Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
Focal Point Officer, United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) in Adamawa State Mr Marcus Kwaghe, has commended Governor Murtala Nyako for his commitment to ensure accountability in governance.
Kwaghe made the commendation Tuesday in Yola at a news conference while assessing the implementation of United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) in the state.
Kwaghe also spoke the contributions of UNDAF in facilitating the recent passage of Bureau for Public Procurement and Fiscal Responsibility Bills.
Benue
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Benue chapter,
has commenced the verification of its members.
Chairman of the union in the state, Mr Godwin Anya, said in Makurdi that the exercise was to enable the union to know the exact number of teachers.
Anya said the staff audit was a pre-requisite for the inclusion of teachers in the new minimum wage being enjoyed by other workers in the state.
According to him, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of primary school teachers in the state due to the sharp practices inherent in the recruitment of teachers.
“Teachers are supposed to be recruited by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), but what happens is that the Local Government Education Authorities also recruit teachers’’, he said.
Borno
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA)
said on Tuesday that it would hold a grassroots emergency training for youth volunteers in Maiduguri, Borno.
Malam AbdulKadir Ibrahim, NEMA North East Information Officer, said in Maiduguri that NEMA was organising the programme in pursuit of its mandate on advocacy and in line with the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiative of the agency.
He said that the object was to train youth volunteers on emergency evacuation drill, adding that the programme would be flagged off by NEMA North East Coordinator, Alhaji Muhammad Kanar.
Ekiti
The crisis rocking the PDP in Ekiti worsened on
Tuesday as the party announced the suspension of Mr Ayo Fayose, a former governor in the state.
The Chairman of the party, Chief Makanjuola Ogundipe, who announced the suspension in Ado-Ekiti said Fayose’s suspension followed the roles he allegedly played in the invasion of the state secretariat by hoodlums last week.
Also suspended with Fayose, he said, were the state Secretary of the party, Dr Tope Aluko, state Women Leader, Mrs Busola Oyebode as well as state Public Relations Officer, Kola Oluwole.
Ogundipe said investigations conducted by the party indicated that the suspended persons were connected to the crisis in the party.
FCT
A 29-year old Ibrahim Rashid of Gwarimpa Village, Abuja,
on Tuesday appeared before an Abuja High Court for alleged kidnap and raping a four-year-old minor.
At the resumed hearing of the case, prosecution witness, Mr Francis Joe-Okpa, being led in evidence by the prosecutor, Mr Obeka Chris, told the court that the case was reported by one Mr Bello.
Joe-Okpa said that the complainant reported the matter at the Civil Defence office in Ushafa, Bwari, on March 14.
In his testimony, Joe-Okpa said that after receiving the report “I went to the scene of the incident and I saw a large crowd of people beating up the accused, which I rescued him.”
Kaduna
A man, Zaiyanu Muhammad of Ibadan Street in Kaduna,
has urged the Magajin Gari Sharia Court to recover the N80,000 bride and other expenses he paid in Saliha Abdulsalam as wife.
He told the court that the request became necessary because Saliha left the matrimonial home two days after marrying him.
According to him, when he married Saliha, her parents pleaded with him to give them time to prepare dowry for her before moving into the matrimonial home, adding that he had not seen Saliha since then until they met in the court on July 22.
“Since she is not interested in the marriage, she should return my bride price. I used every possible means to see her back but to no avail.’’
Kano
The Kano State Government on Monday shutdown a health
facility, Green World Centre in Zakirai town, Gabasawa Local Government Area, for illegal operation.
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the state Ministry of Health, Malam Isma’il Gwammaja, in Kano, noted that the facility belonging to a Cameroonians national, who had no permission or registration when he began operation in the area.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Private Health Institution, Dr Salisu Ibrahim, said that the government would not condom negative attitudes that could affect the lives of the people.
Katsina
The Katsina Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil
defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested two persons for allegedly stealing a cow.
The State Commander, Alhaji Ibrahim Mai’Zabura, said this while briefing newsmen in Katsina on Tuesday.
The commander also said that the suspects allegedly conspired and stole the cow in Charanchi town of the state, and attempted to take it to Kafur town to sale.
He said that the duo was arrested by the corps on their way to Kafur on Sunday, adding that the suspects would be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others.
Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government said on Tuesday it
had constructed 20 nomadic primary schools aimed at promoting the educational pursuits of the children of nomads.
The Senior Special Assistance to the Governor on Fulani Matters, Alhaji Nasiru Masama, told news in Birnin Kebbi, that five schools were sited in each of the four emirates of Argungu,Gwandu,Yauri and Zuru.
He said that support would be provided for the educational pursuit of the children of the Nomads as the children also deserved equal opportunities in education and other social services, adding that 35 bore holes had been drilled at various nomadic communities as part of social services provided in the rural areas.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Government is to establish fire ser
vice stations in all local government headquarters and other strategic towns for quick responses to fire disasters in the state.
Commissioner for Works, Transport and Housing, Mr Mohammed Wada, said in an interview Tuesday in Lafia that five computerised fire fighting vehicles had already been procured for the project.
Wada said that two of the new fire fighting vehicles had computerised monitors that could detect and quench fire from a distance while the other three had fire resistant Dunlop that could handle intense fire outbreaks.
Ogun
The Executive Secretary, Border Communities Develop
ment Agency (BCDA), Mr Numoipre Wills, has called for increased funding of institutions concerned with developing border communities.
Wills made the call on Tuesday in Abeokuta at a one-day sensitisation workshop on “ Border Security and Challenges for Integration and Development,’’ organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on the theme: “ Mechanisms for Harnessing the Strategic Potentials of Border Communities for National Development,’’ Wills said that being the gateways into the country, border communities were of strategic importance, adding that international markets could also thrive in border communities.
Osun
Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has vowed to
continue the demolition exercise in Osogbo in order to give it a befitting status.
Speaking at a forum to break the fast with journalists, politicians and government functionaries at Government House, the governor said no distraction would deter him from executing the state’s beautification programme to which he was irrevocably committed.
The governor was responding to a suggestion by a journalist that the demolition exercise should have a human face.
Aregbesola, who dismissed the speculations that discontent in certain quarters might deny him a second term, said he was more concerned with development.”Leave election to God and let’s face the assignment I am here to do,” he said.
Sokoto
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
(NSCDC) in Sokoto State has warned members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) against lifting suspicious products.
The Commandant, Mr Muhammad Yusha’u, who gave the warning at a meeting with IPMAN members in Sokoto Stateon Monday, said the command was committed to fighting the menace of oil bunkering as some products emanated from oil thieves or illegal refineries.
“We are aware that there is a great concern about loss of revenue in the federation which is occasioned by what oil theft. And when you talk about oil theft, it concerns both the crude and refined petroleum products,: he said.
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