Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Bauchi State House of Assembly last Wednesday began amendment of the law establishing the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic to facilitate the establishment of an autonomous college of agriculture.
The amendment followed the adoption of a report by the House Special Committee on the de-merger of the School of Agriculture Bauchi from the polytechnic.
Presenting the report, the Chairman of the committee, Baba Abubakar, said the School of Agriculture could not work effectively due to inadequate funding, neglect and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that it was imperative to amend the existing laws of the polytechnic to fast-track successful take-off of the proposed college.
Abubakar decried the “serious neglect” of the school by the polytechnic management, adding that upgrading the institution to a college would encourage agricultural activity and reduce poverty.
Borno
The Borno government said last Wednesday that it had secured a N1 billion credit facility for farmers in the state under the agriculture loan guarantee scheme.
Alhaji Usman Zanna, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said this in Maiduguri at a ministerial briefing.
Zanna said that the loan was sourced through the Fidelity Bank Plc after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
“Government has signed a MoU with the Fidelity Bank Plc to access N1 billion loan for distribution to farmers this cropping season,’’ he said.
Zanna said that the loan was sourced at 7.5 per cent interest rate, adding: “this is the first time farmers in the state will be benefiting from this kind of loan facility. “The loan is going to be interest-free to the farmers as government has decided to take care of the interest,” he said.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has donated a jeep to the outgoing Anglican Archbishop of Ondo and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev. Samuel Abe.
The gesture, according to Fayemi, is one of the ways the government and the people could show their appreciation to the cleric.
Abe, who is retiring from office on the attainment of 70 years of age, was at the governor’s office on a farewell visit.
He was accompanied by his wife and scores of other clerics.
The Bishop urged governors in the South West Zone to lay good examples through good governance and positive impact on the lives of their people.
He commended Fayemi for initiating a social security scheme for the aged people.
Abe said the scheme was an example of how governors in the south west could lead the way for their counterparts in other parts of the country.
FCT
The Executive Director, National Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Mwajim Maidugu, last Thursday in Abuja described President Goodluck Jonathan’s proposed museum for past leaders as an inspiration to Nigerians.
Maidugu said that building a museum for past leaders was a great innovation in the history of the country.
According to him, this pronouncement will go a long way to give our past and present heroes a proper place for reference purposes and to project into the future.
“These leaders need to be celebrated in a hall of fame for students at all levels to emulate these good leadership qualities of tolerance, patience and patriotism. “Thinking more of what to do for the country and not what to get out of the country. Reading about great leaders will inculcate good leadership qualities in the youth,’’ he said.
Maidugu said that in developed countries, museum for past leaders was a good tourist site to behold, adding that reading through the lifestyle of past leaders would give a mental picture of a good leader.
Jigawa
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, serving in Birnin-kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa, Malam Aminu Muhammad, has donated 150 poultry birds to 10 Almajirai in Birnin-kudu.
Muhammad, who made the donation last Thursday in Birnin-kudu in Jigawa, said the gesture was aimed at teaching the Almajirai poultry farming to make them self-reliant.
“As a graduate of agriculture from the Bayero University Kano with specialisation in animal production, I will train the Qur’anic scholars in order to empower them to learn and be on their own.”
He explained that the gesture would go along way to discourage the Almajiri from parading the motor parks and streets, begging
Kaduna
Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has urged the people to promote peace at all times to pave the way for more democratic dividends in their respective areas.
Yakowa made the appeal in Kaduna last Wednesday during the commissioning and inspection tour of projects in Sabon-Gari, Kudan and Makarfi Local Government Areas of the state.
He observed that peace was the cardinal pillar for development, adding that the projects executed in the state would not have been possible without peace.
The governor assured the people of the readiness of his administration to work tirelessly for the good of the state.
Lagos
A pastor and a tailor, who allegedly snatched a Honda City Saloon car at gunpoint, were on Wednesday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for armed robbery.
Sekou Kareem (38), a pastor, and Adekanbi Mathew (45), a tailor, were charged with armed robbery and unlawful possession of dangerous weapons. The court, however, did not take their plea as Magistrate F.O Aigbokhaevbo said the court had no jurisdiction to try armed robbery cases. Aigbokhaevbo ordered them to be remanded in prison custody pending the advice of the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Ondo
The Baale of Oke-Odo in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, Chief Samuel Falade, has pleaded with residents of the state to shun violence in the gubernatorial election billed for October.
Falade said last Wednesday at Oke-Odo, Ondo State, that the people of the state should learn to live together peacefully irrespective of their political differences. “ We cannot afford to have a repeat of political violence in this state like it happened during the time of Papa Ajasin and Omoboriowo; it was a bad experience for us all,’’ Falade said.
Osun
The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Osun has threatened to embark on a sympathy strike should the Lagos State Government fail to recall its sacked colleagues.
The state government had sacked 788 striking doctors after negotiation on their demands collapsed.
Dr Olukayode Ajewole, the state Chairman, said at a press conference in Osogbo last Wednesday that the decision was in consonance with the position of the NMA National Executive Council (NEC).
Ajewole said the NMA NEC had called an emergency meeting to address the matter on Saturday. “ Doctors in Osun, who are about 800, may be forced to join forces with our colleagues in Lagos State if the Lagos State Government fails to reinstate them,” he said.
Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Water Resources, Alhaji Arzika Tureta, has called on Nigerians to support the government at all levels to ensure political growth of the country.
Tureta made the call in an interview last Wednesday in Sokoto.
He said that meaningful development could only be achieved if Nigerians irrespective of political party differences join hands with government to ensure smooth implementation of its programmes.
The commissioner explained that the success of any government policy depended largely on the mutual support and cooperation between the government and the governed.
Taraba
The chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area, LGA, Taraba State, Hon Hassan Bappa says his blue print for the development of the LGA will be people-oriented.
Speaking to Journalists in Jalingo, the state capital early in the week he said he will concerntrate on projects as a way of impacting on the lives of his people.
Such projects he said would include regular salaries for workers of the LGA, empowerment of the populace, enhanced agricultural methods to fed the people and maximum security to enhance peace in the area.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Command of Nigeria Immigration Service has repatriated more than 80 illegal Aliens to their home countries between January and May, an official said.
The Comptroller of Immigration in the state, Mr Muhammad Argungu, said in Gusau last Wednesday.
He said many of the aliens were arrested following tip-offs from the areas where they stayed, adding that most of them were from the neighboring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon, adding that they usually entered the country on market days and refused to return home.
Argungu said the command usually deployed its personnel in plain clothes to markets, motor parks and other public places to monitor, arrest and deport illegal aliens to their countries after investigations.
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