Nation
THE STATES
Benue
A Makurdi Upper Area Court has sentenced a man, Salisu
Audu, 45, to three years imprisonment for house-breaking and stealing valuables.
In his judgment, the Magistrate, Ibrahim Mohammed, said that the convict failed to show any remorse to warrant the court being lenient.
“Having found you guilty of the charge of house breaking under Section 353 of the Penal Code, an offence which has no option of fine, you are hereby sentenced to 24 months imprisonment.
“For the offence of theft, you are to pay a fine of N5,000 or twelve months imprisonment in default.
“Both sentences shall run concurrently,” Mohammed said.
Borno
Senator Muhammad Ndume (PDP-Borno) last Tuesday
urged Nigerian political leaders to emulate late South African leader, Nelson Mandela, by playing positive roles in national development.
Ndume told newsmen in Maiduguri that Mandela was a hero, great man and a symbol of African pride.
“This is a man that showed commitment to the uplifting of human dignity with perseverance and integrity.
“People like Nelson Mandela should be in the first class seat if there is anything like that in heaven.
FCT
An Abuja-based lawyer, Mrs Maryam Uwais, has called
on Nigerians to adhere to the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens.
Uwais gave the advice in Abuja in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of an event to mark the International Human Rights Day.
According to her, adhering to the rule of law and protecting the fundamental rights of citizens is key to the growth of democratic governance.
“We must always respect the rights and dignity of other people, irrespective of their religion or ethnic background in the country.
Jigawa
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
in Jigawa State, said it rescued a newly-born baby girl abandoned on a roadside in Babura, near Dutse.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Muhammad Gidado,told newsmen in Dutse that the abandoned baby was rescued in Babura local government area.
He said the baby was rescued on the outskirts of Babura town on Damu village road around 1.30 p.m.
The commandant said that the baby was in good health.
He said the baby had been handed over to the District Head of Babura for safe keeping while investigation continued.
Kaduna
Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it collects
over N1billion monthly from the N700 million it used to collect from the sale of electricity to consumers within Kaduna and its environs.
General Manager in charge of the Kaduna State region of the company, Mr John Obaluju, made this known when the National Good Governance Tour team inspected ongoing work at the Mando
He said the improvement in revenue resulted from the investments by government in both generation and transmission facilities.
Obajulu said after the expansion of the sub-station, electricity consumers would enjoy improved power supply at a much cheaper rate.
Katsina
The Chairman of the Malumfashi Local Government Tran
sition Council in Katsina State, Alhaji Mansur Banki, has advised youths in the area to embrace irrigation farming.
He gave the advice in Malumfashi lastMonday during the disbursement of N2 million interest-free loans to 200 youths.
Banki, who cautioned the beneficiaries to shun violence, urged them to go to their respective family farms during rainy season and engage in farming.
He said that the involvement of youths in agriculture would not only boost food production, but also enhance the efforts of the government to achieve food security.
Kebbi
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development,
Hajiya Zainab Maina, has launched Widows Empowerment Scheme in Kebbi State.
The minister, who was in Birnin Kebbi for a two-day advocacy visit, distributed 1,000 refrigerators and 400 grinding machines to some widows.
During the distribution ceremony, she urged the beneficiaries to utilise the facilities to improve their economic status and support their children.
Maina commended the state government for appointing women in political offices and called for the implementation of the affirmative action by placing more women in government.
Kwara
The Chairman of Patigi Local Government in Kwara State,
Alhaji Uthman Mohammed-Ndako, has called for the inclusion of Nupe language in the Nigerian education curriculum.
Mohammed-Ndako made the call in Patigi at the launch of some textbooks written in Nupe by the Etsu of Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Chatta-Umar.
He said Nupe language, “as one of the paramount indigenous languages, would surely promote the cultural heritage of the people.’’
The chairman, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Shuaib Muazu, said the books would boost the basic techniques required in the writing and speaking of Nupe language.
Lagos
The Lagos State House of Assembly says it would ini
tiate a bill to provide legal framework to enhance the operations of vigilance groups in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforuji, said this while receiving members of the Vigilance Group of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, who paid him a visit.
Ikuforuji said, “be rest-assured that the House will support you. Please continue to render your services without fear or favour. “We want to assure you that the house will support you which is a major reason for your visit.
Ogun
The Ogun State Government said it had earmarked N1.4
billion for payment of examination fees for students sitting for the West African School Certificate in 2014.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mr Segun Odubela, made the disclosure in Abeokuta while defending the 2014 budget proposal of the ministry at the House of Assembly.
Odubela said the money would take care of 54,944 final year senior secondary school students at the rate of N10,400 each.
“The money will also take care of the 70,000 final year Junior Secondary School students and the conduct of the Unified Examinations for secondary school students in the state.
Osun
An Ilesa Magistrate’s Court has remanded Abayomi
Ogundipe, 19, in prison custody for allegedly stabbing his friend, Itunu Folorunso, with a broken bottle.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Jimoh Mufutau, told the court that the accused committed the act on December 8, at 2.00 p.m. at Igbogi Street, Ilesa.
He said the accused was arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy to commit felony, breach of peace, unlawfully wounding Folounso and belonging to unlawful society.
Mufutau alleged that the accused conspired with others, now at large, to commit felony with the intention to cause the breach of peace.
Oyo
An Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan has sentenced two hospital clerks, Elizabeth Adesokan, 34, and Olufemi Idowu, 39, to four years in prison for stealing N6.9 million.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Olusola Adetujoye, jailed Adesokan and Idowu after they were found guilty of conspiracy and stealing.
Adetujoye said the convicts were charged with conspiracy and theft of N6.9 million belonging to Ola Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro Oke-Ofa, Ibadan.
She said the prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt, adding that the accused were guilty as charged.
Plateau
The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Plateau State Command, said it had trained 320 officers in extensive weapons handling between January and November.
The Commandant, Mr Vincent Bature, told newsmen last in Jos Tuesday that the officers underwent extensive training in weapons handling, arms drills, combat craft, range classification and exercises. He said that out of the 320 officers, 20 were specially trained as Special Forces at the Nigeria Army Counter Terrorism Training School, Kachia in Kaduna State and the School of Armour, Kontagora in Niger State.
L-R: Governor Mukhtar Yero of Kaduna State, Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku and Deputy Governor, Amb. Nuhu Bajoga, during a town hall meeting as part of National Good Governance Tour in Kaduna last Tuesday. Photo: NAN
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