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THE STATES

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Benue

The Benue State House of Assembly has  summoned the Commissioner for Information and
Orientation, Mr Conrad Wergba, over his utterances.

The decision followed a motion moved by Mr Audu Sule (PDP
Agatu Constituency) and seconded by Mr Ianna Jato, (PDP Katsina-Ala East
Constituency).

Sule, who is also the chairman of the House Committee on
Information, told the Assembly that on Aug. 3, the commissioner issued a
statement which discredited members of the House.

He added that on August
8, 2012, in a publication titled “The Alternative”, the commissioner
alleged that the legislators were out to thwart the efforts of the government
and also accused the state legislators of “arm twisting” the  government because of their “selfish and
pecuniary motives”

In their separate contributions, Mr Benjamin Adanyi,
Christopher Afaor, Terkimbi Ikyange and Paul Biam alleged that the commissioner
misled the people through his comments, and lamented that the action was a
deliberate ploy to tarnish their reputation.

 

Borno

The University of Maiduguri has  denied media reports that it had extended its
resumption date for both new and returning students by three months.

The university’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Mohammed
Ahmed, said this in a statement in Maiduguri.

He said although it was true that the management had
cancelled one academic session due to the prevailing security challenges, the
action did not affect other academic programmes of the institution.

He explained that the university would re-open on September
3, for the first semester of the 2012/2013 session in line with its calendar.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Senate of the university at
its meeting on June 28, 2012, approved the calendar of dates and events for the
2012/2013 session.  “According to the
calendar, registration for first semester 2012/2013 session for all students
will commence on September  3, and end on
September 22, while lectures will begin for all students on September 24,
2012,” he said.

 

Gombe

The Chairman, Joint Association of Physically Challenged
Persons in Gombe, Alhaji Ali Goro, has called on the state government to create
job opportunities for educated members of the group.

He said  in Gombe that
out of the 12,298 physically challenged persons in the state, only 358 were
educated.

Goro said that out of the learned ones, only eight were
gainfully employed while the remaining 350 were not, adding that creating job
opportunities for them was the only way to discourage them from begging, as
well as encourage others to go to school.

He also appealed to the government to provide free education
at tertiary levels for the physically challenged.

Goro said that in spite of their participation in
electioneering and elections, no member of his association has been appointed
into any public office.

 

Jigawa

Thirty persons living with HIV and AIDS, have entered into
marriage contract under the couple match making scheme initiated by the Jigawa
Action Committee on AIDS (JISACA).

The Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Bashir Ahmad, said
in Dutse  recently that the measure was
to control the scourge in the state.
Ahmad said that the agency in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria
(CBN), had so far trained 50 HIV positive women on various trades.

Ahmad further identified stigma as responsible for the spate
of HIV/AIDS transmission among the rural dwellers in the state, which had risen
to 2.8 per cent.

The executive secretary said that poor attitude and lack of
education on the scourge were also exposing the positive living persons to more
difficulties, adding that the agency had embarked on enlightenment campaign to
sensitise communities on the scourge with a view to reducing the stigma,
enhance care and offer support services to HIV positive persons.

 

Kano

The Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council in Kano State,
Alhaji Abubakar Umar, has  called for
adequate funding of the organisation to enable it to discharge its duties
effectively.

Umar made the call in an interview in Kano, stressing that
inadequate funding and the lack of operational vehicles were hampering the
activities of the agency.

“Lack of operational vehicles and inadequate funding are
some of the factors militating against the smooth operation of the agency.

“There are more than 184 courts, including Sharia,
Magistrates’ and higher courts in the state and we have to attend to some cases
outside the state capital,’’ he said. According to him, workers of the agency
find it difficult to travel to other local government areas because of the lack
of transportation facilities. “You know we are dealing with indigent clients
and sometimes we have to assist them with our own money,’’ Umar said.

 

Kano

The women’s wing of the Kano State Hisbah Commission  donated clothes and pieces of jewellery to
widows and orphans ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah celebration.

A representative of the group, Zahra’u Umar, who delivered
the items to the beneficiaries, emphasised the importance of assisting the
needy, especially during the Ramadan period.

Zahra’u, who explained that the recipients’ names were
forwarded to the group for assistance by the representatives of their
communities, enjoined wealthy individuals to emulate the gesture.

One of the recipients, Hauwa Umar, thanked the group and
prayed that God rewards the sponsors. Another beneficiary, Ibrahim Isma’il, who
is an orphan, said:“I had no hope of having new clothes until I was given this
one today and may God bless the donors.”

The group donated clothing materials to 99 widows and 54
orphans ahead of the Sallah celebration.

 

Kaduna

The poverty alleviation scheme introduced by the wife of
Kaduna State Governor  Mrs Amina Yakowa,
was not meant to score a political point.

The Interim Management Committee Chairperson, Sabon-Gari
Local Government, Hajiya Amina Dalhatu said this  in Sabon-Gari   during the distribution of some materials at
the council secretariat recently.

No fewer than 44 women from 11 wards of the local government
received either a sewing or knitting machine each.

Dalhatu said the gesture was aimed at empowering with a view
to reducing their reliance on their husbands for survival.

She explained that the scheme touched several aspect of
poverty alleviation. While calling for the support of all, the council boss
urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items to achieve the set
goals.

 

Kebbi

The Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) in Kebbi , has
warned motorists against illegal use of government, private and commercial
vehicle number plates.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Sector
Commander, Mr Seyi Daniel, in Birnin Kebbi, he said motorists found indulging
in the act would be penalised.

The statement said the commission was determined to end the
illegal use of number plates in the area, especially to prevent criminal
activities.

It urged members of the public to call the attention of the
commission when such illegality was observed, and also advised motorists to
ensure that their vehicles’ tyres were of good quality to prevent accidents,
especially during the rainy season.

It also called on motorists to obey traffic signs on the
highways. “The commission would not relent in curtailing road accidents as well
as the violation of traffic rules,” the statement added.

 

Kogi

Human and vehicular movements have been light in Okene, Kogi,  as an uneasy calm pervaded the town where 19
worshippers were killed at the Deeper Life Bible Church at the Eikha-Adagu area
on Monday by gunmen.

The Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Mr Mohammed Katsina,
said on Wednesday that four persons had been arrested in connection with the
killings. Shops, banks, eateries and filling stations were closed as well as
the Federal College of Education and the Kogi State Polytechnic. Travellers,
who normally spent some 30 or more minutes to navigate the traffic in the town,
spent only about five minutes on Thursday.

 

Niger

The Niger Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Abdulahi Abdul,
said the Nigerian Army has intercepted one Johnson Adedokun with 90.50
kilogrammes of substances suspected to be Indian hemp. Adedokun was arrested at
a roadblock along Minna-Suleja highway.

Abdul, who made the disclosure while speaking in Minna, said
that Adedokun hailed from Ondo State. He said that, Adedokun, who is 40 years
old, was transferred to the agency by the authorities of the 31 Artillery
Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Minna that arrested him.

Abdul commended the Nigeria Army for the cooperation, and
urged people in the state to provide useful information on illicit drug dealers
to the command.

He warned parents to monitor their wards as they were the
most vulnerable in the usage of the drugs in the society.

He said that the command, in July, arraigned 10 suspects at
the Federal High Court, Minna, who were convicted to various jail terms while
other cases were still ongoing before the court.

 

Ogun

An Ogun State-based legal practitioner, Dr Oloruntoba
Mamora, has lamented the poor salary been paid young lawyers by law firms in
the country.

Mamora, who made the observation in an interview in
Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, said that most big law firms were fond of exploiting
young lawyers and paying them peanuts.

Mamora noted that despite the fact that most big firms had
enough money to pay the young lawyers well, they still subjected them to
inhuman treatment by underpaying them.

He, however, called on the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to
do everything within its power to ensure that young lawyers were treated with
respect and dignity.

“It is a very sad situation. Some of the old lawyers make
millions of naira but they still find it difficult to part away with N10,000 as
salary for young lawyers. “They do not care about others because if they do,
they will not be treating the young lawyers badly,“ he said.

 

Plateau

The Plateau State House of Assembly has summoned three
commissioners to appear before it at its next sitting.

The commissioners, who are expected to respond to charges of
contempt against the House, include commissioners of finance, water resources
and chieftaincy and local government affairs.

The assembly had accused the commissioners of negligence in
the discharge of their duties and refusal to answer summons of house committees
carrying out oversight functions on ministries.

The Speaker, Mr John Dabwan, who issued the summons in Jos,
said that the refusal of the commissioners to honour the invitation was “sheer
contempt’’.

A member of the House, Hon. Gondina Sambo, had in a motion
of urgent public importance, which received unanimous support of members,
accused the three officers of rebuffing summons of various committees.

Also to appear before the assembly is the Chairman of the
Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission who is expected to explain
delays in the conduct of local government polls.

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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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