Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Disturbed by the nuisance caused by stray domestic animals
on major streets of Yola, the Adamawa Ministry of Environment, has warned of severe penalties
if their owners failed to keep them indoors.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Arziki Sawa, gave the
warning in an interview on in
Yola.
Sawa said that a stiff penalty awaited anyone that failed to
abide by the directive. “We are advising domestic animals owners, especially
those within the state capital, to keep them indoors or face the wrath of the
law. “The ministry will confiscate any animal found wandering on the streets,
or causing destruction to farm produce,” the commissioner said.
She expressed concern over the presence of animals in the
state capital which, had resulted in
serious daily traffic jams, stating that the ministry had embarked on public
enlightenment programme on the need to keep animals indoors.
Ekiti
Governor Kayode
Fayemi of Ekiti State has said that his
administration has no reason to interfere with the dispensation of justice in
the state because of his strong belief in the rule of law.
The governor stated this
at AwoEkiti during a thanksgiving service for the appointment of Justice
Daramola as the Chief Judge of the state.
Fayemi, who spoke on the series of court cases that the
state government lost at the Ado Ekiti High Court, reiterated the commitment of
his administration to upholding the rule of law, adding that he would never do
anything that would undermine it.
He said it was normal for the state government to lose court
cases if the facts on the cases were not well presented before the judges, and
expressed optimism that judges would always attend to cases in fairness and
justice in accordance with the rule of law.
FCT
The Founder of EJAYES Charity Organisation, an NGO, Dr
Ijeoma Nduka, has said that more than
1,000 Nigerians have benefited from the free medical treatment organised by the
group.
Nduka made this known in an interview during a week-long free medical treatment at
Gwagwalada Town Clinic, Abuja.
According to her, the National Poverty Eradication Programme
(NAPEP) in collaboration with the oganisation, were carrying out the exercise
in different rural communities.
She said patients were examined and treated of stroke,
hypertension, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and other common illnesses.
Nduka said majority of the patients diagnosed were not aware
of the diseases in their system.
“Health is not a privilege; it’s a right hence being poor
does not stop one from having quality healthcare,” Nduka said.
Gombe
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State has approved N22
million for the rehabilitation of victims of the recent flood disaster in the
state capital.
Permanent Secretary of the State Emergency Management Agency
(SEMA), Mr. Kelmi Lazarus, said this in
an interview in Gombe that the flooding claimed four lives and displaced over
200 people in the affected areas.
He explained that the money would be used to provide relief
materials to give succour to the displaced persons.
“The governor gave the approval for the rehabilitation of
the displaced people so that they will bounce back to reckoning. “The gesture
is also to enable them to be reintegrated into society and to have a sense of
belonging,’’ he said.
Kano
The Anti-Bomb disposal unit of the Kano State Police Command
has recovered and defused 996 different calibre of Improvised Explosive Devices
(EIDs) from January 20 to date.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, made this
known while briefing newsmen in Kano.
Idris explained that the EIDs, which were recovered from
different parts of the state, were successfully detonated without causing any
injury or damage whatsoever. “If these items had gone off, only God knows the magnitude
of devastation they would have caused in the state,’’ he said.
Idris said after screening of the suspects, 92 were charged
to court while the remaining 16 were released. According to him, the command
has also arrested nine suspected armed robbers within the last two weeks in the
state.
Kebbi
The acute shortage of staff has forced the Kebbi Urban
Development Authority (KUDA) to secure approval for the deployment of prison
inmates to clear blocked drainage canals in the metropolis, an official has said.
A heavy rainfall in Birnin Kebbi a week ago, resulted to
flooding which claimed two lives and destroyed buildings and other household
property. The General Manager of the Authority, Alhaji Babangida Aliyu, said in
Birnin Kebbi that the deployment of the
inmates was aimed at preventing further damage.
Aliyu also said that the organisation had set up
verification, assessment and resettlement committees to proffer solutions to
the problem of flooding.
Kogi
The Police in Kogi have said that only 16 suspects are in
custody over the August 6 killing of 19 worshippers at the Deeper Life Bible
Church and two soldiers at Okene town on August 7.
Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mr
Simon Ile, who confirmed this to newsmen
on Sunday in Lokoja, said that investigations had commenced to determine the
level of culpability of those arrested.
According to him, those who have nothing to do with the
crisis will be set free. He confirmed that the immediate past Chairman of Okene
Local Government, Mr Yahaya Karaku, was among those being detained but said
that the man was not shot in the leg as rumoured. Karaku currently serves as a special adviser
to Governor IdrisWada.
Also speaking on the security situation in Okene, the
Commandant, Command Army Record, Lokoja, Maj.-Gen. Alphonsus Chukwu, refuted
the allegation of brutality against soldiers on duty in the town.
Kwara
Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed of Kwara State and the Sultan of
Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, are among dignitaries that will grace the
maiden Shaykh Adam Al-Ilory International Conference scheduled for between
August 24 and August 28.
The conference, being organised by the Faculty of Arts,
University of Ilorin, focuses on “ The Life and Works of Shayk Adam Abdullahoi
Al-Ilory.
Briefing newsmen on the programme in Ilorin , the Chairman,
Main Organising Committee, Prof. Charles Bodunde, said participants would be
drawn from Egypt, Kuwait, Germany, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Malaysia.
Bodunde, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Arts,
described Al-Ilory as an icon for all religions, adding that he stood for faith
and justice. He commended members of the
committee for their commitment and urged them to remain steadfast.
Lagos
The Deeper Life Bible Church said although it was mourning
the Okene masacre victims, it would not be deterred by the enemies of the
gospel of Jesus Christ.
The church secretary, Pastor Jerry Asemota, said this at the combined Sunday
Worship Service of some districts in Lagos held at the International Bible Training
Centre.
The pastor said that “what comes to mind at a time like this
was reprisal”, but added that the church would not do that. He said the church
“will take up the weapons of Truth which is the word of God and the weapons of
prayer that will bring us victory”.
He recalled that the Okene masacre was not the first mass
murder of members of the church, noting that six of its members in Mubi, Borno,
were killed by gunmen in 2011.
Nasarawa
Labour movements in Nasarawa State have issued a one week ultimatum
to the state government to reverse the new tax system, which it recently
introduced in the state or face industrial action.
In a statement jointly signed by the state NLC Chairman, Mr
Asoloko Maku, and his TUC counterpart, Mr Agbashi Gabriel, the unions condemned
the new tax regime.
They also condemned the removal of the names of some civil
servants from the payroll, as well as the demotion of others with effect from
August 2012.
When contacted, the Commissioner of Finance, Mainoma, said
that the tax table in use in the state was not the one approved by the Personal
Income Tax Act 2011.
Plateau
A 25-year-old herbalist, Aliyu Idi, has been arraigned before an Area Court in
Jos for alleged criminal trespass, criminal force and intimidation.
Prosecutor Ashiru Ibrahim told the court that on August 10
Mohammed reported that the accused trespassed into his children’s room and
fought them over some unstated feud.
Ibrahim further said that some neighbours intervened to
separate the fight but the accused followed Alhaji Mohammed to the mosque and
threatened to stab him. “My lord the
accused intimidated the complainant in the mosque during the morning prayers
and that made it difficult for him to concentrate throughout the payer
session,’’ he said.
He said the offence contravened Sections 349, 255 and 390 of
the Penal Code Law. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge against him
and applied to the court for his bail.
The judge, Malam Mustapha Hassan, refused the application
for bail and ordered the accused to be remanded in prison. He adjourned the
case to September 21 for hearing.
Sokoto
Chairman of Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (
CNPP), Sokoto State chapter, Alhaji Abba Sidi,
has commended the efforts of the state government in tackling security
threat to the state. Sidi said this in an interview in Sokoto.
He said the provision of 60 Toyota Hilux patrol vehicles and
state-of-the-art communication equipment to the state police command would help
in addressing any security threat in the state.
According to him, the current security challenges in the
state could only be tackled through effective security network. The chairman
called on the state police command to adopt security strategies to sustain the
peace in the state.
He said the people of the state expected high
professionalism by the officers and men of the command in dealing with any
persons or groups found disrupting the peaceful co-existence among the people.
Taraba
The Taraba Commissioner for Environment and Urban
Development, Mr Danfulani Kwetaka, has
appealed to Jalingo residents to refrain from indiscriminate dumping of refuse
in order to check erosion.
Kwetaka said in Jalingo that most of the erosion problems
affecting the streets of Jalingo were caused by the dumping of refuse in water
channels by residents.
“I move round the town to check the areas that we got
reports of heavy erosion and we discovered that people indiscriminately dump
refuse in drains. “When you do things right by dumping refuse in the right
places, the magnitude of erosion in the town will be reduced, “ he said.
The commissioner, however, gave an assurance that the
government had taken notice of the affected areas with a view to addressing the
problem. “We have taken notice of all the affected areas and we are doing
everything possible to tackle them, “ he said.
Nation
FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety
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.
Nation
Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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
Nation
TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building
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
-
Rivers2 days ago
HOS Tasks Rural Dwellers On RAAMP … As Project Sensitization Team Visit Degema, AKULGA
-
Politics2 days ago
Reps Constitution Review Committee Holds Zonal Hearing For Rivers, C’River, Akwa Ibom In Calabar
-
Opinion2 days ago
Is Nigeria Democratic Nation?
-
News2 days ago
I’m Committed To Community Dev – Ajinwo
-
News2 days ago
2027: I Stand With Southern Presidency -Ortom
-
Politics2 days ago
Lagos LG Polls: Police Restrict Movement, Tightens Security
-
News2 days ago
Senate Replaces Natasha As Committee Chairman
-
Opinion2 days ago
Checking Herdsmen Rampage