree in the Social Sciences. He also
confessed that they were a three-man robbery gang operating on the Island,” a
source said.

 

Ogun

The Old Students’ Association, of African
Church Grammar School, Abeokuta, has donated a block of 8-classroom to its Alma
mater. This is aimed at complementing the effort of the state government in
providing qualitative and affordable education to the people.

The National President of the association,
Mr Clement Oke, said that at a news conference in Abeokuta on Thursday,
that the association had over the years contributed toward the development
of quality education in the school.

Oke added that the building worth N50
million, was constructed at the cost of N32.5 million because of free services
offered by some members of the association.

He said that the funds for the construction
of the project were raised within the Old Students’ body with the support of
the Nigeria Breweries Plc, adding that the building would be inaugurated on May
22 by Gov Ibikunle Amosun, who also is an alumnus of the school.

 

Plateau

Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party in
Plateau, Mr. Sylvanus Namang, has described the impasse between Plateau
Governor Jonah Jang and correspondents covering the state as “unnecessary’’.

The Plateau Correspondents’ Chapel on
Monday resolved to boycott activities of the state government, citing
“indifference and insensitivity to their plight’’.

They particularly accused Gov. Jang of
refusing to address them over the happenings in Plateau, especially the
lingering violence.

But Namang, whose party’s governorship
candidate, Mrs Pauline Tallen, lost to Jang in the 2011 polls, blamed the
governor for allowing the situation to degenerate to such stage.

The Publicity Secretary accused the
Governor’s image makers of “a poor handling of the situation’’, pointing out
that the over reliance on the state owned media was not good for Plateau’s
external image.

“The government has continued to rely on
the state media alone, but that is erroneous because it is only the other media
houses that can adequately project Plateau’s image to the outside world.’’

He accused Jang of also maintaining poor
relationships with other stakeholders in Plateau, and called for an immediate
change in the interest of the state.

Namang cautioned Jang against undermining
the role of the media in consolidating the gains of democracy, and regretted
that the governor had continued to avoid the press “for the whole of the five
years he has been in power’’.

 

Sokoto

A senior member of PDP in SokotoState has
advised the Federal Government to organise special prayers for Muslims and
Christians for God’s intervention in Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Deputy Treasurer of the party, Alhaji
Mukhtari Mapia, said in Sokoto that prayers would enable the country to
overcome the challenges threatening the nation’s corporate existence.

He said clerics from both religions should
be engaged to mobilise Nigerians to fast and seek divine intervention in the
affairs of the country.

“ I am very optimistic that our problem
will be a thing of the past if the Federal Government will organise special
prayers for all Nigerians to seek God’s guidance,’’ Mapia said.

He said religious leaders were in a better
position to assist the government to restore peace through prayers.

“Our security agencies need information
from the public to enable them to map out effective strategies in apprehending
criminals,’’ he said.

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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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