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Adamawa

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has presented relief materials to Internally Displaced Persons in Lamurde Local Government Area of Adamawa.

More than 5, 000 people were on Sunday displaced in 12 villages in the area following what community described in a statement as retaliatory attack by mercenary herdsmen.

Presenting the items in a ceremony in Lamurde, headquarters of the local government , on Saturday, the North East Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Mohammed Kanar, sympathised with the victims over the unfortunate incident.

Kanar said the Federal Government intervention through NEMA had come with the necessary requirements that would ameliorate the sufferings of the victims in the camps and promised that the agency along with other stakeholders would make sure that adequate facilities, such as toilets and drinking water, were provided to ensure good hygiene in the camps.

 

 

Benue

No fewer than 30 PHCN wooden and concrete poles were destroyed by windstorm in Makurdi last Friday night.

The  PHCN poles were destroyed by the windstorm that was preceded by rain, which only lasted 30 minutes.

Some of the worst hit areas were Gboko Road, Wurukum Roundabout, Ahmadu Bello Way in old GRA, North Bank and Highlevel Areas.

Both wooden and concrete poles were damaged by the storm, while some of the cars parked under trees were damaged as the trees fell on them. However, no roof was destroyed by the storm.

 

Borno

The Borno State Government said on Saturday that it has set aside N3. 9 billion for the renovation of eight secondary schools in the state.

The Commissioner for Education, Malam Inwa Kubo, who made the disclosure in an interview in Maiduguri said that the rehabilitation had reached advanced stage in most of the schools.

He named the schools as Government College Maiduguri, Government Girls Secondary School Yarwa and Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Gajiganna. Others are GGSS Baga, Government Secondary School(GSS) Kumshe, GGSS Lassa and GGSS Miringa.

He said that the project also include the conversion of Government Day Secondary School (GDSS) Marama in Hawul Local Government Area to a boarding school.

 

FCT

A health advocacy group, the Norsemen Club, says it will begin an awareness campaign in schools in Abuja to sensitise the students on tips for healthy living.

The President of the group in the FCT, Mr Shegun Fakehinde, announced the plan last Saturday during a “Walk for a Healthy Nigeria’’.

According to him, there is the need to carry awareness campaigns in school, where younger ones will also have knowledge on how to live healthy.

“Most of our dear ones have fallen victims of HIV and AIDS and other dangerous diseases because adequate knowledge and education on their prevention were in short supply.

“We will propagate this massage in all nooks and crannies in the FCT to ensure that most people do not only exist but live,’’ he said.

The Grand Patron of the group, Dr Samuel Gambo, said the group would continue to create awareness and unite the youth.

 

Jigawa

The Jigawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulwahab, said in Dutse on Sunday that government disbursed about N86 million to women groups in the state to improve members’ living standards.

She said that catering to the needs of vulnerable groups was one of the cardinal principles of Gov. Sule Lamido’s administration.

The commissioner explained that it was based on the governor’s principles that the government released the money.

Abdulwahab said since the inception of the administration in the past five years, the welfare of women and children had “tremendously improved”.

She announced that the government had established 335 safe motherhood initiatives from the 36 it inherited from the previous government.

 

Kaduna

Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has appointed a former Secretary to the State Government, Me Waje Yayock and 10 others as special advisers.

This is contained in a statement, signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr Ruben Buhari, it named the others as follows Musa Kali, Simon Gwaza, B.D. Galadima, Ibrahim Doka, Ali Waziri, Abdulkadir Kapaka, Mohammed Kampa, Edward Masha, Hajia Zulai Bello and Bala Sani.

The governor also appointed Alhaji Maisukuni Jema’a as the Chairman of Kaduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board with 29 others as members while the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtar Yero is the Chairman, Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency.

 

Kano

The Chairman of Shanono Local Government Council of Kano State, Malam Sagir Abdullahi, has lauded the tireless efforts of traditional rulers in polio eradication in the state.

Abdullahi stated this last Saturday during the flag off ceremony of the polio immunisation for the month of May in Shanono Local Government Area of the state.

He said that if not for the full involvement of the traditional rulers, the resistance level for polio immunisation would still be high.

The chairman charged parents to ensure that all their children were immunised to guard against further spread of the virus in the area and to other parts of the country.

 

Kebbi

Delegates to the forthcoming Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) conference have been admonished to shun sentiments and elect people of proven integrity.

Mr Rotimi Obamuwagun, Deputy National President of the NUJ,who is also seeking re-election, gave the advice last Saturday in Birnin Kebbi while on campaign tour.

He said his role in the past three years had been guided by the spirit of cordial relationship and mutual respect, which enabled the incumbent NUJ President, Alhaji Mohammed Garba, to reposition the union.

“The support you gave us three years ago enabled us to restore dignity, respect and peace within the various state councils of the NUJ as such we plead for another chance to enable the present leadership improve on welfare and professional rating of members,” he said.

 

Lagos

The police in Lagos last Saturday arrested one Asiribo Baba, 40, for allegedly shooting a bricklayer who attempted to rape his daughter.

Insp. Femi Martins said that Baba shot Ifeanyi Arinze, 29, who was making blocks at a building site in Agbara, Lagos.

He said investigations revealed that Arinze climbed the fence of Baba’s residence in Agbara to pluck oranges in the compound when he saw Baba’s 14-year-old daughter, who was sleeping outside.

“After he plucked the oranges, he went to the girl, who slept on the mat, and touched her breast but the girl screamed.

“Arinze covered the girl’s mouth with his hand but her younger sister, who had been playing outside, came and called people,’’ he said.

He said Baba, who had been listening to the screaming of her daughter, came out with a gun, ran after Arinze and shot him in the leg when he was about to jump the fence.

 

Osun

Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has inaugurated the 3rd Children’s Parliament in the state with a call on children to shun all forms of immoral behaviors.

Aregbesola was represented by Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Social Welfare,  Hon. Olusegun Adeyeni,at the ceremony in Osogbo last Friday.

He described the new lawmakers as “special children”, advising them to be focused and responsible in handling the affairs of the parliament and urged them to leave a legacy of service to not only the children but the entire residents of the state and the nation.

Earlier, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, said the “children are being exposed to parliamentary duties with a view to enabling them know more about law-making and to be involved directly in decision making in matters that really affect them.”

The commissioner urged the parliamentarians to be law-abiding and shun malpractice, thuggery and all forms of negative activities.

Deborah Popoola, was sworn-in as the Speaker, Abiola Agboola, Deputy Speaker, Islamiat Kolawole, House Leader, Bukola Adepoju, Chief Whip and Seyi Afolabi as the Mace bearer.

 

Oyo

The Oyo State Government has rewarded medalists and officials in its contingent to the 2011 Garden City Games with monetary gifts for their heroic performances.

Mr Dapo Lam-Adeshina, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, said the state had earlier promised to reward the athletes.

He described the occasion as a milestone, as it was the first that athletes were rewarded in the state, and expressed the hope that they would win more medals at the 2012 festival in Lagos.

Gold, silver and bronze medalists among the athletes went home with N500,000, N300,000 and N200,000 each respectively, while Coaches with gold, silver and bronze medalists were rewarded with N300, 000, N200,000 and N100,000 each respectively. Also among those rewarded were the officials who went home with N250, 000 each.

Yakub Adesokan, who sets a two world record in Power Lifting, was also awarded a cheque of N250, 000.

 

Sokoto

Gov. Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State has called on parents to ensure the immunisation of their children during the on-going polio vaccination in the state.

Speaking on the occasion of the start of 2012 Immunisation Plus Days at Rumbukawa Primary Health Centre in Sokoto North Local Government., Wamakko said government had already taken proactive measures to ensure that all under-five children were immunised.

He explained that government had partnered with the Sultanate Council, religious leaders and development associations to enhance the success of the exercise.

The Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu said that a workable formula had been put in place to mobilise parents to participate in the exercise.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Health Care, Malam Ibrahim Jibril, said that the involvement of eminent stakeholders would ensure full participation of children in the exercise.

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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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