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THE STATES

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Adamawa

No fewer than 70,000 farmers will benefit from the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme under the Agriculture Transformation Agenda, an official has said.

The Federal Director of Agriculture in the state, Dr Walia Hamman, disclosed this in an interview with The Tide in Yola.

Hamman told our correspondent that this followed the government’s decision to participate in the programme after several meetings between the federal and state government officials.

According to him, Adamawa was the only state that initially declined participation in the programme, adding that the agreement was contained in a letter signed by Governor Murtala Nyako on August 28, 2012, and made available to the ministry.

The letter read: “Honourable Minister, the Adamawa Government expresses appreciation for the effort and programme you are making to enhance the lot of our farming populace, especially those at the subsistence level.

 

Bauchi

Farmers in Tafawa Balewa Local Government area of Bauchi State have rejected the brand of fertiliser offered them under the e-Wallet System of Fertiliser Distribution.

Mr Bala Suleiman, the Head of Department for Agriculture of the local government council, made this know in Bununu, headquarters of the local government in an interview with The Tide.

Suleiman said, “The farmers are coming but not many, they are coming, but not like expected, but they are coming, it is not the type of fertiliser that they are in need of.

“Initially, they were to take one bag of Urea and one bag of NPK, but the problem we encountered here is that it was only NPK that was brought to this local government while none of the farmers was given seeds.

“We registered 147 farmers under the Agricultural Loan Scheme, therefore, you will see that we have enough farmers that could consume all the consignment.

“But by the time they brought NPK, the time for application of NPK had passed,” he said.

Suleiman said that the council recorded more than 8,000 registered farmers under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES), while four trailers out of the 28 trailers allocated to the area was dumped at Bununu and Zwul sale points.

 

Ekiti

No fewer than 100 patients received free eye surgery at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti.

The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Olusola Fasubaa, made this known at the Ophthalmology Centre of EKSUTH in Ado Ekiti on Monday.

Fasubaa said that the beneficiaries were treated during the 5th edition of Governor Kayode Fayemi’s Free Health Mission in the state and explained that the free health mission was part of the efforts of the Fayemi-led administration to improve healthcare delivery enshrined in its eight-point agenda.

He urged the beneficiaries to justify the government’s huge spending by taking their drugs according to prescriptions and undergo regular medical check-up.

Dr Kola Adu, the state Director of Hospital Services, said that the free health mission was a continuous exercise, adding that the 6th edition would be held before the end of 2012.

 

FCT

The Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has called on Nigerians to invest in the printing industry in the country.

Maku made the call when members of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria visited him in Abuja on Monday.

“I call on Nigerians to invest in printing because it is very lucrative and has a very huge market.

“The manpower base in Nigeria is great, so foreign investors should not be allowed to take over the industry.

“Printing should be driven by the private sector because it is a great source of investment,’’ he said.

He further advised the institute to collaborate with the government and the ministry to foster capacity building.

 

Jos

The Plateau State Government is to build a centre for traditional medicine to modernise its practice, Prof. Comfort Piwuna, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, has said.

Piwuna told our correspondent in Jos on Tuesday that the gesture would advance herbal practice, rid it of quacks and minimise sharp practices.

“A formal centre for the practice of traditional medicine will bring the practitioners under one umbrella and standardise their reach,’’ he said.

The commissioner explained that the state government, through the Agriculture and Health Department of the Ministry of Science and Technology, had been conducting research on plants for medical purposes.

 

Gombe

Public schools in Gombe State will resume on September 30, Hajiya Aishatu Ahmed, the Commissioner for Education, has said.

Ahmed told our correspondent in Gombe that 12 schools would not resume until a later date because they were undergoing renovation.

According to her, the schools affected are Government Girls College Doma, Government Science Secondary School, Gombe, Government Science Secondary School II, Gombe, Govt Arabic College, Gombe and Govt Arabic College II, Gombe.

Others are Government Science Secondary School Billiri, Govt Day Secondary School, Ibinola, Hassan Central Primary School Gombe, Kumo Central Primary School, Gabuka Primary School Gombe, Herwagana Primary School and Abubakar Umar Memorial Primary School Gombe.

 

Kaduna

The police in Kaduna State on Tuesday confirmed the killing of a suspected armed robber and the arrest of another in Zaria in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Aminu Lawal, told our correspondent that the police recovered two guns from an aborted robbery attack in Zaria on Tuesday.

Lawal said on telephone that “our men have succeeded in killing one of the armed bandits, one is in our custody, while we recovered two guns and some ammunition from the gang,’’ adding that investigation into the matter had already begun and urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious act to the appropriate authorities.

An eyewitness told The Tide that the robbery attempt occurred at about 3 a.m. when a gang of four armed robbers attacked the house of a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mr Murtala Abbass, at Unguwan-Fatika, Zaria.

 

Kebbi

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in Kebbi State has promised to assist the State Urban Development Authority on solid waste management.

Dr Ahmed Kasim, the Coordinator of the agency, stated this in Birnin Kebbi when he visited the newly appointed General Manager of the urban development authority, Malam Yahaya Chindo.

He called on the authority to solve the waste management challenges, especially identifying designated dump sites where refuse in the metropolis and urban centres are located and evacuate them.

 

Kwara

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara has threatened to blacklist contractors delaying execution of government projects or doing shoddy jobs.

The governor issued the threat when he paid an unscheduled visit to the State General Hospital, Share, headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government area. The hospital is undergoing renovation.

He charged contractors handling government projects to execute them in good time and according to specification, or risk sanctions.

Ahmed, who was visibly enraged with the slow pace of work at the hospital, said his administration would not allow shoddy execution of projects and waste of the state’s scarce resources.

 

Lagos

Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Olatunde Jaiyesimi, has  advised government to fully engage professionals in the management of construction sites.

Jaiyesimi who gave the advice in an interview with The Tide in Lagos, said that the Federal and State Governments would deliver on their promises to develop the infrastructure if they fully engaged professionals in the construction industry.

He said that construction professionals were the only ones that were complying with construction and building codes.

Jaiyesimi noted that the incidence of building collapse in the country was partly due non-adherence to building codes.

He said that the use of quacks had also compounded problems in the construction industry.

 

Ondo

Governor  Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has announced that 50 tricycle ambulances and 10,000 mobile phones would be distributed across the state to assist pregnant mothers.

Mimiko made this known while inaugurating the construction and rehabilitation of Ore township roads in Odigbo Local Government area of the state on Monday.

He said the tricycle ambulances became necessary because “when our mothers are in labour most of them don’t have a way to get to the hospital.

“They are ambulances and mobile hospitals where mothers can give birth,’’ he said, explaining that  mobile phones would be given to pregnant women as means of communicating with their health rangers and to call for assistance during emergencies.

 

Osun

The Chairman, Osun House Committee on Education, Science and Technology, Mr Oladoyin Bamisayemi, has urged the State Government to recruit more primary school teachers.

Bamisayemi made the call when the Directors of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) appeared before the committee in Osogbo.

He said that majority of primary schools in rural areas had shortage of teachers, adding that those to be employed should be posted to these areas.

The chairman appealed to the directors to ensure that teachers when employed were evenly distributed to schools to improve the standard of education of the pupils in the state.

Bamisayemi said the nine local governments, which needed primary school teachers included Ife South, Oriade, Atakumosa East and West, Ejigbo, Ifedayo, Obokun, Ola Oluwa and Bolorunduro.

 

Zamfara

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Malam Musa Sada, has denied the allegation that the N650 million meant to assist Zamfara State lead poison victims by the Federal Government had been embezzled.

Sada who denied this allegation in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the matter said the ministry applied for N650 million to the Federal Government so as to assist the victims but that this money had not been released to his ministry even though it received the Federal Government’s approval.

Sada assured that whenever this money was released the ministry would make judicious use of it to the victims.

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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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