Nation
THE STATES
Ekiti
Sunday Sulaiman, 38, said to offer spiritual protection
to armed robbers, has been arrested by the police in Ekiti State.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Victor Babayemi, told newsmen that Sulaiman was picked up for organising prayer sessions for robbers tormenting residents of Ado-Ekiti.
He accused the suspect of offering spiritual backing to the robbers, who in turn gave him certain percentage of loot they got from each operation.
Sulaiman, a native of Saare in Kwara, was said to arrange “prayer warriors at the Way of Salvation Church Ministry’’ for the suspected robbers.’’
Gombe
The North East governments said they were
committed to the implementation of recommendations of their economic summits held in Bauchi in 2012 and recently in Gombe State.
The governors expressed the commitment when receiving the recommendations of the summits.
Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo of Gombe State, who spoke on behalf of the governors of the six states, said all of them had agreed to implement the recommendations of the summits.
The states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, Yobe and Gombe.
“We the governors of the North East sub-region hereby accept all the recommendations of the North East economic summit held in Yankari in 2012 and that of the second summit in Gombe in 2013.
Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has called on
the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to ratify its agreement with the Federal Government so as to resume work immediately.
The National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr Anthony Sani, made the call in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna .
The ACF said calling off the five-month-old strike would be in the best interest of students, parents and the educational system.
“We wish to call on ASUU to please hasten the completion of the said paper work with a view to calling off the strike forthwith,” it said.
Kebbi
As part of efforts to enhance fish production and
reduce unemployment, the Kebbi State Government says it will construct five pilot fish ponds to train job seekers in small and medium-scale fish farming.
The state Director of Fisheries,Alhaji Mustapha Dole, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi, recently.
Dole said the ponds would be located in Argungu, Birnin Kebbi, Zuru, Bagudo and Yauri zonal offices.
He said the identified job seekers in the areas would be trained on techniques of producing fish feeds locally.
Lagos
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria
(CBCN) Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs, to embrace peace.
Kaigama said in an interview with newsmen that peace could only be achieved through personal orientation and cultivation.
The cleric, who commended the Federal Government on the measures it had taken in curtailing the security challenges in the country, urged Nigerians to always be at peace with themselves and their neighbours.
“Multiplying security agents on the streets can only bring about artificial peace. Even if we supply five soldiers to every family in Nigeria, peace cannot be achieved in total.
Nassarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State says his
administration would implement the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Alakyo killings.
He gave the assurance when he visited the palace of the traditional ruler of Obi, Alhaji Umaru Ogiri, in Obi Local government area of the state.
Al-Makura said that any person found involved in the killings would not be spared.
“I want to appeal to the people of Obi not take judgement into their own hands.
“The judicial commission of inquiry has now completed its proceedings, we are waiting for the outcome of the inquiry and I can assure you that we will implement it,” he said.
Niger
The Niger State government says it has begun the
evacuation of mentally-ill from the streets, to mark the International Day for People with Disability.
The Commissioner for Gender Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hasana Adamu, said at a media briefing in Minna that 15 of such people had been removed for rehabilitation so far.
She also said that the evacuation of such mentally-challenged persons from the streets would enhance clean environment.
“Last week, we were able to pick 15 mentally-challenged persons from the streets of Minna to our psychiatric home in Bida’’, she said.
Ogun
The General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation,
Mrs Monsurat Agboola, says the corporation has introduced the use of water meters in the state.
Agboola made this known in Abeokuta while defending the corporation’s 2014 budget in the House of Assembly.
She said the corporation had started trial installation of meters to determine the water consumption of some select table and sachet water producers.
She added that the corporation would thereafter move on to installation of prepaid meters designed specifically for the water industry to determine the tariff applicable to them.
Osun
The Chairman, Osun State Technical Committee on
Federal Road Safety Commission, Prof. Joseph Fawole,has advised motorists to cultivate the habit of complying with traffic rules.
Fawole gave the advice in Osogbo during a road show conducted by the committee as part of its awareness campaign to warn motorists against road accidents this festive season.
The committee chairman said motorists should on their own be able to obey the traffic rules and regulations without having to be apprehended by law-enforcement agents.
Plateau
The Plateau State Government has been called upon
to checkmate middlemen who buy rice at very cheap rates and resell to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortage.
The chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RiFAN) in Plateau State, Mr Joshua Bitrus, made the call in an interview with newsmen in Jos recently.
“The middlemen often extort farmers by buying at very cheap rates and reselling to consumers at exorbitant prices during food shortages.
“It would be proper to include rice in the state government’s initiative in order to encourage farmers to continue to produce the commodity in large quantity and because of several advantages inherent in it,” he said.
Sokoto
The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Water Resources, Mr Lasun Yusuf, said last Thursday that the Federal Government had spent more than N60 billion on water-related projects across the country this year.
Yusuf said this in an interview with newsmen in Sokoto on the sideline of the committee’s oversight visit in the state.
He said about N100 billion was earmarked for constituency projects in 2013, adding that the projects were located in the 360 federal constituencies nationwide.
“These projects include the provisions of motorized boreholes and their accessories, open-dug wells and tube wells, among others.
Zamfara
The Zamfara State Widows Association, says it
would take a legal action against the Hisbah Commission over an alleged meddlesomeness.
The Chairperson of the association, Hajiya Ladidi Lawali, issued the threat when she led members on protest against the commission over its pronouncement at the Emir’s palace in Gusau.
The commission had announced the removal of the founder of the association, Alhaji Sa’idu Koshe, as its leader.
Ladidi alleged that the commission had hijacked the affairs of the association from its founder which she described as injustice.
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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