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THE STATES

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L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, widow of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs Amina Yakowa, chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Manir Ja'afaru and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the one year Memorial Anniversary of the former Governor in Kaduna last Saturday. Photo: NAN

L-R: Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, widow of the former Governor of Kaduna State, Mrs Amina Yakowa, chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Manir Ja’afaru and Vice President Namadi Sambo, at the one year Memorial Anniversary of the former Governor in Kaduna last Saturday. Photo: NAN

Benue

 

The Benue State Coordinator, All Farmers Association

of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Kunti Adamu, has called on the government to provide loans and inputs to farmers, to assist them to embrace mechanised farming.

Kunti made the call in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Makurdi.

He stated that if loans were given to farmers, this would encourage them to venture into large-scale farming, to boost food production in the country.

He also appealed to the government to organise workshops on quarterly to educate farmers on the latest developments in the agriculture sector.

 

Ekiti

 

The Director-General, Ekiti State Council for Arts and

Culture, Mrs Yetunde Fosudo, has lamented non-participation of states and low turn-out of foreign countries at the ongoing 2013 Ekiti Festival.

Fosudo told newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on the sideline of the ongoing festival that only two countries and 16 local governments were at the festival.

She said that only Senegal and Mali were participating in the festival, adding that she was disappointed with the low turnout of foreign participants.

Fosudo also expressed concern about the non-participation of states.

“There is no single state that participated in this year’s edition of the festival,’’ she said.

 

FCT

 

Three drivers were arraigned before a mobile court in

Abuja, charged with various road traffic offences.

The drivers are Nurudeen Kareem of Mpape, Abuja, and Samaila Mohammed of FCDA Quarters, Garki, Abuja and Alfred Sunday, an official of Zenith Bank, Garki, Abuja.

Kareem was charged with driving an overloaded vehicle, Mohammed was charged with driving without fastening the seatbelt, while Sunday was charged with using his mobile phone while driving.

All the accused pleaded guilty to the offences and the magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Iyana, ruled that the offenders should pay N10,000, N5,000 and N4,000 fines respectively or have their cars impounded.

 

Kaduna

 

Northern artists in the country last Thursday converged

in Kaduna to celebrate creativity of the music industry in the North.

The event that was organised by Top Entertainment attracted fun-loving people from across the city.

Artists that performed at the event are, Emilly, Henzee, Marvellous, Skinny Boy, and comedian Mc Basket Mouth.

Mr Ibrahim Jika, Chief Executive Officer of Top Entertainment, told newsmen that the idea was to bring music promoters, marketers and upcoming artists together to give young artists the opportunity to exhibit their talents.

 

Katsina

 

Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State last Thurs

day signed a law which prescribed 14 years’ imprisonment, without option of fine, for those found guilty of homosexuality, lesbianism and sexual harassment.

The State House of Assembly recently amended Sections 284 and 285 of Penal Code Law, Cap. 96, Laws of Katsina State, 1991, to provide for stiffer punishment for those found engaged in the illegal acts.

The law states:  “Whoever has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal, shall be punished with 14 years’ imprisonment and liable to N10,000 fine.

“Any woman, who employs means of satisfying her sexual desire through bodily contact with another woman or otherwise, with or without her consent, shall be liable to 14 years’ imprisonment together with N10,000 fine.

 

 

Kebbi

 

The Kebbi State Ministry of Environment said last Thurs

day that it would conduct an environmental audit to ensure compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment guidelines.

The Permanent Secretary in charge of the ministry, Alhaji Sanusi Katune, gave the hint in an interview with newsmen in Birnin Kebbi.

Katune observed that many construction companies failed to comply with the legal requirements of conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before executing their projects.

Lagos

 

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association

of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) says the delay in the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Bill is crippling investments in the oil and gas sector.

The National Public Relations Officer of PENGASSAN, Mr Oluseyi Gambo, made the observation in an interview with newsmen last Thursday in Lagos.

He said the inaction on the bill had limited foreign investment in the industry.

Gambo said the association was optimistic that the bill would become a law to fast track development in the oil and gas sector.

Nasarawa

 

Nasarawa State Government has called for support from

Lafia Emirate Council in its effort to tackle the problem of erosion and flooding in the state.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, made the call during a courtesy call on the Emir of Lafia, Dr Isa Mustapha, in Lafia last  Thursday.

Muazu said the recent disaster prompted him and his management team to embark on advocacy visit to the Emir of Lafia and the affected areas, to find solution to the problem.  At the emir’s palace, Muazu said he came to seek for royal blessings and support from the emirate council to curb the problem of flooding that had ravaged the metropolis.

Niger

 

A Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court last Thursday ordered

the remand in prison custody of a 17 year old student, Abubakar Suleiman for act of indecency.

The accused was arraigned in court on a one count charge of act of gross indecency contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Gunduma Ibrahim, had told the court that one Rabia Ibrahim, of Sani Mambo Street, Suleja, reported the matter at the station on December 1.

Ibrahim said that on November 30, the accused entered the complainant’s residence and met her three years old daughter inside the house.

Ondo

 

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State last  Thurs

day said the state government had taken steps to ensure that farmers enjoyed the full benefits of cocoa production.

Mimiko made this known when he was honoured as the Nigeria Cocoa Ambassador by the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN).

The association also recognised the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, as a merit award recipient.

Mimiko, who thanked CFAN for the honour, said efforts were on to ensure that farmers were not short-changed in the entire cocoa chain, production to marketing levels.

 

Osun

 

An Osogbo Grade II Customary Court last Thursday

dissolved a 22-year-old marriage between Ruth Abimbola and her husband, Elijah on grounds of unfaithfulness and marital unrest.

The President of the court, Chief Bolarinwa Popoola, who dissolved the marriage, held that the respondent’s absence in court was an indication that he had no interest in the relationship.

“The marriage, is therefore, dissolved and the court grants the custody of the four children to their father as they are of age,’’ he ordered.

 

Oyo

An Ibadan-based lawyer, Mr Muhammed Jubril, last Thursday urged the National Assembly to enact laws that would make the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) completely independent.

He made the call, while speaking with newsmen in Ibadan.

Jubril said that the EFCC, since its establishment in 2003, would have performed better without undue interference from the Federal Government.

“Unfortunately, the EFCC is today seen as a tool in the hands of the government to hunt a selected few who are not in the good books of the government.

 

Zamfara

A Base Ammunition Depot of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, said it had repatriated 226 foreign donkeys to Niger Republic.

The Commandant of the depot, Major  Hamman Saleh, told journalists while loading the donkeys at the Tsafe military check point, Zamfara, that the donkeys were intercepted in the bush on Monday along with their 49 owners.

Saleh said due to the security challenges in the country, the donkeys and their owners were apprehended and searched to detect possible concealed weapons.

He, however, said that only axes and cutlasses were found in their possession, adding that the intruders, however, gained entry into the country illegally.

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FG Restates Commitment To Seafarers’ Welfare, Safety

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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.

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Ogoni Stakeholders Hail Zabbey’s Performance

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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

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TETFunds’ South Rep Visits CEAPOLY …Unveils Mass Communication Dept Building

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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

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