Nation
THE STATES
Adamawa
The Chairman, Adamawa State House of Assembly
Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Wafarninyi Theman, said yesterday that the House was poised to check leakages in the state’s revenue generation capacity.
Theman told newsmen in Yola that a recent probe of the activities of the state revenue generating ministries and parastatals by his committee was in line with the house’s commitment to that effect.
He said the committee had made startling discoveries such as non remittance of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions amounting to over a billion Naira by local government councils in the state.
“We are now on the councils’ necks and about seven local government councils out of 21 have so far complied in remitting their PAYE, though seven out of 21 is not fair enough,” he said.
Theman said the committee would work closely with the Office of the state Accountant-General, to ensure discipline in government’s financial operations.
Borno
The Dangote Foundation has flagged off an
empowerment scheme for the poor in Maiduguri, aimed at distributing N10,000 cash each to about 54,000 indigent persons in Borno.
The Managing Director of the foundation, who performed the ceremony, Dr Adhiambo Odaga, said that it was part of their poverty alleviation programme.
Odaga said that the foundation was collaborating with a non-governmental organisation, Support for Widows, Orphans and Tsangaya children (SWOT).
SWOT is the pet project of Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, the wife of the Borno governor.
FCT
The Senate President, David Mark, has pleaded with the
striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to work.
Mark made the plea while commissioning a lecture theatre donated to the School of Management Sciences at the Kano State Polytechnic by Sen. Kabiru Gaya.
This is disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja.
Mark said calling off the strike would salvage the already battered education sector from further deterioration.
Gombe
The Catholic Bishop of Bauchi Diocese, Most Rev.
Malachy John-Goltok, has urged Christians to use the Christmas season to reconcile with one another.
John-Goltok made the call in his sermon during the dedication of the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Tumfure, Gombe.
The cleric said that the Christmas season, which reflected the coming of Jesus Christ into the world, should not be for merry-making alone but also a period for reconciliation with one another and God.
“As we enter the advent, Christmas is a time of preparation; spiritual preparations; not just bothering with what we will eat or the cars we will drive.
Kwara
Oba Raphael Sunday, the Asolo of Isolo-Opin in Ekiti
Local Government Area of Kwara State, has called for the presence of state and federal projects in his domain.
Sunday said that this would accelerate socio-economic development in the area.
He made the call during his official coronation at Isolo-Opin last Sunday.
He said that projects, especially those in the education sector would assist the community to achieve its development objectives.
Lagos
A cleric, Pastor Faith Amaraegbu, has urged Nigerian
women to make necessary sacrifices to build their homes well in the interest of the society.
Amaraegbu, who is in charge of the Charismatic Renewal Ministries, Winners’ Assembly, Okota, Lagos, made the appeal during a public presentation of a book that focused on home- building.
The book launched in Lagos, was written by an Assistant Director (Marketing) in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mrs Margret Iroha.
It is entitled: ’’ Celina, A woman of Royal Destiny’’.
Nasarawa
The Nasarawa State Agricultural Development
Programme (NADP) has urged agricultural extension officers to initiate strategies that would address the challenges of animal production in the country.
The Programme Manager, Mr. Naphtali Dachor, made the call at the Technology Review Meeting of the programme in Gadabuke, Toto local government area of the state.
Dachor said that the call had become necessary considering the importance of animal production to the socio-economic development of the country.
He said: “The importance of animal production cannot be over-emphasised to the development of the state and the country at large.
Niger
The Niger State Government is to spend N96 million to
buy 28 flying boats for the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for water transportation.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babangida Aliyu, Alhaji Mohammed Shaba, made this known to newsmen yesterday in Minna.
Shaba said that the agency would collaborate with the state Ministry of Transportation and the Boat Divers Association on the modalities for the boat operations.
“The transportation ministry will handle the modalities of the boats operation and the necessary measures to ensure its success.
“Each of the flying boats will be equipped with life jackets for passengers, including first aid kit for their safety.’’
He said the agency would domesticate the Federal Government’s laws on inland water management, in a bid to check the activities of unscrupulous individuals, who engaged in sharp practices to the detriment of their passengers.
Oyo
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has
commiserated with the people of Akure and the Ondo State Government over the death of the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida, Afunbiowo II.
A statement by the Oyo State Government, in Ibadan, described the late monarch as a good person that would be missed by the people, including Ajimobi.
The statement, which was signed by Dr Festus Adedayo, the Special Adviser to the governor on Media Matters, expressed shock at the passing on of the respected monarch,
“The people of Oyo State and its state capital, Ibadan, will miss the revered monarch, who lived in Ibadan for decades before he was crowned the Deji,’’ it said.
Sokoto
Senator Ibrahim Gobir (PDP- Sokoto), says the
National Assembly members will partner with other key stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria remains a united and indivisible entity.
According to Gobir, Nigeria will not break up in 2015, as being predicted by some people.
Gobir, who represents Sokoto East Senatorial District, told newsmen in Sokoto that such a prediction would not come to fruition and such cynics would be disappointed.
“Nigeria will rather come out stronger and more united in 2015 and beyond. Our diverse religious, ethnic and cultural differences should therefore be the basis of our unity.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Police Command, yesterday
said it had shot dead 13 suspected armed bandits in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Lawal Abdullahi told newsmen in Gusau that one policeman also died during the shoot-out, while another sustained injuries.
Abdullahi explained that the incident took place in Jangebe village where the hoodlums were operating.
He said the police stormed the area after a tip off.
“On getting there, the robbers, numbering more than 70 men, engaged the police in a gun battle during which 13 of them were killed,’’ he said, adding that their corpses had been deposited at the Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau.
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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