Nation
THE STATES

Cross section of federal civil servants in Rivers State during an interactive session in Port Harcourt last.
Photo: NAN
Benue
A Makurdi High Court has sentenced Jacob Atongo,
a 100-level Sociology student of Benue State University, to death by hanging for armed robbery.
In his judgment, Justice Adam Onum, held that he was satisfied with the confession of the accused to the charges and therefore, found him guilty.
Onum sentenced the accused to death by hanging, insisting that the sentence prescribed under the law for the offence must be followed.
Atongo conspired with two others and robbed Stephen Akuma, and several others at gun point on June 26, 2012.
FCT
The Federal Government has been urged to set up
Inter-Ministerial ICT project clearance desk to address duplication of projects and programmes among Ministries, Department and Agencies in the country.
The President, Abuja Chapter, Information System Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Mr Ikani Yunusa, made the call at the 5th Annual International Conference in Abuja recently.
Yunusa said the desk was important to eliminate duplication of projects, waste of public funds and unnecessary financial burden on the tax payers.
“I was worried when I learnt of the Federal Road Safety Commission and the Nigeria Police Force competing for who should set up a central Database for Vehicle registration for the country. That shouldn’t be.
Kaduna
Kaduna State Government says it will train 7,600
youths and women in various skills under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P).
Governor Mukhtar Yero, who stated this at the beginning of the training in Kaduna, explained that the programme would improve the welfare of Nigerians via the provision of infrastructure, jobs and wealth creation.
“We have a total of 7,600 youths and women drawn from the 23 local government areas of the state. 1,500 will be trained under women empowerment, 2,300 under youth development and 2,300 under agriculture,’’ he said.
Yero said that the youth empowerment training would cost the government N42.9 million, while its women empowerment component would cost N39.9 million.
Kano
Kano State Commissioner for Special Duties Mr Idris
Dambazau, says government has completed the construction of 1,500 houses for flood victims in 2012.
Dambazau told newsmen in Kano that the figure was out of the 3,000 houses it was building for victims in three local government areas.
He said the houses were constructed at the cost of N2.4 billion in Warawa, Kunci and Makoda local government areas.
Dambazau said the state government found it necessary to construct the houses so as to relocate the victims from the river banks and other flood prone areas.
Katsina
Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State, has
approved the appointment of Alhaji Aminu Danbaba, as Executive Chairman of the state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
This is contained in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services, Alhaji Rabi’u Rumah, in Katsina.
Until his appointment, Danbaba was the executive director of the state Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He replaces Dr Suleman Dikko, who was recently appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan as the Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
Kwara
The Fadama III Project has empowered more than
50,000 farmers in Kwara State, the Project’s Coordinator in the state, Mr Yusuf Agbabiaka, said.
Agbabiaka told newsmen in Ilorin that about 1, 228 Fadama user groups had been registered under the project in the state.
He said the beneficiaries had benefited from various agricultural support facilities at subsidised rate, including assorted agricultural inputs.
“They (Fadama user groups) have benefited so much in terms of access to fertiliser, agro chemicals, improved seeds, agric equipment and implements, among others.
Lagos
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in
Lagos recently organised a retreat for its officers with the aim of reviewing road safety strategies for improved performance.
The commission organised the one-day retreat for its officers in Zone 2, comprising Lagos and Ogun.
The commission used the opportunity to review the zone’s performance in the third quarter of this year.
The Zonal Commander, Mr Ademola Lawal, charged the officers to be determined to drastically reduce road accidents at the end of the year.
Ondo
Ekiti State Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi, has
advised the youth, especially those who were unemployed, to embrace entrepreneurial skills that would make them to become self-reliant.
The governor gave the advice in Ise-Ekiti at the closing ceremony of the Batch “C’’ NYSC Orientation Programme in the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp.
Fayemi said that the youth, particularly corps members, should take advantage of available training and skills development programmes that would make them productive.
“I urge you to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme of the NYSC and prepare for your future.
Osun
The Osun State Government has approved N4.5
billion as car refurbishing loan for the 9,435 workers in the state civil service, the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, has said.
Bolorunduro, who made the disclosure in Osogbo at a press conference, said that officials of labour unions in the civil service would determine the number of workers that would benefit from the loan.
He said the officials would also manage the account where the loan is domiciled and its disbursement.
Bolorunduro said that N1.2 billion would be needed to pay the first batch of beneficiaries of the loan adding that N1.4 billion had been reserved for payment of the second batch of beneficiaries.
Oyo
The Court of Appeal in Ibadan has adjourned the
case between the Oyo Government and Alhaji Lateef Akinsola, the ex-chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), to January 15, 2014.
The government had filed an appeal against the judgment of a federal high court to reinstate Akinsola, also known as “Tokyo’’, as the union’s chairman.
Mr M.A. Ganiyu, counsel to the state government, told the court that he had filed and served an application, dated November 26, just before the court commenced sitting.
“The application, which was filed today, is for an extension of time to appeal,” he said.
However, Mr Abiodun Amole, counsel to Akinsola, did not raise any objection.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed
the stealing of 20 camels by suspected gunmen at Kawaye village of Anka local government area of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi, said this in Gusau while addressing newsmen in Gusau.
He said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area had been instructed to arrest the suspects.
The police spokesman gave assurance that the police would continue to ensure the continuous protection of persons and their property.
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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