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THE STATES

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Jigawa

Governor  Sule Lamido of Jigawa State said last Thursday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would present a credible candidate for presidential election in 2015.

Lamido gave the assurance in Dutse when he received members of Arewa Youths Forum who paid him a courtesy visit.

“From my political history, I don’t present myself for any position, I believe in my party and it will present a candidate that will be acceptable by all.

“PDP has modalities of doing things, we should wait and see the person that will be chosen to be the flag bearer of the party in 2015.

“PDP is built on justice and fairness and my party has sagacity to break religious dichotomy and it is a party that was formed to unite the country, “ he said.

 

Kaduna

The Kaduna State Government said it would get N2.3 billion as grant from the Global Partnership to revive its ailing education sector.

The state Commissioner for Education, Alhaji Muhammad Usman, who made this known at a one-day education conference said the fund would enable the ministry work out strategies, implement policies and put it into action toward revamping the education sector.

The commissioner said no country would develop without investing in the education sector as it would improve the socio-economic structure and the literacy level of the country.

The chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr Ishaya Akau, said there was the need for host communities to assist the government in safeguarding its properties.

 

Kano

The Kano State Film Censorship Board inaugurated a committee to organise a film award to outstanding Hausa movie and film practitioners in the country.

The Hausa film industry is popularly called Kannywood akin to the Nollywood in the southern part of the country.

Inaugurating the committee in Kano  the Chairman of the board, Sheikh Bazallahi Kabara, charged the members to fear God in carrying out their work.

While acknowledging the importance of the film industry in the lives of the people, Kabara, however, advised that the culture and religion of target audience must be respected.

The chairman warned the committee members, whom he described as “extremely competent”, to avoid partiality while selecting the film categories to be awarded.

 

Kebbi

The Secretary to Kebbi Government, Alhaji Nurudeen Kangiwa, has appealed to primary school teachers and local government workers in the state not to embark on strike due to delay in the payment of their January salary.

Kangiwa said in Birnin Kebbi that the delay was as a result of the ongoing verification exercise to determine the number of workers in the state..

He also said that the repeated verification exercise was necessitated by government’s decision to ensure probity and accountability.

Kangiwa urged the affected workers to present their relevant documents before the verification panel, adding that prompt payment of salaries and other benefits would resume after the exercise.

 

Kogi

The Kogi House of Assembly recently in Lokoja called for the establishment of model secondary schools to stem the falling standard of education in the state.

In a resolution following the adoption of a motion by Mr Henry Ojuola, the house expressed concern over the quality of education “from primary to tertiary institutions” in the state.

Ojuola, who stressed the need to replicate best practices from the federal and some state governments said model secondary schools were “usually established to encompass talented, intelligent and meritorious students.”

According to him, some existing secondary schools in the state should be upgraded to model status to serve the intended purpose.

 

Nasarawa

Workers of Nasarawa Express embarked on an indefinite strike over their demand for the payment of six months salary arrears.

The Chairman of Amalgamated Union, Nasarawa Transport Workers, Mr Timothy Marku,  said in Lafia that “we have been working for the past six months without being paid our salary.

Marku said the union called its members out on strike not to sabotage government’s efforts but to ensure the demands of the workers were paid.

He, however, commended the workers for performing their duties during the six months they were not paid.

 

Niger

The Northern States Governors Forum has urged Christian clergymen to educate their followers on the essence of the Lenten season to enable them to earn God’s blessings.

The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger, Dr Babangida Aliyu, who made the call in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, urged Christians to conduct themselves well during the Lenten season to maximise its spiritual and physical benefits.

It identified good intention, prayers and firmness of purpose in pursuing good deeds as some of the benefits inherent in the holy season.

The statement noted the need for the faithful to fast, pray and abstain from heavy meals and other bad habits as well as give alms during the Lenten period.

 

Ogun

The Director of Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Rev. Fr John Patrick,  Ijebu-Ode Catholic Diocese, has urged the Federal Government to intensify its fight against corruption in the country.

Patrick, who  made the call in an interview in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun, state identified corruption as one of most serious challenges facing the country, said the government must redouble its effort in tackling the menace.

He urged the Federal Government to strengthen the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to fast-track the prosecution of corrupt individuals.

 

Osun

Armed robbers last Wednesday attacked a bank and a police post at Ode-Omu, near Gbongan in Osun.

The robbers operated about 1a.m. and caused panic among residents of the town by shooting sporadically, witnesses said.

The residents made efforts to contact the police, the hoodlums escaped before the police arrived. A  passer-by, identified as Tirimisiyu, was hit by a stray bullet and died before he could get medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Mrs Folashade Odoro, confirmed the incident and said that the bank manager claimed the robbers stole N10 million and $6,000 from the bank.

 

Oyo

A former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, has advocated the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs).

Alao-Akala made the call in an interview in Ibadan recently.

According to him, the abolition of the SIEC will curtail the excesses of some state governments which fight shy of democratising the local government elections.

He likened the existence of SIECs to the creation of state police, which he said, was needless, adding: “as bad as the state police, so also is SIECs.

Alao-Akala criticised the call for local government autonomy, saying that the existing arrangement allowed the councils some level of autonomy except for the disbursement of funds.

 

Plateau

Director of Press Affairs to Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau, Mr James Mannok, has advised media houses against rumour-mongering and wild speculations while performing their duties.

Speaking in Jos when he received the Executive Council members of Faith Chapel, publishers of Christian newspapers and magazines, who paid him a courtesy call.

Mannok described the contributions of the Christian media during the period of crises on the Plateau as “very courageous“ and “encouraging.

He said that government was always ready to partner with them in their contributions to development, and urged them to always seek for clarification when in doubt.

“Our doors are always open, so don’t hesitate to seek for any information that will help you to tell the truth,’’ he said.

 

Zamfara

The Emir of Maradun in Zamfara, Alhaji Garba Tambari, has promised to mobilise farmers in his domain to participate in the renewed efforts of the state government to revive cotton production.

Tambari made the promise  in Maradun when Chairman, Zamfara Cotton Development Agency, Alhaji Hussaini Moriki, led a team of Chinese experts on agriculture on a courtesy visit to the palace.

The visit was part of the on-going awareness and mobilisation campaign being mounted by the government to accelerate cotton production in the state.

The emir said that it was obligatory for the people of the state to support the current efforts of government to rejuvenate agriculture and make the sector the mainstay of the economy.

He said that since Zamfara was mainly an agrarian state, the people should take advantage of government support to boost agriculture production.

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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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