Nation
THE STATES
Bauchi
The Senior Special Adviser to Governor Isa Yuguda on
Pilgrims Affairs, Alhaji Sanusi Sarkin-aska has solicited the establishment
of a pilgrims’ camp near the Bauchi
International Airport, currently under construction.
He made the call in Bauchi while speaking at a farewell
ceremony organised for intending pilgrims from Bauchi State.
Sarkin-aska said that if the pilgrims’ camp was close to the
airport, it would make things easier for pilgrims and officials during hajj
operations and commended the state
governor for aiding the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to discharge its duties
effectively.
In his message, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Adamu,
urged the intending pilgrims to be mindful of the fact they were travelling to
Saudi Arabia purposely to perform their religious obligations.
FCT
The Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters,
Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, has called on Nigerians to support government to nurture
democracy to maturity.
Gulak made the call on Sunday in Abuja in an interview with
our correspondent.
“All Nigerians must
put their hands on deck to see to it that this democracy is nurtured to
maturity and it is sad that many have failed to see national issues different
from partisan politics,” he said.
The special adviser urged Nigerians to believe and genuinely
contribute their quota to the success of the Nigerian project to actualise and
enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Jigawa
The Jigawa State Government on Saturday said it would
prosecute parents who reject the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for their children in
the on-going immunisation exercise in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Tafida, told
newsmen that defaulters would be sentenced to between six months and one year
imprisonment without an option of fine.
Tafida said this at the beginning of the October round of
Immunisation Plus Days (IPDs) exercise in Dutse, pointing out that the state
House of Assembly had enacted a law which was assented to by the governor to
deal with “anybody who rejects the vaccine and also to promote participation in
the exercise.’’
He said that the state had also adopted effective campaign
measures to sensitise communities on the importance of presenting their wards
for vaccination and also mobilise participation in the exercise.
Jos
The Association of Architectural Educators in Nigeria
(AARCHES) has advised the federal and state governments to always engage
architects in urban design to avoid ecological problems arising from climate
change.
The advice is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of
the three-day biennial general meeting of the association, held at University
of Jos.
“Government should create consultancy services for
architects in urban design so that such professionals can solve ecological problems
arising from climate change.
“The architects are in the best position to advise
government and suggest ways out of incessantly changing climatic conditions,”
the communiqué stated.
Kano
The Kano State Government has donated 52 truckloads of
relief materials to flood victims in neighbouring Niger Republic.
The items include 5,000 bags of maize, 5,000 bags of millet,
5,000 bags of guinea corn, 5,000 blankets, 5,000 pieces of “Shadda’’ brocade
and 5,000 pieces of female textile wax.
Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso, who presented the items at
Bandirawo, Dawakin Tofa Local Government
Area of the state, said that the donation was aimed at alleviating the
suffering of the flood victims.
Kwankwaso, who spoke about the long-standing relations
existing between Kano State and Niger Republic, stressed the need for people to
be their brothers’ keepers so as to strengthen harmonious living and promised
to continue to work with the Nigerien government in efforts to promote
socio-economic ties between Kano State and Niger Republic.
Kogi
Four persons from Ajaokuta Local Government Area in
Kogi State are still missing after the
flood that ravaged the area recently, a council official said.
The acting Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Council, Mr
Aloysius Okino, said in Lokoja on Sunday that the missing persons included
three women and a man, pointing out that
when he visited the displaced persons in Gadumo camp in Ajaokuta the victims were from Onakumi Island, which
was completely submerged in the flood
He said all efforts to trace the four had been fruitless.
The Tide recalls that the Red Cross had earlier confirmed
the death of two male adults in Ajaokuta area during the disaster.
Apart from Onakumi village which was completely washed away
by the flood, Okino said that fishing which was the traditional occupation of
the people, had been disrupted while rice farms and livestock were washed away.
Lagos
A former President, Association of National Accountants of
Nigeria (ANAN), Dr. Samuel Nzekwe has urged the Federal Government to
effectively implement the budget, particularly the capital expenditure.
Speaking with the newsmen in Lagos, Nzekwe said that
effective implementation of the budget would create the enabling environment
for the productive sector of the economy to thrive as well as create job
opportunities.
According to him, it will increase the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) and solve the problem of infrastructure deficit.
Nzekwe further asked government to evolve people-oriented
projects aimed at creating jobs for the teeming unemployed youths, pointing
out that creating more job opportunities
would reduce the level of criminal activities in the country.
Nasarawa
The Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa in Nasarawa State has
expelled 59 students for examination malpractices.
The Registrar of the polytechnic, Hajiya Fati Jimeta, told
our correspondent in an interview in
Nasarawa that the students were caught
during the 2011/2012 academic session.
She said the management of the polytechnic reached the
decision to expel the students at a meeting of the Academic Board.
Jimeta said 18 were full-time students, while 41 were
part-time students, adding that the students had been blacklisted by the
institution.
The registrar warned that any of the students seen within
the premises of the polytechnic would be arrested by the security.
Niger
The Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),
Niger State Alhaji Abdullahi Abdul has called on the state government to
sponsor a bill for the control and sale of cough syrups in the state.
Abdul made the call in Minna in a paper he presented at the
Niger Security Awareness Summit, tagged “Grass Roots Campaign on Internal
Security as a Sustainable Developmental Tool in Minna”.
He said that the drug had the same adverse effect with
cocaine, heroin and cannabis when abused.
“It will be recalled that these brands of cough syrup with
codeine content, have the same effect as cocaine, heroin, cannabis etc, when
abused and thus jeopardising security,’’ he said.
He further said that users of the cough syrups got easy
access to any patent medicine store where the drugs were sold indiscriminately
and without prescription.
“Most youths, especially in the higher institutions of
learning, are into this practice and the consequences are alarming.
Ogun
Nine persons, including an infant, died on Saturday morning
in a fatal accident on Abeokuta-Sagamu expressway in Obafemi Owode Local
Government area of Ogun State.
The Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogun State
Command, Mr Ayobami Omiyale told newsmen that the accident occurred a few
kilometres to the Police College in Kobape area of the road.
Omiyale said that two vehicles, a Volvo tipper, marked LAGOS
JJJ 489 XB and a Toyoa Hiace bus with registration number, XF 795 AAA, were
involved in the accident.
He said that although 20 people were involved in the
accident, only nine could be confirmed dead by the FRSC.
Omiyale added that “nine persons, which include an infant
less than a year old, were confirmed dead by my men.’’
Oyo
The Treasurer, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Oyo
State Chapter, Mr. Bernard Adegoke has called on government to support a
first-generation commercial bank in assisting cocoa farmers with loans.
Adegoke told The Tide
in Ibadan on Sunday that the collaboration of the government with the
bank in giving out loans to cocoa farmers would boost production.
“ We need the government to support us, to assist us and
support the First Bank of Nigeria to help the farmers in giving us the loan.
“We all are seeing what is happening in the oil market now,
oil is going to finish either we like it or not, it’s going to remain farming
and if we are talking about farming we are talking about cocoa.
“If we are talking about cassava or maize or whatever, you
cannot be comparing that with cocoa.’’
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.
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