Nation
THE STATES
Jigawa
The Maigatari Local
Government Council of Jigawa State has recruited 60 casual staff as
environmental workers to enhance sanitation services in the area.
The Chairman of the council, Alhaji Isa Zakari, disclosed
this when the state Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Hassana Adamu, visited
the council, in Maigatari.
Zakari said the workers were engaged to ensure prompt
clearing of drains and the evacuation of solid wastes dumped at various sites
in the area.
He said the council had also concluded arrangements to enact
a by-law to ban indiscriminate dumping of refuse in the area.
Responding, the commissioner urged the people to clear
culverts and drains to control flooding in the area.
Kano
The Kano State
Government has ordered the immediate closure of Triumph Publishing Company in
Kano, publishers of the Triumph group of newspapers.
Dr Umar Faruk, the Commissioner for Information, who
announced the closure while speaking to newsmen on Thursday, said the action
was necessary to facilitate some restructuring of the company.
Faruk said that the decision to close down the newspaper was
taken at Wednesday’s state executive council meeting, pointing out that the
government had ordered the payment of outstanding three months salary to the
members of staff of the company.
The commissioner said that freelance journalists, as well as
consultants, were to report to the office of the Head of Service of the state
to facilitate payments of their entitlements.
He said the newspaper staff would be posted to other
agencies and ministries.
Kaduna
The Nigeria Police
College, Kaduna has said that it found a robbery suspect among recruit
constables undergoing training in the college.
The Commandant of the college, Alhaji Sanusi Rufai, told
newsmen in Kaduna that the suspect was named by members of his gang after they
were arrested by the police in Abuja.
The commandant said details of the suspect’s identity were
forwarded to the college, which withdrew, arrested and transferred him to the
appropriate police unit for investigation.
Rufai said the suspect was among 25 recruits the college
disqualified for various inadequacies identified during training, pointing out
that some of the students were found to have presented forged school results
and others had criminal records, “while some were withdrawn based on health
grounds.
Rufai noted that the college would continue to screen “unfit
persons” out to ensure that only those with good knowledge and character were
allowed to train as policemen and women.
Katsina
Musawa Local
Government in Katsina State has begun the distribution of pesticides worth N2
million free of charge to farmers as assistance toward preventing crop damage
in the area.
Alhaji Sama’ila Kira, the Council’s Caretaker Committee
Chairman, said in Musawa, Katsina State, that the initiative was conceived due
to the financial difficulties faced by farmers and to serve as an encouragement
to smallholder farmers.
Represented by his deputy Alhaji Babangida Musa, his deputy,
Kira said the support would also enhance food security, noting that increased
harvest was expected considering the farmers’ huge investments.
He said that a committee had been constituted to ensure that
smallholder farmers who needed such support benefitted from the gesture, adding
that the council, has provided farming support to both rainy season and
irrigation farmers to reduce poverty and facilitate people’s engagement toward
ensuring food security.
Kogi
The Kogi State Government has warned people displaced by the
recent flood disaster in the state not to go back to their houses for now.
The government gave the warning in a statement signed by the
state’s Director of Information, Mr James Adedoyin, and issued in Lokoja on
Thursday.
The statement said the warning became necessary when
government observed that some victims in various camps had started leaving for
their homes, due to the noticeable decease in water level of the River Niger.
The release said some of the houses that had been under
water for several days might not be habitable as some of them were already
collapsing.
It said that in line with the promise made by the state’s
governor, Capt Idris Wada, government would conduct integrity test on buildings
that were submerged to ensure that they were safe for haibitation.
Kwara
State Government plans to spend N3.1 billion on
state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure to make the state the hub of aviation
services in West Africa.
Dr Abubakar Kanike, the Commissioner for Works and
Transport, made this known when the National Good Governance Tour team visited
the state-owned aviation college and cargo terminal in Ilorin.
He said the state government had spent N1.2 billion on the
establishment of a world-class aviation college, while N1.9 billion was spent
on the construction of the cargo terminal.
On the aviation college, Kanike said the state government
had provided modern facilities for Private Pilot Licence and Commercial Pilot
Licence training, noting that a lot was also spent on acquiring the
multi-engine qualification for the ICAO certified pilots.
Lagos
A total of 200 men of
the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
are currently undergoing training in arms bearing and physical drilling, The
Tide reports.
Mr Sunday Eromosele, a spokesman of the NSCDC, told NAN in
Lagos on Thursday that the trainees were expected to go through the general
rudiments of arms bearing, physical drilling and mental alertness.
According to the NSCDC spokesman, the training, taking place
at the NSCDC Camp in Badagry, became necessary in view of the security
challenges currently facing the country.
“The NSCDC Act of 2007 empowers the Corps to have Arms
Squads in all the state commands throughout the federation.
“The Lagos State Command has begun the first in the series
of such trainings, and it is being administered by the Nigerian Army,”
Eromosele said.
Ogun
The Ogun State Bureau
of Local Government Pensions on Thursday said it had disbursed N1.6 billion as
monthly pensions to retired local government and primary school workers.
Alhaji Ade Momodu, Permanent Secretary of the bureau,
announced this during an oversight visit by members of the Ogun State House of
Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Momodu said that the money was paid between January and
September.
He said that pension was paid from the monthly allocation
the bureau received from the Joint Allocation Account Committee (JAAC).
“The bureau has also paid N643.3 million as gratuities to
retired local government staff, as well as primary school teaching and non
teaching staff between January and September 2012.
Ondo
In an effort to
further prevent flooding in Ondo State, the state government has approved the
purchase of additional Amphibious Excavator for dredging of rivers and other
water ways.
The Director, Ecology, Ministry of Environment and Mineral
Resources, Mr Olumide Kinga told The Tide on Thursday in Akure that the
ministry was taking every precautionary step to tackle the challenge.
Kinga said that the ministry had in the past three years
undertaken enlightenment campaigns to educate the people on how to properly
dispose their refuse.
“We made them to know the danger in dumping refuse into
gutters, streams, rivers and other waterways, we told them such action will
block the free flow of water, causing flood and damages to lives and
properties.
Osun
The Director, Centre
for Distance Learning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bode
Asubiojo, says the university would
close its study centres in compliance with the National University Commission’s
directive.
Asubiojo told The Tide on Thursday in Ile-Ife, that the
commission directed that such centres outside the main campus of the university
should be shut.
The professor of chemistry said: “ There is not going to be
study centres run by the university any more outside the main campus, what we
are presently doing is a mop up to pave way for e-learning programme.
“We are planning a programme whereby lectures will be
recorded and then super-imposed on key-points; we want to be doing distance
learning in a proper way that meet international standard.
Plateau
The Yakubu Gowon
Foundation (YGF) is organising a national essay competition for serving
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, Mr. Dan Tenshak, the Chief
Executive Officer of the foundation, has said.
Tenshak told our correspondent in Jos that the essay
competition was part of the activities to commemorate the 78th birthday of the
former Head of State, Dr Yakubu Gowon.
He said that the 2012 YGF essay competition, with the topic,
“Harnessing Our Diversity and Strength for National Development’’, would be
organised in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency and NYSC
directorate.
He stated that the competition was aimed at keeping the
mandate of upholding worthy values and legacies of leadership in the nation.
Taraba
Taraba State House of
Assembly on Thursday in Jalingo removed the state Deputy Governor, Alhaji Sani
Abubakar, from office.
The action followed the assembly’s adoption of the
recommendation of the seven-member Judicial Commission of inquiry set up by
Justice Josephine Tuktur, the acting Chief Judge of the state.
The commission, with Mr Usman Dangiri as Chairman, was set
up to investigate allegations of gross misconduct against the deputy governor.
Dangiri, submitted the findings of the panel to the plenary
sitting of the assembly on Thursday, saying that the deputy governor was found
guilty of the three allegations against him.
The report said Abubakar used his office to divert MDG
projects to Yagai Academy, a private school, which belonged to him.
Similarly, the report stated that the deputy governor was
guilty of using his office to influence the posting of an officer and
interfering in the affairs of his Karim-Lamido Local Government .
Zamfara
The Zamfara State
Government is to plant 1.5 million mango seedlings under a special irrigation
farming programme aimed at facilitating rural economic development.
The Consultant for the programme, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir,
told our correspondent in Gusau on Thursday that 14 local government councils
would partner with the state government on the programme.
“The idea of involving the local government councils is to
ensure that the pilot programme is replicated in all the councils for maximum
impact across the state.“
He said the programme was designed by the state government
to build the productive capacity of the rural farmers, train them in planting
and rearing of economic trees.
According to him, the goal is to address extreme poverty
among the rural adding that the mango seedlings had been raised at various
nurseries in the state and would soon be distributed for planting.
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