Connect with us

Nation

THE STATES

Published

on

Adamawa

The Adamawa State House of Assembly last Friday in Yola, commenced public hearing on the abandoned rural electrification projects in the state.

Speaking at the commencement of the hearing, the Chairman of the House Committee on Rural Infrastructure and Community Development, Alhaji Salihu Kabilo, said the measure was not to witch-hunt anyone but to ensure accountability.

Kabilo urged members of the public and stakeholders to make available necessary information on the contracts to help the committee do its work.

He said the house was committed to ensuring that contractors paid to execute government’s projects did the job they were paid to do.

The state’s Commissioner for Community Development and Rural Infrastructure, Alhaji Aminu Iyawa, lauded the house for the hearing.

 

Benue

The Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA), has sunk a borehole at Logo community in Akpehe area of Makurdi.

The borehole was sunk close to the Saint Joseph Catholic Church Akpehe in Logo 11, Makurdi.

The Managing Director of the Agency, Mr Ada Chenge, said while commissioning the project on Saturday in Makurdi, that the hand-pump borehole, would provide relief to the people of the community.

He said that the project was aimed finding a lasting solution to the perennial water shortage in the Benue State capital.

In an address, Rev Fr. Celestine Terfa, the Parish Priest of Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Akpehe, commended the authority for the initiative and gave assurance that the borehole would be utilised by all members of the community

members.

 

Jigawa

Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State,  has said that the success of his administration is based on the prudent management of resources.

Lamido made the statement in Dutse on Friday while breaking the Ramadan fast with supporters of Peoples Democratic Party.

“I never took loans from any bank, institution or foreign organisation to execute projects and my government is not owing contractors. “As soon as contractors complete their projects, our consultants evaluate them and we pay immediately,’’ he said.

The governor commended the citizens for their support and peaceful coexistence and stressed that “no development can take place in an atmosphere of violence and rancour.”

He promised to lead the people with the fear of God and give them their due by providing them the dividends of democracy.

 

Kano

The Kano State Government, said it would complete the seven uncompleted township roads it inherited from the previous administration before the end of the year.

Alhaji Mohammed Yahaya, the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning gave the assurance while answering questions from newsmen in Kano on Friday.

The uncompleted roads are: Sharada, Murtala Mohammed, Rijiyar Zaki, Mohammed Wase, Kabuga, Daula and Bank roads. ‘’When we came in we saw that the cost of the projects was outrageous,’’ he said.

Yahaya said that following the discovery, the State Government set up a committee of consultants to verify what had been done.

The commissioner said that the State Government had already paid all outstanding debts to contractors who handled the projects. He said government had also planned to dualize the Airport road from Ashton-pilgrims camp-Yahaya Gusau road to de-congest the road.

 

Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, told graduating students of the Nigerian Military School (NMS) on Saturday that discipline and selfless service were the pathways to success for the Nigerian Army.

Speaking at the 54th graduation ceremony of the NMS in Zaria, Ihejirika said that no army would succeed in the absence of discipline, commitment, dedication and selflessness service.

The army chief, who was represented by Maj.-Gen. Laurence Ngubani, Chief of Training and Operations, Army Headquarters said, “as members of the Nigerian Army, discipline should be your watchword.

“Remember, success demands the highest level of discipline, commitment, dedication, perseverance and selfless

service,’’ he said.

 

Kebbi

Comptroller of the Kebbi State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service Mr Sule Momoh, has said that 42 illegal immigrants, residing in the state have been deported in the last one month.

Momoh made the disclosure in an interview in Birnin Kebbi last Friday.”We identified and deported 42 illegal immigrants to their various countries during our routine duties within one month,” he said.

He said the immigration service in the state had intensified security surveillance at boarder areas in view of the security challenges facing the country.

“All the authoritative roads leading into neighbouring countries were monitored by immigration personnel and in many cases the illegal immigrants were identified, arrested and deported as most of them did not possess entry documents.”

 

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State, has extended the ban on the use of commercial motorcycles in some areas in Ilorin by an additional four weeks.

The governor extended the ban on Saturday, following a violent protest by commercial motorcyclists in some parts of the state’s capital on Saturday.

At a meeting with officials of the protesting motorcyclists at the Government House, the governor explained that the ban was not punitive.

The commercial motorcyclists had earlier embarked on protest at Sawmill, Geri-Alimi and Taiwo Road from where they marched to the state’s House of Assembly and then to the Government House.

The state’s Chairman of the Commercial Motorcyclist Riders Association, Alhaji Toyin Alase, expressed displeasure over the restriction of motorcyclistsd in some areas of the city.

 

Niger

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Garba Wahab, says the army is prepared to protect the country territory.

Wahab told newsmen after visiting Gov. Babangida Aliyu of Niger on Friday that the army would protect the territory in spite of its involvement in counter-terrorism interventions.

He said the army and other security agencies were prepared for their constitutional duties of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity as well as lives and properties of Nigerians and its visitors.

He assured the civil society that his officers and men had been trained to carry out their operations in line with their rules of engagement and in accordance with global best practices.

 

Ogun

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has restated his commitment to ensuring good governance and even development in the state. Amosun made the remark on Friday at the Government House in Abeokuta at a meeting with traditional rulers from Ogun Central and Yewa Zone.

“Let me re-assure the good people of Ogun State that we will continue to work to advance the development of our state. “The work will continue as we have started and unprecedented development will be witnessed across the state as the mission to rebuild is on course,” he said.

He said that newly-elected Local Government chairmen and councillors in the state would work in line with the five cardinal programmes of his administration.

While thanking the electorate for their support, especially during the just-concluded local council elections in the state, he assured that good governance would be felt in the remotest parts of the state.

 

Sokoto

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 10, Sokoto, Mr Muktari Ibrahim, said on Saturday that the police had put in place improved security measures to sustain peace in the seat of the Caliphate.

Ibrahim said this while conducting the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminurity measures to be adopted in and outside the state for peace, progress and political growth of the zone as well as the country

at large.

He further said that all security officers in the zone had been put on red alert to confront any threat.

 

Yobe

The Emir of Fika in Yobe, Alhaji Mohammed Ibn Abali Idris on Friday in Potiskum, escaped an attack by suicide bomber at the Potiskum Central Mosque.

The Yobe Police Command’s spokesperson, Mr Toyin Gbadegesin, said the bomber tried to get close to the emir after the the Friday prayers, but was prevented by a policeman.

The spokesman said that upon falling down, one of the concealed explosives detonated and killed the bomber, while five policemen and two civilians sustained injuries, adding that the emir escaped unhurt.

Gbadegesin stated that the police anti-bomb squad, thereafter, detonated some other un-exploded devices carried by the bomber.

Continue Reading

Nation

FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

Published

on

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.

Continue Reading

Nation

Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Nation

TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

Published

on

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

Continue Reading

Trending